AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 31 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. Attila and Hun continue to cause trouble in this chapter. But Kurt and Maizie don't, fortunately. I decided to base the Silver Wing on Bakura's Millennium Ring from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime. The Millenium Ring, as you recall can point to other Millenium Items, and I've decided to add that particular power to the Silver Wing, but it can detect legendary Pokémon that are nearby. Don't worry, the Silver Wing won't be possessed. What will happen in this chapter? You'll find out if you just read it! This is so exciting I can't stand the suspense!
TEASER: Attila and Hun continue to cause trouble as they make one more attempt to capture Celebi. But little do they know that Tristan's Silver Wing will lead him and his friends right to Celebi. Will they save the Time Travel Pokémon from the villains' grasp?
Chapter 31: SAVING CELEBI
(Music Cue: Movie Title 2000 (as heard in the Japanese version of "The Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei"))
Last time, after picking Apricorns, our heroes stopped by Kurt's house to deliver them so that he could make more Poké Balls. But suddenly, the mysterious G.S. Ball began to glow and wiggle violently.
Kurt suggested to take it to the Ilex Forest Shrine, which was made in honor of the forest's protector. So after contacting Professor Oak about the discovery, he, Maizie, and our heroes ventured out into the forest.
While there, Silver appeared, and Tristan challenged him to a battle.
Tristan and Pikachu made quick work of Silver and his three Pokémon, and together, he and his friends arrived at the Ilex Forest Shrine.
Tristan neatly placed the glowing G.S. Ball in the shrine, and as he did, it began to glow even stronger. To everyone's surprise, the legendary Celebi emerged from the ball.
But almost immediately, Attila and Hun from Team Rocket showed up and proceeded to capture Celebi. Pikachu battled hard, but was injured by Skarmory's attack, and now, Tristan braces himself for what may appear to be his last battle!
(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Skarmory was still flying towards Tristan at full speed as red flames surrounded it.
"Quick, Tristan, get out of the way!" exclaimed Hillary.
"If he doesn't do something fast, he's done!" added Kurt.
Tristan stayed where he was as he continued to protect Pikachu and Celebi from Skarmory's attack, but as he did, his Silver Wing around his neck glowed brightly.
Everyone else shielded their eyes from the light when suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in the sky at blinding speed, flew right in front of Tristan, spread its great wings, and glowed in a green aura, forming a protective barrier and shielding him from the attack.
Skarmory, however, wasn't so lucky, as the force of the shield created a cloud of dust to form, causing it to be sent flying backward.
"What?!" growled Attila.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Ash Appears)
When the smoke cleared, everyone saw a silvery white bird flying in midair in front of Tristan as it surrounded itself in a protective barrier.
Tristan smiled with delight. He knew who it was that had just saved his life.
"It's Lugia!" cried Hillary excitedly.
"Whoa, no way!" gasped Maizie.
"The legendary Pokémon that's revered as the Guardian of the Sea," added Kurt. "It saved Tristan just in time."
"Great!" growled Attila. "That big bird showed up."
"And it doesn't seem too friendly to us, either," added Hun.
"Lugia, stop them! They're after Celebi!" shouted Tristan.
Lugia stopped its barrier and angrily turned toward Attila's Skarmory. Then it opened its mouth and shot a powerful blue beam, scoring a direct hit on it and sent it flying right into Attila and Hun.
"That's Lugia's Aeroblast attack!" gasped Hillary.
"What power!" added Kurt. "I've never seen an attack this strong before."
"Come on, we've gotta get outta here!" advised Tristan. He then quickly took the G.S. Ball from the shrine so that nobody would steal it.
Lugia lowered its neck as Tristan, Hillary, Maizie, and Kurt scrambled on.
Then together, they quickly took off into the air and flew right above the thick trees of the Ilex Forest.
"Grr!" growled Attila. "They got away!"
