AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 23 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. You may remember New Island from the first Pokémon movie, but I've decided that it needed to grow in size so that many Pokémon could live in many different habitats depending on their needs. And this chapter will remind me of the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! because I remember seeing the Millennium Puzzle hanging around Yugi Muto's neck. So I'm going to try and have the Silver Wing hang around Tristan's neck. You'll see what I mean when you read this chapter. There'll be some music cues from the English dubbed version of Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and they're both composed by Ralph Schuckett. This chapter will be a trifle shorter than most, but there will be longer ones, and there have been. As always, please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary meet Mewtwo and Mew in a new place where they and their legendary Pokémon friends can gather and see many Pokémon making that place their new home.

Chapter 23: A NEW MEETING PLACE

Last time, our heroes saw the young Lugia grow up to be big and strong at an incredible rate. But little did they know that after Tristan and Lugia wished for that to happen, the Silver Wing granted their wish.

After Lugia had grown to its full height, it invited Tristan and Pikachu to fly in the sky with it, only to be attacked once again by none other than Team Rocket. But thanks to Lugia's powerful Aeroblast attack, Team Rocket was sent packing.

Now, as Tristan and Hillary show Mewtwo the enchanted Silver Wing, they now prepare to meet it at its new meeting place. What will it be like? And will it be like the Chamber of Legends?

"Well, sis, this is it," said Tristan as he grabbed on to Mew as it prepared to use Teleport.

Hillary grabbed on to Mew with one hand while holding on to Tristan with the other.

Mewtwo held on to Mew's shoulder.

Mew soon glowed in a white light, and so did everyone else, and together, they all disappeared from their present location.

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi soon found themselves on an open grassy field.

"Where are we, Tristan?" asked Hillary.

"I'm not sure," replied Tristan. "But I know that we aren't in Johto anymore."

Mew happily flew around them as they looked around.

"Do you know where we are, Mewtwo?" asked Hillary.

I do, Mewtwo replied as it landed in front of them. This is the place where I was originally created...New Island.

"New Island?" repeated Tristan. "That sounds familiar to me. This is the place that's between Kanto and the Orange Islands."

Mewtwo nodded. Yes, but the legendary Pokémon and I have made it larger and more inhabitable than it originally was, for you see, this place has open fields, like this one. Not only that, it has forests, caves, rocky terrain, and some mountains. This place has all the necessities for any wild Pokémon to come and live here. This place is miles from any human civilization, so humans don't venture out here very often.

"But we still don't know why we're out here in the open in the first place," said Hillary.

You're right, so please allow me to explain it for you. And Mewtwo told its story.

When I first met the young Trainer, Ash, he showed me that it doesn't matter how Pokémon are born, whether they were born naturally or created artificially. I had temporarily taken up residence on Mount Quena in the Johto region. Its clear waters proved that this world was my rightful place, too.

When I first met you two on Cinnabar Island, I knew that you were the ones destined to become friends with any legendary Pokémon you encountered. I sensed the purity in your hearts. But even as I showed you the Chamber of Legends, I knew that we needed someplace that was more out in the open

I had actually wanted to set up a meeting place on an island that was miles from anywhere even while the Chamber of Legends was in existence. So even though the Chamber of Legends was destroyed by that person from Team Rocket, it had all played a part of my plans, although we...by we, I mean all the legendary Pokémon, you've befriended at that point...had to speed up the process of getting it ready.

So we all worked together to build habitats for all kinds of Pokémon. We wanted to be sure that it felt like home to them whenever they chose to make it their home. However, we also wanted to make sure that you were comfortable whenever you came here.

I had asked Tristan to find the Silver Wing because I knew that there was a legendary Pokémon that he would have a special bond with.

"Lugia, right?" said Tristan.

That's right.

Tristan began to understand why Mewtwo was telling him about the Silver Wing. "That explains why I was so drawn to Lugia's presence. There was something special about that Pokémon that I really can't explain. While I was on vacation in the Whirl Islands with Pikachu and Hillary, I had saved two Lugia eggs from a wild Tentacruel. And when I saw them hatch the next morning, one of the babies wanted to meet me right away because it wanted to learn about the world from me."

