"I sure am glad we got to see a real live Totodile. For a first day in Johto, that sure was a good sight to see," Ash said.
"Yeah, and that Cyndaquil is one of the cutest Pokémon I've ever seen," Misty agreed.
"I wonder what Pokemon we'll get to see next," Dawn wondered.
"Maybe it'll be a Chikorita. It's too bad we didn't get to see a Chikorita back at the lab," Brock noted.
"Don't worry, Brock! We only just arrived in Johto. I bet sooner or later we'll get to see some impressive new Pokemon to make up for it," Ash said.
"Yeah! And seeing how Chikorita is a Starter Pokemon, chances are we'll get to see a Trainer with one at one point," Dawn agreed.
"Hey, guys! There's a Pokemon on the side of the road! And a real cute one too!" Misty pointed towards a white squirrel-like Pokemon that was running around in a circle before lying down for a nap.
"Who's that Pokémon? Is it one from the Johto region? Ash asks as he gets out his Pokédex, confirming that this Pokemon was male along with his identity.
"Pachirisu, the EleSquirrel Pokémon. It gathers static electricity and hides fur balls along with its favorite fruit under the eaves of houses," Dexter explained.
"Weirdly enough, Pachirisu is supposed to be from the Sinnoh region. I wonder what he's doing here," Brock was confused.
"Well, either way we may be dealing with a potential new family member. Question is, should I catch him or should I let one of you guys catch him?" Ash wondered as Pikachu and Snivy gave confused shrugs, being excited to see the new Pokemon but also wanting to give his friends a fair shot too.
"Pachirisu is such a cutie! I wonder if I should catch him as a pal for Togepi!" Misty wondered.
"I know, right? Imagine the Contests we could win together," Dawn agreed before both girls turned to each other in annoyance. "So, how should we handle who gets the chance to catch the cutie?"
"Rock, paper, scissors?" Misty suggested.
"Sure," Dawn agreed as they both played a quick game, with Misty getting rock and Dawn paper. "Well, I'm sorry Misty, but it looks like I win! Hey, if I fail, maybe you can give it a try."
"Uh, thanks?" Misty accepted, looking a bit confused but grateful.
"Well, looks like the new friend will go to Dawn," Ash said.
"If she can win," Brock reminded as Snivy nodded.
"Since the Pokedex said that Pachirisu is an Electric-type, I should use my Grass-type Gloom. Gloom, spotlight! Now, use Energy Ball!" Dawn cried out as Gloom shot out a green energy sphere that Pachirisu countered with Discharge, creating an electric stream that shot out in multiple directions, hitting Piplup as well. "What?!"
"Was that a Thunderbolt, Brock?" Ash wondered.
"No, that was a Discharge. It can hit multiple targets at once in exchange for slightly less damage.
"Piplup! Are you okay?" Dawn asks in concern, only for him to regain his bearings and look ready to battle. "Perfect! Now, Piplup! Use Bubblebeam!" Dawn cried out as the penguin shot out a flurry of bubbles, hitting the squirrel and knocking him back. "Great! Now, Gloom, use your Sleep Powder to stun that Pachirisu!" Gloom sent out the powder only for Pachirisu to send out a flurry of hearts that dispelled the powder and then hit Piplup and Gloom, causing them to become confused. "What the…?!"
"I think they got confused," Ash suggested.
"But why did those hearts do that? What move did he use?" Misty wondered.
"I think he used Sweet Kiss. It can confuse whoever is hit by them," Brock explained.
"Fortunately, confusion can be cured by recalling your Pokemon. All right, Piplup and Gloom, return for now. Now, Buneary, come out and use your Dizzy Punch!" Dawn commanded, as Buneary used her ears to strike at Pachirisu multiple times. "Perfect! Now, finish things up with Ice Punch!" Before Buneary could get in the final blow against the tired Pokemon, Pachirisu surrounded himself with electricity to counter and hit Buneary.
"So, looks like Buneary got hit with a Spark attack. This battle is getting interesting," Brock noted.
"Looks like this battle is about over. Piplup, come on out once more and finish this with another Bubblebeam!" Dawn cried out as her Pokemon sent a flurry of bubbles out that hit Pachirisu and knocked him over.
"Looks like Dawn may have this in the bag!" Misty cried out gleefully.
"Of course! Now, Pokeball, go!" Dawn cried out as she threw her Pokeball and absorbed the squirrel. It took a few shakes, but eventually the Pokeball clicked shut and the capture was complete. "Amazing! I just caught a Pachirisu!" Dawn cheered as her three Pokemon cheered, with Piplup jumping up and down in glee.
"So, Dawn, how does it feel to have your first new friend in Johto?" Ash questioned his best friend.
"It feels great! I don't even mind that I wasn't able to get a Johto Pokemon first," Dawn answered.
Suddenly, Pikachu then spots something and runs a bit forward. "What's the matter, Pikachu?" Ash questions as they follow Pikachu.
Everyone looks ahead and sees a girl in a yellow jacket with black stripes. "We're gonna train hard, hit hard, and knock everyone out of the box! We're in the big leagues, and we're playing hard ball!" The girl yells out supportively to her Pokemon.
"What's that girl doing?" Misty wondered.
"I dunno, but I think I recognize the uniform from T.V. Maybe she is…," Dawn wondered.
"One! Two! Three strikes, they're out!" As the girl talks, the camera pans down to reveal a Chikorita swinging its leaf around at her feet. "The site is retired and Chikorita wins the game! Chikorita, the Pokémon champion pulls out another amazing ninth inning victory and the fans go wild!"
"Hey! A Chikorita!" Misty says gleefully.
"Well, you got your wish, Brock. We get to see a Chikorita so soon!" Ash said cheerfully.
"Cool," Brock is impressed.
"Today is interesting. First I get to catch a real cutie of a Pokemon and now we get to meet a baseball fan and her Chikorita!" Dawn noted.
