Moments Alone, Chapter 4: "Dear Angie"

By Ellie, 2001

The Opening Day of the Mahogany League Challenge

"Good Morning, I'm Angie Parrish reporting live for TV 12 from the Mahogany League Complex in the Mahogany Valley. Today marks the beginning of the Annual Mahogany League Challenge, a test for Pokemon trainers who have collected at least six badges from certified Mahogany Gyms throughout the area, and who are ready to face the element masters. By defeating the Mahogany Four, masters of Fire-Type Pokemon, Water-Type Pokemon, Grass-Type Pokemon, and Rock-Type Pokemon, the trainer receives a Mahogany badge, verifying that he or she has defeated the League. This year's hopeful trainers include Constance Brown, a 14-year-old from Amazon City; Joanna Jett, a 13-year-old from The Orange Islands; Paul West, an 11-year-old from Oakland County; Gwendelyn Brown, a 13-year-old from Amazon City; Louwan Tapia, a 16-year-old from Cherrygrove City; Aiden Brett, a 13-year-old from Sundance Township; and finally, Ash Ketchum, an 18-year-old from Pallet Town. This is the first League Challenge for Paul, Aiden, and Joanna, but I'm sure that there will be more in the future. Both Constance and Gwendelyn, sisters from Amazon City, have triumphed over the Amazon League and the Orange League, and are going for the Mahogany to make it three. Back to you, Ben."

"Alright, Angie, that's a wrap. Nice job," the camera man stated, letting the large camera slide off his shoulder into his hands.

"Thanks," the reporter replied as she picked up a water bottle that had been sitting inside the TV 12 van. "I was really nervous. I still haven't gotten used to this 'live broadcast' thing."

"Ang, honey, you were great. And you've just started for pete's sake. You've gotta give these things some time," he reassured her, touching her shoulder. "You're swell, kid."

She smiled sheepishly. "Thanks, Joe," she replied as her gaze was caught by someone over Joe's shoulder. "Isn't that…? It's Ash Ketchum! C'mon, let's tape an interview."

Joe chuckled. "So much for being nervous."

"Mr. Ketchum! Mr. Ketchum! Excuse me, Mr. Ketchum?" Angie shouted, racing over to where he and Brock were walking.

Ash heard her call and turned her way. He smirked at the sight of the frantic reporters, rushing to talk to him. "Good morning," he said smugly.

"Good morning, Mr. Ketchum. I'm Angie Parrish, and this is Joseph McIntyre; we're from the TV 12 News Team. We were wondering if you would be willing to tape a short interview before you get ready to compete?" she asked politely.

"Well, Ms. Parrish, I've been getting ready to compete for quite some time now," he said flirtatiously.

Angie blushed as she fought back a smile. "I'm sure, Mr. Ketchum. Perhaps I should rephrase…"

Ash smiled. "Not necessary, Ms. Parrish. I understand. And I'd be delighted to do an interview for you."

"Wonderful!" Angie said, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "Ready, Joe?"

Brock, clearing his throat, finally made his presence known. Angie looked up in surprise. She had not noticed the man before.

"Oh, dear, I apologize. Your name is?" she said politely.

"Brock. And all I'd like to know is if you'd like me to move for your shot or not," he said with detectable harshness in his tone of voice.

"No, dear no. Please, Brock. You can both be in the shot. You're Mr. Ketchum's traveling partner, correct?" Brock nodded. "Then of course you're in the shot!"

"Okay, then," Brock sighed.

Ash smirked at Brock's attitude. "Are we ready then?" he asked.

"Indeed," Angie replied.

"Let's get this show on the road, already, then," Joe mumbled. "In three--- two--- ONE!"

"Hello, I'm Angie Parrish outside the Mahogany League Complex in the Mahogany Valley. I'm here with Ash Ketchum, and his traveling partner, Brock. Good morning, gentlemen," she said to them. They nodded back. "Mr. Ketchum, you've got a major title coming up, assuming you defeat the Mahogany Four. Any apprehension today?"

"Not at all, Ms. Parrish. My Pokemon and I have been training and practicing non-stop for the past several weeks. I'm confident about these upcoming battles."

"How about your Dewgong? I understand you have had troubles with this Pokemon's behavior in the past. Are you going to be using Dewgong in competition?"

"I'm hoping to, yes. A large portion of the training exercises were centered around Dewgong's behavior. I believe that it's made some major progress and is ready for battle."

"Can you add any insight, Brock? I understand you're a Pokemon breeder, what's your opinion on Dewgong's behavior?" Angie asked, doing her best to include Brock in the interview.

"I, as well, feel that Dewgong has risen above it's previous behavioral problems. When Ash first caught the Pokemon, it was as stubborn as ever. But as with many of his Pokemon, Ash has been able to help them into a trusting relationship in battle and everyday life. I'm sure Dewgong will come through for Ash, should he decide to use it in his upcoming matches," Brock said, proud of his statements.

Angie nodded. "Wonderful. Ash, if you do win--

"When, Ms. Parrish. When I win. We're going for positivity here," Ash smirked.

Angie giggled. "Okay, then, when you win all four matches and receive the title of Pokemon Master, what do you plan to do?"

"In the future you mean?"

"Yes. Or, right after you win. Any party plans?"

"None, Ms. Parrish."

"Why is that?" Angie asked, slightly taken aback.

"I'm going to need a good night's sleep. The next morning, I plan on heading to Cerulean City to find someone I've missed for a long time," Ash explained with a sentimental smile.

"That sounds wonderful. Well, Mr. Ketchum, good luck in your matches, and the team at TV 12 will be rooting for you!"

"Thank you very much," Ash said gratefully.

"This is Angie Parrish, signing off."

"AND- Cut! That's a wrap. You're good, Angie," Joe smiled.

"Thanks, Joe," she grinned. "Mr. Ketchum, thank you very much for the interview," she said as she shook his hand. She reached for Brock's hand as she said, "Same to you, Brock. It was nice meeting you both."

"You're welcome, Ms. Parrish, It was nice meeting you as well," Brock said.

"Good luck!" She shouted as she and Joe headed back to the van.

"Well, that was interesting," Ash mused as the reporters moved out of earshot. "What was with the attitude, Brock?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he covered.

"Ah, come on!"

"Fine! It's just… all the girls love you now a days! How's a guy like me supposed to compete with hot-shot Ash Ketchum, soon to be Pokemon Master?"

"He's not. Don't you have a girl waiting for you back home?" Ash reminded him.

"That's not the point! It's the idea. They don't even notice me when you're around."

"I'd bet Suzie's thankful for that," Ash chuckled.

Brock paused, in an attempt to change the subject. "You realize now that you've made mention of Misty on television, all the girls in the world are going to wonder who exactly this mystery woman from Cerulean City is, and how they can become her overnight," Brock pointed out.

Ash laughed. "Geez, Brock. It's not that bad. Besides, they'll probably think it's romantic or something mushy like that."

"And, they'll just love you more for it. GOD! Why me?"

Ash laughed loudly at his friend's ridiculous distress as they approached the Mahogany Complex's main entrance.