BEFORE YOU READ: The PFFL is a fighting tournament whose intent is to harmlessly poke fun at the decidedly (and delightfully) weird world of Pokemon fanfiction, particularly its SI and Mary Sue aspects... though we are not limited to those. The 16 contenders for this tournament were chosen based purely on popular vote. New characters beyond those sixteen will not be admitted until such time as we choose to hold another tournament, and another vote to determine who *those* sixteen contenders will be. The match outcomes are also determined by vote, and a ballot for the upcoming card can usually be found posted at our homepage, along with the tournament's brackets. All readers are invited to cast their votes regarding the outcome of future matches. The show's writers, however, do not vote in said ballot, and make no decisions regarding the outcome of matches save in the cases of a tie vote. You may send comments and criticisms to the writers via e-mail: Alicia Ashby: lynxara@bad-candy.com Tim McLees: silvertooth@i-plus.net Enjoy the show! ______________________________________________________________ "Hey! Order 37! Your food's up!" a voice grumbled from behind the counter at the streetside diner. A tall, thin man bolted upright from a nearby table and hastily approached to get his order; or as fast as he could manage supporting himself with his cane. He wore a long blue overcoat and pants, his grey face mostly concealed by his collar and elevated hat. He took the plates from the embittered order chef, a short, vaguely rabbit-like purple bipedal creature with claws and a paper chef's hat. "Thank you, good sir!" Mummymon nodded respectfully, with an unusually dignified tone. "Yeah, whateva..." the indentured Gazimon mumbled back. "Number 42! Soup's on!" "Oh! Soup!" The grey skinned man smiled, before making way for another customer: A uniformed man with well styled blue hair. The young man's outer attire was white, except for the large red "R" across his unbuttoned jacket. "Thank you..." James accepted his food politely, still not sure what to make of the talking Nidorans running about behind the counter. "Don't worry, my lad." Mummymon assured the handsome man, "You'll adjust well to this place. Just you and your girlfriend relax and enjoy yourselves." "It *has* been fun so far," James mused, before pausing at what his undead associate said. "'Girlfriend'?" "Yes, that *lovely* redhead that accompanied you tonight." "Oh, Jessie? Perish the thought," James dismissed, trying to dodge Mummymon's goading. "We just work together is all." "Really?" The grey man smirked, "The way you two carry on it seems you've known each other for *quite* some time..." "We *have* been working together for several years now, but we're just friends, sir," James arched an awkward brow to him. "Well," Mummymon returned, somewhat mocking James' response, "In my humble opinion, you've got quite the find in that young lady. Don't let her slip away," He then gave a wink and a rather toothy, wide grin, nudging James wryly. The blue-haired Rocket agent laughed nervously, politely smiling and nodding at the undead Digimon's ribbing as they approached their tables. "...Actually, *I* normally use Herbal Essentials to start with. It's an aloe-based conditioner," The uniformed woman informed, regarding a lock of her flowing scarlet hair. She relaxed into her chair and took a sip from her wine glass, looking casually at her companion across the table: a pale woman, appearing to be her own age, with flowing white hair and a long sleeveless red dress. "I still say you should switch to Vidal Sassoon, Jess," Arukenimon disagreed. "Still, you've kept your locks in excellent shape, dear." "Why, thank you," Jessie nodded with a sly smile, "Granted, it takes *forever* to dry...." "I hear that, sister, and split ends..." The two women shared friendly laughter as their male counterparts took their sets besides them and handed off their dinners. The pale woman regarded her wine coldly before returning to the female Rocket agent. "But do you know what I *hate* more than anything else? *Little kids.*" "Oh, do *not* get me started...." Jessie agreed with a roll of her eyes. "Couldn't agree with you more." James added. "As right as ever, my beauty!" Mummymon enthused. The quartet bantered and settled into their dinner as the scene fades to black.... THE DIGITAL WORLD ETEMOPOLIS BATTLE COLOSSEUM The hovering camera loomed over a stone auditorium, set seemingly in the middle of a vast desert along with shimmering, almost-illusionary hills off in the horizon. It looked not unlike the ancient Roman Colosseum, with the exception of the jumbotron screen set up at the opened end of the U-shaped arena. The view dissolved into the stands themselves, revealing an unusual assortment of spectators, consisting of human children, the oldest amongst them in their early teens, and multitudes of monstrous creatures of various shapes, the virtual Digimon, milled about within the youthful audience. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Digital World!" JR proclaimed, as the Digimon Adventure Zero Two theme, "Target Akai Shougeki," played out in honor of tonight's venue. "Good evenin' everyone, I'm Jim Ross! "Joey Styles here!" The former ECW representive piped in. "And I'm... so happy to be employed!" Tony Schiovone finished, his usual cheerfulness sounding momentarily forced. "And tonight on PFFL we've reached the quarterfinals of our premiere tournament. We have an exciting show this week!" The familiar and incoherent Japanglish of Mabical Vox's 'Power of Infinity' introduced the arrival of Messila Samatha Wetall. "Our first trainer is a virtual Cinderella story." Tony began. "She's already beaten tournament favorite Felixman in the opening rounds. Can she make it 2-for-2 tonight?" The young brunette took her place in the trainer's box as her music died down in place of Creed's "Higher". "She's got another big challenge tonight," JR commented as ponytail wearing young man walked down the aisle, giving the ringside fans waves and smiles. His golden-brown companion Tenchu scampered behind him. "Former League champ Satoshi is going to have to keep on his toes." "Granted, he faired very well against Kate Ringer two weeks ago," Joey reminded. "Let's see what he does against the veteran of the Thinker Girls..." Satoshi vs Messila Samatha Wetall Standard League Rules Quarterfinal Match "Line! Let us begin it, Ratadda!" Messila called out as she cast her first Pokeball out, summoning the little mouse Pokemon. "TADA!" The Rattata cheered, eagerly awaiting his first challenge. "Messila's starting with her own unique enthusiasm, gentlemen," Tony noted. "Satoshi's going to have to be on guard for her bewildering tactics." Schivone's ECW cohort shook his head. "Gonna have to disagree, Tony. Satoshi's one of the most experienced trainers in the PFFL. Takes more than gibberish to phase him." The former League champion smiled, regarding the young trainer and her Pokemon before drawing the pokeball clipped to his belt. "Go to it, Jerry!" "ORB!" The spherical Pokemon called out, a broad smile forming on its face. "Still, Satoshi will have to keep on his toes against the more experienced of the Thinker Girls here." JR pondered, as the two Pokemon circled each other. "We can do it! They disappear kicky fast, acceptable!" Messila ordered, and her rodent Pokemon rushed forward to ram the orb Pokemon. "Rattata opens with a Quick Attack, but Jerry dodges almost *effortlessly*" Tony called out. Joey Styles shook his head. "You just can't match speed with a Voltorb... Oh! Looks like Jerry's returning with a Swift attack!" Messila winced in sympathy as her mouse Pokemon got slammed by the ball-shaped Pokemon. She inhaled and returned with a stern smile. "What all that you obtained? Us taunt you second time!" "What in the world is she *doing?* Insulting such a legendary Pokemon trainer..." Tony scolded with a shake of his head. "On the contrary, I think Messila's trying to play off of Jerry's rather notorious short fuse," JR suggested. Both Satoshi and Jerry paused and blinked, trying to comprehend Messila's rambling jeers. "... and not really succeeding at all," Joey added. Messila's Rattata added to her jeers, turning about to Tail Whip at the Voltorb. The spherical Pokemon furrowed its brow and grumbled as the rodent shook its tail and chattered. "Jerry! Just stay calm, keep your head," Satoshi sternly advised... but to little avail. "OOOrb!" Satoshi sighed as Jerry yelled in outrage and rushed in to slam into Rattada. "...well, that got Jerry's attention, but she better do something fast!" Joey warned. The Voltorb was about to collide into the rodent pokemon until Rattata spun and lept up above the incoming and enraged Pokemon. "Take a bite out of crime, Radatta!" Messila ordered. Her mouse Pokemon opened its fanged maw and sunk its piercing teeth deep into Jerry's faux-plastic hide. "Oh the humanity!" Tony cried out in practiced fright. "Hyper Fang connects for heavy damage! Jerry's trying to shake him, though...." "Rattada's managing to hang on in desperation though. Looks like he's readying another bite attack!" JR warned. "Shake him loose Jerry! Rollout!" Satoshi commanded. "Volt!" Jerry replied with a pained smile, dropping suddenly to the ground. Messila's Rattada mewed in surprise, its claws still clamped into the top of Jerry's rounded body... before it suddenly rolled over and smashed the clinging rodent against the ground. "Ow... OW... *OW!