"Ha ha ha! I beat you again, Jessie!"

"How the hell'd you do that move?"

"Like I'll ever tell you!"

"Please?"

In a tiny moment of luck, the three Team Rocket rogues had managed to acquire (steal) a Playstation in a small electronics shop on the outskirts of Saffron City. It had been 2 hours before they figured out how to hook it up to the T.V. in the Rocket cabin they were staying in for their few days of vacation. Unfortunately, in their time of triumph, they had forgotten to snatch any games for it, and were now stuck with a cheap copy of Mortal Kombat Trilogy. It seemed like James was getting into the game a bit too much.

"I am the king! I'll whip you all down!"

"Meowth wanna play!"

"You wait a second, Meowth," Jessie demanded. She licked her lips. "Let me beat James once."

"Gotta face it, Jess, Jimmy's got a knack for dese fightin' games."

"Better believe it, Meowth!" He grinned evilly. "Now, come on, Jess, give up already!"

"I'll never give up! Two on two!"

"Fine!"

Picking their fighting teams was an easy task. Jessie was set on her usual girls team, choosing Jade and Kitana, while James went for the ninjas of the bunch, this round picking Sub-Zero and Rain. Waiting for the scene to load, they each mentally prepared their moves. The buttons went wild once Start flashed across the screen.

"I didn't know I could do that!"

"What, that weak stick jab? I'll show you a move!"

A blue ball of thunder shot across the screen and blasted Jade backwards. Lightning flew from James' fingers as he tapped the buttons at breakneck speed. Jessie couldn't even press the block button before her fighter had fallen to the floor in defeat.

"I'll get you next round, James..."

"I don't think so, Jess."

"I will!"

"Yeah, right."

"Grrrrr...."

Kitana and Sub-Zero stood in stance as the game loaded up the next place. It wasn't a second after the start when James tapped a string of buttons that shot a beam of ice at Kitana, freezing her on impact.

"Damn it, James! Give me a chance!"

"Oh, fine. I won't do any special moves this round."

"Good! Because I know a move for Kitana! You're beat!"

"I doubt it, Jessie."

Jessie hit a few buttons and Kitana sent a fan flying towards Sub-Zero. James just smiled and hit the block button, stopping the attack dead in its tracks.

"That wasn't fair!"

"It was perfectly fair. Now, I'm sorry to do this..."

He walked his character up to hers and did a 12 hit combo, causing the "Finish Her!" line to appear on the screen.

"James, you wouldn't!"

"I wouldn't what?"

"James!"

"Here we go!"

Tapping out a secret code, the background of the screen faded black and the screen froze for a minute.

"You did a Fatality? You little..."

"Keep watching, Jessie."

The small cat sneered. "He got ya beat, Jess."

The blue ninja on the screen turned to face outward and, surprisingly, built himself into a snowman. Jessie and Meowth facefaulted.

The announcer's mysterious voice boomed from the screen. "Sub-Zero wins. Flawless victory. Friendship... what? Friendship again?"

James laughed as they stared at him. "What in da world was dat?"

Jessie wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him down and rubbing her fist vigorously on the top of his head. "So, that's what I get for losing? You could've at least done something cool, like that mauling polar bear the last time you beat me."

"Fine! I'll beat you worse next time. Ow! Now stop the noogie, it hurts!"

She let go of him, clicked off the T.V. and the game machine, and went over behind the folding screen to change into her pajamas. "Come on, James. Let's go to bed now. I think you've had enough fun for today."

"But Meowth wanna play!"

"You'll get to play tomorrow, Meowth. Remember, we have a few days before we're back on duty. I can beat Jessie about a million times more..."

"Oh, shut up, James. I'll beat you yet!" She walked out with her nightgown on. "Your turn."

"OK. Anyway, I don't think Meowth will beat me, either."

"That's where you're wrong, Jimmy. Dis Meowth is da best at video games."