"Wait. Baseball?" Misty is confused.
"Yeah! The uniform seems to be a giveaway," Brock agrees.
"Kinda cool, but I'm more interested in the Chikorita. Let's check out what the Pokédex says," Ash says as he gets out his Pokédex.
Chikorita, the Leaf Pokémon. Chikorita releases a sweet, relaxing fragrance from the leaf on its head.
"That little headband makes Chikorita look really sporty, doesn't it? Real fitting for a baseball fan," Misty said.
"I betcha that girl's just starting out as a Pokémon trainer and she got her Chikorita in New Bark Town from Professor Elm," Brock suggested.
"Let's see what kind of attacks it uses," Ash said, interested in seeing how the battle will go.
A Ratatta soon comes out of the bushes in front of Chikorita. The girl then says, "Taking the field for the visitors is Ratatta! And on the mound for the home team is the vegetation sensation, the grass type that'll mow the competition down, the one, the only, Chikorita! It's game time!" Chikorita turns to her trainer and nods. "Play ball! Tackle attack, now!" Chikorita charges, but Ratatta moves out of the way in time.
"Well, she definitely is a passionate fan of baseball. Can't blame her for being passionate. It's like me with my Contests," Dawn said.
"I understand, too," Ash agreed with a nod.
"And the first one's slow and in the dirt, but Chikorita's just warming up. The next one's coming straight down the plate! Go!" The girl continues. Chikorita charges again, and this time hits the target, knocking the Ratatta out cold. "Perfect strike! Chikorita's smoking Tackle attack knocked Ratatta right out of the box! This game is over!" The girl gets out a Pokéball. The girl throws her Pokéball baseball style, and hits Ratatta easily. The Pokéball wobbles a bit, but soon pings, indicating Ratata's capture. "Another Team Casey win!"
"So, her name's Casey then?" Brock suggested.
"I suppose so," Misty agreed.
Casey and Chikorita high five in celebration. "Will the fans rise and salute Casey and Chikorita by singing their victory song?" Casey then began to sing, "We all love Electabuzz, No other team's the same, The players charge the field and electrify the game. They pitch and catch and run so quick, Their baseball bats are thunder sticks, Their power hitters do the trick, Electabuzz, our favorite pick. We love their yellow colors and their black stripes are the best, Electabuzz, they're better than the rest."
Meanwhile, our heroes watch on in bafflement as Casey goes on singing.
"Well… Looks like I'm not the only Trainer to get a new Pokemon today," Dawn tries to get over her bafflement.
"Yay! Chikorita, return!" Casey cheers as Chikorita is recalled.
"Do you think we should talk to her, guys?" Dawn wonders as Pachirisu pops out of his Pokeball and cries out gleefully, getting Casey's attention.
Casey then notices our heroes behind her, and startles them with a bit of an angry look. She then charges right for them. Piplup freaks out as Snivy gets in front of the group, ready to protect everyone.
"We-We're sorry to have spied on you! Please don't hurt us!" Dawn apologized nervously as Piplup nodded and Dawn picked up Pachirisu.
"Hey, no!" Ash agreed, not wanting his friends or Pokemon to be hurt.
Casey suddenly stops, however, much to the group's confusion. "I don't believe it! An honest to goodness Pikachu! Yay!" Casey cheers. Casey picks up Pikachu. "I just love those powerful pinstripes and that shocking yellow coat!" She then nuzzles Pikachu. "Your Pikachu's a grand slam!"
"Hey, easy. That's a high voltage Pikachu," Ash warned.
"Yeah! I don't think you want to be zapped by Pikachu or Pachirisu here," Dawn warned.
"What? A Pachirisu?" Casey asked as she turned to Pachirisu, looking gleeful. "Well, the little guy looks almost as adorable as Pikachu, though only serviceable. Still, you think they would really shock me? What a blast! I always wondered what that's like. Come on, Pikachu! Same with your friend here! Turn on the juice! Give me a taste!"
Pikachu and Pachirisu are about to do as asked, but Ash and Dawn try to stop it from happening. "No, Pikachu! She doesn't know what she's saying!"
"Yeah, Pachirisu! I don't think that's a good idea for us at all!" Dawn agreed.
"Come on, you little rat! Give me a jolt!" Casey demanded.
"Don't do it, Pika…," Ash pleaded. However, it's too late, as Pikachu and Pachirisu shock the trio.
"Bad idea," Casey admits.
"I tried to tell you," Ash warned.
"Same here," Dawn said, having goofy and floofy hair due to the jolt.
"Thanks a lot," Casey says weakly.
"Don't mention it," Ash accepts as they all collapse.
"I think he's grounded," Misty jokes.
"Should we tell Dawn about her hair?" Brock asks Misty, only for Dawn to hear them.
"What about my hair?" Dawn asks as she looks up at her hair and freaks out. "Ahh! Now, look away until I've gotten this problem fixed, you hear me?!" Dawn demanded.
Later, our heroes get acquainted with Casey…
"My name's Casey. I'm a huge baseball fan, and I just became a Pokémon trainer," Casey introduced herself.
"We really like your Chikorita. Did you get it from Professor Elm?" Brock asked.
"I sure did," Casey confirmed.
"See? I told you," Brock said.
"Dawn and I come from Pallet Town, and my name's Ash Ketchum," Ash introduced himself and Dawn. "I plan on becoming a Pokemon Master, and Dawn wants to enter the Grand Festival."
"So, Dawn, you wanna partake in Contests I take it?" Casey asked.
"Of course! It's been my dream ever since I was little. In fact, my mom was a famous Coordinator in her day," Dawn explained.
"Well, how do I put this? You know what, never mind!" Casey decided against saying what she planned on saying, much to Dawn's confusion.
"Well, to get the rest of the introductions underway, I'm Misty, and I plan on becoming a master Water Pokemon Trainer one of these days," Misty greeted the girl.
