AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 21 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. Like the last chapter, I wrote this one months ago, but made some adjustments to make it better. You may recall my earlier chapters where Tristan and Pikachu meet and befriend the baby Lugia that would soon be able to speak telepathically. Well, they reunite in this chapter. I also want to point out that there is a music cue from the English dub of the second Pokémon movie. That music was composed by Ralph Schuckett. I wanted to make this part of the story as epic as I could. Also, there will be many of Shinji Miyazaki's music cues from the Japanese version of the second Pokémon movie. I hope you enjoy this.
TEASER: After being forced to leave its family, the baby Lugia finds itself under attack by Team Rocket and reunites with Tristan, who makes a promise to protect it. But will he be able to keep his promise after Team Rocket attacks again?
Chapter 21: REUNITED
(Music Cue: Harmony Disturbed (as heard at the beginning of the English dub of "Pokémon: The Movie 2000"))
The next morning, the baby Lugia continued to fly sadly in the sky, searching for Tristan and Pikachu. It couldn't get the awful memory of leaving its family out of its mind. It thought back to the awful discussion it had with its parent.
You were supposed to watch your sibling. I asked you to do one simple job, and you failed me.
But I was flying, Mother! I learned how to fly in the air on my first try without any help! I was having the time of my life!
I don't care! Your sibling could have been captured by that human over there! How could you just leave it here all alone? You should be ashamed of yourself!
What was once the greatest achievement for the baby Lugia turned out to be the saddest day of its life. It had learned to fly all by itself with no help from its mother, and had displayed unbelievable intelligence, but it had to leave its family behind to live a brand new life because its high intelligence would put its family in danger. The parent Lugia had gotten to Oliver before the baby could on the day before, and it felt so sad remembering that awful conversation with its mother. So it found itself brokenhearted with no family or friends to support it and cheer it on physically...none except Tristan and Pikachu. So, with tears still falling from its eyes, it continued its journey in the sky to find them.
Meanwhile, in a secret hideout not too far away, an army of ten Team Rocket Grunts was standing by, awaiting orders from one of their superiors.
Presently, a giant screen turned on, and a man with a peach-colored mustache and partially bald head appeared.
It was Professor Namba. "Greetings, men."
All the Rocket Grunts stood in attention as Professor Namba began his speech.
"As you know, I've done extensive research on legendary Pokémon that live in the Johto region," explained Professor Namba. "But the Pokémon that intrigued me the most was the legendary Pokémon, Lugia. It's said that a light fluttering of Lugia's wings can tear apart cliffs, but I've also heard that it can cause torrential rainstorms that last as long as 40 days and 40 nights. What intrigues me most of all, however, is that it can launch incredibly high-powered beams of energy. That's why I want its power."
"Have you seen one recently?" asked one of the Rocket Grunts.
"Yes, actually, I have," answered Professor Namba. "I've seen a giant Lugia nesting on the Whirl Islands a few weeks ago. It was after I got blasted by two good-for-nothing kiddies in that nasty storm. But you know how some legendary Pokémon can be. They like to keep themselves away from human eyes. That's why I've assigned you to go to the Whirl Islands. Find the Lugia, capture it, and bring it to me at once."
"Yes, sir!" said the Rocket Grunts.
The screen turned off, and all the Rocket Grunts quickly left the room to begin their assignment.
Outside the hideout, a hatch opened on top of the building.
A large helicopter appeared from it. The helicopter's blades started to turn. Faster and faster they turned, and soon, the helicopter took off into the sky and quickly gained altitude.
As the helicopter flew, the Rocket Grunts saw something flying that made them gasp in surprise.
"No way! It's a Lugia!" one of them said.
"But it's so small!" put in another. "Yet it can fly!"
"Well, this should make our job much easier," said another Grunt, who was in charge of the operation. "All right, let the capture commence." And he increased the helicopter's flying speed.
Meanwhile, just outside, the baby Lugia was unaware of the danger as it flew along. Suddenly, it heard the whirring of helicopter blades. It looked around and saw the helicopter, which rapidly closed in on it. The baby Lugia, sensing evil in the helicopter, flew even faster to try and get away from it, but no matter how hard it tried, the pilot managed to stay on its tail.
