AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 25 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. You may remember Union Cave from the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games as well as the fact that you can catch a Lapras on Fridays, so I've decided to interpret that into this chapter.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary go through the mysterious Union Cave and find a Lapras that's been fatigued, but it develops a high fever, and Hillary has made it her duty to come to its rescue.
Chapter 25: UNION CAVE
(Music Cue: The Caves of Mount Moon)
It's already been a few short days since our heroes left Violet City, but today, they've arrived at the mysterious Union Cave: one of the many places on the way to Azalea Town.
Tristan and Hillary were checking their Pokégears as night began to fall.
"Are you sure we went the right way, Tristan?" asked Hillary. "We should've been in Azalea Town by now."
"It looks like we went the right way," replied Tristan. "But according to the Pokégear's map, we have to cross Union Cave in order to get to Azalea Town."
"Are you sure we can't just go back through some of the other towns or something?" asked Hillary.
"We've made it this far, right?" said Tristan. "I say we go through Union Cave. That way we'll know for sure we're going the right way. Once we get through it, we'll be close to Azalea Town."
Hillary didn't seem so sure. "I sure wish we had a guidebook or something."
"Me, too," agreed Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to agree with their Trainers.
Presently, they noticed the sun setting over the horizon.
"I don't think walking inside a cave is a good idea for us," said Hillary nervously. "It'll be too dark for us to see."
Tristan could see that Hillary was right.
"Why don't we set up camp for the night?" suggested Hillary. "Then we can begin our journey tomorrow."
Tristan was about to agree when he spotted a building with a letter P in the distance. "I think I may have found us something that's even better than setting up camp. Just take a look over there."
"Wow, a Pokémon Center!" said Hillary excitedly. "Now we can sleep in comfy beds instead of camping out, not that I mind camping out. This'll make things better."
"We can also ask Nurse Joy the best way to get through Union Cave," added Tristan.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" said Hillary as she raced ahead to the Pokémon Center.
Tristan and Pikachu happily followed.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center," smiled Nurse Joy. "You two are out late."
"Well, we thought we'd stay here tonight before we go through Union Cave so we can get to Azalea Town," explained Tristan.
"That's a good plan," smiled Nurse Joy.
"Have you known about Union Cave, Nurse Joy?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, yes," answered Nurse Joy. "It's a simple cave with many pools of water. But there are many levels, all of which are easily accessible. And sometimes, a Lapras has been seen there."
"A Lapras?" gasped Hillary.
"That's the Pokémon that loves to ferry people across the sea on its back!" added Tristan.
Nurse Joy nodded. "But for some reason, this Lapras has never been able to find a human it can be friends with. It's quite shy, but it doesn't seem hostile, either. I don't know how long it'll be able to stay in that cave with no humans to help it out."
"All right, then I'll be the first to do it," said Hillary.
"Are you sure you're up to that?" asked Tristan.
"That Lapras needs a human as a friend," answered Hillary. "So, first thing tomorrow morning, we'll go inside Union Cave and I'll find that Lapras."
"That's the spirit, sis!" said Tristan excitedly. "You've convinced me. All right, we'd better get some sleep then."
Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi agreed.
(Music Cue: Route 29 (as heard in "Forest Grumps"))
The next morning, Tristan and Hillary were enjoying a nice breakfast with their Pokémon.
Pikachu happily shared its food with Chikorita and Togepi while Venusaur and Blastoise took turns sharing theirs.
Hillary's Squirtle, Eevee, Cyndaquil, and Sentret were all happily eating their food together.
"The quicker we finish our breakfast, the quicker we can get inside Union Cave and find some Pokémon," said Hillary. "Maybe we can even find that Lapras that Nurse Joy was talking about last night." And she picked up the pace as she ate her meal.
"Whoa, take it easy, Hillary," said Tristan. "Nobody's gonna take your breakfast away from you."
But Hillary didn't listen. She just kept eating.
Tristan couldn't help but chuckle. I guess there's no stopping her, he thought. Once the girl makes up her mind, there's no way to change it. She must get that from me sometimes. "You know, I think you may be right about going inside Union Cave," he said aloud. "It'll help us go one step closer to Azalea Town."
