ALTERNATE REALITY STORY 1 - WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
© Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
^These things^ - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our hero Ash Ketchum and his friend, Misty got trapped in Mount Moon. They saved each other and a Clefairy did as well. Now, with Ash having three more Pokémon and hopefully going to get a new Badge in the upcoming Cerulean City, he is having a pretty good time."
Ash: "Episode 7: The secret of Misty and the Cascade Badge!"
Ash, smiling: "Brock, Misty, you guys go ahead. A wanna train my Pokémon a little. It'll take an hour at least for you to get there. I'll meet up with you there."
Brock, shrugging: "Sure."
Misty, looking a little nervous: "Ummm, okay."
Brock and Misty biked on, leaving Ash sitting under a tree. After a while, they got to Cerulean. A male Trainer with brown hair was battling a female one with purple. They both seemed about Ash's age. Misty and Brock decided to watch along with a group of other bystanders.
Male Trainer, throwing a Pokéball, eyes narrowing and teeth gritted: "You'll pay for insulting my style! Go, Nidorino!"
Female Trainer, with a smirk: "Is that the best you can do? I choose you, Marowak!"
Nidorino and Marowak appeared in a flash of light. Nidorino primed itself in a fighting stance, pawing at the ground, while Marowak set its feet and twirled its bone.
Nidorino: "Nidor, nido!" 'I'm ready, Gary!"
Marowak: "Marowak!" 'Easy as cake!'
Brock, rubbing his chin: "Hmm. Both of them look to be in excellent physical condition. I'd say Marowak's higher level, yet Nidorino looks healthier, and better fed. With Nidorino's weakness to Ground attacks, I believe the girl has already won the match."
Misty, slowly: "Yet..."
She thought back to what Ash had told her about how everyone decided matches before they took place. This Trainer seemed a lot like Ash, the male one. He had a determined look on his face. He was slightly taller than Ash was, with blue clothes, a golden necklace, and boots. His hair was a lot like Ash's...it hung off his head in spikes. He had no zits, or freckles, even. And what had his name been? Pikachu seemed to be somehow close enough to tell her...Gary?
Misty, thinking: ^Wait a minute...Gary?! Ash's friend turned rival?? But...I thought Gary would be rude and mean and other stuff...I thought he'd be the opposite of Ash! But he's a lot like Ash...almost as handsome...defending both his and his Pokémon's honor...^
Female Trainer, pointing at Nidorino: "Marowak! Use Bonemerang!"
Gary, shouting to Nidorino: "Dodge and use Slam!"
In a blur, Nidorino dodged to the side, and the bone missed, sailing into the distance. Nidorino slammed into Marowak, pinning it to the ground.
Brock, eyebrows [or is it his eyes?] raising: "Wow...that Trainer's better than I thought. His Nidorino does exactly as he tells it, and it has the skill he trained it to execute those commands...why does he remind me of someone?"
Misty stared at Gary. Finally she could see how someone could be Ash's rival. If they were as good as he was.
Gary: "Nidorino, Double Kick it into its bone!"
Nidorino kicked Marowak with its two hind legs. Marowak sailed through the air, until it was hit by the returning bone. With a sickening crack, Marowak fell to the ground, totally unconscious. Nidorino turned and bounded back to Gary, who scratched it behind the ears.
Female Trainer, stunned: "I don't believe it...I've never lost a Pokémon before...Marowak, return! I choose you, Machop!"
Gary, recalling Nidorino and standing straight: "Haven't had enough, huh?"
People right in front of Brock and Misty, suddenly raising pom-poms and cheering: "Gary Oak! Gary Oak! He won't abide your puny joke!"
Gary, smiling at the people, then turning to his opponent, eyes narrowing: "That's right. You can't joke about my Pokémon like that and get away with it. Eevee, its your turn!"
He threw his own Pokéball, and Eevee appeared to confront Machop.
Eevee: "Eeui?" 'Time to battle?'
Gary, pointing at Machop: "Let's go Eevee! Quick Attack!"
Eevee nodded, and blasted into Machop, knocking it to the ground. Brock and Misty stared, stunned. They hadn't ever seen a Pokémon go *that* fast before. They hadn't ever seen Pikachu go that fast.
Female Trainer, as Machop got up: "Machop, use Submission!"
Gary: "Eevee, use your Double Team attack!"
Eevee became twelve as Machop ran towards it. Machop stopped, confused, as the Eevee [I don't know the plural] circled around it.
Gary, pointing straight at Machop: "Finish it, Eevee! Double-Edge!"
The 12 Eevee leaped in for the attack, and Machop was out in a flash of sharp claws. Misty looked at Gary even harder. His skill was amazing. It rivaled Ash's. Ash's talent was one part of him that she really admired. She thought there was none better, but Gary may challenge that. Misty developed and admiration of Gary in a second. Of course, she didn't actually *like* him. She had all of her attention on Ash.
The female Trainer walked away, looking defeated and very miserable. She didn't even take Machop.
Gary, calling after her: "Hey! You forgot your Pokémon!"
She didn't turn, she didn't even seem to hear him. Gary tried to get her to come back, but she was out of site before long. Gary sighed, and walked over to the sprawled-out Machop. He kneeled down to it, and seemed to examine it.
Brock, whistling: "He knows a lot. A whole lot. I'm impressed."
Gary then stood back up, picking up the Machop. He unclipped a Pokéball and Machop was zapped inside. He clipped it onto his belt, and turned to the group of people watching. They erupted into cheers, startling him. Misty had to fight the urge to cheer herself.
The crowd slowly drifted away, brightened by the episode they'd just seen. Gary dusted him off, and the people who had been just in front of Brock and Misty walked up to him and cheered.
People, waving their pom-poms: "Gary is the best! Gary's better than all the rest! Go Gary!"
Gary, looking a little embarrassed: "I'll meet you girls at the car. Be right back."
The girls turned and started chatting about the battle as Gary sped off towards the Pokémon Center. Brock and Misty stared after him for a second, then turned to each other.
Brock, mysteriously: "Misty, I gotta go check up on some stuff."
Misty, raising an eyebrow: "What stuff?"
Brock, even more mysteriously: "Just stuff. You go on ahead."
Misty, shrugging: "All right. If we don't find each other, meet back at the Pokemon Center."
Brock went off. Misty stood on the sidewalk, bike between her legs. She sighed a very long, very deep sigh. Then she biked towards the Pokémon Gym. When she got there, she saw Gary walking away from it. He had a thoughtful expression in his eyes. Misty stopped, and he looked up at her.
Misty, smiling: "You're a really good Pokémon Trainer. Who are you?"
Gary, grinning at her and giving a peace sign: "Gary Oak. I'm a new Trainer from Pallet. And you?"
Misty: "Er, Misty. Misty Wil...Waterflower. So, can I help you? I live around here."
Gary, shrugging, putting his hands in his pockets: "I was hoping to face the Gym Leader here, for a Badge. But I guess there's no one here."
Misty, struggling with herself: "Well...I am the Gym Leader."
Gary, eyebrows shooting up: "Really?? No kidding?"
Misty, shaking her head: "No. Here, we can battle out here if you want. One Pokémon each. I don't have much time."