"So you want to play chase now, do you?" said the lead Rocket Grunt as he increased the helicopter's flying speed even more.
The baby Lugia, now feeling scared, kept on flying to try and outrun the helicopter. But as fast as it flew, the lead Rocket Grunt's expert piloting skills allowed the helicopter to close in on it even more.
"All right, we're close enough," said the lead Rocket Grunt. "Attack now!"
Without warning, the windows of the helicopter opened and multiple Poké Balls were thrown into the air; they opened and revealed a flock of Koffing, which quickly surrounded it.
The little Lugia found itself in big trouble as it trembled helplessly.
"Koffing, Poison Gas attack now!" ordered one of the Grunts.
The Koffing immediately spewed poisonous gas from its mouth at the baby Lugia, who coughed in it.
Next, another barrage of Poké Balls was thrown out of the windows, and out came a flock of Golbat.
"Golbat, Supersonic attack!" shouted the second Grunt.
The Golbat emitted a piercing sound from their mouths as waves struck the baby Lugia, forcing it to cover its ears.
"It won't be long now," said the lead Rocket Grunt.
As Koffing's Poison Gas and Golbat's Supersonic attacks engulfed it, the baby Lugia could hear a familiar voice in its mind.
My baby, are you all right?
The baby Lugia was surprised. Mother, is that you? I'm scared! Please help me!
"Hurry, Golbat, use Wing Attack!" ordered the second Rocket Grunt.
One of the Golbat's wings glowed and struck the baby Lugia, giving it major damage, even as Koffing's Poison Gas continued to engulf it.
Then another, and still another struck it, giving it serious damage.
Where are you, Mother?" asked the baby Lugia. I can't see you! I'm being attacked! What should I do?
My baby, I'm communicating to you through the Silver Wing, explained the parent Lugia's voice. Now listen to me carefully. You have the power to get out of this. Use the Silver Wing to make your wish.
My wish? But what is it?
I think you know. That Silver Wing has many magical abilities, and granting wishes in an emergency is one of them. Hurry, my baby, you don't have much time.
The baby Lugia was still being struck by multiple Wing Attacks as Koffing's Poison Gas continued to envelop it. It then closed its eyes and awaited its fate as it said to itself, Tristan...I wish...you could save me.
Then suddenly, like magic, the Silver Wing in its wing glowed in response to Lugia's wish as the blinding light struck the flock of Golbat, who were forced to fly away from their target.
All the Rocket Grunts shielded their eyes from the bright light because it was so strong.
However, the baby Lugia, after suffering multiple direct hits, went into a nasty nosedive.
"You fools!" fumed the lead Rocket Grunt. "You're letting it get away!"
The baby Lugia, still in pain from the attack, spiraled out of control and was falling out of the sky at tremendous speed toward the ground below.
(Music Cue: Arriving at Pokémon Park (from the beginning of the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation" (as heard in the beginning of "Hour of the Houndour")))
Today, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu are continuing their journey through the Johto region. The sky is clear and the breeze is warm. But little do they know that a surprise will soon be falling their way.
"I can't believe how awesome the weather is," said Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu traveled through a clearing in the woods.
"Yeah, it just makes you want to run with energy to spare," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi happily agreed with them.
"Still, I wonder what legendary Pokémon Mewtwo was talking about," said Tristan.
"I don't know, big bro," replied Hillary. "But whatever it is, it must be very powerful."
Suddenly, Pikachu pricked up its ears and alerted Tristan and Hillary at once.
"What's up, Pikachu?" asked Tristan.
"Tristan, look up in the sky!" gasped Hillary as she looked and pointed up.
(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation: Lugia")
Presently, something appeared in the sky and came into view as it fell.
Tristan and Hillary looked up and saw a small silvery white bird falling from the sky at frightening speed.
"Something's coming this way, and it's coming fast," said Tristan.
"Tristan, watch out!" cried Hillary as she and Pikachu moved away.
Unfortunately, Hillary's warning came just a little too late, for as Tristan watched mesmerized by the sight of the silvery white creature, it fell right into his arms, causing him to lose his balance and fall flat on his back.