*..." Joey winced as Jerry rolled and bounced across the ring, grinding the mouse into the floor before it finally let go and collapsed onto the ground in a heap. "Some quick thinking stopped Rattada before he could do more damage to Jerry," JR informed. "It's two Pokemon a side now!" Tony proclaimed. "As Messila goes for her second Pokemon..." "Looks like she's going with Chamarder--" Joey stopped himself but earned a pair of amused looks from his cohorts. "*What?*" "Must be contagious," JR grinned back. "Be careful, Jerry," Satoshi warned. "We haven't seen what her Charmander's capable of yet." "Vol." The Voltorb grumbled in return. "Give this fever of the draft of the ball. POW!" The young girl commanded. The red lizard leapt forward and swung its stubby front claws about, but Jerry swerved casually out of the way with a confident grin. "Happy Fun Ball's just toying with Charmander right now, fellas," Joey commented as it hovered across the ring. "*Easily* dodging out of the way of a volley of Embers." "Actually, it looks like his master's none too pleased with his overconfident antics," Tony observed as Satoshi glowered at Jerry. "Don't get too cocky yet, Jer--" The veteran trainer winced and shook his head as Charmander turned and ripped into the earth beneath it with its hind claws, sending a Mud Slap squarely into the face of the round Pokemon. "Jerry wasn't expecting that! And Messila's continuing with the mud slinging!" JR called out as Charmander continued kicking up blobs of mud, soaking Jerry's spherical body. "Those Mud Slaps are taking their toll," Joey noted, as Jerry settled onto the ground. "That Ground-type attack's really got to be tearing into Voltorb." "Now, Chamarder, use your head!" Messila cheered and her Charmander smiled a familiar fanged grin. "CHAR HEADBUTT!" "Charmander's rushing in... and collides head-long with Jerry!" Tony exclaimed. "And earns some cheap heat from our Digital audience tonight..." Joey smirked amongst the cheers. The dragon's head connected solidly into Voltorb's side... sending it rapidly rolling towards the ring's boundary. "VOLVOLVOLVOLT!" Jerry yelped in protest as he helplessly continued to roll. "Jerry! Stop yourself before you go out of bounds!" Satoshi warned. Inexplicably, Jerry managed to grind his rounded body into the earth just in time to avoid going over the ring's perimeter, kicking up a path of dust before settling motionlessly at its edge. "...Cham?" The fiery lizard asked as it got back up, clutching its head. "Great Scott, we may have another upset, ladies and gentlemen!" Tony proclaimed dramatically. "Messila may have felled the mighty Jerry!" "Solid and surprising move there from Charmander, but I don't think it's enough to take out the Voltorb...." JR disagreed. In response to Jim Ross' prediction, Jerry hovered up and turned toward slowly Charmander, noticeable cracks crossing his glaring brow. "Oh... my GOD. Jerry's back up and he's *pissed*..." Joey uttered. Satoshi and Tenchu shared a pair of worried looks, taking a few steps back and bracing themselves for the inevitable. Messila blinked, confused at her opponent's actions, then turned back to the ring... "Orb... ORB!... *ORB!*" Jerry fumed in rage as he slowly advanced on the terrified Charmander. His body began to glow and crackles of electricity sparked around his eyes. "MAH GAWD! Charmander cut him! Jerry's busted op--" The WWF commentator's audio cut out as a blinding flash of light erupted and consumed the arena floor, the resulting shockwave drowning out all other sound. The rumbling wave of carnage continued for a full minute before the light subsided, revealing the blast-damaged arena floor. Satoshi and Tenchu had been blown back from their trainer's box, and were gradually getting back up. Messila was in considerably worse shape, not prepared for the full effect of the Explosion. Her Charmander had skidded to a stop next to her, face down and very unconscious. The remaining light quickly faded, leaving a charred Voltorb hovering at ground-zero of the horrific blast. "...orb," Jerry coughed and smiled grimly before dropping heavily to the ground. "Mah Gawd, the carnage...." JR breathed. "The Chanseys are checking on Charmander and Messila," Tony observed somberly. "Satoshi's rushing over too." Joey added. "I don't think he was expecting this. Hell, none of us were expecting an attack like that." "Miss Wetall? Messila! Are you alright?" Satoshi knelt at the prone girl's side. The numerous Chansey's examined her and Charmander with grave concern... before the young girl sat up suddenly, shaking the soot and dust off from her hair and shoulders. "... muy oucho," Messila slurred, looking up at the entourage around her. "Sorry about Jerry," Satoshi apologized as he helped Messila up to her feet. "He's kinda hot-headed like that..." "Chuten," his Pokemon companion added. "Explosive personality no da." She looked up at the champion trainer, who returned with a weak smile. "Good that you are all together too. Finish shall we?" Satoshi blinked awkwardly. "You sure you're in good enough shape to fight?" "I'm a Thinker!" Messila nodded with approval. "I will always fight for my right to the part!" "...that's good, I guess," Satoshi agreed, Tenchu squeaking with equally polite approval. "Messila's showing the classic resilience that her champion predecessor shared," Joey announced with approval. "Makes ya wonder what her cousin's thinking, watching all this right now," JR wondered aloud. "Well, folks, it looks like our match is continuing. Tenchu's ready in the ring already. And Messila's drawing her final Pokemon...." Tony breathed in anticipation. "Launching Oddish!" The incoherent young girl cried out as her pokeball's beam shot forth in front of the veteran Tenchu. "For great justice!" "OSH!" The little grass Pokemon cried with enthusiasm. "Messila's battle-hardened radish looks ready for action tonight!" Tony observed as Oddish trotted forward and lashed one of the leaves mounted on top of its head toward the powerful electric mouse. "Tenchu wasn't expecting it to be so assertive," Joey informed as Satoshi urged his trademark Pokemon away from the combat radish. Both monsters glowered cutely at each other, readying themselves for their next attack. "Satoshi's going to be hard pressed to bypass Oddish's innate lightning resistance." "Satoshi didn't become his homeworld's League Champion by being single minded...." JR intervened. "Tenchu, rush in for a Slam!" the veteran trainer ordered. "CHU!" The electrical rodent squeaked mightly, emitting a brief electrical burst before rushing towards Oddish. The little grass Pokemon braced itself for Tenchu's charge, but was promptly barreled over by the force of the tackle. "Oh God! Tenchu just gored Oddish with that tackle!" Joey raved as Oddish was drilled into the ground. "You were right, Jim. Seems like Satoshi's resulting to good ol' fashioned fisticuffs." "Good going, Tenchu! Now, Seismic Toss it out of the ring!" Satoshi nodded. The biped radish cried in dazed protest as Tenchu hoisted it above his head with his stubby forepaws. "The battle has become one-sided!" Tony added ominously. "This may well be Messila's last stand. There's *nothing* Oddish can do!" "Oshidd! You can still gain this one. Golpeelo with sound enchantment!" Messila quickly ordered. "Oshosh!" The radish wriggled about in Tenchu's grip, shaking loose a cloud of pollen that lingered about the powerful rodent Pokemon. "Ten... TEN..." The electrical mouse inhaled sharply, his grip weakening. "...TENCHU!" Tenchu began sneezing, and dropped Oddish to the ground. "The li'l radish is showing off some of its trademark gas attacks," JR proclaimed. "But can the little fella take down this experienced monster?" "C'mon, Tenchu, shake it off! Turn around!" Satoshi pleaded, legitimately surprised at his opponent's assault. Oddish took several leaps around the staggering mouse, wind increasing with each hop. "Doesn't look like our seasoned pro was expecting this..." Tony shook his head ominously. "And Oddish is letting loose the Petal Dance!" "But Tenchu, even in his incapacitated state, knows where he is in the ring," Joey rebutted. "Managed to roll out of most of the barrage, but he's *definitely* worse for wear...." "Satoshi and Tenchu may have run out of God Boy Luck, gentlemen," JR suggested, as Tenchu struggled to his feet. Messila's Oddish stood several meters away, narrowing its small black eyes as it began to glow with a golden light. "We can do it," Messila cheered proudly. "Fight, Oddish, for everlasting peace!" "This is it, ladies and gentlemen!" Tony exulted. "Messila's readying her Oddish for its trademark finisher-- And it looks like Tenchu's back up too!" "Ready the Thunder Cannon, Tenchu," Satoshi ordered, "The impact should be enough to get Oddish out of the ring!" "Chuten," the veteran's Pokemon agreed, glowing a similar golden yellow, random sparks of electricity arcing off its small body. Tenchu took a single step back to brace himself... and then shot straight forward, leaving behind a solid stream of electrical energy. "Tenchu's shooting forward with the Thunder Cannon-- and now Oddish is turning on the heat too!" JR exclaimed as Oddish tucked its head down, leaves now fully extended. The early stages of Oddish's Solar Beam barreled into Tenchu's electrified form, failing to halt the electric mouse's charge. Oddish was about to focus more solar energy into the beam... until a single globular mass of sludge sailed in from the front bleachers and impacted the grass Pokemon. The panicked Oddish abruptly cut off its trademark attack. "What the...!" JR protested. "Someone just interrupted Oddish's Solar Beam-- And Tenchu's coming in!" The WWF announced grimaced as Tenchu's specialty attack impacted with an electrical surge into the stunned grass Pokemon. Oddish sailed back with a cry, landing in a limp heap at the ring's edge. "And Satoshi gets the win from this interference... but he doesn't look happy about this at all." "Some unruly fans through fluid all over Oddish!" Tony, added in shock, shaking his head. "Another sad example of why you should *never* throw trash at sporting events." "Trash nothing!" Joey interrupted. "That was a Toxic attack, Tony! That Oddish is in a mess of pain there..." The incoherent cries of Messila Wetall echoed as she rushed over to check on the acid-covered Oddish. "Miss, be careful! He's still covered with--" Satoshi called out, but his warning was interrupted by Messila's yelp of pain. He and Tenchu ran over to check on them. The former master trainer withdrew a cloth to wipe away the excess poisonous sludge on Messila's reddened hands, while Tenchu squeaked with concern as medics and Chanseys examined Oddish. "YO! Hey, hot shot!" A brash young voice yelled from the nearby stands. Satoshi frowned as he turned toward the source of the voice: a young man wearing a leather overcoat, and leaning lazily against the railings. "Why... it's that roughneck Felixman!" Tony gasped in practiced horror. "Providing some unwanted assistance to former champion Satoshi," Joey snorted. Felixman's cohort Ded, in his trademark baggy jeans and Miami Dolphins jersey, was lounging on the bleachers. He sneered as he gave a mock toast to the experienced champion with his Budweiser. "Good goin', slapnuts," Ded smirked. "Needed help beating a little *girl.