AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 37 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their unforgettable journey through the Johto region. Their great-grandparents, Rachael and Stuart will be formally introduced in this chapter. I'm basing them off of the daycare couple in the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games. Plus, I'm imagining them as they live close to Goldenrod City, so they'll be near a hospital in a big metropolis in case they need help. This is a longer chapter, but the shorter chapters have balanced it out. Jessie, James, and Meowth also make an appearance in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary visit their great-grandparents at their daycare, and their grandparents visiting add to the fun, especially with the news about their grandfather wanting to become a Trainer. However, when Team Rocket steals the eggs, Tristan and his grandmother must team up to get them back!
Chapter 37: AN EGG-CITING FAMILY VISIT
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the beginning of "The Chikorita Rescue"))
Our heroes are finally within walking distance of Goldenrod City, site of Tristan's third Johto League Gym battle. But today, they've stopped just outside the city limits to pay a visit to two people near and dear to their hearts.
Tristan and Hillary couldn't believe their eyes when they saw a familiar house just on the edge of Goldenrod City.
"That must be Great-Grandma Rachael and Great-Grandpa Stuart's house!" said Tristan excitedly. "That's the place where they take care of raising other Trainers Pokémon and all the eggs!"
"I can't wait to see them!" added Hillary. "I just wonder how Great-Grandma Rachael's doing after her recent fall."
Presently, Tristan's Poké Gear rang from his backpack.
Tristan took it out of his backpack and answered. "Hello?"
(Music Cue: Route 29)
"Hi, Tristan, it's Grandma." It was Veronica's voice.
"Hi, Grandma, how have you been?" asked Tristan.
"Just fine, dear," answered Veronica. "How close are you to Goldenrod City?"
"Actually, we're just about there. Why?"
"Well, your grandfather and I will be staying in Goldenrod City for a few days because we wanted to make sure your great-grandparents are doing well, especially after your great-grandmother's accident," explained Veronica. "However, we wanted to ask you if you had time to visit with us."
"I always have time to see you, even on a journey."
"Great, we'll see you in a little bit, okay?"
"You, too, Grandma. Bye." And Tristan turned off his Poké Gear. "Awesome! Grandma and Grandpa are at Great-Grandma Rachael and Great-Grandpa Stuart's house right now! We sure came at a great time, didn't we?"
"Let's go see Grandma and Grandpa as well as Great-Grandma Rachael and Great-Grandpa Stuart!" said Hillary as she ran off with Togepi in her arms.
"Hey, wait for me!" called Tristan as he and Pikachu did their best to keep up with a very excited Hillary.
When they got to the house, Hillary rang the doorbell.
"Please come in!" said an elderly female voice.
Hillary opened the door and walked inside followed by Tristan and Pikachu.
An elderly woman with glasses and white hair was sitting in an easy chair. "Ah, Tristan and Hillary. It's been awhile."
"Great-Grandma Rachael!" said Tristan and Hillary as they came to her and gently hugged her.
"Thank you for coming here," said Rachael. Then she noticed Pikachu and Togepi. "What cute Pokémon you have there."
"Great-Grandma Rachael, meet Pikachu, my very first Pokémon," said Tristan.
Pikachu greeted Rachael warmly.
"And meet my Togepi," added Hillary. "It's the same Togepi that hatched from the egg you entrusted to me."
Togepi chirped its greeting to Rachael.
"Well, I'll be," said Rachael. "It's so nice to finally meet the Pokémon that hatched from that egg after my fall. Thank you for taking care of that for me. That thing is so cute! I've been doing very well after getting out of the hospital."
"We're glad to hear that," replied Tristan. "We've been worried."
Suddenly, one of Hillary's Poké Balls opened and her Furret appeared.
"Whoa, Furret, what are you doing out of your ball?" asked Hillary in surprise. "Sorry about that."
"Oh, I just adore that Furret," smiled Rachael. "Come on up here."
Furret climbed up on Rachael's lap and made itself comfortable.
"Looks like Furret's taken a liking to you," said Tristan to Rachael.
Hillary grinned. She never knew that Furret would like Rachael so much at first sight.
