AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 28 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey in the Johto region. I decided to base this chapter from the episode "Going Apricorn," but there are differences here, so don't worry. Anyway, feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary spend the day picking Apricorns with Kurt's granddaughter, Maizie. But picking them is no easy task with a few obstacles, including Beedrill, Diglett, and the explosive Pineco!

Chapter 28: THE APRICORN QUEST

(Music Cue: Pokémon Center M77B 1997-1998)

Today, our heroes are up bright and early as they prepare for a brand new day in Azalea Town. They plan to go with Kurt's granddaughter, Maizie, to collect some Apricorns.

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu stretched their legs as they walked out of the cafeteria and into the lobby in the Pokémon Center the next morning.

"That was a good breakfast," said Hillary.

"You said it, Hillary," agreed Tristan. "And now we'll have plenty of energy to collect all the Apricorns we need."

"And after we do, we'll be able to get them to Kurt so he can make some Poké Balls," added Hillary.

"Now we just have to wait for Maizie to show up," said Tristan. "Then we'll have a great time collecting those Apricorns."

Pikachu and Togepi agreed.

Presently, Maizie entered into the Pokémon Center. "Good morning, guys. Hi, Pikachu."

"Good morning, Maizie," said Tristan and Hillary together.

"Well, are you ready to go?" asked Maizie.

"You bet we are," answered Hillary.

"This is gonna be fun," agreed Tristan.

Maizie grinned. She knew that Tristan and Hillary were excited. "Okay, let's get going." And she led them out of the Pokémon Center.

A few moments later, Tristan, Hillary, and Maizie arrived at Kurt's house.

Maizie opened the door. "I'm back, Grandpa!" she called.

"And I see you've brought company," smiled Kurt.

"Good morning, Kurt," said Tristan and Hillary together.

"Good morning, kids," replied Kurt. "Sleep well?"

Tristan and Hillary nodded.

"Hey, Tristan, why don't we give Professor Oak a call?" suggested Hillary.

"Great idea," replied Tristan.

Kurt seemed to agree. "That sounds like a good plan. Professor Oak and I have been friends for a long time. I've been meaning to give him a call one of these days anyway."

(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears!)

"Ah, so you're in Azalea Town, eh?" smiled Professor Oak on the video phone. "I was wondering when you'd get there. So how's that Lugia doing?"

"It's doing much better, Professor," answered Tristan. "It even grew up to be big and strong in just two days' time! And I even got a Silver Wing!"

"Fascinating!" said Professor Oak. "That's something that I've never witnessed before. What wonderful news! I'm so pleased to hear that your Lugia friend is doing well."

Just then, Kurt came up to the video phone. "Hello, Samuel! It's been awhile."

"Ah, Kurt, my old friend," smiled Professor Oak. "I was wondering when you'd finally call."

"I've been kind of busy with other things, including trying to study the G.S. Ball," explained Kurt. "Of course, Team Rocket interfering at the Slowpoke Well didn't help much. Luckily, Tristan and Hillary came at the right time to drive them out of town."

"Well, if you come up with anything new with the G.S. Ball, please let me know," said Professor Oak. He then turned his attention back to Tristan and Hillary. "As you've probably heard, kids, Kurt is an expert craftsman who makes custom Poké Balls from Apricorns. Just take a look outside."

Sure enough there were fruits that looked like Poké Balls on the tree just outside Kurt's window.

"These fruits are native to the Johto region," explained Professor Oak. Seven different kinds of Apricorns grow on the trees there. Maizie, Kurt's granddaughter, should be able to help you pick the ones that are ready to be picked."

"Don't worry, Professor Oak," smiled Maizie. "You can count on me."

"Well, I wish you two success on your Apricorn quest," said Professor Oak. "Now go out there and pick as many Apricorns as you need."

"Yes, Professor Oak," replied Tristan and Hillary together.

Pikachu and Togepi nodded in agreement as the video screen turned off.

"Well, I suppose I should get to work now," said Kurt. "If you find Apricorns for me, I'll be sure to make them into Poké Balls for you."

"We're ready, Kurt," said Tristan and Hillary together.

