______________________________________________________________


     A trio of children were running amuck in the kitchen aboard
the White Base. Their hovering round robot companion Haro
examined the various steaming and boiling pots.
     "This'll be the best dinner *ever* gang!" Retsu, the 
redheaded boy, enthused.
     A slightly older and dark haired boy nodded, perched
precariously on top of a stool while fetching a pair of wine
glasses. "And after all these battles lately, Amuro and Frau
could use a chance to relax." Katsu agreed.
     "I'll get the soup!" The youngest among them beamed, a
blonde named Kikka. She promptly reached for the nearby handle to
a pan, steam boiling out beneath the lid.
     "Kikka. Be. Careful." Haro warned evenly.
     "OOOWWWW!" Kikka shrieked, recoiling away from the metal
pan, holding her reddened hand.

     "Children!" A female voice intervened. "Safety is very
important when around the kitchen."
     "Frau!"
     The red-haired young girl suddenly stepped into view
kneeling beside the trio of children. "If you're going to handle
hot plates and pans, you should always use padded mitts to
protect your hands from the heat." She smiled as she showed Kikka
a pair of oven mitts.
     Amuro Ray was now in the kitchen as well, adjusting the
knobs on the nearby oven. "You must also make sure your oven
isn't set too high, to prevent your food from burning or boiling
over, saving yourself from a large and dangerous mess."
     "And no matter what you have cooking," an authoritative male
voice added, "*Always* make sure you have proper adult
supervision." The children turned to see the
acting captain of the starship, Bright Noa, standing in the
doorway.
     "Now we know!" The three kids affirmed in unison.
     "And knowing is half the battle," Bright concluded, now
flanked by Amuro and Frau.  
     The scene cut to the exterior of the White Base, where the
original Gundam sails into view. The movement froze abruptly,
allowing the Gundam logo to snap into place next to the white
military robot. Then the title faded to black as the feed
returned to Pokemania....

     "Welcome back to Pokemania!" Jim Ross welcomed, as
Metallium's "Revelation" once more resounded throughout the
Pokemon Stadium. "We're about to kick off our first ever tag-team
match-up in PFFL history. Ryan and Garrett are already on their
way down."
     "This veteran tandem will be a force to be reckoned with
tonight, ladies and gentlemen!" Tony added with bravado. 
     "Rules for this match are gonna be a bit different," Joey
Styles informed. "Each trainer selects one Pokemon to represent
them. Tagging in and out is done by the trainers boxes by the
ring," The ECW commentator's analysis was interrupted as the
J-Pop harmony of "La Soldier" began. "And here's the first member
of the team Clan Edgerton's gonna have to face tonight."
     Amanda stepped out from behind the curtain at the top of the
rampway, guiding her Ponyta by her reins as she descended to the
arena floor.
     "In spite of their innate abilities, one will have to wonder
how Amanda and Ashura will fare in this match-up," Tony foretold.
"Plus, it's important to notice that they're coming down to
different entrances."
     "Maybe Ashura just isn't a fan of Japanese music," JR
shrugged as the red-haired young woman paused and turned to the
archway behind her. The Sailor Moon melody was soon replaced by
the roaring guitars of the opening of Metallica's "Blackened."
Dark wisps of smoke lingered across the opening of the archway as
the silhouette of a sleek and muscular male figure stepped into
the smoke. A smaller, rodent-shaped mass of shadow stood at the
figure's feet. The male shadow swiped his arm off to the side
dramatically, dispelling the smoke and revealing the familiar
visage of Ashura and Shadow Pikachu. With focus and
determination, the brooding duo advanced to join Amanda and
Ponyta on the arena floor.
     "...wuh," was JR's stunned reply.
     "Just to double check..." Tony wondered. "Ashura *is* a guy 
underneath his magical cloak, right?
     "Yes," Joey Styles smirked. "A guy."
     "In any event, the Edgerton Brothers now have to choose
their tag team members," the senior WWF announcer recovered.
"It'll be interesting to see which ones from their broad
collections they choose."
     The younger blonde brother toggled the switch on one of the
Pokeballs attached to his belt, summoning the starfish Pokemon
Staryu.
     "Looks like Garrett's opting to counter Amanda's fire
attacks," Tony observed. "And who will be joining this aquatic
warrior?..."
     Ryan smiled with pride as he held out his Pokeball,
summoning Staryu's partner for his tandem duel....
     "Weedle," the small insectoid Pokemon affirmed, nodding with 
determination.
     "...why am I not surprised," Joey sighed.

