AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 15 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. There are two things I want to point out. The first is the Little Cup. I decided to base this chapter and the next three on the Little Cup on Pokémon Stadium 2. So many Trainers you see in this chapter are from there. Second, you may recall Sakura and her sisters from two episodes of the anime: "Trouble's Brewing" and "Espeon...Not Included." They make an appearance in this chapter, and this could be when Sakura's Eevee finally evolves into an Espeon and Sakura learns to believe in herself. Just a reminder, I do NOT own Pokémon. Pokémon, Pikachu, and all other known character names are trademarks of Nintendo. As always, please feel free to read and review at your leisure.
TEASER: The Little Cup is finally here, and Hillary is ready, thanks to a warm-up battle against a Trainer named Sakura. Hillary's first opponent in the Little Cup is a Youngster named Bernie!
Chapter 15: THE LITTLE CUP, PART 1
(Music Cue: Title Screen 1999-2001 (as heard at the end of "A Shadow of a Drought"))
After earning a Zephyr Badge from Falkner, the Violet City Gym Leader, our heroes have decided to stay in Violet City. It's here that Hillary plans to register for the Little Cup, which is for Pokémon who have very little battling experience. As for Tristan, he's coming up with his own plan of attack.
"Thanks for sending Pidgeot to me yesterday, Professor," said Tristan as he talked to Professor Oak on the video phone the next morning.
"So, how did your battle with Falkner go?" asked Professor Oak.
"It went well," answered Tristan. "I won a Zephyr Badge. Pidgeot was a huge help."
"Congrats," smiled Professor Oak.
"I think I'll send Pidgeot back to the lab for now," said Tristan. "I'm sure it has some patrolling around the lab to do." And he held Pidgeot's Poké Ball close to him and said, "Thanks, Pidgeot. You really helped me out." And he put Pidgeot's Poké Ball on the transporter and pushed its button.
Instantly, the Poké Ball disappeared in a beam of white light and appeared on Professor Oak's end an instant later.
"Your Pidgeot arrived here safely," said Professor Oak. "Whenever you need it or any of your other Pokémon, just let me know."
"I will, Professor," replied Tristan. "Thanks."
"Anytime, Tristan," said Professor Oak as the video screen turned off.
Tristan came to Hillary a moment later. "So, did you finish getting registered?"
"Yup," replied Hillary. "Squirtle, Cyndaquil, and Eevee should help me win the little cup with no problem. And whenever I need extra help, Togepi can surely give it."
Togepi chirped in agreement
"I'm not so sure you should use Togepi in the Little Cup," said Tristan, who was concerned. "Togepi's just a baby, and I'm sure you don't want it to get hurt."
"That's your opinion, Tristan," replied Hillary.
Just then, five young girls entered the Pokémon Center with a small Pokémon covered with brown fur, and it had dark brown ears.
One of the girls had dark blue hair and orange earrings, the second had green hair, the third had indigo hair, the fourth had red hair, and the fifth, who was the youngest, had magenta hair.
The dark blue haired girl spoke first. "Excuse me, but have either of you lost a Sentret?"
"No, it's not either of ours," answered Tristan.
The red-haired girl spoke next. "It must be a wild Pokémon then."
Hillary scanned the Sentret on her Pokédex.
"Sentret: The Scout Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Sentret is able to see great distances by rising up on its tail. When it spots an enemy or any kind of danger, It emits a loud, shrill cry as a warning."
"How did you guys find it?" asked Tristan.
The green-haired woman spoke third. "We were on our way to see the Little Cup because Sakura wanted to experience Pokémon battles firsthand, and she thought it would help her build confidence in herself. But then we noticed this Sentret walking around the city limits trying to find its way around. So we thought we should take it to the Pokémon Center to see if it had a Trainer."
"That's a great idea," said Hillary. "I'm Hillary, and I'm going to battle in the Little Cup. This is my brother, Tristan, and his best friend, Pikachu."