"Relax, Attila," reminded Hun. "Getting that Celebi back to full strength may work to our advantage. And that kid'll be back soon enough."
A few moments later, Tristan, Hillary, and their friends arrived at the Pokémon Center back in Azalea Town.
Pikachu and Celebi were rushed into the emergency room, although Pikachu's injuries weren't as serious.
(Music Cue: Legend of the Forest)
Tristan stood at the window as he watched the operation.
Hillary, Maizie, and Kurt all watched from a distance.
"Poor Tristan," said Maizie. "Why would someone attack him like that?"
"Apparently, he was protecting a rare Pokémon from harm," explained Kurt. "But what puzzles me is why a Lugia would come to his rescue at a time like this."
Tristan overheard the conversation and slowly came over to them. "It could be because of this." And he held his Silver Wing in his hands.
"The Silver Wing? Why would that help?" asked Hillary. "Oh, I remember! Lugia must have sensed that you were in danger!"
"What do you mean?" Tristan was confused.
"Of course!" said Hillary. "Don't you get it, Tristan? Ever since you and that Lugia first met, you two have shared a really strong bond. So once the Silver Wing glowed, it must have guided Lugia right to you!"
Tristan was flabbergasted. He couldn't believe that having the Silver Wing in his possession would ultimately help him in the end. "Of course, I didn't do anything. Lugia's the real hero."
"That's not quite true," reminded Kurt. "You protected that Celebi after it was attacked. And you escaped harm."
"Only because Lugia came and saved me."
"Oh, lighten up," said Hillary. "You've gotta stop doubting yourself. You're one of the bravest people I've ever known. You taught me about being brave, even in the face of danger. Remember, you were the one who saved Celebi in the first place by catching it after it took a direct hit from Skarmory's Sky Attack. So keep your chin up! Lugia would say the exact same thing if it was in my place."
Tristan could see that Hillary was right. He could see that Lugia wasn't the only hero...he was, too, especially now that he remember that he went out of the way to save Celebi the way he did. And he had caught Pikachu when it took a direct hit from Skarmory's Sky Attack. "Thanks, sis. I needed that." He then turned around to see Lugia seeing through the window in the bushes just out of sight. He was a little surprised. Lugia must have heard everything, he thought.
Sure enough, Lugia laid low outside as it listened to the conversation Tristan and Hillary had. Hillary wasn't the only one who was taught about being brave, it said to itself. You taught me to stay strong and never give up even when the odds were against you.
Presently, Tristan heard the recovery signal ring. He rushed over to Nurse Joy as she came out of the emergency room with Pikachu. "Nurse Joy, how are Pikachu and Celebi?"
"Pikachu's just fine," answered Nurse Joy. "It didn't suffer any serious injuries, so I was able to treat it quickly."
Pikachu hopped into Tristan's arms. "You look so much better, pal."
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Celebi will be fine, too," continued Nurse Joy, "but it will need to stay here overnight."
"Well, that's good news, isn't it, Tristan?" smiled Hillary.
Tristan nodded. He was glad to hear that Celebi would be back to full strength soon.
"I wish we could stay and help you take care of Celebi, Tristan," said Kurt. "But I have Apricorn Poké Balls to make." Then he yawned loudly.
"Actually, Grandpa," replied Maizie, "you need to catch up on your sleep. Remember, you made 14 Apricorn Poké Balls last night."
"I guess you're right, Maizie," laughed Kurt. "Hopefully, we'll see you kids tomorrow. Oh, I should think about contacting Professor Oak and follow up with him on the incredible secret about the G.S. Ball we uncovered today." And he and Maizie walked out.
"Bye, Kurt! Bye, Maizie!" called Tristan and Hillary as they left.
Hillary turned to Tristan. "We should check up on Lugia. It's probably wondering where you are."
Tristan agreed as he, Pikachu, and Hillary ran out of the Pokémon Center to meet it.
Lugia was waiting for them. How is Celebi?