Gary: "Cool. I guess I have to pick first. I must tell you, I know Cerulean Gym's normal Pokémon type. I choose you! Growlithe!"
Misty, sputtering: "Gr-Growlithe?? But...but..."
Gary, in a sort of crooked grin that reminded her strongly of Ash: "You're surprised I used a Fire type."
It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Misty nodded.
Gary, crossing his arms as Growlithe stretched and yawned: "Pick your Pokémon, Misty."
Misty, unnerved, throwing a Pokéball: "Starmie, I choose you!"
Starmie appeared in a flash of light, spinning on its axis. Growlithe perked up, and set itself into a fighting position. Misty decided to end it quick.
Misty, pointing: "Starmie, Bubblebeam!"
Starmie fired a string of large bubbles at Growlithe. Just as the bubbles came close, Gary, face set and still, clapped his hands twice. Growlithe let out a large amount of fire in a Flamethrower attack. The bubbles dissipated. Before Misty could do anything, Gary clapped again, once. Growlithe leaped forwards and slammed its head into Starmie in a Headbutt attack. Starmie flew through the air to land, crumpled, on the ground. Yet its jewel wasn't yet dimming.
Misty: "Starmie, Water Gun!"
Starmie got up and shook itself off. Then, it fired a long stream of water from one of its appendages. Gary snapped and stomped his foot once, and Growlithe disappeared. Misty looked around for it, but it was nowhere to be seen.
Misty, getting an idea: "Starmie, Harden!"
Gary, eyebrows raising: "Good move."
As Starmie's armor appeared, Growlithe came from the sky. It had leapt very high into the air. Growlithe landed on Starmie, pinning it to the ground, but Starmie wasn't wounded.
Gary, speaking to Growlithe for the first time: "Finish it! Ember attack!"
Growlithe's fur suddenly set aflame, and small pieces of fire shot out from it. Starmie couldn't do anything, so took the full extent of three Embers. It fainted.
Gary, clenching a hand: "Alright! Second Badge!"
Misty, shaking her head in wonder, returned Starmie. Her fully evolved and experienced Water Pokémon had been beaten by a newly caught Fire Pokémon. There must be something special about this year's new Pallet Town Trainers.
Misty, throwing her Badge to him, which he caught in one hand: "Here you go, Gary. That was really good."
Misty, thinking: ^Man, he is so like Ash! Its crazy! At least his style is! Ash said Gary teased him a lot, but this seems like a totally different person!^
Gary, stroking Growlithe's fur: "I'm from Pallet, taught by my grandfather, Professor Oak, the World's Leading Pokémon Expert. He taught me well."
Misty, phrasing her words carefully: "Wow. Your battle knowledge is amazing. So, tell me, are there any other Pallet Town Trainers I should watch out for?"
Gary, sighing, recalling Growlithe: "There's my sister, May. Everyone in our town thinks she's the lesser new Trainer, but she's a lot better than she lets on."
Misty, trying not to sound strange: "Anyone else?"
Gary, scratching his head, shrugging: "Yes. There's Ash Ketchum, or AK as we used to call him."
Misty, surprised Gary had mentioned his rival: "Ash Ketchum? He's good, you say?"
Gary: "Well, I can't be sure, because I haven't seen him fight. But since he's so far behind me and my sister, I can't be sure he's good at all. He just seemed like he might be as good as my sister or me back when we all were taught under grandpa."
Misty: "I think I remember a Trainer called Ash when I was traveling. [Look at the phrasing, this isn't a lie. She hasn't lied about anything except her last name being Waterflower. It's really Williams, but she and her sisters adopted Waterflower instead, two years ago.] He seemed pretty good."
Gary, smiling a little and narrowing his eyes: "So Ash is pretty good. Hmm. Well, see, I've been waiting here in Cerulean for four days, waiting to see if he's ever going to get here."
Misty: "So are you the one who wrote 'Gary was here. Ash is a loser!' on that sign back there?"
Gary, surprised: "Huh?"
Misty: "On a sign close to Cerulean City, someone wrote that."
Gary, looking a little embarrassed: "Oh, that. Well, actually, yes. Ash and I have been...rivals for a while now, I don't like him very much. At least I don't anymore..."
His eyes clouded over, blocking expression, as pained look came over his face.
Gary: "I don't want to talk about it. Nice meeting you, Misty. I have to get back to my car...no, the Pokémon Center, to heal this Machop. Thanks for the battle."
With that, he sped off in the direction of the Pokémon Center at remarkable speed. Misty watched him and saw him shake his head from side to side, as if shaking something off.
Misty looked after him until he disappeared from view.
Misty, thinking to herself: ^So, that was Gary. Something tells me I won't see the last of him. He's pretty cool, I just wish I knew why Ash and Gary are rivals when they seem to both hate being so...^
She shrugged, decided not to tell Ash of this little excursion, and walked to her Gym, to prepare for her battle with Ash. The end product of this battle could be one of two things: 1) Ash could battle her, then they'd continue on his Journey; 2) Ash could think she was a traitor for not telling her, whether he told her he thought so or not, and not want to be with someone who wouldn't even tell him the simple fact that she could jeopardize his entire Trainer Journey. She sighed in self-defeat. She should have told him sooner, even told him before they got to Cerulean City! But she was too scared.
She winced as she went through her Gym. Yes, she had been too scared, too weak to tell the one person she was close to who she was. Ash wasn't weak like that.
******
Ash was jogging while pushing his bike up the road to Cerulean City. He had trained his Pokémon special moves he knew by a magazine he had seen years past. It showed really powerful and rare attacks and the best way to train them. Charmander and Pikachu were jogging alongside Ash. They had decided to get in shape. Over the next few months they would be doing as Ash did when he trained himself. They were hoping to become as good Pokémon as they thought their Trainer was a Trainer.
They arrived at the city. Ash searched high and low for his friends, but couldn't find them. He gave up and went to the Center to rejuvenate his Pokémon. Then he went to the Poké Mart, stocking up on supplies. Finally, he headed for the Pokémon Gym.
Along the way, there was a building with police tape all around it. Officer Jenny was holding the public at bay.
Ash, curious: "Officer, what's wrong?"
Officer Jenny, shouting as she zipped around, keeping the press away: "Last night, some robbers stole a giant vacuum and hose. We don't know much else. It is a strange mystery, and I would prefer if you would leave me alone."
Ash walked away. Something nagged at his memory about a vacuum, but he couldn't quite place it.
He entered the Gym after he found it across town. It was large, painted a aquamarine color, and imbedded in the walls were precious blue opals.
[In the TV series, the Gym looks like a circus tent. I believe it should be more respectful, so I made it look cooler, like it is shown in Pokémon Stadium.]
He opened the door. Looking around, he didn't see anyone. It was a lot larger on the inside. In the center was a large pool.
The pool contained nothing to walk on, float in, or anyway of diving in. It was a straight pool of water. Ash had the faint notion this Gym was dedicated to water. [Hmm...I wonder!]
Ash, looking all around: "Wooow..."
His voice echoed off the walls and magnified about ten times how he had actually spoken.
Ash, in his regular voice: "Hello? Is anyone there?