Hillary then started to connect the dots. "So as that Lugia stayed with its family on the Whirl Islands, it didn't seem to grow taller or longer, even though it was getting stronger and faster and gaining a lot of intelligence. And when it had to leave its family behind and got hurt, Tristan helped calm it down and helped it grow with his love and compassion for it like he would for any Pokémon."

"And Lugia gave me the Silver Wing because it thought I would find it useful," finished Tristan. "It said that I can use the Silver Wing to get it to my location at any time."

Mewtwo smiled. It seems like you were able to help Lugia learn and grow already. And you were able to be friends with that Pokémon with no problem. And you were able to keep your promise to protect it, and it protected you in return.

"Yeah, you really should've seen how much power it had in our battle against Team Rocket," said Tristan excitedly. "Lugia fired a powerful Aeroblast at those guys on its very first try."

Mewtwo seemed to be impressed. So what's it doing now?

"It wanted to fly in the skies and explore the world," answered Hillary. "Tristan offered to let it come along with him, but it chose not to."

Tristan nodded in agreement.

I understand, agreed Mewtwo. It seems to me that Lugia has made a grown-up decision all by itself. Now then, I should let you know that there are several more legendary Pokémon in the Johto region that you should meet. Have you heard of the legend of Ho-Oh?

"I think we have," replied Hillary. "We met Morty, the Ecruteak City Gym Leader, and he helped explain how Ho-Oh gave life to three legendary Pokémon: Raikou, Entei, and Suicune."

"Yeah," put in Tristan. "And they were sent by Ho-Oh to watch the world from the ground while Ho-Oh watched from the skies above. Humans wanted its power. Centuries ago, it flew away from the Tin Tower after a destructive fire caused by humans who wanted its power for their evil purposes."

"Three nameless Pokémon didn't survive the fire," added Hillary. "But Ho-Oh used the forces of nature to create new lives for them."

"And that's how Ho-Oh created Raikou, Entei, and Suicune," finished Tristan.

Mewtwo was intrigued by the information it just heard. You seem to have a wisdom that goes far beyond your years, it said. And it sounds like your destinies are very clear. However, I know that you have plenty of ground to cover while you journey out in the Johto region.

"Hey, Mewtwo, do you think you could show us around New Island?" asked Hillary.

Yes, agreed Mewtwo. That's precisely why Mew and I led you here.

Tristan seemed to agree. "I sure wish Lugia was here to see this place. I think it would be very happy to see us all together."

Presently, Tristan's backpack glowed in a bright light, much to his amazement.

Tristan opened it, and saw that the case glowing in a bright white light. He opened the case and saw that the Silver Wing was the source of the glow. "What's happening?"

"I think the Silver Wing's responding to your wish, Tristan," said Hillary.

"Oh yeah!"

That's right, agreed Mewtwo. And soon, your friend, Lugia, will be joining us as well.

Tristan raised the Silver Wing high into the air, excited to see Lugia again, and hoping it could see the glow.

And at that very moment, a whirlpool emerged from the surface of the water close to New Island, and sure enough, Lugia emerged from it and flew overhead.

Tristan and Hillary gasped in amazement as Lugia flew lower and lower and landed right next to them.

I thought I was wished here, said Lugia as it looked at Mew and Mewtwo. Are these your friends, Tristan?

"They sure are," answered Tristan. "They want to show us around New Island."

Well, then, climb on! said Lugia excitedly as it lowered its slender neck towards the ground.

"Come on, Hillary!" said Tristan as he and Pikachu excitedly got on Lugia.

Hillary placed Togepi in her backpack, got on, and sat herself in front of him.

All right, follow us, advised Mewtwo. We want to show you something. And it and Mew used their psychic powers to lift themselves off the ground.

Lugia raised itself to its full height, and with a few flaps of its wings, it became airborne and followed Mewtwo and Mew into the sky.