TEAM REVELATIONS vs SAILOR PIKAGIRL and ASHURA
Tag Team Match

     "Amanda's sending Ponyta in first to represent her team,"
Tony announced as the fiery stallion trotted into the circle.
"Risking a quick loss considering Team Revelation's starting
Pokemon Staryu...."
     "Be merciful and finish them quickly, Staryu. Water Gun!"
Garrett ordered. The small starfish Pokemon thrust forward,
letting loose a single burst of water.
     "Ponyta's dodging casually thus far, nimbly swerving out of
the way of those possibly lethal aquatic attacks," Joey added.
     "You're moving fine, Ponyta! Time for some air, girl!" 
Amanda yelled.
     "The flaming steed's stopped in its tracks... and
just leapt into the air!" JR enthused. Ponyta neighed
triumphantly as it soared in a graceful arc towards Staryu. "...
and it crashes into Garrett's Staryu with both front hooves!"
     "Staryu's taken a solid hit from that Stomp attack, so it
looks like he's going to the trainer's box to make a tag...."
Tony informed as the injured starfish waddled over to the
sidelines, allowing Ryan and his trademark Pokemon to take
Garrett's place.
     "And Ryan's faithful companion is coming in for Team
Revelation," Tony enthused. "That little guy's pulled off his
share of miracles this season, guys."

     "Better hit him fast, Ponyta," Amanda nodded. "Hit it with 
an Ember!"
     "Her horse is ducking down, kicking up a volley of flames
from its blazin' mane!" JR called. "But that bug isn't backing
down, fires off a String Shot..."
     "And manages to connect with one of Ponyta's front hooves!"
Joey interrupted in surprise. "Weedle yanks himself in and out of
the way out of a hail of fire. Managed to avoid the full brunt of
what could have been a deadly attack." The somewhat-charred bug
Pokemon was lifted from the ground as it reeled itself in, close
to the fiery steed's legs.
     "That's it, my friend," Ryan smiled with pride, "Stay close
to that steed...."

     "Now... Weedle's continuing his brutal assault!" Tony
gasped.
     "He's scurrying around Ponyta's feet, Schiavone," Joey
corrected, annoyed. "Fairly sound strategy from Edgerton, though.
Trying to avoid Ponyta's ranged attacks." 
     "Excellent!" the Team Revelation leader beamed. "We have you
now, you scandalous lass! Incapacitate her, Weedle!"
     "Ponyta's stumbling, that bug's got her front legs nice an'
hog-tied," JR noted as the red and gold horse collapsed forward,
toppling as her legs were bound up tight. "And it just swung its
way onto its back and *drills* its poisonous stinger into her
shoulder!"
     "It's gonna take a while for those Poison Stings to take
effect, but Weedle's taken down many a large foe like this in the
past," Joey stated. "Ponyta better do something and *fast*!"
     "Damn it, break that hold and shake him off, Ponyta!" Amanda
protested. Her steed whinnied in response as the wisps of flame
that burned on her legs, tail and mane increased in size.
     "What's this? Ponyta's starting to spin about, she's in a
panic!" Tony yelped in fright.
     "Panic nothing! She's setting up for the Fire Spin!" JR
interrupted, as the trails of fire got thicker... before finally
erupting into an upward spiral of flame. "And good *Gawd*! She
just let loose a columnous inferno!"
     "...and I'm the one who makes up words?" Tony allowed
himself to mutter.
     "And not even Ryan's Weedle of God can take that heat," Joey
added. A soot-covered Weedle shot out of the Fire Spin and
collapsed outside. The flames died out and Ponyta returned to
view, staggering a few steps. "But it looks like his poison's
starting to take its toll on Ponyta, she's making her way back to
the trainers' box..."
     "And that brings Ashura in for the first time in this
contest!" Tony gasped.
     Amanda guided her fire Pokemon out of the ring to tend to it
as the brooding assassin Ashura stepped forward, ordering his
rodent familiar into battle.
     "Shadow Pikachu's been chompin' at the bit to get his hands
on Edgerton's Pokemon," JR informed as the dark electric Pokemon 
methodically advanced. "Weedle's struggling to get back up, but
he's definitely willing to stand up to that rat."
     