"It'll be fine," answered Tristan. "It just needs to stay overnight." He then remembered. "I should thank you, Lugia, for saving my life. If it hadn't been for that Silver Wing, I would've been finished. You came just in time." And he embraced Lugia. "Oh, Lugia, I'm sorry I had to call you here. Please forgive me."
Don't worry about it, replied Lugia. You and Pikachu are safe, and that's all that matters to me right now. I told you I'd protect you when you needed it. When I sensed the light from the Silver Wing, I instantly knew where you were.
"The Silver Wing also glowed because of the Ilex Forest Shrine," added Hillary. "Did it have something to do with Celebi?"
It just might, replied Lugia. But we'll have to see if it works with other legendary Pokémon.
It was then that Tristan made his decision. "I want to keep an eye on Celebi."
Hillary was surprised. "But Tristan, how can you? You saw Celebi's reaction when you tried to meet it."
"I won't give up that easily," replied Tristan. "I'll let Celebi know that it can trust me. Remember, I helped calm Lugia down when it was in distress."
That's true, agreed Lugia. It seemed to understand what Tristan had to do. All right, then. If you feel that strongly, then go for it. You taught me that, pal. And I'll be right here should you need me.
"So will I," added Hillary. "And I'll play with Lugia in the meantime."
"Thanks, guys," said Tristan. "I only wish I could play with Lugia myself.
You can play with me after you tend to Celebi, it said.
"Do you promise?"
I promise.
"Come on, Pikachu," said Tristan. "We have a Celebi to watch." "And he and Pikachu went back inside the Pokémon Center.
Inside, Tristan walked over to the recovery room window. He saw Celebi sleeping peacefully. Poor little Celebi, he thought. Getting all cooped up inside a G.S. Ball for a long time and then being released just to get attacked by two bad guys? No wonder Celebi doesn't have friends.
Presently, Nurse Joy walked in. "What's the matter?"
"I think I might know why Celebi's so shy," replied Tristan. He paused for a moment. "I think it might have been cooped up in this." And he took out the G.S. Ball.
Nurse Joy gasped in wonder. "Is that the legendary G.S. Ball?"
Tristan nodded. "Celebi hasn't had a chance to make any new friends for who knows how long, so while it was trapped inside the G.S. Ball, it couldn't freely travel through time to meet any human or Pokémon alike. It's bad enough for Celebi, but I'd feel especially sad if Pikachu had been in Celebi's place for all those years."
Pikachu agreed with him.
"But I think I know what might help," said Tristan.
"What?" asked Nurse Joy.
"As soon as Celebi's all better, maybe I can show it the world around it. That way it can make friends, and it can even do so at its own pace."
"You know, that might be a good idea," smiled Nurse Joy. "Going to different places and different times will certainly make it feel more free. And you can show it all the wonderful things that this world of ours has."
"Hey, Nurse Joy, would it be okay if I spent some time in the recovery room with Celebi?"
"Sure, go ahead," smiled Nurse Joy. "It's highly encouraged for every Pokémon Trainer to be with their Pokémon friends while they're recovering from their injuries."
Tristan nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I'll remember that." And he entered the recovery room with Pikachu. He saw Celebi lying in bed and gently stroked it. "Don't worry, Celebi. I'll be your friend. You can trust me. I promise."
Meanwhile, outside the Pokémon Center, Hillary, Togepi, and Lugia were laughing and having fun as they hit the beach ball.
But little did they know that Attila and Hun were still lurking about as they looked at the Pokémon Center from the distance.
"Well, it's no use trying to take that big Lugia," said Hun.
Attila reluctantly agreed. "Apparently, that kid must have triggered some instinct inside it when it was small. Those useless Rocket Grunts were blasted sky-high according to what Professor Namba told us.
"And even if we try to attack the kid, that Lugia will stop at nothing to protect him," added Hun. "Now we must figure out a way to capture that Celebi without bothering the kid. We'll deal with him another time."
