AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! This will be my second Pokémon fanfiction story, although it won't be quite as long as the last one. This is the sequel to The Adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu in Kanto since the Pokémon League was unexpectedly cancelled. But now, they will get to have fun in the sun while they challenge the Gym Leaders of the Orange Crew in the Orange Archipelago. Feel free to read and review.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary are setting off for new adventures in the Orange Islands and make some preparations. But they have to brave a very nasty storm on the way to Vermilion City. Will our heroes' adventure stop before it even starts?
Chapter 1: LEAVING KANTO
(Music Cue: Unconditional Love)
With all the excitement of stopping Team Rocket behind them, Tristan and Hillary prepare to leave for their newest adventure. They're resting up in the Pokémon Center at the Indigo Plateau to regain their strength. Even though the remainder of the Pokémon League Competition was cancelled, they now have a new adventure in the Orange Islands. The test is to defeat all four members of the Orange Crew, plus the leader. But for now, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu are all sleeping like little babies as they think and dream about the many adventures they had while exploring the Kanto region, including earning all eight badges and meeting more Pokémon in the days and weeks ahead.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were still fast asleep in their beds even as the sun rose higher in the sky. The long and intense battle to save their parents and their Pokémon, plus Blue and his Pokémon from Giovanni at Team Rocket Headquarters wiped them all out. The situation lasted well into the night. Plus, the excitement of Hillary receiving a Squirtle from Professor Oak for her incredible bravery made her eligible to become a Pokémon Trainer early.
Tristan stirred in his sleep as the sunlight came into the room. "Morning," he yawned.
Pikachu yawned, too.
"Please, Tristan, can't you be quiet?" moaned Hillary. "I'm trying to sleep here." And she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.
But not for long, for presently, Veronica, Tristan and Hillary's grandmother, came into the room and repeatedly banged a spoon against a frying pan, blasting Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu awake in an instant. "Wake up, lazybones!" she shouted excitedly. "Rise and shine! Up and at 'em! It's time for breakfast!" And she closed the door.
"Great, just what we needed," moaned Hillary. "A personal wake-up call from Grandma."
"You're telling me," added Tristan. "Can't we go back to sleep now? I don't want to get up yet."
Veronica burst into the room again and used some crash cymbals, startling Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu even more. "That's not the attitude I want to hear! Now you two lazy bums get out of bed and get yourselves to the cafeteria right this minute! Do I make myself clear?!" And she slammed the door.
(Music Cue: All's Well That Ends Well)
Everyone was happily eating breakfast at the table...everyone except Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu while Veronica happily kept cooking in the kitchen.
"Did Grandma blast you awake again?" asked Eric, Tristan and Hillary's grandfather.
Tristan and Hillary moaned.
"I'm very sorry," said Eric. "Your grandmother has always had a lot of energy, even in her younger days."
"Speak for yourself," said Hillary.
"You didn't have to battle against Team Rocket throughout the night," added Tristan. "And if it hadn't been for them, the competition wouldn't have been cancelled."
"Oh, that's right," replied Eric. "I think we should have let you two sleep in after the long and difficult battle you guys fought."
"That's all right, Grandpa," said Hillary. "We needed to be up soon, anyway. Besides, now we can travel to more places now that I have my cute little Squirtle with me." And she held her Pokéball close and hugged it.
"Okay, okay, Hillary, we heard you the first time," grumbled Tristan.
"Come on out, Squirtle!" called Hillary.
Squirtle's Pokéball opened and out it came from the white light that shot out.
Squirtle was very happy to see Hillary and leaped into her arms.
"I'm not sure this is the right time to let it out," said Tristan.
"Oh, come on, Tristan," replied Hillary. "Squirtle's been wanting to get some air from the outside world." She put Squirtle down on the table. "Besides, you keep your Pikachu out all the time."
"Pikachu hates being inside a Pokéball in case you haven't noticed," protested Tristan.
"Just like the fact you don't like to be cooped up in here all day," added Veronica as she exited the kitchen with some waffles.
"Awesome! More waffles!" said Tristan.
"Thanks a lot, Grandma," added Hillary.
"You two have big adventures in the Orange Islands coming up, and you're going to need your strength," explained Veronica. Then she turned and picked up Squirtle and rocked it in her arms. "That Squirtle is sooooo cute!"