"And my name's Brock," Brock greeted as well.
Casey takes off her hat, saying, "Pleased to make your acquaintance." As Pikachu made a cry, Casey continued, "Oh, I'm just crazy about yellow Pokémon, especially with stripes, that's why I think your Pikachu's so adorable. But the Pokémon I want more than anything in the world is Electabuzz. Someday, I might even have a whole team of beautiful yellow Pokémon. All of them with stripes. I mean, your Pachirisu is cute, but it's not Electabuzz."
"How come you like yellow and striped Pokémon so much, Casey?" Ash curiously asked.
"Cause my family's been rooting for the Electabuzz for three generations," Casey answered.
"You mean the Electabuzz baseball team?" Ash asked.
"That's right," Casey confirmed.
"An Electabuzz fan, huh? No wonder you're so full of energy," Brock complimented.
"I knew that your color scheme looked familiar. No offense, though, but don't the Electabuzz always finish in last place?" Dawn asked.
"This is gonna be different! This season, they're gonna win the series!" Casey confidently answered back.
"No way! The Electabuzz will get creamed by teams like the Magikarp and the Starmie," Ash criticized.
"Um, Ash?" Dawn nervously asked.
"You quit saying bad things about the Electabuzz! They're gonna beat everybody!" Casey yelled out.
"The Electabuzz couldn't beat an egg," Ash said.
"Um, Ash? Maybe we should stop before…," Dawn warned, with her, Piplup, and Snivy trying to pull back Ash before he says something regrettable.
"Oh yeah? And what about all the great hitters that are on the Electabuzz?" Casey questioned.
"Those guys aren't hitters, I've seen better swings on a playground," Ash countered.
Casey suddenly snaps. "That's the last straw! We're gonna settle this argument with a Pokémon battle! Ash, Dawn, nobody gets away with insulting my favorite team!"
"But… what did I do?" Dawn was confused.
"Well, you were the one to begin your boyfriend's smear campaign," Casey said.
"Boyfriend?!" Both Ash and Dawn blushed.
"Yeah! With how close you are, it's obvious you two would be sweethearts!" Casey explained.
"Look, Casey, I know that Ash was being a bit of a jerk. But maybe we should all cool down before we do something regrettable," Dawn said.
"Yeah, no offense, but you don't stand a chance against me. I'm an experienced trainer. You're still a rookie and chances are you'd lose and feel bad," Ash agreed.
"I don't care how experienced you are, nobody makes fun of the team my family roots for, especially a little wimp who knows zero about baseball and even less about Pokémon!" Casey tried to insult Ash into battling.
"Alright, you're on!" Ash agreed to the challenge.
"But, Ash…," Dawn tried to cool her friend down.
"What's the matter, Dawn? Afraid you'll rack up a loss before you partake in that baby's sport of yours?" Casey yelled, trying to get under Dawn's skin.
"What was that?" Dawn growled.
"I didn't want to say it earlier, but Contests are pretty lame to be honest and anyone who wastes their time on it are likely to throw their lives away before they even start," Casey said.
"Okay! That's enough! I'm going this battle too!" Dawn yelled out.
"Well, it looks like we finally found someone as stubborn and hot-headed as Ash. And someone willing to insult Dawn enough to anger her," Misty whispered to Brock as Togepi chirped.
"Let's have a four on four double Pokémon battle! Ash and Dawn, you'll get to use two Pokemon each" Casey challenged.
"I won't have to use both of my two!" Ash smirked.
"She's new at this, Ash! Don't be too tough on her!" Brock warned.
"But hurry up! We've gotta get to Violet City!" Misty reminded the duo.
"Don't worry, guys, it won't take me and Dawn very long to win this one," Ash boasted.
"I don't doubt it, Ash! So, Casey. Choose your first Pokémon," Dawn challenged.
"My first two are the last ones I'm gonna need. Casey's ready to deliver the pitch," Casey says as she gets out a Pokéball. "I choose you two!" From the Pokéballs, a Pidgey and a Sentret materializes.
"A Pidgey. Boy, that takes me back. I remember when I first started training and…," Ash said, feeling nostalgic.
"Come on, quit babbling and start battling, will ya?!" Casey demands.
"I'll go first. Pachirisu, spotlight!" Dawn cried out as she sent out her newest catch."All right, Pachirisu. This is our first official battle, so let's make it a good one!" Almost immediately, however, Pachirisu ran a distance away. "Aaahhhhh! Wait! Come back here, Pachirisu!" Thankfully, the squirrel returned to his Trainer. "Look, Pachirisu, I know you wanna run around right now, but please wait until after the battle!"
"Uh, is your Pokemon broken or something?" Casey asked, confused.
At this, Dawn blushed in embarrassment. "Pachirisu is fine! Now, Ash, get out your Pokemon!"
"Yeah! And make it the strongest one you have! I want this victory to mean something!" Casey yelled out.
"Okay, but just remember Casey, you're the one who asked for it. I choose you, Charizard!" Ash cried out as Charizard materializes.
"Ash is gonna battle her with Charizard?!" Brock was shocked at Ash's blunt selection.
"I think this game's gonna be a shutout," Misty shook her head.
"That saggin dragon of yours doesn't scare us, Ash Ketchum! Pidgey, Quick Attack, now! And Sentret, use Quick Attack too, on that Pachirisu!" Casey commands her Pokemon.
"Pachirisu, counter Quick Attack with Spark!" Dawn commanded, as Pahcirisu and Sentret clashed, both attacks colliding for a brief period before Pachirisu overpowered Sentret and knocked her back. "Great job, Pachirisu!" Dawn compliments as Pachirisu jumps up and down excitedly as Piplup cheers as well.