"Do we have visitors, dear?" asked an elderly male voice.
"Yes, we do, Stuart!" called Rachael.
An elderly man wearing an orange collared shirt and white hair came slowly into the kitchen with a cane. "Well, Tristan and Hillary, it's so good that you two have come."
"Great-Grandpa Stuart!" said Tristan and Hillary.
(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears!)
Presently, two more people came in. It was Veronica and Eric.
"Hello, kids!" said Veronica.
"Did you miss us?" added Eric.
"Grandma! Grandpa!" cried Tristan and Hillary excitedly as they ran to hug them.
"You sure came quickly, didn't you?" remarked Veronica.
"I must say, that's the fastest time we've seen you respond to our call on record," added Eric.
"Actually, we were just outside when you called us," explained Tristan.
"We just couldn't wait to see everybody," added Hillary. "It sure is nice to have three generations of the family visiting together along with the Pokémon."
"Well, as far as I'm concerned, the Pokémon you have are like family to us, too," smiled Rachael.
"It's too bad Mom and Dad are still journeying," said Tristan. "They would've loved this reunion."
"I'm sure we'll all see them again real soon," said Eric.
"I don't mean to cut the happy reunion short kids, but we do need your help," said Veronica.
"What's up?" asked Hillary.
"Braden and Evan stopped by Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town recently," explained Veronica. "Professor Oak's been giving new Trainers many Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle for the past several weeks, and he was going to offer one of them to Braden. But he noticed that there weren't any of the three Pokémon anywhere."
"We were hoping we could borrow your Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise for a while," added Rachael.
"I'd like to help," said Tristan, "except that my Charizard's at the Charicific Valley."
Presently, everyone heard a familiar friendly roar.
"What's that?" asked Hillary.
"Let's check out the back," suggested Stuart. "Tristan, could you check that for me?"
"I can do that, Great-Grandpa," replied Tristan as he and Pikachu opened the back door.
To their surprise, they found a familiar orange draconic bipedal Pokémon sitting comfortably just outside. "It's a Charizard!"
It turned around and saw Tristan. It quickly gave him a tight hug in midair.
Hillary was surprised. "No Charizard hugs like that except...Tristan's Charizard?"
"Yup, you got it," smiled Veronica and Eric.
(Music Cue: Mew's Theme (The Shadow That Follows Team Rocket"))
Tristan and Charizard were enjoying their moment of reunion.
"It's great to see you, Charizard," strained Tristan. "But could you loosen up a little bit, please?"
Charizard gently released Tristan and put him down on the ground.
"You haven't changed a bit, Charizard," smiled Tristan. "But what are you doing here?"
"We wanted to help Professor Oak, so we called Liza in the Charicific Valley to see if we could borrow your Charizard," explained Rachael. "So naturally, she said yes, especially if it's to help family members."
"So Charizard flew from the Charicific Valley," added Stuart. "And when it arrived, we just had to treat it like it was one of our great-grandchildren."
"Charizard came to their place last night," said Veronica. "Your great-grandparents made sure it was comfortable during the night."
"Charizard was living large, wasn't it?" remarked Hillary.
"But I still don't understand how Charizard fits into getting Braden a Charmander," said Tristan.
"Well, then I'll just have to show you," replied Rachael as she took out a Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball opened and out came a pink amorphous Pokémon with beady eyes and a squishy body on Rachael's lap next to Furret.
"Wow, it's a Ditto!" said Hillary.
"Your grandmother managed to catch it for me many years ago, but I couldn't take care of my eggs as well as I'd like to after my fall," explained Rachael. "I just never knew it would come in handy now."
"But how are you going to get a Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur?" asked Hillary. "And what do Tristan's Pokémon have to do with this?"
"I'll show you," replied Rachael. "Ditto, go outside and Transform into Charizard."
Ditto went out the back door and glowed in a white light. It then transformed into a Charizard just as Rachael had requested.
Charizard turned around and saw the new Charizard and immediately bonded with it.
"Whoa, Charizard's fallen in love with that Ditto!" gasped Tristan.
"This Ditto has a unique ability to breed with almost any Pokémon," explained Rachael. "All excvept legendary Pokémon."