"Hi there," said Tristan warmly.
Pikachu greeted the the five young girls.
"I'm Satsuki," said the dark-blue-haired girl. "I'm the oldest of five sisters."
The green-haired girl spoke next. "I'm Sumomo, I'm the second oldest."
"I'm Tamao," said the indigo-haired girl. "I'm the third oldest."
"I'm Koume, the fourth oldest," said the red-haired girl. "And of course, this is Sakura, our youngest."
"Hi," said Sakura. She looked a little nervous.
"What's the matter, Sakura?" asked Hillary.
"I want to travel on my own journey like you are," answered Sakura. "But I don't know if I can, especially after I almost lost my Eevee to Team Rocket. I had to have Misty and her friends as well as my sisters get it back for me."
Hillary could see the uncertainty in Sakura's eyes. "I know what you mean. When I was traveling with Tristan in the Kanto region, I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do either, nor did I know how I'd do as a Trainer when I got my first Pokémon. But it's only natural to feel a little nervous."
"Hillary's right," agreed Tristan. "She faced the unknown and proved her independence when she and her Squirtle helped me out of a serious jam."
"You just have to believe in yourself, even if the odds are stacked against you," added Hillary. "I may not know what I want to do as a Trainer yet, and I may not be interested in collecting badges as Tristan is, but competing in tournaments like this one should help me learn what I should do. What I mean is you should not see the unknown as your enemy, but see it as an adventure."
"Hillary's right, Sakura," Satsuki said. "Seeing the unknown is a good way to experience things firsthand."
Sakura smiled at the idea.
"So what do you guys like to do?" asked Tristan.
"We participate in tea ceremonies and keep ancient traditions," explained Satsuki. "We also know how to dance, but we like to train our Pokémon, too."
"I knew Sakura had an Eevee, but I never would've guessed that you all trained Pokémon, too."
"But we still don't know what to do about this Sentret," said Tamao.
"Let's see if Nurse Joy can help," suggest Satsuki.
Nurse Joy overheard them and came to the counter. "I heard that a Sentret came in here."
"Do you think you can check it out, Nurse Joy?" asked Hillary hopefully.
"I'll see what I can do," replied Nurse Joy as Satsuki handed Sentret over to her.
Sakura then turned to Hillary. "Hillary, I was wondering if you'd like to battle me."
"I'm not sure if I should," replied Hillary. "I mean it's so close to the Little Cup that I don't want my Pokémon to get hurt."
"Oh, come on, Hillary," said Tristan. "This'll be great experience for you. Besides, it'll be a good warm-up going into the Little Cup."
Hillary thought about it, then said, "Okay, Sakura, I accept your challenge."
A few moments later, Hillary and Sakura positioned themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield just outside the Pokémon Center.
Tristan, who was babysitting Togepi, was watching with Pikachu, Satsuki, Sumomo, Tamao, and Koume.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))
"Let's battle by using just one Pokémon each, agreed?" said Sakura.
"Agreed," replied Hillary.
"It sounds like Sakura is starting to take your sister's advice," said Satsuki to Tristan.
"Well, let's see how well she does," said Tristan.
"I'm ready for this," said Sakura as she threw a Poké Ball. "Go, Eevee!"
An Eevee appeared from the white light that shot out of the ball. It looked like it was well-trained despite having not evolved yet.
"I know who I'm gonna choose," said Hillary as she threw a Poké Ball.
Her Eevee emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"I never knew you had an Eevee, Hillary," said Sakura. "This should be a great battle."
"Let's get going right away, Eevee," said Hillary. "Use your Tackle attack!"
Hillary's Eevee charged toward Sakura's Eevee full-body style
"Eevee, Sand-Attack!" commanded Sakura.
Using its hind legs, Sakura's Eevee kicked up sand and threw it in Hillary's Eevee's face, temporarily blinding it.
"Whoa!" gasped Satsuki, Sumomo, Tamao, and Koume.
Hillary's Eevee struggled frantically to shake the sand off.
