Chapter Twelve: Battling aboard the S.S. Anne!

Crash challenged Lt. Surge to a battle, questioning the man's philosophy on raising Pokémon. Though after a rematch with the Lightning Lieutenant, Crash is able to secure his third Gym Badge. But as Crash enters the Pokémon Center, he is greeted by a familiar face.

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"Daisy, it's been years!" Crash said, nuzzling closer as he embraced her.

"It really has, hasn't it?" Daisy said with a thoughtful tone. She broke away from the hug to get a better look at Crash.

"Oh my, you've gotten so big!" She said, taking off his hat to ruffle his hair. The trainer from Pallet Town beamed at the compliment.

"Uh, Crash? Who's this?" Misty asked, approaching the two.

"Oh! Right!" Crash puts his cap back on and turns back to his friends. "Misty, Brock, this is Daisy Oak! She's an old friend from when I was back in kindergarten!"

"A pleasure to meet you both." Daisy politely bowed, as she offered a handshake. As Misty reached out to shake her hand, Brock came seemingly from nowhere, knocking the water specialist out the way and began to hold Daisy's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too Daisy." Brock said in a flirtatious tone. "My name is Brock, and dare I say, you look absolutely gorgeous." He kisses her hand.

Daisy giggled at the compliment. "Believe me when I say I'm flattered." She gives an apologetic smile. "But I'm already engaged to someone else."

Brock froze where he knelt, still holding Daisy's hand. Misty got up and began to drag Brock away by the ear, causing the dejected breeder to snap out of his state.

"But I know you'll find someone nice! I know you will!" She stammered, clearly feeling bad about breaking the poor boy's heart.

"Brock does that often." Crash said with a disappointed tinge to his voice. He quickly opted to change the subject. "So what're you doing here in Vermilion City Daisy?"

"Well, I heard from Grandpa that you've started your journey, so I began stopping by every city I could, and found you here!" She explained.

"Well Daisy," Crash flashed his badges at the young lady. "Check this out!"

Daisy widened her eyes. "Three badges? That's great, Crash!"

"Yeah it is!" He bragged. "Me and my friends were about to celebrate, you wanna join?"

"I have a better idea." Daisy said as she dug through her bag, pulling out four tickets. "You can come with me to the biggest party held on the greatest cruise ship in all of Kanto."

Crash gasped. "No way. You got tickets to the S.S. Anne?! That's awesome! How?"

"My fiancée has a high paying job and loves his work." Daisy giggled. "These were for me, my fiancée, Larry and Grandpa. But my fiancée is a shut-in, Larry said he already had tickets, and Grandpa was busy at the lab."

She held out the tickets. "Would you like to come with me?"

He stared at the tickets, looked back to Brock and Misty, the latter was chastising the former for pushing her. He looked back to Daisy, giving her a wide smile.

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Crash gasped in disbelief when they made it to the harbor the very next day S.S. Anne was bigger than he imagined.

"I'd seen pictures of cruise ships in the newspaper and on television," Crash said, mouth wide with awe. "But seeing one in real life is nothing compared to this!"

Crash watched as other Trainers and non-Trainers were walking onboard the ship as they showed their tickets to security.

Misty gazed up at the large ship. "It's so beautiful..."

"Ok everyone, I've got the tickets' ', Daisy said, holding said items. "Follow me."

After getting their tickets checked, and making it onboard the S.S. Anne, they went straight to the reception desk and received four copies of a key for a room.

By the time they found their room, the captain spoke through the intercom and informed everyone onboard the ship that the ship was now leaving for Fuchsia City.

Crash and the gang, with Daisy in tow, left their bags in the room and headed to the main area, where there was a large crowd with people and Pokémon alike and merchandise booths aplenty.

Waiters were even walking around with trays loaded with food and drinks for both humans and Pokémon.

"This whole room was even bigger than the Celadon City shopping center." Daisy said, looking at her surroundings.

"Wow, look at all those Pokémon and Trainers!" Crash said with a giddy smile. "I'm just itching to battle them!"

"You go do that, I'll head to the deck and sunbathe!" Misty smiled.

"And I'll go and check the buffet", Brock added.

