Review Responses:

Ri2: You're always a step ahead of me! At the end it mentioned everyone was startled, they only made out, he's not that important, that'll be explained later, I know, and he's just stupid.

Joanne Beverly: Thanks! ☺

Blue Mountain League

By Gigawolf1

Chapter 4: The Battle Joined!

The announcer watched the battle in total awe. The four-way battle had been so interesting that no one had realized (or cared) that there was no play-by-play. Much more important was the immense struggle that had taken place, leaving each trainer with only two pokémon each. As Ash stared down Misty and vice versa, everyone ignored a cloaked figure eating popcorn approach the announcer's booth.

Pikachu and Golduck stared each other down with envious respect. Golduck started speaking, and Pikachu was captivated by the sudden flow of knowledge. Golduck told a tale of how it had been sent by the mighty Ho-oh to guide the Chosen One through his destiny. For his destiny to be achieved, Golduck and Pikachu had to join battle. As Pikachu wasn't one for riddles, it used Thunder on Golduck. The attack would normally knock out the Duck Pokémon, but it had dodged easily.

Ash was astonished by Golduck's evasive skills, but was no where near as shocked as Misty. She had no idea that her pokémon had crossed time to enter in the present and coming battles. She thought she actually had a chance of winning, until she remembered that Pikachu was still faster and stronger. Still, even with the Electric Mouse Pokémon's immense Speed, it was a tough battle. But finally, Pikachu used a successful Thunder. Golduck said, It was good to face you as an equal, old friend… before fainting.

Pikachu was perplexed by the statement, and expressed it with a small squeak. Misty quickly sent out her Luvdisc, which proceeded to Blizzard. This froze Pikachu, and Ash decided to switch to Grovyle so he could have some experience. Luvdisc then took another look at Ash, and used Surf to go between Ash and Misty. Ash's reaction was one of confusion, while Misty's was one of shock. Fortunately for her, Grovyle took that chance to use Leaf Blade to wipe it out.

The announcer looked beyond his gag at the figure who had tied him to the chair. He heard his voice over the speaker. "And the winner of the Hoenn League is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town! I must ask those trainers who participated in the final round to go to their respective change rooms to await the official ceremony celebrating the victory!" Then he left the room. It would be several hours before the announcer was discovered.

As the four tried to leave the field, someone looked up as Meowth used the extendo-arm to grab… Pikachu. The cloaked guy looked up, whispered, "I have no time for this," sent out his Charizard, and ordered "Blast Burn!" The attack destroyed the balloon, sending Meowth hurtling like a living meteor towards the wall between the male and female change rooms. Then the roof turned into rubble, making a make-shift ceiling over the new room.

All four finalists raced towards the ruins, only to find that the grey cloaked figure had used his Alakazam to get there, and was waiting for them. "Ash Ketchum, Champion of the Hoenn Region and the Orange Islands. Jessie and James, members of Team Rocket, supposed to be making the Rocket Base of Hoenn. And Misty Waterflower, Cerulean City Gym Leader. Congratulations on making it this far, Ash. As the only one who actually worked to get this far, I cordially invite you to come to an Elite League, only accessible to the strongest and noblest of trainers. Here is the map to the entrance. Have a nice day," he said without waiting for any responses.

As the four gaped, Meowth popped out of the rubble and asked, "What was dat about?"

Ash just turned and said, "Misty? How did you get here?" Misty responded by putting her arm behind her head and blushing.

Later that Night…

"You're leaving?" asked Ash. May had announced that she and Brendan were going off on a training journey together. They had an unexpected (or perhaps very expected) companion named Drew, who honestly didn't like Brendan Birch. The three had chosen to go on a tour of the Kanto and Johto regions. Max had been shocked more than anyone else to hear this. He had been quieted by an arrangement to get him a legal pokémon: the Ralts he had befriended.

Max and Brock decided to go on a trip back to Petalburg. They agreed on the long way, Max to pick up Ralts, Brock to pick up girls (as if!). The groups left Ever Grande on their respective boats. Ash and Misty were left to examine the map. They looked at each other, and then nodded. They had the same thought: On to this strange Blue Mountain League.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was watching carefully…

AN: Kudos to who have information on the anime up to Episode 400! BTW, Max is the anime version of Wally. He promises to become a Ralts' trainer in one episode. And now that Hoenn, May, Max, and Brock are out of the way, it's on to the Blue Mountain League! Stay tuned!