"Grr! Sentret, join Pidgey and take down that dragon!" Casey cried out. The attacks land, but have zero effect on Charizard, frustrating Pidgey and Sentret. And so, with one snort, Charizard sends Pidgey to the ground and knocks it out. Sentret is dazed before also falling to the ground.
"Without calling for one attack?" Brock is shocked before he recomposes himself. "Pidgey is unable to battle, Charizard wins!"
Casey was shocked to see that both of her Pokemon lost. "Pidgey and Sentret, return." Sentret and Pidgey are recalled.
"Um, Ash? I know she insulted me, but do you think we should go a bit easier on her? This is starting to feel unfair," Dawn suggested, only to see that Pachirisu was running off once more. "Ahhh! Wait!" Dawn and Piplup chased after Pachirisu, leaving the area as she did so. Snivy, wanting to make sure that they would be okay, followed after the group.
"Uhhh…," Brock, Ash, and Misty were confused and baffled by what just happened.
"Did Dawn just leave our battle? Well, if nothing else I won one battle! Now, to win the other!" Casey gets out another Pokéball, "I think I'll go two on two for your remaining Pokemon, Ash! I'll use my pinch hitter. I choose, Rattata!" Rattata materializes. "Alright, Ratatta, keep your eye on the Charizard and take it out with a Tackle attack!" Rattata charges, but as Charizard puffs out its chest to block it, Ratatta bounces off and ends up getting knocked out, shocking Casey again.
"Again, without calling for one attack?" Brock is once again shocked before recomposing himself. "Rattata is unable to battle, Charizard wins!"
"Rattata struck out!" Casey was once more shocked.
"That's three down, one to go," Ash said confidently, though he was starting to feel a little bad.
"Oh, yeah? Ratatta, return!" Casey yelled out as Rattata is recalled.
"Maybe Dawn was right. Casey, maybe you better quit. Heck, as much as I'd hate to give up a good battle, I'd be willing to quit if you want," Ash suggested reluctantly.
"No! I won't give up, nor will I accept a pity win! My grandpa says it ain't over till it's over and this match is a long way from over!" Casey cries out as she pulls out her final Pokéball. "And now, stepping up to the plate, here's... Chikorita!" Chikorita materializes. "Come on, Chikorita, it's the bottom of the ninth! It's Vine Whip Time!" Chikorita wraps her vines around Charizard's neck. "Don't choke!"
"Charizard, use your Flamethrower, but try to go easy on it," Ash commanded awkwardly. Charizard throws a fireball, but though Chikorita ducks, the top of its leaf catches fire, causing it to let go of Charizard and run around in panic, this causes Chikorita to tire out and knock itself out.
"Chikorita!" Casey cries out in concern.
"Chikorita is unable to battle! Ash wins the match!" Brock makes the call.
"Sorry to just run out on our battle like that. But, the three of us were eventually able to tire out and catch Pachirisu. So, what did I miss?" Dawn asked before seeing that Casey looked shocked and sad. "Ash won, didn't he?"
"Yeah. With just one Pokémon, to boot!" Misty answered.
A miserable Casey dropped to her knees. "I can't believe it was a total shutout," Casey said as she started breaking up. "Chikorita, return."
"Cheer up. You gave it your best shot, Casey," Brock tried to console her.
"Yeah, you played a great match, especially for a rookie," Misty agreed.
"Misty's right," Ash said as he extended his hand. "And now that it's over, let's shake and be friends. What do you say, Casey?"
Casey gets up and runs off in defeat and sadness. She cries out, teary-eyed, "Just leave me alone! Same with Dawn and her Pachirisu!"
"Casey, wait!" Dawn cried out. But Casey keeps running.
"Must be hard for a tough kid like that to lose," Brock admitted.
"It's hard for anybody," Misty agreed.
"Agreed. I almost wanted to give up after my first loss since it was also my first Trainer battle, too," Dawn admitted.
"But that is what happens when you challenge a great trainer," Ash boasted.
"Yeah, you should know about that, right?" Misty chided Ash and Snivy glared, with Ash chuckling sheepishly.
"To be fair, you're right. I know she wanted my best, but I was still too hard on her. Maybe we should go apologize," Ash noted.
"Maybe. But, let's give her some time to think first. After all, the last thing she wants right now is for us to be around, right Pachirisu?" Dawn asked her new catch as he agreed with a nod before the static from his cheeks messed with her hair, though no one wanted to tell her.
Meanwhile, Casey is running through the woods, still upset over her loss.
Casey, who was deep in thought, said, "After everything my family told me. How can I ever face them again?" Casey soon trips. "Daddy. Grandpa. Your girl's a loser."
At this point, Casey thinks back to when she started out as a trainer and was just about to leave home.
"For generations, this family's had a proud tradition of cheering only for our heroes on the Electabuzz, but now, Casey, we have a new hero to root for, and that hero is you," Casey's father said supportively.
"We're mighty proud of you, Casey. You're the first member of this family ever to try and become a Pokémon trainer. So take a lesson from the Electabuzz. They never give up, and neither should you," Casey's grandfather agreed.
"Keep trying your best, and we'll never give up on you, either," Casey's father said.
"We'll be rooting for the Electabuzz and for you, too," Casey's grandfather said.
"I'll make you all proud of me, no matter what happens, I'll never quit!" Casey cried out, thankful for the support.
Casey's supporters start cheering her on.
And then she gets up with a new look of determination on her face.
"Well, win or lose, I am gonna make them proud of me! The Electabuzz don't give up and I'm not gonna give up either! I'll keep trying, I'll try just as hard as the Electabuzz do and nothing's gonna stop me! I made a promise and I'm gonna keep it!" Casey yelled out, starting to regain hope and be full of determination. However, much to her confusion, she soon hears applause coming from behind her. "Huh?"
"Spoken like a true Electabuzz fan," Jessie said as she, James, and Meowth were dressed up like Electabuzz fans.
"With guts like that you're about to beat that twerp next time," James agreed.