"Great!" said Hillary. "Then let's finish up and get going!"
"Right," agreed Tristan. "But let's make sure that our Pokémon enjoy their meal, too."
As he spoke, all the Pokémon were happily chowing down on their food without a care in the world.
"I can never forget about that," laughed Hillary.
Moments later, Tristan and Hillary left the Pokémon Center and stood at the entrance to Union Cave.
"Well, this is it, sis," said Tristan. "Are you up for the challenge?"
"You bet," answered Hillary.
"Good, then let's go in," said Tristan as he and Hillary entered the cave.
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
Inside, water could be heard dripping.
Tristan and Hillary stepped cautiously through.
"There are several routes through this place," said Tristan. "There must be a hundred different directions we could go."
"Well, if the currents go our way, as they say, we'll be able to find our way out," said Hillary. "But if we can find that Lapras, that would really make me happy."
Presently, they heard an echo of a tired and somewhat painful cry of a Pokémon.
"Hey, listen!" said Tristan.
Then the cry was heard again.
"I wonder what that is."
"I don't know," replied Hillary. "Whatever it is doesn't sound too happy."
The echo of that very same cry came again.
"I don't think it sounds too healthy, either," said Tristan.
"Let's check it out," said Hillary. And she dashed posthaste to the sound of the cry.
Tristan and Pikachu quickly followed.
Presently, they came to another room with a pool in it.
"I wonder what could be in there," said Hillary.
"Let's take a closer look," suggested Tristan.
And they slowly walked to the edge of the pool. But what they saw next surprised them.
At the water's edge, there was a Pokémon that resembled a plesiosaur. Its hide was blue while its underside was cream-colored. It had four flippers and a heavy gray shell.
"It's that Lapras that Nurse Joy was talking about," whispered Hillary.
"You're right," replied Tristan.
Sure enough, it was that very Lapras, and it sounded weak.
"I wonder what's wrong with it," said Hillary.
Lapras kept moaning in some sort of discomfort.
Tristan came to Lapras and felt it all over. A moment later, he said, "Lapras doesn't appear too badly injured, but I don't think it's sick. I know it's definitely not feeling well. It might just be experiencing a little fatigue."
"Fatigue? What's that supposed to mean?"
(Music Cue: Bill's Lighthouse)
"It means that Lapras may be just tired or it maybe has a lack of energy," explained Tristan. "Maybe Lapras is just lonely, and it doesn't have any human friends to play with."
"Or maybe Lapras is hungry," suggested Hillary. "Hey, Tristan, may I share some Pokémon food with it?"
"I don't see why not," replied Tristan. He opened up his backpack and took out a bag of homemade Pokémon food. Then he gave it to Hillary.
Hillary opened the bag and took out a few pieces. "Hey, Lapras, try this. It's homemade Pokémon food, and it's really good."
But Lapras didn't feel like eating, much to Hillary's disappointment.
"I guess Lapras isn't hungry, either," said Hillary.
"It's probably another effect of fatigue," replied Tristan. "I can understand why, though. When I was sick on the Orange Islands, I didn't feel like eating anything either, remember?"
"How could I forget that?"
"I think I have another idea," said Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball. "Come on out, Chikorita."
The Friend Ball opened and Chikorita emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"How's Chikorita gonna help us?" asked Hillary.
"Just watch," replied Tristan. "Chikorita, please fill this room with Sweet Scent."
Chikorita emitted a sweet smelling pink powder from the leaf on its head.
Lapras started to relax as it took deep breaths from Sweet Scent. Then it closed its eyes
"It's working, Tristan," said Hillary. "Chikorita's Sweet Scent seems to be helping Lapras get better."
Tristan nodded. "The fragrance of Sweet Scent should allow it to recover after a little bit of rest. Then, once Lapras wakes up, be sure to give it some Pokémon food."
"Right."
But just then, the sounds of wings flapping and rocky hopping could be heard from the distance.
"Something tells me we're not alone," said Tristan nervously.
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle)
And Tristan was all too right, for the next thing he knew, several blue bat-like Pokémon with no eyes made their appearance followed by lots of gray boulder-like Pokémon with arms, and they didn't appear too friendly.
