AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 17 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. You remember Ritchie from the anime, right? He makes an appearance starting in this chapter. And you may recall that his Charmander, Zippo, evolved into Charmeleon between the first time he met Ash at the Pokémon League and the time he reunited with him again in the Whirl Islands. I'm going to make this chapter be that very point that Zippo evolves. I invite you to read this chapter, and you'll see what I mean.
TEASER: Tristan trains with a Trainer named Ritchie while Hillary sails through the fourth and fifth rounds of the Little Cup. But in the quarter-finals, she faces a tough Trainer named Rex, whose Pokémon overwhelm hers!
Chapter 17: THE LITTLE CUP, PART 3
(Music Cue: Title Screen 1999-2001)
Our heroes are still in Violet City. Falkner suggested to Hillary that she compete in the prestigious Little Cup tournament, which is where unevolved Pokémon with little to no battling experience are allowed to compete.
And indeed, she did, for last time, she was in her toughest battle yet, as she faced Grant in round three.
Grant, a Trainer who used Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, all three of the starter Pokémon in the Johto region, claimed that he was unbeatable. And although Hillary was able to defeat Grant's Chikorita using her Cyndaquil, his Totodile proved to be too much for the Fire Mouse Pokémon to handle.
Next, Hillary sent out her Eevee to battle Totodile. Using its speed, Eevee managed to defeat Totodile, but Grant sent out his Cyndaquil to finish Eevee off.
At that point, both Trainers were down to their last Pokémon...Hillary with Squirtle and Grant with Cyndaquil.
Both Pokémon battled hard, but when it came down to Cyndaquil's Flame Wheel and Squirtle's Skull Bash, it was Squirtle who came out the winner. And thanks to that, Hillary and her friends can breathe big sighs of relief as she advances to the next round.
(music continues)
"The battles here have intensified to a fever pitch in round four of the Little Cup," said the announcer the next day. "Hillary and her Cyndaquil are having an easy time getting from one victory to the next while Janet has already lost her Sandshrew and Zubat. Now she's down to her last Pokémon, Spinarak."
"Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower!" ordered Hillary.
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back as it shot a powerful flame from its mouth, scoring a scorching hit on Spinarak.
"Cyndaqui's Flamethrower shoots across the stadium!" said the announcer.
"Spinarak, no!" cried Janet.
Spinarak collapsed in a heap, knocked out.
"Spinarak is unable to continue...Cyndaquil wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag.
Tristan and the Kimono Sisters watched proudly as Hillary secured her fourth win.
"Hillary wins handily as she advances to the fifth round," said the announcer as the crowd roared in excitement.
Tristan and Hillary had a lovely dinner with their Pokémon while they conversed with the Kimono Sisters.
"That was an awesome battle, Hillary," said Tristan. "You should be very proud."
"I am," replied Hillary. "I couldn't have made it this far without my Pokémon, and all your support."
The Kimono Sisters smiled. They knew that Hillary's heart was in the right place.
"I can't wait to see another battle," said Sakura.
It was then that Satsuki made an announcement. "We'll need to get back to Ecruteak City in a couple of days, and we'll need to be at another tea ceremony bright and early on that day."
Sakura felt sad. "I forgot all about that."
"But at least we'll be able to see your battle tomorrow before we go," added Sumomo.
Sakura felt better after that.
"And I'll be sure to win this one just for you, Sakura," smiled Hillary.
"Thanks, Hillary," replied Sakura. "Do your best."
The next day, just before Tristan and his friends were just about to head to the stadium to watch Hillary's fifth round battle, a Trainer with brown hair and blue eyes came into the Pokémon Center. He was wearing teal pants, a teal short-sleeved shirt, a dark teal vest, and a light purple cap with a light yellow band and red buttons. He also had on dark blue fingerless gloves with aqua borders.
A Pikachu was sitting on the Trainer's shoulder. It looked similar to Tristan's Pikachu, but it had a scruff of fur on the top of its head.
"Excuse me, could somebody help me over here?" the Trainer asked politely.
"Sure, what can we help you with?" asked Tristan.
"I want to have a battle," replied the Trainer. "One of my Pokémon has been restless lately, and it has some energy to burn." Then he noticed Tristan with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. To him he looked similar to Ash. "No way! Ash, is that you?"
"Not quite," replied Tristan. "My name's Tristan. This is my Pikachu."
Pikachu greeted the Trainer warmly.
"I'm his sister, Hillary," added Hillary. "That sure is a nice Pikachu you have there."