"You're doing great, Eevee, just hang in there!" encouraged Hillary.
"That Sand-Attack must've thrown off its timing," said Tristan. "Sakura's a pretty good Trainer after all."
"She may not look it, but Sakura's come a really long way since Misty and her friends met her," remarked Satsuki.
"Well, Sakura has proven to be a formidable opponent," agreed Tristan. "I just wonder what Hillary's next move is gonna be."
"Eevee, use your Tackle attack!" commanded Sakura.
Sakura's Eevee charged at Hillary's Eevee full-body style and rammed it hard.
Hillary's Eevee landed on the ground with a hard thud.
"Don't give up, Eevee," said Hillary. "Let's give it a Quick Attack!"
Hillary's Eevee sped toward Sakura's Eevee with a white line trailing behind it.
"Jump, Eevee, now!" shouted Sakura.
Sakura's Eevee quickly jumped into the air just as Quick Attack was about to connect.
"No way!" gasped Hillary. "That little Eevee really is fast!"
But that wasn't all, for Sakura's Eevee had jumped as high as it could, and was ready to attack.
"Eevee, Tackle attack!" ordered Sakura.
Sakura's Eevee used the momentum in its fall, and scored a huge direct hit on Hillary's Eevee, causing it to fall on the ground, and then leaped back in front of its Trainer.
"That's it, Eevee!" commended Sakura. "I knew you could do it!"
Sakura's Eevee gave a happy reply to its Trainer.
"Eevee, please stand up!" implored Hillary.
Hillary's Eevee struggled, and slowly, but surely, it got back on its feet.
But just then, Sakura's Eevee was bathed in a bright, white light.
Everyone was surprised, especially Sakura.
"Whoa, check that out," gasped Satsuki.
"I think Sakura's Eevee's starting to evolve!" added Tristan.
Sure enough, as it did, its tail became more thin and forked, its legs grew slender and thin, its paws became dainty, and its ears grew larger.
When the glowing stopped, Sakura's Eevee had smooth, lilac fur and a red gem on its forehead.
"I wonder what that is," said Hillary as she scanned the newly evolved Pokémon with her Pokédex.
"Espeon: The Sun Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Espeon is able to read air currents, allowing it to predict the future, as well as its opponents' next moves."
"Wow," said Sakura to herself. "I never knew that I'd get an Espeon." She then turned to Hillary. "Okay, Hillary, let's finish this up!"
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! (as heard in "Mild 'n Woolly"))
"Eevee, let's try a Tackle attack one more time!" instructed Hillary.
Eevee charged forward toward Espeon with what little strength it had left.
"Espeon, don't give up!" encouraged Sakura.
Just then, Espeon's gem glowed in multiple colors, then a multi-colored beam shot from it straight toward Eevee.
Everyone was shocked, especially Sakura.
"Espeon's using a Psybeam attack!" gasped Tristan.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of energy Eevee had from its battle, it was unable to dodge Espeon's Psybeam, as it scored a direct hit.
"Eevee!" cried Hillary.
Eevee landed on the ground with a thud, and it had a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
Hillary quickly rushed to Eevee. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Eevee gave a weak reply and smiled. Apparently, the damage it took in the battle wasn't too serious.
"You were great," said Hillary. "Now get some rest." And she returned Eevee to its Pokéball.
"That was great, Sakura!" said Sumomo.
"That Espeon of yours is quite strong," put in Tamao. "I never expected Espeon to learn Psybeam right after it evolved."
"Yeah, I'm almost jealous," finished Koume.
Sakura was a little confused. Her sisters had never complimented her like that before. "You really think so?"
"They're absolutely right," agreed Satsuki. "You stayed calm during the battle, even through the most difficult of circumstances, and you never gave up. Just keep on doing that, and you'll be able to journey out on your own in no time."
Sakura smiled. "I'll do it. And I'll keep on training until the time comes for me to journey out on my own."
