Episode 50: Splashing In

Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Misty are walking up a hill. Misty is saying, "You guys will love it there. They have absolutely everything, and I mean everything, you could want from a resort." She suddenly squeals, "Look, there it is!" Misty runs to the top of the hill. The others join her. From the top of the hill they are treated with a view of the valley below. Sprawled across the valley is what can only be described as a massive luxury resort. They all stop and admire the sight.

At last our heroes have reached Misty's destination of the Rest Stop Resort, site of a tournament that promises to be a gathering of the greatest Water-Type trainers from around the world. How will our favorite Water-Type trainer match up? Let's find out.

They all arrive at the resort and enter into it. Misty leads them right up to the front desk. A receptionist greets them, "Good afternoon. Welcome to the Rest Stop Resort, where rest is in the name, and relaxation is our game. How may I help you?"

Misty answers, "Hi, I'm here for the Splash Cup."

The receptionist smiles and nods. "Yes, I have you right here on my list. The tournament's benefactor has reserved rooms for all invited contestants as well as paid for them and a full service stay while you are here."

Brenda marvels, "Wow, that has to cost a small fortune to pay for just one person, but everyone in tournament must make this benefactor very rich."

Ash asks, "Wait, you may have a room provided, but where are we going to stay? I can't afford this place."

The receptionist grins. "No need to worry, each contestant is also allowed one additional room for guests. Each room is large enough to house more than one person, so your group could easily fit into the two rooms."

Brock states, "Wow, even more generous."

The receptionist then asks, "Now, if you could just tell me your name, and then I'll sign you up."

Misty responds, "Right, my name is Misty, I'm the Cerulean City Gym Leader."

The receptionist types away at her computer. After a moment she looks up and says, "Alright Madam Misty, we have you now registered as checked-in. Please enjoy your stay."

Misty grins. "I'm sure I will."

Someone behind them all asks, "Did I just hear that Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader is here?"

Misty turns around and answers, "Yeah, that's me…" She trails off and freezes as she sees who's standing there.

It's a tall man with handsome features. He has somewhat long dark-blue hair that curls up somewhat at the end, giving it a resemblance to ocean waves. He wears an ocean blue suit. He grins. "Misty, I'm so glad to finally meet you. I've heard wonderful things about you."

Misty blushes and stammers nervously, "You…you've h…heard of m…me?"

The man smiles. "Of course I've heard of you! I make it my business to know about the up and coming Water-Type trainers. And you, my dear, are among the greatest. One day the Cerulean Gym was a complete laughingstock with its previous three gym leaders, but then you came in and turned around the gym's reputation like it was nothing. That takes a truly expert Water-Type trainer. I have my eyes on you, and I look forward to seeing how you do in my tournament. Until we meet again Misty." He waves and turns to leave.

Misty is still blushing, and still too frozen up to say anything.

Brenda asks, "Who was that guy?"

The receptionist answers, "That was Tyde, he's the benefactor I was speaking of."

Brock thinks for a second. "Tyde…I think I've heard that name before…" Then he thinks of it. "I remember! He's one of the Tenno Elite Four!"

Ash gasps. "Elite Four!"

Brock nods. "That's right. He's an Elite Four member who specializes in Water-Types. He's also the richest man in Tenno and is known for the philanthropic work he does, especially his donations to the fields of science and technology."

Ash comments, "And he knows who you are, Misty. That's pretty cool." Misty doesn't respond. Ash waves hand in front of her face. "Hello? Earth to Misty, come in Misty." She doesn't respond. "What's up with her?"

Brock chuckles. "Oh, I know exactly what's up with her. You wouldn't understand though."

"What, is she sick?"

Brenda and Brock both look to each other and chuckle at Ash's ignorance.

And so the four of them go out to take advantage of the luxury service offered by the resort. Brenda and Misty enjoy a manicure. Brock finds his way to the poolside, full of pretty girls. He goes mad running from one to the next, presumably declaring his love to each one. He is shut down by Meteorfight. Ash and Pikachu find their way to the all-you-can-eat buffet and chow down. They all continue to participate in various resort activities for the rest of the day.