It was like he was shouting. Slowly, Ash watched as a girl came through a door on the far wall. It was Misty in a wetsuit. Ash made sure he didn't stare. The wetsuit fit her whole body like another skin
Ash, surprised: "Misty? Do you know the Gym Leader here?"
Misty, shaking her head a bit sadly: "No, Ash, I don't know the Gym Leader..."
Ash, puzzled: "Then what are y-"
Misty, eyes hardening: "...I am the Gym Leader. I'm sorry, Ash. If you want a Cascade Badge, you'll have to defeat me in combat."
Ash, quietly to himself: "Oh..."
Pikachu: "Pika..." 'Oh no...'
This of course magnified into as if they had talked a little louder than ordinary.
Ash, shaking himself off: "I never expected this. Oh well...Misty, Gym Leader of Cerulean City, do you accept this formal challenge to an official Poké League Gym match, concerning you, the Gym Leader, and me, Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon Trainer?"
Misty, smiling: "Of course. It will be a four on four match. No time limit, let the battle begin."
She threw him an air mask and dived off her end of the pool into the water. It was a very nice dive. He put it on, took off his coat and backpack, and dived in as well, almost as good a diver. Pikachu dived in beside him. Charmander watched from the side. Underwater they stared at each other and each surfaced at the same time.
Misty, throwing an enlarged Pokéball: "Misty calls...Staryu!"
Ash: "Go! Pidgeotto!"
Staryu popped out of its ball into the water, and Pidgeotto took to the air.
Staryu: "Hiya!" 'I'm ready!'
Pidgeotto: "Geoot!" 'I, too!"
Misty: "Staryu, Water Gun attack!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto, Agility, now!"
Pidgeotto proved to be faster, starting its Agility as Staryu fired. It easily swooped out of the way.
Misty: "Staryu! Use the Bubblebeam attack!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto, Double Team attack!"
Pidgeotto became three separate copies. Bubblebeam made one explode.
Ash: "Pidgeotto! Mirror Move!"
Pidgeotto swooped down fired a Bubblebeam at Staryu, who wasn't fast enough to submerge. It didn't knock Staryu
out, or even do much damage, but Staryu was slower now.
Misty: "Staryu! Recover!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto! Use your new move! Drill Peck the water, to create a Whirlpool attack!"
While Stayu charged back to full health, Pidgeotto gained speed and dived into the pool, twisting around and around so
fast that the pool became a Whirlpool (an attack more commonly used by Poliwrath), which Staryu was battered in.
Misty, flinching as she pointed her Pokéball beam at her Pokémon: "No! Staryu is in critical health! Return!"
Ash, pointing his own Pokéball beam: "Return, Pidgeotto!"
Misty swam over and took Pidgeotto's Pokéball. The only reason Ash let her do this is because he trusted her. She hadn't lied about her past, just hadn't told him. She placed the Pokéballs in a rejuvenation machine.
Misty: "Let's start Round Two now. Go, Seel!"
A voice: "Wait a minute, girl!"
Another voice: "I think you're missing a crucial part of the show!"
The first voice: "Prepare for trouble!"
The second: "And make it double!"
Ash, sighing: "Oh, its Team Rocker. Again."
Jesse, sounding enraged: "What did you call us?!"
James, annoyed: "Its Team Rocket, not Team Rocker!"
Jesse: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James: "To unite all peoples within our nation!"
Ash, smiling: "To rock the world with bad versification?"
Pikachu and Misty burst out laughing, while Jesse and James gritted their teeth.
Jesse, burning mad: "That isn't funny at all!"
James, holding her arm: "Just ignore him, Jess!
Jesse: "To protect the world from truth and love!"
James: "To extend our reach to the stars above!"
Ash, smiling again: "To rend this motto idiotic with the grace of a dove?"
James, growling: "Shut up, twerp! We're gonna finish this!
Jesse: "Jesse!"
James: "James!"
Ash, counting off his fingers, smirking: "And there's also Sneezy and Grumpy..."
Jesse, virtually steaming with anger: "Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
James, almost as mad as Jesse: "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
A huge machine rolled through the large doors of Cerulean Gym, leading to outside. Meowth was piling it. Jesse and James jumped onto it.
Meowth: "Meowth, that's right!"
Ash, rolling his eyes: "What do you want this time?"
Jesse: "To steal the show, and punish you for making fun of us! Hit it, Meowth!"
Meowth pulled a lever and a hose sunk into the water, it started sucking all of the water up.
Ash: "Huh? Team Rocket were the robbers of the store back there! I should've known it was them!"
Ash and Misty jumped out of the pool. It was too late for Pikachu and Seel, they were being sucked up.
Ash, yelling: "Pikachu!"
Misty, shouting: "Seel!"
Seel was closer. It was sucked inside the machine.
Misty, distressed: "Seel!"
Ash, snapping his fingers: "I know! Pikachu! Thunder Wave!"
Pikachu let loose a large amount of energy into the water, which carried up through the machine and shocked Team oRcket. Team Rocket was petrified and fell into the pool.
Jesse: "Now I know how a wrung out sponge feels like."
James: "We're all washed up."
They went through the vacuum. On the other end was a net, but they blasted through it. Seel was there, unable to move.
Team Rocket: "Team Rocket's blasting off agaiiiinnnn!..."
Misty, pointing at something yellow zooming towards the vacuum: "Oh no! Pikachu!"
Ash, yelling again, louder: "Pikachu!"
Pikachu was still in the water. Ash ran like heck towards the machine, sprinting like he was in the Olympics. He kept running and running. He got to the machine and flipped up onto it. Landing, he jumped at the lever Meowth had pulled and pushed it back. Pikachu darted in the hose as the hose was raised high. It squirted all the water back into the pool, and Pikachu flew out. He landed in Misty's arms.
******
Ash, sighing: "Misty, our match was interrupted. According to the rules, that means its canceled. Would you settle for one tomorrow?"
Misty, shaking her head: "No, Ash. We could settle for it right here. As a new match. Even though I know you're going to cream me. Here's Pidgeotto back."
Ash: "Umm, thanks."
They hopped into the water.
Misty: "Two each."
Ash: "Go, Butterfree!"
Misty: "Go! Starmie!"
Starmie appeared. So did Butterfree.
Misty: "Starmie, Flying Tackle attack!"
Ash: "Butterfree! Use Confusion now!"
Butterfree: "Butterfree, free!" 'Jolly good, chap!'
Butterfree flashed. Starmie flew at Butterfree, then totally missed, flying itself into the wall.
Misty: "Oh, no! Starmie's confused! Shake it off and try Water Gun!"
Ash: "Butterfree! Use Absorb now!"
Water squirted at Butterfree, who turned green. The water seemed to absorb into Butterfree's body.
Ash: "Butterfree! Use that extra boost to use Mega Drain!"
Butterfree's antennae went erect and Starmie cringed, as if getting hit by a blow. At the end of the attack, Starmie was knocked out and Butterfree was in the best possible shape.
Ash, cheering: "Yeah! Return, Butterfree!"
Misty [Misty looks a little happy, actually, almost as if she didn't want to win and Ash was doing her a favor]: "Return, Starmie!"
She took his Butterfree and put it into her machine.
Misty, looking over at him: "Right. So we're down to one Pokémon each. Winner takes (or doesn't give up) all. I choose, Gyarados!"