*" Above the two thugs stood Ded's massive Nidoking. The spiked, poisonous beast emitted a deep, mocking laugh as it wiped its snout. The monster looked alarmingly natural with the motley duo of American trainers, wearing a blue bandana and dark shades on its horned head. "That's whatcha get for crossing the Partners in Crime, bitch," Felixman sneered at Messila, spinning to step back from the railing. "'Partnerz in Kryme', blood," Ded corrected, posing and throwing vague, presumably insulting gestures at the two trainers in the arena as he left the stands. "You said it, G," Felixman scoffed. Nidoking followed and guarded the two departing teens, shoving past a pair of short, stone-skinned humanoid creatures. "I let Oddish obtain the evil," Messila sighed, cradling her injured grass Pokemon. "I am not a amaestrador very good in all." "Osh..." The bipedal radish squeaked in pain. "Hey! Now hold on, Messila...." Satoshi comforted her, kneeling down beside the young girl. "You gave me Tenchu and Jerry a pretty good fight. Especially Oddish there. It's not your fault someone interfered, and I know Lord Thinker will track those guys down and keep them from messing with anyone else's battle ever again." "Ten," Satoshi's rodent companion agreed, nodding with approval to Messila's Oddish. "A little more practice, and you could have some potential Hall of Fame caliber Pokemon here," The former league champion stood up. Messila also stood back up, still holding Oddish, but now much more relaxed. "How about I get you and Oddish some snacks. Ice cream, maybe?" "Yes!" Messila agreed. "Staying frosty, we shall be." "Osh." Her grass Pokemon chirped. "Well, despite her unfortunate loss, looks like Messila's got something good out of this after all," JR nodded. "Indeed, and what further adventures will Messila and her Oddish have in the PFFL?" Tony chimed in mysteriously. " ... Tony, don't do that again. Like, *ever*," Joey glowered. "The quarterfinal action continues here on PFFL," Tony continued. "First off though, Michael Cole's having a word with a couple of guest members of Lord Thinker's security team for tonight's event. Mike?" "Thanks, guys," The WWF reporter replied as the scene cut to him, "Tonight, Lord Thinker has gotten the services of some rare *talking* Pokemon to assist him!" At his feet stood a pair of familiar Digimon: A blue bipedal lizard, smiling a fanged grin, and a smaller green caterpillar with violet markings. The blue lizard nodded and looked about at the people milling about the back stage area with an excited smile. "I'm with Totodile and Caterpie--" Cole continued, before being nudged by the large insect. "For the last time, I am *not* a Caterpie," Wormmon protested in a sullen tone, narrowing his huge blue eyes. "And th' namesh Veemon," The little blue dragon replied with a grin. "And we've been havin' a blasht here tonight. Our partersh are meeting lotsh of new kidsh, and so many new monstersh... They sure do like to talk about themselvesh a lot, though...." Veemon scratched his head in thought, and Cole turned his attention back to Wormmon. "I'm sure PFFL security has told about some of the potential threats at tonight's event." "Yes, like those miscreants Felixman and Ded, we'll make sure they'll be reprimanded for what they did to Messila earlier, and kept far away from the battlefield," Wormmon affirmed. "We're also keeping tabs on the dark powers of Ashura." "No one's seen what Ashura and his Pikachu are fully capable of, though," Cole worried. "Are you sure you and the kids can handle it?" "No shweat, Mikey," Veemon replied, "We've taken on dark baddies before! That Black Rodentmon givesh ush any trouble, I'll headbutt it *so bad!* I'm a mighty Dragon Type!" "...Veemon, what in the world are you talking about?" Wormmon wondered. "It'sh what the nice redhead lady called me... not shure what it meansh but it shounds *cool!* C'mon, let'sh get some hot dogsh." The two Digimon hobbled off screen, leaving Michael Cole and the cameraman. "Back to the action here on PFFL!" Metallium's "Revelation" was already resounding throughout the coliseum, introducing the combatant for the next quarterfinal match. The Team Revelation leader arched his brow at the booing ringside fans as he made his way to the arena floor. "Our next feature match-up features Ryan Edgerton against the *merciless* Shigeru Adauchi," Tony began. "And once again, this young man is receiving a harsh reaction from our capacity crowd." "A lot of people have gotten wary of his heavyhanded preaching, gentlemen." JR reminded. "And I'm sure he has some choice words for tonight's virtual audience." The dark haired teen looked about the crowded stands before turning on his microphone. "You know... it's a sad state of affairs when a known *criminal and killer* is more easily accepted by his peers than a man of faith." "Adauchi's *earned* respect through a lifetime of Pokemon training experience," Joey rebutted as Ryan's monologue continued. "But I don't blame Adauchi, no... if anything, it's clearly another sad example of how the influence the media has tainted today's youth. They all have to share equal blame: television, movies... even the Internet." Ryan paused briefly, noting the more feral and animalistic growls of protest throughout the arena before continuing. "In *fact*, I dare say that without the influences of the Virtual World, young Gary Oak may not of strayed into his current... *lifestyle*." The Christian Pokemon trainer looked across the capacity crowd and listened to the snarls and jeers, face frozen in a cold smile. "I... have nothing to say to that." JR sighed, shaking his head. Ryan was reaching up to run a hand through his dark styled hair, when the opening guitars of Godsmack's "Keep Away" suddenly snapped him out of his mood. He spun sharply to glare towards the archway... to see the silhouetted form of Adauchi, his trenchcoat billowing dramatically as he strode to the arena floor. "Looks like veteran trainer Adauchi's ready to end Ryan's little sermon right here!" Joey shouted as the silent gunman took his position in the trainer's box across from Ryan. The experienced trainers leveled deadly glares at one another, awaiting the bell. Adauchi vs Ryan Edgerton Quarterfinal Match Standard League Rules "Your reckoning is at hand, murderer!" Ryan condemned, drawing his first Pokemon. "Charmander, strike with fiery justice!" "I'll give Edgerton points for enthusiasm." Joey commented. "But his bravado may well get the best of him." "You just can't show off like this when facing a pro like Adauchi," JR shook his head. The hitman narrowed his eyes behind his dark glasses and brought his hand down to activate the switch on one of the pokeballs clipped to his belt. He allowed himself a knowing smirk as Ryan's Charmander craned its head to look up to face its first opponent... *Way* up above him, the stone dragon Pokemon, Onix snarled down to the wary fire Pokemon. "Oh dear..." Tony worried. "Ryan may well have made a poor Pokemon choice..." "Charmander's the first on the attack, easily outmaneuvering Adauchi's massive beast," JR began, as Charmander attempted to dig into its earthy hide with its hind claws. "But Charmander's going to be hard pressed to damage the mighty Onix," Joey dismissed. "No pun intended, but Ryan's gonna need a miracle. Adauchi nodded coldly to his Onix, and gestured swiftly off to his side. Onix narrowed its brow and suddenly spun its serpentine body around. "Charmander's trying to work its way onto its back-- Onix twists about!" Joey called out as the stone serpent writhed and dropped to its side, sandwiching the small fire lizard between the ground and Onix's own rocky hide. "... and absolutely crushes Charmander! Oh my *God!