A few hours later, Maizie led Tristan and Hillary to the mountains near Azalea Town. "There are seven different colored Apricorn trees all over Azalea Town. You've seen the White Apricorn Tree, but we'll get there last. The other colors are Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Black Apricorns, which are used for making different kinds of Poké Balls." She then pointed to another tree. "This tree has Apricorns, too."

Music Cue: Today's Johto Pokémon Curiosity (as heard at the beginning of "Charizard's Burning Ambitions"))

Sure enough, that tree had Apricorns, but the fruits were pink instead of white.

"That's just like the tree outside Kurt's house," said Hillary.

Maizie nodded. "This tree has Pink Apricorns. These ones are used for making Love Balls. They work well on Pokémon that have the opposite gender as yours."

"I just love picking them!" said Tristan as he ran to the tree. "This should be easy!"

But Maizie stopped him. "Before you pick some, I should give you some pointers first."

"I knew this was too easy," muttered Tristan.

"You should never pick an Apricorn that isn't ripe yet, nor should you pick too many at once," explained Maizie. "Doing so will damage the trees, and there will be no Apricorns left to grow on it."

"Good advice, Maizie," replied Hillary. "We'll remember that."

"Are these Apricorns ready, Maizie?" asked Tristan.

"Don't worry," smiled Maizie. "These Apricorns are perfectly ripe. And they're hard, which means they're ready to be picked. But try and pick only one for yourself."

Tristan and Hillary carefully picked a Pink Apricorn for themselves.

Tristan took a close look at his. Then he felt it. It felt very hard. "So this is what an Apricorn looks and feels like," he said.

"I never thought a Poké Ball could come from this piece of fruit," remarked Hillary.

"Come on, guys, I want to show you some more Apricorns!" said Maizie. And she led Tristan and Hillary further into the mountains.

Maizie led Tristan and Hillary to another tree. "This tree has Yellow Apricorns, which are used to make Moon Balls."

"And what Pokémon do they work best for, Maizie?" asked Hillary.

"These balls work on Pokémon that can evolve by use of the Moon Stone."

"Like Clefairy?" asked Tristan.

Maizie nodded. "The left side of the tree has Apricorns that aren't quite ripe yet, but the right side should be ready, so please go ahead and pick one each."

"Thanks, Maizie," said Tristan as he and Hillary came to the right side of the tree and picked a Yellow Apricorn. But just as they were about to put their Apricorns inside their backpacks, a blue-green Pokémon resembling a pinecone appeared as it hung from the tree.

"Guys, look out!" cried Maizie.

But it was too late, for the Pokémon lit up in a blue aura, and...

BOOM!

When the smoke cleared, Tristan and Hillary were left mostly unhurt, but were left stunned by what the Pokémon had just done to them.

Maizie gasped and quickly rushed over to them. "Are you guys okay?"

"Just a little shaken," answered Tristan. "And a little well-done."

"What was that thing?" asked Hillary.

"That was a Pineco," explained Maizie. "I should've warned you about that one."

Tristan took out his Pokédex and looked up Pineco's entry.

"Pineco, the Bagworm Pokémon. Appears calm as it hangs sedately from tree branches, but it will Self-Destruct at the slightest provocation."

"That sounds a little scary to me," said Tristan nervously. "It's like a grenade."

"Oh, darn! I just did my hair!" complained Hillary. "And the day was going so well, too."

"Don't worry, Hillary," said Maizie. "There's a spring over there where you and Tristan can wash up."

(Music Cue: Golden Silver)

At the stream, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu and Togepi were busily washing themselves.

Tristan and Hillary put on another set of clothes like the ones they had and washed their other set in the stream, ridding them of all the soot from Pineco's Self-Destruct. Then they hung that set to dry.

"I'm really sorry about not telling you about the Pineco earlier," said Maizie.

"Don't worry about it, Maizie," replied Tristan. "We've been picking Apricorns, and we're having a blast."

Hillary grimaced at Tristan's joke. "That was bad, Tristan."

"Besides, I think it was trying to tell us to take a break anyway," added Tristan.

"You know, that's not a bad idea," said Maizie. "Let's have some lunch while we wait for your clothes to dry." Presently, she noticed a nearby picnic table. "We can sit over there."