Ash, turning to Pikachu floating in the water beside him: "Pikachu, I know Misty is your friend. She's my second-best friend too! But I really, really need this Badge. So would you do me the honor?..."
Pikachu had searched Misty's brain and knew she really, really didn't want to win.
Pikachu, only after knowing Misty would want him to: "Pika! Pika pika." 'Of course! I'd do anything, even fight Misty's Gyarados."
Ash, grinning: "Thanks, Pikachu. I choose you!"
Pikachu swam to the middle of the pool.
Misty, pointing at Pikachu: "Go Gyarados! Surf!"
Ash: "Pikachu! Dive to the bottom and use Thunderbolt!"
Gyarados reared back and forth, making huge waves. Pikachu dived down to the bottom of the pool, the waves barely missing him. Ash and Misty were out of the water. Ash knew what would happen and so did Misty. There was no way Misty's Water Pokémon could win when an Electric Pokémon had full power and a strong attack, in the water.
Pikachu gathered in power and the water parted at the bottom of the pool, leaving him on bare ground.
Pikachu: "PI...KA...CHYOOOOU!"
Pikachu sent a massive wave of electricity into the water, electrocuting Gyarados, who automatically fainted.
Misty: "Gyarados, nice try! Return!"
Ash: "Pikachu, return!"
Pikachu swam up to Ash through the water. He made a little pose and hopped into Ash's hug. Charmander walked over and all three hugged.
A voice: "Ah-hem."
Misty was there, with an unreadable expression on her face and a pin in one hand. The pin was in the shape of a tear drop, like Misty's stickers.
Misty, taking Ash's hand and clasping it around the Badge: "Ash, I hereby award you the Cascade Badge."
Ash, wanting to embrace her but not: "Aw, thanks, Mist. And I couldn't have done it without you, Pikachu."
Pikachu, looking at him with a smug expression: "Pika pik a." 'YOU could've done it with a Caterpie.'
Misty, nodding: "I'll agree with you there."
Ash, blushing: "Umm, sure."
Suddenly, Ash lost his blush and his eyes looked sad.
Ash, looking down: "So, now that you're back in Cerulean City, I guess you have to stay and keep up the Gym, huh?"
Misty, shaking her head: "Actually, I don't. I have to pay you back, first."
Ash, sputtering: "But-but-that would be unfair to the Trainers who come here to get a Badge!"
Misty, shaking her finger: "Uh uh uh! My sisters are coming back this week. They'll manage the Gym for as long as I'm gone."
Ash, relieved: "Good. Because, um, I don't know where I go next."
Misty, taking him by the hand: "First, let's find Brock."
They walked outside. They called the police to take away the vacuum and hose. Officer Jenny thanked them. Behind her drooled a love-struck Brock.
Ash, a little worried: "Brock? Is something wrong?"
Brock, in a woozy voice: "I've been hit by an arrow..."
Ash, shocked: "HUH?!"
Brock, almost drooling: "Cupid's arrow. She's so beautiful..."Ash, looking around: "Who?"
Brock, yelling in his face: "Officer Jenny! The most beautiful, courageous, beautiful, talented, beautiful officer that ever lived!"
Ash, stepping back: "Say it, don't spray it. C'mon, Brock, we gotta go."
Brock snapped out of it and grabbed his bike. Ash and Misty grabbed theirs.
Ash, looking over at Misty: "Where to now, Mist?"
Misty, looking towards the south: "Usually, Trainers go to Vermillion City, to compete for the Thunder Badge."
Pikachu, happily: "Pikaaa." 'Ohhh, my favorite.'
Ash, grinning: "Right then! On to Vermillion City!"
Brock, as they rode along: "Hey Ash, what happened at the Gym?"
Ash: "Well, first I faced a really powerful Water Gym Leader [Misty blushes], then Team Rocket showed up, then I faced the Gym Leader again, and won a Cascade Badge."
Brock, smiling and giving Ash a thumbs-up: "Cool. Was he really tough?"
Ash, smiling: "Yeah. SHE was."
Misty, as if she was declaring something important: "I saw the whole thing. She wasn't that tough. Ash easily whipped her."
Ash: "No way! Without Pikachu's advantage over Water types, I'd have been toast!"
Misty: "You say so, but Pikachu and I both say you could've beaten her Gyarados with a Caterpie."
Ash, repeating himself: "No way!"
Misty, smiling: "Go catch a Caterpie and battle her again! Then you'd see you good you are."
Ash: "Yeah, well, you know Water Pokémon. I know Trainers. That Gym Leader could be really, really good, with different Types and a little coaching."
Misty, speculatively: "Really?"
Ash: "Positive."
Brock: "Um, okay. I don't think I've met her. What's her name?"
Ash: "Well, it begins with an M and ends with a Y."
Brock: "Let me see...is it May?"
Ash: "Nope. Middle letter is S."
Brock: "Hmmm...it could be Misty, but that's Misty's name."
Ash: "THINK Brock! Water Trainer, Water Gym Leader. Name sounds like what type she trains."
Brock, dumbly: "Is her name Missy?"
Ash: "NO, YOU DIMWIT!"
[Sorry I made Brock dense in this part. Can you imagine Ash on the show saying "NO, YOU DIMWIT!" to Brock on the show?? Heh, heh. :J]
Brock, shaking his head: "I don't get it."
Misty, exasperated: "IT'S ME!"
Brock, incredulous: "YOU'RE THE GYM LEADER??? ASH AND YOU...FOUGHT???"
Misty: "Yup. He whooped me."
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Brock, interrupting: "Wow. I never thought I'd see the day YOU two would battle each other in a Pokémon match. (Looking off in the distance as he realized something) But then, I've only known you for about three days."
Ash: "Whatever. Let's just get going."
Misty: "You DID whoop me."
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too! Besides, even if you weren't such a good Trainer, and didn't call your Pokémon back every single time, you still won. So you did whoop me!"
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Narrator: "So as our young Trainer and Gym Leaders ride into the sunset, a quarrel breaks out. What new adventures await on the horizon? What new arguments will be instigated by Ash and Misty? Who knows? I sure as heck don't."
James popped in.
James, angry: "Hey! I want to know the point of making the twerp make fun of us in this part!"
Flareon, whistling innocently: "Oh...a thought just came into my head."
James, raising a fist: "Oh yeah?! How about my fist just comes into your head?!"
Flareon, trying not to sound afraid: "End fic!"
On the next...Pokémon! Ash and friends meet a Trainer with a very good reputation! Does this mean good or ill for our champion? Then, Team Rocket does a plan that goes terribly wrong! What will be the consequences???
Enough of that corny preview. Yes, I added that whole part with Gary in it to the request of my favorite fan. What'd you think? Was Gary too good? Not good enough? Too much like Ash? Too nice? R&R, please. I'm thinking of making a side story of Gary's adventures. Oh, here's a spoiler, in case you want to know. Much later in the series, at the Indigo Pokémon League, Ash saves Gary's life and Pokémon, and they renounce their rivalry, becoming best friends as they used to be. Tell me if you really don't want this to happen. I do listen to my reviews, any new one I get, unlike some people.