And together, they cooked up a plan.
All was quiet that night as Hillary, Togepi, and Lugia slept peacefully outside the Pokémon Center.
Inside, Tristan, Pikachu, and Celebi slept in the recovery room.
Attila and Hun quietly entered the recovery room without making a sound.
"Let's just get that Celebi and get out of here," whispered Attila. "Then we'll be able to travel through time at our own free will."
"Fine, but try not to wake the kid up, huh?" said Hun.
"We'll soon show the world that Team Rocket never suffers defeat," agreed Attila.
Hun carefully picked up Celebi without waking Tristan up.
However, Pikachu's sensitive ears pricked up, and it burst awake at once.
"Uh-oh. Trouble," said Hun.
"Great," grumbled Attila. "I should've known that Pikachu was sensitive to everything." And he and Hun raced out the room, but not without banging into the door.
Celebi opened its eyes and saw itself being kidnapped. It then let out a yell as it struggled to break free.
"Quit your yapping, you!" yelled Attila.
"Shhh!" said Hun.
Unfortunately for the villains, all the yelling woke Tristan up out of a sound sleep. "What's going on?" he yawned. Then he saw Celebi in Hun's grip. "Celebi!"
"Nice going, smart mouth, you woke the kid up," grumbled Hun. "I told you specifically not to do just that."
"Forget him," replied Attila. "We have the Celebi, so let's just get outta here." And they raced out.
"Come back here!" shouted Tristan as he and Pikachu raced after the villains. He then rushed outside to warn everyone. "Wake up, everybody! We have an emergency!"
Everyone woke up just in time to see Attila and Hun's helicopter beginning to take off.
"What's going on?!" bellowed Hillary.
"They've got Celebi!" answered Tristan. "And they're getting away!"
"Oh, no!" gasped Hillary.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu covered their faces from the strong gust of wind coming from the helicopter's blades as it flew higher and faster as it slowly flew away.
When Lugia heard that Celebi was being kidnapped, it burst awake instantly. Celebi's been kidnapped?! Do you know which way they went?
"No, we don't," answered Tristan.
"Oh, no," said Hillary. "Does this mean that we lost Celebi for good?"
"I'm afraid so, sis," replied Tristan. "We've failed."
Pikachu felt sad, too.
Presently, Tristan's Silver Wing around his neck glowed.
"Now what's up?" asked Hillary.
"I don't know," replied Tristan.
Then, the Silver Wing acted like a flashlight and pointed the light in a westerly direction.
What's with the weird flashlight? asked Lugia.
"I'm not sure," said Hillary. "But if I had to guess, it must be guiding us toward something."
"Guys, look there!" exclaimed Tristan as he pointed to something in the sky.
Sure enough, the Silver Wing's light pointed to a small flying object getting smaller and smaller in the distance.
It looks like it's pointing to that thing in the sky, said Lugia. But I wonder why?
Presently Tristan realized that the light was pointing right to it. "Celebi, so that's where you are." He then gasped. "Guys, I may have figured out something!"
"Please tell us quickly!" said Hillary.
"Remember when the Silver Wing was able to sense the shrine when I had the G.S. Ball?" said Tristan. "Well, I may have just found out that the Silver Wing can detect the presence of legendary Pokémon that are nearby."
You mean it can point us in the direction of the helicopter? added Lugia.
"Yeah, and if we follow it, it'll lead us right to Celebi!" finished Hillary.
"Come on, let's go after them!" said Tristan.
Lugia nodded as it lowered its neck so Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu could climb on.
Togepi was put safely inside Hillary's backpack for its own safety.
Then together, they all took off into the sky as fast as Lugia's wings would carry them.
Inside the helicopter, Celebi looked very miserable.
"Those kids'll never be able to follow us," said Attila. "We've left them behind in our gusts of wind."
"I think they've picked up a second wind," replied Hun. "Look."