Of course, for everybody concerned, it was a blessing in disguise.
"Tristan, are you okay?" asked Hillary as she and Pikachu quickly rushed over to him.
"I think so," replied Tristan as he slowly got up and gently put the Pokémon down. Then he saw what he had just saved. He gasped in shock; he knew what it was.
"What's the matter?" asked Hillary.
"I don't know how to say this, sis, but I think this Pokémon and I have met before," said Tristan. "I think it's the baby Lugia I befriended!"
"You've met?!" gasped Hillary. She was just as shocked as Tristan was. "Could this be one of the same baby Lugia that you saw hatch from those eggs a few weeks ago?"
"It has to be! I know it is!"
Incredible, though it seemed, it was the same baby Lugia that Tristan and Pikachu met on the very morning it hatched.
(Music Cue: Strange Weather (as heard in the Japanese version of the second Pokémon Movie "Revelation Lugia"))
The baby Lugia managed to quietly whisper a few words telepathically. Please...help me... Then it passed out.
"I think I just heard a voice," said Tristan. "It said 'Please help me.'"
"Tristan, look!" gasped Hillary. "I think this Lugia's hurt!"
Tristan and Hillary then saw the multiple injuries on the baby Lugia's body.
"I'm afraid it's much worse than that," said Tristan as he felt the baby Lugia's forehead. "It's got a terrible fever. We have to get Lugia to a Pokémon Center right now, and there's not much time."
"Let me see." Quickly, Hillary checked the map on her Pokégear and found one. "This one's the closest, and it's close by."
"Then let's go there," said Tristan as he carefully picked up the baby Lugia. It felt so light in his arms because it was so small.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu rushed to the Pokémon Center as fast as they could.
"Don't worry, Lugia," said Tristan. "We'll help you. I promise."
Little did they know that several pairs of sinister eyes were watching them from some nearby bushes. Yes, it was the same Team Rocket Grunts who initiated the attack on the baby Lugia.
"Why did it have to be two little children who saved it?" grumbled the first one.
"Never mind them," whispered a second. "We'll catch it when the time is right."
"Hm, looks like they're going to a Pokémon Center," put in a third. "This'll make things more interesting."
A few minutes later, they reached the Pokémon Center and explained the situation to Nurse Joy.
"Let's get it on the stretcher!" ordered Nurse Joy.
Tristan carefully put Lugia on the stretcher before Nurse Joy and Chansey rushed it to the operating room.
"I wonder what Dexter has to say about Lugia," said Hillary as she looked up Lugia's entry in her Pokédex.
"Lugia, the Diving Pokémon," identified Dexter. "It has an incredible ability to calm raging storms. It is said that it appears when storms start. Lugia is known as the Guardian of the Sea."
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu marveled at the information they just heard.
"You know, Hillary," said Tristan, "maybe that's what happened with us."
"What do you mean?" asked Hillary.
"Remember when we were caught in that raging storm near the Whirl Islands?" said Tristan. "We had just battled Professor Namba from Team Rocket, and we were being swept toward those gigantic whirlpools. But then, the parent Lugia came and calmed the storm and changed the direction of the current."
"But what could a Lugia as small as Pikachu be doing here in the first place?" asked Hillary.
"Maybe Professor Oak knows," suggested Tristan. "Let's ask him."
In no time at all, Tristan and Hillary told Professor Oak the whole story on the video phone.
"Hmmm," said Professor Oak. "That is highly unusual. A Lugia as small as Pikachu is something that I never heard of, but it's not uncommon to see a small Lugia that just hatched from an egg. And it's even more unusual that it became your friend right after it hatched."
"But we think this Lugia hasn't grown an inch," explained Hillary. "And it's only a few weeks old."
"What have you learned about Lugia, Professor?" asked Tristan.
"Well, even though I don't know everything about Lugia, we researchers have access to records regarding the sightings of this Legendary Pokémon."
"That's right!" said Hillary. "I remember that Grandma and Grandpa told us the same thing; Lugia's a Legendary Pokémon not soon to be forgotten."