Jessie proceeded to pull out the bed, a junky old fold-out couch, which was the only thing they could afford. "Meowth, how can you play video games if you don't have fingers?"

"It's easy," he remarked, picking up one of the game controllers. "I just use my paws like this." He extracted his claws and tapped the buttons. "Simple as that."

He tossed the controller on top of the machine. It made a loud clunk noise, followed by a bunch of buzzing and whirring from the console. "Look, Meowth, you probably broke it," James remarked as he stepped out in his pajamas.

"I did not!"

"Come on, stop fighting. Or else I'll have to pull out one of those fans."

"Fine, fine. We'll save it for tomorrow, won't we, Meowth?"

"I'll get you both!"

The two humans crawled under the covers, while Meowth curled up at the foot of the bed. "Goodnight, youse two."

"'Night, James. 'Night, Meowth."

"Goodnight, Meowth. Goodnight, Jessie."

They all fell asleep peacefully, with visions of warriors and ninja girls dancing in their heads.

*R*

"James? James, wake up, I think I hear something."

"It's probably just a Sentret digging for food..." He sat up in bed alongside Jessie. "Where's Meowth?"

"I had to kick him off. He kept clawing my leg. Stupid cat."

"Oh."

"Listen a second!"

The room went silent, eerily silent. Windy sounds suddenly started coming from every direction in the room, growing louder and louder with each passing moment. The T.V. burst on with a jolt of electricity and showed a purple-green vortex on the screen. They clung to each other in fear.

"You have been chosen!" a loud voice informed them.

"Chosen for what?" Jessie yelled above the noise.

The cabin shook with its booming voice. "Chosen for the Kombat!"

"We can't!"

The omnipresent voice engulfed them with its reply. "You have no choice! You will battle!"

The monitor in front of them made a vacuum, pointing directly at the two frightened teens. They struggled with the awesome power, still holding onto each other tightly, but they couldn't fight the force of the winds. They both got ripped into the T.V. screen and hurtled down a shaft of spirals that seemed to have no end. A black hole opened a few yards below them and they bumpily landed in front of a large throne.

A guard robed in red poked them each in the back with a lance. "Is that how you act in the present of an Elder? Get up!"

Jessie and James stood at attention at the foot of the shadowed figure. James bowed at him. "What would you like, sir?"

"James, what are you doing!?" Jessie hissed at him.

"I'm trying not to upset them so we can get back to our world! Now hush!"

Jessie reluctantly bowed at him. "Very good," a raspy voice said.

"You two have been chosen to represent the Neo-Outside in the Mortal Kombat tournament. We have seen your work, and are very pleased with your experience, dedication, and courage. Now you two must go and defeat your opponents to be worthy of the reward of the Kombat."

"Yes, sir!"

"But first, you must be stripped of your original garments and placed into your gear."

A harsh wind spiraled around Jessie. She closed her eyes as her clothes disintegrated into the air and were replaced by a sky blue outfit much like that of the other girls in the fight. The same transformation was experienced by James, except his robes were that of the ninjas, and a deep forest green color.

"Next, you must recieve your weapons."

Two swords materialized in front of them. The one in front of Jessie was a lightweight sword, with a sapphire embedded in the bottom of the grip. James' was a thicker, heavier dagger with an emerald placed on the grip's end.

"These are yours for the Kombat. Use them with skill."

They both took the swords from the air. Kneeling before him, they both thanked the Elder greatly and got up. They were just about to walk out when his voice stopped them.

"Remember, you are not fighting just for your own honor, but the honor of your world. Sapphire! Emerald! Fight with pride and passion! In order to become a true master, you must believe in yourself!"

They found themselves caught in a crimson glow. In an instant they were sent to the opening ceremonies for the Kombatants.

"James, are you scared?"

"Just a bit, Jess. But I think we'll make it."

"I'm terrified! I can't even hit buttons on a controller! How the hell can I do this in real life?"

"Just believe in yourself."