"That's awesome," said Hillary.
"With Ditto transforming into the same Pokémon species, like Charizard, the Ditto can act as the other Pokémon's mate," added Stuart. "And together, with any luck, the two of them will have an egg for us very soon."
"So that's why you wanted to borrow my Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise," said Tristan. "Ditto's Transform abilities can help breed some rare Pokémon!"
(Music Cue: The Moon Stone)
Presently, there was a flash of light coming from another room.
"What's that?" asked Hillary.
"It's coming from the egg room," answered Rachael. "One of the eggs is close to hatching."
"Could we see?" asked Tristan.
Rachael and Stuart led everyone into the next room. There were many eggs situated comfortably on shelf after shelf. On a low shelf in the far corner, there was a yellow egg with a little brown stripe.
That very egg was the source of the flashing light.
Tristan and Hillary were impressed.
"This must be where all the Pokémon Eggs are stored," said Hillary in awe.
"Is this your first time seeing this room?" asked Eric.
Tristan and Hillary nodded.
"Back when Hillary and I were just learning to crawl, we didn't visit this place very much," explained Tristan. "But it was such a treat when we came to New Bark Town and Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa came to visit."
"I understand," said Veronica. "You were having so much fun playing at our house that we couldn't drag you away from there even if we tried."
"How long do you think it'll be before the egg hatches?" asked Hillary.
"I'm not sure," replied Eric.
"Well, I can be sure that with any luck, it should hatch later this evening," said Stuart.
"I'd love to see it hatch," said Hillary excitedly. "Seeing the birth of a brand new Pokémon always makes me happy."
Rachael reached for the low shelf and got the glowing egg.
"Be careful, Mom," cautioned Veronica. "You can't be walking around very much, especially after that leg injury."
"Don't worry, Veronica, I'm fine," said Rachael.
But unfortunately, at that moment, Rachael's foot slipped on the floor and fell, however, Veronica and Eric managed to catch her by the arms before she fell to the floor.
However, Rachael's slip caused the glowing egg to be sent flying, much to everyone's horror.
"Look out! The egg!" cried Veronica.
"Someone catch it before it breaks!" added Stuart.
"Go, Chikorita, use your Vine Whip to catch the egg!" shouted Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball.
The Friend Ball opened, and Chikorita emerged from it.
Wasting no time, Chikorita extended two vines from its bud necklace and caught the glowing egg safely in them.
Everyone sighed with relief.
"Nice catch, Chikorita," praised Tristan as he gently stroked it on the head.
Chikorita nodded happily in agreement.
"That was quick thinking, grand-sonny," commended Eric as he took the egg from Chikorita.
"Thanks, Grandpa," replied Tristan. "I never expected Great-Grandma Rachael to slip so easily."
"Well, she is getting on in years, and sometimes, she has trouble getting around," explained Veronica.
"Your great-grandmother and I need a little extra help sometimes," added Stuart. "So we always appreciate it when Veronica and Eric come over to help."
"Why don't we have some lunch?" suggested Tristan. "I can help Grandma cook something in the kitchen."
"Good idea, Tristan," agreed Hillary. "Hey, Grandma, would it be okay if I help Great-Grandma take care of some of the eggs?"
"Actually, that's a great idea, Hillary," replied Veronica. "Your grandfather and I could use a little help ourselves. We've been helping taking care of the eggs after your great-grandmother's injury."
(Music Cue: Golden Silver)
A few moments later, Tristan helped his grandmother make some homemade pizza in the kitchen.
Veronica was most impressed. "You've become quite the chef. This journey must have taught you some great lessons about cooking."
"My friend, Brock, gave me some pointers for cooking good food for my Pokémon, so I figured I should give this a shot," explained Tristan.
"Now that's what good Trainers like you should do," smiled Veronica. "Maybe you should have your own cooking show on television."
"Thanks, Grandma," replied Tristan. "I'll consider it."
In the nursery, Rachael gave Hillary some pointers on the eggs as Eric and Stuart watched.
"When taking care of an egg, use a clean towel to rub it gently like this," she said as she demonstrated the technique on one of the eggs and sat in her other easy chair. "Now you try it." She then handed the egg to Hillary.
