AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 27 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue to explore the Johto region. I'm basing this chapter on my experiences at the Slowpoke Well in the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games, and when Team Rocket steals Slowpoke Tails for a profit. However, I will also be adding Proton, one of the four Team Rocket Executives in the HeartGold and SoulSilver version games. The story about the drought Kurt tells here will sound similar to how he tells it in the anime. Please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary finally arrive in Azalea Town, but Kurt gets injured while chasing Team Rocket. Now it's up to the two young Trainers to run Team Rocket out of town and save the Slowpoke!

Chapter 27: THE CASE OF THE SLOWPOKE TAILS

(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the beginning of "Once in a Blue Moon"))

After catching a Cyndaquil in the forest, Tristan and Hillary have finally arrived in Azalea Town, where Tristan hopes to earn his second Gym badge so he can be one step closer to entering the Johto League. But they don't know that a tale of many tails is about to begin.

Tristan and Hillary walked across the bridge as they entered Azalea Town. It was the middle of the day, and they were itching for a break.

"I sure could use a Pokémon Center right about now," said Hillary.

"Me, too," agreed Tristan. "But at least we made it."

Presently, they saw a well and a cave.

"I wonder what this place is," said Tristan.

"Let's see," said Hillary.

(Music Cue: Goofball Alert (as heard in "Tricks of the Trade"))

However, a smartly dressed man stopped them. "Halt! It's unsafe to go in there! Aren't I a good Samaritan?" And he laughed profusely.

"He's just lucky he hasn't died laughing," fumed Hillary.

"Forget about him," said Tristan. "Let's go and find the Gym."

Pikachu and Togepi agreed that that was a good idea.

But as they walked toward the Azalea Town Gym, they saw that another smartly dressed man was blocking the entrance to the Gym.

Tristan lost patience as he and Hillary approached. "Excuse me, I need to get past you! I have a Gym battle here, and I have a right to challenge the Gym Leader!"

"I guess we can't challenge the Gym, either," said Hillary.

"No," replied the man. "I can't allow you to challenge the Gym, either. But I can offer you something else instead."

Tristan became suspicious. "What did you have in mind?"

"I have just the deal for you," smiled the man. And he took out a fried tail with a white tip at the end. "How would you like a nice, juicy, and delicious Slowpoke Tail? It'll cost you a million dollars. What do you say?"

Tristan's mouth started watering at first. "That looks yummy."

But Hillary quickly knocked him back to his senses. "You must be crazy!" she exclaimed to the man. "We can't accept that! Come on, Tristan, let's get out of here!" And she dragged him by the arm. "Offering Slowpoke Tails as food? Gross!"

The man became slightly irritated. "Fine! Then starve! See if I care!"

A few moments later, Tristan and Hillary came to an old-fashioned house.

"I wonder if this is where Kurt lives," said Tristan.

"Maybe," replied Hillary. "Let's find out." And she rang the bell.

An elderly man with long, white hair opened the door. "Ah, welcome to Azalea Town. Who are you?"

"My name's Tristan, and this is Pikachu," said Tristan.

"And my name's Hillary," added Hillary.

Pikachu and Togepi greeted the man warmly.

"My name's Kurt, the Poké Ball expert," said Kurt.

"Nurse Joy in Violet City told us a lot about you, and how you make Poké Balls from Apricorns," explained Tristan.

"Ah, it's nice to hear that she's doing well," smiled Kurt. "But enough of that. Please come in." And he led them inside the house and introduced them to a little girl with mahogany hair tied up in two pigtails. "This is my granddaughter, Maizie." Then he introduced Maizie to Tristan and Hillary.

"Hi, guys," said Maizie.

"It's nice to meet you, Maizie," said Hillary.

Tristan agreed.

Maizie saw Pikachu on Tristan's shoulder. "Oh, what a cute little Pikachu! May I hold it?"

"Sure, Maizie, as long as you're gentle," replied Tristan.