*" Adauchi shot his thumb behind his back, motioning for his Pokemon's next move. "Silent signal for the next attack... and Onix is picking Charmander up in its mighty jaws..." JR exclaimed in hushed awe. "And *casually* chucks it out of the ring! What power!" "And Ryan is rightfully furious! Facing the prospect of defeat at the hands of such a notorious deviant as Adauchi," Tony remarked. "Looks like he's choosing his next Pokemon..." Ryan scowled bitterly at his rogue opponent and summoned his next combatant... "Weedle." The small bug gazed up with focused fury at its gargantuan opponent. "Edgerton's going with his trademark Holy Weedle!" Tony exclaimed. "You make this up as you go along, don't you?" Joey asked with a smirk. "We've already seen what Ryan's Weedle can do against massive opposition," JR reminded. "But will he be able to take on an experienced monster like Onix!" "Find the weak spots of his armor, Weedle!" Ryan ordered, glowering as his opponent ordered the massive serpent to dive towards the tiny bug Pokemon. "Weedle's gonna be crushed-- NO!" Tony exclaimed, as the insect shot a String Shot up against Onix's stony side. "It makes a great escape and *swings upward!*" "It's made its way onto his back, and Onix can't seem to shake him," Joey announced in shock. "The proverbial itch that Adauchi's massive serpent can't scratch," JR remarked. "Or the book on the shelf it can't read?" Tony added. " ... Don't go there, Tony." "Onix is *thrashing* to shake Weedle loose!" Joey yelled, barely audible over the earth-shaking thumps of Onix writhing in the ring. "It's even managed to work its way between Onix's stone armored plates." "We can only guess its administering his finishing move, the Poison Sting!" Tony exulted. "You mean its *other* move-- and it looks like its wearing the big monster down..." Joey continued, Onix's movement becoming more sluggish. Adauchi gazed on with a legitimately stunned look, lowering his shades as his Ground Pokemon dropped, limply, face-first onto the ground. Moments later, Weedle skittered out from between one of the plates on Onix's back, standing up triumphantly on top of his poisoned opponent. "Adauchi's rightfully stunned by Weedle's valiant attack," Tony commented. "And he's down to his remaining Pokemon! He's at a two to one disadvantage now." The silent hitman called back his poisoned Onix before reaching down to yank his remaining pokeball from his belt with grim determination. "Your merciless tactics won't help you in this match, madman," Ryan snarled, arms crossed. His opponent returned the same cold, focused glare before extending his arm forward to summon his Fighter, Hitmonlee. The brown humanoid Pokemon began with a sharp series of practice kicks, finishing in a graceful crane stance, his raised knee poised up off the ground. "Hitmonlee brings his usual martial-arts prowess to this match," Joey remarked. "And Weedle begins with a volley of Poison Stings!" "The Fighter breaks from his stance and whips his arm down--" JR winced. "Blocking those barbs with his forearm with little if *any* effect!" Hitmonlee turned his arm over, regarding the three thin darts in its arm... before casually yanking them out with his free hand. "That's some serious Kung Fu Hitmonlee's got," Tony uttered, impressed. The Team Revelations leader looked on with grave concern at how easily Hitmonlee had weathered Weedle's deadly attacks. "Let's see how effective Hitmonlee is when he can't *move*," Ryan sneered. "Weedle! String Shot!" The little insect Pokemon complied by launching a stream of sticky fluid around the Fighting Pokemon's arm. Adauchi smiled and shook his head knowingly, motioning with a pulling gesture. "Weedle bound Hitmonlee's arm up nice and tight-- and he grabbed onto the string with his free hand!" Joey yelped in surprise as Hitmonlee braced itself and gave his bonds a mighty yank. "And he's pulling Weedle off the ground!" "He reeled the Holy Bug in...." JR called out, just before Hitmonlee smashed a Double Kick into the now airborne Weedle. "Sharp knee to the mid section, and sets it flying with a shin kick!" "WEEDLE IS DOWN! WEEDLE IS DOWN!" Tony raved as Ryan's insect Pokemon landed limply on the ground. Ryan looked aghast at his defeated Pokemon, then back up at the brooding Adauchi, his Hitmonlee returning to a ready stance. "Our Christian soldier's looking desperate, gentlemen," Joey noted. "He's down to his last Pokemon, one that's going to be hard pressed to do anything against the fearsome Hong Kong action Pokemon Hitmonlee." Ryan quickly summoned his remaining monster Geodude, who stiffened in grim determination at its biped opponent. "Geodude's beginning with a series of Magnitudes, and Hitmonlee's nimbly dodging the blasts!" Tony exclaimed, as the martial artist Pokemon leapt up and away from each blast. A final high leap propelled Hitmonlee into the air. The elder Edgerton seethed, an alarmingly enraged glare spreading across his face as he gestured to his opponent across the ring. "Very well, we'll stop your corruption at the source..." Ryan snarled. He then shot a pointed finger toward Adauchi. The veteran gunman arched his brow in surprise and braced himself. "Geodude... *Explosion!*" "Geodude's... Geodude's advancing on *Adauchi!*" Tony exclaimed in legitimate shock. "Ryan can't do that... can he?!" "MAH GAWD! He's glowin' white hot!" JR breathed. The hovering anthropomorphic boulder loomed ever closer towards the silent trainer. "I don't think this arena can take another Explosion." "And Adauchi himself sure as hell can't take it!" Joey protested. "Geodude's going critical--!" Just then a shadow loomed above the supercharged Rock pokemon. Geodude spun its body around to look up at the descending Hitmonlee, which landed right next to him and ducked into a low stance. "Hitmonlee intercepts!" JR proclaimed, crackles of energy materializing around the humanoid Fighter. "... and sends him airborne with a High Jump Kick!" Adauchi and Ryan looked on as each flying spin kick propelled Geodude and Hitmonlee straight up into the air. A final roundhouse launched the already knocked out Geodude back into the ground. The brown biped Pokemon followed behind, landing nimbly on its feet. "Hyper Combination Finish!" Tony cheered. "Hitmonlee once again wins the match for his master Adauchi!" "And Ryan looks rightfully furious!" JR warned, as the Team Revelations leader advanced methodically into the ring. Ryan glared down contemptuously at the veteran Fighting Pokemon, fists clenching into fists. "Looks like he's ready to strike down with great vengance, guys...." Joey worried. Indeed, the youthful holy Pokemon trainer lifted his opened palm up to strike Hitmonlee... then froze abruptly, feeling something being thrust against the back of his neck. Adauchi stood directly behind the angered Ryan, trenchcoat billowing in the faint wind as a silent hush filled the arena. Slowly, the Christian soldier stood back up stiffly and closed his eyes. "I... am my own sacrifice," Ryan somberly proclaimed. It would have made for a dramatic and gripping scene... had Adauchi not simply thrust the index and middle finger of his right hand against the back of Ryan's head. The silent hitman emitted a bemused smirk at Ryan's soliloquy, as well as a single word. "Bang." The holy Pokemon trainer spun wildly and collapsed onto the dusty ground of the arena floor. Ryan snarled angry looks up at the gunman and Hitmonlee that stood above him. Adauchi simply shoved his hands back into the pockets of his overcoat before turning to leave the ring. "You can just feel the hate between those two, fellas," JR uttered. "But tonight, Adauchi's training experience was plenty enough to beat Ryan's miracles." "Incredible upset, folks," JR announced. "Adauchi will go on to face the winner of tonight's Circle of Masters match between Crystal Dagger and Sailor Pikagirl." "That and tonight's main event are coming up-- Waitaminute!" Tony blurted out, as the camera continued on the departing Adauchi and Hitmonlee. "What's this going on in the back?!" The feed returns to one of the backstage areas at the Colosseum, showing a deserted hallway with crates stacked up against the walls. A single figure, a white feline Digimon with oversized yellow paw-gloves, patrolled the halls. She peered intently along her path, seeking out any possible threat or danger attempting to disturb the night's event... "... Ahem." An awkward voice coughed from behind one of the piles. Gatomon spun and readied herself, her claws ready for the possible threat. She saw a figure obscured in the shadows. "Who's there?" The feline Digimon snarled. Gatomon's posture relaxed slightly when the figure stepped from shadows... revealing himself as a biped feline similar to herself. The male cat, however, wore a brown leather overcoat and his ears and tail ended with tufts of brown and black fur, rather than the violet fur on Gatomon's ears. The most unusual feature was the large coin lodged in the middle of its forehead. "Sorry to disturb ya, miss," Meowth apologized. "I know youse got a job ta do, but ah spotted ya over at the concession stands and I wanted to ask ya some questions." "I suppose," Gatamon shrugged, placing her gloved claws on her lack of hips. "What do you want to know?" "I was wondering if youse could tell me..." Meowth began. "... are ya from Venus?" The feline Digimon blinked, trying to process the question. "Umm... no..." "Well, just wanted ta ask cause I couldn't help but notice dat yer tail is outta this woild!" Meowth drew his paws from his coat pockets and pointed a salute to Gatomon with his foreclaws, an approving, toothy grin on his face. Gatamon, on the other hand, stared blankly at the cat Pokemon. She did not look amused. "LIGHTNING PAW!" Gatomon exited the backroom through a set of double doors, just in time to cross paths with her teammates Veemon and Wormmon. Both were merrily chowing down on a hot dog and a soda, respectively. The feline Digimon huffed bitterly and maneuvered her way between them before vanishing into the crowd. " ...What'sh eatin' her?" Veemon wondered, between bites. "I think it's best to stay clear of Gatamon for a while," Wormmon suggested, "You know how she gets when she looks like