AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 24 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. You may recall the week siblings in the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games. But in case you forgot, their names are Monica, Tuscany, Wesley, Arthur, Frieda, Santos, and Sunny. Well, I've decided I'd introduce them, one at a time, at different points in this story. This chapter may be a trifle shorter than others, but there will be longer ones, and there have been. Please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu encounter Monica and an angry swarm of Beedrill. But they'll have to wait until the storm passes to figure out how to get past them.

Chapter 24: MONICA OF MONDAY

(Music Cue: Route 29)

With all the excitement of their latest adventure now behind them, our heroes, Tristan and Hillary, are back on the road. Their next destination: Azalea Town, site of Tristan's second Gym battle. But for now, they're walking through a nice forest.

"How are you doing, sis?" asked Tristan as he and Hillary walked along.

"I'm doing fine," replied Hillary. "How about you?"

"I'm okay," answered Tristan. "How about you, Pikachu?"

Pikachu gave a calm reply, as did Togepi.

Tristan thought about his latest meeting with Lugia, took out his special case, and opened it, revealing the Silver Wing. "I still can't believe that that little Lugia grew up to be big and strong in just two days. I mean, all I did was protect it from Team Rocket and gave it a little love and compassion. And this Silver Wing seems to possess extraordinary powers. But wherever Lugia is, I'm sure it'll be safe now."

Hillary seemed to agree. "And now we can use the Silver Wing to call it here whenever we need to."

Tristan closed the case and put it back in his backpack. "I'll have to be very careful with it. I don't want to think about what happens if it gets into the wrong hands."

"You won't lose it," Hillary assured him.

Presently, they saw a little house ahead.

"I wonder who lives here?" said Tristan.

"Let's go see," agreed Hillary.

They walked to the house and knocked on the door.

There was no response.

Tristan slowly turned the doorknob and the door opened, much to his and Hillary's surprise.

"Who would leave a house unlocked?" asked Hillary as she and Tristan slowly walked in.

Tristan then noticed a note on the table and began to read. "To my brothers and sisters: We take pride in serving Pokémon Trainers. If you see them, please be sure to give them a useful item. I love you and miss you. Love, Monica."

"It sounds like Monica's a very kind person, whoever she is," remarked Hillary. "She treats her brothers and sisters like family, maybe even closer than that."

Tristan agreed. He knew what it was like to have loving brothers, just like Hillary did.

"Maybe we should go try and meet up with Monica," suggested Hillary. "If the house is unlocked, I'm sure Monica couldn't have traveled too far."

"Good idea," replied Tristan. "Let's go." And he and Hillary took the note with them and gently closed the door.

Meanwhile, a pretty girl with braided brown hair and wearing a dress was walking in the woods, carrying sacks of groceries as she went. "What nice weather!" she said to herself. Suddenly, she heard some rustling through the bushes. "I wonder what that could be?" She went to the bushes to investigate.

But when she peered through the bushes, she saw a Beedrill in there.

(Music Cue: Let's Run! (as heard in "Tracey Gets Bugged"))

It gave her such a fright that she screamed in horror and ran from the bush as fast as her legs would carry her, dropping her groceries as she went.

The Beedrill flew out of the bush and flew after her

The girl panted as she ran, but she tripped on a loose rock and fell to the ground.

The Beedrill closed in on the girl and got ready to attack using its conical stingers.

Fortunately at that moment, Tristan's Pikachu arrived on the scene and leaped into action, wasting no time giving the Beedrill swarm a Thunderbolt attack.

The Beedrill, feeling the painful shock, decided that they had had enough, and soon, they all beat a hasty retreat.

Tristan and Hillary arrived a moment later and helped the girl back onto her feet.

"Are you okay?" asked Tristan.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you," answered the girl. "I never expected to find a Beedrill swarm in the bushes back there."

"What caused this to happen, miss?" asked Hillary.

"I was carrying my groceries home when I heard some rustling in those bushes I mentioned," explained the girl. "But the Beedrill appeared and chased me, scaring me half to death."

"Boy, it's a good thing we heard you," said Tristan. "I'd hate to think what would've happened if we arrived even a second later."