Team Rocket is hiding on the roof of one of the resort's buildings. They are spying on the group as they all play around in the pool. Jessie says with anger and annoyance, "No fair, it's me who deserves a relaxing day at a resort, not those twerpish twerps."

James comments, "One must wonder how those twerps came across the money to stay here. This place must cost a fortune."

Meowth pulls out some sort of flyer and explains, "Dig this, apparently there's some sort of super-exclusive Water-Type tournament being held here."

Jessie snatches up the flyer advertising the tournament and skims over it. "So Twerpette Classic must have been invited here for that tournament." She stomps her feet in rage. "I work my entire life to achieve luxury and she just gets it handed to her! The nerve!"

Meowth then says, "But get this, this could be the opportunity for us to achieve such luxury ourselves."

This piques Jessie's interest. "I'm listening."

Meowth goes into fantasy mode. "Imagine The Boss, he's in his big old Team Rocket executive swimming pool." Fantasy Giovanni is seen swimming laps in a massive pool.

James questions, "Does The Boss even have a pool?"

Meowth asserts, "Of course he does! Do you know a rich and powerful person who doesn't own a pool? I thought so. Anyways, so The Boss is swimming around in his pool, but suddenly he realizes how lonesome it is swimming in this giant pool all by himself." In an imitation of Giovanni's voice, Meowth says, "It's great to own this pool and be able swim at my leisure, but this pool is far too big for just one Boss." Back in his normal voice, Meowth continues, "So that's where we come in. We bring The Boss all the Water Pokémon we can get our hands on and put them right in his pool." Fantasy Jessie, James, and Meowth do as he explained and drop various Water Pokémon into the pool. Fantasy Giovanni begins to swim around with them happily. "Finally having swimming buddies, The Boss will be so happy that he'll say," speaking for Giovanni again, "Thanks to Meowth and friends, I'm swimming with the fishes, and I don't mean that in a bad way. It only seems proper that in return I allow them to swim in cash."

Jessie exclaims excitedly, "It's an instant get-rich plan!"

James exclaims, "Just add water!" They all cheer.

Who's that Pokémon!?

When this Pokémon sleeps, it pulls its limbs into its body and its internal fire goes down to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit

The next day has come, and the Splash Cup has begun. In the center of the resort there is a large stadium. It's full of spectators waiting to watch the Water-Type battles to be held. Ash, Brock, and Brenda have front-row seats. In the center of the arena is a massive tank of water with clear walls. There are also platforms on either side of the top of the tank. Standing on a pontoon floating in the center of the water is Tyde. He announces, "Welcome one and all to the Splash Cup! Water-Type Pokémon are my passion, and it brings me so much pleasure to be able host this event and share that passion with all of you! Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce our first contestants! On the right side, we have the self-proclaimed Water-Type master of the Hoenn Region! It's Marshall of Pacifidlog Town!" An arrogant looking boy rises up on an elevator to his platform. The audience cheers. "And on the other side we have the Cerulean Gym Leader herself! It's Misty!" Misty ascends to the opposite platform. She looks ready and determined to win. "Without further ado, let's get this tournament moving!"

He leaps off of his platform. Just as he's about to land in the water, a Gyarados appears from one his Pokéballs and catches him. He then stands on its head as it raises him up to a platform on the side of the arena. He hops off of Gyarados and returns it to its ball.

Attention is then shifted to Misty and her opponent Marshall. Marshall throws a Pokéball and shouts, "Go, Clawitzer!" The shrimp Pokémon lands in the water in front of him.

Misty pulls out a Pokéball of her own. "Let's do this, Politoed!"

Her Politoed appears in front of her and happily claps its hands together. "Politoed, politoed, politoed!"

Marshall takes the first move and orders, "Clawitzer, use Water Pulse!" From its pincer cannon Clawitzer fires an orb of water at Politoed with high power.

Misty orders, "Politoed, get underwater!" Politoed dives down beneath the surface to avoid the attack.

"You get down there too Clawitzer, and use Dark Pulse!" Clawitzer dives down to the same level as Politoed and quickly unleashes an attack of dark energy waves from its cannon.