(Music Cue: Legendary Birds Freed (both parts (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia")))
Sure enough, Tristan and Hillary, sitting astride Lugia, were hot on Attila and Hun's trail.
"Don't worry, Celebi, we're coming to save you!" shouted Tristan.
Celebi heard Tristan's shouts and immediately brightened up.
"Impossible!" grunted Attila. "How did those blasted kids find us?!"
"Come on, Attila, stop them!" ordered Hun.
"Don't need to tell me twice," replied Attila as he threw his Poké Ball.
Skarmory emerged from the white light that shot out of it, causing Lugia to stop dead in its tracks.
"Skarmory, Steel Wing!" ordered Attila.
Skarmory's wings glowed brightly, and it charged at Lugia.
However, Lugia's quick reflexes allowed it to dodge the attack with ease.
"Give Celebi back now!" demanded Hillary.
"You're in no position to be making demands!" replied Attila. "Skarmory, Fury Attack!"
Skarmory charged at Lugia again and proceeded to peck at it furiously with its beak.
"We have to stop them! Squirtle, Water Gun attack!" commanded Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that came out of it and appeared on Skarmory's back. Then, it shot a blast of water from its mouth directly on it.
"That Pokémon's getting to be a real pain," growled Attila. "Skarmory, shake that thing off!"
Skarmory shook vigorously and pried Squirtle off, causing it to fall fast.
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"Squirtle, return now!" cried Hillary as she quickly took out Squirtle's Poké Ball.
The red beam shot out of it and hit Squirtle, causing it to shoot back inside, thus saving it from its fall.
"There has to be some way to save Celebi from Team Rocket," said Hillary.
"Don't worry, Hillary, we'll figure something out, right, guys?" replied Tristan.
Pikachu and Lugia nodded in agreement.
"Skarmory, Sky Attack!" ordered Attila.
Skarmory charged at Lugia again as it surrounded itself in red flames.
"Here it comes!" said Hillary.
Sure enough, Skarmory flew closer and closer.
But Lugia knew what to do. Its body began to glow in a green aura, and it formed a protective barrier, thus stopping Skarmory from reaching it. It managed to repel Skarmory's Sky Attack.
Tristan was surprised. "What was that?"
That was my Safeguard, answered Lugia. What do you think?
"That was awesome!" said Hillary. "You must have been training."
Lugia nodded.
"That must've been what Lugia used to save me back in the Ilex Forest! Thanks, Lugia," said Tristan.
Anytime, replied Lugia.
Tristan turned to Hillary. "Hey, sis, maybe our Cyndaquil can slow Skarmory down."
"Let's try it," said Hillary.
Tristan threw his Fast Ball while Hillary threw her second Poké Ball.
Both Cyndaquil emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
"Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower!" commanded Tristan and Hillary together.
Both Cyndaquil shot powerful streams of fire from their mouths, scoring super-effective hits on Skarmory in the process.
"Now, let's save Celebi," said Tristan. "Do you think you can fly closer to the helicopter, Lugia?"
You got it, replied Lugia. Just hold on tight. Lugia dove below Skarmoy, then it flew above to get closer to the helicopter.
Hun saw them getting closer and got impatient. "Come on, Attila, stop them!"
"You heard what Hun said, Skarmory!" yelled Attila. "Stop them!"
But Skarmory was taking too much damage from the double Flamethrower attack to do anything about it.
"There's only thing left to do," said Tristan. "Hillary, see if you and Lugia can help the Cyndaquil keep distracting Skarmory long enough while Pikachu and I try and bring the helicopter down. That should give us just enough time to save Celebi."
Lugia nodded.
"Just be careful, Tristan," advised Hillary.
When Lugia was close enough, Tristan and Pikachu got ready to jump.
"Let's do this, Pikachu!" said Tristan. And he and Pikachu jumped off of Lugia and landed on the helicopter's tail.
