After returning to Pallet Town from Cerulean City, Ash and friends have
successfully delivered the enigmatic GS ball. However, unable to unlock its secrets,
Professor Oak has given Ash the new task of traveling to Johto to deliver the device to a
Pokeball expert. The Pewter Gym leader, Brock, has also replaced Tracy as the group
ventures into the distant land of Johto.
The Approaching Darkness
	Professor Oak sits down in the Ketchum household as he turns his attention to
the television.
	For those of you just tuning in, the doubles tournament in Cherrygrove City is
coming to a climactic end. Though there were some technicalities due to Team Rocket,
the tournament is going on without a hitch. Newcomer Ash and Misty have barreled
through this tournament not letting any two trainers slow them down. 
	The Pokemon researcher comments to himself, “That boy. He’s supposed to be
delivering the GS ball.”
	These two caused an incredible upset in the Semi final round by beating the
father and son team of Skripter and Jedah. While Ash and Misty have swept through the
rest of the tournament, they seem to have found some real competition in last year’s
champions. Richie and Nina are not giving up their championship status without a fight.
Now it is down to the final two Pokemon to determine this year’s Pokemon double
champions. In previous bouts, Nina’s Black-Katsumi, Avery, has proven to be
unbeatable. Can the trainer from Pallet town’s Pikachu finally end its winning streak?
	“Hm. The Black transformation.”
	Oh, hold the phone, people! Ash’s Pikachu has used a similar technique!
	“I should really do some research into this strange phenomenon.” Oak loses
interest in the program as he begins to turn the idea over in his head.
	And there you have it! Cherrygrove has two new doubles champions!
	The crowd begins to cheer as Ash and Misty run to the center of the field to meet
the presiding officials who have their trophy waiting. At the same time, Nina leaves the
battle podium exiting through the trainer entrance hall. Richie follows her soon after as
the victory ceremony begins.
	“Don’t let it get you down. No one’s championship reign lasts forever,” the
young brown haired trainer coaxes.

	Several weeks pass as the ex Team Rocket member, Skripter, and his Katsumi,
Magik, are training in the canyons just south of Blackthorn City. 
	“Yeeeeaaah!” the feline yells as one of the canyon walls comes crashing down.
	“Next time, Ash and Nina, you won’t stand a chance against us, “ Skripter
remarks as Magik pants for breath. The trainer looks to his right as he notices a shadowy
Pokemon staring at the pair. Magik looks to his left to see another shadowy Pokemon
not too far off.
	In that instant, the ground beneath the Pokemon and trainer explodes from a third
Pokemon using dig. Skripter catches himself and locks onto the Pokemon who had just
attacked, but the first of the mysterious Pokemon attacks him from behind. Magik does
not have a chance to react as the second Pokemon catches him from behind as well.
Soon, all three Pokemon are pummeling the pair leaving them without any type of
defense.
	Skripter manages to say, “You animals, “ before he and his Katsumi are backed
onto a canyon wall. 
	The three Pokemon group up and use simultaneous blasts causing the trainer and
Pokemon to explode, as the canyon wall crumbles on top of them. 
	Another trainer walks up behind the three Pokemon remarking, “Now there is
only one other trainer to take care of, and then I’ll be the strongest Pokemon Master
ever!”