"Use Hydro Pump Politoed!" Politoed attacks with a blast of water from its mouth. The two attacks collide and cancel each other. "Great, now get in there for a Double Slap!" Politoed swims right at Clawitzer at high speeds.

"Fight back with Crab Hammer Clawitzer!" Just as Politoed is about to slap Clawitzer with glowing palms, Clawitzer's cannon-pincer glows blue and it uses it to smack the hand away.

Misty asserts, "Keep them coming Politoed!" Politoed continues to attempt to slap one after the other, but Clawitzer manages to counter each and every one. The two continue to go at it until Misty sees that this is going nowhere and gets an idea. She orders, "Politoed, use Hyper Voice!"

Politoed retreats back a little and then shouts, "Poli!" which causes shockwaves of sound to reverberate through the tank of water. This stuns and disorientates Clawitzer. It begins to tumble helplessly through the water.

Misty continues, "Great, now onto the center platform and use Bounce!" Politoed swims straight up and out of the water. Once on the land it leaps way up into the air. "Now dive back down and go in for a finishing Double Slap!" Politoed positions itself for a dive and aims itself right at Clawitzer, which is still stunned by the Hyper Voice. Politoed enters the water with a splash and attacks with a velocity-induced Double Slap.

Clawitzer floats up to surface. It has been knocked-out. Marshall despairs, "Clawitzer!"

The crowd cheers. Ash, Brock, and Brenda all get to their feet and clap. Brenda marvels, "Wow, Misty really is good with Water-Types!"

Ash says, "She's been training with them all her life, she'd better be good."

Politoed has climbed back up onto the center platform and is clapping happily along with the audience.

Watching from above, Tyde grins to himself.

It's Darumaka!

And so the tournament continues, and Misty continues to win. In her second match she uses her Gyarados to defeat a Swampert. The third match involves her Psyduck, after acquiring a headache, defeating a Jellicent. For the fourth match she has Corsola defeat a Mantine. The fifth is her Gyarados again, this time taking down a Milotic. This brings her to the finals.

Tyde announces from his viewing box, "Sixty-four of the world's greatest Water-Type trainers have done battle today, and now only two remain! It's time to find out who the winner of the Splash Cup will be! Let the battle begin!"

Misty has her Corsola out in front of her and her opponent has a Sharpedo. Misty starts off the battle by ordering, "Corsola, use Spike Cannon!" Corsola sends a volley of spikes arching through the sky towards Sharpedo.

"Out of the way with Aqua Jet!" Sharpedo becomes cloaked in water and speeds out of the way of the attack. It then rams into Corsola. "Now use Ice Fang!" Sharpedo bites down on the stunned Corsola with glowing white teeth. Corsola is frozen immediately upon contact and begins to sink down.

Misty shouts, "Corsola, you've got to break free of the ice!" Corsola struggles, but it does little.

Misty's opponent grins confidently. "Night Slash now!" Sharpedo dives down into the water and its dorsal fin begins to glow. In rapid succession it swims past Corsola, hitting it with its dorsal fin each time. One final Night Slash shatters the ice, but Corsola is too weak to move. "Great job Sharpedo, let's finish this off with a final Night Slash."

Brenda gasps, "This is it for Misty! Corsola's too weak to dodge!"

Ash asserts, "I wouldn't count Misty and Corsola out yet."

Just as Ash says this, Misty proves it. She orders, "Corsola, use Recover!" Corsola begins to glow with a silver light. The light fades and Corsola looks completely healthy. "Great, now use Spike Cannon!" Corsola unleashes a barrage of spikes at the incoming Sharpedo. It's too late for Sharpedo to change its course, so it takes the full brunt of the attack. By the time Corsola's attack stops, Sharpedo is still moving forward, but only because it is being carried by momentum. It has been knocked out.

Ash leaps up and cheers, "Way to go Misty!" Brock and Brenda also get up to clap, along with everyone else.

Misty is elated. She jumps up and cheers, "Great job, Corsola!"