"Well, you don't have to think about it now," replied the girl. "I don't know how to thank you for saving my life."

"Aw, don't mention it," smiled Hillary. "My name's Hillary, and this is my brother, Tristan."

"Hi," added Tristan as he and Pikachu introduced themselves to the girl.

"My name's Monica," replied the girl. "It's nice to meet you."

Tristan was surprised. "You're Monica?! Then you must be the person who wrote the note to your brothers and sisters, right?"

Monica nodded. "I'm one of seven siblings who loves his or her favorite day of the week. I'm the oldest, and my favorite day is Monday."

"Why do you like Mondays so much?" asked Hillary.

"Because in my world, a brand new week means brand new things," explained Monica. "New possibilities, new things to do, and of course, today is no exception, because I met two brand new Trainers who just saved my life."

Presently, storm clouds could be seen coming in the sky.

"Uh-oh," said Hillary. "Looks like it's gonna rain."

"Oh, dear," said Monica nervously. "Where did I put my groceries?" She frantically looked around.

"Did you drop them somewhere?" asked Tristan.

"Yes, I remember dropping them when I was chased by the Beedrill," answered Monica. "But I don't know where they are now."

"Well, if we follow the path back to the bush, I'm sure we can locate them," said Hillary. "Come on, let's go get them before it starts raining." And she led the others down the path.

But unfortunately, somebody else had gotten to Monica's groceries, and it looked all too familiar thanks to its familiar buzzing.

"That's just great!" said Hillary. "That Beedrill has already taken half of Monica's groceries! Give them back, you!" And she quickly approached the Beedrill.

"Hillary, wait!" cried Tristan.

But it was too late, for just as Hillary was about to take the sack back, Beedrill turned around in anger and got ready to attack her with its conical stingers in retaliation.

To make things even worse, it was joined by many others.

(Music Cue: Lugia Appears (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))

"Hillary, look out!" cried Monica. "Those things are sharp!"

Hillary gasped in shock as she held Togepi tightly in her arms and the Beedrill flew closer and closer.

But little did she and her friends know that Togepi began to wave its arms back and forth, in a rhythmic motion.

Tristan, Pikachu, and Monica rushed over to Hillary in a desperate attempt to save her.

But just as they reached her, Togepi's arms glowed white, and soon, they all disappeared just as the swarm was about to strike them.

(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle)

Back at Monica's house, Tristan and his friends magically appeared inside the living room. They had no idea how they got there.

"What happened?" asked Monica. "The last thing I knew, we were outside, trying to save Hillary from the Beedrill."

"Boy, we sure cut that one close, didn't we?" said Tristan. He saw Hillary still shaking while still holding Togepi tightly in her arms, and quickly rushed over to her. "Hillary, are you okay?"

"Yeah, but that was a close one. At least Togepi didn't get hurt."

"And you didn't either," replied Tristan. "I've never seen those Beedrill act so territorial before."

"I'm afraid the Beedrill will only keep getting more territorial at this time of the year," said Monica. "This is the time of year that Beedrill lay their eggs so that their babies will hatch undisturbed."

Just then, they heard a big rumble of thunder from outside, followed by big drops of rain.

"Well, I guess we won't be going anywhere for awhile," said Tristan.

"At least we'll be safe from the Beedrill," said Monica. "Maybe I can cook something for you all. Besides, it'll be a great way to pass the time."

"Yeah, and we can even come up with a plan to avoid the Beedrill, too," agreed Hillary.

"Great, then I'll get started on the food," said Monica.

"I'll help, too," added Tristan as he walked with Monica to her kitchen.

Hillary and Togepi were left alone, but they didn't mind that at all.

Hillary was confused because she didn't know why she and her friends were suddenly transported back to Monica's house and out of harm's way. She never suspected Togepi knew any attacks yet, but she said nothing.

(Music Cue: Golden Silver)

Some time later, as the rain continued to fall outside, Tristan and his friends sat down at the dining room table to have lunch.

"You're a very good chef, Tristan," remarked Monica. "Where did you learn to help cook things?"