Attila and Hun heard a thump on the helicopter. They knew what it was. "It's that kid!" they exclaimed.
"We've gotta get in there, Pikachu," said Tristan. "Blast through the window with your Thunderbolt."
Pikachu unleashed a yellow bolt of electricity at the window, shattering it, causing Attila and Hun to panic.
"Hun, do something! I can't do this alone!"
"I'm driving!"
Then, Tristan hopped from the tail, swung inside the helicopter, and confronted Attila and Hun. "It's over! Give Celebi back now!" And he grabbed the cage.
"No, you don't!" shouted Hun as he tried to stop him.
Unfortunately, the helicopter space was so small that it soon became cramped.
Attila was struggling to maintain control while Tristan and Hun fought over the cage.
"Give back Celebi or else!" demanded Tristan.
"Let go of the cage, kid!" barked Hun.
"Give it up!"
"You give it up!"
Meanwhile, Skarmory was having a difficult time battling against Lugia and the two Cyndaquil.
"That Skarmory sure means business," grunted Hillary. "But the Cyndaquil do, too."
Sure enough, both Tristan and Hillary's Cyndaquil kept blasting Skarmory with their Flamethrower attacks.
Inside the helicopter, Tristan held on to the cage for all it was worth. He had to stop Attila and Hun from succeeding in their evil plot.
"Can't your Skarmory handle the heat?" asked Hun in frustration.
"Hey, it's not my fault that Skarmory is vulnerable to Fire attacks!" retorted Attila.
"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt!" strained Tristan.
Pikachu nodded and unleashed a close-range bolt of electricity inside the helicopter, shocking Tristan, Celebi, Attila, and Hun.
Although Tristan and Celebi didn't mind the shock, Attila and Hun did, and so did the helicopter's controls.
The force of Pikachu's Thunderbolt was so strong that it caused an explosion, causing Celebi, still trapped in the cage, to fall out the window.
"No!" cried Attila and Hun together.
"Celebi!" shouted Tristan as he and Pikachu jumped out of the window after the cage.
Hillary saw the cage fall out, followed, of course, by Tristan and Pikachu. "Tristan!" she cried. She then turned to the Cyndaquil, who were still blasting Skarmory. "Cyndaquil, jump on!"
"And the Cyndaquil jumped off of Skarmory and landed on Lugia.
"Come on, Lugia, hurry!" urged Hillary.
Quickly, Lugia dove down after Tristan and Pikachu.
Inside the damaged helicopter, the systems were shutting down one by one.
"Arrgh!" snarled Attila. "That kid and that Pikachu messed up our helicopter! We'll never get that Celebi now!"
"You're right," agreed Hun. "Our only choice now is to retreat."
Attila nodded and took out Skarmory's Poké Ball. "Skarmory, return!"
A red beam shot out of the ball and hit Skarmory, causing it to turn into red energy and disappear back inside.
As for Attila and Hun, they turned the helicopter around and flew off into the night.
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! (as heard in "Mild 'n Woolly"))
Meanwhile, Tristan managed to grab the cage while Pikachu grabbed on to him. He kept struggling until at last, it was open.
Celebi quickly flew out of the cage.
However, Tristan and Pikachu were still falling and braced themselves.
Hillary and Lugia were desperately trying to catch up with them.
"We're not gonna make it in time!" said Hillary as she clung on to Lugia.
Oh, yes, we will, Lugia assured her. Just hang on.
Suddenly, Tristan and Pikachu felt themselves stopping mid-fall as they glowed in a blue aura.
"What's going on?" asked Tristan.
(Music Cue: Flying Dragonite (Kairu))
Then, who should appear but Celebi! It had saved them just in time, and flew around gracefully as Tristan and Pikachu floated next to it.
"That's Celebi's Psychic!" said Tristan excitedly. "Thanks, Celebi."
Celebi nodded cheerfully. It was glad to be free again.
Presently, Hillary and Lugia arrived.