{:FLAREON:}
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
© Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
^These things^ - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our hero Ash Ketchum and his friend, Misty got trapped in Mount Moon. They saved each other and a Clefairy did as well. Now, with Ash having three more Pokémon and hopefully going to get a new Badge in the upcoming Cerulean City, he is having a pretty good time."
Ash: "Episode 7: The secret of Misty and the Cascade Badge!"
Ash, smiling: "Brock, Misty, you guys go ahead. A wanna train my Pokémon a little. It'll take an hour at least for you to get there. I'll meet up with you there."
Brock, shrugging: "Sure."
Misty, looking a little nervous: "Ummm, okay."
Brock and Misty biked on, leaving Ash sitting under a tree. After a while, they got to Cerulean. A male Trainer with brown hair was battling a female one with purple. They both seemed about Ash's age. Misty and Brock decided to watch along with a group of other bystanders.
Male Trainer, throwing a Pokéball, eyes narrowing and teeth gritted: "You'll pay for insulting my style! Go, Nidorino!"
Female Trainer, with a smirk: "Is that the best you can do? I choose you, Marowak!"
Nidorino and Marowak appeared in a flash of light. Nidorino primed itself in a fighting stance, pawing at the ground, while Marowak set its feet and twirled its bone.
Nidorino: "Nidor, nido!" 'I'm ready, Gary!"
Marowak: "Marowak!" 'Easy as cake!'
Brock, rubbing his chin: "Hmm. Both of them look to be in excellent physical condition. I'd say Marowak's higher level, yet Nidorino looks healthier, and better fed. With Nidorino's weakness to Ground attacks, I believe the girl has already won the match."
Misty, slowly: "Yet..."
She thought back to what Ash had told her about how everyone decided matches before they took place. This Trainer seemed a lot like Ash, the male one. He had a determined look on his face. He was slightly taller than Ash was, with blue clothes, a golden necklace, and boots. His hair was a lot like Ash's...it hung off his head in spikes. He had no zits, or freckles, even. And what had his name been? Pikachu seemed to be somehow close enough to tell her...Gary?
Misty, thinking: ^Wait a minute...Gary?! Ash's friend turned rival?? But...I thought Gary would be rude and mean and other stuff...I thought he'd be the opposite of Ash! But he's a lot like Ash...almost as handsome...defending both his and his Pokémon's honor...^
Female Trainer, pointing at Nidorino: "Marowak! Use Bonemerang!"
Gary, shouting to Nidorino: "Dodge and use Slam!"
In a blur, Nidorino dodged to the side, and the bone missed, sailing into the distance. Nidorino slammed into Marowak, pinning it to the ground.
Brock, eyebrows [or is it his eyes?] raising: "Wow...that Trainer's better than I thought. His Nidorino does exactly as he tells it, and it has the skill he trained it to execute those commands...why does he remind me of someone?"
Misty stared at Gary. Finally she could see how someone could be Ash's rival. If they were as good as he was.
Gary: "Nidorino, Double Kick it into its bone!"
Nidorino kicked Marowak with its two hind legs. Marowak sailed through the air, until it was hit by the returning bone. With a sickening crack, Marowak fell to the ground, totally unconscious. Nidorino turned and bounded back to Gary, who scratched it behind the ears.
Female Trainer, stunned: "I don't believe it...I've never lost a Pokémon before...Marowak, return! I choose you, Machop!"
Gary, recalling Nidorino and standing straight: "Haven't had enough, huh?"
People right in front of Brock and Misty, suddenly raising pom-poms and cheering: "Gary Oak! Gary Oak! He won't abide your puny joke!"
Gary, smiling at the people, then turning to his opponent, eyes narrowing: "That's right. You can't joke about my Pokémon like that and get away with it. Eevee, its your turn!"
He threw his own Pokéball, and Eevee appeared to confront Machop.
Eevee: "Eeui?" 'Time to battle?'
Gary, pointing at Machop: "Let's go Eevee! Quick Attack!"
Eevee nodded, and blasted into Machop, knocking it to the ground. Brock and Misty stared, stunned. They hadn't ever seen a Pokémon go *that* fast before. They hadn't ever seen Pikachu go that fast.
Female Trainer, as Machop got up: "Machop, use Submission!"
Gary: "Eevee, use your Double Team attack!"
Eevee became twelve as Machop ran towards it. Machop stopped, confused, as the Eevee [I don't know the plural] circled around it.
Gary, pointing straight at Machop: "Finish it, Eevee! Double-Edge!"
The 12 Eevee leaped in for the attack, and Machop was out in a flash of sharp claws. Misty looked at Gary even harder. His skill was amazing. It rivaled Ash's. Ash's talent was one part of him that she really admired. She thought there was none better, but Gary may challenge that. Misty developed and admiration of Gary in a second. Of course, she didn't actually *like* him. She had all of her attention on Ash.
The female Trainer walked away, looking defeated and very miserable. She didn't even take Machop.
Gary, calling after her: "Hey! You forgot your Pokémon!"
She didn't turn, she didn't even seem to hear him. Gary tried to get her to come back, but she was out of site before long. Gary sighed, and walked over to the sprawled-out Machop. He kneeled down to it, and seemed to examine it.
Brock, whistling: "He knows a lot. A whole lot. I'm impressed."
Gary then stood back up, picking up the Machop. He unclipped a Pokéball and Machop was zapped inside. He clipped it onto his belt, and turned to the group of people watching. They erupted into cheers, startling him. Misty had to fight the urge to cheer herself.
The crowd slowly drifted away, brightened by the episode they'd just seen. Gary dusted him off, and the people who had been just in front of Brock and Misty walked up to him and cheered.
People, waving their pom-poms: "Gary is the best! Gary's better than all the rest! Go Gary!"
Gary, looking a little embarrassed: "I'll meet you girls at the car. Be right back."
The girls turned and started chatting about the battle as Gary sped off towards the Pokémon Center. Brock and Misty stared after him for a second, then turned to each other.
Brock, mysteriously: "Misty, I gotta go check up on some stuff."
Misty, raising an eyebrow: "What stuff?"
Brock, even more mysteriously: "Just stuff. You go on ahead."
Misty, shrugging: "All right. If we don't find each other, meet back at the Pokemon Center."
Brock went off. Misty stood on the sidewalk, bike between her legs. She sighed a very long, very deep sigh. Then she biked towards the Pokémon Gym. When she got there, she saw Gary walking away from it. He had a thoughtful expression in his eyes. Misty stopped, and he looked up at her.
Misty, smiling: "You're a really good Pokémon Trainer. Who are you?"
Gary, grinning at her and giving a peace sign: "Gary Oak. I'm a new Trainer from Pallet. And you?"
Misty: "Er, Misty. Misty Wil...Waterflower. So, can I help you? I live around here."
Gary, shrugging, putting his hands in his pockets: "I was hoping to face the Gym Leader here, for a Badge. But I guess there's no one here."
Misty, struggling with herself: "Well...I am the Gym Leader."
Gary, eyebrows shooting up: "Really?? No kidding?"
Misty, shaking her head: "No. Here, we can battle out here if you want. One Pokémon each. I don't have much time."
Gary: "Cool. I guess I have to pick first. I must tell you, I know Cerulean Gym's normal Pokémon type. I choose you! Growlithe!"
