AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 3 of the Adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu in Johto. The protagonists are just about to wrap up their vacation. But Professor Namba makes an appearance in this chapter. You remember him from the Lugia saga on Pokémon: Master Quest, right? I'm thinking this could be the prequel of the Lugia saga. Please feel free to read and review at your leisure.
TEASER: An evil Team Rocket scientist, Professor Namba, has infiltrated the ferry and steers our heroes into a nasty storm. What does he want with Tristan and Hillary? And will they survive the monstrous whirlpools that follow?
Chapter 3: THE RESCUE
(Music Cue: Cold Blood (as heard in "Pokémon Shipwreck"))
Last time, Tristan and Pikachu discovered the incredible secret: the legendary Pokémon, Lugia; and two unhatched eggs. Soon, both eggs hatched, and one of the baby Lugia befriended our young hero almost immediately. But little do our heroes and their grandparents know that danger lurks on the ferry headed for Olivine City, for a sinister figure sneaked on board and stowed the captain away in a secret room. Will our heroes be able to survive the terrible calamity that awaits them?
(Music Cue: Route 29 (as heard in "Forest Grumps")
That afternoon, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Veronica, and Eric were all eager to get back home to New Bark Town.
"Come on, everyone, it's time to get on board!" called Veronica as she led Eric, Tristan, and Hillary up the gangplank. "Our car will be waiting for us on the other side of the sea, so once we get there, we can make it back home by road."
Everyone agreed that they all had a great time vacationing on the Whirl Islands, especially Tristan, who couldn't get what he saw the last few days out of his mind.
"I can't wait to get back to New Bark Town," said Tristan excitedly. "I feel that I just have to keep exploring the world and see more new Pokémon!"
"I want to go with you, Tristan," replied Hillary. "Please, may I?"
"Okay," chuckled Tristan. "Maybe we can see more new historic places like the Tin Tower in Ecruteak City."
Veronica and Eric smiled at each other and saw this as no surprise. "We thought as much," they both said as everyone finished walking up the gangplank.
I sure hope I see that baby Lugia again someday, thought Tristan. It certainly was a friendly one.
Soon, the ferry gave a toot, and it soon took off from the harbor in Kisado City and left the Whirl Islands.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot)
Little did they all know that they were sailing straight into frightful danger, for a sinister man was at the wheel. He had a peach colored mustache and a partially bald head with peach-colored hair on the sides. He had a Captain's hat on his head to mask his identity.
"Heh, heh, heh," he smirked. "These fools don't have a clue. They have no idea of the danger that's in store for them. Ever since Giovanni hired me as Team Rocket's Pokémon expert, I've been thinking of ways to make any and all Trainers cower at my feet using the power of science."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Boss Theme)
The man thought back to when he was first hired by Giovanni not too long before.
"Giovanni, sir, please allow me to introduce myself," said the man. "My name is Namba. It would be a huge honor for you and all of Team Rocket if you allow me to join."
"First of all, how strong are your battling skills?" asked Giovanni.
"They're extremely strong," answered Namba. "I've been in several battles through my Pokémon career. I've even electrified my opponents using my powerful Electabuzz, plus I've learned to amplify its power using the technology of science."
"So you're a scientist, eh?" smiled Giovanni. "I must say, that's very impressive. If I allow you to join, what invention would you make for the benefit of Team Rocket? I'm sure you have many ideas you can offer."
"I plan to invent a machine I like to call 'Namba's Nasty Pokémon Provoker,' or 'Rage Crown' for short," replied Namba. "This device will amplify the power of any Pokémon through a remotely controlled device, thus giving it much more power than normal through the power of pure rage. And, if successfully tested on a Pokémon, I will be able to control that power!"
"Fascinating," said Giovanni. "You've convinced me. All right, Namba, I hereby hire you as one of Team Rocket's scientists. You are now Professor Namba."
"It's an honor to serve you...master Giovanni," said Professor Namba as he bowed to Giovanni.
"I shall prepare an undersea base for you," said Giovanni. "Now, Professor Namba, go to the Johto region at once. I'm expecting great things and inventions from you."
"Yes, sir!" replied Professor Namba.
The man, known as Professor Namba smirked evilly to himself. "I've heard rumors that there's a mysterious Pokémon, and I know it's somewhere on the Whirl Islands.
(Music Cue: The Sign of the Storm)
"My ultimate plan is to use my invention to increase its power tenfold, and soon, Team Rocket will rule the whole world, and the world will cower at our feet!"