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were checking out the cool view of New Island from above as they flew.

"This place is beautiful," remarked Hillary. "No wonder Mewtwo chose this place for all of us to meet."

"Not to mention that it was born here," added Tristan.

Mewtwo nodded. I wanted to make this place a happy one, so I thought about starting over so that we never have to worry about the terrible memories here again.

Tristan nodded, for that was how things should be on New Island. But just then, he saw something flying through the air. "Hey, look!"

Everyone looked out, and sure enough, at that very moment, scores of Pidgey, Butterfree, and Ledian were flying through the air and were making their way toward New Island, flying past Lugia, Mew, and Mewtwo as they went.

"Those Pokémon must've come to make this place their home," remarked Hillary.

Mewtwo nodded. And they want to welcome all of you as honorary residents here.

As Mewtwo spoke, Water Pokémon were beginning to emerge from the water below. Schools of Lapras and Magikarp could be seen coming in droves.

Multiple Gyarados could also be seen carrying many Pokémon living on the mainland to New Island to live there while countless others were showing up out of nowhere.

Tristan and Hillary waved to them as they flew over them.

"I've never seen so many Pokémon at one time!" said Hillary as she gasped in wonder.

Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia all seemed to agree.

But suddenly, Pikachu pricked its ears and excitedly pointed behind them.

To Tristan and Hillary's excitement, they saw Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, and their differently colored offspring coming to meet them and flew alongside them.

"I guess all the legendary Pokémon we befriended wanted to welcome us, too," said Tristan.

"I think you're right, Tristan," agreed Hillary. "Now, the gang's all here."

Sure enough, all the legendary Pokémon that they met had shown up and were happy to see them, flying as they went.

Everyone was very happy.

Lugia was happy for giving Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu a ride in the sky while they were happy to witness a momentous event on their seemingly endless journey.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, as well as their differently colored offspring were happy for flying along with them.

Mewtwo and Mew were very happy for meeting so many legendary Pokémon thanks to Tristan and Hillary's help.

And all the Pokémon were very happy for moving to New Island to live their lives in their natural habitats from forests to grasslands to the sea and everywhere in between.

I think we made the correct decision asking Tristan and Hillary for help, Mewtwo said as it watched the Pokémon proudly.

Mew nodded in agreement.

I know they have what it takes to meet all the legendary Pokémon in this world. And in the process, they'll make their dreams come true.

The momentous occasion lasted for the rest of the afternoon.

(Music Cue: Goodbye, Lugia (as heard in "Pokémon: The Movie 2000"))

That evening, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Mew, and Lugia along with the legendary birds and offspring all left New Island and teleported back to where they started from.

"It looks like we're all back," said Tristan.

"Sure looks that way," agreed Hillary as she looked around.

You two know what you need to do now, said Mewtwo as it and Mew flew in the sky.

"We have to meet all the legendary Pokémon and be friends with them," said Tristan. "And when we see them, we'll be sure to tell them how we feel about Pokémon."

"And help them out when they need it," added Hillary.

That's right, agreed Mewtwo. And I know you'll succeed in this task. I owe you a great deal of thanks. We've assembled a great group of legendary Pokémon already.

Tristan and Hillary noticed that Mewtwo was right. They were now friends with six legendary Pokémon, plus three more that had hatched from eggs not too long ago, giving them a total of nine.

"I'm just glad we could help," replied Tristan.

Sometime soon, I will need your help again. Until then, I wish you success on your adventures. We shall meet again. Farewell. And with that, Mewtwo used its psychic powers to fly up into the air followed by Mew, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and their differently colored offspring. They all flew in different directions until they were out of sight.

"I sure hope we see everybody again," sighed Hillary. "I miss them already."

"Yeah, me, too," agreed Tristan. "Everyone's going their own way. I just wonder what they're gonna do."

I wouldn't worry, Lugia assured them. Like Mewtwo said, we'll all meet again.

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu looked up in the sky as Togepi appeared out of Hillary's backpack.

There were flocks of Pokémon flying through the air on their way to their destination.