Crash looked at Daisy with a bright smile. "Hey Daisy! Why don't you come with me! I have seen you battle in a while."

"Sure, I don't have a problem with it." She smiled. "I've been meaning to battle for a while."

The four went their separate ways. Misty, upstairs to the deck. Brock went to a table to see the types of food on display, and Crash and Daisy went downstairs to the battle areas.

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Crash and Daisy gazed around at the various battlefields, both itching for a battle.

"I'm so pumped! I just can't wait to start battling!" Crash said as he bounced off his feet in place. As he turned to his left he noticed something nailed to the wall.

"Daisy, look at this." He said, pulling her over to look at a poster. "The S.S. Anne Cup, a top 32 tournament for trainers aboard the S.S. Anne!"

"That seems interesting." She nodded. She overlooked the paper again, taking a minute to read the participants.

"Let's sign up!" Crash said, taking a pen from a nearby table and signing his name on the bottom.

"Well I don't see why not." Daisy shrugged as she signed her name on the piece of paper.

"Why don't we see if Brock and Misty want to sign up too?" Crash said excitedly, taking the poster and rushing back upstairs.

As Crash made it to the deck, he came across a group of girls cheering a name that sounded like nails on a chalkboard to his ears.

"Larry's so cool!" one said.

"He really is." Another gushed.

"Ladies, please." An all too familiar voice said. "You're making me blush!" He laughed haughtily.

Crash rolled his eyes and groaned. "Larry…"

Daisy's eyes lit up. "Larry!" She called, trying to get her brother's attention.

Larry pulled down his sunglasses, and looked in the direction of the voice. He froze in place, trying to ignore her.

"Hey Larry, It's me!" Daisy called as pushed her way through the crowd towards her brother, with Crash reluctantly following.

"Do we have to invite him?" Crash groaned.

"He's my brother, Crash." She mildly scolded. "It'd be rude not to."

Despite his many attempts to ignore her, Larry gave up ignoring her, and greeted his sister.

"Heya sis." He waved.

"It's good to see you too Larry." Daisy smiled.

Larry noticed someone hiding behind his sister. He gave an antagonistic smile as he recognized the hat.

"Hey Crashy boy." Larry teased. Crash growled at hearing that nickname.

"Hi Larry." Crash grit through his teeth.

"What might you be doing here, Crash?" Larry raised a brow. "You only get tickets for the S.S. Anne if you win the lottery, or are extremely rich and/or skilled." Larry gestured to himself. "I'm an extremely skilled trainer," He gestured to his sister "And so is my sister." He pointed at Crash. "So, how did you get here?"

"I shared the tickets that my fiancée was given." Daisy said matter-of-factly. "He's too scared of crowds to come, so I shared the tickets with Crash!"

"Figures." Larry shook his head, wearing a smug smile. "So what're you talking to me for? Doubt Crashy boy wants anything to do with me."

"We came here to ask you if you want to join the Pokémon Trainer's tournament here on the ship." Daisy said, holding up the flier so her brother could look. "I was wondering if you'd be participating?"

Larry gave a long drawn out yawn. "Nah, I don't really feel like it."

"Why not?" Daisy asked, genuinely confused. "I'd thought you'd jump at the chance to show everyone your skills."

"Look sis," Larry said, taking a short sip of lemonade. "I'm taking a break from battling to unwind and relax." He said, stretching his arms. "Besides, I'd just win the tournament easily. No fun in fighting someone as strong as Crash." He flipped his sunglasses down and continued to sunbathe.

"Oh, well that's fine." Daisy said, straining a smile. "Have a nice vacation."

"Oh and uh Crash?" Larry said, grabbing the boy's attention. "Good luck trying to win that tournament," Larry gave a snide smile. "Because luck is all you have."

Crash prepared to pounce on Larry, but Daisy gripped his shoulders and calmly shook her head. Crash looked at Larry with scorn in his eyes and walked away.

"I'm sorry about Larry, Crash." Daisy apologized.

"You don't have to apologize for him…" Crash frowned. "Let's just find Misty…"

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It wasn't hard for them to find Misty on the other side of the ship's deck, in a swimsuit, lying down on an adjustable beach chair.