He stared into her eyes. "You can do it. I know you can. Just remember, it's all in here," He tapped the side of her head. "And in here," he whispered, touching above the left side of her chest.

"I'll try, I really will."

"Good. Now let's go kick some major butt!"

"Yeah!"

"Attention!" another endless voice called out. "All Kombatants report to the arena for the opening!"

They turned around and followed the strange crowd. They were directed to a line to wait for their appearance to the audience, as the last ones to be announced.

"Hey, you two don't look familiar. Are you new here?" They both turned around to see Liu Kang staring at them.

"This is our first, and only time, in the Kombat." James emphasized 'only'.

"Oh. Well, good to meet you. I'm Liu Kang, and I've been in the fight a while now. And you are...?"

James reached out to shake his hand, and he accepted it. "I'm Ja... I mean, I'm Emerald. And this here is Sapphire." Jessie gave a weak wave. "I've seen your work, and you are truely a fighter."

"Thanks. But don't expect me to be this friendly in battle." He scowled. "I'm out to win this one."

The announcer boomed over the loudspeakers, saying his name and beginning to introduce him. "Sorry, I have to go. I'll see you in the Kombat." He walked out to face his destiny.

"Look at him," Jessie huffed. "He's awfully confident."

"That's how you have to be in order to win."

"Well, then I'll need a lot more to win."

"We both need to win in order to make it back."

"Can't you win for me?"

"No, you have to do it yourself."

"Doesn't this game have a pause button?"

"Jess, just remember what I told you. Go on, they're calling our names."

The two walked out to face a large mob of people and other assorted human-like things. Some of them were cheering and wooping loudly, while the others either sat there or threw junk into towards them.

"Now, our last two Kombatants are hailing from the Neo-Outside. They are our rookie competetors, and they are willing to put up a fight. Our first new competetor is a young girl with a heart of steel. Defending her world, this is... Sapphire!"

Jessie stepped out into the middle of the arena to meet an arena of hollering males and disgusted girlfriends. She had no idea what to do, so she just waved to the masses and made a peace sign, much to the dismay of the fans. She rushed out of the arena.

"The next fighter is a real showstopper. He may be a new one, but he is one of the most skilled fighters of his area. Here he is... Emerald!"

James charged out from the side. He did an impressive array of high punches and kicks, and then did a double backflip to land right in the middle. Drawing his sword, he leaned against it and pulled out his rose. The crowd, especially the girls, went wild.

"Thank you, Emerald!"

He strolled gracefully to the edge. "You show off," Jessie growled.

"Gotta keep them happy."

"The Kontest will be held over several days. The first matches will be tonight. We'll see you all there!"

The arena emptied itself as fast as it had filled. The challengers were all in the center of the ring, shouting threats at one another before leaving for their spots.

"Hey, you! The one in the green!"

James turned around to face Sindel, floating directly in front of him. "Pretty good moves you've got there. But you'll never defeat me or my powers. When we meet in the ring you better be prepared to die!" She gave a cackle. "And watch that puny girl with you. I'll make her suffer, too!" She grinned insidiously before she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"James, let's get out of here, please?"

He was shaking, but he pretended to be calm. "We can do this, Jessie. Now let's go back to our place and relax before we have to fight." He grabbed her hand and ran toward the tents.

*R*

"Our fights start in an hour! How am I supposed to get ready for this?"

"Just calm down, Jessie. You get ready by meditating."

"How do you do that?"

"Just close your eyes and don't think about anything."

"I have to think about something."

"Think of something peaceful to get your mind off of it. Center your energy."

"Fine." She shut her eyes. "This isn't helping..."

"Wait a minute."

"OK." They sat there silent for a few minutes. "James, it's not working."

He started rubbing her shoulders. "You have to relax more. Come on, try, Jess."

She could feel her muscles loosening up at his touch. Just having him there was a comfort in itself, but she couldn't think of anything else. "Help me out here."