Presently, he saw a storm beginning to form in the sky.
Professor Namba suddenly got an idea. "I'm not gonna stop until I have its power for my own." He then focused his evil eyes on Tristan. "I think I'll use the boy. Perhaps he can tell me where this Pokémon is, but how to make him tell me. Let's see, should I sail into the storm or into the sunshine?" First, he focused on the storm. Then, he focused on the clear and sunny skies behind him. "That's it! I'll sail this ship into that storm and force him to tell me where this Pokémon is. And until he does, I'll just keep sailing into that storm with no possibility of getting out of it!"
Professor Namba turned the steering wheel violently and sailed full speed ahead toward the storm.
Meanwhile, on the deck, everyone felt the ship turn at a 180-degree angle and held on tightly.
In a matter of minutes, the winds started to blow stronger and stronger.
Pikachu sensed something wrong and alerted Tristan.
"What's the matter, Pikachu?" he asked.
Pikachu pointed to the sky and urged him to look ahead.
Sure enough, as the ship sailed on, the sky got darker and the sea became rougher.
Veronica was worried, too. "I don't know if the Captain knows about this storm."
"What do we do, Grandma?" asked Hillary.
"We stay calm and await any instructions from the Captain," answered Veronica.
Just then, a voice came up over the loudspeaker. It was the disguised Professor Namba. "Attention, all passengers: Please remain calm. There is a storm approaching, but it will clear up in a few minutes. There is no need to evacuate. I repeat: There is no need to evacuate."
Just as he said that, lightning flashed and the thunder cracked. The winds picked up and the waves struck the ship as heavy rain began to fall.
"I think this storm is going to get worse before it gets better!" said Eric, who was now getting very nervous.
"You're right," replied Veronica. "The Captain would never steer us into a storm on purpose."
Just then, the brightest lightning flash yet was followed by the loudest crack of thunder, making everyone on the deck jump.
(Music Cue: Enter Mewtwo)
"I think we're the only ones who came onto this ship in the first place," said Hillary. "Do you think this ferry ride is some sort of trap?"
"It's possible," replied Tristan. "And I'm not sure if the Captain is the real Captain." He quickly made a plan. "Grandma and Grandpa, see if you can find anyone who can help us out. Hillary and I will go see whoever it is that's steering the ship."
"Just be careful, kids," advised Veronica. She turned to her husband. "Come on, Eric, let's go get some help." And they split up with the kids for their assignments.
Tristan and Hillary went to see who was at the wheel. But just then, a sinister voice said, "All right, kiddies, that's as far as you go."
Tristan and Hillary stopped dead in their tracks.
"Who are you?!" demanded Tristan.
The disguised Professor Namba stepped out from behind a corner and introduced himself. Then he took off his captain's disguise. "Greetings. My name is Professor Namba, and I'm a scientist for Team Rocket."
"So you're the one who steered us into this storm!" exclaimed Hillary, clenching her fist.
"Guilty as charged," snickered Professor Namba. "But the real reason I steered your ship astray is because I came to get some vital information from you."
"You're not making a lot of sense," fumed Tristan. "What information?"
"I want to know of the whereabouts of a mysterious Pokémon," explained Professor Namba. "This will be easy if you talk, little boy, so do it or else."
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
Meanwhile, below the ship's deck, Veronica and Eric were holding each other's hands as they walked in a very dark room and tried to keep their balance. They weren't having much luck finding anyone to help them.
"This place gives me the creeps," said Eric nervously. "I think someone may be out to get us."
"Now, Eric, we can't start panicking now," advised Veronica. "If we want to get out of this situation in one piece, then we'd better keep looking around. And at times like this, we don't have time to be scared."
Just then they heard a muffled voice. "Get me out of here!"
"What was that?" asked Eric.
"I don't know, but we'd better find out," replied Veronica as she and Eric quickly and carefully made their way to where that sound was coming from.
They opened a door to a closet. Sure enough, there was someone wearing a captain's uniform, and he was bound and gagged.
Veronica and Eric gasped in shock.
"You must be the Captain!" exclaimed Veronica as she and Eric untied him.
"Are you all right, sir?" asked Eric.
"Yes, I am, but there's no time to lose," replied the Captain. "Are there any more passengers on board this ship?"
"Our grandchildren, Tristan and Hillary, are on the ship's deck as we speak," answered Veronica.