"Thanks, replied the Trainer. "This Pikachu's name is Sparky."
"Sparky," repeated Tristan. "Nice name. What's yours?"
"My name's Ritchie," answered the Trainer. "Tristan reminds me so much of a good friend named Ash, whom I first met at the Pokémon League last year." He saw the Kimono Sisters standing next to Tristan and Hillary. "Who are these girls?"
"These are the Kimono Sisters," answered Hillary as she introduced them one by one. "That's Satsuki. Over there is Sumomo. Next to her is Tamao, and in front of her is Koume. And last but not least is Sakura. They all train Eevee...or should I say the evolved forms of Eevee, and have their own traditions.
"That's pretty cool," smiled Ritchie. "I need to ask one of you a favor, though."
"You just name it, Ritchie," replied Tristan.
"I want to battle with one of your Pokémon," said Ritchie. "My Charmander, Zippo, has been wanting to battle nonstop lately, and I don't know how to slow it down. I'm not saying that it needs to slow down, but I would like someone to battle me...However, I noticed that with the Little Cup going on, I..."
"Don't worry about it, Ritchie," said Tristan. "I'll battle with you."
"But what about my battle, big bro?" asked Hillary.
"You can do this, sis," Tristan assured her. "I promise I'll be rooting for you in spirit."
"Okay," said Hillary sadly.
"Come on, Hillary!" said Sakura excitedly. "We'll watch your battle because we believe in you, right?"
"Right!" agreed Hillary. "I'll battle in the stadium while you help Ritchie, okay, Tristan?"
"You got it," replied Tristan. "Come on, Ritchie, let's go!"
And everyone raced out of the Pokémon Center, feeling as excited as ever.
Tristan and Ritchie went to the center of Violet City to train while Hillary and the Kimono Sisters ran in the other direction to the stadium for Hillary's fifth round battle.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival's Theme (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))
At the center of town, Tristan and Ritchie faced each other as Pikachu and Sparky watched.
"Listen, Tristan, just because we're friends doesn't mean I'll go easy on you," warned Ritchie. "I've improved since last year's Pokémon League competition."
"Okay, Ritchie, bring it on," replied Tristan.
Ritchie took out a Poké Ball that had a sticker of a star on it.
"Nice star, Ritchie," said Tristan.
"I put these on every one of my Poké Balls, so I know they're mine," explained Ritchie. "Okay, let's get to it. Go, Zippo!" And he threw his Poké Ball.
An orange lizard-like Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Sure enough, it was a Charmander.
"That Charmander of yours is well-trained," remarked Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Chikorita, go!"
Chikorita emerged from the white light that shot out of the Friend Ball.
Ritchie was confused. "Why Chikorita?"
"I'm always looking for a challenge," answered Tristan. "Ready, Chikorita? This'll be a tough one."
Chikorita nodded in excitement as it prepared for battle.
"Zippo, Flamethrower!" commanded Ritchie.
Ritchie's Charmander fired a hot blast of fire from its mouth right at Chikorita.
"Dodge it, Chikorita!" ordered Tristan.
Chikorita jumped out of the way just in time.
"Now use your Sweet Scent attack!" instructed Tristan.
Chikorita emitted a pink cloud from the leaf. It smelled sweet and relaxing, just like the attack described.
Zippo was relaxing in Chikorita's Sweet Scent.
"Zippo!" cried Ritchie.
"Now Tackle it, Chikorita!" shouted Tristan.
Chikorita charged at Zippo, and scored a direct hit on it, sending it backward.
But Zippo wouldn't go down without a real fight.
"Your Chikorita's stronger than I thought, Tristan," remarked Ritchie.
"Your Charmander's really good, too, Ritchie," replied Tristan. "Chikorita, Razor Leaf attack!"
Chikorita fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Zippo.
"Zippo, use your Slash attack to stop Chikorita's Razor Leaf!" instructed Ritchie.
Zippo furiously slashed Chikorita's Razor Leaf attack into pieces.
"Chikorita, use your Vine Whip!" ordered Tristan.
Chikorita unleashed two green vines from its bud necklace.
"Zippo, grab the vines and reel it in!" shouted Ritchie.
Quickly, Zippo clutched Chikorita by its vines and pulled it close, surprising it in the process.
"Chikorita, use Zippo's power and use your Tackle attack!" commanded Tristan.
Chikorita used Zippo's momentum to charge right at it as forcefully as it could.
But that was just what Ritchie was waiting for. "Zippo, Flamethrower!"
