Todd: Pokemon Snap
Ash and friends have stopped to have breakfast on their neverending journey along Route 20. Brock has cooked up some delicious rice balls for them to eat. Misty breaks a small piece off of hers and offers it to Togepi
"Alright Togepi open up wide." Togepi opens it's mouth and Misty feeds it the rice ball
Priiii!
Alex is currently taking a nap against a tree, Eevee is fast asleep on his lap. Ash reaches for Alex's portion of the rice balls but Pikachu slaps his hand away
Pika Pika!
"Aww come on Pikachu!" Ash moans
"Don't worry Ash. There's plenty to go around." Brock says as he continues cooking
Ash notices a flash of something in the bushes nearby. His eyes widen as he imagines a sniper firing a gun and killing Brock
"Look out!" Ash yells and knocks Misty and Pikachu over. He charges towards Brock
"Get down!"
"What's going on-" Ash slams into Brock knocking him against the table and causing their food to be spilled all over the ground. Brock's pot of rice goes flying and lands in the river where it drifts downstream
"My rice!" Brock yells, "What's your problem Ash!"
Ash looks over at the bush, "I saw something overthere!"
Togepi starts crying
"Look what you did!" Misty yells as she picks up Togepi. She starts rocking Togepi gently, "There there Togepi. Ash is just being an idiot."
"I am not!" Ash yells as he hops back to his feet, "I saw something and I'm gonna prove it! Go Squirtle!"
Squirt Squirtle
"Use Water Gun at that bush!"
Squirtle fires the Water Gun at the bush
"Ahhh stop!" A kid, about Ash's age, hops out of the bush, "Stop spraying me!"
"See I told you!" Ash yells, "Squirtle return!"
"Is everything ok?" Misty asks the strange kid who immediately inspects the camera around his neck
"Yep everything's fine." The kid replies
"I meant you not your camera." Misty says annoyed
"But you see, this camera is my life." The kid replies
"Get yourself a new life!" Ash yells, "Why were you spying on us?"
"I wasn't spying on you." The kid replies offended, "My name is Todd Snap and I love taking pictures. You didn't have to sic your Squirtle on me."
Ash clenches his fists
"You should consider it an honour that I want to take a picture of your Pikachu." Todd says smugly
Pika?
"If you wanted to take pictures then why didn't you just ask?" Brock asks accusingly
"I didn't want Pikachu to know I was taking pictures. I never want them to look posed." Todd explains, "You see...I am the number one Pokemon Photo Master!"
"What's a Pokemon Photo Masker?" Ash asks confused
"Not masker! Master! I'm a photographer!" Todd explains exasperated, "Listen I live close by. Why don't you guys come over to my place and I can show you my work?"
The group have followed Todd to his house, Alex is a bit grumpy that they woke him up from his nap
"Here you go Alex." Todd hands Alex a cup of tea, "I'm sure this will wake you up."
"Doubt it." Alex takes a sip and immediately spits the tea out, "That's awful! Hey it worked!"
Eevee! Eevee!
"So you're a famous photographer?" Brock asks
"You bet. I'm the photographer who took the only known photograph of the extinct Pokemon Aerodactyl." Todd explains
The others just look confused
"Uhh have any of you guys heard of him?" Ash asks
"Nope." Misty replies
"Nope." Alex replies
"Nope." Brock replies
Todd almost falls over from shock, "How have they never heard of me!"
Todd dashes out of the room
"How do we keep finding these people?" Alex asks
Todd comes back in with a magazine, "Here look at this issue of Pokemon Times. That's my photograph." He places the magazine on the table and true enough there's a picture of a silhouette of an Aerodactyl holding onto something vaguely human shaped. A picture of Todd's face is in the corner with his name and details underneath
"I guess you are famous." Brock says
Ash gasps in shock, "That's me!"
"What are you talking about?" Todd asks confused, "That's a picture of the extinct Pokemon Aerodactyl. I took it at Grampa Canyon."
"Yeah I know but that's me over there!" Ash points to the vaguely human shaped silhouette that Aerodactyl is holding
Todd uses his computer to zoom in on the picture and true enough the silhouette is revealed to be Ash
"See I told you." Ash says, "I remember that day clearly"
"Huh I guess you're right. That puny little thing really is you." Todd says
"Puny?" Ash asks offended
"It's incredible how two people can be brought together by a single photograph. It's funny when you think about it. You're in the picture and nobody knows who you are and I take your picture and I'm world famous."
Ash's eye has started twitching
"Oh no." Alex says
"If you think that's funny you'll love this." Ash suddenly snatches a pokeball from Brock
"Ash don't!" Brock yells before Ash tosses the pokeball
Aero!
"An Aerodactyl! No way!" Todd yells shocked. Meanwhile Alex, Brock and Misty have dived for cover
"I have to take a picture of this!" Todd reaches for his camera when Aerodactyl suddenly lunges for him
"Ahhh!" Todd starts running around the room while Aerodactyl chases after him, "This would make an incredible photograph!"
Ash watches the whole thing amused...right before Aerodactyl spots him and decides to go after him as well, "Ahhhh!"
Everyone is now eating pancakes to replace the breakfast Ash ruined
"Todd these pancakes are delicious!" Ash shouts with his mouth full
"You have to give me your recipe." Brock says through bites
Todd meanwhile is setting up his camera. He points it at Pikachu who is enjoying his plate of pancakes. However Pikachu senses Todd's eyes on him and glances over uncomfortably
Pika?
"It's fine Pikachu. Just keep eating." Todd says
Pikachu poses uncomfortably
"No no ignore me. Pretend I'm not here." Todd says
Pikachu's cheeks start sparking. Everyone else watches confused
"Relax. Act natural." Todd says
Pikachu's cheek sparks are getting stronger
"Smile."
Pikachu forces a big smile on his face
"This is gonna be great." He presses the button and Pikachu suddenly uses Thunderbolt
"Ahhhhhhh!" Todd collapses to the ground
Pi! Pikachu!
Ash starts giggling, "The camera's shutter must have scared Pikachu. We don't get our picture taken too often."
Todd gets back to his feet, "There's nothing to be afraid of Pikachu. Let's try again."
He aims the camera at Pikachu again, "Ok smile."
Pikachu smiles but you can tell he's really uncomfortable. Todd slumps to his knees
"It's no use. I can't work like this I'm sorry."
"What do you mean?" Alex asks
"Pokemon should be photographed naturally. Not posing. That's the only way I want my pictures." Todd says
"Why is it such a big deal?" Misty asks
"Take a look at those photographs over there." Todd points at a wall nearby. There are a bunch of framed photographs of Pokemon out in the wild
"Those are all Pokemon living in their natural habitats. Look how peaceful they are. Don't they show how Pokemon are ought to be?" Todd asks
"Wow. I've never seen Pokemon pictures like that before." Brock says
"They all look so cute and carefree." Misty says
"They're happy." Ash says
"With my pictures I can show people how beautiful and happy Pokemon are out in the wilds." Todd explains
"You have a real talent Todd." Brock says
"That's why I never want to take a picture of a Pokemon who's posed and looks sad and scared." Todd says
Alex has been stuffing his face throughout this whole conversation
"Well Pikachu may not like being photographed, but Pikachu's not my only Pokemon. How about taking a shot at some of my other Pokemon?" Ash suggests
"I have plenty of Pokemon too." Misty says, "You could take their pictures."
"Me as well. How about my Pokemon?" Brock suggests
"Uh no thanks." Todd says a bit overwhelmed, "I only want to take pictures of Pikachu."
Alex swallows a bite of pancakes, "What's so important about taking Pikachu's picture?"
Todd looks down at the ground, "Well I...I can't tell you."
"What do you mean?" Ash asks
"That's all I can say." Todd says, "I have to take Pikachu's photo and that's all there is to it!"
Ash scowls at him, "Then go ahead, but you won't have much luck."
Pikachu looks around confused
"You just watch." Todd says determined, "I'll capture you Pikachu like no other photographer."
Pikachu stares up at Todd terrified
Pika-Pika...
The Pokegang have since left Todd's house and are walking along a river. Pikachu is sitting on Ash's shoulder.
Todd is spying on them from across the river, his camera at the ready. He thinks back to the conversation he had before all this
Flashback
Todd is speaking to an old man and old woman who are most definitely not James and Jessie in disguise
"You must help us." The old woman begs tearfully, "We really need you to capture this Pikachu."
"Oh please. This Pikachu is so important to us." The old man hands Todd some pictures showing Pikachu with Ash
(These pictures rot.) Todd thinks to himself
"Please grant this woman one last wish before she passes on?" The old woman asks
The old man and their pet Meowth start crying. Todd glances at the pictures again
(It's so sad. They must have raised a Pikachu just like this one.)
Todd stands up, "Don't worry. I'll take the job."
"You mean you'll do it?" The old man asks
"I'll capture the Pikachu perfectly."
"We're very grateful." The old man says as he wipes his tears, "But we'd appreciate it if you don't tell anyone we've been here."
"No problem." Todd says, "I would never reveal my clients' identities"
Flashback ends
(I have to grant the old woman's wish. I have to capture the perfect picture of Pikachu)
Team Rocket are eating lunch at a nice restaurant. They are still dressed in their disguises
"Alright Meowth where did you find this Snap kid? Can he get Pikachu?" Jessie asks
Meowth pulls out his copy of the Pokemon Times, "It says here that this kid's the best at capturing Pokemon."