"Those are wild Zubat and Geodude!" gasped Hillary.
"They must've been attracted to Chikorita's Sweet Scent," said Tristan.
Unfortunately, one of the Geodude chose that moment to charge full-body style right into Chikorita, much to its surprise, causing it to hit the ground.
"Chikorita!" gasped Tristan.
"That was a Tackle attack!" exclaimed Hillary.
Fortunately, Chikorita managed to get back on its feet.
"We're just gonna have to battle them," said Tristan. "Are you ready, Pikachu?"
Pikachu nodded as it prepared for battle.
"Hold on a second," advised Hillary. "This is a damp cave, and an Electric attack could shock Lapras, too."
Tristan could see that Hillary was right.
"But I think Squirtle can help," said Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.
Her Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"We can't let those Pokémon anywhere near Lapras," said Hillary.
Tristan nodded in agreement. "All right, Chikorita, get ready to battle."
Chikorita nodded in agreement as the wild Pokémon got closer.
"Squirtle, use your Water Gun on the Zubat!" commanded Hillary.
"Chikorita use your Razor Leaf against the Geodude!" ordered Tristan.
Squirtle shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the Zubat while Chikorita fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at the Geodude.
Both attacks scored direct hits, but both groups of wild Pokémon didn't seem to give up.
"Let's attack together," suggested Tristan. "Chikorita, use your Razor Leaf attack one more time!"
"Squirtle, assist Chikorita with your Water Gun!" instructed Hillary.
Once again, Chikorita fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves while Squirtle fired another blast of water from its mouth, but this time both attacks combined, and scored a direct hit on both the Zubat and Geodude.
The combined attacks were too much for them to take, and soon they beat a hasty retreat.
"Phew!" said Hillary. "They're gone."
"Boy, that was a close one," agreed Tristan. "I never realized that Chikorita's Sweet Scent could attract wild Pokémon like that."
"Well, maybe we ought to be more careful next time," suggested Hillary.
Tristan agreed with her. "Now where were we?"
"We were taking care of Lapras," answered Hillary.
"That's right," said Tristan. The excitement of battling wild Pokémon made him forget about that for a minute. "Hey, sis, why don't you and Chikorita stay and help take care of Lapras while Pikachu and I look for a way out?"
"But you can't wander in a cave all by yourself," protested Hillary.
"Don't worry," Tristan assured her. "We'll be fine. You said you wanted to be the first to be friends with Lapras. And besides, we have our Pokégears, right? One of us can call if and when anything happens."
"Okay," replied Hillary. "Just be careful."
"We will," said Tristan as he and Pikachu left Hillary, Togepi, and Chikorita behind to help take care of Lapras.
(Music Cue: Unhinged)
Lapras was still relaxing thanks to the lingering effects of Chikorita's Sweet Scent.
"That's good," whispered Hillary. "It seems as if Lapras is already getting better." And she took deep breaths and relaxed. "Boy, this Sweet Scent really works. I wonder if Grandma has this in one of her perfumes."
Meanwhile, deeper in the cave, Tristan and Pikachu were exploring, looking for a way to the other side.
"There has to be some way out," said Tristan as he looked around. "Usually, when caves have two entrances, there has to be one on each side. But where is the other one?"
Presently, they saw light at the end of the tunnel.
"That must be the way out," said Tristan. "I can't wait to tell Hillary." But just before he took his Pokégear out, he stopped. "Then again, maybe she should spend a little more time with that Lapras. Who knows? Maybe it likes her."
Pikachu seemed to agree.
Suddenly, Tristan got an idea. "I know! Let's put up some markers. That way, in case we get lost, they can help us find our back to where we started. Come on, Pikachu, let's go."
Pikachu eagerly followed.
And Tristan took out some red and green glow-in-the-dark arrows out of his backpack: red for the way out and green for the path they explored. First he used his red markers to point the way back to where Hillary and Lapras were. Then he went back to the exit of the cave and started to explore. "It's a good thing Grandma loved collecting these when she was a young Trainer," he said to himself.
Presently, his Pokégear rang.