Tristan took out the Pokémon food and bowls out of his backpack. "Hillary, could you help me set the food out, please?"

"I'm at your service," smiled Hillary as she took the bowls and Pokémon food from Tristan and set them out near the table.

Next, Tristan took out some fresh sandwiches out of his backpack and put them on the table.

"Wow, Tristan, these look good," said Maizie.

"I had Nurse Joy help me with them this morning while we were at the Pokémon Center," explained Tristan. "She figured that I would be picking Apricorns with you, so she decided to help out with the sandwich makings."

"I wonder if Grandma had anything to do with the sandwiches," said Hillary.

"All right, guys, it's lunch time!" said Tristan as he took out his Poké Balls and tossed them in the air.

"You heard him, guys! It's time to eat!" added Hillary as she tossed hers in the air.

Tristan's Venusaur, Blastoise, Chikorita, and Cyndaquil, as well as Hillary's Squirtle, Cyndaquil, Sentret, Eevee, and Lapras emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

Pikachu and Togepi happily joined them for lunch.

"That's a great collection of Pokémon you guys put together," smiled Maizie.

"Thanks, Maizie," replied Hillary. She turned to the Pokémon. "Okay, guys, dig in."

And the Pokémon happily started eating their meal.

Presently, Tristan's Cyndaquil came over to Hillary's Cyndaquil and they happily greeted each other and ate together.

"Hey, look, sis," said Tristan. "It looks like our Cyndaquil are good friends already."

"You're right, Tristan," said Hillary. "Those two must have a lot in common being Fire-types, let alone Cyndaquil."

"This lunch should give us some more energy to pick more Apricorns," said Maizie.

"Right," agreed Tristan. "And as soon as lunch is over, we'll do just that. Maizie, are there any more obstacles that you're aware of we should watch out for?"

"I know there was a Beedrill nest near the Green Apricorn Tree when Ash, Brock, and Misty were here," replied Maizie. "But I think those Beedrill may have moved on."

"I assume that's our next stop, right?" asked Hillary.

Maizie nodded. "You've got Pokémon that'll scare them away, so we shouldn't worry."

"Yeah, Beedrill or no Beedrill, I say we collect some more Apricorns after lunch!" said Tristan excitedly. And he, Hillary, and Maizie started eating their sandwiches.

After Tristan and Hillary cleaned up the picnic table and gathered their clean clothes, they once again set off with Maizie to collect more Apricorns.

"I wonder what kind of Apricorns we'll see next," said Hillary.

"Who knows?" replied Tristan.

"I do!" said Maizie excitedly. "Right over there!" And she pointed to some Apricorn Trees in a nearby grove. "These trees have Green Apricorns. They're used for making Friend Balls. They work well on Pokémon, and they become more friendly to you."

"Like the one I have?" asked Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball.

"That's right," said Maizie. "These Green Apricorns are ripe, and should be ready."

Tristan put away his Friend Ball and he and Hillary got to the tree to pick the Green Apricorns.

(Music Cue: Let's Run! (as heard in "Volcanic Panic"))

But suddenly, a swarm of bipedal wasp Pokémon buzzed toward them and immediately flew after them.

"Wild Beedrill! Run for it!" cried Tristan. And he and the others ran as fast as their legs would carry them.

"I thought you said those Beedrill moved on, Maizie!" yelled Hillary.

"I said 'may have,' not 'did!'"

"Less arguing, more running!" shouted Tristan.

They ran so fast that they didn't see a ledge, and they fell right over it.

The Beedrill, losing track of Tristan and his friends, flew on without attacking them.

Tristan and his friends lay in a heap, but fortunately, they didn't fall too far, so they were mostly unhurt.

"Wow, that was close," said Tristan as he and Pikachu managed to pick themselves up. He then helped Hillary and Maizie back onto their feet. "Are you guys okay?"

"We're fine," said Hillary.

"Yeah, now that the Beedrill are gone, we can pick those Green Apricorns," added Maizie.

Tristan and Hillary picked one Green Apricorn each and quickly ran over to Maizie.