     "You cannot possibly win, assassin," Ryan scowled, "Your
forbidden powers are no match against the power of my faith!"
     "So much effort wasted on mere words," Ashura smirked. 
"Let's see if your actions can back them up. Finish him while
he's weak, Pikachu. Dark Shock!"
     "Stay on your guard, Weedle! Use your webbing to protect
yourself!" 
     "Pikachu just let loose a blast of sinister energy and--"
JR began, pausing as the insectoid Pokemon rapidly launched
webbing around its small form. "And that fellas trying to counter
with a String Shot."
     "And he's seemed to be doing quite well, Jim," Joey blinked
as the dark indigo sparks were deflected harmlessly off the grey
mass. "Weedle's wrapped himself in a ball of string that's
*somehow* countering the effects of Pikachu's Shadow attacks...."
     "Preposterous," Ashura snorted. "He can't hide in there 
forever, Edgerton. Finish him off, Pikachu."
     "Ah, but that'll be difficult if he's too weak to attack,
dark one," the Christian youth countered. "Now, Weedle, while 
its defenses are lowered!"
     "Weedle's stirring withing that mass of webbing, Pikachu's
tail's lighting up-- Looks like he's going for the Lightning
Slash!" Tony rapidly exclaimed as the dark rodent Pokemon rushed
forward.
     "Wait! Something just erupted from that ball of string!
Looks like a nasty Poison Sting... right into Pikachu's
shoulder!" Joey yelped. Shadow Pikachu cast an annoyed glance at
his wounded shoulder... just before two more Poison Stings
launched out of the web shield and into his flank. "And two more!
He's advancing... a bit sluggish though. Even Shadow Pikachu has
to be feeling the effects of that venomous attack."
     "You have him weakened, brother!" Garrett cheered,
approaching his elder brother's side. "It's time to defeat this
abomination."
     "Indeed it is... Bind him up, Weedle."
     "There's some more movement in that ball of webbing," JR
informed. "Weedle's making its way out and shooting him with
String Shot. He's got him all but hog tied!"
     "He's making his way back to the trainer's box, still got a
hold of the dark rodent warrior...." Tony said. "And he's tagged
in Staryu! It looks like they're setting up for a combination
move!"
     "Just like the Edgertons to resort to double-teaming," JR
grumbled as Garrett's starfish Pokemon began spinning and rising
into the air. "Staryu's going airborne... and he just *rammed*
into Shadow Pikachu with a Swift attack!"
     Ashura seethed with frustration as his familiar was hammered
by the starfish Pokemon's flying attacks, each pass pummeling
Shadow Pikachu with its stubby legs.
     "Weedle and Ryan finally back down, but Pikachu's still tied
up in webbing! I've never seen him in a predicament like this,
guys!" Joey worried. "Between Staryu's rapid attacks and Weedle's
poison and webbing, Shadow Pikachu's in a world of hurt...."
     "Now... let's clean this darkness from this fair stadium,
Staryu..." Garrett exalted. The water Pokemon nodded with
approval, setting back onto the ground. It lowering three of its
legs and aimed them towards the incapacitated Forbidden Pokemon.
     "And here it comes! Hydro Pump!" Tony shouted as Staryu
launched a trio of water streams towards the dark rodent. "But
our mysterious dark mouse is *not* taking this lying down! He's
glowing with dark power..."
     "And he just fired off an electrified shield! The blasts are
deflectin' away from Shadow Pikachu!" JR called out as the ebony
rodent summoned a dark blue Electric Shield around itself. The
senior WWF announcer paused momentarily to turn to Joey Styles.
"Joey, how the *hell* is he blocking water with electricity?"
     "Look, we also learned that spider webbing absorbs
electricity today, too," Joey rebutted. 
     "Get out of that webbing, Pikachu! Lightning Slash it!"
Ashura ordered angerly. His rodent companion nodded with approval
and readied his glowing tail. With a spin, he slashed through the
webbing... and quickly became a small golden and black cyclone of
electrical power.
     "Our roguish hero has turned his familiar into a dynamo of
power!" Tony enthused. "Pikachu's spinning towards Staryu and
*slams* into him. He's coming out of his spin... and stumbles to
the ground. That attack took a lot out of him. Both Pokemon MUST
MAKE THE TAG!"
     "And we can see where this is heading..." Joey smirked.
"They've both taken a beating now... Each monster's crawling to
get to their trainer, and their partners are ready to go on the
attack...."
     "And Pikachu's made it to Ashura! Amanda and her Ponyta are
stepping up to the plate!" JR exclaimed. "Ryan's coming in too...
but Ponyta's ready for his holy bug!"
     "Ponyta flings its head back... and lobs a hail of Embers at
Weedle! He's not getting up from that for a while..." Joey yelped
as the charred bug landed limply on the edge of the battle
circle.
     "This match has erupted into a four-way slobberknocker!" JR
bellowed.
     "Ain't that always the way?" Joey quipped.
     "Quiet, you," the WWF announcer snapped. "Staryu's gotten
back into the ring, looks like he's charging up for some aquatic
damage on Ponyta!"
     "Look out, Ponyta!" the red haired girl cried out.
     "Block it and counter, Pikachu!" Ashura commanded, allowing
a confident smile to Amanda.
     "Shadow Pikachu just *stepped in* to take the hit for
Ponyta!" Joey gasped. The dark rodent warrior's indigo aura began
to crackle to life. "He looks ready to deliver some vengeance for
the beatdown Staryu gave him earlier. This could be the match!"
     As the mass carnage continued, Garrett Edgerton vigilantly
cheered on his Water Pokemon. Ryan, meanwhile, lifted his head
aloof and put his hands behind his back... unclipping one of the
Pokeballs from his belt and hitting the switch. 
     "What the... Ryan Edgerton just summoned Geodude at his
feet. That can't possibly be good...." JR scolded.
     "Pikachu's about to break out the Dark Bolt and--" Joey
Styles' commentary was cut off as the battle circle erupted
upward and outward in an explosion of jagged rocks and earth! All
three combatants were launched skyward with the sudden
eruption...
     "From out of *nowhere* a Magnitude clears the ring!" Tony
continued obliviously.
     "Out of nowhere, indeed," JR grumbled. "But it looks like
all of our combatants are dazed and about to make a violent exit
out of the--"
     From the dust cloud on the ground below, a length of String 
Shot sailed up and ensnared the unconscious Staryu and yanked him
back down. The smoke from the sudden earthquake cleared. Ponyta
and Shadow Pikachu slowly lurched to a standing position, both
blown clear out of the battlefield's boundaries. Staryu was still
unconscious... but just within the ring's perimeter, thanks to
the webbing Weedle had wrapped around it.
     "Oh for the love of Pete...." JR protested. "Team
Revelation's just won this damn match, thanks to a gratuitous
attack from Ryan Edgerton!"
     The leader of Team Relevation nodded with approval, running
a gloved hand through his dark hair. He turned to the side to
casually regard his younger brother, who returned with a stunned,
astonished glare.
     "Ryan may have won his team the match, but using such an
attack like that and blowing up his own teammate may not sit well
with his partners..." Joey wondered. 
     Amanda's fiery steed approached the rightfully disgruntled
Shadow Pikachu, leaning down to give him an assuring nudge with
its snout. The dark rodent merely crossed its stubby arms and
turned away, returning to its fuming. Likewise, the redhead
approached the still-dumbstruck assassin Ashura.
     "Hey, don't let the Edgertons bug you. I've learned to deal
with them," Amanda assured. "Besides, don't we have an evil
overlord to fight?"
     Ashura narrowed his eyes as he regarded the redhead. "I
don't need your help against Garrick, woman. Besides, much of
what Ryan said was true... I *am* a murderer. Long ago, I was an
assassin in Garrick's control," The brooding assassin turned his
piercing gaze to the redhead. "Do you *still* wish to aid me?"
     "Look, you're a long way from the Pallet ruins here, you're
gonna need some help," Amanda reinforced. "Besides, sure, you
used your super powers for evil in the past, but you can use them
for good, too. Now's your chance!" The young woman gave Ashura a 
light-hearted jab in the shoulder. "So enough with the angst."
     The dark haired young man was taken aback by Amanda's gusto,
giving his struck shoulder a bemused glance. Ashura swept his
slightly over-long bangs out of his eyes, then emitted a slight
laugh. 
     "Heh... why not? You'd just follow me anyway," The two 
superpowered trainers shared a momentary smile, just before
Ashura resummoned his pitch black cloak in a indigo flare of
power. Amanda too, pulled out her Thunder Stone and, in a full
dramatic spin, transformed into Sailor Pikagirl. She called for
her flaming steed and nimbly leapt onto its back. Ponyta broke
into a gallop towards the exit, as Ashura's exceptional speed
allowed him to easily keep up with the fire-horse's charge.
     "Well what do ya know?" JR smirked. "A boy who can charm the
ladies by going 'Why Not?'"
     "And with this improbable friendship forged, our dynamic
duo's going forth to fight the nefarious forces of one Lord
Garrick!" Tony exalted. They're quite a pair, aren't they,
gentlemen?"
     "Indeed they are...." Joey Styles mumbled happily. He looked 
across to his former WCW cohort and recovered. "And Ashura and
Sailor Pikagirl are pretty good fighters, too!"