Zippo shot a powerful close-range stream of fire from its mouth at Chikorita, scoring a direct hit.
"Chikorita, no!" cried Tristan.
Zippo's Flamethrower sent Chikorita flying right past Tristan, and Chikorita collapsed on the ground, knocked out.
Quickly, Tristan and Pikachu rushed over to his defeated Pokémon. "Are you okay, Chikorita?"
The slightly scorched, but satisfied Chikorita gave a weak reply.
"Good job, Chikorita," said Tristan as he took out Chikorita's Friend Ball. "You deserve a rest." And he returned Chikorita inside. He then turned to Ritchie and Zippo. "That was a great battle. This was great experience for both it and me."
Ritchie was a little concerned. "How's Chikorita?"
"Oh, Chikorita just needs a good rest, that's all," replied Tristan.
"That's good," said Ritchie. He turned to Zippo. "As for you, Zippo, you were great, too."
Zippo gave a happy reply. But suddenly, it began to glow in a bright white light.
Everyone was in shock at what was happening.
"What's happening to Zippo?" asked Ritchie.
"Zippo's starting to evolve!" gasped Tristan.
Sure enough Zippo grew larger as it evolved. When it stopped glowing, its body had turned red. It had bigger claws, and it had a single horn-like protrusion on the back of its head.
"Wow," said Ritchie. "Zippo just evolved into a Charmeleon."
"Congratulations, Ritchie," said Tristan. "You should be very proud."
"It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for your help," replied Ritchie. "Now let's go see your sister battle."
"Okay," smiled Tristan.
At the stadium, Hillary and another young Trainer, Clark, were already facing off.
"If you're just joining us, both Trainers have already lost two of their three Pokémon," said the announcer. "Hillary's final Pokémon is Cyndaquil while Clark's final Pokémon is a Mareep!"
Sure enough, a sheep-like Pokémon with fluffy cream-colored wool covering its body was ready to face off against Cyndaquil.
"You can do it, Hillary!" shouted Sakura excitedly as she, the Kimono Sisters, and Togepi cheered loudly for her.
Presently, Tristan and Ritchie arrived.
"What's going on, guys?" asked Tristan.
"Oh, hi, Tristan," said Satsuki. "How'd your battle with Ritchie go?"
"Chikorita battled well, but it lost to Zippo," answered Tristan. "But I'm still very happy for Ritchie because Zippo evolved into a Charmeleon."
"Congratulations, Ritchie!" said Sumomo.
"Thanks a lot," replied Ritchie. "Tristan was very helpful in our battle today."
It was then that Tristan noticed the Mareep. "I've never seen that Pokémon before," he said as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Mareep, the Wool Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Mareep stores static electricity in their woolly coats. They avoid battles and have mild dispositions."
"That Mareep looks pretty strong," remarked Ritchie. "Do you think your sister can handle it?"
"Absolutely," replied Tristan. "Hillary may not look it, but she knows how to get the job done."
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle)
"Let's go, Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower!" commanded Hillary.
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth.
"Mareep, use your ThunderShock attack!" ordered Clark.
Mareep's ears were filled with blue sparks, then it let loose a yellow bolt of electricity.
Both attacks collided.
"Cyndaquil's Flamethrower and Mareep's ThunderShock attacks are evenly matched!" said the announcer. "But who will come out the victor?"
Both Pokémon kept up the attacks.
But just then, Hillary noticed that Cyndaquil was tiring out as its Flamethrower was pushed back. But she quickly noticed Mareep tiring out faster than Cyndaquil was.
"Dodge it, Cyndaquil!" ordered Hillary.
Cyndaquil stopped its Flamethrower attack and jumped out of the way.
Ritchie was surprised. "Why'd Hillary get out of the way?"
"Maybe she couldn't take the risk of taking any more damage," replied Sumomo.
"Hey, guys, take a good look at Mareep!" said Tristan.
As everyone watched, Mareep seemed to be straining as it turned up the power.
"We're winning, Mareep!" said Clark excitedly. "Let's turn up the power and finish it off!"
But just as Mareep was about to redirect its attack at Cyndaquil, it collapsed from lack of power, much to Clark's shock.
"No!" cried Clark.
"Uh-oh!" said the announcer. "Looks like Mareep has run out of juice!" said the announcer. "Could this be it?"
"Hurry, Cyndaquil, hit it with your Quick Attack now!" shouted Hillary.