"Electabuzz! Electabuzz!" The Team Rocket trio cheered.
"They play the game like nobody does! Everybody's cheering and it's because…," Jessie and James sing as a baseball chant.
"Swing it!" Meowth cries out.
"Everybody loves Electabuzz!" Jessie and James finish as Meowth laughs.
"Are you ball players?" Casey curiously asks.
"No, we're not players, we're just rabid Electabuzz fans," Jessie claimed to Casey.
"Electabuzz fans? I'm the biggest Electabuzz fan of all!" Casey cried out.
"We saw you battling against that little league Pokémon trainer," Jessie revealed.
"We all thought you shoulda won," Meowth noted in false support.
Casey, who was sad to be reminded of her failure, meekly said, "Yeah."
James then said genuinely, "Cheer up. He's beaten us a million times, but we're not licked!" Jessie elbows James as he nearly blows their cover.
"My friend means that you never had a chance against that no-good, conceiving, sneak of a trainer," Jessie begins to lie.
"You mean, Ash is a cheater?" Casey asks in shock.
"A big one. Along with his little girlfriend!" Jessie continued to lie.
"But not as big as we are," James admitted. At this point, Jessie steps on James' foot again.
"Just between you and me, that twerp's got a reputation for violating a little known Pokémon rule that forbids using a high level Pokémon like Charizard against new trainers and he then starts laughing about it behind their backs. To add insult to injury, his girlfriend even pretends to lose one of her Pokemon to give Trainers false hope!" Jessie lies big time.
"And they're probably telling their pals what a chump that Electabuzz fan is," Meowth finishes their lie.
"I have to get even with him," Casey says, full of determination and anger.
"Why not battle him again? And this time, you'll be ready for all his dirty tricks," Jessie suggests.
"Yes! I'll show Ash he can't cheat an honest fan!" Casey agrees.
"Do it, not just for you, but for the sake of all the trainer's he's cheated," Jessie says.
"Do it for the honor of the Electabuzz!" James adds on.
"JUST DO IT!" Meowth cries out.
"Yeah! Let's go beat that cheater!" Casey cries out, determined.
Later, our heroes have met up with Casey at a baseball field…
"This time, things are gonna be different, Ash!" Casey says, with a bit of bite in her voice.
"First off, I do apologize for earlier. But still, no offense, but beating me won't be easy. The only thing that's gonna be different is that this time, you're gonna wind up 0 for 2!" Ash said with a bit of a big head.
"You're not gonna beat me! Let me tell you something, mister all-star trainer! Don't think you're a hall of famer just because you beat me exactly one time! And with your cheating Charizard at that. Try and beat me without him!" Casey cried out.
"Yeah! That's the spirit, Casey!" Brock cheers the baseball fan on.
"Uh, Brock. Aren't we supposed to be on Ash's side?" Misty wondered.
"I usually root for the underdog, cause the underdog is usually Ash," Brock explained.
"I didn't think of that. Destroy him, Casey!" Misty cheers.
"Go, Casey!" Brock also cheers.
"Some friends they are," Ash muttered in annoyance.
"Look, I understand cheering on Casey because she's new and needs the support, but at the same time, Ash is our friend. We should give credit to both sides. I just hope he can win this battle without upsetting her again. Then again, that may be difficult," Dawn noted as Piplup, Misty, and Brock turned to her.
"What do you mean?" Misty asked.
"I think I understand your point, Dawn. Casey looks not only determined, but angry. I'm not sure at what, but maybe it's because she wants to prove herself as a Trainer and get revenge for losing," Brock explained his thoughts.
"I just hope this battle isn't a mistake," Dawn muttered as Piplup looked at Dawn confused and concerned.
"Now, a Pokémon rematch, and this time, it's a whole new ball game, fans, as Casey goes into her windup, the kick, and she delivers!" Casey yells out as she throws her Pokeball and Chikorita materializes.
"Here we go again. Looks like we're gonna sweep the Double Header, Pikachu. Your turn to step up to the plate, Snivy," Ash says as he sends Snivy out from by his side.
"Oh, nice try! I know what you're trying to do! You wanna beat my with a cheap Attract from your Snivy rather than battle like a real Trainer. Well, tough luck, buddy! Now, send out your Pikachu!" Casey cried out.
"But-," Ash and Pikachu looked on in confusion.
"Just roll with it, Ash!" Dawn cried out supportively.
"Well, you up for this, buddy?" Ash asked Pikachu, who nodded. "Sorry, Snivy, but it looks like Pikachu and I will be battling this time," Ash said as Snivy returned to Ash, looking a bit annoyed.
"I may still be a rookie, but you're not gonna fool me with your dirty tricks like you did in our first match!" Casey cried out.
"Dirty tricks? What does she mean?" Dawn wondered.
"Nice try, Dawn! I know you and Ash trick opponents in order to bring them down and make them miserable, but no more! I'll beat your boyfriend right here and now, and prove once and for all who the real heroes are!" Casey countered.
"Look, Casey, you have the wrong idea. I battle in order to give both sides a good time and to have us become better as well!" Ash countered.
"Ash and Dawn are right! While Ash can have a big head sometimes, they mean well!" Misty agreed.
"I'm afraid you're wrong, Misty! I'll prove you all wrong! Chikorita, use your Sweet Scent attack, now!" Casey cried out. The attack is launched and both Ash and Pikachu are quickly relaxed by it. "Chikorita, Tackle attack, now!"
The attack lands, and as soon as it does, Team Rocket's voices are heard in the scoreboard.
"Welcome, sports fans, to today's Pokémon Double Trouble Header! This broad game's already underway and Chikorita's in the lead, so James, tell the fans about our nasty plans," Jessie says to her teammates as no one else can see or hear them.
"Well, Jess, after those two little short stoops get through battling and wearing out their roster, Team Rocket will take the field and their Pokemon," James chuckles wickedly.