Maizie gently picked up Pikachu and held it in her arms. "You're so cute."

Pikachu smiled. It took a liking to Maizie instantly.

"Did you know that Slowpoke are popular in this town?" asked Kurt.

Tristan and Hillary shook their heads.

"I'll explain why they're so popular," said Kurt as he told the story.

(Music Cue: Messenger)

"A long time ago...almost 400 years to be exact, there was a drought in Azalea Town. Day after day, week after week, the sun beat down without a drop of rain. Soon, all the fields started drying up and the crops started dying. The situation seemed hopeless.

"Then one day, out of nowhere, a Slowpoke appeared. The people looked up and the Slowpoke gave a great big yawn."

"Sloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!"

"And as soon as that Slowpoke yawned, the skies clouded over and the heavens opened up. The crops came back to life, the town was saved, and the people rejoiced.

"Ever since that day, the townspeople have treated all the Slowpoke here with honor and great respect," explained Kurt.

"That explains why they're so popular here," said Tristan. But then he noticed that Maizie was concerned about something. "Is something the matter, Maizie?"

"As a matter of fact, there is," answered Maizie. "All the town's Slowpoke have mysteriously disappeared. I don't know what happened to them."

Tristan and Hillary gasped in surprise.

"How can that be?" asked Hillary.

"For some unknown reason, the Slowpoke have been disappearing one by one without a trace," explained Kurt. "By the way, have you heard of the evil organization called Team Rocket?"

Tristan and Hillary were shocked. That name sounded familiar to them.

"We've heard of them," said Hillary.

"Yeah, we've battled them many times before in the past," added Tristan. "They've always been up to no good."

"Well, it seems like they're starting to make a comeback here in the Johto region, and they're starting here in Azalea Town," explained Kurt. "Team Rocket, as you know, is an evil gang that uses Pokémon for their evil purposes, and I've just received word that they're at the Slowpoke Well, cutting off Slowpoke Tails for sale to use as food!"

"The Slowpoke Well?" gasped Tristan. "But that's where we saw that well and the cave right?"

"And those men we saw!" added Hillary. "They must be part of Team Rocket, too! And that other guy was selling them for food!"

"That's correct," replied Kurt.

Tristan got upset. "I can't believe that those two tried to trick us!"

"I'm going over there to give those troublemakers a lesson in pain!" said Kurt. "Hold on, Slowpoke! Old Kurt is on his way!"

(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "A Farfetch'd Tale"))

And before anyone could stop him, Kurt dashed out of the house straight toward the Slowpoke Well.

"Grandpa, wait!" cried Maizie. "You shouldn't be going out there!"

But it was too late, for Kurt had already disappeared out of the house and out of sight.

"I'm so worried about Grandpa," said Maizie. "His back has been bothering him lately, and he doesn't get around as well as he used to. I'm just afraid he's gonna hurt himself even more."

"Don't worry, Maizie," said Tristan. "Hillary and I will go to the Slowpoke Well and help him out, right?"

"Right, Tristan, let's hurry!" agreed Hillary as she and Tristan both raced out of the house after Kurt.

"Good luck," said Maizie to herself.

Meanwhile, Kurt was running through the streets of Azalea Town in the hopes of reaching the Slowpoke Well. I have to save the Slowpoke, he thought. There's no telling what those Team Rocket guys could've done to them. And he raced on. Presently, he saw the smartly dressed man at the entrance to the Slowpoke Well. "Hey, you, man in black!" he shouted.

The smartly dressed man was given such a fright that his suit fell off, and sure enough, a black uniform was revealed. It had a red letter "R" on it.

"So you're part of that Team Rocket I've heard so much about," said Kurt.

But the man started running away and into the well.

"You get back here, you coward!" shouted Kurt as he raced into the Slowpoke Well.