"Let's go and find some more Apricorns before the Beedrill return," advised Maizie. And she quickly led Tristan and Hillary away from the grove.

A few moments later, they came to another tree.

"These are Red Apricorns, which are used for making Level Balls," explained Maizie. "These ones are ready, so you can pick some if you want."

"All right, let's go!" said Tristan as he and Hillary made their way to the Red Apricorn Tree.

(Music Cue: Mysterious Person)

But suddenly, brown Pokémon with beady eyes and large, round, pink noses popped out of the ground in front of their feet, causing them to stop in their tracks.

"Those are Diglett!" said Hillary as she took out her Pokédex and scanned them.

"Diglett, the Mole Pokémon. Diglett love to create underground tunnel systems."

"That's an understatement," remarked Tristan.

"Hmm, look like there's more information in here," said Hillary as she continued to scan Diglett with her Pokédex.

"Its head pops out exactly eight inches above the ground, though its actual size remains a mystery to this day."

"Those Diglett watch over the Apricorn Trees here in the mountains," explained Maizie. "That's because if the trees get hurt, the forest'll be ruined, and if the forest gets ruined, the mountains do too, and if the mountains get ruined, then none of the Pokémon around here will have a place to live."

"So I guess the Apricorn Trees and the Pokémon rely on each other, right?" said Hillary.

"That's right," replied Maizie. "Like symbiosis."

"Symbi-what?" said Tristan. "Is that like a new Pokémon?"

"No, silly," chuckled Hillary. "That means the Pokémon and the Apricorn Trees live in cooperation and harmony."

"Those Diglett know that you two aren't here to hurt the trees," said Maizie. "So go ahead and pick those Apricorns. They should be ripe enough and ready."

Tristan and Hillary carefully made their way to the Red Apricorn Tree, although it wasn't very easy to get there without stepping on the Diglett. But soon, they got their Apricorns and carefully made their way back to Maizie.

"I thought those Diglett were going to turn themselves into stepping stones, but I'm glad they're all right," said Tristan.

"You said it," agreed Hillary.

"Come on, let's go and gather some more Apricorns," said Maizie as she led Tristan and Hillary away from the tree.

A few moments later, they arrived at another grove of Apricorn Trees.

"Those trees in this grove are full of Blue Apricorns," explained Maizie. "These are used to make Lure Balls, which are the best to use to capture Water Pokémon. These should be ready to be picked."

Tristan and Hillary each picked one Blue Apricorn and put it in their backpacks.

Presently, Tristan saw another tree in the distance. "Is that an Apricorn Tree, too?"

"Yes, it is," answered Maizie. "And you found it before I saw it."

"But the Apricorns are in that tree are black," said Hillary.

"That's because those Black Apricorns are used to make Heavy Balls," explained Maizie. "They've grown to be very big."

"Those balls must be used to catch heavy Pokémon like Snorlax, right?" asked Tristan.

"Yup, you're right again," smiled Maizie. "You're getting to be just as smart as I am."

"Well, I don't know half as much about Apricorns as you do, Maizie," said Tristan. "But I have been known to be a quick study."

"Then it's also fair to know that these Apricorns are ready to be picked, too," said Maizie.

"For real?" said Hillary excitedly. "This must be our lucky day!" And she ran with Tristan to the tree.

(Music Cue: Desperate Situation 1997-1998 (as heard in "Two Hits and a Miss"))

But unfortunately, more Pineco made their appearance as they hung from the branches.

"Whoops!" said Hillary. "I spoke too soon."

"More Pineco," said Tristan. "Just great."

"But what would they be doing in a tree like this one?" asked Hillary. "Do you think they're protecting it just like the Beedrill and the Diglett protecting the other Apricorn Trees?"

"I doubt it," replied Maizie. "But then again, these Pineco have a way of protecting any and every Apricorn Tree from any intruder who tries to get close to it."

"And they'll probably self-destruct if any sudden moves are made," added Hillary.

"Well, we can't battle with them," said Tristan. "It'll only hurt the Apricorn Trees."

"Actually, that's exactly what we may have to do," replied Maizie. "Sure we may lose a few Apricorns, but it's better than losing an entire tree. And once the Pineco are defeated, they won't Self-Destruct anymore."