"This scheme oughta get us into the hall of shame," Meowth agrees.
"Yes, well, just make sure you don't commit any errors, Meowth," Jessie reminds the Scratch Cat Pokemon.
"Don't worry about that, coach. Meowth's on the ball, and so's our rooting section," Meowth says. With the press of a button, robotic baseball players designed to look like Electabuzz players come up out of the grandstands just above the pennate box playing a charge on the trumpet, getting our heroes' attention.
"What's that?" Casey wonders.
The robotic Electabuzz players send balloons into the air once the trumpets stop and they start saying "Gotta catch em all" over and over, impressing even James.
"Say, that's pretty cool, Meowth," James compliments his teammate.
"That's cause they're electric fans," Meowth jokes.
"Okay. This is random. What do you think is up with those robots?" Misty asked.
"I guess maybe they're set up to cheer on baseball teams," Brock guessed.
"But then, why would it be for Casey's team in particular?" Dawn asked.
"You have a point. Something is fishy. Casey also claimed that this was revenge for Ash and you cheating, Dawn," Brock was getting suspicious.
"I know! I thought this just was a misunderstanding, but now I think someone tricked Casey!" Misty agreed.
"Um, guys? Is this starting to look like a Team Rocket scheme to you?" Dawn whispers.
"Could be, but I don't see where they are," Brock agrees. "We can't exactly do anything if we don't know where they are.
"Fair point," Dawn admits. "Piplup? Can you help me look and see if Team Rocket is up to trouble again?" At this Piplup nodded and Snivy, who agreed with Dawn's point, decided to follow.
"I guess we should stay here. If needed, we can interfere with any funny business," Misty decides.
"Thanks, fans! I'll do my best! And now, I'm gonna even up the score," Casey thanked the Team Rocket robots.
"Not if I can help it. Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" Ash yelled out. The attack is launched, but Chikorita reflects it with the leaf on its head, much to Ash and Pikachu's shock.
"Pikachu's attacks aren't working!" Misty was shocked.
"Remember, Ash, Chikorita's a grass type! They're strong against electric attacks!" Brock reminded Ash.
"Oh, right. Maybe we should try a different move. Pikachu, use Iron Tail!" Ash commanded, hitting and damaging Chikorita, her falling onto the ground.
"Chikorita! Are you okay?" Casey called out in concern. Chikorita was quick to get back up, however. "Aw, thank goodness. Go, Chikorita, hit up the middle with a Tackle attack, now!" The attack lands right on point, knocking Pikachu over.
"That's a line drive!" Ash yells out.
"Nice hit!" Casey compliments her Chikorita.
"Alright. We need to be on the lookout for Jessie, James, and Meowth. They've got to be around here somewhere. Aw man! This is so exciting! We get to act like sleuths from that detective movie," Dawn said giddily as she, Snivy, and Piplup were looking through the stands of the baseball stadium. The group were walking quietly, sneaking in order to try and get the drop on Team Rocket so that they wouldn't see them right away.
Piplup was scanning the area left and right, trying to find the trio before they could strike. Suddenly, he heard a noise behind the announcer's table and chirped in order to get Dawn's attention.
"What is that, Piplup? Did you see something?" Dawn whispered. Piplup pointed to where he heard a noise only for a quick look to show that nothing was there. "Sorry, Piplup, but it looks like nothing was there. Let's keep looking."
Snivy, however, stared at the source of the noise for a bit longer. She had a hunch that there was more to the noise than Dawn and Piplup thought. She looked around the announcer's box until she saw a familiar snake and plant Pokemon. Snivy was quick to call out, bringing Dawn and Piplup's attention to her. Before anything could be said, Arbok sent out Poison Sting and Victreebel a Razor Leaf. Snivy used her Leaf Blade in order to send some of the attacks back at them.
"Well, looks like we were right about Team Rocket, Piplup. We better fight them off," Dawn said, noting the duo of Poison–type Pokemon looking ready for a fight. "Piplup, use Peck on Victreebel and Snivy, use Leaf Storm on Arbok!" Piplup rushed towards Victreebel with a glowing beak only for Victreebel to dodge and use Knock Off with their left leaf. "Piplup, dodge the attack!"
Fortunately, Piplup dodged by jumping on the leaf and then hit with another Peck, dealing a lot of damage and dazing Victreebel. Snivy used her Leaf Storm to strike Arbok, only for him to still be standing in spite of the damage. Arbok tried to use Ice Fang to freeze Snivy, but without command, used her Leaf Storm, which was more intense this time, to hit Arbok right in the face, dealing more damage this time.
"Way to go, you two!" Dawn cheered. However, both Arbok and Victreebel were still battle ready and were able to strike both Snivy and Piplup with a Dragon Tail and Vine Whip, respectively. "Oh no! Are you guys okay?!" Dawn cried out in worry as both Pokemon got back up, but looking damaged from the previous attacks. As both Pokemon prepared to strike with Razor Leaf and Poison Sting, Pachirisu suddenly popped out of his Pokeball and used Discharge to counter both moves and shock both Pokemon, sending them blasting off.
"Well…that happened," Dawn awkwardly noted as she turned to Pachirisu with a grin. "Pachirisu, thanks for saving Piplup and Snivy. I really owe ya," Dawn said as she picked up Pachirisu. "You really are special, you know that?" Pachirisu chirped happily as Piplup looked on a bit jealous of the attention, but understanding that Dawn cared about him too, as Snivy shook her head.
Suddenly, Pachirisu shocked Dawn with Discharge, making her hair go all poofy. Dawn noticed and freaked out for a moment before calming down. "You know what, we'll deal with the hair situation later, Piplup. We gotta warn the others that Team Rocket are here!"
"Well, we're not giving up! Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt!" Ash yells out.
"But, Ash! Chikroita will just deflect it!" Brock warned.