The Team Rocket Grunt had run deeper inside the damp cave, but unfortunately for him, he didn't see a huge step ahead of him. As a result, he tumbled down, down, down onto the cave floor, where he lay in a heap.

Kurt saw him roll on. "Serves you right for treating all the Slowpoke like dirt!" said Kurt. But unfortunately, he, too, didn't see the huge step, and he tumbled down to the cave floor, but not as far as the Rocket Grunt did, and landed on his back, injuring it in the process.

Tristan and Hillary heard the thumps just as they reached the entrance of the Slowpoke Well.

"I wonder if that was Kurt," said Tristan.

"Come on, we'd better check up on him," replied Hillary.

And they raced inside the cave as fast as they could. But when they got inside, they saw Kurt lying on the ground, injured. They quickly rushed over to him.

"Kurt, are you okay?" asked Hillary worriedly.

Tristan felt Kurt all over. "It feels like he's thrown his back out."

"Poor guy," said Hillary.

Kurt tried to get up.

"Please, Kurt, stay down!" implored Tristan. "You don't have the strength to chase them."

Kurt reluctantly agreed. "It appears I have no choice. You must go after them at once."

"But how can we do that?" asked Hillary.

"That guard took off running when I shouted at him," explained Kurt. "But I took a tumble and landed hard on my back. It's been bothering me occasionally ever since my last experience in the Slowpoke Well with three other people from Team Rocket a few months ago. But if I were more fit, I could take care of them myself. I need you two to show them how gutsy you are in my place."

"Don't worry, Kurt, we're on the job," said Tristan.

"Yeah, we'll show them that it's wrong to use those Slowpoke to make a quick buck," added Hillary. "Come on, Tristan, let's take care of them." And she and Tristan ran deeper into the cave.

"Good luck," said Kurt as he watched them go.

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi went deeper into the cave a few moments later. Presently, they came to a sign.

"I wonder what this sign says," said Hillary.

Tristan went closer to the sign so he could read it. "Welcome to the Slowpoke Well: Also known as 'Rainmaker's Rest.' According to local folklore, it is believed that the Slowpoke who come here have the power to bring rain in times of drought...by yawning."

"That's incredible!" gasped Hillary. "It's like in the story Kurt told us. But what does this have to do with all the Slowpoke Tails that Team Rocket is trying to sell?"

"That's a good question, Hillary," replied Tristan. "If only I knew what those guys were up to. Then maybe we can find out the answer to that question."

Just then, they heard a voice. "Rats! I was standing guard at the entrance when some old coot yelled at me and spoiled my plans. I took a huge tumble down here. And now, I think I'll take my anger out...on you two!"

Tristan and Hillary quickly turned around to see three Team Rocket Grunts coming toward them. Two of them were male while the other was female.

(Music Cue: Johto Rival's Theme)

"It's that guy we saw!" said Hillary. "Along with two others!"

"Yeah, I should've known it was Team Rocket!" added Tristan.

"Go, Rattata!" shouted the first Rocket Grunt as he threw two Poké Balls.

"Zubat and Rattata, go get them!" added the second and third Rocket Grunts as they threw theirs.

Two purple rat-like Pokémon with curvy tails emerged from the white lights that shot out of them, followed by two more purple ratlike Pokémon and blue bat-like Pokémon.

"Obviously, they don't know the meaning of playing fair," said Tristan.

"All right, kiddies, here's the deal," said the first Rocket Grunt. "If you want to advance further into the well to find our executive commander, then you're gonna have to beat all six of our Pokémon."

"You three are on!" replied Hillary. "Squirtle, Cyndaquil, Sentret, go!" She threw her three Poké Balls.

Her Squirtle, Cyndaquil, and Sentret emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

"Are you ready, pal?" asked Tristan to Pikachu.

Pikachu nodded and eagerly jumped in front of him, ready to battle with sparks sizzling from its cheeks.

"Chikorita, Cyndaquil, I choose you!" shouted Tristan as he threw his Friend Ball and Fast Ball, respectively.