Professor Oak nodded. "You've probably heard about this, but legend says that it can calm and give rise to storms. However, legend also states that a light fluttering of Lugia's wings can start torrential rainstorms that last for 40 days. Not only that, using that same power can blow houses apart and tear off cliffs."
Tristan and Hillary were surprised. They never knew that a Lugia could have such power.
"It sounds like Lugia's power can be dangerous at times," said Tristan.
"Yes," agreed Professor Oak. "Because of the devastation Lugia can accidentally inflict, it spends most of its time sleeping in solitude in the depths of the sea. However, I'm pretty sure that this one would never harm the two of you."
"Doesn't Lugia ever get lonely down there all by itself?" asked Hillary.
"I'm sure Lugia finds a way to survive one way or another," answered Professor Oak. "Well, I have to go. I have several Pokémon to feed. Take care, kids, and good luck with that Lugia."
The transmission ended.
"Tristan, maybe we should call Grandma, too," suggested Hillary.
Tristan and Pikachu agreed.
In a few minutes, they told the same story to their grandmother, Veronica, on the video phone.
"Incredible!" she said. "So, you're telling me that that's the same baby Lugia that you saw when it hatched?"
Tristan nodded.
"Tristan and I saw that it was hurt while flying," said Hillary. "But we don't know why. We think it was in some sort of accident."
Veronica had her doubts about that and shook her head. "I don't think it was an accident, kids. From the way you're describing it, I think somebody intentionally attacked it. In fact, I know somebody did."
Of course, when Tristan heard that, he was furious. "What kind of people would attack an innocent baby Lugia?!"
Hillary shushed him. "Let's keep it down. Nurse Joy needs to concentrate without too much noise."
"Sorry, sis," said Tristan. "I couldn't help it." He turned back to Veronica on the video screen. "Anyway, Grandma, this Lugia was so small, I could easily carry it in my arms. I don't think it's grown at all since it first hatched."
"Hmmm," replied Veronica. "That's weird. I wish I could help you figure out how to help it grow, but I'm afraid I have work to do back at home. Grandpa needs some help cleaning up the house, but I'll be thinking about you while you help out that Lugia. I know you have what it takes. I love you and take care."
"You, too, Grandma," said Tristan and Hillary together.
The video transmission ended.
(Music Cue: Imminent Danger)
Meanwhile in the operating room, Lugia was going in and out of consciousness as Nurse Joy worked hard to take care of its injuries. It was unaware of its present surroundings and whispering to itself as if looking for someone. Where are you?
Tristan heard that voice and thought it came from Hillary. "Did you say something, sis?"
"Not a word," answered Hillary.
"Maybe I just imagined it," said Tristan. Then, he heard the voice again.
I just need...to feel safe. Please...come find me.
"There it is again. Don't tell me you didn't hear it that time," said Tristan.
"Now that you mention it, I did hear something that time," said Hillary.
"Maybe we should check it out," suggested Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu cautiously made their way to the window of the operating room.
When they got there, they saw Lugia tossing and turning on the bed, making Nurse Joy very nervous.
"What's going on?" asked Tristan worriedly.
"I think Lugia might be scared because it's in unfamiliar surroundings with strangers," answered Hillary.
"You don't think Lugia thinks Nurse Joy is a stranger, do you, sis?" asked Tristan nervously.
"I hate to say it, Tristan, but yes," replied Hillary.
Presently, Lugia's fever escalated higher and higher as it kept tossing and turning.
Nurse Joy burst out of the operating room, panting wearily. "It's Lugia! I can't get it to calm down!"
Sure enough, Lugia was in a very distressed state as it continued tossing and turning on the bed frantically.
"I've tried everything to make it comfortable, and nothing seems to work!" explained Nurse Joy.
"Well, we've gotta do something," said Tristan.
"But what can we do?" asked Hillary. "The only thing we can do is to try and help it feel safe."
"Hillary, that's it!" said Tristan excitedly.
Nurse Joy, Pikachu, and Hillary were puzzled.
"Just a minute ago, I heard a voice saying 'Where are you?'," explained Tristan. "I don't know how to say this, but I think I can help Lugia calm down right now."