Cyndaquil sped toward Mareep as a white line streaked behind it. Sure enough, it scored a direct hit, sending Mareep careening into one of the stadium walls.
Mareep had been knocked out.
"Mareep is unable to battle...Cyndaquil is the winner!" said the referee as he raised his green flag in the air.
The crowd cheered loudly.
"You heard it, fans!" said the announcer. "Cyndaquil emerges victorious, and now, Hillary will proceed to the quarter-finals of the Little Cup!"
"I get it now," said Satsuki. "Hillary must've known that Mareep was running out of power, even though it seemed that it was winning. So she had Cyndaquil dodge Mareep's ThunderShock so it could save up its own power to attack."
Tristan agreed. "And now, Hillary has made it to the best eight in this tournament."
Sakura smiled. Even though this was the last battle she'd be able to see Hillary compete in for awhile, she was happy in the knowledge that Hillary would do her best in her future battles.
(Music Cue: Route 29)
Hillary and Clark met inside the Pokémon Center that night.
"How's your Mareep?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, Mareep just needs a good rest," answered Clark. "You must've known that Cyndaquil was tired, so you had it save its energy so it could attack when it had the chance. I should've watched my Mareep more carefully. From now on, I'll keep a better eye on my Pokémon, and maybe someday, we can have a rematch."
"That's the spirit, Clark," said Hillary.
"I hope you win the entire tournament, Hillary," said Clark. "I'll be rooting for you."
"Thanks, Clark," replied Hillary as Clark walked off.
"We should get some rest, sis," advised Tristan. "The quarter-finals start tomorrow."
"You're right, Tristan," agreed Hillary.
"We'll need to go back to Ecruteak City tomorrow, Tristan," said Satsuki. "We'll need to keep up our training ourselves and do more tea ceremonies.
"Yeah, unfortunately," added Sakura. "But I certainly enjoyed watching Hillary battle. I hope she takes it all the way."
"It's too bad you can't stay longer," replied Hillary, "but I really appreciate you coming over to watch me compete. I'll do my best."
"We'll head out very early tomorrow, so you probably won't see us before then," said Sumomo
"But maybe you could come and visit us in Ecruteak City sometime," suggested Tamao.
Koume agreed. "It'll be fun when you come."
"We're looking forward to it," replied Hillary.
"And Hillary, I want to thank you for helping my Eevee evolve into an Espeon," put in Sakura.
"It was my pleasure," replied Hillary. "We'll see you all again soon."
"Great meeting you all, and good night, ladies," said Tristan as the Kimono Sisters waved to him and Hillary and went to one of the bedrooms. He then turned to Hillary. "We should get to bed, too, sis. We have a big day tomorrow."
"You're right," agreed Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi yawned.
"Even the Pokémon need a little shuteye," said Ritchie as he and Sparky walked in.
"Oh, hi, Ritchie," said Tristan. "What's up?"
"I was just checking up on Zippo after our battle," explained Ritchie. "That Chikorita made it work hard for its win."
"Well, I guess that's true," said Tristan sheepishly. "Anyway, I could tell that you're a great Trainer. Taking care of Pokémon is the first and foremost responsibility of any Trainer, and I could tell that you care a lot about Zippo."
"Thanks, Tristan," replied Ritchie. "I think you're just as kind-hearted to your Pokémon as I am." And he slowly reached his hand to Pikachu and petted it in just the right spot.
"You sure know a lot about Pokémon, Ritchie," said Hillary.
"Yeah, but there's so much that we don't know," replied Ritchie. "I've recently wanted to research Pokémon folklore. When the Little Cup is over, I'll go to the Whirl Islands and see what Pokémon live there. I've also heard rumors that I could find a mysterious Pokémon."
"I think that's a great idea, Ritchie," agreed Tristan. Then he thought to himself, I don't know what this mysterious Pokémon is, but I wish I could learn more about it.
Just then, Hillary's PokéGear rang.
Hillary took it out of her backpack and pushed the button. "Hello?"
"Hi, dear!" It was Veronica, Tristan and Hillary's grandmother. "I just thought I'd call and tell you that Grandpa and I are coming to Violet City tomorrow morning so we can watch you in the Little Cup,"
"You didn't know I was competing?" wondered Hillary.
"No, we were completely surprised when we saw you today on TV," replied Veronica. "It sounds like you're having fun."
"I am," said Hillary. "Falkner suggested that I compete in this tournament."
"That's wonderful news, dear," said Veronica. "And we'll be sure to cheer for you every step of the way."