"Hey, Misty!" Crash said, wildly waving the piece of paper in her face.

Misty grabbed the poster from Crash, and pulled her sunglasses down to get a better look at the poster.

"A tournament?" Misty raised a brow, looking back up at Crash.

"It's a great opportunity to try out the Krabby I caught for you!" He said with a wide smile on his face. Daisy gave Misty a curious look, leaving the water specialist to blush.

"Crash, I am trying to sunbathe." She glared, attempting to hide her blush from view.

Crash got on his knees. "C'mon, please?" He begged.

As Misty blushed in embarrassment at Crash's insistence, he looks at her face with a worried expression.

"Are you Ok Misty?" He asked.

"I'm fine!" She said in a not reassuring tone.

"But your cheeks are all red." He answered.

She blushed harder. "It's just the heat!" She waved away. "Look, I'll sign up! Just let me get dressed first!" She quickly stammered.

"Awesome!" He gave her a quick hug before taking the poster back. He rushes back inside the ship, eager to recruit Brock. Daisy is quick to follow but looks back at Misty curiously before leaving.

"Geez he just does whatever he wants…" Misty groaned as she got up from her chair.

Crash found Brock knelt at a table, professing his love for a woman. Crash watched as she laughed, told the rock specialist off, stood up and walked away.

Brock fell to his knees, defeated.

"Hey Brock," Daisy said. "You ok?"

"My heart has been shattered many times over…" Brock moped.

"Don't worry Brock, I'm sure you'll find other girls to break your heart." Crash said with sincerity. Brock gave a distressed groan.

"Anyway, Brock," Crash pulled out the poster. "There's this tournament that's being held on the S.S. Anne. And we came to see if you'd be interested in joining."

Brock slowly stood up. "Sure." He said, completely downcast. "I've nothing else better to do."

"Awesome!" Crash shouted, pumping his fists excitedly.

"The battlefields are downstairs, they'll call you over the intercom when it is your time to battle." Daisy explained.

Brock nodded dejectedly and walked over to a buffet table, sitting down with his arms blocking any view of his face.

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The battles began, and Crash and friends all prepared for their battles.

Misty was first against a trainer named "The Astounding Mandy", an upcoming performer.

"This will be a one-on-one battle with a time limit of five minutes." The announcer explained "Are both trainers ready?"

Mandy and Misty both nod.

"Then trainers," The announcer started. "Send out your Pokémon!"

"Krabby, go!"

"Exeggutor, take center stage!"

The two Pokémon enter the field, preparing for battle.

"She's using the Krabby I caught her." Crash smiled.

Daisy turned to Crash. "So you really did catch her that Krabby?"

"Mhm." He smiled.

Daisy gave a thoughtful nod.

"This'll be an uphill battle." Brock crossed his arms and frowned. "Not only is Krabby a recent addition, but is also a pure water type."

"Misty's got this!" Crash gave a prideful smile. "She beat a Weepinbell."

"That was with her more experienced Starmie though." Brock said. "And Joe got overconfident due to him having the type advantage."

As Misty and Mandy's battle continued, she found that her new capture couldn't get close due to the combination of Barrage and Psywave.

Darn, Krabby can't get close enough… Exeggutor's gonna wear Krabby down at this rate. She ruffles her hair in frustration. Ugh! Why did I choose Krabby of all Pokémon? Her mind flashed a mental picture of Crash handing her the caught Krabby, and him begging her to use said Pokémon. Oh right… him. Argh! I gotta find a way outta this! She racks her brain for an idea as her crustacean Pokémon began to slow down from exhaustion. This might be crazy, but I'm desperate!

"Krabby, cover yourself with Bubble! And charge at Exeggutor!" Misty commanded.

The Crab Pokémon sprays bubbles on its claws and charges at its foe, with the bubbles protecting it from the attacks.

"Now use Vicegrip!"

Krabby's claw clamps down on Exeggutor's head leaves.

"Exeggutor!" Mandy cried as his Coconut Pokémon began to shake its head furiously, trying to loosen the grip Krabby had on it.

"Exeggutor, use Hypnosis!" Mandy commanded. A hypnotic wave is emitted from its eyes, but the move fails, due to the Pokémon clenching its eyes in pain.