And Casey's Chikorita did just that. With her head leaf, she was able to deflect the attack right at Pikachu. "Perfect! Now, wrap this up with a Razor Leaf for good measure!" Casey commanded Chikorita.
Ash, however, smiled. "Pikachu, use your Iron Tail to knock the Thunderbolt to the ground and deflect the Razor Leaf!" Ash commanded. Pikachu did just that, sending the attacks to the ground and kicking up dust, keeping Casey from seeing Pikachu.
"What?! I can't see Pikachu! Ash, this is another one of your tricks, isn't it?!" Casey seethed.
"Nope! This is totally fair! Now, Pikachu, use Quick Attack, followed by Iron Tail!" ASh commanded, with Pikachu rushing at Chikorita and using Iron Tail up close, dealing a lot of damage.
"Chikorita!" Casey looked on in worry. Luckily for her, her Pokemon got up, still ready for battle. "I'll give you this much, Ash. You are a tough Trainer. But, I will stop you and keep you from bringing down me or any other Trainer again!"
"But…I don't do that!" Ash protested.
At this point, Team Rocket decided that they saw enough and now it was time to steal. "Now the next batter steps up, and it's the real hitting machine and a Team Rocket lineup!" Meowth said.
Soon, Team Rocket's newest machine, a tank with a bat in its hands, rises out of the ground)
"Uh oh! What's that thing for?" Ash was confused as Pikachu cried out in shock.
"If I had to guess, we should prepare for trouble," Misty said.
"And make it double?" Brock continued.
"That R on it stands for Rocket, as in Team Rocket!" Misty realized.
"I had a feeling they were the ones behind this!" Brock cried out.
"Don't act like you don't know! They said you were a cheater and this proves it! I'm ready for more of your tricks this time, buddy!" Casey countered.
"What are you talking about?! I don't need to cheat to win! You're the cheater!" Ash yelled accusingly.
"I am an Electabuzz fan! I always play by the rules!" Casey argued back.
"We all may do that, but not Team Rocket! Get out of there, Ash and Casey! It's a trap!" Dawn warned as she made it down to the field.
"Well.. the machine is kinda obvious," Ash said before realizing what is going on. "Team Rocket scheme?" Dawn nodded. "Ugh! Why do they never give up?!"
Suddenly, the machine starts to move towards the battling Trainers and more specifically, their Pokemon.
"That thing's headed right for the Pokémon!" Misty yelled.
"Look out!" Brock warned. Chikorita panics, but Pikachu steps in protects it, to the shock and surprise of both Casey and her Pokémon, but the machine hits them right out of the park.
"Pikachu!" Ash cries out in concern.
"Chikorita!" Casey cries out for her Pokemon as well.
"They're hit deep to straightaway center field!" Jessie joked.
"They could be outta here!" Meowth continued the joke.
"A homerun! Now we'll run home with our two new Pokémon!" James laughed along with Jessie and Meowth.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried out.
"Chikorita!" Casey also cried out. Team Rocket is soon heard laughing.
"It's them!" Ash cried out.
"This is new! Lying to potential friends in order to turn them against us!" Dawn yelled out.
"Attention, twerps, it's prepare for trouble day!" Jessie began the motto, appearing on the bottom of the stands with Pikachu and Chikorita.
"But you're both out, which makes it a double play!" James followed up.
"To protect our team from devastation."
"To excite our side with a big ovation."
"To strike out the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach with a baseball glove."
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket, throws their fastballs at the speed of light!" Jessie says as she mimics throwing a baseball.
"Strike three!" Meowth said as he mimicked a third out in baseball.
James runs towards Jessie teary-eyed, "We won, Jessie!"
Jessie also runs, teary-eyed, "James!" Both embrace.
"Jessie!"
Meowth, who is teary-eyed, finishes the motto, "That's right."
"That's Team Rocket, Casey! They're a bunch of thieves that are after our Pokemon!" Ash explained.
Casey gasped, "It is? They are?"
"Your Pokémon will make us rich, girly!" Jessie mocked.
"We're tired of being poor sports!" Meowth agreed.
Casey said regretfully, yet mad, "How could I be fooled by such no-good thieves like you?!"
"Just lucky. Sorry to hit and run, but our work here's done. So, we just need to recall Arbok and Victreebel. They decided to be our security until our main plan could get underway," James noted.
"Speakin' of which, where is those Pokemon?" Meowth asked.
"Well, you might say that they became a home run!" Dawn said.
"Wait! They blasted off?! My precious Arbok?!" Jessie was enraged.
"And Victreebel?!" James was similarly angry.
"Yep. And it looks like you're next!" Misty said as she sent out Staryu.
"No, we'll be getting away with our catches and then finding our Pokemon!" Meowth yelled out.
"You're not going anywhere until you give us back our Pokémon!" Ash protested.
"That's what you think, hero! But I'll throw you a curve. Some sinkers and sliders, too. And as for your mangy mutt, it'll have to settle with other kinds of toys, like these!" Meowth yelled out as he presses a button. "I'm gonna have a ball with this." Soon, three pitching machines appear from out of the ground. "Aim and fire!" The pitching machines start launching baseballs, causing Casey to panic while Ash stands firm.
"Ow! I give up! I give up!" Casey surrendered.
"We can't just quit and let Team Rocket beat us! A Pokémon match is just like baseball! You gotta take whatever the other team throws at you! And hang in there till the last out!" Ash bravely said.
"Ash is right! Would the Electabuzz give up?" Dawn asked a surprised Casey as she approached the duo with Piplup and Snivy.
Some baseballs are soon seen heading right for Ash. "And maybe you'll get that big hit!" Ash said as Dawn started to worry upon realizing Ash didn't have any means of defense currently. And soon, Ash soon gets hit by the oncoming baseballs. "I forgot to mention, there's one big difference between a Pokémon match and baseball."
"What's that?" Casey asked.