that." "Good call..." The two Digimon passed the double doors. A weak muffled cry could be heard from within, barely audible above the crowd noise. "... love hoits." "...well, that was insightful," Joey snickered as footage returned the commentator's desk. "Thinker's crack team of security agents is on the patrol tonight," Tony warned. "So, potential evil doers better beware!" "As well as unwanted suitors," JR added. "Coming up now, though, is our next match-up. And under Circle of Masters rules, no less!" "La Soldier" from the Sailor Moon musical cued up and the yellow-furred senshi, Sailor Pikagirl, strode to the ring, giving friendly waves to the nearby crowd. "One of these ladies will go on to face Adauchi in next week's semi-finals," Tony reminded the audience. "This is the first *all-female* Circle of Masters confrontation in PFFL history." "And considering the firepower and skill of these ladies, this could be a helluva fight!" Joey enthused. Just then the lights cut off, and the beginning mysterious strums of Rob Zombie's "Spookshow Baby" resounded across the arena. "And the Rocket Gang's elite assassin is Amanda's opponent tonight," Tony reminded ominously. "Will she be able to overcome this stealthy and *lethal* lady?" "Crystal Dagger's never had to fight a Pokemon hybrid before, fellas," JR reminded as the lights came back up... revealing the Rocket agent, standing directly behind the anthropomorphic senshi. "... LOOK OUT FROM BEHIND!" Sailor Pikagirl spun in shock, just as the armored assassin drew her blade.... Sailor Pikagirl vs Crystal Dagger Quarterfinal Match Circle of Masters Rules The anthropomorphic senshi flipped gracefully backwards, narrowly evading Crystal Dagger's rising slash. Readying herself in mid-leap, Sailor Pikagirl thrust her hand outward to send out a burst of electrical energy. "Amanda makes a narrow escape and launches a Thunder Shock in midair!" Tony exclaimed. The armored assassin covered her face with her gauntlets and rushed through the resulting blast. "Dagger's come prepared tonight with a new set of plate mail," JR noted. "Indeed, her crystalline armor seems to be sucking up most of the damage," Joey informed. "Sailor Pikagirl lands-- and Dagger's there waiting. Drives a sharp shin kick into Pikagirl's stomach!" "But Amanda's not takin' that lying down!" JR proclaimed. The pokemon senshi twirled gracefully, connecting a pair of electrically-charged palm strikes into Crystal Dagger's breast plate. "Both ladies are fighting at a furious pace, each trading off vicious kicks!" Tony exclaimed. Both female warriors shot forth a flurry of kicks, each of Sailor Pikagirl's charged blows impacting with a burst of lightning against the female Rocket's armored shins and forearms. "Neither of them are giving up an inch!" JR began. "Wait, Dagger just caught Pikagirl in midkick. But she counters out of it with a beautiful somersault kick!" The yellow-furred senshi's blow connected with a burst of light as she flipped backwards and landed on her feet. Crystal Dagger staggered back a couple steps, still blinded from the flash attack, unprepared for Sailor Pikagirl's next attack as she rushed foreward. "Sailor Pikagirl goes airborne and --" Tony started. His train of thought derailed momentarily as the Pikachu senshi lept up and wrapped her legs around Crystal Dagger's neck and shoulders. The PFFL's ECW representative was the proverbial deer in the headlights. "Well... huh," JR stammered. Sailor Pikagirl quickly spun around, somehow maintaining her balance perched on the shoulders of the shocked assassin. "Amanda's, umm, bearing pressure down with her creative version of a head scissors...." Crystal Dagger flailed one of her arms about, her other hand grabbing Sailor Pikagirl's thigh as the senshi strangled her. With a triumphant yell, the anthropomorphic senshi arched back and threw the assassin for distance with her powerful legs. "She finishes the attack with an incredible reverse hurricanrana!" Tony continued. "Ohh... *wow*..." Joey finally sighed. For once, Tony's hyperbole seemed not to have annoyed him. The armored assassin crashed head first on the ground. Sailor Pikagirl flipped back to her feet and spun to face the prone Crystal Dagger. "Crystal Dagger!" The senshi addressed sternly. "Your nefarious service for Team Rocket shall come to an end, today! THUNDERBOLT!" The red cheeks of the senshi's face crackled as spun her arms dramatically in a circle, bringing them to rest in front of her chest to focus her electric energies... "This could be it, ladies and gentlemen!" Tony foretold. "Sailor Pikagirl's looking ready to deliver the coup de grace!" "Will this be enough to finish off Team Rocket's most elite agent?" Joey wondered. "There's no way Crystal Dagger can fight her way out of this," JR mentioned. "She's only human..." Crystal Dagger had finally struggled to her knees, a stream of crimson trickling from her nose. She looked up to see the crackling aura of Sailor Pikagirl in front of her. With desperate swiftness, she gripped her gauntlet and drew forth a trio of shafts from it.... "Dagger's pulled something from her glove!" Tony cried out. With a whip of her hand, Crystal Dagger's throwing spikes sailed forth. The Pikachu senshi quickly canceled her Thunderbolt, instead intent on dodging the surprise attack. One spike sailed clear, the second grazed her right cheek, but the third and final spike imbedded itself firmly into her muscular thigh. "That sneak attack canceled Pikagirl's attack," Joey nodded. "... and it looks like Crystal Dagger's ready to end this!" The armored assassin leapt up, bearing her crystalline blade down to strike the fallen yellow-furred senshi. "NO! Amanda's blocked the blade in mid-strike! Look at the power coursing through her hands!" JR bellowed as Sailor Pikagirl raised her still-charged hands to grab the shimmering blade as the assassin landed. Crystal Dagger continued to try to force the blade towards its target... until, a surge of raw electrical energy consumed both combatants! "THUNDER! Thunder attack!" Tony proclaimed. The Rocket assassin shrieked as she was blasted back from the powerful surge, her crystalline blue armor shattering and crashing to the ground along with her own smoking form. "Crystal Dagger is sent flying! This is *truly* the most electrifying Circle of Masters match in the history of our sport!" Schiovane's WWF cohort glowered in disgust, while Joey Styles merely shrugged. "I'm surprised he didn't say it earlier." "Dagger's been seriously injured by Amanda's last attack," JR returned to the commentary. "And with her protective iridescent armor now destroyed, there's no way she can defend against her opponent's unholy Pikachu powers!" "Speaking of which, Sailor Pikagirl's gonna try to finish her off again!" Joey proclaimed as the Pikachu-like senshi posed, her clenched fists crackling with energy. Crystal Dagger struggled to her feet, now clothed from her waist up in a sleek black mesh suit; only her legs remained armored. She finally stood up, supporting herself with her long sword. "THUNDARU...." Sailor Pikagirl chanted, her inexplicable Japanese accent suddenly returning. "...PUNCH!" "Pikagirl's closing in with *blinding speed!* This *could be it!*" Tony exclaimed. The yellow-furred defender closed into melee range on the female assassin. Among the electrical surges of energy coursing around Pikagirl, a single gleam of silver went virtually unseen as she drew something from her waist and lunged foreward. Horrified gasps and numerous cries rang out throughout the arena as Sailor Pikagirl's eyes went wide in horror and her body weakened. The energy from her Thunder Punch faded, now clearly revealing her opponent ducked close beneath her... and Crystal Dagger's fist clenched firmly around the gem-encrusted tanto imbedded in her flank. The assassin roared as she yanked the knife free, then delivered a powerful fist into Sailor Pikagirl's jaw, sending the senshi airborne. Crystal Dagger leapt up with her, twirling with a deadly grace to level a horizontal slash across her foe's chest. With a final turn, the dark haired warrior lowered an axe kick into the senshi's shoulder that sent her crashing down to the ground below. Crystal Dagger also descended, almost collapsing from the strain of both the electrical siege and the effort of her devastating combination. A bloodied Sailor Pikagirl groaned in pain, her prone body glowing faintly as she de-henshined back to her human form. Amanda's wounds were healed, but she still trembled from the shock before finally passing out. The smoke-stained assassin steadied herself and glared down at the unconscious redhead as "Spookshow Baby" rumbled throughout the arena. She stiffend into a victorious posture, flinging her long black hair over her back and holding her arms out, her tanto in her left hand and trademark longsword in her right. "...that's one deadly woman." Tony breathed, stunned. "One sneak attack was all it took to take Sailor Pikagirl down." "Crystal Dagger's going to advance with an upset over the hybrid senshi." JR shook his head, "And I sure as hell hope Adauchi's going to be ready for that cutthroat witch!" The black clad femme fatale staggered slightly, driving her long sword into the ground to balance herself. "And likewise, is Crystal Dagger gonna be healthy enough to face the silent gunman Adauchi?" Joey pondered. "It'll be a helluva rumble next week... but coming up in our main event, the up-and-coming second generation trainer Arina Ketchum goes up against the most dangerous foe she's ever faced, the assassin Ashura. Comin' up, right after this!..." A squad of large grey humanoid mecha vigilantly open fire on their offscreen