Misty, sputtering: "Gr-Growlithe?? But...but..."
Gary, in a sort of crooked grin that reminded her strongly of Ash: "You're surprised I used a Fire type."
It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Misty nodded.
Gary, crossing his arms as Growlithe stretched and yawned: "Pick your Pokémon, Misty."
Misty, unnerved, throwing a Pokéball: "Starmie, I choose you!"
Starmie appeared in a flash of light, spinning on its axis. Growlithe perked up, and set itself into a fighting position. Misty decided to end it quick.
Misty, pointing: "Starmie, Bubblebeam!"
Starmie fired a string of large bubbles at Growlithe. Just as the bubbles came close, Gary, face set and still, clapped his hands twice. Growlithe let out a large amount of fire in a Flamethrower attack. The bubbles dissipated. Before Misty could do anything, Gary clapped again, once. Growlithe leaped forwards and slammed its head into Starmie in a Headbutt attack. Starmie flew through the air to land, crumpled, on the ground. Yet its jewel wasn't yet dimming.
Misty: "Starmie, Water Gun!"
Starmie got up and shook itself off. Then, it fired a long stream of water from one of its appendages. Gary snapped and stomped his foot once, and Growlithe disappeared. Misty looked around for it, but it was nowhere to be seen.
Misty, getting an idea: "Starmie, Harden!"
Gary, eyebrows raising: "Good move."
As Starmie's armor appeared, Growlithe came from the sky. It had leapt very high into the air. Growlithe landed on Starmie, pinning it to the ground, but Starmie wasn't wounded.
Gary, speaking to Growlithe for the first time: "Finish it! Ember attack!"
Growlithe's fur suddenly set aflame, and small pieces of fire shot out from it. Starmie couldn't do anything, so took the full extent of three Embers. It fainted.
Gary, clenching a hand: "Alright! Second Badge!"
Misty, shaking her head in wonder, returned Starmie. Her fully evolved and experienced Water Pokémon had been beaten by a newly caught Fire Pokémon. There must be something special about this year's new Pallet Town Trainers.
Misty, throwing her Badge to him, which he caught in one hand: "Here you go, Gary. That was really good."
Misty, thinking: ^Man, he is so like Ash! Its crazy! At least his style is! Ash said Gary teased him a lot, but this seems like a totally different person!^
Gary, stroking Growlithe's fur: "I'm from Pallet, taught by my grandfather, Professor Oak, the World's Leading Pokémon Expert. He taught me well."
Misty, phrasing her words carefully: "Wow. Your battle knowledge is amazing. So, tell me, are there any other Pallet Town Trainers I should watch out for?"
Gary, sighing, recalling Growlithe: "There's my sister, May. Everyone in our town thinks she's the lesser new Trainer, but she's a lot better than she lets on."
Misty, trying not to sound strange: "Anyone else?"
Gary, scratching his head, shrugging: "Yes. There's Ash Ketchum, or AK as we used to call him."
Misty, surprised Gary had mentioned his rival: "Ash Ketchum? He's good, you say?"
Gary: "Well, I can't be sure, because I haven't seen him fight. But since he's so far behind me and my sister, I can't be sure he's good at all. He just seemed like he might be as good as my sister or me back when we all were taught under grandpa."
Misty: "I think I remember a Trainer called Ash when I was traveling. [Look at the phrasing, this isn't a lie. She hasn't lied about anything except her last name being Waterflower. It's really Williams, but she and her sisters adopted Waterflower instead, two years ago.] He seemed pretty good."
Gary, smiling a little and narrowing his eyes: "So Ash is pretty good. Hmm. Well, see, I've been waiting here in Cerulean for four days, waiting to see if he's ever going to get here."
Misty: "So are you the one who wrote 'Gary was here. Ash is a loser!' on that sign back there?"
Gary, surprised: "Huh?"
Misty: "On a sign close to Cerulean City, someone wrote that."
Gary, looking a little embarrassed: "Oh, that. Well, actually, yes. Ash and I have been...rivals for a while now, I don't like him very much. At least I don't anymore..."
His eyes clouded over, blocking expression, as pained look came over his face.
Gary: "I don't want to talk about it. Nice meeting you, Misty. I have to get back to my car...no, the Pokémon Center, to heal this Machop. Thanks for the battle."
With that, he sped off in the direction of the Pokémon Center at remarkable speed. Misty watched him and saw him shake his head from side to side, as if shaking something off.
Misty looked after him until he disappeared from view.
Misty, thinking to herself: ^So, that was Gary. Something tells me I won't see the last of him. He's pretty cool, I just wish I knew why Ash and Gary are rivals when they seem to both hate being so...^
She shrugged, decided not to tell Ash of this little excursion, and walked to her Gym, to prepare for her battle with Ash. The end product of this battle could be one of two things: 1) Ash could battle her, then they'd continue on his Journey; 2) Ash could think she was a traitor for not telling her, whether he told her he thought so or not, and not want to be with someone who wouldn't even tell him the simple fact that she could jeopardize his entire Trainer Journey. She sighed in self-defeat. She should have told him sooner, even told him before they got to Cerulean City! But she was too scared.
She winced as she went through her Gym. Yes, she had been too scared, too weak to tell the one person she was close to who she was. Ash wasn't weak like that.
******
Ash was jogging while pushing his bike up the road to Cerulean City. He had trained his Pokémon special moves he knew by a magazine he had seen years past. It showed really powerful and rare attacks and the best way to train them. Charmander and Pikachu were jogging alongside Ash. They had decided to get in shape. Over the next few months they would be doing as Ash did when he trained himself. They were hoping to become as good Pokémon as they thought their Trainer was a Trainer.
They arrived at the city. Ash searched high and low for his friends, but couldn't find them. He gave up and went to the Center to rejuvenate his Pokémon. Then he went to the Poké Mart, stocking up on supplies. Finally, he headed for the Pokémon Gym.
Along the way, there was a building with police tape all around it. Officer Jenny was holding the public at bay.
Ash, curious: "Officer, what's wrong?"
Officer Jenny, shouting as she zipped around, keeping the press away: "Last night, some robbers stole a giant vacuum and hose. We don't know much else. It is a strange mystery, and I would prefer if you would leave me alone."
Ash walked away. Something nagged at his memory about a vacuum, but he couldn't quite place it.
He entered the Gym after he found it across town. It was large, painted a aquamarine color, and imbedded in the walls were precious blue opals.
[In the TV series, the Gym looks like a circus tent. I believe it should be more respectful, so I made it look cooler, like it is shown in Pokémon Stadium.]
He opened the door. Looking around, he didn't see anyone. It was a lot larger on the inside. In the center was a large pool.
The pool contained nothing to walk on, float in, or anyway of diving in. It was a straight pool of water. Ash had the faint notion this Gym was dedicated to water. [Hmm...I wonder!]
Ash, looking all around: "Wooow..."
His voice echoed off the walls and magnified about ten times how he had actually spoken.
Ash, in his regular voice: "Hello? Is anyone there?
It was like he was shouting. Slowly, Ash watched as a girl came through a door on the far wall. It was Misty in a wetsuit. Ash made sure he didn't stare. The wetsuit fit her whole body like another skin
Ash, surprised: "Misty? Do you know the Gym Leader here?"