His Chikorita and Cyndaquil emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

"Well, it's six-on-six," said Hillary. "That should even the score. Let's win fast, then we'll find their executive."

"Right," agreed Tristan.

"You two will change your tune once we defeat you," said the first Rocket Grunt. "Rattata, use Tackle attack!"

"Rattata, use your Tackle attacks, too!" commanded the second and third Rocket Grunts.

All four Rattata charged full-body style toward Tristan and Hillary's team.

"Sentret, Cyndaquil, Squirtle, fight back with your Tackle attacks!" instructed Hillary.

Sentret, Cyndaquil, and Squirtle all charged full-body style at three of the Rattata, scoring direct hits on them.

However, the fourth Rattata kept on charging ahead at Tristan and Hillary's lineup.

"Look out!" cried Hillary.

"You know what to do, Chikorita!" commanded Tristan.

Chikorita charged at the fourth Rattata and successfully sent it backward.

"Thanks, Tristan," said Hillary.

"Anytime, sis," replied Tristan.

"Zubat, use Leech Life!" ordered the second and third Rocket Grunts.

Both Zubat flew in for the attack as their fangs glowed brightly.

Tristan and Hillary looked at each other and commanded, "Cyndaquil, use double Flamethrower!"

Both Tristan and Hillary's Cyndaquil ignited the flames on their backs and shot powerful streams of fire at both Zubat, scoring direct hits in the process.

"Now that was smoking," remarked Hillary.

"Come on, you useless Pokémon, get up!" yelled the second and third Rocket Grunts.

Both Zubat struggled and got back into the air.

Then both the second and third Rocket Grunts angrily turned toward the first Grunt and shouted. "Don't just stand there, you moron! Help us!"

"Right," replied the first Rocket Grunt.

Then all three shouted, "ATTACK THEM TOGETHER!"

All six of the Rocket Grunts' Pokémon charged in for the attack.

However, Tristan was ready. "Okay, Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!"

Pikachu jumped and unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity at all six of the Rocket Grunts' Pokémon, scoring clean hits on them simultaneously.

"Aaah! Our Pokémon!" cried the Rocket Grunts

All six of the Rocket Grunts' Pokémon collapsed in a heap. They had been knocked out.

"ARRGH!" fumed the Rocket Grunts. "This is not our day!" And they returned their Pokémon to their Poké Balls. "Just wait till our executive hears about this!" And they ran deeper into the well to warn their executive commander.

"Come on, let's go after them, Tristan," said Hillary.

"Right," agreed Tristan.

Tristan and Hillary quickly returned all of their Pokémon back into their balls except for Pikachu and Togepi. Then they ran after the Rocket Grunts.

Meanwhile, deeper in the cave, another man in a Team Rocket uniform was waiting for any new information from his three Grunts. He had blue hair, and he was with two Slowpoke. Their tails had already been taken off.

The Slowpoke looked very sad.

"Oh, quit your bellyaching," said the man. "Your tails will grow back."

"Master Proton!" The voice of the three Rocket Grunts could be heard as they themselves into the room.

The man named Proton turned around to see them approaching him. "You fools! You were supposed to keep the intruders out!"

"Oh, yeah? Well, you're the one's who are intruding on the Slowpoke's home!" Hillary's voice could be heard as she, Tristan, and Pikachu came into the room.

"Oh, rats! Those kids!" snarled the three Rocket Grunts.

Proton saw Tristan and Hillary. "Well, what do we have here? Unwanted guests. Or should I say 'pests?'"

"And who are you?" demanded Tristan.

"He must be part of Team Rocket, too!" said Hillary disdainfully.

(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of "Good 'Quil Hunting"))

"You're so right, Missy," smirked Proton. "I am one of four Team Rocket Executives in the Johto region. My name's Proton. And your name's toast. My goal is to use these Slowpoke to cut their tails off, cook them, and then sell them...for a price."