"The person who tied me up may have them in his clutches," said the Captain.
"What do we do?" asked Eric.
"We have to help them," replied Veronica. "Let's go."
"Follow me!" said the Captain. "I know a shortcut!" And he led Veronica and Eric to the deck posthaste.
"There's no use stalling, children," said Professor Namba to Tristan and Hillary as the storm worsened on the deck. "Give me the information I need, and maybe I will go easy on the both of you and get us out of this storm."
"There's no way we'll do that!" replied Tristan.
"We promised to keep it a secret, and that's what we'll do," added Hillary.
"Then you leave me no choice," said Professor Namba as he took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go get 'em, Electabuzz!"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Heartbreak of Brock"))
A humanoid Pokémon materialized from the white light that shot out of the PokéBall. It had yellow fur and black stripes, one of which resembled a lightning bolt on the front. It also had a long tail. It quickly went in for the attack on Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu, who narrowly dodged it.
"So that's how you want it?" said Tristan. "Go get it, Pikachu!"
Pikachu ran right in front of Tristan and readied itself for battle.
"Are you nuts?!" exclaimed Hillary. "We can't battle in this storm!"
"But we can't just stand here and do nothing!" protested Tristan.
"If you're through chitchatting, then let's start by having Electabuzz throw a Thunder Punch at you!" shouted Professor Namba.
Electabuzz charged forward and clenched its fist as electricity sizzled through it.
"Pikachu, watch out!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu jumped and easily avoided Electabuzz's attack.
"Pikachu, hit Electabuzz with your Thunderbolt!" commanded Tristan.
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuu!" shouted Pikachu as a yellow bolt of electricity shot out of its body toward Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz, use Light Screen!" instructed Professor Namba.
Electabuzz put its hands out, and instantly, a clear screen appeared in front of it, blocking Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
"Now, give that rodent a taste of your Thunder Punch!" shouted Professor Namba.
Electabuzz charged again as electricity sizzled through its clenched fist. It landed a direct hit on Pikachu, causing it to hit the ground.
"Pikachu!" cried Tristan.
"That Electabuzz is strong!" gasped Hillary.
"This is your last chance, fools," said Professor Namba. "I heard rumors of a mysterious Pokémon somewhere around here. Now where is it?!" He was clearly losing his patience.
"If you think we're going to tell you about this mysterious Pokémon, you'd better think again, Namba!" countered Tristan.
"Yeah, we'll never tell anything to a creep like you!" added Hillary.
"I gave you plenty of chances to talk, but you've chosen the hard way," said Professor Namba. "Give them your best Thunderbolt, Electabuzz!"
Electabuzz gathered all its electricity in its body and shot a huge stream at Pikachu, Tristan, and Hillary.
"Pikachu, use your Thunder attack at full power now!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu concentrated its electricity as it sizzled in its cheeks. Then, using all that it had, Pikachu shot a yellow stream of electricity to block Electabuzz's attack.
The two attacks collided, creating an explosion so big that it sent everyone flying.
Professor Namba and Electabuzz were sent flying in the sky in one direction while Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were sent hurtling in the other direction into the raging sea below.
Veronica, Eric, and the Captain arrived just after the explosion took place.
"I don't see the children. Where are they?" asked Veronica, frantically looking around.
"Look there!" shouted Eric, pointing at the raging water below.
Veronica and the Captain turned to see Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu come up for air further away from the ship as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared close by.
A short distance away, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu noticed the ship moving further and further away from them.
"Oh, no!" cried Hillary. "The ship's going further and further away!"
"Hey, you've got to help us!" shouted Tristan as loud as he could.
"It's no use, Tristan," said Hillary. "The wind's so loud and strong that they can't hear us, and if we don't do something quick, we're-"
(Music Cue: Cause for Alarm (as heard in "Grin to Win"))
But the rest of Hillary's speech was interrupted when a big wave caused them to be swept further and further away from the ship.
There was worse to come, for they felt themselves being pulled toward powerful vortices of water.
"Those are whirlpools!" exclaimed Hillary. "We're doomed!"
Veronica, Eric, and the Captain watched in horror.
"This is bad!" said the Captain. "The kids are being dragged toward those whirlpools! If we don't do something fast, they're done for!"
"I'm going in!" declared Veronica as she started to dive in after the kids, but the Captain stopped her.
"No way! Too risky!" he advised. "You don't stand a chance with the waves being as rough as they are!"