     "And now, we come to the climax of this inaugural season of
the Pokemon Fanfiction League." Tony introduced dramatically.
"With the diabolical League Emperor Garrick practically at our
doorstep, we go into our championship match-up!"
     The haunting electric guitars of Rob Zombie's "Spookshow
Baby" began as a violet cloud of smoke enveloped the top of the
rampway. A feminine shadow emerged from its depths.
     "Our first contender's run for the championship has had its
fill of miracles this season," Joey began as the female assassin
stepped out from the mists. "Crystal Dagger went through some
tough competition in the later stages of this tournament,
defeating both Sailor Pikagirl *and* Adauchi in consecutive
Circle of Masters matches."
     The armored femme fatale walked methodically down to the
arena floor below, taking her place in her trainer's box. She
shrugged her cape off her shoulders, allowing her raven-black
hair to fall to her waist. Crystal Dagger then glowered
out at the jeering throngs of spectators with icy indignation.
     "And she's got even *more* power now that she has the
combined might of Rocket United and the League Empire supporting
her," Tony reminded.
     "But now she's facing one of the living legends of this 
sport fellas," JR informed as the beginning chords of Creed's
"Higher" resounded through the stadium. "And listen to the
ovation for hometown hero Satoshi!"
     The young man and his golden rodent companion Tenchu paused
at the top of the rampway to look across the cheering crowds.
     "It feels good to be back," Satoshi uttered, regarding the 
lively auditorium in front of him. "You ready, Tenchu?"
     "Ten-chu..." Tenchu squeaked in agreement, shooting a
determined smile up to his master.
     The legendary duo strode down to the arena floor and took
their positions across from the armored Team Rocket assassin.
Crystal Dagger whipped off her indigo cape and snapped off one of
the black Pokeballs clipped to her belt, holding it out rigidly
in front of her. Satoshi calmly detached the one attached to his
belt and narrowed his eyes at  his challenger, awaiting the bell
that signaled the beginning of the main event...