Misty, shaking her head a bit sadly: "No, Ash, I don't know the Gym Leader..."
Ash, puzzled: "Then what are y-"
Misty, eyes hardening: "...I am the Gym Leader. I'm sorry, Ash. If you want a Cascade Badge, you'll have to defeat me in combat."
Ash, quietly to himself: "Oh..."
Pikachu: "Pika..." 'Oh no...'
This of course magnified into as if they had talked a little louder than ordinary.
Ash, shaking himself off: "I never expected this. Oh well...Misty, Gym Leader of Cerulean City, do you accept this formal challenge to an official Poké League Gym match, concerning you, the Gym Leader, and me, Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon Trainer?"
Misty, smiling: "Of course. It will be a four on four match. No time limit, let the battle begin."
She threw him an air mask and dived off her end of the pool into the water. It was a very nice dive. He put it on, took off his coat and backpack, and dived in as well, almost as good a diver. Pikachu dived in beside him. Charmander watched from the side. Underwater they stared at each other and each surfaced at the same time.
Misty, throwing an enlarged Pokéball: "Misty calls...Staryu!"
Ash: "Go! Pidgeotto!"
Staryu popped out of its ball into the water, and Pidgeotto took to the air.
Staryu: "Hiya!" 'I'm ready!'
Pidgeotto: "Geoot!" 'I, too!"
Misty: "Staryu, Water Gun attack!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto, Agility, now!"
Pidgeotto proved to be faster, starting its Agility as Staryu fired. It easily swooped out of the way.
Misty: "Staryu! Use the Bubblebeam attack!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto, Double Team attack!"
Pidgeotto became three separate copies. Bubblebeam made one explode.
Ash: "Pidgeotto! Mirror Move!"
Pidgeotto swooped down fired a Bubblebeam at Staryu, who wasn't fast enough to submerge. It didn't knock Staryu
out, or even do much damage, but Staryu was slower now.
Misty: "Staryu! Recover!"
Ash: "Pidgeotto! Use your new move! Drill Peck the water, to create a Whirlpool attack!"
While Stayu charged back to full health, Pidgeotto gained speed and dived into the pool, twisting around and around so
fast that the pool became a Whirlpool (an attack more commonly used by Poliwrath), which Staryu was battered in.
Misty, flinching as she pointed her Pokéball beam at her Pokémon: "No! Staryu is in critical health! Return!"
Ash, pointing his own Pokéball beam: "Return, Pidgeotto!"
Misty swam over and took Pidgeotto's Pokéball. The only reason Ash let her do this is because he trusted her. She hadn't lied about her past, just hadn't told him. She placed the Pokéballs in a rejuvenation machine.
Misty: "Let's start Round Two now. Go, Seel!"
A voice: "Wait a minute, girl!"
Another voice: "I think you're missing a crucial part of the show!"
The first voice: "Prepare for trouble!"
The second: "And make it double!"
Ash, sighing: "Oh, its Team Rocker. Again."
Jesse, sounding enraged: "What did you call us?!"
James, annoyed: "Its Team Rocket, not Team Rocker!"
Jesse: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James: "To unite all peoples within our nation!"
Ash, smiling: "To rock the world with bad versification?"
Pikachu and Misty burst out laughing, while Jesse and James gritted their teeth.
Jesse, burning mad: "That isn't funny at all!"
James, holding her arm: "Just ignore him, Jess!
Jesse: "To protect the world from truth and love!"
James: "To extend our reach to the stars above!"
Ash, smiling again: "To rend this motto idiotic with the grace of a dove?"
James, growling: "Shut up, twerp! We're gonna finish this!
Jesse: "Jesse!"
James: "James!"
Ash, counting off his fingers, smirking: "And there's also Sneezy and Grumpy..."
Jesse, virtually steaming with anger: "Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
James, almost as mad as Jesse: "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
A huge machine rolled through the large doors of Cerulean Gym, leading to outside. Meowth was piling it. Jesse and James jumped onto it.
Meowth: "Meowth, that's right!"
Ash, rolling his eyes: "What do you want this time?"
Jesse: "To steal the show, and punish you for making fun of us! Hit it, Meowth!"
Meowth pulled a lever and a hose sunk into the water, it started sucking all of the water up.
Ash: "Huh? Team Rocket were the robbers of the store back there! I should've known it was them!"
Ash and Misty jumped out of the pool. It was too late for Pikachu and Seel, they were being sucked up.
Ash, yelling: "Pikachu!"
Misty, shouting: "Seel!"
Seel was closer. It was sucked inside the machine.
Misty, distressed: "Seel!"
Ash, snapping his fingers: "I know! Pikachu! Thunder Wave!"
Pikachu let loose a large amount of energy into the water, which carried up through the machine and shocked Team oRcket. Team Rocket was petrified and fell into the pool.
Jesse: "Now I know how a wrung out sponge feels like."
James: "We're all washed up."
They went through the vacuum. On the other end was a net, but they blasted through it. Seel was there, unable to move.
Team Rocket: "Team Rocket's blasting off agaiiiinnnn!..."
Misty, pointing at something yellow zooming towards the vacuum: "Oh no! Pikachu!"
Ash, yelling again, louder: "Pikachu!"
Pikachu was still in the water. Ash ran like heck towards the machine, sprinting like he was in the Olympics. He kept running and running. He got to the machine and flipped up onto it. Landing, he jumped at the lever Meowth had pulled and pushed it back. Pikachu darted in the hose as the hose was raised high. It squirted all the water back into the pool, and Pikachu flew out. He landed in Misty's arms.
******
Ash, sighing: "Misty, our match was interrupted. According to the rules, that means its canceled. Would you settle for one tomorrow?"
Misty, shaking her head: "No, Ash. We could settle for it right here. As a new match. Even though I know you're going to cream me. Here's Pidgeotto back."
Ash: "Umm, thanks."
They hopped into the water.
Misty: "Two each."
Ash: "Go, Butterfree!"
Misty: "Go! Starmie!"
Starmie appeared. So did Butterfree.
Misty: "Starmie, Flying Tackle attack!"
Ash: "Butterfree! Use Confusion now!"
Butterfree: "Butterfree, free!" 'Jolly good, chap!'
Butterfree flashed. Starmie flew at Butterfree, then totally missed, flying itself into the wall.
Misty: "Oh, no! Starmie's confused! Shake it off and try Water Gun!"
Ash: "Butterfree! Use Absorb now!"
Water squirted at Butterfree, who turned green. The water seemed to absorb into Butterfree's body.
Ash: "Butterfree! Use that extra boost to use Mega Drain!"
Butterfree's antennae went erect and Starmie cringed, as if getting hit by a blow. At the end of the attack, Starmie was knocked out and Butterfree was in the best possible shape.
Ash, cheering: "Yeah! Return, Butterfree!"
Misty [Misty looks a little happy, actually, almost as if she didn't want to win and Ash was doing her a favor]: "Return, Starmie!"
She took his Butterfree and put it into her machine.
Misty, looking over at him: "Right. So we're down to one Pokémon each. Winner takes (or doesn't give up) all. I choose, Gyarados!"