"Let me go! I have to get to them right now!" shouted Veronica as she struggled in vain to get out of the Captain's grip to get to Tristan and Hillary.
Meanwhile, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were struggling to stay as far away from the whirlpools as possible.
Suddenly, Tristan had an idea. "Maybe Lapras can help." He took out Lapras' Pokéball. "Lapras, go!"
A bright white light shot out of the Pokéball and Lapras emerged from it. It looked like a large, blue plesiosaur with a long neck and a horn on top of its head. It awaited Tristan's orders.
"Get us away from the whirlpools, and hurry!" ordered Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu scrambled onto Lapras's back.
Instantly, Lapras started swimming as fast as its flippers would carry it. But as fast as it swam, they were being dragged into the whirlpools just as easily, and the strong winds and the big waves of water didn't make it any easier.
"It's no use! We're still being pulled toward the whirlpools!" shouted Hillary.
Things got even worse, for just then, another big wave pushed them all back, worsening their chance of escape. They were now just inches away from their doom.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" screamed Veronica as she closed her eyes.
But just then, a bright, shining vortex of water emerged from the raging water, shielding Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Lapras from the whirlpools. It was also followed by a strange call.
(Music Cue: The Day is Conquered)
"What's that sound?" asked Hillary.
"I don't know, sis," replied Tristan.
Veronica opened her eyes and saw the mysterious glowing whirlpool. "Something's happening!" she gasped.
"You're right!" agreed the Captain. "It looks like that glowing vortex is somehow protecting the kids and their Pokémon!"
Sure enough, the glowing vortex stopped the current in its tracks, preventing it from pushing Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Lapras toward the powerful whirlpools. Then, the most amazing things happened...the storm stopped, the clouds cleared up, the seas calmed down, and the current had started going the other way...away from the whirlpools!
"Somehow the current changed direction!" gasped Tristan. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"But how is that possible?" wondered Hillary.
As the mysterious glowing whirlpool dissipated, a mysterious Pokémon emerged from it.
Tristan recognized it immediately. "It's Lugia!" he cried.
"Perfect timing!" added Hillary.
It was the same one that Tristan and Pikachu had helped earlier.
Veronica and Eric were as awestruck at Lugia as the Captain was.
"The kids are okay!" said Veronica. "That Lugia just saved their lives!"
"What a relief," added Eric. "I thought they were goners."
"So did I," finished the Captain.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Lapras kept looking at Lugia as they floated in the current away from the whirlpools; they were most impressed with its power.
"Lugia must have come to help us out," said Tristan.
"It's almost as if it knew that we were in trouble," added Hillary.
Pikachu agreed with her.
Then Hillary looked up to Lugia. "Thanks so much. You really saved the day."
Lugia nodded as it continued to fly overhead.
Lapras and the children followed Lugia toward the ship.
"Ahoy!" called a voice. "Grab this rope, mateys!"
Tristan and Hillary turned around toward the ship's deck. "It's Grandma!" they cried. Their grandfather and the Captain were with her.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu saw Veronica holding a rope to haul them aboard. They managed to grab it and get back on board the ship.
Veronica was greatly relieved to see them in one piece and embraced them. "I thought I lost you to those whirlpools," said Veronica as she cried tears of happiness. "Oh, thank goodness!"
"We were so worried about you," added Eric. "We all thought you weren't going to make it."
"Well, we're fine now," said Hillary. She turned toward Lugia and said, "Thanks again for saving us, Lugia!"
Lugia nodded as it continued to hover in the sky. Then it flew a short distance from the ship, folded its wings, and dove down into the once more calm sea with a big splash.
Tristan turned his attention to the water below where Lapras was still swimming alongside the ship. "Thanks, Lapras. You were great. You deserve a good rest," he said as he aimed the Pokéball's button at it.
Lapras transformed into red energy and shot back inside the ball.
Veronica approached Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu and said. "You three are all soaked to the bone, and so are your clothes."
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)
Sure enough, they and their clothes were dripping wet. They all gave a good chuckle.
"I don't think these clothes will be good enough for your next journey," said Veronica. "I'll tell you what. As soon as we get home, I'll get new clothes for the both of you."
"Thanks a lot, Grandma," replied Hillary. "We're sorry we made you and Grandpa worry."
"Don't worry about it," replied Eric. "This is a journey. And this experience is all part of it."
Then Veronica put her arm on Tristan's shoulder and said, "It looks like you were able to gain Lugia's trust, young man. I'm very proud of you."