Using the clean towel, Hillary rubbed the egg very gently. She rubbed and rubbed.
The egg was nice and warm in her hands.
Rachael and Stuart were very impressed. So was Eric.
"Say, that's quite the young caretaker," remarked Stuart.
"He's right, Hillary," agreed Eric. "You are a very quick study."
"Thanks, guys," replied Hillary. "I did help Togepi hatch safely, so that experience really helped me learn this."
Togepi chirped in agreement.
"This journey with Tristan has certainly taught you a whole lot," remarked Stuart. "Did you get into any battles yet?"
"I battled in the Little Cup in Violet City," answered Hillary. "My Pokémon and I were in the best eight. Grandma and Grandpa were there and watched me compete."
Eric nodded in agreement.
"Ah, to feel young again," sighed Stuart. "I'd sure love to battle again myself. But I've always enjoyed helping welcome new Pokémon into the world so that they can have as many of the experiences as I did all these years ago."
"Yes, my dear," said Rachael. "And these young Trainers who are currently out journeying always tell us wonderful stories and make us reminisce of our adventures together."
Suddenly, an idea struck Eric. "You know what, I should get into Pokémon battling, too."
Hillary was surprised. "You never battled, Grandpa?"
"I have when I was a boy, but I didn't seem to get the basics of the battle very well," explained Eric. "After your grandmother got her first Eevee, she gave me the inspiration to have my own Pokémon someday."
"Well, then, I say, do it," said Rachael.
Just then, Veronica came in. "Lunch is ready, everyone!"
"All right!" said Hillary excitedly. "Thanks for letting me take care of the egg, Great-Grandma." And she carefully put the egg back on the shelf and went to join Tristan and Veronica for lunch.
Stuart slowly followed, with Eric right behind, and Rachael slowly following the rear.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy 1997-1998 M26 (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
Meanwhile, just out the window, three familiar figures were watching the eggs closely from the inside. One had long red hair, another had lavender hair, and the other had whiskers and a gold charm on its forehead. Yes, it was Jessie, James, and Meowth, the Team Rocket Trio.
"Look at dat!" said Meowth. "Here's a chance to steal some Pokémon Eggs! And what better place to start dan a home noisery?"
James agreed. "Yes, especially now that we know where the life of a brand new Pokémon begins."
"And an old couple like that should be a cinch to steal from," added Jessie. "Old guys are known to be slow as a Squirtle."
"So's I say let's grab dose eggs and make our day sunny-side up!" suggested Meowth.
"Wobbuffet!" A tall, cyan Pokémon, Wobbuffet, suddenly appeared out of nowhere next to Jessie. It had a soft body.
"Hey. Eggheads egg-scluded," grumbled Jessie. "Now get back in your ball." She took out Wobbuffet's Poké Ball and returned it inside.
"So what plan will we be hatching this time?" asked James.
"I say we become dee F.E.I," suggested Meowth.
"Not the F.B.I!" cried James. "They'll put us under arrest!"
"Hey, don't get egg-cited, Jimmy Boy!" chided Meowth. "I mean dee F.E.I., Federal Egg Inspectors. We'll inspect dee eggs and take 'em, and when dere backs are toined, we scramble outta here wit 'em."
"Now that's a good plan," smiled Jessie. "So let's get busy and poach those eggs."
A few moments later, Tristan and Hillary sat down to lunch with their grandparents, great-grandparents, and their Pokémon.
Tristan and Veronica's cooking impressed everyone else.
Pikachu and Togepi were thrilled at the taste of their meal as Furret joined them.
"Great pizza, Veronica," said Stuart. "You've made a good decision in letting Tristan help you cook today."
"Thank you, Dad," replied Veronica. She turned to Tristan. "But the real compliments should go to the future host of a cooking show."
"Well, I don't know about that," said Tristan sheepishly. He didn't know what he was going to do when he grew up.
As everyone ate their lunch, Eric made his announcement.
"I've been inspired by your many talents as a retired champion and as an Eevee trainer, my dear," he said.
"Aw, thanks, darling," replied Veronica as she blushed. "But why are you saying that?"