Ash, turning to Pikachu floating in the water beside him: "Pikachu, I know Misty is your friend. She's my second-best friend too! But I really, really need this Badge. So would you do me the honor?..."
Pikachu had searched Misty's brain and knew she really, really didn't want to win.
Pikachu, only after knowing Misty would want him to: "Pika! Pika pika." 'Of course! I'd do anything, even fight Misty's Gyarados."
Ash, grinning: "Thanks, Pikachu. I choose you!"
Pikachu swam to the middle of the pool.
Misty, pointing at Pikachu: "Go Gyarados! Surf!"
Ash: "Pikachu! Dive to the bottom and use Thunderbolt!"
Gyarados reared back and forth, making huge waves. Pikachu dived down to the bottom of the pool, the waves barely missing him. Ash and Misty were out of the water. Ash knew what would happen and so did Misty. There was no way Misty's Water Pokémon could win when an Electric Pokémon had full power and a strong attack, in the water.
Pikachu gathered in power and the water parted at the bottom of the pool, leaving him on bare ground.
Pikachu: "PI...KA...CHYOOOOU!"
Pikachu sent a massive wave of electricity into the water, electrocuting Gyarados, who automatically fainted.
Misty: "Gyarados, nice try! Return!"
Ash: "Pikachu, return!"
Pikachu swam up to Ash through the water. He made a little pose and hopped into Ash's hug. Charmander walked over and all three hugged.
A voice: "Ah-hem."
Misty was there, with an unreadable expression on her face and a pin in one hand. The pin was in the shape of a tear drop, like Misty's stickers.
Misty, taking Ash's hand and clasping it around the Badge: "Ash, I hereby award you the Cascade Badge."
Ash, wanting to embrace her but not: "Aw, thanks, Mist. And I couldn't have done it without you, Pikachu."
Pikachu, looking at him with a smug expression: "Pika pik a." 'YOU could've done it with a Caterpie.'
Misty, nodding: "I'll agree with you there."
Ash, blushing: "Umm, sure."
Suddenly, Ash lost his blush and his eyes looked sad.
Ash, looking down: "So, now that you're back in Cerulean City, I guess you have to stay and keep up the Gym, huh?"
Misty, shaking her head: "Actually, I don't. I have to pay you back, first."
Ash, sputtering: "But-but-that would be unfair to the Trainers who come here to get a Badge!"
Misty, shaking her finger: "Uh uh uh! My sisters are coming back this week. They'll manage the Gym for as long as I'm gone."
Ash, relieved: "Good. Because, um, I don't know where I go next."
Misty, taking him by the hand: "First, let's find Brock."
They walked outside. They called the police to take away the vacuum and hose. Officer Jenny thanked them. Behind her drooled a love-struck Brock.
Ash, a little worried: "Brock? Is something wrong?"
Brock, in a woozy voice: "I've been hit by an arrow..."
Ash, shocked: "HUH?!"
Brock, almost drooling: "Cupid's arrow. She's so beautiful..."Ash, looking around: "Who?"
Brock, yelling in his face: "Officer Jenny! The most beautiful, courageous, beautiful, talented, beautiful officer that ever lived!"
Ash, stepping back: "Say it, don't spray it. C'mon, Brock, we gotta go."
Brock snapped out of it and grabbed his bike. Ash and Misty grabbed theirs.
Ash, looking over at Misty: "Where to now, Mist?"
Misty, looking towards the south: "Usually, Trainers go to Vermillion City, to compete for the Thunder Badge."
Pikachu, happily: "Pikaaa." 'Ohhh, my favorite.'
Ash, grinning: "Right then! On to Vermillion City!"
Brock, as they rode along: "Hey Ash, what happened at the Gym?"
Ash: "Well, first I faced a really powerful Water Gym Leader [Misty blushes], then Team Rocket showed up, then I faced the Gym Leader again, and won a Cascade Badge."
Brock, smiling and giving Ash a thumbs-up: "Cool. Was he really tough?"
Ash, smiling: "Yeah. SHE was."
Misty, as if she was declaring something important: "I saw the whole thing. She wasn't that tough. Ash easily whipped her."
Ash: "No way! Without Pikachu's advantage over Water types, I'd have been toast!"
Misty: "You say so, but Pikachu and I both say you could've beaten her Gyarados with a Caterpie."
Ash, repeating himself: "No way!"
Misty, smiling: "Go catch a Caterpie and battle her again! Then you'd see you good you are."
Ash: "Yeah, well, you know Water Pokémon. I know Trainers. That Gym Leader could be really, really good, with different Types and a little coaching."
Misty, speculatively: "Really?"
Ash: "Positive."
Brock: "Um, okay. I don't think I've met her. What's her name?"
Ash: "Well, it begins with an M and ends with a Y."
Brock: "Let me see...is it May?"
Ash: "Nope. Middle letter is S."
Brock: "Hmmm...it could be Misty, but that's Misty's name."
Ash: "THINK Brock! Water Trainer, Water Gym Leader. Name sounds like what type she trains."
Brock, dumbly: "Is her name Missy?"
Ash: "NO, YOU DIMWIT!"
[Sorry I made Brock dense in this part. Can you imagine Ash on the show saying "NO, YOU DIMWIT!" to Brock on the show?? Heh, heh. :J]
Brock, shaking his head: "I don't get it."
Misty, exasperated: "IT'S ME!"
Brock, incredulous: "YOU'RE THE GYM LEADER??? ASH AND YOU...FOUGHT???"
Misty: "Yup. He whooped me."
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Brock, interrupting: "Wow. I never thought I'd see the day YOU two would battle each other in a Pokémon match. (Looking off in the distance as he realized something) But then, I've only known you for about three days."
Ash: "Whatever. Let's just get going."
Misty: "You DID whoop me."
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too! Besides, even if you weren't such a good Trainer, and didn't call your Pokémon back every single time, you still won. So you did whoop me!"
Ash: "Did not!"
Misty: "Did too!"
Narrator: "So as our young Trainer and Gym Leaders ride into the sunset, a quarrel breaks out. What new adventures await on the horizon? What new arguments will be instigated by Ash and Misty? Who knows? I sure as heck don't."
James popped in.
James, angry: "Hey! I want to know the point of making the twerp make fun of us in this part!"
Flareon, whistling innocently: "Oh...a thought just came into my head."
James, raising a fist: "Oh yeah?! How about my fist just comes into your head?!"
Flareon, trying not to sound afraid: "End fic!"
On the next...Pokémon! Ash and friends meet a Trainer with a very good reputation! Does this mean good or ill for our champion? Then, Team Rocket does a plan that goes terribly wrong! What will be the consequences???
Enough of that corny preview. Yes, I added that whole part with Gary in it to the request of my favorite fan. What'd you think? Was Gary too good? Not good enough? Too much like Ash? Too nice? R&R, please. I'm thinking of making a side story of Gary's adventures. Oh, here's a spoiler, in case you want to know. Much later in the series, at the Indigo Pokémon League, Ash saves Gary's life and Pokémon, and they renounce their rivalry, becoming best friends as they used to be. Tell me if you really don't want this to happen. I do listen to my reviews, any new one I get, unlike some people.
{:FLAREON:}