Tristan quickly answered it. "This is Tristan."
"Tristan, it's Hillary!" Her voice sounded panicky.
"What's going on?"
"Lapras just developed a high fever!"
"How did that happen?"
"Well, I'm not sure exactly," replied Hillary. "It came on so suddenly. It might have something to do with the fatigue Lapras has been experiencing."
"All right, listen carefully and stay calm. Do everything you can to help keep Lapras comfortable and stay right where you are. I'll be right there," said Tristan as he hung up on the Pokégear. "Come on, Pikachu, we have to hurry!" And he and Pikachu dashed to Hillary's location posthaste using the green arrows that he left at various points.
(Music Cue: The Enigma)
Meanwhile, Hillary had just felt Lapras' forehead. It was hot to the touch.
"Don't worry, Lapras," Hillary assured it. "Nothing's gonna happen to you."
Lapras moaned weakly.
"I know what to do." And Hillary took out her canteen, which was full of water and opened it. "Here, Lapras, try drinking some of this cold water."
Lapras managed to take a few sips out of Hillary's canteen.
The water tasted different to it, but it helped bring the fever down slightly.
"That's good," said Hillary. "It seems like Lapras is already getting better after that fever. But we still need to figure out a way to keep it down." And she took out a plastic bag out of her backpack and turned to Squirtle. "Squirtle, I need you to use your Water Gun to fill this bag."
Squirtle nodded and aimed its Water Gun at the inside of the bag. Slowly the water filled the bag more and more.
"All right, good," said Hillary.
Squirtle stopped its attack as Hillary sealed the bag.
I wish I had some ice handy, thought Hillary. Maybe I'd better call Nurse Joy for more help. And she took out her Pokégear and called the Pokémon Center just outside Union Cave.
"Hello, Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy speaking."
Hillary sighed with relief. "Yes, this is Hillary. I'm in Union Cave, and there's a Lapras that has a high fever. I gave it some water from my canteen."
"Do you have an ice pack?"
"No, I don't," answered Hillary. "But Tristan's Blastoise should be able to help me make one as soon as he gets here."
"Okay, just keep doing what you can to help keep Lapras comfortable. Have it hang on a little bit longer, and I'll be right over," said Nurse Joy.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy." And Hillary pushed the button on her Pokégear and hung up.
Presently, Tristan and Pikachu arrived. "Hillary, how's Lapras?"
"Not good," answered Hillary. "But I gave it some water, and that seemed to help. However, I don't have any ice on hand to make an ice pack."
"Don't worry, leave that to me," said Tristan as he took out Blastoise's Poké Ball.
It opened and Blastoise emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Hillary quickly gave the bag to him.
"Let me see," said Tristan as he opened the bag and examined it. "Good, just what we needed." He turned to his Blastoise. "Blastoise I need a gentle Ice Beam. Use it to freeze the water in the bag."
Blastoise nodded and unleashed a gentle cold beam of energy at the water in the bag.
"Perfect, Blastoise, thanks," said Tristan as he sealed the bag. Then he put the bag in Hillary's hands.
"Wow, that's cold."
(Music Cue: A Future Hope)
"I think you should be the one to put this ice pack on," said Tristan.
"But...I..." Hillary began.
"Remember? You were the one who wanted to be friends with that Lapras."
Hillary understood what Tristan said. "Right. Thanks, Tristan. I needed that." And she took the bag, reached out, and gently put it on Lapras' forehead.
Lapras seemed to feel more comfortable and cooed. It then put its head out to Hillary and showed its affection, much to her delight.
"I think Lapras really likes you, Hillary," smiled Tristan.
Hillary gently put her hands on Lapras' face, and they embraced. "Lapras have been known to be friendly to humans. And this proves it."
Just then, Nurse Joy arrived. "I'm here now."
Tristan and Pikachu were surprised. "Nurse Joy?"
"How's Lapras?" Then she looked at Hillary and Lapras as they continued to embrace one another. She toned her voice down and was truly touched. "That's sweet. I think those two have hit it off. I'll give it these medicine tablets in a little bit, but I think those two need a little quality time together." She then turned to Tristan. "Hillary called me and told me what happened, and she did what she could. And you seemed to have helped."