"He even showed us that photo album of all the Pokemon he's taken." James remembers
"Yeah and he said he wanted to take a shot at Pikachu. I guarantee you this plan will work out flawlessly." Meowth says confidently
The Pokegang are resting near the river. Ash and Pikachu are both washing their faces
Pikachu!
Todd suddenly pops out from hiding with his camera aimed at Pikachu, "Hold it right there!"
He snaps a picture but to his shock Ash had gotten in the way
"What?"
Ash flashes him the peace sign, "You've gotta be quicker."
Todd's hiding in a tree branch. He sees Pikachu walking past, "Got you."
He takes a picture...but once again Ash got in the way
"Not again!"
"Missed again Snaper!" Ash yells
Todd growls, "I'll get that picture if it's the last thing I do!"
Team Rocket are busy digging a hole, or more specifically James and Meowth are digging while Jessie is supervising
"Dig quicker! Those twerps will be here any minute!" Jessie yells
James hits something hard, "Hey I think I found something!"
"Stop wasting time and cover up this hole!" Jessie yells. James and Meowth climb out of the pit they just dug and quickly cover it up. Meowth sees Todd in the distance
"It's that Snap kid! Quick hide!" Meowth shouts and the three of them hide. Todd rushes over and stops just before he steps on the trap
"Hmm. This dirt is soft. This might be a good spot to wait for Pikachu."
He sets up his tripod and camera in the bushes nearby, "Alright I'm ready."
He sees Ash, Alex, Misty and Brock heading down the path. Togepi is sleeping in Misty's arms while Eevee is laying on Alex's head. There's no sign of Pikachu though
Ash is looking around the area, "I don't see him anywhere."
Pikachu sticks his head out of Ash's bag
Pi Pika
He ducks back inside
"Pikachu must really hate cameras." Brock says, "I've never seen him so nervous before."
"It's too bad Todd won't get his picture." Misty says
Ash scoffs, "I don't see what's so great about that Snap. He doesn't even understand the feelings of the Pokemon he takes pictures of."
Todd looks shocked at this, (I don't understand the feelings of the Pokemon?)
"Well I for one am getting tired of him following us. Can't you just let him take Pikachu's picture so he'll bug off?" Alex asks
"No way! Pikachu doesn't want his picture taken so I won-" They suddenly step on the trap and the ground gives way, "Ahhhh!"
"Ow my arm!" Ash shouts in pain
"Who's idea was it to put a hole in the road?" Alex asks annoyed
"Who else would have an idea like that?" Brock asks
"Just Team Rocket." Misty moans
Team Rocket are watching from their hiding spot, "We got them!"
"Look there's that Snap kid. He's gonna get our Pikachu." Meowth says
Todd rushes over to the hole, "Are you guys ok?"
"More or less." Alex replies
"Could you get us out please?" Misty asks
"I think I have a rope." Todd starts digging in his bag when he notices Pikachu, "Now's my chance."
He drops the rope and grabs his camera. Ash just groans annoyed
"Fine get it over with."
Team Rocket are watching confused
"What is that boy doing?" Jessie asks
"He's taking a picture of Pikachu." James answers confused. Him and Jessie look at Meowth
"Meowth what did that magazine say?" Jessie asks
Meowth pulls out the magazine, "Here. It says it right here. Todd Snap is the best at capturing Pokemon...on film. Oh my mistake."
Jessie and James punch Meowth, "You're the mistake!"
"Alright hold it." Todd snaps a picture of Pikachu, "I did it!"
He notices the ground beneath Ash is starting to crack, "Oh no!"
He tosses the rope down, "Grab the rope quick!"
However the ground breaks at that point and Ash and Pikachu fall through into the water below
"Ash!" Misty yells
Todd hops in after him. Alex hops in after him
Ash and Pikachu are being swept along, Pikachu is clutching onto Ash's bag tightly
"Hang on Pikachu!"
Todd runs along the side, "Are you guys alright?"
"We're fine!" Ash yells back
Todd looks ahead, "Quick find something to hold onto!"
Ash glances ahead and sees that the river leads to a steep drop. He quickly looks around in a panic, "There's nothing to grab onto!"
"I need to think of something quick!" Todd glances back at his tripod and camera which is strapped to his back, "I know!"
Ash is trying to swim away from the current but it's too strong. Pikachu is clutching onto his back
"Ash grab on!" Todd tosses his camera towards Ash who grabs onto the strap just in time before him and Pikachu go down the waterfall. Todd clutches onto the tripod desperately
"Just hang on!" Todd groans as he tries to pull them up
Ash sees that Todd's camera is soaked in water, "Todd your camera! It's ruined!"
"Don't worry about my camera Ash. Just worry about hanging on." Todd says
Ash starts pulling himself and Pikachu up towards Todd
"You did an excellent job for us Snap." They hear an old lady's voice. Todd glances to the side where the old couple are standing
"What are you two doing here?" Todd asks confused
Jessie(old woman voice): Prepare for trouble!
James(old man voice): Make it double!
Jessie(old woman voice): To protect the world from devastation!
James(old man voice): To unite all peoples within our nation!
Jessie(old woman voice): To denounce the evils of truth and love!
James(old man voice): To extend our reach to the stars above!
Jessie rips off her disguise
Jessie: Jessie!
James rips off his disguise
James: James!
Todd yells out confused
Ash: Team Rocket!
Jessie: Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!
James: Surrender now or prepare to fight!
Meowth: Meowth! That's right!
Meowth pulls out an electric bug catching net, "And we just netted ourselves a Pikachu!"
The net extends forward and grabs Pikachu
"Pikachu!" Ash yells
"Why did you trick me!" Todd asks angrily
"You tricked us first little shutterbug." Jessie replies, "We wanted you to take Pikachu not take it's picture!"
"But thanks for helping us snatch up the real Pikachu." Meowth says
"And to show our gratitude," James pulls out a bomb, "Why don't you have one of these."
James tosses the bomb towards them and it explodes close by
"Ahhh!" Ash almost loses his grip on the camera
"Huh looks like I need to work on my aim." James pulls out another bomb
Alex suddenly rushes up to Todd, "Ok I made it."
"Alex!" Ash yells, "What took you so long?"
"I...tripped." Alex admits, "Hey is that Team Rocket?"
Team Rocket have been watching the events confused, James suddenly realizes he is still holding onto the lit bomb
"Oh no!" The bomb explodes causing Team Rocket to blast off
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Todd and Alex have managed to pull Ash up
"Pikachu!" Ash yells concerned
Pikapi!
They see Pikachu has managed to free himself during the explosion
"Oh thank goodness. Don't worry Pikachu I'll get you!" Ash tosses his pokeball and Bulbasaur pops out, "Bulbasaur use Vine Whip to grab Pikachu."
Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur extends his vines and wraps them around Pikachu. He carries Pikachu over to Ash
"Nice work Bulbasaur return. I'm glad you're ok Pikachu."
Pika Pikachu
"Now that the touching reunion is over can we get out of here?" Alex asks, "I saw some ladders nearby that we can climb."
The group have since reunited with Misty and Brock and returned to Todd's house. He has set up his camera, which luckily is still working, and is about to take a picture of the whole group
"I don't usually take pictures of humans but this time I'll make an exception." Todd says, "I want to remember my new friends forever."
"Make sure to get my good side." Misty says
"I'd rather not be in the picture." Alex mumbles
Todd presses the button on his camera and rushes over to be in the picture. However he slips on a rice ball and falls forward
"Ah!"
He knocks into Ash and Misty right before the picture is taken and they all fall to the ground. Everyone starts laughing when Alex notices something in the bushes
"Hmm. I wonder what that is." Alex heads over to the bush and bends down when something stabs him
"Oww!"
"Alex are you ok?" Ash asks
Alex sees a Nidorino in the bushes. He chucks a pokeball at it
wiggle wiggle wiggle ping
"Alright! I caught a-" He suddenly feels woozy and a purple hue appears above his nose, "I don't feel too good all of a sudden"
Nidorino the Poison Pin Pokemon. A Poison type. An aggressive Pokemon that is quick to attack. The horn on its head secretes a powerful venom. Nidorino is the evolved form of a male Nidoran and evolves into a Nidoking through use of a Moon Stone.
Alex closes his pokedex and rubs his bandaged hand before taking a seat on the blanket set out for lunch. Brock is busy setting up everybody's food. It's been a day since the group ran into Todd Snap and the photographer has decided to travel with them. He is currently taking pictures of Pikachu playing with Eevee and Togepi
"These are great." Todd says
Ash has started stuffing his face already. He is currently chewing on a sandwich when Misty decides to ask him a question
"Hey Ash it's been awhile since you got any badges. Are you sure you'll ever get another one?" Misty asks
Ash immediately starts choking
"Ah Ash!" Alex grabs his baseball bat and starts smacking Ash on the back
"Was it something I said?" Misty asks
Brock hands Ash a cup of water and he takes a big sip washing the food down
"Alex that wasn't helping." Ash says between gulps of air
"Sorry I panicked." Alex rubs his neck
"Skill. I win matches with skill." Ash tells Misty
"How much skill does it take to beat Team Rocket?" Misty asks
"Ok I'll show you skill!" Ash grabs one of his pokeballs, "I challenge you right now!"