"I want to become a trainer just like you are," explained Eric. "Seeing how much you care about your Eevee and how much you love battling with them, I want to raise other Pokémon just like our grandchildren."
"That's wonderful news, Grandpa!" said Tristan excitedly. He was so happy to hear that his grandfather was going to be a Trainer too. "But what kind of Pokémon are you wanting to start out with?"
"Well, I'm not sure, exactly," answered Eric. "There are so many Pokémon to choose from, I don't know where to begin."
Presently, there was a loud knock at the door.
"Yes?" called Rachael.
The door opened, and Jessie, James, and Meowth, disguised as inspectors, came in.
"We're from the Federal Egg Inspection Agency," said Jessie.
"Federal Egg Inspection Agency?" repeated Hillary. "I've never heard of that before."
"Nor have I," said Tristan.
"It's a company that inspects Pokémon Eggs and makes sure they're in picture perfect health before hatching," explained James.
"We take pleasure in seeing young Pokémon enter da woild, loining things from every loving poison dat dis woild has ta offer," added Meowth.
"Now that's sweet, isn't it, dear?" remarked Stuart.
"Yes," agreed Rachael. "Someone who has the best interests of Pokémon Eggs in their heart."
"We understand that there's a nursery here, and that's full of Pokémon Eggs," added James. "Would you lead us there, please?"
"I'd be happy to let you look at the eggs there," smiled Rachael. And she slowly led them inside the nursery.
Tristan, Hillary, Veronica, and Eric all followed.
In the nursery, Jessie, James, and Meowth were impressed.
"These eggs are all my pride and joy," explained Rachael. "My husband and I have been raising these eggs for many years."
Presently, the yellow egg flashed again.
"Ooh, now dere's an egg dat's about to hatch," said Meowth excitedly.
"We can help it hatch faster," added Jessie.
"Actually, we can help all of your eggs hatch faster using our incubator that's just outside," finished James.
Tristan and Hillary looked at each other.
"What do you think?" asked Tristan.
"It is worth a try," replied Hillary.
Rachael and Stuart were delighted with the idea as they and the others picked up egg after egg to give to the disguised villains.
They all went outside with the eggs and placed them in the big incubator. There were ten cartons of eggs, each containing six.
"Now, all we do is wait for them to hatch," explained Jessie. "But in order for us to do so safely, we'd better take it back to our headquarters."
"That's right, our ride's here," added James.
"Wait a second!" called Rachael
But Jessie, James, and Meowth had already jumped inside the incubator as it started to take off.
But just as it was starting to gain altitude, the incubator fell apart and revealed a hot-air balloon shaped like a Meowth's head.
"Hey, that's a hot-air balloon!" gasped Stuart.
"My eggs!" cried Rachael. "Those inspectors have them!"
"All right, who are you?!" demanded Veronica.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Motto 1997-1998 M20 (as heard in "Hatching a Plan"))
Jessie, James, and Meowth threw off their disguises and immediately went into their motto.
"Prepare for trouble as we come out of our shell."
"Our accomplished task is very swell."
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of rotten eggs and ham."
"To put all weaklings in a big jam."
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket poaches your eggs at the speed of light!"
"Surrender your yolks or prepare to fight fight fight!"
"Daaaaaaaaat's right!"
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet popped out of its Poké Ball to chime in.
"Team Rocket!" exclaimed Tristan and Hillary.
"Give those eggs back right now!" demanded Veronica. "My folks worked very hard to hatch those eggs, and you won't get away with them!"
"We'd love to stay and chat, lady, but we gotta scramble outta here," smirked Jessie.
"Weezing, Smokescreen now!" shouted James as he threw a Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Raid!)
A Pokémon with two spherical heads emerged from the white light that shot out of it and emitted a cloud of green smoke, enveloping everyone on the ground in it, causing them to cough, providing Team Rocket the perfect cover as their balloon picked up speed.
When the smoke cleared, Tristan and the others saw the balloon drifting away.
"No! They're getting away!" exclaimed Tristan.
Rachael started going after them. "Get back here with our eggs!" But she was having so much trouble getting around that she almost fell to the ground trying to run after Team Rocket's balloon.