"That's the spirit," said Hillary. "And even though there will be wins and losses, you'll learn from them. I've experienced my fair share of both. But that just means there's room to grow. And that's what helps me stay strong as a Trainer."
"Let's all go to the Pokémon Center and check on that Sentret," suggested Tristan.
"Good idea," replied Hillary. "Eevee could use a rest after that battle."
Later inside the Pokémon Center, everyone was getting excited about the upcoming Little Cup taking place.
"I can't wait to see you in action, Hillary," said Tristan.
"I just can't wait to be in it," replied Hillary.
Just then, the recovery signal rang, signaling that Eevee had recovered.
Nurse Joy came out with Eevee's Poké Ball. "Eevee's all rested up and ready to go, Hillary," she smiled.
"Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy," replied Hillary. "Oh, did you learn anything about the Sentret that was brough in?"
"No, I'm afraid I haven't," answered Nurse Joy. "But physically, I don't see anything wrong with it."
"Well that's a relief," said Hillary.
Sentret leaped out of Nurse Joy's arms and into Hillary's.
"Hi, Sentret," said Hillary. "You sure are a friendly one."
Sentret nodded as it rubbed against Hillary affectionately.
"I have an idea," said Nurse Joy. "Why don't you take this Sentret with you?"
Hillary's face brightened up. "May I?"
"Of course," smiled Nurse Joy. "Sentret seems to have taken a liking to you already. And I think it could use a good Trainer after spending so much time in the wild, roaming the streets."
Hillary turned to Sentret. "Would you like to come with me, Sentret?" she asked.
Sentret smiled at the idea.
Hillary took out a Poké Ball, allowing Sentret to touch the button, and it went inside at once. Then she proclaimed, "I got a Sentret!"
"That's great, sis," said Tristan. "Good going."
"Now let's do what we came here to do and get ready for the Little Cup," said Hillary.
"Hold on, sis," advised Tristan. "We don't even know the rules for the Little Cup."
"Well, I know that Pokémon that have little battling experience and haven't evolved yet can participate," replied Hillary. "What else do I need to know?"
"The Little Cup will consist of three-on three matches, and 256 Trainers will compete for the Little Cup trophy," explained Nurse Joy. "I've never seen a Trainer as young as yourself competing in a tournament like this one."
"Hillary's a great Trainer, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan. "She'll be just fine."
"We'll all be in the newly built stadium cheering you on," said Satsuki.
"Good luck, Hillary," added Sakura.
"Thanks," said Hillary. "I'll do my best."
(Music Cue: Ending 1997-1998 (as heard in "Round One...Begin!"))
Violet City's new stadium was filled to capacity with roaring fans as an announcer began his speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Violet City! And welcome to the Pokémon Tournament Little Cup! This tournament is for Pokémon that have very little battling experience. All matches in this tournament will be three-on-three battles. And Trainers may make substitutions freely. This tournament is especially helpful for young and inexperienced Trainers who have just begun their journey. Two hundred fifty-six Trainers will do battle here in the course of a week, and only one will emerge triumphant with the grand prize: The Little Cup Trophy!"
Tristan, Pikachu, Togepi, and the Kimono Sisters could hardly contain their excitement as the crowd cheered.
"I almost wish I was battling in this tournament," said Tristan.
"Well, why didn't you, Tristan?" asked Sakura.
"My Pokémon are too strong to compete," answered Tristan. "Plus, I don't have enough Pokémon with little battling experience to compete. Besides, I've been thinking of how to get my next badge so I can be one step closer to entering the Johto League. This is Hillary's big chance to prove that she can battle on her own. Now let's cheer really loud for Hillary."
Pikachu and Togepi waved their flags and cheered loudly.
"And now, it's time to present our first two competitors!" said the announcer. "First up is one of the youngest Trainers to ever compete in a tournament. Please give a warm welcome to Hillary from New Bark Town!"
The crowd cheered as Hillary came out looking a little nervous, but she took a few deep breaths and regained her composure.