Pika Pika!
"No I will not change my mind!"
"Hold it!" Todd starts snapping pictures again
"Why should I hold it!" Ash yells
"Not you! That's a perfect expression Pikachu." Todd says
"You know Todd asking a Pokemon to hold their expression isn't really natural." Alex points out
"It still makes a great photo though." Todd replies
"Enough with the photos!" Ash yells, "I have to defend my honour!"
Misty sighs, "I really don't want to battle right now Ash."
"Then you shouldn't have challenged me!" Ash dramatically points his pokeball at Misty
"I didn't. You challenged me." Misty points out
Brock just rolls his eyes, "Here we go."
Ash is about to reply when Todd interjects himself
"How about you just take the Pokémon League Admissions Exam?"
"What's that?" Ash asks, "I've never heard of it."
"Yeah me either." Misty says
"It's a very tough exam that only the most skilled Pokemon trainers can pass." Todd explains, "If you successfully pass the exam then you qualify for the Pokemon League without having to gather eight badges."
Alex chuckles, "Really? So if I pass this stupid exam I don't have to bother getting anymore badges?"
"Correct."
Alex smirks, "Sign me up."
Todd has led the group to the Pokémon League Admissions Center which is close to Matcha City. The group are lined up at one of the reception desks. There are a lot of trainers there
"Wow I can't believe how many trainers there are." Ash says
Todd is going around taking pictures of all the Pokemon
"Next." The male instructor at the desk yells and Ash and Alex step forward. Misty and Brock are standing nearby
"Uh good day." Ash says nervously
"Greetings young man. You are here to take the exam correct?" The instructor asks
"Yes both of us." Ash replies
"Fill in your details on these papers." The instructor hands them the papers and they fill it in, "Now I will provide you some details on the Pokemon League Admissions Exam. You will be tested on both a written and physical exam. We will then combine your scores from both exams and if you have a high enough score then you will earn this badge." He pulls out a mostly red badge with a small black corner and a golden middle. In the golden part is a giant P. "With this badge you are qualified to enter the Pokemon League."
Ash pumps his fist excitedly, "I can't wait!"
The instructor hands Ash and Alex a pin with a number on it, "These are your exam numbers."
Ash's number is 7 while Alex's is 49
"Lucky number seven!" Ash yells
"How are these numbers handed out?" Alex asks
"Randomly." The instructor replies
"See Misty I have skill and luck." Ash brags
"A little modesty wouldn't hurt." Misty replies exasperated
Jessie, who is in a disguise, is signing in at the desk next to Ash, "Oh no. I wanted number seven." She mumbles to herself
Ash hears her voice and glances over. She quickly looks away and continues filling in her sheet
"Hmm. I swear I recognize her." Ash mumbles to himself
"Nurse Joy." Brock spots a Nurse Joy nearby and starts stumbling towards her
"You have to leave your pokeballs here with me." The man tells Ash and Alex
"Why?" Ash asks
"You're not permitted to use your own Pokemon in the exam." The man explains
"How come?" Alex asks
"A truly skilled trainer can handle any Pokemon in battle." The man replies
"But what about bonds between trainers and Pokemon and all that stuff?" Alex asks
"What about them? Pokemon battling is all about skill and studying."
"You're starting to sound like my old Pokemon Tech teachers." Alex groans but hands his pokeballs over. Ash does so as well
"Can I take care of his Pikachu during the exam?" Misty asks
"Ofcourse. Goodluck young men." The instructor walks away
"I'd wish you luck too but you're just so skilled." Misty says
"You've got that right." Ash replies confidently
Brock is busy talking to Nurse Joy
"So which Pokemon Centre are you from?" Brock asks
"I'm the Fuchsia City Nurse Joy, sister to the Vermilion City Joy."
Brock's face has gone a deep shade of red, "You're the most beautiful of them all."
"I've always wanted to become a Pokemon Master but my work prevents me from travelling and collecting badges. That's why I came here to take the exam." Nurse Joy explains, "It's perfect for people whose age and health keep them from travelling around, and also for people like me who can't ever seem to get away from work."
"I can feel it! I'm sure you're gonna pass the test!" Brock exclaims
"I hope you're right." Nurse Joy replies
Alex and Todd have wandered over during the conversation
"That would make a nice human interest shot." Todd says
Alex rolls his eyes, "Save your film for-" He suddenly trails off and his eyes widen
"Alex? What's wrong?" Todd asks
"You have got to be kidding." Alex groans
A girl has just walked into the building, one that Alex and Brock immediately recognize
"Wow. She's beautiful." Todd says memorized
The girl looks over and spots Alex. She seems shocked for a second before it's replaced by a smirk
"Well Alex I'm surprised to see you here."
"Same here. I thought you'd still be at Pokemon Tech, Giselle." Alex replies
"Oh I graduated a month back." Giselle replies and inspects her nails, "I've just been at home preparing for the Pokemon League."
"Then what are you doing here?" Alex asks
"Well I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show how intelligent I am by acing this test." Giselle smiles at him, "Why are you here though? Last time I checked exams aren't your thing?"
"If you must know I'm a little short on badges." Alex answers, "This is a good way for me to catch up."
"Well goodluck. You're gonna need it." Giselle walks away. Todd tries to take a picture of her but Alex blocks the camera
"Don't."
James, also in disguise, had entered behind Giselle and headed straight for the reception desk. Jessie is standing to the side and James hasn't noticed her. He pulls out his papers and hands it to the instructor
"Here are the papers."
"Let's see." The instructor reads over the papers, "Your name is James."
James jumps alarmed and Jessie glances over
"Will you please keep it down?" James asks the instructor
Jessie examines James, "Is that..."
James notices her watching him, "Hey! Get lost old bat!" He shoos her
"Old bat!" Jessie grabs James who screams terrified. She drags him towards the door
"Unhand me! Please let me go!" James begs
Everyone is watching confused
"Something about him seems familiar too." Ash mumbles
Jessie drags James out of the building and tosses him to the ground, "So I'm an old bat am I!"
James gets to his feet and stares at Jessie shocked, "Jessie? That outfit is atrocious"
"And what are you doing here?" Jessie asks accusingly
"What am I doing here? Well truth be told I, not unlike many other people, dream of becoming a Pokemon Master. Make fun if you must! Hahahahaha"
"No you're doing fine on your own." Jessie replies
"I want to live my dream instead of my...my reality."
"I can see why." Jessie says
"What's your reason for being here?" James asks
"I merely wanted to add another talent to my extensive resume. I'm already an accomplished hostess, florist, costume designer, wine expert, beautician, and style consultant. In fact one of the only things I'm not-"
Meowth suddenly pops out of nowhere, "Is a Pokemon Master."
"Meowth!" James and Jessie yell startled
"What are you doing here?" Jessie asks
"Looking for you." Meowth replies, "The one who suddenly remembered an important engagement."
He hops onto Jessie's shoulder, "This seems suspiciously unlike a visit to your sick uncle's bedside."
Jessie glances away. Meowth hops over to James
"And I thought you had a dental appointment?"
"Uh...well it's just such a beautiful day outside that we decided to have a picnic." James answers
"Don't try to fool me!" Meowth scratches their faces
"Owwww!"
"Please what are you doing here?" Meowth asks
"Mind your own business!" Jessie yells
"Take this and leave us alone!" James tosses a ball of yarn which Meowth immediately chases after, "Quick let's go!"
Him and Jessie run off
Ash, Alex, Giselle, James, Jessie, Nurse Joy and all the other students have all been seated for the written exam. They are sitting in front of computers. Ash is sitting next to Nurse Joy while Jessie and James are sitting behind him. Alex and Giselle have been seated together a good distance away from Ash
"The first part of the exam will test your overall knowledge of Pokemon." The instructor explains, "Begin."
The first question pops up on screen
Lickitung's tongue is twice the length of it's body. True or False?
(I'm pretty sure it was longer than that.) Ash selects false
Ninetales evolves from Vulpix through use of a Fire Stone. True or False?
(Oh that's too easy.) Ash hits the True button three times and accidentally answers the next two questions, (Oh crap!)
Alex meanwhile is trying to spy on Giselle's answers but she hits his shoulder
"Ow." Alex mumbles and turns to his own screen
Hitmonlee is also known as The Punching Demon. True or False?
(Thank you Sensei Kiyo) Alex hits False
James' next question pops up on screen
The only attack Magikarp knows is Splash. True or False?
James growls, "Magikarp. Just hearing that name makes my blood boil!"
"True." He hears Jessie muttering to herself. He glances over and sees her easily answering the questions
"That's true. That's true too." Jessie mutters to herself. James stares at her amazed
Caterpie is the world's smallest Pokemon. True or False?
"Yeah that one's true." Jessie mutters
(Look at her. She's so good.) James thinks amazed
(If I just guess I'll get half of them right) Jessie thinks
Koffing was first discovered in a public bathhouse. True or False?