target. Already, the wooded field around them is littered with the charred, fallen bodies of the Earth Alliance foot soldiers, the Leos. Yet another Leo explodes in a dazzling, fiery burst as a laser beam impacts it. The view cuts up to an angular, futuristic jet, a large barrel extending from its red cone. Portions of the plane suddenly pop open and unfold... until the familiar, winged ivory body of Wing Gundam is revealed, landing before the remaining Leos. The formidable mecha lifts its red shield to deflect the laser fire, leaving its own Beam Rifle to punch through a pair of the remaining Leos. The final Earth Alliance soldier scores a lucky shot and blasts the cannon loose from Wing Gundam's hand. The minor victory is brief, as the white and blue mecha draws a cylinder with swift precision from its thigh and ignites its energy blade. Seconds later, the final Leo collapses to the ground, cleaved from collar to waist by Wing Gundam's Beam Saber. The ivory mech stands motionless, gazing about slightly to observe the carnage it has wrought. Something along a cropping of rocks catches its attention: a lean, blonde young woman in a conservative dress and jacket gives a stern glance toward the powerful Gundam, her pulled-back braids revealing her as Relena Peacecraft. The winged mecha turns slightly at to face her, and a section of its torso lifts and unfolds, revealing the glowering form of Heero Yui in its now-exposed cockpit. The two young adults gaze with grim attention at each other, before Relena steps down to the ground to address Wing Gundam's pilot. "Excuse me..." Relena speaks. "Are those Bugle Boy jeans that you are wearing?" Heero pauses abruptly at the inquiry and narrows his eyes down at the noblewoman. "...yes." "Thank you," Relena approves, turning away from Wing Gundam with dignified precision. As she walks away from the Leo-littered clearing, the Bugle Boy Jeans logo snaps into view, before finally fading to black... The scene returned to the PFFL commentary desk, the three announcers turning their attention to the camera. "During the premiere broadcast of PFFL, we got a glimpse of what Ashura is capable of in the ring," Tony addressed the audience, as footage rolled of his bout against Hikaru Ketchum, "The Assassin absolutely *decimated* the Magic Knight to advance to tonight's quarterfinal match." "Our ninja-wannabe won't have the luxury of using martial arts tonight though," JR reminded. "As tonight's match is under standard league rules. Also, in that same opening round, Arina Ketchum showed off some of the teamwork and prowess that runs her family, scoring an upset victory!" The footage cut back to early in the opening rounds, with Arina's companion Pikachu and her Bulbasaur teaming up to finish off Ded's Nidoking. During the footage, the menacing guitars of Metallica's "Blackened" began to build. The footage cut off, returning to the arena floor, where the ebony Pikachu and his cloaked companion paced methodically down to the combat circle. "We can pray Arina won't be on the receive end of Ashura's Shadow skills," Joey hoped. "On the other hand, this is no ordinary Pokemon she'll be facing tonight." The Shadow Master took his spot and stood rigidly within his trainer's box. Soon, his hard metal theme faded and was replaced with the familiar J-Pop stylings of "Brave Heart" from the original Digimon Adventure. The cameras cut to behind the curtains hanging in front of the archway, where an anxious Arina breathed deeply, pacing. She and the Pikachu standing by her side shared a glance and look at the covered door, listening to the cheers awaiting them, and stepped through together... "And here comes Miss Arina Ketchum!" Tony enthused over the joyous ovation. "Sounds like the crowd's choosing their favorite." The young girl stood in awe at the thunderous ovation she was receiving. All these young boys, girls and monsters cheered for her in her upcoming Pokemon challenge. Arina beamed a happy smile as she and Pikachu walked down to the arena floor, waving to the capacity crowd. "Hey, they have a thing for kids and their powerful monsters," Joey shrugged, "One ace Arina has is her much more experienced companion there, Pikachu." The young girl adjusted the bill of her League cap and looked over to her cloaked opponent as she unclipped a Pokeball from her belt. "We can do this... go for it, Pidgey!" Arina affirmed, summoning the bird Pokemon in a dazzling red light. The brooding warrior stood motionlessly, beckoning with a slight gesture. "You have shown much potential, young Arina. However..." Ashura glowered, as a black shape blurred out from his duffel and vaulted off his back. The familiar form of Shadow Pikachu landed nimbly before Arina's Pidgey and, as it turned its glare to the flying Pokemon, emitted a black-violet nimbus of dark power.... "You are not a Master yet." MAIN EVENT Ashura vs Arina Ketchum Quarterfinal Match Standard League Rules "Arina's come a long way to make it to this match, folks," Tony informed. "A victory against this mysterious warrior could be just the boost she needed to become the first PFFL champion!" "Yeah..." Joey agreed warily, as Pidgey hovered, circling the dark electic mouse Pokemon. "But she's also gotten here with a bit of luck, too. She may not have the experience or firepower to pull this off." "This may be the most pivotal match in young Arina's life..." JR speculated. The young girl took a deep breath and straightened her League cap, peering intently into the ring. "Start with an earth based attack!" Arina commanded. "Pidgey, Mud Sla--" "Dark Shock," Ashura hissed. The ebony Pikachu gave a dismissive glance to Pidgey as it settled to the ground. Its black aura flared slightly, casting forth a single bolt of dark lightning that consumed the bird pokemon. Pidgey gave out a final cry before it collapsed on its back, leaving a circle of charred feathers in its wake. "...all too easy," the cloaked assassin glowered, shaking his head disapprovingly. "Pidgey's taken out as *soon* as the match begins!" Tony called out. "Arina just was not prepared for the element of the Dark." "Or the element of *overkill*," Joey corrected. "Even flying Pokemon can recover from electrical damage... they're not made to take attacks like *that*...." "And look at poor kid there..." JR sighed as both Arina and her Pikachu companion looked at the charred Pidgey in muted horror. She cautiously lifted her hand up to unsummon the fallen bird and pulled another Pokeball from her belt clip. "...Go, Bulbasaur," She ordered hesitantly. "Can Bulbasaur avenge the honor of his fallen comrade?" Tony wondered out loud, earning a pair of annoyed looks from his cohorts. "At least Arina's still using her head," JR remarked. "Switching to a monster that's resistant to Pikachu's electrical assault!" "That would be the case if this were an ordinary Pikachu," Joey reminded. A pair of tendrils extended from beneath the bulb on the frog-like Pokemon's back, and it glowered with determination at its dark opponent. Ashura narrowed his eyes in concentration before issuing his command. "Darkness Illusion," The brooding trainer ordered, folding his arms across his chest. "Pika..." Shadow Pikachu glowered menacingly, as a thick greyish fog materialized around the Forbidden pokemon, filling up and consuming the arena floor. "Shadow Pikachu's emitting a dark cloud throughout the ring... getting hard to see the action there...." Joey commented, adjusting his glasses. "It's a dark mist!" Tony cried out in fright. "... don't *ever* do that again, Tony," JR scolded. "What the... looks like Bulbasaur and Shadow Pikachu aren't alone in that fog bank!" Within the grey mist, Bulbasaur found himself surrounded by three dark, Pikachu-shaped shadows, all rushing around him swiftly. Arina Ketchum shared much of the grass Pokemon's panic. "Bulbasaur!" the young girl began, trying to get her bearings, "Sleep Powder to your left... umm... Razor Leaf! On your right!" The grass Pokemon spun to bear down on the shadowy forms closing in. Several leaves sprayed off from its bulb and blazed a path into one of the shapes. A second shadow closed in as Bulbasaur ducked its head down and emitted a purple cloud of vapor of its own. Once the green maelstrom within the grey mist subsided, two of the three forms surrounding Bulbasaur laid prone on the ground. "Bulbasaur's a fighting dynamo tonight, folks!" Tony cheered. "Taking the battle to this Forbidden Pokemon!" "Something's not right, guys," JR wondered, squinting as the Darkness Illusion began to fade. The tired Bulbasaur appeared to be encircled by three Shadow Pikachus; one writhed on the ground with leaf blades imbedded in its hide, another lay sleeping by the grass Pokemon's side. Both incapacitated Forbidden Pokemon... suddenly faded away in puffs of black smoke. "It's a trick!" Joey gasped. "The real deal's coming in from behind..." The third, fully healthy Shadow Pikachu rushed in towards Bulbasaur's side, its tail gleaming with electrical power. "Lightning Slash!" Ashura called out with a flair of his gloved hand. With a spin, the ebony Pikachu cleaved a solid plane of golden energy through the surprised Bulbasaur. The smoldering grass Pokemon croaked weakly as it was carried airborne, and the dark Pikachu crackled with foul black electricity. "Shadow Bolt," The grim cloaked warrior ordered, looking rather underwhelmed as his familiar erupted into a bolt of destructive power that soared up to collide with the already stunned Bulbasaur. The violet-black burst died out, and the dark Pokemon landed nimbly on its feet, while the charred Bulbasaur collapsed painfully on the ground. "...Perhaps you are not as skilled as the Professor thought," Ashura