Hillary smiled. "Thanks, Grandma. I'll do my best. I love you." She then hung up and turned to Tristan and Ritchie. "Grandma and Grandpa are coming tomorrow to watch me compete."
"That's wonderful news," said Tristan excitedly.
Ritchie then became astounded. "Was that really Veronica, the former longtime Champion?"
"Yes, it was," answered Hillary.
"That's awesome!" said Ritchie. "I've seen her in battle when I was growing up, and then, she decided to retire from being a champion, but she never told anybody whom she was handing the torch to. But Veronica in the flesh? That's really cool!"
"It sounds like you're a big fan of Grandma," said Tristan.
Ritchie nodded. But soon, he began to yawn, too. "I think I'd better get to bed, too. I'll see you guys in the morning." And he and Sparky walked to another bedroom.
"Well, let's get some sleep, too, sis," said Tristan. "Your battle starts again tomorrow."
Hillary agreed as she, Tristan, and the Pokémon walked to their bedroom for the night.
(Music Cue: Fighting Spirit)
The next morning, Tristan, Ritchie, Pikachu, Togepi, and Sparky were in their seats in the stadium bright and early as Hillary prepared to battle her sixth round opponent.
Presently, Veronica and Eric, Tristan and Hillary's grandparents, arrived. "Are we too late for the party?"
"Hey, guys!" said Tristan as he gave them both a hug. "You're just in time. Let me introduce you to my friend, Ritchie."
"It's such an honor to meet you," said Ritchie. "I've been a big fan of yours ever since I could remember."
"Well, young man, I'm glad to hear that," smiled Veronica. "Even though I'm semi-retired, I can still have fun battling every now and then."
It was then that the announcer began his speech.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the sixth round of the Little Cup tournament!" said the announcer. "As you know, many Trainers have fallen by the wayside, leaving just eight to reach the quarter-finals! And now, we introduce you to the first two Trainers battling in the first quarter-final match! Please welcome Hillary from New Bark Town and Rex from Goldenrod City!"
Hillary came out onto the field looking confident as the crowd cheered in excitement.
"Yeah, there she is!" said Tristan.
"Go, Hillary!" cheered Veronica and Eric.
Pikachu, Togepi, and Sparky showed their support for Hillary by cheering loudly.
Ritchie smiled. "Even the Pokémon are rooting for her. Let's help them cheer Hillary to victory."
Presently, another Trainer came out to the opposite end of the stadium. He was a young adult Trainer. He had short hair. Sure enough, it was Rex. "I wish you good luck today, Hillary, and may the best Trainer win," said Rex. "My kid's rooting for me, and he's a big fan of Pokémon."
"Well, let's make this a battle we'll never forget," replied Hillary.
The referee came to the field to judge the match. "Each Trainer is allowed to use three Pokémon. Whoever knocks out all three of the opposing Trainer's Pokémon will be the winner."
"Abra, go!" shouted Rex as he threw a Poké Ball.
A primarily yellow bipedal Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Its face was kite-shaped with a snout, and its eyes were closed.
"A Psychic-type right off," said Veronica as Tristan scanned Abra with his Pokédex named Dexter.
"Abra, the Psi Pokémon," identified Dexter. "It hypnotizes itself so that it can teleport away when it senses danger, even if it's asleep."
"Hillary'd better be careful because she hasn't faced many Psychic Pokémon yet," said Tristan nervously.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Eric assured him. "After all, she's made it to the best eight in the tournament, right?"
"I choose you, Squirtle!" shouted Hillary as she threw her first Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon (as heard in "Ring Masters"))
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Squirtle should be a good match-up for Abra," remarked Ritchie.
Veronica and Eric seemed to agree with Ritchie.
"Both Trainers have chosen their Pokémon," said the announcer. "Rex will battle with his Abra while Hillary puts Squirtle to the test."
"Begin!" declared the referee as he raised both flags in the air.
"Squirtle, Water Gun attack!" commanded Hillary.
Squirtle shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Abra.
"Abra, send it back with your Psychic attack," instructed Rex.
Abra opened its eyes, and they glowed red.
An instant later, Squirtle's Water Gun was stopped in its tracks. Then, just as suddenly, Squirtle's Water Gun was sent directly back at it, scoring a direct hit.
"Squirtle!" cried Hillary.
"Would you look at that!" said the announcer. "Abra's Psychic attack sent Squirtle's Water Gun back to where it came from!"
"That Psychic attack will only lead to big trouble for Hillary," said Ritchie.