Corsola leaps into her arms and declares, "Corso!"

Tyde begins to say, "And there you have it, Misty is-!" but he stops when he realizes that the crowd has gone silent. Everyone is pointing up towards the sky and murmuring in curiosity. What seems to be a giant Wailord blimp is flying in. Emblazoned on its bottom is a large, red R.

Ash steps forward angrily. "Team Rocket!"

From the blimp several mechanical arms emerge and grab a hold of both Corsola and Sharpedo. Also, at the base of the tank many of the competitors and their Water Pokémon were watching. The mechanical arms scoop up those Pokémon too. Everyone gasps and shouts with anger.

Jessie appears on the top of the blimp. She declares, "Prepare to get all wet!"

James also appears, "Make it a double bet!"

"To protect the world from overflowing!"

"To unite all people against bubble blowing!"

"To denounce the evils of ocean and sea!"

"To extend our reach swimmingly!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket splashes down at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare to sink from sight!"

Meowth leaps up too. "Meowth, that's right!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime mime!"

Ash, Brock, and Brenda have made their way down to the center of the arena. Pikachu is ready for battle. Ash shouts, "You're going to give those Pokémon back, Team Rocket!"

Misty looks down to Ash and asserts, "No Ash! Leave this to the Water Pokémon trainers!"

"Are you sure?"

She nods. "Positive." She turns back to face Team Rocket. "You're going to regret angering a stadium full of Water Trainers, Team Rocket!" She throws a Pokéball and releases Gyarados. "Use Hydro Pump!" Gyarados unleashes a blast of water.

Other competitors of the Splash Cup send out their other Water Pokémon and add their water attacks to Misty's. However, all of these attacks seem to flash evaporate before they make contact with the blimp.

Meowth chuckles. "Since I knew we'd be going up against an army of Water-Types, I took the necessary precautions. This entire blimp has a special heat field around it that will instantly evaporate any water that comes near it."

James declares, "We're too hot to handle!"

Jessie adds, "We're on fire!"

But then Tyde can be heard shouting, "Go, Dashilisk!" Tyde throws a Pokéball and sends out a Dashilisk. Unlike Ash's, his Dashilisk does not have a crest on the top of its head. He commands, "Use Ice Beam!" The Dashilisk unleashes a beam of cold that instantly freezes over the surface of the Wailord blimp.

Jessie, James, and Meowth all look to each other slowly. James asks, "What happens if the heat is taken out of our heat shield?"

Meowth shrugs and suggests nervously, "Then it becomes a lukewarm shield?"

All of the Water trainers take this opportunity to attack again. This time their attacks make contact. The blimp pops and explodes. All of the captured Pokémon are fall right into the tank safely and Team Rocket is sent flying into the air.

As they're flying up, all of them completely soaked, Meowth shouts, "I hate water!"

James sighs, "I guess you could say that we're all washed up."

Jessie adds, "We're all wet too."

They all shout, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Back on the ground, everyone is reuniting with their Pokémon. Misty looks around happily, pleased that she helped to save everyone. She looks over to her side to see that Tyde has taken the lift up to her platform and is walking over to her holding a magnificent trophy.

He declares, "Misty, without any further delay or interruptions, it is my honor to bestow upon you the Splash Cup!" He hands it to her and Misty takes it.

She blushes. "Th…thank you so much."

"But that's not all. Misty, would you honor me having a battle with me?" Everyone gasps.

With jealousy and surprise, Ash asks, "What!? Misty gets to battle an Elite Four member!?"

Misty is taken aback by the request. After gathering her thoughts, she nods. "Of course I'll battle you."

Both Misty and Tyde have taken positions on the water battlefield. Tyde declares, "Alright Misty, I want to see everything you've got, so this will be a three-on-three match, alright?"

Misty nods. "Fine with me."

Tyde grins. "Good. In that case," he throws a Pokéball, "go, Starmie!" A Starmie appears in front of him.

Misty nods and pulls out a Pokéball too. "Come on out, Marlance!" Misty sends out a blue silver-colored fish Pokémon with a long, spear-like snout with a pointed end. Its scales shine like metal. Running along its back is a large sail-like fin with spikey protrusion.