CRYSTAL DAGGER vs SATOSHI
PFFL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Standard League Rules

     "Prepare for annihilation, Ketchum," Crystal shouted. "Go
get him, Machamp!"
     The massive four-armed Fighter roared as he sprung to life
before the armored assassin, beating his chest mightily.
     "Team Rocket's premiere agent has chosen Machamp as her
first Pokemon choice!" Tony stated obviously. "What shall Satoshi
use to counter this formidable Fighting-type Pokemon?"

     Tenchu braced itself for battle, until Satoshi knelt down
and put a hand on his head.
     "Better save your strength for now, fella." The spiky-
haired young man assured. "Let Jerry have a shot first."
     "Ten..." Tenchu agreed reluctantly as the disgruntled ball
Pokemon materialized in front of them.
     "Appears he's going to start things off with Voltorb," Joey
noticed. "Jerry provided some high speed and *explosive*
techniques in his last fight!"
     "More extreme puns, Joey?" JR dead-panned. "Machamp's the
first on the attack! Lunging forward for a double forearm smash!"
     "Keep moving, Jerry! Swift attack!" Satoshi ordered.
     "Crystal's four-armed Fighter lumbers forward... Oh! He
missed!" Tony cried out. "Now, Jerry counters by slamming into
his side."
     "ORB!" The spherical Electric Pokemon sneered as it
continued its barrage of ramming attacks into the hulking grey
Pokemon.
     "Satoshi's all over Crystal Dagger right out of the gate,"
JR exclaimed with a shake of his head. "There's just no way
Machamp can keep up with this speed...."
     "Actually, I don't think he's trying to..." Joey warned.

     PFFL's resident Femme Fatale emitted a sinister smile out to
the battle in front of her.
     "Now's the time, Machamp," she cooed. "Strike back with
Counter!"
     The towering Fighter suddenly spun around and lashed two
left forearms into the incoming spherical Pokemon.
     "Great Scott! Jerry goes with one Flying Body Attack too
many and eats a spinning lariat!" Tony gasped. 
     "Thought so! He was just soaking up damage for a nasty
counterstrike!" Joey affirmed. "And it looks like Crystal's gonna
take advantage of Jerry's momentary daze and grab a hold of him!
Sinks in with a nasty Submission hold!"
     Machamp hoisted the Voltorb into the air as he stood up with
his lower pair of arms, crushing him in his grips. With feral
glee, the Fighting Pokemon snarled down at the pinned Voltorb and
pummeled his primary fists into the top of its round plastic-like
body.
     "With nowhere to go, Jerry's now taking a poundin'" Jim Ross
exclaimed. "And you can damn well bet that James and Dario are
smiling somewhere!"
     "Not to mention Goro," Joey remarked. "And it looks like
Machamp's ready to finish him, if you'll pardon the pun!"
     "No, I won't," Jim Ross countered simply.
     
     "You've ran out of tricks, Ketchum." Dagger sneered. "Finish
him with Cross Chop, Machamp!" The grey Fighter lifted its
primary hands up into the air, readying for a powerful double
chop...
     "We still have one more move, lady!" Satoshi countered.
"Jerry, Explosion!"
     The chaotic Voltorb squirmed in Machamp's grip, turning it's 
cracked head up to the baffled Fighter's face.
     "Orb-orb..." Jerry taunted, a wide, sinister grin
crossing his face as he began to glow a blinding white....
     A massive explosion erupted from Jerry's body, the light
engulfing both him and his captor. It nearly filled the battle
ring before fading a few moments later. The Explosion left a
charred Machamp laying flat on his chest on the ground, and an
equally smoldering Voltorb hovering above him. Jerry smiled
grimly before he fell down to the ground.
     "What an explosive move!" Tony enthused, earning a groan
from his two counterparts. "That desperation move seems to 
have taken the fight out of *both* Pokemon!"
     "It did the job, I'll give Satoshi credit." JR affirmed.
"Plus, he can now go to his main Pokemon..."