"OK, picture this. You're in a wide open field. There are roses all around you, and it's a beautiful red sunset. Now picture the one thing that will calm you the most right there in front of you."

There was no reply.

"Jessie?"

He turned her around to find her fast asleep. He set her down in his lap and let her rest while he skimmed the events. "Now, let's see who I'll be beating first... hmmm... Kung Lao. Not too much work towards him. And Jessie has to beat... Ermac. He's perfect for a beginner like her. She'll have no problem."

He felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. He looked down to find Jessie in a half asleep daze of uncertainty.

"James..." she whimpered, "don't let them hurt me. Don't let them hurt you."

"I won't, Jess. We're not going to get hurt at all."

"OK." A tiny tear rolled down her cheek, but she brushed it away before James could notice.

"You just rest up now, and then we'll go fight."

She nodded her head and slowly drifted off.

"And I'll be battling first, so she'll see that it's OK."

He folded up the brochure, set it down beside him, and laid down for a short nap.

*R*

>GONG!<

"Huh... What was that?" Jessie was woken up from her sleep by a large bell being rung in the distance. "A bell...?"

She shook James' shoulders, jolting him out of a deep sleep. "Mmmmrph...I don't wanna go to school..."

"James! What does the bell ringing mean?"

"The bell!" He jumped up, grabbing Jessie's hand and dragging her out of the tent. He ran at full speed with her until they got to the arena, then he stopped to catch his breath. "So, James," she panted heavily, "why did we run here?"

"Bell ringing... five minutes... just in time." He swallowed one last gulp of air. "I have to go fight now. See you later!"

With a wave of his hand, he had disappeared.

"Good luck!" she called after him. She went to get a seat in the front.

"GOOD EVENING!" the omnious voice echoed throughout the stadium. "And welcome to the first match of the Kombat! Kontestants, please take your places at the sides of the arena!"

The sky dimmed to a hazy gray color, and a beam shot through the clouds onto the two Kontestants that had stepped out onto the field. To the left was a dark man, a razor-edged sombrero shadowing his eyes. Hitting his Western-type pose, he walked farther out into the opening and struck his fighting stance.

Next Emerald, sweat already dripping down his brow, strolled to the edge of the field and pulled his rose out. He smiled a nervous, but determined, grin, and placed the rose in his pocket. There was now no turning back. His limbs shook as he took fighting stance.

"Begin!"

Emerald felt a sharp wind drive past him as Kung Lao raced around to his more vulnerable back side. Turning around, his face sharply met with... a fist.

His head flew backwards, the rest of his body tailing behind. Meeting the ground with a thud, he promply dragged himself back to an upright position. He snarled at the opponent a few feet away. He wasn't going to be beaten that easily!

He charged forward, and then his fists went wild. A type of animalistic rage overcame him as he punched at whatever was in front of him. He felt his arm extend into the pit of his stomach, and Kung Lao being hurled a few feet away.

A split second later he was up again. Grinning insidiously at his opponent, he took off his hat and...

The air seemed thick and time seemed longer as the rim of his hat shone spinning in the air. Emerald could only blink before the rotating blade hit his chest, sending him to the floor. He could hear a faint cry of fear from the audience. He staggered to get on his feet.

Now erect, he stared at Kung Lao, shooting daggers with his glare. He could feel his feet moving forward, faster, and faster, and faster. His foot lifted off the ground, and he felt it strike something...

Now his opponent was on the ground in front of him, and the roar of the crowd filled his ears. Breathing hard, he slipped his hand into his pocket; it emerged with the perfect red rosebud he always had. Leaning on his sword, he smiled out into the arena with a unbearable sense of pride.

"EMERALD WINS!"

Bowing to them one last time, he picked up his blade and walked through the gate, where Jessie was waiting for her turn to fight. She smiled at him, unsure to show affection in the heat of the battle. "Good job, James."

"Why, thank you." He returned the gratitude. "Remember what I told you, Jess. And good luck."