(How am I supposed to know that!) Alex clutches his head
He hits the True button
The students are now about to take the second part of the exam. The instructor is standing in front of a giant screen
"Now we will test your ability to recognize Pokemon. Please name the Pokemon by identifying the silhouette or any part of it's body that is displayed here." He gestures at the screen
"This is gonna be a piece of cake." Ash whispers to himself
"Here is first question." A silhouette of a circle appears on screen, "Identity this Pokemon."
(This is gonna be a breeze for me.) Ash picks Voltorb
"Obviously it's an Electrode." Jessie mutters
James for some reason picks a Pokeball despite the instructor very clearly asking them to identify the Pokemon
"And the answer is...Jigglypuff as seen from above."
Ash, Jessie and James' jaws drop
(That was just misleading) Alex rolls his eyes
"Next question. What Pokemon displays this pattern?" A swirl appears on screen. Alex glances over at Giselle who has already answered the question
"It has to be something obvious." Alex mumbles to himself
(It's an Omanyte's shell) James thinks
(It's an Arbok all coiled up) Jessie thinks
Ash is staring at the pattern, "Hmm. Oh I got it."
He selects Poliwhirl. Alex meanwhile is scrolling through the list of options. He comes upon Poliwag, Poliwhirl and Poliwrath. He glances at the pictures of them and then back at the screen
(Oh yeah it's kind of obvious now) He selects his answer
"The answer is...Poliwag."
Jessie and James are dumbfounded while Ash just slaps himself, "So close"
"As any master will know, when Poliwag evolves into Poliwhirl the swirl on it's stomach reverses direction." The instructor explains
Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Togepi are watching from the hallway
"This is hard." Misty says, "I didn't even know that and I'm an expert when it comes to Water Pokemon."
"It's only gonna get harder." Brock says
"Next question." A flame appears on screen, "Which Pokemon does this tail belong to."
(It has to be either Charmander, Charmeleon or Charizard.) Ash thinks to himself, (I'm gonna go Charmander)
"The answer is...Ponyta." The instructor says
"It can't be..." Ash looks devastated
Alex chuckles, "Can't believe I got that one."
Jessie slams her hands against the table out of frustration, "Can't you ask questions that I know the answer to!"
She rises to her feet
"Please take your seat." The instructor demands
"This is a joke! These stupid questions won't make you a Pokemon master!" Jessie yells
"For your information a Pokemon Master must understand all aspects of their Pokemon's life in order to achieve oneness with their Pokemon." The instructor lectures
Alex leans over to Giselle, "Did you understand anything he just said?"
"You're not making any sense at all!" Jessie yells, "I'm through with this!"
The instructor blows his whistle, "Get out!"
Jessie storms out of the exam room
"But Jessie..." James trails off
"Oh dear. What a shame." Nurse Joy says
"That girl's attitude seems familiar too." Ash mutters
Meowth has tired himself out and is now taking a nap. Jessie stomps over to him and kicks him
"Ouch!"
"Let's go!" Jessie yells
"Where am I going?" Meowth asks confused
"You're going with me to help me get my revenge!"
The second exam is finished and everyone has gathered in front of the scoreboards
"The ones on the right got the lowest scores and the ones on the left got the highest." Misty explains
Right at the top on the left side of the scoreboard is a picture of Giselle and Nurse Joy
"Look Nurse Joy did the best." Brock points out happily
"Almost the best." Giselle smirks. Alex rolls his eyes
"Ofcourse you came first."
"And where's your picture Alex?"
Alex looks around. "There I am...on the right"
Giselle giggles. Alex slumps over
"There there." Brock pats his back, "Atleast you didn't come in last."
"Hey Ash where's your picture?" Todd asks
Ash is looking at the left side of the scoreboard, "It has to be here somewhere."
"Ash." They hear Misty's voice and look over. She's standing a distance away from everyone else and is grimacing, "Down here."
They head over and to Ash's shock see that he tied for second lowest score with James. Jessie is last
"What! That's impossible!" Ash yells
Todd immediately starts snapping photos
"Quit it!" Ash yells
Todd smiles nervously, "Just a little souvenir Ash."
"Well Ash it looks like you didn't have enough luck or skill to pass the test." Misty says
Ash growls, but then he grins, "Pokemon isn't about tests it's about battles! You'll see, I'll absolutely dominate the third exam!"
James is standing in the corner hyping himself up, "Jessie's been expelled. Now I have to do my best for her!"
Nurse Joy is standing on a Pokemon field battling a instructor. She has a Squirtle out while he has a Charmander. A crowd consisting of students who have already completed the third exam and people not participating have gathered to watch behind the barricades
"Alright Squirtle use Water Gun!" Joy commands and Squirtle fires the Water Gun hitting Charmander
Char!
"Now give it a Skull Bash!"
"Nurse Joy you're doing great!" Brock cheers from the crowd. Todd and Misty just stare at him annoyed. Brock leans over to Todd, "Alright shoot away. I want 8x10 glossies and wallet sizes too."
"Yeah sure." Todd replies annoyed
Ash and James are about to go on next. The instructor has laid some belts, with three pokeballs each attached to them, on a table
"Now select whichever one you like."
"I don't know which one to pick." Ash says unsure, "You can't tell us which Pokemon are inside them?"
"That's what makes it a test. All these Pokemon are trained for battle so they'll obey your commands." The instructor explains, "This test determines if a trainer can adapt, regardless of which Pokemon comes out."
"With whom do we have to battle?" James asks
"With me." The instructor answers
Ash grabs a belt, "Right then I pick this one."
James grabs one, "I choose this one."
James has stepped onto the battlefield opposite the instructor. Ash, Alex and Giselle are watching with the other students
"Go on James beat that ignoramus!" Jessie yells from the crowd
"Right really beat the guy." Meowth says bored
James tosses his first pokeball, "This one's for you Jessie!"
Pikachu
"Huh!" Team Rocket yell shocked
Ash's Pikachu notices how fat this Pikachu is and glances down at itself
Pika?
James chuckles, "With this I can't lose. Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt, I've been destroyed by Pikachu's attacks so many times I know them off by heart! Hahahahahaha!"
"That's kind of pathetic when you think about it." Jessie says depressed
"Yeah." Meowth agrees
"Now we begin." The instructor tosses his pokeball and a Graveler pops out
"Pikachu Thunderbolt!" James commands, "Ooh that feels great to say!"
Pikachuuuuuu!
The Pikachu's attack hits Graveler...and does absolutely nothing. Graveler then rushes forward and slams into Pikachu knocking the Electric Mouse out in seconds
"I don't get it!" James yells, "How come Thunderbolt didn't work!"
"You should have known that Electricity doesn't work on Ground type Pokemon." The instructor says disappointed, "Minus one point."
James grabs both of his next two pokeballs, "Well then how about this!"
Rarrrrrr!
Ivysaur!
James' Charizard and Ivysaur stand ready for battle
"With these I can win!" James declares, "Now what do you say?"
"Goodbye." The instructor replies
"What?" James asks confused
"It's against the rules to use two Pokemon at once." The instructor explains
"I never play by the rules!" James' suddenly realizes what he just said
"You're expelled now get out!" The instructor demands
Jessie slumps over, "He failed again..."
"Don't think of it as failing. Think of it as not succeeding." Meowth says
"That man's not all that smart." Giselle says
"Something about that seemed familiar." Ash says
"Ash I think you're up." Alex points out and Ash quickly rushes over to the battlefield
"Go get em Ash!" Brock yells
Pikapi!
Ash waves at his friends, "Thanks guys! Todd make sure you get a lot of great shots!"
"Don't worry. Just make sure you win!" Todd yells back
"He doesn't stand a chance." Giselle says
"Hey don't underestimate him." Alex says
The instructor pulls out his first pokeball, "Are you ready Ash?"
"Ready!" Ash yells and the instructor throws his pokeball. A Flareon pops out
"Ok now all I need is something that can beat a Flareon." Ash turns his cap around before throwing his first pokeball, and out pops...
Weezing!
"I got a Weezing!" Ash yells shocked
James has joined Jessie and Meowth behind the barricade, "That's bad."
Ash stares at Weezing dumbfounded. Todd snaps a picture, "His face looks just like Weezing!"
"NOT NOW!" Ash yells at Todd
"It's time to start the battle. Flareon go Flamethrower now!" The instructor yells and Flareon fires the Flamethrower. Weezing manages to dodge the attack
Ash grits his teeth unsure what to do, "Uh...oh I know! Weezing use Smokescreen!"
Weezing lets out the smoke just as Flareon fires another Flamethrower. As soon as the flame makes contact with the smoke it explodes and Flareon is blown backwards
Fla!
It manages to land safely on the ground though
"Now Flareon Leer!"
Flareon's eyes start glowing as it leers at Weezing
"No way! Weezing Smokescreen!"
Weezing covers the battlefield in smoke blocking off Flareon's vision
"Not too shabby." The instructor admits
"Now Tackle!"
Weezing spots Flareon amongst the smoke and tackles into it. Flareon is sent flying across the battlefield and lands at the instructor's feet. It has been knocked out
"Alright! My first victory!" Ash cheers as the crowd claps
"I guess Ash is a pretty good battler after all." Misty admits
"Even Team Rocket could win if they fought like that." Brock says
Jessie and James are scribbling down notes
"Hmm. He's not bad." Giselle admits
"Told you. Way to go Ash!" Alex yells
"Now round two!" The instructor throws his next pokeball and a Jolteon pops out
Ash grabs his next pokeball, "A Jolteon. Next pokeball go!"