"Yeah, go, Hillary!" shouted Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly in agreement.
"And next up is a local Youngster," said the announcer. "Give it up for Bernie, a local Trainer!"
The crowd roared in excitement as Bernie, wearing a t-shirt and cap, made his appearance.
"Ha!" smirked Bernie. "A wimpy girl. This should be quick."
A referee came to judge the match. "This opening battle between Hillary and Bernie will now begin. Each Trainer may use three Pokémon."
"Slugma, I choose you!" shouted Bernie as he threw a Poké Ball.
A bright red limbless Pokémon with yellow eyes emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It was almost composed entirely of magma.
"So that's a Slugma," said Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Slugma: the Lava Pokémon," identified Dexter. "A common sight in volcanic areas, this Pokémon slowly slithers around in a constant search for warm places."
"Go, Squirtle!" shouted Hillary as she threw her first Poké Ball.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it as it readied itself for battle against Slugma.
"Hillary starts out the battle with Squirtle while Bernie puts Slugma to the test," said the announcer.
"Let the battle begin!" declared the referee as he raised his red and green flags in the air.
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle)
"Slugma, Flamethrower!" shouted Bernie.
Slugma shot a hot stream of fire from its mouth at Squirtle.
"Slugma starts right out with a Flamethrower!" said the announcer.
"Squirtle, douse it with your Water Gun!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the Flamethrower.
Slowly, but surely, Flamethrower was pushed back until, eventually, Water Gun scored a direct hit on Slugma, causing it to be knocked backward.
"Squirtle's Water Gun scores a huge direct hit!" said the announcer.
"Aack! No way!" cried Bernie.
Squirtle's Water Gun was too much for Slugma to take, and it was knocked out on the spot.
"Slugma is unable to battle: Squirtle wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air and the crowd cheered.
"Folks, Slugma was defeated in one attack!" boomed the announcer. "Squirtle's Water Gun proves that water puts out fires!"
"Hillary's off to a great start," smiled Tristan. "If she keeps this up, she'll be advancing to the second round in no time."
"Your sister's pretty good," said Satsuki. "Most people wouldn't be able to tell that this is her first tournament."
Bernie returned his Slugma to his Poké Ball. "This battle is just beginning. You may have gotten lucky against my Slugma, but now, you won't stand a chance against this. Now, Sunkern, let's do it!" He threw his second Poké Ball.
A mostly yellow seed-like Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a small sprout growing out of its top, and its body had three broad, brown, vertical stripes.
"Bernie's second Pokémon will be a Sunkern," said the announcer.
"That's another new one," said Tristan as he scanned the Pokémon on his Pokédex.
"Sunkern: The Seed Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Sunkern drink the dew that collects beneath leaves. It is believed that it neither eats nor drinks anything else."
"I never knew Pokémon like Sunkern didn't need all that much other than just dew," said Sakura.
"I wonder how Hillary will react to this," said Satsuki.
"Squirtle, return!" called Hillary as she took out Squirtle's Poké Ball.
Squirtle transformed into red energy and shot back inside.
Hillary then put Squirtle's Poké Ball away for later, took out another one, and threw it. "Cyndaquil, I choose you!"
(Music Cue: Chaos (as heard in "The Totodile Duel"))
Cyndaquil emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball.
"Hillary substitutes Cyndaquil for Squirtle," said the announcer.
"Good call," said Tristan. "Fire-types have a big advantage against Grass-types like Sunkern."
"I don't care if your Cyndaquil has the advantage!" said Bernie defiantly. "Sunkern, use Sunny Day!"
Sunkern had a burning desire in its eyes, and then it shot a beam of energy toward the sky, causing the sunlight to get stronger.
"Sunkern uses Sunny Day to make things hotter," said the announcer. "Better put on the shades, folks."
"I don't understand why Bernie would use Sunny Day at a time like this, especially since Sunkern's at a huge disadvantage," said Sakura, who was a little confused.