"But Tristan, what can you do?" asked Hillary.
"Maybe nothing, but I have to be with Lugia!" said Tristan. He was full of determination as he and Pikachu made their way into the operating room and slowly approached Lugia.
Hillary and Nurse Joy cautiously followed them.
Lugia kept tossing and turning, still feeling scared.
Tristan gently put his hands on Lugia. "Lugia, it's me, Tristan. It's all right now," he said. "I know you're scared, but I promise everything's going to be okay. Please, wake up."
At the sound of Tristan's voice, Lugia stopped tossing around. Then it slowly opened its eyes.
Hillary and Nurse Joy couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.
Lugia saw Tristan and Pikachu as it regained consciousness. Tristan? Is that you? And Pikachu?
"Yes, Lugia, we're here now," answered Tristan. Then he gasped in shock at what Lugia just said. "You just talked?!"
Lugia nodded.
"Unbelievable!" said Hillary. "So it was Lugia's voice that we've been hearing all along."
"This is incredible!" said Nurse Joy. "I've never heard of a Trainer calming down a Pokémon just by using his voice before. How in the world were you able to do it?"
"Well, it's kind of hard to describe," said Tristan.
Presently, Lugia collapsed and fell unconscious again.
"Lugia!" gasped Tristan.
"It's out cold again," said Hillary.
"It must still be feeling the pain of the injuries it took earlier," added Nurse Joy. "You stay here with Lugia, and I'll handle treating it."
Tristan agreed. "Don't worry, Lugia. Pikachu and I won't leave you."
Even though it was unconscious at the moment, Lugia somehow knew what Tristan had just said.
(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle)
Two hours later, Hillary and Nurse Joy listened in amazement as they learned about Tristan and Pikachu's first meeting with Lugia.
"So you're saying that it saw you when it first hatched, and it quickly swam over to meet you?" asked Nurse Joy.
Tristan nodded. "And it lay on the ground, wanting me to pet it. I think this Lugia may have wanted to see what humans were like, so it wanted to learn from them. Since I was the first human it saw after it hatched, it must have wanted to learn about the world from me."
"But I wonder why it would show up here of all places?" said Hillary. "It doesn't make sense that it would fly over to meet you in this condition. It has to be a coincidence."
"Well, coincidence or not, I think the only one who can tell us that reason is Lugia," said Tristan. "Pikachu and I will stay with Lugia tonight and keep an eye on it."
"But what about that long journey of yours?" asked Nurse Joy.
"And what about your next badge?" added Hillary.
"Don't worry about that," replied Tristan. "Getting badges and catching Pokémon is important, but if a Pokémon needs help, I want to help it as much as I can. Besides, I promised to help it. And a promise is a promise."
Hillary and Nurse Joy understood what Tristan just said, and they happily stood by his decision.
Late that night, after Hillary and Nurse Joy went to bed, Tristan and Pikachu kept a close vigil on Lugia.
Lugia's fever was slowly, but surely, going down, and it was recovering nicely from its injuries. After a while, it opened its eyes and once again regained consciousness.
"Lugia, you're awake," whispered Tristan. "Thank goodness."
Lugia managed to say a few words. Where...am I?
"You're at the Pokémon Center," answered Tristan. "Pikachu and I took you over here so Nurse Joy could give you some treatment. You were in very bad shape."
I haven't had any food or drink since this morning, groaned Lugia. Could you help me?
"I think I can help you with that," said Tristan. "Wait here."
(Music Cue: Golden Silver)
Tristan quickly made his way to a vending machine and got a cold bottle of Moomoo Milk from it. A moment later, he returned and gave it to Lugia.
What's this? asked Lugia.
"This is Moomoo Milk," said Tristan. "It's very tasty and nutritious. I've had Moomoo Milk many times before, and it's one of the best drinks out there. I think it may be just what you need to grow big and strong. Do you want to try it?"
Lugia nodded.
Tristan opened the lid and held the bottle close while Lugia drank from it. He felt like a parent giving a baby his milk from a baby bottle.
Lugia felt happy drinking nutritious Moomoo Milk. Thank you for this, it said. I've never had it before. It was tasty.