     "Well, that could have gone better...." Satoshi uttered
sheepishly, unsummoning his unconscious Voltorb back into his
Pokeball. "It's showtime, Tenchu!"
     The veteran golden mouse Pokemon scampered enthusiastically
out into the ring.
     "The whole arena's cheering!" Tony enthused over the
capacity crowd's enthusiastic cries. "Still, Tenchu's going to be
hard pressed against Crystal Dagger's two remaining Pokemon."
     "Speaking of which, she looks like she's switching off to
the flaming duck Pokemon, Magmar," Joey noted.
     "He proved to be quite a nasty monster against Garrett
Edgerton in this tournament's opening rounds. Satoshi may have
his hands full..." JR wondered.
     "Flamethrower, Magmar! Let's roast this rodent!" the armored
assassin snarled, clenching her fist. The fiery biped duck
inhaled deeply and exhaled a lengthy stream of flame from its
bill, turning to sweep the battle ring.
     
     "Magmar's gonna have to be quicker than that to do any
damage," JR called out as Tenchu easily leapt up as the
Flamethrower swerved underneath him. "Look's like Tenchu's
readying for one of it's trademark electrifying moves!"
     "But Dagger's having none of that! Magmar with a sudden leap 
to intercept him!" Joey quickly interrupted. 
     "Not fast enough, Ketchum! Double Fire Punch!" Crystal
Dagger looked on with approval as Magmar's clawed fists ignited
in flames.
     "Mag-Mag Mar-MAR!" 
     The flaming duck Pokemon spun wildly, a pair of fire-charged 
uppercuts spiraling into Tenchu's chest and head as they collided
in mid-air.
     "Get out of his range, Tenchu! Activate your Light Shield to 
protect yourself!"
     "CHU..." The golden rodent coughed painfully as it summoned
a protective field of electricity around itself, just as Magmar
fired off a final powerful Flame Wheel at point blank range. 

     "En Fuego!" Tony exalted. "Both Pokemon leap back from that
final flame attack to opposite edges of the ring. It looks like
that assault took a *lot* out of Tenchu..."
     "Looks like Crystal Dagger's pulled some power-ups from the
Rocket United's resources..." Joey pondered suspiciously.
     "Satoshi's looking on with concern, folks," JR informed.
"His legendary Pokemon's slowly getting to his feet, and it looks
like Magmar's readying to blast him and our former champ out of
this match!"
     Crystal Dagger narrowed her eyes as her fiery Pokemon
brought his clawed hands out in front of him, a flaming glyph
erupting into existence between them. Magmar shuddered and
quacked mightily as he wound his arms back to launch the Fire
Blast... when the singed Tenchu suddenly straightened
back up, eyeing Magmar with a cute smirk.
     "That's it, Tenchu! Hit him with the Thunder Cannon while
he's still charging!" Satoshi affirmed, pumping a fist.
     
     "Oh my... looks like Tenchu was playing possum!" JR cheered.
"The golden mouse just *shot* towards Magmar in an electrical
blur... and just *drills* Magmar right in the gut!"
     Tenchu smashed into the red and yellow biped duck in an
explosion of electrical power, launching the charred Magmar just
over the edge of the battle ring.
     "And Satoshi just showed off some of his Poke-battle
experience," Joey nodded sagely. "Exploiting Magmar's poor ring
positioning for a sudden ring-out!"
     "It's down to one Pokemon apiece in this heated championship
battle!" Tony's statement was cut off as the flaming duck quickly
leapt to his feet. "What's this?! Magmar's spinning to face
Tenchu!"
     The golden-furred rodent was walking away from his fallen
opponent when he heard him hop back to his feet. Tenchu spun
around-- just as Magmar lunged forward to vomit forth a mist of
noxious sludge from its pursed bill!
     "That despicable witch!" JR condemned. "Crystal Dagger had
him get in one more venomous attack against Tenchu!" The golden
mouse emitted pained squeaks as it tried to wipe the sludge out
of its eyes and arms. Magmar simply callously looked back at his
mistress, gesturing to his injured foe with pride. The armored
Femme Fatale grinned back with approval, retracting the fire
Pokemon back into her Pokeball before drawing her remaining one.
     "And Satoshi's on borrowed time now, thanks to Magmar's
sneak attack," Joey reminded. "Magmar's Toxic poison becomes more
potent the longer this match goes..."

     "Tenchu!" Satoshi cried out as he knelt down to examine his
injured companion. "I guess you've been taking a few pointers
from your new teammates, huh, Dagger?"
     "Hmph, all fair's in love and Pokebattles, Ash," the armored
woman emitted off-hand. With a casual flip of her wrist, she
activated her last Pokeball, summoning the dwarfed female Pokemon
Jynx onto the field. "Of course, you *could* withdraw your
poisoned Pokemon and forfeit the match..."
     Satoshi looked down into the eyes of his vigilant rodent
partner.
     "Chu Chuten ten..." Tenchu assured, forcing a determined
smile in spite of his pain.
     "Okay, if you think you can finish this..." The former 
champion gave the golden rodent a pat on the back and ushered him 
back out into the battle ring.