"I learned that from a good friend of mine named Brock," answered Tristan. "When Hillary and I traveled through the Viridian Forest, Brock showed me how to make some wonderful meals, including those for Pokémon."

"And not only that, Tristan picked up on that very quickly," added Hillary.

Monica couldn't help but chuckle. "So, I understand that you're working hard to gain entry into the Johto League, right, Tristan?"

"That's right," answered Tristan. "I already have one badge from the Violet City Gym. Falkner was a super tough opponent."

"You got that right," agreed Hillary.

Pikachu and Togepi agreed as they happily chowed down.

"So what inspired you to serve Pokémon Trainers, Monica?" asked Tristan.

"Well, I was first inspired by seeing another Pokémon battle between two other Trainers," explained Monica. "So I managed to get my brothers and sisters together, and we agreed that we should be at seven different locations through the Johto region to help Pokémon Trainers. We wanted to see if they had what it took to find all of us. And since all of us were named after the seven days of the week, we thought it would make things more exciting if we gave Trainers items on certain days."

"Interesting story, Monica," said Hillary. "You must love helping Trainers just as your love your brothers and sisters."

Monica nodded.

"Now, we just have to figure out how to avoid the Beedrill," said Monica.

"I have a Cyndaquil," said Hillary. "It can use its Flamethrower attack on those Beedrill if they decided to attack us."

"Good thinking, Hillary," smiled Monica. "Cyndaquil's Fire-type characteristics will come in very handy against Bug-types like Beedrill. I can help you get past them, too, so you can continue on to Azalea Town."

"That's very nice of you, Monica," replied Hillary.

I sure wish Charizard was with us, thought Tristan. It could help Cyndaquil take care of the Beedrill.

Presently, just outside, the clouds cleared up and the sun started shining again.

"Hey, look!" said Hillary. "It stopped raining! Now we can put our plan into action!"

"That's great," smiled Monica. "But what do you say we finish our lunch first?"

"I like that idea," replied Tristan.

And so, they kept on eating their lunch. All the while, they got even more inspired to get past the Beedrill and continue on the road.

A short time later, Monica led Tristan and his friends through the forest.

(Music Cue: A Creeping Threat)

"Let's spray some of this on," advised Monica as she dug out a bottle out of her bag. "This is Repel. It should be able to keep those Beedrill away from us. And if it doesn't, we proceed to plan 'B.'" And she sprayed it all over her arms and legs.

Tristan and Hillary each took turns spraying themselves with the Repel next.

Soon, everyone was covered.

"Now we can focus on getting past the Beedrill nest without disturbing them," said Hillary.

"Yes, but we'll have to do it quietly," said Monica.

Tristan and the others walked through the forest as quietly as they could.

Presently, they came to a familiar bush. It was the same bush that the Beedrill swarm was seen nesting in.

"We're approaching the Beedrill's nest," said Monica. "Try not to make a sound."

"Whatever you do, Hillary," whispered Tristan, "don't sneeze or even breathe."

"Don't breathe?!" exclaimed Hillary quietly. "I'd be going nuts if I didn't do that!"

They started to quietly make their way past the nest.

But unfortunately, Hillary accidentally stepped on a stick, crushing it and causing it to make a sound, startling her.

"Shhh!" whispered Tristan and Monica.

They all kept very still, hardly moving a muscle, waiting to see what would happen.

Tense seconds passed by, but nothing happened.

"Phew!" whispered Tristan. "That was close. At least we didn't disturb the Beedrill."

(Music Cue: Raid!)

Unfortunately, Tristan was wrong, for at that moment, the Beedrill swarm came out from behind the bush and got ready to attack.

"I think you've spoken too soon, Tristan!" exclaimed Monica. "Run for it!"

And they all turned tail and ran away from the bush as fast as their legs would carry them.

But the Beedrill swarm flew after them.

"This wouldn't be happening if you hadn't stepped on that stick, Hillary!" accused Tristan.

"But it wasn't my fault that that stupid stick decided to get under foot!" replied Hillary.

"Argue later, run now!" ordered Monica.

The Beedrill continued to chase after them.

"Those Beedrill just won't quit!" said Tristan. "I wish they'd just leave us alone already."