uttered with a tint of disappointment in his voice. "Arina can't fight like this," JR uttered. "Somebody's *got* to stop this match before someone, trainer or monster, gets seriously injured...." "Ashura and Shadow Pikachu are the most feared duo in this sport," Tony mused. "Showing the experience and *power* that earned them that reputation...." The commentator's attention suddenly turned to the young girl standing across from the mysterious assassin. Gone was her fright and anxiety from Shadow Pikachu's onslaught. The yellow Pikachu at her feet looked up with stern determination, and Arina peered down to return the gaze. Finally, she lifted a hand to remove her League cap, letting her long blue hair flow loose, before issuing her next command. "Pikachu... I choose you!" "Mah stars and garters, Arina's gettin' serious now," JR uttered, as Pikachu paced into the ring without its usual enthusiastic scamper. Instead, it steadily approached its ebony counterpart, both electric mice glaring daggers into one another. "And her pa's Pikachu doesn't look too happy either...." "It's boiled down to the wire," Tony began dramatically. "Arina's down to her last but most experienced Pokemon to confront Ashura's legendary Pikachu. It's an epic pokebattle of light and darkness here tonight!" "Pika...." the yellow Pikachu declared, his cheeks crackling with golden electricity, energy that spread to surround his entire short form. "Pi*ka*...." his dark furred opponent retorted, summoning a field of black-violet lightning around itself. "...CHUUU!" Both Pikachus roared, driving their shoulders together. A shower of sparks cascaded from the combatants as they attempted to gain ground. "You can *feel* the hatred between those two electric mice!" JR raved as the two Pikachus began rushing around within the ring, still braced against one another. "Shadow Pikachu's Forbidden powers represent everything Arina and her father's Pikachu stand against," Joey explained. "Everything... well... uncute." The dual electrical auras cast light and shadows onto the two determined trainers. Ashura brought a hand up to his chin and smiled darkly behind his shroud. "You have overcome your fear of the Shadow," the cloaked warrior mused. "Most impressive." "I'm full of surprises, mister!" Arina shot back. "Pikachu, Slam attack!" "Pikachu's swerved in front of his dark counterpart..." Tony breathed in anticipation as the yellow mouse slid ahead of Shadow Pikachu. "... he grabbed him and flung him over his head!" "His momentum nearly rolled the dark mouse outta the ring!" JR responded. "But Shadow Pikachu's back on his feet, and it looks like business is about to pick up!" Shadow Pikachu began slinging a flurry of black-violet electrical bursts towards the yellow rodent. "Pikachu's returning fire too!" Joey exclaimed over the sound of crackling thunder. "Countering with Thundershocks of his own!" "The sparks are flying in this heated battle!" Tony remarked. "Now both Pikachus are leaping forward, ready to swing punches...." "And Shadow Pikachu managed to grab Pikachu's fist," JR called out. "But Pikachu has a hold of that dark rodent too!" The crackling auras surrounding the two electrical mice began to grow with size and intensity. "They're both going critical!" The cloaked assassin's attention wasn't on the performance of his trademark familiar. His predatory gaze was instead focused on the ten year old girl standing in the trainer's box across from him. Arina just then meet Ashura's gaze and froze. She was wary of his piercing and almost hypnotic glare. She heard him call out with crystal clarity, despite the loud surges of power their Pokemon were emitting... "Release your rage, young Arina," Ashura's even voice ordered. "Only with the power of the Shadow can you hope to win...." The trainers stood motionless as their gazes remained fixed on one another. The two Pikachus struggled against one another's electrical force, awaiting their next order. Arina Ketchum closed her eyes and shook her head, recovering from Ashura's alluring gaze and words. Returning her attention to the match, she issued her command with a flourish. "Pikachu, Thunder! Now!" "PIKA!" A sudden surge of golden electricity surged forward from Arina's companion, consuming his ebony opponent and lifting him backwards. "Mah Gawd! SHADOW PIKACHU IS DOWN!" JR exclaimed. "Arina may have pulled this off..." "It had better, that took a lot out of Pikachu..." Joey worried, regarding the yellow rodent. Pikachu slouched slightly, breathing heavily. The dark Forbidden Pokemon landed with a resounding thud on his side, his black body emitting wisps of smoke. A hush fell over the crowd as the trainers gazed at their fatigued monsters. Arina's yellow mouse exhaled heavily, turning with tired steps toward his trainer. "Good work, Pika--" Arina began to compliment... before trickles of violet-black bolts of electricity surged into existence and flowed toward Shadow Pikachu. "Shadow Pikachu's back on his feet...." Tony breathed. The young girl and Pikachu turned back to see the Forbidden black mouse Pokemon, now standing, surrounded by spiraling electrical energy. The wind, too, began to blow across the arena. As the column of dark electricity grew, so too did the winds, to the point where Arina and her battle-worn Pikachu could barely stand against them. Only Ashura was unmoved, save for his dramatically billowing black tunic and cloak. "Pikachu... LIGHTNING VORTEX!" Ashura roared. His dark familiar cried out in response, and released the hurricane in a cone shaped wave of power, wind and electricity! The combined impact of the compressed air and dark energies lifted Pikachu airborne and hurled him out of the battlefield. "Pikachu's been knocked out of the ring!" Tony yelped. A sickening crunch resounded throughout the arena. "And *into* the stone wall in front of the stands! This is sick!" "That li'l mouse looks seriously hurt! Arina's rushing up to check on him," JR uttered sadly. The young Ketchum knelt down to cradle the battered Pikachu. "And, suffice to say, Ashura's going to the semi-finals," Joey finished with disgust. "She put up a good fight at least. Arina's--" The former ECW commentator's remarks were cut off short as Ashura, now with Shadow Pikachu at his side, strode steadily toward the young trainer. "*Now* what the hell is he doing?!" "You are defeated," Ashura began, slowly pacing towards the infuriated young girl. Arina clung to her injured Pikachu and attempted to edge away from the cloaked warrior. Ashura paused, towering above her, and lifted an opened hand to her. "I'm not going to hurt you, young Arina," the trainer in black assured her. "You have no idea how much potential as a trainer you possess. You've just lacked the proper focus. The proper... training." "How?! By being an overbearing...jerk like you?" Arina scowled, attempting to sound tough. The man above her regarded her insult with a slight, cold laugh. "Oak never told you what became of your father after he became League Champion, did he?" "Heh, of *course* I know!" the young girl smirked, now getting back to her feet. "He retired and married my mom...." "*No*...." Ashura forced out through gritted teeth. "Your warm and cozy family life... is a farce. You see...." The robed warrior gripped his black hood and yanked its folds away from his head, letting the cowl settle on his shoulders. Arina's face paled in stunned horror, gazing upon the familiar face.... "*I*... am your father," The Shadow Master announced. "...no way," Arina whispered. "... Great Scott! What a revelation!" Tony raved. "Tony, he's making this crap up...." JR grumbled. "Just trying to mess with this poor girl's head." "Well, *technically* Ashura is Ashton Ketchum of Pallet Town..." Joey reminded meekly. "You *can* become the League Champion!" Ashura shouted at the girl, forcefully. "NO!" Arina shook her head violently, shutting her eyes tight. "Not like that! Not like *you*...." "This is the only way, young Ketchum...." His gaze remained steady upon the blue-haired girl as he steadily approached her. "This is hideous...." Tony uttered, for once at a loss of words. "Follow my path," Ashura loomed directly overhead the scared Arina Ketchum. She inched frantically back... until she was braced against the stone wall, her eyes locked wide open, trapped in the Shadow Master's gaze. "Isn't anyone going to stop this...." JR began to fret. The dark warrior's gaze remained fixed on his 'daughter' as he lifted his arms and stretched them apart, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Where's *Thinker!?* Where's security!?" JR continued to rave. "What kind of world do we live in where we can watch a little girl lose her innocence on inter-dimensional television?!" "One with Court TV, JR," Joey attempted to deadpan, still watching Ashura's advances.... "Embrace your legacy...." "Yeah, embrace *this!