"A Pokéball's not a bean ball," Ash says weakly.
Casey finally appears to gain the courage to fight back and picks up a bat. "Well, this match isn't over until it's over! It's my turn at bat!" The pitching machines start throwing more baseballs. "And this time, I'm not striking out!" Casey manages to hit every baseball the pitching machines fire at her.
"That's it! Keep swinging!" Ash cries out and then realizes something. "Snivy, you use Vine Whip and join her!" Snivy, Piplup, and Dawn comically fall over Ash having just realized this, but Snivy agrees and whips some of the balls back as Casey keeps swinging and keeps hitting as well.
"Now Casey's batting a thousand!" Brock cheered Casey on.
"She's hitting everything they throw at her!" Misty was amazed.
"All of a sudden, that little worm's a big league slugger!" Jessie looked on, worried.
James says to Meowth, "You said you'd have things under control!"
Meowth responds, "Yeah, but in the late innings, I always lose control."
"Don't look now, but even our automated bat squad's turning against us!" James pointed to their robots. Indeed, the robotic spectators started saying "Gotta hit em all", cheering on Casey.
Ash laughs before saying, "Now for some ace relief from the Poké-bullpen!"
Casey and Dawn nod in agreement. "Let's put this ballgame away!" Casey says.
"Squirtle, Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Ash sends out two of his main Pokemon.
"Pachirisu, come out too!" Dawn sends out her newest catch once more.
"Pidgey, Ratatta, I choose you!" Casey cries out as all five Pokémon materialize. The five Pokémon called out start catching and hitting baseball after baseball, with several of them aimed at Team Rocket, one of which hits Meowth in the face.
"Let's put an end to that machine!" Misty yelled out. "Staryu, use Power Gem! On those machines!" Misty's Staryu's attacks hit their mark, destroying the pitchers, much to the fear of Team Rocket.
"Rattata, line drive!" Casey commands. Rattata charges and hits James in the stomach. "Hurry up, Pidgey! Tag em out!" Pidgey swoops in and nails James, forcing him to let go of Pikachu and Chikorita.
"Glad you're back on the team, Pikachu," Ash said happily as Pikachu cried out.
"Chikorita! Are you ready to send em to the showers?" Casey asked as Chikorita nodded. Ash and Casey turn their attention to Team Rocket.
"I know I am! I'll help you two!" Dawn said as she, Piplup, and Pachirisu looked ready for a fight.
"Well, looks like we're going into extra innings," Ash said.
"But I have a feeling this game may be called, on account of pain," Casey agrees as Team Rocket panics. "Chikorita, Razor Leaf!" The attack lands right on target, leaving Jessie and James' uniforms with small tears and leaving Meowth with multiple scars.
"Piplup, use Bubblebeam and then, Pachirisu, use Discharge once they're wet!" Both of Dawn's Pokemon did just that, causing a lot of damage to the Pokemon thieves.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" Ash calls out as the attack lands, also on target on the wet thieves.
"Now!" Both Casey and Ash cry out.
"Pikachu!" Ash calls out.
"Chikorita!" Casey calls out.
"Double Tackle attack!" Both Trainers yell at once. Both Pokémon hit their targets, and send Team Rocket out of the park.
"Looks like Team Rocket's striking out again!" The trio yell out, disappearing with a twinkle.
Ash, Dawn, and Casey yell out in unison, "Goodbye!"
"Whoa! Team Rocket's out of the park!" Misty was amazed.
"Who would've guess that those three flops would become such a big hit?" Brock joked as Ash, Dawn, and Casey share a high five, along with their Pokémon.
Later, our heroes and Casey are at a crossroad…
"Thanks again for accepting my apology, Ash and Dawn. I never should've let those three crooks trick me into thinking you were a cheater. And, Dawn, I'm sorry I thought you were weak for being a Coordinator. I may not agree with that path yet, but it obviously is important to you," Casey apologized.
"Well…I accept your apology. And who knows? Maybe one of these days you will like Contests," Dawn said a bit awkwardly.
"I agree with Dawn. And, it's okay. They used to trick me when I was a rookie, too," Ash admitted.
"You?" Brock was surprised to see Ash admit this.
"But that was a long time ago. Right, Ash?" Misty asked her friend.
"Yeah," Ash nodded.
"Though, to be fair, they can still trick us sometimes too," Dawn admitted to all the group's embarrassment.
"Really? Well, if I keep trying just like the Electabuzz do, maybe someday I'll be a great trainer just like you are, Ash," Casey complemented.
"Yeah. And I'll start training harder, because you're gonna be tough to beat," Ash said, ready for a future challenge.
"Maybe we'll even battle each other in the Johto League. Pikachu, if I ever get my own team of yellow Pokémon, I hope they're all as brave and beautiful as you are," Casey says as Pikachu thanks her with a cry.
"Bye, guys. And thanks," Casey waves goodbye.
"Bye, Casey," Ash and Dawn say goodbye.
"Good luck on your journey," Misty wishes luck.
As Casey walks away, Brock has a thought. "That Casey's gonna be a very interesting young lady. I wonder if she has a sister," Brock says, thinking of love. Misty simply sighs and sweat drops at the idea.
"I can't wait till we meet again. Cause the next time I see her, she's not gonna be a rookie anymore. She's gonna be a real pro," Ash says.
"Well, I know that I'll remember Casey and this day for a long time thanks to Pachirisu. Right, Piplup?" Dawn asks her starter who looks worried. "What's wrong?" Piplup points to Pachirisu, who has run a fair distance. "Oh no! Not again!" Dawn and Piplup run after Pachirisu as Snivy and Pikachu join in to help.
Thanks for reading my story. I plan on following the events of the original anime, but with some differences. This includes involving characters and Pokemon from other generations.
Two more things, though.
First, are there any characters, human or Pokemon you'd like to see make an appearance?
Second, what Pokemon from other generations should the gang catch?