"I'm proud of you, too, Tristan," added Eric.
"Thanks a lot, guys," replied Tristan.
"It's not every day you get to see a legendary Pokémon save lives," remarked the Captain.
"I know," added Hillary. "I'm just as glad I got to see it. I hope we see it again."
"So do I, Hillary," said Tristan. "So do I." He then thought to himself. I knew I shouldn't have told them. But they'd find out sooner or later anyway. I just hope nobody else gets into this kind of trouble because of what happened today.
But then, Tristan and Hillary's backpacks emitted a noise inside. "Uh-oh," they said together.
They opened up the small pockets in their backpacks and saw that water had gotten into them where their PokéGears were.
Sure enough, both PokéGears were dripping wet, and at that moment, had shorted out.
Tristan tried to push a button, but it wouldn't respond. "My PokéGear's busted."
"Mine, too," replied Hillary. "Isn't that the darnedest stroke of bad luck?"
"Well, now what?" asked Tristan.
"Don't worry, kids," Eric assured them. "I'll have them fixed by tomorrow morning."
Tristan and Hillary were surprised. "You'd do that?"
Eric nodded.
"Didn't you know that your grandfather is one of the tech experts in the family?" said Veronica. "He used to work at the Silph Company before he retired. He was able to fix anything that broke. Of course, everyone wishes that he was back at the office these days."
"That's pretty impressive, Grandpa," said Tristan.
"Quality work is a high standard of mine," explained Eric. "If something doesn't work right, I go to the source of the problem and fix it. And since your PokéGears have the same materials as the ones at Silph, I should be able to order new parts and have them shipped overnight tonight."
"Thank you so much, Grandpa," said Hillary.
"That's very nice of you," added Tristan.
And under the command of the real captain, the ferry continued to sail on and on toward Olivine City as the sun began to set.
(Music Cue: Ecruteak City)
Night soon fell, and some time later, Veronica drove everybody back home to New Bark Town.
Everyone was tired from their vacation, and their latest experience with Professor Namba made Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu especially tired.
Veronica took the Winner's Trophy that Tristan won at Pummelo Stadium out of his backpack, polished it, and put it in a safe place in his bedroom. Shortly thereafter, she went right to work making new clothes for Tristan and Hillary.
Eric wasted no time ordering more parts for Tristan and Hillary's damaged PokéGears on the phone.
The order came almost immediately.
Eric was so happy about the speedy delivery that he stayed up half the night to fix Tristan and Hillary's PokéGears.
Hillary was just getting ready to go to sleep when Tristan knocked on the door and came in.
"Can't this wait until morning, Tristan?' grumbled Hillary.
"I need to tell you something," said Tristan.
"Oh, very well," grumbled Hillary. "Make it quick, all right?"
Tristan took a deep breath and sighed.
Hillary now felt concerned for Tristan and sat up.
"I felt like a total loser out there," said Tristan. "What does Professor Namba want with Lugia? I really couldn't win against him."
"But you didn't fail," reminded Hillary.
"Only because Pikachu's Thunder attack and Electabuzz's Thunderbolt sent us all away from the ship, including Professor Namba," sighed Tristan. "Why did he have to pick me as his target, anyway?"
"He picked us," replied Hillary. "He was just attacking us because we knew about the Lugia's location, and apparently, we were just at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"But what really worries me is that if Professor Namba captures Lugia, he'd have enough power to do some major damage," said Tristan. "And besides that, after the two eggs hatched, I made friends with a baby Lugia, or should I say it befriended me. And I couldn't live with myself if it got captured by that madman."
Hillary gasped in surprise. But soon she assured him. "You worry about things too much. The Lugia and its babies are living in a safe location, and there's no point about worrying about the whole thing if we're not there, right?"
"I guess you're right," sighed Tristan.
"Don't let that rattle you too much," said Hillary. "Besides, our journey through the Johto region starts tomorrow. And we should get some sleep."
"All right," replied Tristan. "Good night, sis."
"Good night, Tristan," said Hillary. "Sleep well."
And Hillary lay back down and fell fast asleep as Tristan exited the room.
And so, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu have made it safely home to New Bark Town. With their vacation and their first encounter with Professor Namba behind them, our heroes are left wondering what he wanted to do with Lugia. Our heroes' journey through the Johto region begins tomorrow. Be sure not to miss a minute of the action because this adventure is guaranteed to be action-packed!
► TO BE CONTINUED