"It's not like we meant to disturb them," added Hillary. "We left their nest, so why are they chasing us like this?"

"Remember that this is the time of year that the Beedrill lay their eggs, so they'll attack anyone who comes even remotely close to their nest," explained Monica. "And they won't stop until...something like this happens!"

Sure enough they found themselves against a tall cliff.

"We're trapped like Rattata!" gasped Hillary.

"Now there's no place left to run!" grunted Tristan.

But then, Hillary suddenly remembered. "Wait a second! We're not helpless! We're Pokémon Trainers, right? Why are we running away from the Beedrill?"

"You're right, Hillary," replied Tristan. "There's no reason to lose hope. We have no choice. We can't back down now."

And they both turned around and got ready to face the approaching swarm.

"Get ready, Beedrill, because you're going down!" said Hillary, who was full of determination.

"What she said!" agreed Tristan.

"What are you two doing?!" gasped Monica.

(Music Cue: Gym 1997-1998 (as heard in "Fit to be Tide"))

"Cyndaquil, I choose you!" shouted Hillary as she threw a Poké Ball.

Cyndaquil emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball.

"Ready, pal?" asked Tristan to Pikachu.

Pikachu nodded and leaped in front of him as it prepared for battle.

"Cyndaquil, use your Flamethrower!" commanded Hillary.

Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and shot a stream of fire from its mouth at one of the Beedrill.

However, that Beedrill dodged and flew over Cyndaquil and headed straight for Tristan and Hillary.

"Guys, look out!" cried Monica.

Fortunately, Pikachu quickly aimed a Thunderbolt attack at that Beedrill, scoring a direct hit on it and scaring it away.

"Thanks, Pikachu," said Hillary. Then she turned to Tristan. "Let's team up and attack them together."

Tristan agreed.

"Cyndaquil, hit 'em with your Flamethrower!" shouted Hillary.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" ordered Tristan.

Pikachu and Cyndaquil leaped into action.

Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity at the Beedrill swarm while Cyndaquil shot another powerful stream of fire from its mouth at them.

Both attacks combined and scored a direct hit on all the Beedrill at once.

For them, it was too much to take, facing two powerful attacks at once, so the turned tail and beat a hasty retreat back to their nest.

"Hooray!" cried Hillary.

"Good job!" commended Tristan. "That took care of them!"

Pikachu and Cyndaquil each gave each other a high-five to celebrate their victory.

"I must admit, that was really impressive," smiled Monica. "You two showed great teamwork, like a brother and sister should. It almost makes me want to become a Trainer and battle myself. I should tell my brothers and sisters about this."

Tristan and Hillary smiled. They knew that Monica was right.

(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)

The next morning, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi said their goodbyes to Monica.

"Those Beedrill may be territorial, but I have a feeling that they'll steer clear of you two," smiled Monica. "Especially now that they experienced that double attack."

"Thanks, Monica," replied Hillary. "It's nice of you to say that."

"And now, I have something to give the both of you." And Monica took out two special Poké Balls: A Fast Ball and a Friend Ball.

"I like the looks of that Friend Ball," said Hillary. "I think I'll take this one."

"Then I'll take the Fast Ball that's left," added Tristan.

And they both accepted Monica's gifts. "Thank you so much."

"It's my pleasure," replied Monica. "I had been instructed by Kurt in Azalea Town to give these to you, since I figured you were on your way to Azalea Town. But if you really want to see how these special Poké Balls are made, go see him in person."

"We'll do that," said Hillary.

"We were planning to go there for my Gym Battle anyway," added Tristan.

"Then it works out perfectly," smiled Monica. "Now see if you can find all of my brothers and sisters. They're located all over the Johto region. I've told them that they will be meeting you sometime in the future."

"We will! Thank you!" called Tristan and Hillary as they waved to Monica.

Pikachu and Togepi waved goodbye, also.

"Bye, guys!" called Monica. "Be careful! Good luck on the rest of your journey!"

Our heroes continue to touch the lives of people and Pokémon alike. Now, having met their new friend Monica, and after experiencing a territorial group of Beedrill, our heroes continue their journey to Azalea Town.

► TO BE CONTINUED