     "Satoshi's gonna tough it out folks!" JR affirmed as Tenchu
readied himself for battle. "That li'l fella's going to have to
dig deep to finish this match here, folks."
     "Let's put that these two out of their misery, Jynx,"
Crystal Dagger said coldly. "Requiem."
     The stout psychic Pokemon readied herself and inhaled deeply
before bursting out into a deep operatic voice.
     "What is *this?*" Tony wondered in bemusement. "This is no
time for karaoke!"
     "It sounds sort of like a Lullaby-type attack, but
something's not right...." Joey wondered, wincing as Jynx's
singing got louder.
     
     Crystal Dagger smiled with approval as her music reached its
crescendo, and a dark violet aura erupted from Jynx, causing both
Satoshi and Tenchu to buckle to their knees in pain.
     "It appears that Jynx's sonic attack has effected both
Tenchu and his trainer!" Tony stated plainly, barely audible over
the discordant tunes.
     "No kidding, Schiovane!" JR countered bitterly. "And I'm
sure our lady assassin has Emperor Garrick to thank for these
skills as well!"
     "Not only that, but Dagger's doing a lot of damage to
Satoshi as well...." Joey worried regarding Satoshi as he fell to
his knees. Small rivulets of blood trickled down the sides of his
face as he clutched his ears in pain.
     Tenchu sluggishly turned to see his tormented master,
shockwaves from Jynx's deadly song washing over him. With a
determined squeak, the golden rodent shot forth in an electrified
blur, ramming its head square into the robed humanoid's stomach.
     "Tenchu with a Swift attack to *finally* end Jynx's infernal
singing! And he quickly follows it with a Thundershock!" JR
approved. "Satoshi's gonna have to keep the pressure on. There's
no tellin' what evil tricks Crystal Dagger has up her sleeve."
     "He's keeping it up with more combination attacks.
Continuous barrage of Quick Attacks, followed up with
electrifying damage!" Tony enthused as Tenchu continued speeding
back and forth past the femme fatale's Psychic Pokemon, each
run-past connecting with a thunderous burst of golden energy.
Jynx stumbled to one knee as Tenchu finally paused, charred
patches scattered along her dress.

     "That's the way, Tenchu!" Satoshi cheered weakly, returning
to his feet. "Close in for a Seismic Toss now!"
     "He's closing in for the grab, but it looks like Jynx has
recovered and looks ready to intercept!" Joey added as the golden
rodent warrior dashed forward.
     "Your Tenchu isn't the only one skilled in melee combat,
Ketchum." Dagger taunted. "Slash attack, Jynx!"
     With that, Jynx grinned sinisterly and folded her arms,
whipping her head to the side sharply... sweeping her long white
locks of hair forward, sending the incoming rodent back flailing
to the ground, a trio of red lashes now on its wounded side.
     "... She just stopped Tenchu's charge with her *hair*,
fellas," JR uttered. 
     "That she did," Tony added simply.
     "Jynx continues the Hair-Fu!" Joey yelped, somehow managing
a straight face. The dwarfed female Pokemon spun and sent forth a
trio of hair strands to wrap around the wounded golden mouse.
"She's got Tenchu bound up nice and tight, reels him in..."
     "And she's absolutely *ravaging* him with those open-handed
slaps!" JR finished as Jynx's Doubleslaps sounded throughout the
arena. She bitch-laughed haughtily as frosty wisps of air
consumed her clenched fist. "And finishes with an icy fist to the
jaw!"
     The force of the Ice Punch launched Tenchu from Jynx's grip
causing him to flop face first to the ground...

     "Tenchu can't take much more of this, guys," Joey noted
sadly with a shake of his head. "That Toxic attack Magmar hit him
with is in full effect, he's slowed *way down*." Jynx stood
defiantly in the center of the ring, wisps of white hair floating
around her as a violet aura illuminated her short figure. She
narrowed her eyes at the fallen rodent fighter.
     "You're already defeated, Ketchum," Dagger spat, crossing
her arms. "We're stronger, faster and deadlier than you."
     Tenchu finally struggled to his feet, shifting his stance
evenly to face the powerful female Pokemon. His master glared
back to the armored Rocket agent and tightened his gloved fist,
exhaling heavily.
     "Maybe... but we're *better*. Tenchu, Agility."
     "Satohi's looking to recover some of his partner's lost
speed...." Tony observed as Tenchu gradually sped around the
stationary Jynx. "Making his way around her, but to what effect?"
     "Feh... pathetic," Dagger snorted, shaking her head. Jynx
echoed her contempt, casually tossing a frost-surrounded fist
aside to launch a gust of Icy Wind at Tenchu....
     "Double Team."
     At Satoshi's command, Tenchu's form blurred and split into
two scampering gold rodents. Annoyed, Dagger's Jynx shot forth
another arctic blast... only to create another illusionary
rodent. Crystal Dagger began to grow more concerned with every
missed attack, until finally a small swarm of Tenchus circled
around the baffled Psychic Pokemon.
     