"Tristan, are you okay?" she asked.
"Never better, sis!" called Tristan as he waved to her. "Just look! We're flying!"
Hillary sighed with relief as she saw Tristan and Pikachu waving to her. "So you are. Let's head back to the Pokémon Center!"
And together, they flew back to Azalea Town as the stars glistened through the night.
Some time later, they all landed outside the Pokémon Center. All the lights in the houses were off as the street lights lit up the town.
Everything should be just fine, Tristan, Lugia assured him. Call me back anytime. And Lugia took off into the night sky.
(Music Cue: Ecruteak City)
"Bye, Lugia!" called Tristan.
"Thank you!" called Hillary. "See you soon!"
And they both waved until Lugia was out of sight.
Hillary yawned loudly. "What a night. We'd better get to bed. It's pretty late."
"You're right, sis," agreed Tristan. "Hey, Celebi, do you want to stay with us for a while?"
Celebi happily nodded and accepted Tristan's offer. It was glad it found a human it could trust, especially since it was saved by him.
"All right, let's get to bed," said Tristan as he, Pikachu, Hillary, and Celebi all went inside.
In the bedroom, Tristan, Pikachu, and Celebi got into one bed while Hillary and Togepi got into another.
"Good night, guys," said Tristan. "Good night Pikachu."
"Good night," replied Hillary.
And everyone fell fast asleep.
The next morning, everyone woke up feeling refreshed, especially Celebi.
Celebi was flying all across the room as Tristan and Hillary got ready for the day.
Nurse Joy was waiting for them. "I'm very glad to see that Celebi's feeling much better. But how did it disappear from the recovery room like that?"
"Well," said Hillary sheepishly, "it's kind of a long story."
"Long story short, two Team Rocket guys showed up and we saved it," added Tristan.
Nurse Joy gave a good chuckle. "Makes perfect sense to me."
Presently, Maizie came in. "Hi, guys!"
"Good morning, Maizie," said Tristan and Hillary together.
"I just came to get these to you." And Maizie gave Tristan and Hillary fourteen different Apricorn Poké Balls, seven for each of them.
"Wow, thanks, Maizie!" said Tristan.
"Is Kurt feeling better?" asked Hillary.
Maizie nodded. "I think my Grandpa has learned his lesson. From now on, he promises not to wear himself ragged."
"You mean tire himself out?" asked Tristan.
"Yup," answered Maizie. "And Grandpa also says thank you for helping him figure out the mystery of the G.S. Ball."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Tristan opened up his backpack and took out the G.S. Ball. "I think Kurt should study it a little more. Plus, I think it would be best for Celebi to remain as free as possible."
Hillary agreed.
Maizie accepted the G.S. Ball. "Grandpa and I will take good care of it for you."
Just outside the Pokémon Center, Maizie was preparing to say goodbye to Tristan and Hillary. "Just go through the Ilex Forest, and you should be that much closer to reaching Goldenrod City."
"That's where Great-Grandma Rachael and Great-Grandpa Stuart live," said Hillary.
"And where my next badge is," added Tristan.
"Good luck in the Johto League, guys!" called Maizie.
"Thanks, Maizie!" called Hillary.
"You take care!" added Tristan. "Say hi to Kurt for us!"
"I will!" replied Maizie. And she waved until Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Celebi were out of sight.
"Well, that was one adventure I'll never forget," said Hillary.
"Yeah, but there are plenty more just around the bend," replied Tristan. "And with Celebi, we've added a new friend."
"Gee, Tristan, you're a poet and didn't know it," chuckled Hillary.
Tristan laughed as he and Hillary continued walking.
Having made a new friend with the legendary Pokémon Celebi and saving it from Attila and Hun in the process, our heroes will make their way through the Ilex Forest for real, and with Celebi joining them for now, there'll be plenty of action and excitement followed by even more excitement. And soon, they'll be on their way to Goldenrod City.
► TO BE CONTINUED