Hillary chuckled. "It is cute, isn't it?"
"I think Professor Oak made the right decision when he handed you that Squirtle," added Veronica.
"Definitely," agreed Tristan. "You and Squirtle have proven to be quite capable of working as a team."
"Just like you and Pikachu," finished Hillary.
Tristan embraced Pikachu in his arms and smiled with Pikachu. "Now that we got one of Grandma's extra tasty breakfasts, we can set sail for the Orange Islands."
Pikachu was delighted with the idea.
"I'm afraid there is one little problem," said Veronica. "The ferry service doesn't do trips to the Orange Islands every day. So you'll have to find a way to get to Vermilion City and wait for the next one to come."
"When will that be?" asked Hillary.
"Later today," answered Veronica. "After that ferry leaves, it won't come back again until next week."
"Next week?!" exclaimed Hillary. "We can't stay in Vermilion City all week! Tristan's got his challenge in the Orange Islands! Isn't there another way we can get to them?"
"I have an idea," said Tristan. "Maybe Lapras can take us to the Orange Islands. Maybe we'll see some places the ferries don't come to."
"Oh, yeah!" said Hillary. "I forgot! Lapras is a very good swimmer, and it loves ferrying people across the sea on its back."
"Remember when we first rode on Lapras to Seafoam Island, Tristan?" asked Hillary. "We had missed the ferry to Cinnabar Island, but Lapras took us there after a brief stop on Seafoam Island."
"And we met this boy named Cody," added Tristan. "He was afraid of the water at first, but after helping him get used to the water, he and Lapras both saved me with Blastoise and Hillary's help, that is."
Veronica was smiling. She was having a fun time listening to Tristan and Hillary's travel stories. "That sounds just like me when I was a young Pokémon Trainer."
"I know how that must have felt," added Eric. "Experiencing new adventures for the first time can really make you remember them."
Just then, Lance came into the room. "Hey, guys! Are you all finished eating?"
"Hi, Lance!" said Tristan and Hillary together.
"I see someone's a well-established chef," remarked Lance. He then saw Veronica. "Could it be? Well, if it isn't Veronica, the old Champion Trainer, who once trained me many years ago!"
"Wait, you know Grandma?" gasped Tristan and Hillary together. They could scarcely believe their ears.
(Music Cue: Reunion)
Veronica nodded. "Lance, the ever-so-popular Dragon Pokémon Trainer. It's been way too long."
Lance chuckled. "I don't know about the 'popular' part."
"Where are the other members of the Elite Four, Lance?" asked Hillary.
"They're getting ready to tear down at the stadium," answered Lance. He turned to Veronica. "How's the former Champion doing these days?"
"I've been doing well," answered Veronica. "I decided to get back into training Pokémon part-time because my grandson, Tristan, inspired me to."
Tristan was confused. "Grandma, I don't get it. How do you and Lance know each other?"
"I trained Lance for years ever since he first became a Pokémon Trainer," explained Veronica. "Then he came to the Gym in Blackthorn City to do some training with Clair, another Gym Leader. I raised powerful Pokémon back in the day, and Lance and his Pokémon put up quite a battle, too. But eventually, when I had other obligations, I had decided to hand over my championship duties to Lance."
"Quite a story, Grandma," said Hillary. "So Lance was the person you handed your championship title to."
"You've got it, dear," confirmed Veronica. She turned to Lance. "So what's your reason for being here this time?"
"I've heard all about the challenge in the Orange Islands," explained Lance. "I was thinking of taking Tristan and Hillary to the pier in Vermilion City later today so they can set off. I heard the ferry leaves from Vermilion City once a week, but I also understand that Tristan has some good Pokémon that can ferry him and Hillary across the sea with no problem."
"That's a true story, Lance," confirmed Tristan. "I have Blastoise and Lapras to help out with that."
"Well, grand-sonny," said Eric, "it sounds like you're prepared for just about anything."
"Well, I always try," replied Tristan.
"Well, there's no time to waste," said Veronica. "I'll be back!" And she dashed off.
"There she goes again," remarked Eric. "Whenever, she gets inspiration, she gets to it right away."