"I sure would like to see more of the world like those Pokémon," said Tristan.

"Well, maybe we can, big bro," replied Hillary. "Don't forget that you still have plans to enter the Johto League."

Tristan then turned to Lugia and said, "I'm sure glad I have a wonderful friend like you, Lugia."

"Yeah, me, too," agreed Hillary.

Actually, I should be thanking you, Lugia replied. You were the ones who rescued me and showed me love and compassion. And thanks to you, I've grown up to be big and strong. I hope that you'll never forget about me...just like I'm hopeful that my family never forgets about me.

"Don't worry, Lugia," said Tristan. "I have my Silver Wing. So we'll be together again real soon. And we'll see your family again, too. I promise."

"Yeah, I've been wanting to meet your family for quite some time now," agreed Hillary.

Lugia gave a chuckle. Okay, but I should warn you that my mother's very protective.

"We'll be careful," promised Tristan.

I must be off, said Lugia. I want to keep exploring the world by flying in the sky and swimming in the seas. But before I go, I should give you something else. And it took out a special little silver chain out of its wing and gave it to Tristan.

"What's this?" asked Tristan.

With this chain, replied Lugia, you can wear your Silver Wing around your neck. That way, you'll be sure to keep it with you.

"I'm afraid I don't understand," said Tristan as he took out his Silver Wing out of the case. But as he took a closer look at it, he saw that there was a little ring where the chain could go through. He was pleasantly surprised. "I've never seen that before." And he carefully put the little chain through the hole in the Silver Wing. Then he hung it around his neck.

"It's a perfect fit," smiled Hillary.

"Thanks," said Tristan. "And thank you, too, Lugia."

Lugia nodded. Remember, you can use your Silver Wing to call me to your location anytime.

Tristan nodded as Lugia embraced him with its wings.

Farewell, my friends. And thank you. Lugia flapped its wings and lifted off into the sky.

"Bye, Lugia!" called Tristan and Hillary. And they waved to Lugia until it flew out of sight.

After meeting their legendary Pokémon friends at their new meeting place, they now know that their destiny of meeting more new legendary Pokémon is very clear. And for them, befriending a Lugia is quite an achievement, especially for Tristan. But for now, he and his friends plan to continue their journey for his second Johto League badge, and that task can only be completed at the next Gym in Azalea Town.

(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)

That night, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were in their sleeping bags after they had set up camp in the forest.

The wind was calm and the moon was bright. Only the sounds of wild Hoothoot could be heard.

"What an intense few days it's been," remarked Tristan. "Seeing Lugia again and helping it grow, and we got to see our other legendary Pokémon friends, too."

"You said it, Tristan," agreed Hillary. "I still can't believe that Lugia wanted to be friends with you of all people. I think that's pretty special, don't you?"

Now it was Tristan's turn to agree. "I'll never forget the feeling of flying on its back and going at remarkable speeds. And that Aeroblast attack was really powerful. I can't wait to see it again. I'd sure like to help it get even stronger."

"Well, all you have to do is use that Silver Wing anytime you want to," said Hillary.

"Still, I wonder what Lugia's parent would think if it saw me with my Lugia friend."

"It'll be surprised, but I'm sure it'll be able to recognize its own child, even if it grew up to be big and strong, and even if it had a friendly human with it." Hillary then yawned and closed her eyes. "Good night, Tris."

"Good night, sis," replied Tristan. "Good night, Pikachu."

Pikachu yawned and closed its eyes, and together, it, Tristan, Hillary, and Togepi fell fast asleep.

As Tristan slept peacefully, he dreamed that he and Pikachu were flying on Lugia's back. They were having a blast flying through the clouds, high above the earth as Lugia did some aerial maneuvers, zigzags, and everything else. It was like a fun ride at an amusement park.

Next, they saw Hillary sitting right behind them. They were delighted that they could all share in the fun together.

Tristan continued to dream about flying on Lugia as he and Hillary slept peacefully all night long.

► TO BE CONTINUED