"Oh, yeah? Well, we're gonna see to it that your plan ends here and now!" said Tristan defiantly.

"You senseless dolts!" snarled Proton. "How dare you talk to me that way! Now I'm gonna teach you both a lesson! Go, Zubat and Koffing!" He threw two Poké Balls.

A purple spherical Pokémon with holes along with a Zubat emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

"So that's how you want it?" said Hillary. "I choose Cyndaquil and Sentret!" And she threw her two Poké Balls.

Her Cyndaquil and Sentret emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

"Are you sure you're up to this?" asked Tristan.

"I've never been more sure than I am now," answered Hillary. "Those guys need to go, and I'll be sure to send them packing. Let's get him, guys!"

Cyndaquil and Sentret charged into battle.

"Koffing, Tackle attack. Zubat, use your Leech Life attack," instructed Proton.

Koffing and Zubat flew in and charged at Cyndaquil and Sentret.

"Sentret, use your Tackle!" ordered Hillary.

Sentret charged right at Koffing.

"Now switch!" said Proton.

Koffing and Zubat switched places, leaving Sentret confused about who to attack.

"Now, Zubat!" instructed Proton.

Zubat's fangs glowed brightly, and it bit down on Sentret hard.

"No, Sentret!" cried Hillary. "Cyndaquil, you've gotta help Sentret out, so use your Quick Attack!"

Cyndaquil shot forward with a white line trailing behind it.

"I don't think so, girly-girl," said Proton. "Koffing, Poison Gas!"

Koffing spewed dark green clouds of poisonous gas from the holes on its body.

The poisonous gas enveloped Cyndaquil, who struggled to breathe.

"Careful, sis," Tristan warned. "Koffing's Poison Gas attack will poison your Pokémon if it hits."

"Hang in there, Cyndaquil!" encouraged Hillary.

But Cyndaquil had already felt the effects of Koffing's Poison Gas, and soon, its face was all purple.

"Now, Supersonic attack!" commanded Proton.

Zubat let go of Sentret and unleashed small gray circles from its mouth at both it and Cyndaquil.

Cyndaquil and Sentret both had dazed expressions in their eyes.

"Cyndaqil! Sentret!" cried Hillary. "Are you okay?!"

Cyndaquil and Sentret started attacking themselves, and soon, they started attacking each other.

"Hey, guys! Snap out of it!" shouted Hillary.

"This must've been Proton's strategy all along," said Tristan. "He wanted Cyndaquil and Sentret to team up against each other so he'd have an easier time finishing them off. And Cyndaquil's poison problem isn't making things any better."

"Time for a double attack," said Proton. "Koffing, use Tackle attack! Zubat, use your Leech Life!"

Both Zubat and Koffing charged in for the attack, but this time, they charged straight toward Hillary, who gasped in fear.

"Hillary, watch out!" cried Tristan.

At that very moment, as Hillary braced herself, Cyndaquil and Sentret snapped out of their confusion and saw their Trainer in danger, so they charged at the two attacking Pokémon with white lines both trailing behind them, and knocked them out of the way just in time.

(Music Cue: Gym 1997-1998 (version 1 (as heard in "Snubbull Snobbery")))

"Impossible!" gasped Proton.

Tristan was surprised at Sentret's new strength. "Sentret must've learned a new attack. And that was Quick Attack!"

Hillary was touched by Cyndaquil and Sentret's bravery. "Cyndaquil, Sentret, thank you."

Cyndaquil and Sentret nodded.

Then Hillary glared at Proton. "You're gonna regret trying to attack me directly! All right, Cyndaquil, use Flame Wheel!"

Cyndaquil rolled into a fiery ball and quickly rolled toward Proton's two Pokémon, scoring direct hits on both of them.

"Aah! Zubat! Koffing!" cried Proton.

"Finish them off, Sentret!" shouted Hillary. "Quick Attack now!"