"Krabby, use Stomp!"

Krabby swings from Exeggutor's leaves, launching itself into the air and landing on the Pokémon's head.

"Exeggutor!" Mandy cried.

"Finish this with Crabhammer!"

The Crab Pokémon lifts up a large pincer, and slams it onto Exeggutor, hammering its head into the floor repeatedly. At its trainer's command, Krabby stops and hops off of Exeggutor, the Coconut Pokémon now unconscious.

"Exeggutor is unable to battle, which means that Misty Falls is the winner."

Misty claps her hands against her mouth, shocked at her victory. I can't believe that worked…

"Krabby! We won!" She picks up the water type and hugs it, the Crab Pokémon happily spraying bubbles.

"Woohoo! Good job Misty!" Crash cheered.

"She defied all expectations." Daisy smiled.

"That strategy she used to protect Krabby with that bubble armor was genius." Brock looked back at Crash. "A strategy you would've used I bet."

"Maybe." Crash answered with a wide grin.

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As Misty went to the ship's infirmary to get her Pokémon looked at, Daisy approached her from behind.

"Congratulations on your win Misty!" Daisy said.

"Thanks!" Misty smiled. "I wasn't sure if I'd be able to win, but I just…"

"Just what?" Daisy tilted her head curiously.

Misty took a deep breath. "I just felt like I had to win. I've seen Crash overcome odds like that before, whether it was beating an Onix with Wormwood, or using Mark against a Cubone."

"Mark? Wormwood?" Daisy stopped in her tracks confused.

"Oh right he never did tell you did he?" Misty asked. "He nicknamed his Pokémon."

Instead of looking surprised, Daisy looked touched. "He did?"

Misty nodded as she began to list their nicknames one by one.

"So Crash has all three of the Kanto starters huh?" Daisy said, sounding impressed. "And he even managed to tame that Pikachu."

"You know that Pikachu?" Misty asked.

"Mmhm." She nodded. "Ever since Grandpa caught it, it seemed… resentful towards humans. It would even be abandoned by trainers or even leave them."

"That's horrible." Misty put a hand over her mouth.

"But it's a good thing that Mark found Crash." Daisy said, with a smile. Daisy's face lit up in realization. "Oh, I forgot to ask you."

Misty looked at her with interest. "What is it?"

Daisy gave a naughty grin as she stated her question. "Did Crash really catch that Krabby for you?"

The water specialist's face flushed with red, as she attempted to speak.

"He totally did, didn't he?" Daisy tilted her head, giving a mischievous yet curious smile.

Misty hid her flushed face from the young Oak girl, confirming her thought. "C'mon, let's head back!" Daisy giggled. "It's Crash's turn to battle next."

Misty retrieves her now fully healed Krabby, and alongside Daisy, they make their way back to the battle areas.

Crash is already making his way to the arena, Pokéball in hand.

As he and his opponent reach the arena, they wish each a good match and send out their Pokémon.

"Nidorina, let's go!"

"Agni! I choose you!"

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A Thunderbolt and a Flamethrower clashed with each other, creating a smokescreen.

"Nidorina, use Double Kick!" It's trainer commanded.

Nidorina leaps into the smoke and launches two kicks in succession at her fire type opponent.

"Agni, are you alright?" Crash calls out worriedly. The fire lizard nods. "Ok! Use Scratch!"

Agni charges at his opponent with his claws bared. The Poison Pin Pokémon jumps out of the way.

"Now use Body Slam, Nidorina!"

Nidorina leaps into the air, attempting to flatten the fire lizard.

"Flamethrower!" Crash ordered. Nidorina's trainer gasped as the attack not only was a direct hit, but Agni avoided Nidorina's attack.

"Nidorina! Get up!" The trainer said desperately. Nidorina staggered to her feet exhausted, flinching at the pain the Flamethrower left on her stomach.

"Flamethrower one more time, Agni!"

"Counter with Thunderbolt!"

The attacks collided, creating another large smoke cloud.

"Neither seems to be giving an inch…" Brock said, impressed.

"Despite being in its first stage too…" Daisy noticed.

The smoke cleared, the two trainers realizing that the battle would end here.