"Well, thanks, Nurse Joy, but I didn't do all that much," replied Tristan.
He then thought about his own Lapras back at Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town and remembered all the wonderful times they shared together. He could never forget the time that it was having so much fun splashing in the water that he, Hillary, and Pikachu ended up soaking wet. But he also remembered all the nice rides it gave him, and was looking forward to many more as long as he was a Trainer.
He missed his friend very much and wondered how it was doing. But he remembered that Professor Oak promised to take good care of it in his absence.
That evening, Nurse Joy gave Lapras the medicine tablets, and soon, its fever began to go down.
Hillary then gave Lapras some homemade Pokémon food, which she had taken out earlier.
This time, Lapras happily accepted it, much to everyone's delight.
"That's great," said Hillary. "It looks like you got your appetite back."
"Thanks to you," replied Tristan as he put his hand on Hillary's shoulder.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"Lapras should be fine after a good night's rest," said Nurse Joy. "I think I'll head back to the Pokémon Center now. But I wouldn't be surprised if Lapras wanted to go with you after all you did to help it." And she walked away.
"Now that's what I call high praise from a nurse," remarked Tristan.
But Hillary said nothing. She just kept being there for Lapras as it showed her its affection.
"I think we should stay with Lapras tonight until we're sure it's back to full strength," suggested Hillary.
"Great idea," replied Tristan. "The only problem is how are we able to sleep inside a cave like this?"
"You forget that we've slept in the caves of Mount Moon before," said Hillary.
Tristan smiled. "You're right. Let's get some sleep."
And they got out their sleeping bags and tucked themselves in.
Tristan and Hillary had returned most of their Pokémon back to their Poké Balls earlier in the day.
However, Lapras had already fallen asleep.
(Music Cue: Ecruteak City)
The next morning, as Tristan and Hillary roused from their sleep, Lapras woke up feeling much better. It watched over Hillary and her Togepi, making sure that they was safe in their sleep.
Hillary woke up to see Lapras carefully watching over her. "Hey, Lapras, good morning."
Lapras cooed happily as it embraced her.
Tristan and Pikachu woke up soon after.
"Looks like Lapras wanted to protect you after you helped it, sis," remarked Tristan.
"Oh, good morning, Tristan, yes, it does," replied Hillary.
A few moments later, Tristan and Hillary packed their sleeping bags and were soon ready to start again.
"Well, I guess it's time to move on," said Tristan.
"We're glad you're feeling better, Lapras," said Hillary. "See you again someday."
But as they turned to leave, Lapras cried out, begging them not to go.
"What's the matter, Lapras?" asked Hillary.
Tristan somehow knew what Lapras was saying. "I think Lapras wants to come along with you."
"With me?"
"You were the one who promised to be Lapras' friend, and you kept that promise," reminded Tristan. "Plus, you were the one who helped it feel a lot better when it was sick."
Hillary walked closer to Lapras. "Is Tristan right? Do you want to come with me?"
Lapras nodded. It was excited to be with Hillary.
Hillary was so happy to hear the news, so she took out a Poké Ball and caught Lapras with it. Then she held the Poké Ball close to her. "Welcome to the team, Lapras. I'm so glad you decided to be with us."
Tristan and Pikachu proudly watched the heartwarming moment.
"Did you put these markers out here, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
"I did," answered Tristan. "While Pikachu and I were exploring yesterday, we thought about putting them at various points to guide us out of here. I couldn't bear to pull you away from Lapras when it wasn't feeling well."
"Thanks, Tristan," said Hillary. "That's sweet."
Presently, they saw light at the end of the tunnel. They walked toward it, and sure enough, they found themselves outside on the other side of Union Cave. They took a deep breath of fresh air as the sun rose in the sky.
"Now we're one step closer to our goal," said Tristan. "Let's go."
"Yeah," agreed Hillary as she and Tristan set off on the road.
Having kept a promise to help an ailing Lapras and being its friend, Hillary has now added this friendly Pokémon to the family. Now, our heroes can pick up where they left off on their journey toward Azalea Town and Tristan's second Gym battle.
► TO BE CONTINUED