Cha-bok!
"Aww." Ash whines. He scratches his chin, "Ok what moves does Arbok know?"
"Jolteon Agility!"
Jolteon starts speeding around the battlefield
"I remember!" Ash yells, "Arbok Glare!"
Arbok straightens out to full height and glares down at Jolteon who freezes up out of fright
Jolt!
"Now squeeze it with your Wrap attack!"
Arbok slithers over to Jolteon and starts wrapping around it. However the spikes on Jolteon's body pierce Arbok's skin causing it to scream in pain and quickly pull back
"Oh no! I forgot about Jolteon's spikes!" Ash yells
"Too bad Ash. A small but costly mistake. Jolteon use Thunder!" The instructor yells
Jolteon fires a powerful bolt of electricity frying Arbok
"Arbok no!"
Arbok has fainted
Alex groans, "Dammit Ash."
Ash has returned Arbok and reaches for his third pokeball, (This is my last chance. I need to win this battle. Please be something good)
He tosses his pokeball and out pops...a Meowth
Meowth
"Meowth?" Ash can't help but laugh
Pi?
"This oughta be interesting." Brock says
Togi Togi
"Hey Meowth!" Meowth waves at the Pokemon, "Goodluck!"
The Meowth on the battlefield squats down and scratches it's head. The instructor meanwhile calls out his next Pokemon, a Vaporeon
"Now what attacks does Meowth know?" Ash asks himself
"Use the Fury Swipes!" Meowth yells
"Huh? Meowth use the Fury Swipes!"
Meowth leaps towards Vaporeon
"Vaporeon use your Ice Beam now!"
And Meowth gets frozen in a block of ice
"Ah Meowth!" Ash yells
"Looks like another victory for me." The instructor says
Giselle smirks at Alex, "You were saying."
Alex slumps over, "He blew it."
"That was fast." Ash says depressed
"Look what you did!" Ash looks up at the voice just before Meowth of Team Rocket leaps onto his face and starts scratching him, "Ahhhhh!"
"How dare you treat a fellow Meowth that way!" Meowth leaps off Ash, who collapses to the ground, and rushes over the frozen Meowth
"Don't worry buddy I'll get ya out of there." Meowth kicks the block of ice shattering it
Meowth?
"I'm sorry you had to go through dat." Meowth helps the other Meowth up
The instructor leans forward, "I'd love to catch that talking Meowth."
He tosses a pokeball towards Meowth but it's suddenly knocked aside by a Flamethrower, Vine Whip and Thunderbolt. Charizard, Ivysaur and Pikachu leap in the way of Meowth and Jessie and James join them
"It's those two from the exam!" Brock yells, "What do they want!"
"I'm pretty sure they're Jessie and James in disguise Brock." Misty points out
"There no need for this!" The instructor yells, "You can re-enlist and try again next time."
"We're not here for the stupid exam!" Jessie yells, "We're here to steal all your Pokemon."
"What!" The instructor yells
Jessie and James rip off their disguises to reveal their Team Rocket uniforms
"It's Team Rocket!" Ash yells, "Oh that makes a lot of sense."
"Are they still following you?" Giselle asks Alex who sighs
"Yep."
Todd climbs over the barricade, "I have to get closer for more pictures."
"Ivysaur use Vine Whip!" Jessie orders
"Charizard Flamethrower!" James orders
"Pikachu Thunderbolt!" Meowth orders
"Ivysaur, Charizard, Pikachu avert face now!" The instructor yells and the three Pokemon suddenly turn on Team Rocket
"Ahhhhh!" They scream as the Pokemon attack them
"Oh they obeyed you because you're the one who raised all them." Ash realizes
"Very good Ash." The instructor says
"Alright Weezing, Arbok and Meowth stop Team Rocket!" Ash yells
The three Pokemon attack Team Rocket as well
"This kind of feels like overkill." Alex says
"Now Weezing Explosion!"
Weezing's body shines and it explodes blasting Team Rocket, the other Meowth, and Todd off
"Ah we're blasting off again!"
"Oh no the blast got Todd!" Misty yells
"Oops." Ash rubs his neck
"I'm sure he'll be fine. We do it to Team Rocket every couple of days." Alex says
The instructor has gathered everyone together, "I am terribly sorry everybody but Team Rocket's intrusion has interfered with the entire exam. We have to start all over from the beginning."
The students moan
"You mean after all that hard work we did?" Nurse Joy asks
The instructor addresses Ash, "Well young man you did a fine job getting rid of Team Rocket. What do you say, do you want to give the test another try?"
"No thanks sir I don't think so." Ash replies
"I'm sure you'll pass this time." The instructor says
"Oh it's not that. It's just I realized I prefer getting badges the old way than all this test stuff." Ash says
"And you proved you're a great battler after all." Misty says
"Thanks Misty. I guess I did." Ash says
Giselle looks over at Alex who is twirling his baseball bat around, "What about you Alex? Are you going to take the test again?"
"You bet I am." Alex replies, "I need this stupid Admissions badge or else I have to go track down more gyms."
"We shall restart the exams in five minutes!" The instructor announces and everyone splits up. Ash heads over to Alex
"Are you really doing the whole exam again just because you don't want to look for more gyms?" Ash asks
"That's not the only reason." Alex glances at Giselle, (I have to prove something...to myself)
Alex is busy taking the written part of the exam. He's once again been seated next to Giselle but this time he's keeping his eyes on his own work
The cannons on Blastoise's back are capable of punching holes through thick steel. True or False?
Alex rubs his chin, "I'm gonna say...true."
The scoreboards have been posted. Once again Giselle came first place
"As expected." Giselle says
"Wow Alex check that out!" Ash points to the left board where Alex's picture is. He's not near the top but he's still quite high
"You did really well Alex." Brock says
Alex laughs genuinely surprised, "Would you look at that."
Giselle heads over to him, "What do you know. I guess you can do well in school after all."
"I just have to be determined enough I guess."
Alex is now preparing for the battle against the instructor. Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, Togepi and Eevee are cheering him on from the sidelines
"Let's go Alex!" Ash yells
"Are you ready Alex?" The instructor asks
"I am." Alex replies
"Then let the battle begin!" The instructor tosses his pokeball and a Tauros pops out. Alex tosses his pokeball and a Poliwhirl pops out
"Look at that adorable Poliwhirl!" Misty yells, "Todd take a...oh yeah Todd's gone."
"He's been gone for awhile. Do you think we should look for him?" Brock asks
"Shh! I'm watching the battle!" Ash yells
Tauros snorts at Poliwhirl who looks intimidated by the Wild Bull
"Don't worry Poliwhirl! We've got this!" Alex yells
"Tauros use the Take Down attack!" The Instructor commands and Tauros charges towards Poliwhirl
"Poliwhirl use Water Gun!" Alex yells
A burst of water shoots out from the swirl on Poliwhirl's stomach and straight towards Tauros. However the Wild Bull just charges through the attack and slams into Poliwhirl
Poliwhirl!
The Tadpole Pokemon is sen flying through the air and crashes into the ground
"My Poliwhirl!" Misty yells
Ash, Brock and Pikachu just look at her confused
Poliwhirl gets back to it's feet and shakes it's head
Poliwhirl
"Tauros Take Down again!"
Tauros turns and starts charging towards Poliwhirl once again
"We need to do something to stop that Tauros! Poliwhirl use Earth Power!" Alex yells
Poliwhirl's body flashes a yellow colour and it slams it's fists into the ground. The ground where it hit starts cracking a strange yellowy colour which travels towards Tauros before erupting
Mmmmm!
Tauros is blown through the air
"Now Bubble Beam!" Alex yells
A spray of bubbles shoot out from Poliwhirl's swirl and hit the still airborne Tauros. The Bull is sent crashing into the ground by the force of the attack and knocked unconscious. The crowd breaks out into a round of applause
"Woohoo!" Misty cheers, "That's the power of Water Pokemon!"
"Way to go Alex!" Ash yells
The instructor returns his Pokemon, "Not bad. Now it's time for Round 2!"
The instructor throws his pokeball and out pops a Dewgong
Dewgong!
"Oh no. Now who I am supposed to root for?" Misty asks conflicted
Ash takes out his pokedex and scans Dewgong
Dewgong the Sea Lion Pokemon. A Water/Ice type. Its entire body is a snowy-white. Unharmed by even intense cold, it swims powerfully in icy waters. Dewgong is the evolved form of Seel
Alex returns Poliwhirl and grabs his next pokeball, "Please be something strong against Water types."
He tosses the pokeball and out pops...a Nidoking
Nidoking!
"Darn."
"It seems luck is on my side this time Alex." The instructor says
"You can still win Alex!" Ash yells
"Yeah remember type advantage isn't everything!" Brock yells
Giselle is watching the battle with the other students
"Dewgong use Water Pulse!" The Instructor yells
Dewgong opens it's mouth and a stream of water surrounded by rings fires towards Nidoking. Nidoking tries to dodge but is too slow and is hit head on by the attack
Nidoking!