"Nidorina, use Scratch!"

"Agni! Use Scratch too!"

The two Pokémon brandish their claws, ready to strike their opponents. The two Pokémon appear on opposite sides as they seemingly struck each simultaneously.

Nidorina falls to the ground, exhausted.

"Nidorina is unable to battle, so Charmader wins! Crash Betchum is declared the winner and will continue in the tournament."

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Brock was next, and he was up against a trainer named "Sir Reginald Silverton", a wealthy gentleman.

"This will be a one-on-one battle between Brock Rockefeller and Sir Reginald Silverton. This battle will have a time limit of five minutes." The announcer explained. "Are both trainers ready?"

The two trainers nodded.

"Then trainers," The announcer started. "Send out your Pokémon!"

"Raticate, time for a jolly good show!"

"Geodude, go!"

The two Pokémon enter the field, prepared for battle.

"Geodude, Tackle!"

Geodude charges at the rodent Pokémon with a shoulder Tackle. The rat Pokémon nimbly leaps over the rock type.

"Raticate, use Super Fang!"

Raticate chomped hard on its target with its sharp front fangs before Geodude could react.

Daisy gasped. "Super Fang?"

Crash looked back at Daisy. "What's Super Fang?" He asked.

"Super Fang is a move that does more damage the least battle-worn a Pokémon is." Daisy explained with a serious look. "

Brock has to end this quickly, or Raticate will."

Brock grit his teeth. "Geodude, knock it away with Mega Punch!"

Geodude swings at the Mouse Pokémon, knocking it off its arm, sending Raticate skidding on its feet.

"Raticate, use Quick Attack!"

Raticate charges at Geodude with incredible speed.

"Geodude, use Harden!" Brock said, thinking quickly.

Geodude's body shone on the lights from the ceiling as it entered a defensive stance. As Raticate made contact with the rock type, Geodude held its ground as Raticate bounced off its hardened opponent.

"Use Tackle." Brock commanded.

Geodude once again charges at the rodent Pokémon with a shoulder Tackle. The rat Pokémon is sent flying at its Trainer's feet.

"Nice one!" Crash cheered. "Brock's got this one in the bag!"

Daisy continued to look on at the battle silently.

Raticate shook off the hit, receiving little damage.

"What?" Crash gasped. "That Tackle was a direct hit!"

"Raticate is stronger than it looks." Daisy said. "And its Trainer's still confident." She points at Sir Reginald. "See?"

"He's still confident?" asked a confused Misty.

"It's been bothering me since this battle started." Daisy said. "He's got something up his sleeve."

"Raticate, use Quick Attack."

Once again, Raticate charges at Geodude with incredible speed.

"Geodude, use Tackle!"

Geodude once again charges at the rodent Pokémon with a shoulder Tackle. But Raticate leaps over Geodude due to its greater speed, and dodges it.

"Raticate, finish this with Bubblebeam."

Misty, Crash and Brock all gasped in utter shock. "BUBBLEBEAM?!"

Raticate fires a spray of bubbles at Geodude, who was too slow to evade the attack. Geodude rolled on the ground, too weak to continue.

"Geodude is unable to battle, so Raticate wins! Sir Reginald Silverton is declared the winner and will continue in the tournament."

Brock retrieves his rock Pokémon and congratulates it on a job well done.

Crash grit his teeth. "His Raticate had Bubblebeam."

"I thought only aquatic Pokémon could use moves like Bubblebeam." Misty said, tone filled with disbelief.

"Well that would be the case if not for TMs." Daisy said.

Crash and Misty looked at her confused.

"TMs are very useful for teaching Pokémon moves they can't normally learn naturally." Daisy explained. "Sir Reginald Silverton had that up his sleeve the whole time."

"Why didn't he use it right off the bat then?" Crash asked.

"Maybe he wasn't taking this seriously?" Misty theorized.

"Either way, we-" Daisy was interrupted as her name was called on the intercom. "Oh! It's my turn to battle. Wish me luck guys!"

"You'll do great." Misty smiled.

"You've got this., Daisy!" Crash cheered.

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Daisy was up against a trainer named "Markov Greenwood", a psychic trainer who was trained by the Saffron Gym Leader herself.