Sentret streaked toward the two defenseless Pokémon with a white line trailing behind it and scored a direct hit on them, sending them flying past Proton.

Zubat and Koffing crashed into the ground and were knocked out.

"Hmph!" grumbled Proton as he returned Zubat and Koffing to their Poké Balls. "You did okay, kid, but wait until next time! All right, we'll leave the Slowpoke alone, but I advise you to be very afraid of what's to come in the future." He turned to the three Rocket Grunts. "All right, let's move out!"

"Yes, sir!" replied the three Rocket Grunts as they and Proton ran out of the cave and out of sight.

"Well, we won't see them for awhile," said Tristan.

At that moment, Cyndaquil collapsed on the ground while still trying to endure the poison.

"Cyndaquil, hang in there, buddy!" gasped Hillary as she gently cradled Cyndaquil in her arms.

"Let's get Cyndaquil and Kurt out of here," suggested Tristan.

Hillary agreed. But as she spoke, a voice said, "Well, that was something to see."

(Music Cue: Ecruteak City)

"Kurt!" gasped Tristan and Hillary together. They were pleasantly surprised to see Kurt walking again.

"My back was feeling better, so I decided to check up," explained Kurt. "It looks like Team Rocket has taken off thanks to you two." He then saw the poisoned Cyndaquil. "Now let's see if we can get that little Cyndaquil taken care of first." And he took out a yellow spray bottle and sprayed it on Cyndaquil.

"That looks like one of the bottles I carry around," said Tristan.

Kurt nodded. "It's an Antidote, and it should rid Cyndaquil of the poison in its body."

Cyndaquil's purple coloring on its face disappeared in a matter of seconds, and in no time, it was back to its old self, much to Hillary's delight.

"Wow, this Antidote really worked!" said Hillary. "Thank you so much, Kurt!"

"Think nothing of it," replied Kurt. "You two are the ones that deserve all the thanks. It's because of you that Team Rocket has run out of Azalea Town. It was the least I could do."

"But what about the Slowpoke?" asked Tristan. "We can't just leave them like this."

"Not to worry," said Kurt. "The tails on these Slowpoke grow back rather quickly, so they'll be just fine."

"That's good to hear," said Hillary.

Presently, they saw the Slowpoke slowly walking out of the cave.

"I guess the Slowpoke have decided to come back to Azalea Town, huh?" said Tristan.

Kurt nodded. "What do you say we follow the Slowpoke out of here?"

And they did.

The townsfolk were relieved to see the Slowpoke uninjured, but they were surprised at not seeing the tails on them; however, Kurt explained it to the townsfolk, and they soon understood.

Later at the Azalea Town Pokémon Center, Tristan and Hillary were talking with Maizie on the video phone.

"Grandpa's feeling much better now," said Maizie. "He says he'll be much more careful from now on, especially since he has Apricorn Poké Balls to make for Trainers who give the Apricorns to him."

"That's great, Maizie," replied Hillary.

"We were just glad that we could help," added Tristan.

"How would you like to go Apricorn picking tomorrow?" asked Maizie. "I can give you some tips on how to do it."

"We'd like that, Maizie," answered Hillary. She turned to Tristan. "Want to, Tristan?"

"Sure, it's okay with me," replied Tristan. "It'll give me some time to figure out what the Gym Leader's Pokémon are like. And I can plan a strategy."

"Sounds like a plan," said Maizie. "I'll see you in the morning!"

The video screen turned off.

"I can't wait to get those Apricorns," said Tristan.

"Me, too," agreed Hillary. "Let's go eat, guys!"

"Yeah!" said Tristan excitedly.

Pikachu and Togepi eagerly agreed.

And together, they all went into the Pokémon Center's cafeteria for dinner.

Thanks to our heroes, Team Rocket's on the run once again. Now they can look forward to picking Apricorns with Maizie, and after that, it'll be time for Tristan's second Johto League Gym match.

► TO BE CONTINUED