Ash comments, "That's a new Pokémon," and pulls out his Pokédex.

"Marlance, the Swordfish Pokémon and a Water and Steel Combo-Type. The pointed spear of Marlance is made of a strong and resilient metal, allowing it be used both as a jabbing and slashing weapon. Marlance will engage in swordfights to determine their social standing. Evolves from Pufflail at level 27 and into Saws at level 48."

Tyde nods. "Now for our battle to get under way. Starmie, use Swift!" Starmie attacks with a barrage of stars."

Misty orders, "Dive down underwater!" Marlance dives straight down to avoid the attack, but the stars curve and change their trajectory, flying straight down to follow Marlance. They quickly hit it.

Brenda asks, "What just happened?"

Brock explains, "The attack Swift can never miss. The attack locked on to its target and kept on following it."

Tyde then orders, "Underwater as well, Starmie, and use Power Gem!" Starmie dives to the same level as Marlance and attacks with a beam of light from its crystal core.

Misty quickly orders, "Dodge it!" With a great burst of speed, Marlance swims out of the way of the attack. "Now use Iron Head!" It turns its speed into a head on charge at Starmie, its spear glowing silver.

Tyde calmly counters, "Use Protect." Starmie erects a shield around it and stops the attack dead. "Now use Laser Vision!" As soon as the barrier drops, Starmie unleashes an intense and highly focused beam of red light from its crystal. The beam is so hot that it flash-evaporates the water around it. The beam hits Marlance and knocks it back. Marlance faints.

Misty silently returns Marlance to its Pokéball. She says to it, "You did a good job."

Tyde recalls Starmie. "You tried to use your Marlance's superior speed and maneuverability against me, a good strategy. I'm sorry it didn't work." He throws another Pokéball. "Go, Krakannon!"

Misty throws a Pokéball too. "You can do this, Gyarados!" She immediately commands, "Use Hyper Beam, Gyarados!"

Tyde orders, "Counter with your own Hyper Beam!" Both Pokémon unleash their Hyper Beams, but Krakannon's is much larger and more powerful. It quickly overpowers Gyarados' and makes contact on Gyarados.

Brenda asks, "How is it possible that Krakannon's attack could be so much stronger than Gyarados'?"

Brock answers, "It's Krakannon's ability. It's called Heavy Artillery. Pokémon with that ability have the power of all their beam-based attacks increased greatly."

Gyarados is badly damaged, but still standing. Misty orders, "Get below it and use Aqua Tail!" Gyarados dives into the water and swims up to Krakannon. It prepares to knock it out of the water with its tail.

Tyde orders, "Put a stop to it with Ice Beam!" Krakannon leaps up out of the water and attacks with a powered up Ice Beam. The water around Gyarados freezes up, trapping Gyarados. "Great, now finish it with Solar Beam!" After gathering solar energy, Krakannon unleashes a massive beam of light at Gyarados. When the light subsides, Gyarados has been defeated.

Misty reluctantly recalls Gyarados. Tyde also recalls Krakannon. Tyde comments, "It's time for our final matchup. Go, Delphin!" He tosses another Pokéball, and out comes a dolphin-like Pokémon. It is colored dark purple on its top and purple-pink on its bottom and sides. The top of its head features a prominent bulge.

Ash pulls back out his Pokédex. "Delphin, the Hyper-Intelligent Pokémon and a Water and Psychic Combo-Type. Delphin is one of the most intelligent species of Pokémon known. While it actually breathes air, it must live in the water so that it can use it as a constant coolant for its hyperactive brain, which would otherwise overheat. It expels the heated water through the blowhole on its back. Does not Evolve."

Misty pulls out her last Pokéball. She looks to it and says, "Alright, I've saved you for last, let's see if you can pull through." She throws it. "Go!" Out of it emerges a Kingdra.

Brock exclaims, "Wow, Misty must have Evolved her Horsea into a Seadra, and then into a Kingdra!"