*" A young boy's voice jeered from above him. "Vee Laser!" A monstrous yet goofy voice roared from the same position. Ashura spun and turned his attentions upward... as he and Shadow Pikachu narrowly leapt out of the blast radius of the incoming energy beam! "What in the..." JR yelped. "It looks like Thinker's calvary's going to *finally* put a stop to Ashura's terror!" Above the cloaked assassin loomed two large humanoid Digimon: A larger, more muscular version of the previously seen Veemon, now with large wings and a bladed horn on its snout; and a slimmer, more humanoid figure with green insectoid armor. Two boys rode with the Champions', each on his respective partner's shoulder... "Let's punk this creep and his Black Rodentmon!" Davis enthused, yanking his trademark goggles over his eyes as his blue dragon Digimon swooped down to engage the cloaked warrior. "We need to get the girl out of danger first," the insectoid Champion, Stingmon, interrupted. "Yes, protect Miss Ketchum," Ken agreed. "Besides the others can tend to his familiar. Anklyomon's stone body should be impervious to their electrical attacks...." "Pikachu! Thunder Shatter!" Ashura commanded, leaping above the shockwave of earth launched from the spiked dinosaur Champion. Shadow Pikachu cried out in response, lunging towards Anklyomon and shifting into a ball of black energy that phased easily into its rocky chest. His short human partner looked on in shock as his Digimon flailed and began to vibrate, cracks extending from where Shadow Pikachu entered his body. Ankylomon glanced up with a surprised look on helmed face. "Well, dang...." The armored Champion uttered, as his form abruptly dissolved back to its feathered-pudding-shaped Upamon form, giving out an exhausted sigh as the remnants of his higher form exploded into a storm of useless data. The dark, Forbidden Pikachu reformed next to the defeated Digimon, exhaling an almost offended snort. He glanced over to a couple more of his fallen opposition. Gatomon and a bright orange hamsterlike creature with excessively long ears lay in a tangled heap amongst the freshly abandoned bleachers, still charred and smoking from his dark electrical attacks. A pair of frightened pre-teens, a boy and a girl, dashed along the seats to check on their fallen Digimon. Shadow Pikachu's ears perked, homing in on the resounding flapping of large wings. He spun and shot a Dark Shock skyward, then turned back around to walk towards his master. Moments later a massive, horned eagle crash-landed where he had been standing seconds before. Ashura dashed alongside the armored insectoid, barely managing to keep his pace. Stingmon closed into melee range and flung a flurry of palm thrusts, which his human opponent managed to narrowly block and counter. The Shadow Master's focus was broken momentarily as a hum of power resounded from Stingmon's arm... "*SPIKING STRIKE!*" The cloaked warrior skidded to a stop and took a high leap backwards, evading the rising slash of Stingmon's gauntlet-mounted energy blade. He landed gracefully on his feet far away from the green armored Champion... "*STRONG CRUNCH!*" ...before being floored from behind by a flying clothesline from ExVeemon. The blue winged dragon flew up slightly before settling next to his emerald comrade. "Aw *yeah!*" That's showing that ninja-wannabe!" Davis cheered, pumping his fists victoriously. Ashura pulled himself up to his hands and knees and coughed up a mouthful of blood. He suddenly lifted his head up, as if sensing something, and smiled as a small shadow leapt above him. "Stingmon! ExVeemon! His partner's coming in!" Ken warned. "It's already defeated the others?!" Stingmon gasped. "Grr... this just keeps getting better..." ExVeemon snarled bitterly, clenching his clawed fists. "Shadow Blade!" The cloaked Master leapt up to catch his familiar, which was glowing and shifting into its katana form. He grabbed the sword's handle in midair and descended, the blade humming and emitting a black-violet light... "SHADOW CLEAVE!" Ashura slammed the katana into the ground, sending forth a towering arc of shadow energy towards the two Champion Digimon! "Incoming!" ExVeemon roared and grabbed Davis, while Stingmon grabbed his partner. The youths and Digimon behind them scattered to the sides... as the wave of dark force ripped into the bleachers behind the Champions, narrowly missing them as they dove for cover and obliterating the section in an explosion of stone and dust. "Geez! That guys pulling off Triple-Bar Super Finishers all of a sudden!" Davis protested, scrambling back to his feet. "We'll need to come up with something fast!" "Davis," Ken suggested. "If we're going to take down those two... we're going to need some teamwork of our own." "...aw yeah! I gotcha!" The begoggled boy nodded. "Time for the major firepower, guys!" "RIGHT!" ExVeemon exclaimed before sailing straight into the air, his body glowing silver. "Affirmative," Stingmon returned, going airborne after his comrade, also shimmering with the same aura... "Cowards," Ashura snarled, looking up as the two Champion Digimon disappeared in the sky. He shook his head dismissively, prepared to leave the scene... when the earth around him erupted with explosions. The dark warrior collapsed to his knees, then face first onto the ground, his cloak tattered and ripped to shreds. From above him, a massive four-winged humanoid descended from the sky, its armor and body an amalgamation of Stingmon and ExVeemon's forms. A hushed, awed gasp was emitted by the remaining spectators as the Ultimate-level Digimon settled onto the ground. Paildramon gazed sternly down at Ashura's still form and released its paired autocannons, which swivelled back into their holsters behind its back. "The dark warrior's finally down...." Paildramon affirmed in his dual voice, nodding somberly. Ashura's blade glowed and shifted back into Shadow Pikachu, who laid silent by Ashura's side. Davis and Ken simultaneously exhaled and sank down to the ground to sit. "Phew..." Davis sighed, "That was a close one. A few more Hyper Combos would have done us in!" "For a minute," Ken replied. "I wasn't sure we'd... we'd..." Ken's thoughts froze as Ashura's cloak began bellowing and flared out, suddenly whole and untattered. Then, the cloaked assassin and his companion slowly crawled to their feet... their eyes now gleaming crimson. "WHOA! NO WAY!" Davis raved, "You guys! Paildramon! LOOK OUT!" The massive Ultimate Digimon turned back... and had no time to react as Ashura leapt towards its chest in a blinding blur, shadowy after-images following behind him. The Shadow Master collided into his chest... and it became midnight around the Coliseum, as all the surrounding light was consumed, and the rumbling sound of a single loud impact hung in the air. The lighting returned... and Ashura stood on the arena floor, as two exhausted, trembling blobs, one blue, one green, flopped to the ground behind him. The red in the assassin's eyes began to fade, his piercing gaze examining the now-quivering boys that stood in front of him, their expressions pained and angry. Elsewhere, the three PFFL commentators stood from their announcer's desk, unable to describe the skirmish they just witnessed. "Six high-caliber Digimon couldn't stop those two...." Joey gasped. "Absolutely hideous...." JR breathed. "I've seen a lot of powerful contenders in the ring, but Ashura may be the first who is truly unstoppable." The ebony Pikachu at Ashura's side turned back around to face the weakened baby Digimon. Shadow Pikachu gave a bitter, haughty snort and took a swing at the blue blob... only to have his punch stopped as a golden-brown paw clamped around his fist. "Great Scott, that's..." Tony gasped. Shadow Pikachu snarled in protest, and was shoved back a few steps. He 'pika-ed' angerly and stopped, now recognizing the golden-brown mirror image that stood before him. Ashura sensed the disturbance and broke his pose, looking back at where Arina laid. He now saw her standing, supporting herself against Satoshi, who leveled an angry glare at his shadowy counterpart. Tenchu backed up a few steps to join his master, not once taking his eyes off the Forbidden dark mouse. "Good Lord." Joey breathed. "I've never seen Satoshi that pissed before...." "My God! The sheer *electricity* between these two combatants!" JR exclaimed. Joey abruptly spun to face his WWF cohort. "The premiere season of PFFL is winding down and the sparks are starting to fly!" Tony cried. "... look, do we have to keep using the 'electricity' puns? *Do we*?!" Joey protested. "What will happen when these two men, virtual dopplegangers of each other, face off in next week's main event?!" Tony continued. "We're in for a crisis of infinite Ashes for the semi-finals!" Joey remarked. "But that's all the time we have tonight!" JR finished. "I'm Jim Ross! On behalf of Tony Schiavone and Joey Styles: Good night, everyone!" The young blue-haired trainer stirred in Satoshi's arms. He broke his stare down with the unnervingly identical cloaked assassin that stood opposite him to tend to Arina, arching a brow as he listened to her mumbled pleas... "Daddy...." _________________________________________________________________ NEXT TIME on the Pokemon Fan Fic League: Semi-Final Matches: Ashura vs Satoshi Crystal Dagger vs. Shigeru Adauchi Plus two more Pokebattles to be announced! Voting Ballot coming soon to a website near you! _________________________________________________________________ Author's Notes: Tim: Well, this episode actually came together fairly quickly. PFFL's first season is officially at its halfway mark. This time around, we got to work with our other love, but poor Digimon... -_- As usual, tell us what you make of this episode and PFFL so far. Alicia: Look, this is a series about absurdly powerful, weird characters and self-insertions. Are you really surprised that you saw canon characters do the job? ^_^ _________________________________________________________________ All characters appearing within this story are *not* the property of PTB Productions. PTB Productions lays no claim to any licenses or trademarks in the making of this fic, and means no offense to anyone. This story is written in the spirit of good-natured comedy, and it is our sincere hope that you will read the original works these characters came from. You might just be surprised! The PFFL itself, however, is the creation of PTB Productions, all rights reserved. _________________________________________________________________