"Nidoking are you alright?" Alex asks
Nidoking shakes it's head and growls at Dewgong
"Good. Alright Nidoking use Poison Sting!"
Nidoking opens it's mouth and the pink needles fire out and towards Dewgong. Dewgong fires an Ice Beam freezing the needles and causing them to harmlessly drop to the ground and shatter
"Now aim for Nidoking!"
Dewgong turns the Ice Beam towards Nidoking who throws up his hands to block. His hands are frozen solid
Nidoking!
"Oh come on!" Alex yells
"Dewgong use Aqua Jet!"
Water surrounds Dewgong's body and the Sea Lion shoots forward towards Nidoking. Alex clenches his eyes shut as he tries to come up with a way to counter
"Come on come on...Nidoking use Double Kick!"
Nidoking's feet start glowing and he leaps forward kicking Dewgong's head
Dewgong!
The water around Dewgong disappears and Dewgong slams into the ground. Nidoking then kicks Dewgong a second time
"That was close." Alex lets out a breath, "Alright use Fire Punch to break out of that ice!"
Nidoking's fists erupt into flames melting the ice. It then rushes towards Dewgong
"A foolish move Alex. My Dewgong is not weak to Fire attacks!" The instructor yells
Nidoking gets close to Dewgong and throws it's fist back to punch the Sea Lion
"Thunder Punch!" Alex yells
The flames around Nidoking's fists suddenly turn into balls of electricity
"Dewgong look out!" The instructor yells
It's too late though. Nidoking's fists make contact with Dewgong
Dewgong!
Dewgong screams in pain and faints from the attack. The crowd bursts into applause
"Yeah! Way to go Alex!" Ash cheers
The instructor returns Dewgong, "Congratulations Alex. You have won both battles and therefore have passed the third exam."
Alex grins and returns Nidoking, "Yes!"
The exams have finally finished and the instructors are presenting all the passed students with their badges. Alex is handed his
"With this badge you are now qualified to enter the Pokemon League." The instructor says
Alex places the badge with his others. Ash smacks Alex's back
"Nice job Alex. You're still coming with us to Cinnabar though right?" Ash asks
"Ofcourse I am. You can't get rid of me that easy."
Giselle heads over to them, "Alright I admit you did much better than I thought you would."
"Thanks...I think." Alex replies
"I'll see you at the Pokemon League." Giselle says before walking away
The instructor and Nurse Joy are waving goodbye to the Pokegang as they head off. Todd suddenly runs up to them clutching an injured Meowth
"Hey where's Ash?" He asks
"They already left." Nurse Joy answers, "They're on their way to Matcha City."
She gasps when she notices the Meowth in Todd's arms, "What's wrong with that Meowth?"
"It got hurt in the explosion." Todd answers
The Meowth opens it's eyes, "Where am I?"
The instructor grabs Meowth excitedly, "I finally got my talking Meowth."
"Huh! Jessie! James!" Meowth hops out of the instructor's arms and makes a run for it, "Help me!"
Jessie and James are staring at the Meowth with them. It's currently licking it's paw
"Meowth what's wrong with you?" James asks
"Yeah you haven't said a word since the blast off." Jessie says
Meow
The Pokegang have finally arrived in Matcha City. They are currently resting in the park. Misty is playing with Togepi while Todd is taking pictures
"Turn around Togepi. Come on don't be shy. Turn and say Togepi."
Togepi jumps around
Priii
Todd snaps a picture, "That's a great shot."
"Pokemon Love Power!" They hear a woman's voice yell. Everyone turns to the TV where an ad is playing
"Find it at our five star Breeding Centre." The woman says with a huge smile on her face, "Where every Pokemon is treated like a loved one."
She gestures behind her where a picture of a Charmander appears, "This guest evolved into a Charmeleon and then into a Charizard in just a few short days. In our five star Breeding Centre a little pampering goes a long way. Let our experts provide your Pokemon with our love and care."
The camera zooms in on her face, "So why go through all the fuss when you can bring your Pokemon to us?" She winks and the ad ends
"What was that about?" Ash asks
"It's a breeding centre." Brock explains, "They're centres where you can leave your Pokemon to be raised and cared for."
"They're very similiar to daycares." Todd explains
"I want to check it out." Ash says
The group are standing outside the breeding centre. There's a long line at the entrance. The woman from the advert is standing by the doorway addressing the crowd
"There's no need to push! We have plenty of room at our luxury suites! We guarantee your Pokemon will be like new and some may even evolve!" She announces
"She seems really nice." Ash says
Brock has already fallen head over heels for her
The woman is currently speaking to a young boy with a Sandshrew, "And do you know why we're so popular? It's because we believe in love."
She takes the Sandshrew from the boy and cuddles it, "We believe every Pokemon is loveable. We believe in Pokemon love power!"
A man with green hair pops up from behind her, "Love power! Yay!"
Brock's face has gone red, "Love power."
"Wow she sure knows how to attract customers." Todd says
Misty is watching everything with a suspicious look on her face, "Yeah..."
The man and woman have now moved behind the counter and are checking in Pokemon. The man takes a Charmander and puts it on a conveyor belt. The Charmander is carried behind a curtain into the back room
"Our next guest!" The woman announces
Misty shoves to the front of the line, "I have a Pokemon too!"
"Well uh you've come to the right place." The woman says a bit taken back
Ash, Alex, Brock and Todd join Misty upfront. Alex is threatening people with his baseball bat
"Back off! We're in front now! Deal with it!"
"So what do I have to do to check my Pokemon in here?" Misty asks
"Misty you're leaving one here?" Ash asks surprised
"Yeah I'll give it a try."
"Well which Pokemon?" Todd asks, "Your Staryu?"
"Togepi's too young." Brock points out
Misty lets out Psyduck, "My Psyduck. I want to leave my Psyduck here with you."
"It's so cute. Don't you just adore those eyes?" The woman asks, "They're bright and bouncy as ping pong balls."
"Yeah and I wish I had a paddle." Misty mumbles
"So then is there anything special you'd like us to do?" The woman asks
"For starters you might try knocking some common sense into it's big empty head! There's a lot of unused space in there."
"Hmm that's strange. It looks intelligent to me." The woman comments
"Wow. She really is nice." Alex says shocked
"And you have to change this clueless looking face." Misty tugs on Psyduck's eyes
"That'll take a miracle." Ash says
"Funny you would say that. The motto at our breeding centre is "A little Pokemon Love Power works miracles." She winks
The woman puts Psyduck on the conveyor belt
"Have fun Psyduck." Ash says
"Bye Psyduck. Goodluck." Misty says
Psy?
And Psyduck goes behind the curtain
The Pokegang are now walking around Matcha City
"Psyduck will prove if that place is any good." Misty says
"I bet you're just gonna leave Psyduck there and never go back." Ash says accusingly
"No way!" Misty exclaims, "I'd never abandon Psyduck like that."
"Well I think Psyduck has some good points. Want me to take it off your hands?" Ash offers
"I caught Psyduck and I'm gonna keep it. Even if it's still annoying when I get it back." Misty replies
Todd notices an advertisement on the restaurant door they just walked past. He stops to read it, "That looks tasty."
Everyone else rushes back
"ALL U CAN EAT FOR FREE." Alex reads the advertisement
"Alright! I'm starving!" Misty yells, "I'm heading straight for the dessert bar!"
"There's gotta be some kind of catch." Ash says
"Yeah like you have to order ten dinners to get one free." Todd says
"Well I'd eat ten dinners if it came with ten desserts." Misty says
Everyone stares at her shocked
"And I thought Ash had an appetite." Alex says
The door to the restaurant opens and the chef/owner comes out, "Haha. No need to eat that much. Unless you really want to. The buffet's free on one condition."
"What is it?" Alex asks
"Just show me my favourite Pokemon and I'll treat you to all the food you can eat."
"Yeah! Come out everybody!" Ash tosses his pokeballs and Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Haunter pop out
"None of these." The chef says
"What about Charizard?" Ash asks
"Nope."
"Pikachu?"
"Nope."
Ash sighs, "Please tell me it's not a Krabby, Muk, Sandslash, Tauros or Primeape?"
The chef shakes his head
"I bet it's Togepi!" Misty holds up Togepi but the chef shakes his head
"Cute but not my favourite."
"Alright let me give it a try." Alex tosses his pokeballs and Charmeleon, Parasect, Gyarados, Machop, Rhyhorn, Eevee, Porygon and Nidorino pop out
"Woah you have a Porygon!" The chef yells surprised
"I do yes. So..."
"Nope not my favourite. Impressive though."
Alex slumps over
Brock tosses his pokeball and Vulpix pops out, "It's Vulpix right?"
"Definitely not."
"Then how about..." Brock starts tossing pokeballs, "Onix! Geodude! Zubat! Dugtrio!"
"None of those either."
Brock grabs his next pokeball nervously, "It's not an Aerodactyl is it?"
"I've never even seen an Aerodactyl before."
Brock lets out a relieved breath
"I have to have it on me! Go Goldeen! Staryu! Starmie! Oddish! Tentacool! Horsea!" Misty yells
The chef shakes his head, "I'm sorry but none of these are my favourite Pokemon."
Everyone groans and returns their Pokemon
"Well that's all the Pokemon we have on us." Ash says
The chef grabs a picture, "This is my favourite Pokemon."
