Subject: [PW!] Last Dojo Trainer (and a big surprise) Date: 07 Jul 1999 06:46:43 GMT From: ig88sw82@aol.com (Ig88sw82) >All the other Blackbelts and Trainers made a circle of expectation. Most of >them encouraging his Master. But others (although few) supported Mark. Both >ready for this Poké Battle. "This shall be a one-on-one match, boy," said the blackbelt. "One-on-one?" This was a new idea to Mark. All of his battles had given him at least two Pokémon at his disposal. He would have to think hard about his choice. The logical Pokémon, of course, was Oddish. He had raised it the most, and it rivaled the rest of his team. The opponent didn't wait for Mark to make his choice. "Hitmonchan, go!" The Pokéball split in two, sending a burst of energy that materialized into the punching daemon. "Mon! Chan!" "Hitmonchan," said Mark's PokéDex, "While apparently doing nothing, the Hitmonchan fires punches in lightning fast volleys that are impossible to see." "Oddish, let's go!" and Mark thought, this match is set. And the worst conceivable thing that could possibly happen outside of the NC-world happened. "Magikarpkarp karpkarpmagikarp magikarpkarpkarp magikarp-" "NOOOOOOOOOO!" yelled Mark. "Hitmonchan, Comet Punch!" "Chan!" The fighting Pokémon pulled back its fist and let loose a volley of punches on the fish out of water. The commotion caused a cloud of dust to settle over the mat, blocking everyone's view. When the dust settled, everyone was in for a surprise: "Magikarpkarp magikarp magikarpkarp magikarpmagikarp..." Mark was the most surprised of all. "Magikarp survived?!?" "I will not be beat by such a useless Pokémon!" screamed the blackbelt. "Hitmonchan, Ice Punch, now!!" As Hitmonchan pulled back its fist, Magikarp continued to flop around on the mat, oblivious to the events surrounding it. After the battles it had been in, Magikarp had gained enough experience to grow to about level 25, so its defense was considerable. "Magikarp, do something!" pleaded Mark. Though defeat was certain, Mark didn't want Magikarp to go down in flames (or ice). "Anything!" For once, Magikarp ceased its endless chanting, and winked at Mark. It then began to glow and change shape, elongating from its formerly pancake body, stretching until it took up the entire mat, changing into... "GYAARAAAAAA!!!!" "Gyarados?" T Rex was shocked. The blackbelt was frightened. "What is going on here?" Even Hitmonchan was caught off-guard, and stopped its attack. Gyarados took this opportunity to show it what a Gyarados could do. The ferocious Pokémon widened its already gaping jaws, and released its special attack, the Dragon Rage. The flames enveloped the cowering Hitmonchan, and by the time all the ash and dust cleared, the battle was already over. Two Chansey carried Hitmonchan away on a stretcher. The blackbelt, T Rex, and all the other trainers were in shock, but none were more shocked than Mark and Oddish. Finally, the dojo master regained his composure, and faced Mark. "Your skills as trainer exceed even mine. One day you shall become a Pokémon Master, and this shall help you on your journey." With that, the blackbelt gave Mark a Pokéball. "Which Pokémon is it?" asked Mark. "Well, normally we offer the champion a choice between Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, but we haven't gotten any new ones in a while, so instead the dojo offers you this Machop. Congratulations, Mark." While Mark held the Pokéball, it dissipated and teleported away. Luckily, Mark knew that it was being transported to Professor Oak's laboratory for safekeeping. Mark then faced his new Gyarados. "I'm sorry for doubting your abilites, Gyarados. I hope you'll forgive me." The Gyarados thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement. ------------ TBC -Marpa Stelos