From: Bandraptor <bandraptor@aol.com> Subject: Re: [PW!] Counter Earth: Let's get this tournament over with already [ATTN: All Involved] Date: Thursday, November 18, 1999 11:33 PM NMVdS wrote: > "Well, now that we've got that part over with," said Icy, "I would like to >say >a few last words…" > > Icy glanced at his notes as he began to prepare his next speech. The >audience >was hanging on his every word. > > "Ahem," he said, "as I was saying…" > > But he would never have the chance to finish. Because he was so focused on >his speech that he failed to notice the figure sneaking up behind him, >holding >a wet Magikarp in hand and ready to strike... *SMACK!* That was the sound of a wet Magikarp hitting Icy’s head. The none-too observant crowd members exchanged confused looks, not noticing as the dazed gym leader was dragged away by the back of his shirt. One of the assembled trainers turned to his friends, and cried, "Was that the starting gun?" Everyone released their Pokémon from their Pokéballs, just in case. * * * "OWWW...That hurt, you know." "Good, it was supposed to." Icy was propped up against a tree, about 200 meters away from his gym. He was seated facing his captor, a girl with spiky black hair that was worn up in dreadlocks. Although he had yet to regain full cognizance, he immediately recognized her, because she was often seen following the leader of the Elite Four. "Grrr...what do you want from me, evil Lance groupie?" "News from above." Nori tossed her head, to indicate where 'above' was. "According to Lance, there's a group of Rocket operatives lurking around your gym." "You dragged me off to tell me that?" Icy glared at the girl. "Of course there are Rockets here! This tournament's open to everybody, including Rockets. We get far more participants that way, especially when you consider how many Rockets there are these days." "That's not all," Nori continued. "Word is, that You-Know-Who is with them!" "Voltorbdemort?" "No, idiot, that Steve Forbes guy." "You mean Fugues?" Icy gawked, "What's he doing here?" Nori shrugged. "Damned if I know. Just see that he's caught." Icy threw up his arms. "Don't you think I have enough on my mind? I had enough trouble setting this tournament up to begin with, no thanks to you, and all the other people who couldn't understand my vision of a badge-free Pokémon League. And now that I've finally done it--no thanks to any of you--you have to try and ruin it! You're all picking on me! Well, I've had enough! If you don't like what I'm trying to do here, just leave...but stop criticizing my every move!!! Gyaaahhh!!!!!" The young gym leader hyperventilated for several minutes, before calming down, and reassuming his pleasant demeanor. "So, as you can see, I have everything under control. But I really can't be bothered with your silly little quest, because I've got important things of my own to worry about!" "Look," Nori shot back, "Just don’t let Fugues escape, or Lance’ll have his Dragonite flatten your gym, faster'n you can say Hyper beam!" "Oh, fine." Icy relented. "I'll keep my eyes open." "Good." The girl flashed him a twisted smile, pleased that he had seen things her way. "Now, do you have any questions?" "Just one." Icy nodded to the red and gold fish, which was still lying on his head. "The Magikarp. Of all things, why a Magikarp?" "A Gyarados would’ve been too heavy to lift." Nori rolled her eyes, as if the answer was obvious. The girl turned on her heels, and started back towards the gym, to inform Lance of her progress. Icy sat another minute beside the tree, wondering how he would get the carpy smell out of his hair. TBC... -Beth "Ii kanji!" http://members.aol.com/bandraptor