Tristan grinned.
By the way, said Lugia, I like you and you like me. I don't know what we are when we like each other.
"That's easy, Lugia," smiled Tristan. "We're friends."
Friends? repeated Lugia.
Tristan nodded. "Friends are people and/or Pokémon who know each other and have mutual affection, like companions or comrades. And they help each other out when they need it."
Who's the girl? asked Lugia. Is she a friend?
"She is," smiled Tristan. "She's my sister. And I'm her brother. Her name is Hillary."
Hillary, repeated Lugia. That's a nice name. So what's a brother and sister?
"Brothers are male siblings and sisters are female siblings belonging to the same family," explained Tristan.
Lugia was beginning to understand what Tristan was telling it as it thought about its own family. Hey, Tristan?
"What is it?" asked Tristan.
I want to learn more about the world from you, answered Lugia. But I also want to fly around the world and learn about it on my own. What should I do?
"Why not do both?" suggested Tristan.
Pikachu smiled in agreement.
Lugia smiled at the idea. But then it became concerned at something else. I want to grow big and strong like my mother. But I'm not sure how. I've tried everything from swimming fast and flying high and racing to eating right and sleeping well. And nothing works.
"Even though workouts and getting enough food and sleep will help with growing," explained Tristan, "sometimes, the answer may already be in front of you. I'm sure you'll grow big and strong before you know it. Of course, I want you to grow big and strong, too, but I'll love you like all Pokémon no matter what size you are."
Lugia felt better after that. Thank you, Tristan. That means a lot to me.
"Well, let's get some sleep," said Tristan to Pikachu and Lugia. "I think a good night's rest is just what we all need. Good night, guys." He yawned and went to sleep next to Pikachu and Lugia.
Good night, friends, yawned Lugia, and it fell fast asleep.
The next morning, Tristan and Pikachu woke up feeling refreshed as ever.
Lugia was still sleeping. Its wounds were almost completely gone.
Tristan and Pikachu smiled.
"Looks like Lugia's already getting better," whispered Tristan. "It should be back to full strength in no time."
Presently, Lugia slowly woke up, stretched its wings, and yawned loudly. Then, it opened its eyes and saw Tristan and Pikachu. Good morning, Tristan. Good morning, Pikachu.
Pikachu smiled and greeted Lugia.
"Good morning, Lugia," smiled Tristan. "Did you sleep well?"
Yes, I did, thank you, answered Lugia. And I feel a whole lot better.
"I'm glad to hear it," said Tristan.
Hillary and Nurse Joy came to the main lobby just as Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia came out of the recovery room. They were happy to see Lugia nearly back to full strength.
"Thank goodness Lugia's okay," said Hillary.
"I don't know what I would've done without you and Tristan helping me out back there," said Nurse Joy.
"Don't thank me, Nurse Joy," replied Hillary. "Tristan was really the one who did it all."
"It was nothing," said Tristan. He turned to Lugia. "Hey, Lugia, I promise to be here for you and protect you whenever you need it. And I will never go back on my word."
"And a promise is a promise," added Hillary.
What's a...promise? asked Lugia.
"It's a declaration, or a vow, by someone who will do a certain thing," answered Tristan. "Whenever you're in danger, I'll always help you. That's my promise to you."
Lugia thought about it. Thank you, Tristan. I believe in you, and I always will.
"Hey! It's that Lugia!" shouted a voice.
(Music Cue: Legendary Birds Freed (first part (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Tristan and his friends noticed three men in black uniforms. They all had red letter "R's" on them.
"Hey, who are you guys?" demanded Nurse Joy.
"Tristan, look at that letter!" gasped Hillary.
"Team Rocket," said Tristan disdainfully. "I should've known they'd be the ones who attacked Lugia in the first place."
Lugia became very distraught and trembled. I'm scared now, Tristan. Are these guys friends?
"No, Lugia, these guys are enemies," answered Tristan.
"And these guys will do anything to get what they want," added Hillary.
"Not if I can help it!" Tristan defiantly stood in front of Lugia as he faced the Rocket Grunts. "You stay away! I vowed to protect this Lugia!" He took out his Friend Ball and readied it.