"Sunny Day increases the power of Fire-type attacks," explained Tristan. "But Bernie's timing on that may be a bit off. I have a feeling this will only work in Hillary's favor."
Hillary smiled. "Thanks, Bernie. I was hoping you'd use Sunny Day. Cyndaquil, use your Flamethrower attack!"
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and shot a much more powerful flame than normal from its mouth, scoring a direct hit on Sunkern.
"Ouch!" said the announcer. "Cyndaquil's Flamethrower scores big time!"
"Sunkern!" cried Bernie.
Sunkern lay scorched on the ground, knocked out.
"Sunkern is unable to battle...Cyndaquil wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag.
The crowd roared in excitement.
"Sunkern's Sunny Day increased the power of Cyndaquil's Flamethrower, which only helped Hillary attain her second victory," said the announcer. "And now, Bernie is already down to his last Pokémon."
Bernie returned his Sunkern to his Poké Ball and snarled at Hillary. He wasn't expecting her to score two easy victories in a row. "It's so not fair! How could you soak my Slugma and scorch my Sunkern like that in just one attack?!"
"Because Squirtle had the advantage over Slugma and Cyndaquil had the advantage over Sunkern," explained Hillary.
"Well, I'm gonna give you a taste of my own medicine!" said Bernie as he threw his third and final Poké Ball. "Go, Omanyte!"
A Pokémon with a sky blue body emerged from the white light that shot out of its Poké Ball. It had ten tentacles and a helix shell on its back.
"Bernie's final Pokémon is the extinct Pokémon, Omanyte," said the announcer.
"Wow, an Omanyte!" said Tristan. "I remember seeing this Pokémon in Grampa Canyon in the Kanto region." And he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Omanyte: The Spiral Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Believed to have lived over two billion years ago, recent research indicates that it was able to control its buoyancy by storing and releasing energy in its shell."
"Wow, a Pokémon that lived two billion years ago in the flesh right before our eyes," said Satsuki. "What a treat this is!"
"Yeah, but Omanyte could cause a problem for Cyndaquil," said Tristan nervously. "Omanyte has both Water and Rock-type characteristics, putting Cyndaquil at a huge disadvantage. We'll have to see how Hillary reacts to this surprise."
"On the other hand, Sunny Day is still in effect, for Omanyte's Water attacks wouldn't be able to do as much damage as they normally would," added Sakura.
Sure enough, thanks to Sunkern's Sunny Day, the sun was still shining brightly as Cyndaquil and Omanyte eyed each other warily.
"You may have been able to beat me twice, but you won't beat me this time," said Bernie. "Omanyte, use Surf!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle (as heard in "Hello, Pummelo"))
Omanyte raised its tentacles and a big wave of water came up inside the stadium.
"Whoa, check it out!" gasped Tristan.
Omanyte rode on top of the wave as it roared across the battlefield.
"Omanyte's Surf causes a big wave of water to surge toward Cyndaquil!" said the announcer.
"Cyndaquil, you've gotta get out of the way!" shouted Hillary.
Cyndaquil jumped up into the air just as Omanyte's Surf was about to make contact. Then it nimbly landed on its feet.
"All right, use Flamethrower!" ordered Hillary.
Cyndaquil shot a powerful stream of fire at Omanyte, scoring a direct hit on it.
Although Omanyte was resistant against Fire attacks thanks to its Water and Rock-type characteristics, it seemed to take on more damage than normal thanks to Sunny Day.
"No big deal," said Bernie. "Tie it up with Constrict attack!"
Omanyte used its tentacles to put a tight grip on Cyndaquil.
"Cyndaquil gets caught by Omanyte's Constrict!" said the announcer.
"Not good," said Tristan. "Now Cyndaquil won't be able to dodge Omanyte's attacks."
"Now hit it with Surf!" commanded Bernie.
Omanyte, still clutching Cyndaquil tightly with its tentacles, summoned another big wave of water, causing Cyndaquil to get caught in it.