They gasp. It's Psyduck
"Hey that looks like one of my pictures." Todd says happily
The group are rushing back to the breeding centre. The sun is starting to go down
"It figures. The one time I need Psyduck and it's not around." Misty moans
"You're the one who left it at that centre." Ash points out annoyed
The group reach the centre but it's closed
"No!" Misty starts banging on the front door, "Hello! I need my Psyduck back!"
"I guess we're gonna have to come back tomorrow." Brock says
"No way!" Misty yells, "There might not be any dessert left tomorrow! Let's see if there's a backdoor."
She stomps around to the other side of the Breeding Centre. The others follow her hesitantly. Misty bangs on the backdoor
"Hello! Is anyone in there!"
No one answers and Misty decides to try the handle. To her surprise the door opens
"Look it's unlocked."
"Misty are we seriously about to break and enter so that you can get free dessert?" Todd asks
Alex shrugs, "Relax Todd. We do this kind of thing all the time."
They head inside the Breeding Centre. The place is eerily empty
"Where is everybody?" Ash asks, "I don't even see the Pokemon anywhere?"
Misty tries one of the doors. It opens
"Hello? I can't see anything. It's too dark in here."
Brock pulls out a flashlight and turns it on. He notices a bunch of empty cages, "What's this?"
He moves the flashlight around the room and gasps when he finds a Nidoran trapped in a cage, "What's going on here?"
He shines it around the rest of the room and sees that a bunch of Pokemon are locked in cages
"All these Pokemon look miserable." Todd says horrified, "Why are they being kept in cages?"
"Whatever this place is it's definitely not a luxury hotel." Alex says horrified
"Do you see Psyduck?" Misty asks concerned. Brock bends down and spots Psyduck in one of the cages. It's eyes look sharper and more intelligent
"Here's your Psyduck." Brock says
"I have to say it looks a little smarter." Misty notes
"Take another look." Brock points at the corner of Psyduck's eyes, "They just pulled it's eyes back with tape."
"That's terrible!" Misty rips the tape off and Psyduck's eyes go back to normal
Psyduck?
They hear a machine working and see a cage being placed on a conveyor belt. It leads through a curtain into another room
"I wonder where that leads." Ash says
In the other room the man and woman who run the breeding centre are taking inventory. A Sandshrew is in the cage that just came on the conveyor belt
"Sandshrew. A Ground type." The man reads off a chart
"This one looks to be in pretty good shape." The woman says, "If we can teach it Fury Swipes then it'll be very useful."
"I can't believe how many trainers are such suckers." The man chuckles, "Leaving all these Pokemon here."
"Now we just pick out the choice Pokemon and ship them out to the boss." The woman says
"We'll be his absolute favourites!" The man exclaims
"And we'll be in for a big bonus!" The woman exclaims
"This breeding centre was a fantastic idea!" The man exclaims
"We believe in love power! That's because we love power!" The two of them start cackling
Ash and friends are spying on them
"So it's all a big fake." Ash says
"We've gotta do something to stop them." Misty says
"Hey I think I have an idea." Todd holds up his camera, "I'll take pictures to prove what's going on here."
"Good idea Todd." Alex says
The man and woman stand before a big screen. Andrew pops up on it
"Butch. Cassidy. Tell me how is the breeding centre scam going?" Andrew asks
"Very well sir." Cassidy replies, "We've collected lots of promising Pokemon."
"Excellent. If all goes to plan we'll be in the boss' good books in no time." Andrew smirks, "And congratulations on your success. Unlike those two other idiots."
"Just doing our job." Cassidy says, "Although I don't know how you can put up with that Jessie and her stupid partner James. They're an embarrassment."
"They're a complete disgrace to Team Rocket." Andrew says angrily, "Unfortunately they've somehow gained the boss' favour."
"It was completely unfair how you ended up getting punished for their failures." Butch says
Andrew glares at him, "I am aware. Which is why I'm relying on you two. Do not fail me."
"We won't sir." They reply and the screen turns off
"Fool." Cassidy shakes her head, "He actually thinks we're gonna let him take credit for this operation."
Todd has been taking pictures of all the Pokemon in their cages. He points his camera at the conveyor belt and snaps a picture. Unfortunately the flash shines through the curtain alerting Butch
"Huh?"
"What Butch? Something wrong?" Cassidy asks
"I thought I saw something back there. It looked like a flash." Butch replies, "I better go check it out."
"He's coming here." Todd whispers urgently
"Quick we need to hide." Alex says while looking for a hiding spot
Butch enters the room and sees a spark coming from one of the cages. He heads over and sees a Pikachu inside sending out little bolts of electricity which is making light
Chuuuu
"Oh. The flash just came from this Pikachu." Butch heads out of the room and Ash, Alex, Misty, Brock and Todd sneak out from behind the cages
"That was close. Nice work Pikachu." Ash says and opens the cage door
Pika
"I think I have all the shots I'm gonna need." Todd says
"Good. Then let's get out of here." Brock says
He sees Misty tugging on Psyduck's cage, "Misty what are you doing?"
"I can't just leave Psyduck here." Misty says, "But it's locked!"
The windows start shaking
"What's that?" Ash asks
"It looks like something's pushing against it." Alex says
The windows break open and Team Rocket fall into the room
"We're in." Jessie says
"Now we can swipe all the Pokemon." Meowth says
"It's Team Rocket!" Ash exclaims shocked
"The twerps!" Team Rocket yell
"What are you doing here?" Todd asks accusingly
"I'd put that very same question to you!" Meowth yells
"Keep it down." Alex says, "You're gonna get us all in trouble."
"How did you get in here anywhere?" Jessie asks
"Don't tell me you goody-goodies finally decided to become baddy-baddies." Meowth says
"You better not try to take over our territory." Jessie warns
"I knew all along we couldn't trust you!" James yells
"Would you shut up!" Ash yells
"This time you're in way over your heads." Misty says
"She's right. We better get these Pokemon out of here fast or we're all in danger." Brock says
"I know what you're doing." Jessie says, "You're trying to trick us into stealing all these Pokemon."
"Fine believe what you want." Misty says annoyed
The lights to the room suddenly turn on
"I knew there was something rotten back here." Cassidy and Butch have entered the room alerting everyone, "And I was right. Looks like Rattatas have snuck in."
"What should we do?" Butch asks rhetorically
"We'll exterminate them." Cassidy replies
"We're not afraid of creeps like you!" Ash exclaims
"Let's mix it up!" Meowth yells
"You don't know who you're dealing with." Cassidy says
"But we'll be glad to show you." Butch says
Butch and Cassidy: Prepare for trouble and make it double!
They rip their coats off revealing Team Rocket uniforms underneath
Cassidy: To infect the world with devastation!
Butch: To blight all people in every nation!
Cassidy: To denounce the goodness of truth and love!
Butch: To extend our wrath to the stars above!
Cassidy: Cassidy!
Butch: And Butch!
Cassidy: We're Team Rocket, circling Earth all day and night!
Butch: Surrender to us now or you will surely lose the fight!
A Raticate pops out from Cassidy's pokeball
Raticate!
"Copycats!" Meowth yells
"Oh I remember you two now." James realizes, "Cassidy and Bill."
"It's Butch! I just said it!" Butch yells
Jessie scoffs and tries to ignore them
"Jessie it's been awhile." Cassidy says
"Not long enough." Jessie replies
"So you guys know each other?" Alex asks
"She used to hang around with me." Jessie answers, "She was jealous because I'm so beautiful."
"You haven't changed a bit unfortunately for you." Cassidy says
"And you're still a selfish little brat! How dare you use that motto!" Jessie yells
While the argument is going on Alex has gestured for everyone to start sneaking towards the door
"It's an outrage! It took us months to find a motto we could swipe!" Meowth yells
"Steal your own slogan!" James yells
"Save your arguments for the boss when he finds out you're stealing his Pokemon." Cassidy says
Team Rocket starts freaking out
"We're in trouble!" Meowth yells
"When the boss finds out how you managed to screw up this scheme I'd hate to think what he'd do to you. Although I suppose getting thrown off the team is the best thing wouldn't you say Jess?" Cassidy smirks at Jessie who is shaking with rage. Meowth suddenly jumps into the air and forces Jessie and James to bow.
"We'd be infernally grateful if you could forget this ever happened."
The Pokegang reach the door
"What's it worth to you?" Cassidy asks
Ash opens the door but unfortunately it creaks
"Not so fast children!" Cassidy yells
Everyone freezes in place
"Now that you know our secret I'm afraid we can't let you leave."
The Pokegang make a run for it
"We don't know anything!" Ash yells
"We were just trying to get a free all you can eat buffet!" Alex yells
Cassidy turns in their direction, "You kids can't get away from me. I'm not a little pushover like Jessie."
Team Rocket make a run for it as well
"Quick let's get out of here!" Meowth yells
James suddenly stops and starts searching through the cages
"James what are you doing!" Jessie asks
"This is the breeding centre where I left Weepinbell the other day." James says
He opens one of the cages and gasps in shock, "It evolved into a Victreebel! Isn't that just-"
Victreebel suddenly bites him, "Owwww!"
