Ash Ketchum smiled like the cat that ate the canary. Here he was in the middle of the Jhoto championships, and he was going to win. He was two pokemon down, and the other trainer still had three, but he was going to win. He was going to win, not because of heart and determination, nor luck or fate. He was going to win because he had a trump that no one else had. He had one card left to play, and it was going to vaporize the competition. "Well Ash? Where's this little surprise of yours?" Gary motioned to the heated looking, and rather worn Pikachu and Paracross to the right of Ash. "Or is it yet another part of your usual loser brigade?" Both pokemon looked up at their trainer with shame and burning determination in their eyes, but Ash merely smiled down at them. "You both did wonderful guys. Thanks for sticking to the plan for me." "Pika." Pikachu said hotly. "I know, but this time, you've done more than enough for me, and you've given me the surprise advantage I need. Go ahead and take your break, both of you. You've earned it." Still looking hurt and angry, the electric rodent motioned to the overgrown Hercules Beetle, and they went to the sidelines where Misty and Brock were having a big argument. "There's no way he can get away with this!" Misty stamped her foot. "It's bad enough he was able to actually CATCH that damn thing, but they'll never let him use it, no matter what that register lady said! He's lost unless he switches his choice quickly!" "Misty, the judges said it was okay, so it's all okay. All we need to do is just stay under this protective covering, and we're fine." Brock put sunglasses on, and turned back to the match, while Misty continued to huff and puff. Pikachu sat next to her, and brooded cute-like. Paracross simply shrugged, trusting Ash's judgement, and motioned Brock to hand him a pair of shades. "Well folks," the announcer went on. "It seems like this match is as soon as over. Even though Ketchum has fought tooth and nail all the way to the finals, it seems he's adopted a callous attitude about the match, which has cost him two pokemon down against Gary Oak's incredible Mew pokemon. How will he be able to come back from such an upsetting and humiliating defeat thus far?" Ash grinned even harder than before. That was his cue. He motioned for the referee, and the man came over, handing Ash a microphone. "At this time, I'd like to ask the audience to please place the earlier protection passed out and assume the requested positions." The audience complied, just as confused as the other trainer on the battle ring was. "What are you talking about Ketchum?" Ash took out a glowing red pokeball, while the audience took out shades and blankets, and used them as recommended. "Gary, I suggest you pull out ALL of your pokemon now. You're going to need them." Gary took a long, thoughtful look at the Pallet boy. "You've finally lost it Ketchum. You know you wouldn't beat me then, even if it were allo-" "I'll allow it." The referee stated, now wearing some odd looking poncho and shades of his own. "You're funeral. Garados! Dragonite! I choose you!" The other two pokemon came out and joined Mew, looking at Ash in confusion. "Alright then. You ready?" Ash said, pulling his hat back and putting on some shades. "Bring it wimp." "Okay then. BAHAMUT! I CHOOSE YOU!" ************************ Gary crawled from the crater where his other pokemon where in dreamland. "That's not possible. No way could he have gotten a hold on something like that. It's just..." Ash continued to smile while Gary passed out, and walked over to his friends while the audience cheered his name in victory. "You shouldn't have gotten away with that." Misty glared at the smiling, and slightly darkened Pallet boy. "Yeah well, maybe your saying that cause now you have to follow through with the bet." He grinned even more. "Ooooh, I hate you Ash Ketchum! You could have at least let me catch that Shiva one!" Brock looked at her. "You're not satisfied with Leviathan? And besides, it was your idea to put a date up as the bet. Just enjoy your evening." Misty blushed, and glared some more at Ash, who was whistling victory and heading to the showers. ************************ Okay. No excuse for this. I was just having a conversation with my sister on how much like pokemon the Gaurdian Forces were on FF8, and this came to mind. Don't know how many names I messed up, but feel free to pester me about it. Back to the hack for me. -Kenji M.