"Cyndaquil!" cried Hillary.
"Omanyte's Surf scores a direct hit, causing big problems for Hillary's little Cyndaquil!" said the announcer.
"That Omanyte's really powerful," remarked Satsuki. "Let's hope Hillary can find a way out of this."
As Satsuki spoke, Cyndaquil seemed to be hanging in there despite the damage it was taking from Surf. Thanks to Sunny Day, it wasn't taking as much damage.
"Cyndaquil, use your Quick Attack to get out of the water!" shouted Hillary.
Cyndaquil shot out of Omanyte's grip and its Surf attack with a white line trailing behind it. Then it landed on its feet as Bernie and Omanyte watched.
"Cyndaquil escapes Omanyte's Surf with Quick Attack," said the announcer.
"Hmm. Not bad," said Bernie. "But let's try it again."
"Not this time, Bernie," replied Hillary. "Cyndaquil, let's give it all we've got."
(Music Cue: OK! Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in "The Totodile Duel"))
Cyndaquil turned up the heat from the flame, then it rolled into a ball as it somersaulted in the air.
Tristan and the others watching in their seats were surprised at Cyndaquil's newfound strength.
Hillary was the most surprised of all as she watched Cyndaquil roll on and on. "Is that what I think it is?"
"That's awesome!" said Satsuki. "I think Cyndaquil just learned how to use Flame Wheel!"
"That's not only awesome, that's hot!" added Tristan.
Sure enough, Cyndaquil kept somersaulting in the air, landed on the ground and rolled faster and faster as it sped toward Omanyte. Sure enough, it scored a direct hit on Omanyte, sending it flying.
"Cyndaquil uses Flame Wheel on a very surprised Omanyte!" said the announcer. "This could be it!"
"Omanyte!" cried Bernie.
Omanyte landed on the ground hard and had a dazed expression on its face. It had been knocked out.
"Omanyte is unable to battle...Cyndaquil is the winner!" declared the referee. "The victory goes to Hillary from New Bark Town!" And he raised his green flag in Hillary's direction as the crowd roared with excitement.
"Unbelievable!" said the announcer. "Cyndaquil's Flame Wheel gives Hillary a decisive victory over Bernie despite the little battling experience she has! And now she will advance to the second round in this already exciting Little Cup tournament!"
Bernie fell to his knees and whined. "Oh, why me?"
"You did it, Cyndaquil!" cried Hillary.
Cyndaquil ran to its happy Trainer and they both embraced.
"That Flame Wheel attack was red-hot," said Hillary. "You and I are going all the way."
"That was awesome," said Tristan. "Hillary came through like a champ."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed as they cheered for Hillary's victory.
"And not only that, Cyndaquil learned Flame Wheel," added Sakura. "Now I'm even more fired up to train even harder so I can travel on my own someday."
"And you've got what it takes Sakura," said Satsuki. "Just like she does."
Sakura nodded.
"I was a little worried when you went up against Omanyte, sis," said Tristan as he and his friends conversed at the Pokémon Center later that evening.
"Me, too," replied Hillary. "But I remained calm and focused on what was important: And that was victory."
"That's how you do it," smiled Tristan.
"Hey, Hillary, do you think we can stay and watch the rest of the tournament?" asked Satsuki. "Sakura would love to see how she can do better in battle when she watches you."
"Sure, it's all right with me," said Hillary.
"The more, the merrier," added Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi eagerly agreed.
"But first, let's prepare for tomorrow's matches," yawned Hillary. "I'm tired." And she walked out of the lobby and towards the bedrooms.
(Music Cue: To Be Continued (sample))
Tristan chuckled. "I should've guessed. But first, let's eat." And he ran after Hillary so he could get her to dinner before she fell asleep.
And so, Hillary wins the first match in the Little Cup with relative ease, and advances to the second round. What opponents will she face? Find out as she and Tristan continue their journey to the Johto League!
► TO BE CONTINUED