Lance was just as confused as Tristan and Hillary were.
"What's with her?" asked Lance.
"Beats me," answered Hillary.
Pikachu and Squirtle didn't have a clue on what was going on either.
(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears!
A few hours later, Veronica emerged with some new clothes, new backpacks, and new supplies.
"Are those for us?" asked Hillary.
"They sure are, kids," answered Veronica. "Now, tell me. Do I know good craftsmanship or what?"
"These clothes are great, Grandma!" said Tristan. "I can't wait to try them on!"
"Me, too, Tristan," replied Hillary.
In a little while, Tristan and Hillary changed into their new clothes.
Tristan's outfit consisted of an orange T-shirt, dark blue shorts, new white tennis shoes, black sleeveless gloves with orange borders, and an orange cap. Hillary's outfit consisted of a light pink T-shirt, light blue shorts, pink and light blue striped socks, pink and light blue striped fingerless opera gloves, and new pink shoes.
"Wow, you too look wonderful!" remarked Eric.
"Thanks, Grandpa," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, this stuff fits perfectly," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Squirtle were amazed, too.
"I also packed your new backpacks with new medical supplies and sandwiches in case you get hungry out on the open sea," added Veronica.
"Thanks, Grandma, you're the best," replied Tristan as he and Hillary hugged her.
"Aren't Mom and Dad going to see us off, too?" asked Hillary.
"They wanted to continue their journeys and train more Pokémon," explained Eric. "But you can be sure that they'll be rooting for you in spirit just like we are."
"That's too bad," said Tristan. "But at least Hillary and I were able to see them again."
"That's true," agreed Veronica. "Your grandfather and I will be going back to New Bark Town after you guys take off."
"Aren't you going to come with us?" asked Hillary.
"We've traveled to the Orange Islands before," answered Veronica. "But we'll have fun together real soon. I promise."
"Okay," said Tristan. He was wanting his grandparents to come with him and Hillary, but understood that they also have things to take care of back home.
(Music Cue: Flying Kairu (Dragonite))
A few moments later, Tristan, Hillary, Lance, and Pikachu got into Lance's helicopter and waved goodbye to Veronica and Eric.
"Bye, Grandma! Bye, Grandpa!" called Tristan and Hillary.
"Take care kids!" replied Eric. "And have fun!"
"We love you!" added Veronica.
The helicopter door closed, the engine started, and soon the helicopter took off into the sky as Veronica and Eric waved bye-bye.
"I can't wait till we get to Vermilion City!" said Tristan. "Then we can start our voyage through the Orange Islands!"
"And you can finally continue your challenge," added Hillary.
"I heard the members of the Orange Crew are going to be tough to beat," said Lance.
"What do you mean, Lance?" asked Tristan.
"These Gym Leaders don't battle the way you're used to," explained Lance. "In the Orange League, they test how well Trainers interact with their Pokémon."
"How Trainers interact with their Pokémon?" repeated Tristan.
Lance nodded. "It's one of the best ways to put the friendship and trust between Trainers and their Pokémon to the test."
Just then, a giant dark cloud was seen ahead.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot)
"Whoa! That's a big storm," said Lance worriedly.
"Is that a problem?" asked Hillary.
"Maybe," replied Lance. "Better hold on tight, kids. Looks like we're in for quite a nasty ride."
Just as Lance said that, the helicopter began to shake violently.
Tristan and Hillary held on to each other real tight while Pikachu clung tightly to Tristan.
"I've never experienced winds this strong before!" said Lance.
Sure enough, outside the helicopter, the winds were blowing very fiercely, tossing it around. Rain started falling hard and fast, battering the helicopter.
There was worse to come, for just then, sparks were seen on the helicopter's blades, followed by more sparks. Suddenly, a boom was heard, and a fire ignited from those sparks.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon)
Everyone inside heard the loud boom.
"What's going on?" asked Tristan.
"This is bad!" exclaimed Lance. "The storm's gotten so bad that it caused our helicopter's engines to fail!"
Hillary sniffed the air inside. "I'm smelling smoke!"
"Oh, no! Look at that!" gasped Tristan.
Sure enough, flames were seen just out the window, and the helicopter started to lose altitude.