"Now finish it off with your Zap Cannon attack!" commanded Rex.
Abra held its hands together as a white orb full of electricity began to surge. Then it fired the orb.
"Abra's Zap Cannon thunders across the stadium straight toward Squirtle!"
"Look out, Squirtle, Withdraw now!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle's head and limbs disappeared into its shell. But as Zap Cannon connected, even the shell was no match for the pulverizing blast as Squirtle took a direct hit, much to everyone's shock.
"Squirtle, no!" cried Hillary.
"Ka-boom!" said the announcer. "Zap Cannon hits with a vengeance!"
The thundering blast caused a huge explosion, causing a cloud of smoke to form.
When the smoke cleared, Squirtle was shown with a dazed expression in its face. It had been knocked out.
"Squirtle is unable to battle...Abra wins!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air.
The crowd cheered in excitement, but Tristan, his grandparents, and Ritchie were very surprised.
"Unbelievable!" said the announcer. "Squirtle was defeated in just one attack!"
"Water Pokémon like Squirtle are weak against Electric attacks like Zap Cannon," said Tristan.
"Not only that," said Veronica, "If Zap Cannon hits, the opponent always becomes paralyzed on the spot. I'm afraid this could be a tough battle for Hillary to win."
"That Rex sure knows how to teach his inexperienced Pokémon some good attacks," remarked Ritchie.
Hillary returned Squirtle to her Poké Ball and held it close. "It's okay, Squirtle," she said. "You did your very best." She took out another Poké Ball. "okay, Eevee, it's up to you now. I choose you!" She then threw the ball.
(Music Cue: Rocket Powered Disaster (as heard in "Electric Shock Showdown"))
Eevee emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Hillary's second Pokémon will be an Eevee," said the announcer.
"Eevee's gonna have to make up for lost ground," said Ritchie.
"Still, I wouldn't count Hillary out of this match just yet," advised Tristan. "She may be trailing now, but she didn't make it to the quarter-finals without learning how to battle back."
"Alakazam, Zap Cannon!" ordered Rex.
Abra held its hands together like before as another orb of yellow electricity began to form. Then it fired it right at Eevee.
"Eevee, hurry and dodge it!" commanded Hillary.
Just as Abra's Zap Cannon was about to strike, Eevee jumped into the air and avoided it.
"Eevee nimbly dodges Abra's Zap Cannon," said the announcer.
"Phew!" said Veronica. "That was close...but this is so exciting!"
"You seem chipper," said Ritchie.
"Battles like this one always get me fired up," explained Veronica, "just like when I was a traveling Champion back in the day."
"I guess it runs in the family, right, Grandma?" said Tristan.
"I guess you could say that, yes," answered Veronica.
"Eevee use your Quick Attack!" shouted Hillary.
Still in midair, Eevee streaked toward Abra with a white line trailing behind it.
But that was the opening Rex was waiting for. "Okay, Abra, it's time to show them our next surprise...give it a Fire Punch!"
Abra clenched its fist as fire began to form in it. Then, with all its might, it delivered a fiery punch right in Eevee's face!
Everyone was shocked, especially Hillary.
"Abra delivers a hot Fire Punch!" said the announcer. "This Abra is sure full of surprises!"
Eevee landed on the field with a hard thud.
"Eevee, you can do it, right?" said Hillary.
Eevee struggled back on its feet, but the damage from Abra's Fire Punch left it with a nasty burn.
"What's this?" said the announcer. "It looks like Fire Punch is doing the job, even after the attack is done!"
"This is bad," said Veronica nervously. "Fire Punch has the side effect of giving an opponent a burn. I'm afraid that burn will make it worse and worse for Eevee as its stamina will continue to deteriorate."
"Hang in there, Eevee!" shouted Tristan as Pikachu, Togepi, and Sparky cheered loudly for Hillary.
Eevee, still in pain from the last attack struggled to stay in it.
"All right, Abra, it's time for another Zap Cannon," instructed Rex.
(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of the second Pokémon Movie "Revelation Lugia"))
Abra got its hands together and formed another orb full of electricity, and threw it at Eevee.
"Eevee, look out!" cried Hillary.
Abra's Zap Cannon attack was getting closer and closer as the seconds rolled by.
And so, Hillary faces Rex in the quarter-finals, and she's already down one Pokémon! Plus, she's battling with an Eevee that has a burn! What will be the outcome of this uphill battle? Time will tell as the Little Cup continues!
► TO BE CONTINUED