Jessie grabs James' legs and starts dragging him and Victreebel away
"I just wish his brain would evolve a little." Meowth says annoyed
A cage suddenly falls from the roof trapping Team Rocket inside
"Ah!"
The Pokegang have been sprinting down a hallway towards the back entrance. They're almost there. Pikachu, Misty and Togepi are in the front
"There's the exit!" Ash yells
A cage suddenly falls from the roof trapping Ash, Alex, Brock and Todd
"Ah!"
Misty and Pikachu stop and look back shocked. Ash is pulling on the bars
"We're trapped!" Ash yells
"What do we do!" Misty asks
They hear footsteps coming down the hallway
"Misty hide." Ash says softly.
Misty and Pikachu rush into a hiding spot. Cassidy and Butch approach the cage
"You crooks better let us out of here!" Alex yells
"What's that?" Butch snatches Todd's camera from him
"That's mine!" Todd yells
"Ha. You won't be needing this."
The police have arrived at the centre and have arrested the trespassers. Cassidy, who's back in disguise, is talking to Officer Jenny
"Burglars! I was shaking like a leaf officer. Thank goodness our security system caught them before they could hurt the Pokemon." Cassidy says fearfully
"Don't worry we'll make sure these thieves are punished. Thanks to you our city's a little safer." Officer Jenny says
"I'm telling you you're arresting the wrong guys!" Ash yells, "We're innocent!"
"Those guys are the crooks not us!" Todd yells
"Hey speak for yourselves." Meowth says
They're tossed into the back of the police van
"Look in the warehouse!" Ash yells, "You'll see!"
"Save your story for the station." Jenny says and slams the doors shut
"This is a low point." Meowth says, "Turned in not by these brats but our own teammates."
Alex groans, "I'm not cut out for a life of crime."
The police van drives off. Misty, Pikachu and Togepi are hiding in an alley nearby
"Oh no. Now we have to find someway to convince Jenny that they're innocent."
Pika
Misty starts pacing back and forth, "Think Misty think. There's gotta be someway."
She hits her fist into the palm of her hand
"I got it! We just need to get Todd's camera back. Then we can present those pictures as evidence to Officer Jenny!"
Priii
Pikachu!
The next day Misty has returned to the Breeding Centre in disguise. She is dressed in baggy clothing and is wearing a cap to try and cover her face. She is talking to Cassidy at the front desk
"Excuse me. I left a Psyduck here yesterday." Misty says
"We have a two day holding policy." Cassidy replies
Misty starts sweating a little, "But uh you see...I have an emergency trip and I really need my Psyduck to come with me."
"I understand." Cassidy stands up and heads into the back to fetch Psyduck. Misty unzips her jacket and Pikachu hops out. He rushes into the back. Togepi tries to hop out as well and follow Pikachu
"Hey you stay here."
Pikachu searches through the backrooms until he eventually finds Todd's camera
Pika
Misty meanwhile is pacing back and forth again, and talking to herself
"Pikachu's taking a long time. I wish it would hurry." She mumbles
Cassidy returns with Psyduck, "Miss."
"Yes!" Misty jumps startled
"I'm afraid there wasn't time to give your Psyduck a proper facial so I'm afraid there wasn't much improvement." Cassidy says
Psy?
Misty shifts around uncomfortably
"Don't you have to leave?" Cassidy asks
"Yeah but I'm not in that much of a hurry." Misty answers nervously
She feels something poking her leg and glances down to see Pikachu is back with the camera
"Is something wrong?" Cassidy asks
"On second thought I've gotta run." Misty grabs Pikachu and Psyduck and dashes out the door, "Bye!"
Cassidy watches the whole thing very confused
Ash, Alex, Brock, Todd and Team Rocket are all locked up in the same cell. Ash, Brock and Todd are gripping on the bars and yelling for Officer Jenny while Alex is talking to Jessie and Meowth. James is busy admiring Victreebel
"Let us out!" Ash yells, "We're not the crooks!"
"Those two at the breeding centre are!" Brock yells
"Just go there and see for yourselves!" Todd yells
"So if I join Team Rocket I get a bunch of employee benefits?" Alex asks
"Yeah we've got dental, medical, life insurance, the whole lot." Meowth explains
"Huh. Well considering I now have a criminal record..." Alex says thoughtfully
"It's so big and strong and healthy looking." James says about his Victreebel, "And friendly too."
Victreebel proceeds to bite James again, "Oww! Oww!"
Officer Jenny approaches the cell, "If you're trying to win sympathy it won't work. The judge is gonna throw the book at you Pokemon snatchers!"
"I've never stolen anything in my life!" Ash yells
Alex coughs nervously. At that moment Misty enters the station
"You're making a mistake!"
Pika Pika!
Priii
"Misty!" Ash yells out relieved
"These guys have been telling the truth Officer Jenny. And these photographs prove it." Misty pulls the photos out of her bag and shows them to Jenny
"Oh what a cute little Pikachu!"
"Huh?" Misty looks at the photos and sees that it's pictures of Pikachu, Squirtle and Staryu goofing off, "Sorry wrong pictures."
Misty takes the other pictures out of her bag. The ones showing all the Pokemon in cages, "Look at these."
Officer Jenny gasps in horror, "That's terrible!"
"That place isn't a real breeding centre. They just steal the best Pokemon that are brought in."
"Those two told me that centre was like a Pokemon spa." Jenny says
"That was a lie." Misty says
"They cram the Pokemon into cages." Todd says
"That's why they told you we were the crooks." Ash explains, "Because we found out about their plans."
"They tricked me?" Officer Jenny asks shocked
"When we heard what those crooks were up to we went to stop them too." Meowth says
"It's true honest." Jessie says
"Yeah we're good guys!" James yells from within Victreebel's mouth
"Oh please. They broke into the breeding centre just to steal Pokemon." Misty says causing Team Rocket to collapse. Alex quickly slips back over to Ash's side
The Pokegang watch as Cassidy and Butch are tossed into the back of a police van and taken away. The police are busy getting all the Pokemon from the centre
"Pikachu is the one who snuck into the breeding centre and got the camera back." Misty explains to the others
"Pikachu you're the best." Ash says
Pikachu
"Good thing Todd takes great pictures." Brock says
Todd blushes at the compliment. Officer Jenny heads over to them
"You all did great jobs. Now we'll return all the Pokemon to their rightful owners."
"That's great Jenny." Ash says happily
"Anybody hungry?" Jenny asks
The group are eating at the restaurant they passed the other day. Misty has gone through four bowls of ice cream already and has just finished her fifth one
"More ice cream please!"
Ash, Brock, Todd, Alex and Pikachu stare at her stunned
"Take it easy Misty." Ash says
"Yeah leave some for the other customers." Alex says
"Don't worry." Officer Jenny says, "There's plenty of ice cream left."
The chef/owner is cuddling with Psyduck, "And all of it is free since you brought me this adorable little Psyduck."
Psy aye aye
"You have good taste." Misty says
Meanwhile back at the police station Team Rocket has started digging a tunnel to escape
"I can't stand it here!" Jessie yells, "There's not a single mirror in our cell!"
"And I refuse to wear those horrible prison uniforms!" James yells
"And I wouldn't give this food to a Muk!" Meowth yells
"We shouldn't have tried to steal from that friend of yours Jessie!" James yells
"I'll show her who's the queen of mean!" Jessie yells
TBC
Pokemon:
Ash Ketchum:
Pikachu(Male)(Electric)
Pidgeotto(Male)(Normal/Flying)
Bulbasaur(Male)(Grass/Poison)
Charizard(Male)(Fire/Flying)
Squirtle(Male)(Water)
Haunter(Male)(Ghost/Poison)
Egg
At Oak's Lab:
Krabby(Male)(Water)
Muk(Male)(Poison)
Sandslash(Male)(Ground)
Tauros(Male)(Normal)(x30)
Primeape(Male)(Fighting)
Alex Martin:
Charmeleon(Male)(Fire)
Parasect(Female)(Bug/Grass)
Gyarados(Male)(Water/Flying)
Machop(Male)(Fighting)
Rhyhorn(Male)(Ground/Rock)
Eevee(Shiny)(Male)(Normal)
Porygon(Normal)
Nidorino(Male)(Poison)
At Oak's Lab:
Magnemite(Electric/Steel)
Hypno(Male)(Psychic)
Beedrill(Female)(Bug/Poison)
Misty Waterflower:
Goldeen(Female)(Water)
Staryu(Water)
Starmie(Water/Psychic)
Oddish(Male)(Grass/Poison)
Tentacool(Male)(Water/Poison)
Horsea(Male)(Water)
Psyduck(Male)(Water)
Togepi(Male)(Fairy)
Brock Harrison:
Onix(Male)(Rock/Ground)
Geodude(Male)(Rock/Ground)
Zubat(Male)(Poison/Flying)
Dugtrio(Jenny,Joy and Suzie)(Female)(Ground)
Vulpix(Female)(Fire)
Tauros(Male)(Normal)
Aerodactyl(Male)(Rock/Flying)
Team Rocket:
Meowth(Male)(Normal)
Arbok(Male)(Poison)
Weezing(Male)(Poison)
Seaking(Female)(Water)
Victreebel(Female)(Grass/Poison)
Lickitung(Female)(Normal)