     "Satoshi's pulling off some creative tactics here, folks.
Jynx doesn't know which one she has to hit!" JR exclaimed. "This
may well be the chance he needs to pull this match around!"
     "Very well..." Dagger snarled, "I'll just have to hit *all*
of them, now won't I, Ash."
     "You're assuming you'll get the chance," Satoshi called back
defiantly. The pack of Tenchu came to an abrupt stop, eyeing the
wary Jynx with adorable menace. "Tenchu! FIST OF HEAVEN!"
     "TENCHU!"
     "What?!..."
     
     "Great Scott! This is the best Pokemon battle I've ever
seen!" Tony cheered. "All the Tenchu's on the field are glowing
with power!"
     "And Dagger better hit the right one and fast!" Joey
interrupted. "Satoshi has Jynx caught in his cross hairs..."
     "JYNX! Psychic attack, destroy them all!" Dagger raved. The
dwarfed humanoid Pokemon swept her arms forward, lashing out with
large violet arcs of telekinetic force. The bursts collided with
each Tenchu... causing them to dissipate into golden vapor. As
the psychic waves spread across the ring, the remaining Tenchu's
continued to focus, until their short frames were consumed in
golden, crackling masses of ball lightning.
     "She's managin' to take them down, and there's just two
Tenchus left!" JR cried out.
     "CHUUUU!" The remaining rodent warriors suddenly squeaked
out tandem roars, their auras flaring to a blinding white. The
exhausted Jynx, in one final surge of mental strength, thrust her
hands towards the incoming Tenchu in front of her,
telekinetically slamming the incoming mass of lightning away. 
The electrical surge sputtered and died out as Tenchu was
knocked back from the force of the Psychic attack....
     "GOTCHA!" Dagger cackled triumphantly... until Jynx's target
shimmered and faded into a gold mist. The femme fatale had enough
time to start a defeated shriek as Jynx spun to face the
remaining Tenchu that was closing in on her. He slammed his
stubby forepaw forward, consuming the ring in a blinding white
surge of electrical power.
     "MAH GAWD! Tenchu with the Fist of Heaven from behind!" JR
raved just before the audio was overwhelmed by the sound of the
explosion. The view of the arena floor returned, the middle of
the ring consumed by the blast zone of Tenchu's trademark
finisher. Jynx was down on the ground face-first in a crumpled
heap, while the golden rodent sat on all fours, breathing
heavily, fur covered with soot. Tenchu turned to give his master
a tired but satisfied smile. Satoshi stifled his happy tears as
he rushed up to tend to his triumphant familiar.

     "And there goes the battle!" Tony cheered, echoing the
standing ovation from the Pokemon Stadium's capacity crowd.
"Satoshi has climbed the mountain to reclaim championship gold
here at Pokemania!"
     Crystal Dagger trembled in silent rage as the cheers echoed
throughout the stadium. Her head shot up to glare at the
triumphant Satoshi, face contorted in fury. With a shriek, she
violently jerked her tanto free from her belt and reeled her arm
back to throw it...
     "Holy crap! She's out of control!" Joey raved, aghast.
"She's aiming to take out Satoshi-- launching her trademark
dagger right at his head!"
     Satoshi had little time to flail back in a futile attempt to
dodge the blade... when a flash of ebony blurred in front of him,
and the incoming tanto was knocked harmlessly to the ground at
his feet. Before the prone Satoshi stood the cloaked figure of
the legendary rebel assassin, Ashura, poised with his black
katana pointed to Crystal Dagger.
     A stray gunshot blasted at Ashura's feet, breaking him out
of his battle stance. The Shadow Master looked up... to see a
shimmering gold globe, crackling with power. Inside was Dario
Darianni, smoking Beretta in his hand, and Rocket United agent
James Hallendale, smirking confidently down at the two Ashes.
Between the two Rocket operatives, arms spread apart, was the
familiar grey form of the League Emperor himself, Lord Garrick.
The tall, grey-cloaked figure stepped forward as his shield
touched the ground, giving Ashura a narrow crimson glare.
     "Fools..." Garrick snarled. "You two seriously think you can
defeat my alliance of darkness by yourselves--"
     The League Emperor's condemnations were abruptly halted as a
shot of lightning and a burst from a high-powered rifle riddled
the ground in front of them.
     "We have back-up..." Satoshi grinned darkly as he cast his
gaze over to the stands... were Sailor Pikagirl and Adauchi,
armed with a sniper rifle, stood perched on the stone barrier
dividing the stands and the arena floor.
     "Very well then... ASHURA! Let this be... our final battle!" 

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NEXT TIME on the Pokemon Fan Fic League: 

     The conclusion to Pokemania I and the PFFL's first season. 
Will Lord Garrick's coup succeed? Flip over to Pokemania I:
Endgame now!

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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.  
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