Brenda pulls out her Pokédex this time. "Kingdra, the Dragon Pokémon and a Water and Dragon Combo-Type. According to the tales of sailors, Kingdra can be found as the cause of any whirlpool, sitting in its center. Evolves from Seadra with the use of a Dragon Scale."

Misty wastes no time. "Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse!" Kingdra unleashes an intense pulse of purple energy in the shape of a dragon from its mouth.

"Delphin, catch it with Telekinesis!" The attack is halted in midair by Delphin's psychic powers. "Now turn it around!" Delphin sends the attack back at Kingdra.

Misty acts fast and orders, "Out of the way, Kingdra!" With a burst of speed, Kingdra dodges to the side and the attack misses. "Underwater, now!" Kingdra dives.

"You go underwater as well, Delphin!" Delphin dives too. "Use Zen Headbutt!"

Misty orders, "Use Outrage!" Delphin's head begins to glow purple and Kingdra's body glows red. The Pokémon charge at each other and bounce back after impacting.

Both trainers order, "Keep it up!" Both Pokémon continue to ram into each other from various angles, both being knocked back each time. They continue to batter each other like that for several moments.

Then Tyde orders, "Use Water Spout!"

Misty orders, "Use Hydro Pump!" Both Pokémon unleash a massive blast of water, Delphin from its blowhole and Kingdra from its mouth. Instead of colliding, the two attacks fly past each other and hit the other. Both Pokémon are slammed into opposite walls of the tank.

Both Misty and Tyde watch with anticipation to see the results. A few tense moments later both Pokémon break the surface. Delphin pops its head up, and Kingdra floats up, knocked out. Misty silently recalls Kingdra and hangs her head in shame.

Tyde also recalls his Pokémon. "Do not despair Misty, there is no shame in losing, especially after fighting as hard as you did. You truly are a great Water-Type trainer. Regardless of what just happened you are still the winner of the Splash Cup. Do not forget that."

Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Misty have gathered back at the Rest Stop's front desk. Misty is on a video phone. On the other side is her sister Daisy. Daisy is pleading, "Like, please Misty, we so need you back here. I don't know how we ever ran things without you. Everything's, like, totally falling apart."

Misty sighs. "Alright…fine. I'll be back as soon as I can. Just don't let anything get any worse."

Daisy nods. "We'll try." She hangs up. Misty walks over to Ash and the others. "Well, I guess things are going pretty poorly back at the gym. Those three just don't know the first thing about running a gym. It's a joke, really."

Ash says, "That's too bad. I guess this is where we part ways again."

Misty nods. "I guess it is."

Someone behind them asks, "Back to your gym then?"

Misty turns around in surprise to see Tyde walking towards her. She blushes upon seeing him. "Um…yeah…"

He steps up to her. "Misty, remember how I told you earlier that I saw great potential in you?" Misty nods. "Well, watching you battle in the Splash Cup and battling against you myself has only served to confirm that I was right. Tell me Misty, what is your goal in life?"

Misty answers, "That's an easy one. I want to be the world's greatest Water-Type Master."

Tyde nods. "And I have no doubt that you have everything you need to make that dream come true. And I want to help."

Misty is stunned. "Help…?"

"As a philanthropist, I use the wealth I have amassed to help others. I want to be able to do the same with my skill as a Water-Type trainer. Part of the purpose of hosting the Splash Cup was because I wanted to find a suitable student to teach. Misty, if you would allow it, I would like to travel back to Cerulean with you and then help you train. With hard work and dedication I think you could surpass even my skill level."

Misty is speechless.

Ash says, "Wow Misty, that's so cool!"

Brock comments, "You'd be learning from the best."

Brenda adds, "Congratulations."

Tyde asks, "So, are you okay with that?"

Misty shakes her head with disbelief. She finally manages to say. "Yes…that would be amazing…"

Tyde extends a hand. "Then it's a deal. I'll make a Water-Type Master out of you for sure."

Misty's journey with Ash may once again be at its end, but there is now something new for her in the future. And as for Ash, his journey towards Versal City and his fourth Tenno gym badge is back in full swing, so the journey continues!

To Be Continued…