"Ooh, I'm so scared," said the first Rocket Grunt. "How are you gonna stop us from getting it?"
"If you think you'll get your greedy hands on Lugia, you'll have to go through me first! Chikorita, I choose you!" Tristan threw his Friend Ball and Chikorita emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Chikorita, determined as ever, was ready to defend Tristan and his friends against Team Rocket.
"Don't worry, Lugia," said Tristan. "I promise to protect you from those guys. Everything's gonna be fine."
Lugia was still scared, but it saw Tristan's determination to protect it no matter what.
"Go, Golbat, Bite attack!" commanded a second Rocket Grunt as he threw a Pokéball.
Golbat materialized from the white light and flew at Chikorita, using its sharp fangs to attack.
"Chikorita, use your Vine Whip!" ordered Tristan.
Chikorita shot two green vines from the bud necklace and scored a hit on Golbat, stopping its Bite attack.
"Now use your Tackle attack!" shouted Tristan.
Chikorita charged at Golbat and rammed into it, causing it to fall on the Grunt.
"Yeah, that was great, Chikorita," commended Tristan.
Chikorita smiled.
"No you don't!" yelled the third Rocket Grunt as he took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Koffing, Sludge attack!"
Koffing emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball, and brown sludge was released from its mouth. The sloppy sludge hit Chikorita in the eyes, blinding it and causing it to cry out in surprise and pain.
"Chikorita!" gasped Tristan.
Why can't those guys just disappear in a cloud of smoke? trembled Lugia.
"Smoke...That's it!" said Tristan. He turned to Hillary. "Quick, Hillary, use your Cyndaquil. Its Smokescreen attack may be our best chance to escape."
"Right, Tristan," replied Hillary as she took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Cyndaquil, Smokescreen attack!"
Cyndaquil emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball and emitted a large gray cloud of smoke from its mouth, causing all three Rocket Grunts and their Pokémon to cough.
"Hey, I can't see!" choked the first Rocket Grunt.
"I guess the smoke has gone to your eyes!" hacked the second Rocket Grunt.
When the smoke cleared, the Grunts noticed that everyone inside had disappeared.
"Those bratty kids got away," grumbled the first Rocket Grunt.
"Lugia, too," added the second Grunt.
"I can see that, morons!" seethed the third Rocket Grunt.
They all took off looking for the kids and Lugia. "We're gonna find you, you cowards!"
Meanwhile, just outside the Pokémon Center, Tristan and his friends hid themselves in the bushes and had seen Team Rocket disappear into the woods.
"That was close," said Tristan.
"That was a great idea, Tristan," smiled Hillary.
"Actually, it wasn't my idea, sis," said Tristan. "Lugia helped us get away."
"Lugia did?" gasped Hillary. She was surprised.
Lugia was just as surprised as Hillary was.
"How did Lugia help us, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (second part))
Tristan explained what he meant. "When Lugia mentioned that it wanted Team Rocket to disappear in a cloud of smoke, that's when I got the idea to use your Cyndaquil's Smokescreen attack to create a diversion. And that helped us get away from them." He turned to Lugia. "That was a very smart move, Lugia. Thanks a lot."
Lugia was surprised. You're welcome, I think. Actually, I should be thanking you...because you kept your promise. You protected me from those awful people when they wanted to capture me.
Tristan realized that Lugia was right. He did keep his promise, and that was what counted.
"Something just doesn't add up," said Nurse Joy. "Why were those guys after that Lugia?"
"I don't know," replied Tristan. "But if I know Team Rocket, they'll be back, and they won't stop until they capture Lugia."
Lugia then felt sad. This is all my fault.
"What do you mean, Lugia?" asked Tristan. "You didn't cause Team Rocket to show up."
"But Tristan, we still don't know why Lugia is here instead of with its family," said Hillary.
Perhaps I should tell you my story, it said. Then maybe you'll understand why I'm here.
As our friends prepare to listen to Lugia tell its story, what surprises will they look forward to? What mysteries of Lugia's past will our friends know? Stay tuned to find out, as the journey to the Johto League continues!
► TO BE CONTINUED