On the announcers signal, the two trainers send out their Pokémon.

"Go, Hypno!" Markov said.

A yellow Pokémon with a white fur collar was called out to Markov's side of the field.

"Hypno?" Crash said as he pulled out his Pokédex.

Dexter: Hypno, the Hypnosis Pokémon. A Psychic type. Avoid eye contact if you come across one. It will try to put you to sleep by using its pendulum.

"Ok! Pippi! I choose you!" Daisy called out. A Clefairy with a pink bow is sent out on Daisy's side.

"So she's using Pippi for this battle…" Crash thought.

"You know what Pokémon she has?" Misty asked.

"I've only seen three of her Pokémon, but yeah, I do." Crash confirmed. "And I know that this guy doesn't stand a chance.

"Let the battle begin!" The announcer called.

"Hypno, use Confusion!"

Hypno's eyes glow blue as he fires a strange beam of energy at the Clefairy.

"Pippi, use Light Screen!"

The Clefairy constructs a wall of light that seemingly neutralizes the attack.

"Hypno, use Headbutt!"

The Hypnosis Pokémon charges headfirst at the Clefairy, the fairy Pokémon is able to evade the multiple Headbutts.

"Pippi! Use Doubleslap!"

As Hypno charged again at foe, Pippi was able to intercept it by repeatedly slapping it, immediately stopping the Hypnosis Pokémon in its tracks. As the final slap makes contact, it sends the psychic type flying back.

"Hypno!" Marov cried.

"Her Clefairy is stronger than it looks…" Brock commented. "For it to send a Pokémon like Hypno flying with Clefairy's size, she must've done some special training for that to be possible."

"Hypno, use Hypnosis!" Markov ordered.

"Pippi, close your eyes!"

As Hypno began swinging its pendulum, Pippi quickly closed her eyes, preventing the move from working. Markov took advantage of the Clefairy's temporary lack of sight by ordering Hypno to use another Headbutt.

"Pippi, dodge and use Tri Attack!" Daisy quickly commanded.

Pippi leaps over the attack gracefully, and conjures balls of fire, ice and electricity, preparing to fire the attack at her opponent.

"Hypno! Turn around and use Confusion! Quickly!"

Hypno's eyes glow blue as he fires a strange beam of energy, causing the two attacks to collide, which results in an explosion that knocks both Pokémon backward.

Once the smoke had cleared, Hypno was seen lying on its back, unconscious. Though Daisy's Clefairy hadn't come out unscathed from the exchange, she stood tall as the announcer called the match in Daisy's favor.

Crash began to loudly whoop and cheer for Daisy, as she left the battlefield.

"Daisy's incredible." Misty said breathlessly.

Crash grinned. "That's Daisy for ya. She doesn't battle often, but when she does" Crash rubbed his index finger under his nostrils. "It's a sight to see."

"And that's it for the best of 32! The best of 17 will begin shortly." The announcer said.

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The battles continued in the best of 16, with Crash using Briar to win his next round, Misty utilizing Krabby to win her battle rather easily, Daisy continued to use her Clefairy, Pippi, and Sir Reginald Silverton who continued to use his Raticate.

The best of 16 came to an end with its final round as Sir Reginald Silverton ordered his Raticate to use a barrage of Quick Attacks on a Beedrill, ending his battle rather quickly.

"That Reginald guy is tough." Crash said.

Misty nodded. "Yeah he is."

"Participants of the S.S. Anne Cup, the quarter finals will begin shortly," Said the announcer. "prepare yourselves and your Pokémon for the battles ahead."

A screen displayed the participants that were still in the tournament. It began to shuffle their pictures like playing cards before stopping and placing them in groups of four.

"The next battle of the best of 8 are as follows."

Misty gasped as she saw her opponent. "I'm fighting Sir Reginald?!"

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With everyone's opponent's decided, Misty is sent into a panic. How will Misty overcome Sir Reginald Silverton, if at all? And who will be crowned the winner of the S.S. Anne Cup? You find out, as the journey continues…

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and the changes in the story so far, if you did, check out the forum for this fanfic, if you have and questions or suggestions for the story going forward. Catch ya later, Pokéfans!