"Oh, no!" said Lance. "We've gotta work fast! We'll need to evacuate the helicopter before it's too late!" He opened the helicopter door and took out a Pokéball. "Go, Dragonite!"
A draconic bipedal Pokémon with orange skin and wings appeared out of the white light that shot out of the ball. It had two large antennae on its head, plus it had wings.
"I hope you guys have strong flying Pokémon," said Lance. "We're going to have to ride them and get out of this storm!"
"Then let's do it!" replied Tristan as he took out his two Pokéballs. "Charizard, Pidgeot, I choose you!"
Charizard and Pidgeot emerged from the white lights that shot out of the balls and awaited Tristan's instructions.
"Hillary, go ahead and get on Pidgeot," advised Tristan. "I'll go with Charizard."
"Right, Tristan," replied Hillary. She jumped out of the helicopter and onto Pidgeot's back.
Tristan and Pikachu bailed out and got on Charizard while Lance got on Dragonite.
"Look! There it goes!" cried Tristan, pointing to the helicopter.
Sure enough, the helicopter, still in flames, kept losing altitude, and was soon lost in the clouds.
Charizard, Pidgeot, and Dragonite were all struggling to battle against the strong winds and heavy rain as Tristan and his friends tried to hang on.
Presently, lightning flashed in the sky, and soon lightning bolts were seen at close range.
"Watch out!" warned Lance. "That lightning is dangerous! If we don't get out of this storm, there's no telling what might happen!"
"If only we had some sort of lightning rod to block any lightning coming our way," said Hillary.
"That's it!" cried Tristan. "Hillary, you're a genius!"
"What do you mean?" asked Hillary. She was confused.
"Electricity draws electricity!" explained Tristan. "And who better to block electricity than..."
"Pikachu!" exclaimed Lance and Hillary together.
"Exactly," replied Tristan. "Are you ready, pal?"
Pikachu nodded.
"Give those clouds your best Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu jumped into the air. It then released its electricity at the clouds, attracting all the electricity. The resulting attractions created a bright explosion of yellow light in the sky.
"All right, follow me!" advised Lance.
Everyone nodded as Charizard and Pidgeot followed Lance and Dragonite out of the storm. When they got out of the storm, they saw the flaming helicopter falling towards the open sea close to Vermilion City's pier.
"Let's make sure no one's in danger!" suggested Tristan.
"Right," replied Hillary and Lance as they and Tristan flew toward the pier.
Sure enough, the flaming helicopter fell into the sea, and as soon as it did, it was followed by a tremendous explosion.
BOOM!
"I don't think the Pokémon League Inspection Agency is going to like this," said Lance.
"Well, at least we came out of it okay," replied Hillary. "That's what counts."
"That's right," added Tristan. "Nobody got hurt."
"And I can still fly with Dragonite," said Lance. "It'll be more environmentally safe than using the helicopter."
"That's the spirit, Lance," replied Tristan.
(Music Cue: To Be Continued)
Later, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were on Lapras's back as they prepared to begin their voyage through the Orange Islands.
"I guess this is goodbye, huh, Lance?" said Tristan.
"I guess so," replied Lance. "I'm going to the Johto region to investigate more crimes."
"That's great news, Lance," said Hillary. "I hope you have good luck."
"If you ever see Grandma and Grandpa, Lance, please be sure to say hello for me, won't you?" said Tristan.
"I'll be sure to do that," Lance promised.
"And if you ever stop in New Bark Town, please feel free to check it out," added Hillary.
Lance nodded. "And Tristan," he said, "I know you're going to conquer the Orange League. I have faith in you. I wish you nothing but success."
"Thanks, Lance," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best."
"And I'll make sure he does," added Hillary.
Pikachu agreed with Hillary.
Tristan sighed. "Even Pikachu would say that."
Lapras cooed as it began to swim away from Vermilion City's pier and through the open sea as Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu waved goodbye to Lance.
Lance waved goodbye to them from the pier.
And so, Tristan and Hillary's new adventure in the Orange Islands has officially begun. What will the Gym Leaders in the Orange Crew be like? And will Tristan succeed and fulfill his destiny to become a Champion? With questions like that, you've just got to stay tuned!
► TO BE CONTINUED