"You're right," said Tristan. "There's no choice." He took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Chikorita, Tackle attack that tree!"

(Music Cue: OK! Orchestra and Guitar (as heard in "Hook, Line, and Stinker'))

Chikorita emerged from the white light that shot out of it and tackled the tree full-body style, knocking the Pineco out of the tree, and saving the Apricorns.

The Pineco were starting to get upset, and began to glow in a blue aura.

"Hurry, Tristan!" cried Hillary. "You've gotta calm them down before they all explode!"

"Okay, Chikorita, calm them down with your Sweet Scent!" ordered Tristan.

Chikorita released a cloud of pink powder from the leaf on its head.

The powder enveloped Pineco, and an instant later, they all stopped glowing, and they became calm once more.

"Great job, Chikorita," commended Tristan.

Chikorita smiled and nodded.

"Boy, that sure was a close call," said Maizie. "Good thing those Pineco are down out of the tree now. So now we should be able to get those Black Apricorns without any more problems."

"Let's see what we can do about that," said Tristan as he and Hillary tried to make their way to the Apricorn Trees.

But just then, Hillary's right foot accidentally stepped on one of the Pineco, causing it to become even more upset, and it glowed in a blue aura.

"Yikes!" cried Hillary. "Me and my big feet!"

"Guys, quick, get away!" yelled Maizie.

But it was too late, for all the Pineco started lighting up and...

BOOM!

All the Pineco Self-Destructed all over Hillary, Tristan, Pikachu, and Chikorita.

When the smoke cleared, Tristan and Hillary and the Pokémon were left very stunned and confused and looked well-done just like last time.

"Oh, no!" groaned Maizie. "You're all dirty again!"

"Just my luck," grumbled Hillary. "My hair's been ruined twice in one day."

"I told you those Pineco were like grenades," said Tristan.

Just then, two Black Apricorns dropped out of the tree from the result of the blasts, bounced on Tristan's head, and neatly landed in the hands of both Tristan and Hillary.

"Well, it looks like you got what you two came for," smiled Maizie. "But let's see about getting home after we get washed up again."

(Music Cue: To Be Continued)

That evening, Maizie took Tristan and Hillary back to Kurt's house.

"I can't believe we had to wash up twice in one day," grumbled Hillary.

"Grandma would be very proud," added Tristan.

"As my grandpa would say, it builds character," smiled Maizie. "But more importantly, we saved the best tree for last." And she pointed to the White Apricorn Tree just outside the house.

"It's the White Apricorn Tree," said Tristan. "These must be used for making...what kind of Poké Ball?"

"Fast Balls," answered Maizie. "They're good for catching fast Pokémon. Go ahead and pick one each."

And Tristan and Hillary did just that.

"All right, we have all the Apricorns we need," said Hillary. "Now we can bring them to Kurt so he can make us these Apricorn Poké Balls."

"Now you're talking," smiled Tristan.

Inside the house, Kurt heard them coming in as he busied himself with his work making more Poké Balls.

"We're back, Grandpa!" called Maizie.

"Ah, welcome back," replied Kurt. "Did you find the Apricorns?"

"Yes, we did," answered Hillary.

And she and Tristan took out their collection of Apricorns they picked.

"Well, I must say, I'll have a field day with these," smiled Kurt. "And I'll be sure to make these Poké Balls the finest yet."

"Now that that's done, let's go earn my next badge!" said Tristan. "Are you ready, Pikachu?"

Pikachu eagerly nodded as it followed him out of the house.

"Guys, wait up!" called Hillary. Then she turned to Kurt and Maizie. "I guess we'll be back for the Apricorn Poké Balls later." And she hurried after Tristan and Pikachu.

Kurt and Maizie turned to each other.

"Let's wait here for them," said Kurt. "We'll need a Fast Ball to catch those guys."

"You said it, Grandpa," chuckled Maizie.

After an explosive adventure, Tristan and Hillary managed to get the Apricorns they wanted thanks in no small part to Kurt's granddaughter, Maizie. And after that little adventure, Tristan is ready to earn his second Johto League badge.

► TO BE CONTINUED