Fortunately, Hillary and Eric caught her in time.
Stuart came to her. "Are you okay?"
"Take it easy, Great-Grandma," advised Hillary. "You can't chase them like this."
"She's right, Mom," agreed Veronica. "You're in no shape to go after them. Hillary, you and Grandpa take her inside while Tristan and I go after them."
Tristan and Hillary nodded in agreement.
Hillary and Eric worked together to help Rachael and Stuart back into the house while Tristan and Veronica chased after them.
In the balloon, Jessie, James, and Meowth were enjoying their triumph.
"I love it when a plan works," smiled Jessie.
"Not to mention a foolproof one," added James.
"Egg-stremely right," finished Meowth.
Presently, Tristan's voice could be heard. "You won't get away, Team Rocket!"
"Get down here this instant!" demanded Veronica.
Sure enough, Tristan and Veronica were seen running below, and were hot on Team Rocket's tail.
"Look at that Twerp!" grumbled Jessie. "He's as stubborn as ever, especially with that old lady!"
"Tristan, maybe your Chikorita can get that balloon," suggested Veronica.
"It's worth a shot," agreed Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Chikorita, use your Razor Leaf on that balloon!"
Chikorita emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a barrage of razor-sharp leaves at Team Rocket's balloon, causing the balloon to pop.
The balloon, now having been depleted of the hot air, fell down to the ground with a crash as Team Rocket let out a scream.
However, the eggs and the cartons were sent high into the air.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
"The eggs!" cried Veronica.
"Okay, everybody, catch the eggs! Go!" shouted Tristan as he took out his Fast Ball, Lure Ball, and his two Poké Balls and threw them all.
His Cyndaquil, Totodile, Venusaur, and Blastoise all emerged from the white light that shot out of them and readied themselves.
Chikorita, who was already out, extended two green vines and caught two of the egg cartons.
Venusaur caught two more eggs using its vines.
Blastoise caught two more in its hands.
Cyndaquil and Totodile each caught one.
Tristan and Veronica caught the last two.
However, the egg that was about to hatch was still falling.
"Oh, no!" cried Veronica. "That egg's gonna break!"
Fortunately, Pikachu saw the falling egg, ran as fast as it could, and caught the egg just before it hit the ground.
Tristan and Veronica sighed with relief.
"Nice catch, Pikachu," commended Tristan.
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"They're all safe and sound," smiled Veronica.
However, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet crawled out from their wrecked balloon.
"Oh, yeah? Let's see how safe you are after a Pokémon battle!" shouted Jessie as she took out a Poké Ball and threw it. "I choose you, Arbok!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Just Waiting on a Friend"))
A purple cobra Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Go and get 'em, Victreebel!" ordered James as he threw a Poké Ball.
A yellow bell-like Pokémon with leaves and a vine emerged from the white light that shot out of it and let out a shriek as it bit down on James' head.
"Do you mind?!" shouted James.
"Let's do it, Pikachu," said Tristan.
Pikachu agreed as it prepared for battle.
However, Veronica had her own idea. "Let me take care of this," she suggested as she took out a Poké Ball and threw it. "Go, Eevee!"
Veronica's Eevee emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Arbok, use your Poison Sting now!" ordered Jessie.
Arbok shot poisonous needles at Eevee.
"Go, Eevee, hit it with Quick Attack now!" commanded Veronica.
Eevee sped toward Arbok and zigzagged to dodge Poison Sting and rammed into it as a white line trailed behind it.
Tristan was impressed. "Now that's fast."
Pikachu agreed.
"Victreebel, Razor Leaf, go!" shouted James.
Victreebel shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves.
"Eevee, use your Quick Attack again!" commanded Veronica.
Once again, Eevee charged forward as a white line trailed behind it, zigzagging as it went, and rammed into it hard.
"Dat old lady's got a real spine!" remarked Meowth.
"Wobbuffet!" agreed Wobbuffet.
"Come on, Arbok, don't let that pipsqueak beat you!" barked Jessie. "Okay, Wobbuffet, go!" And she shoved Wobbuffet into battle.
"Eevee, Tackle attack now!" ordered Veronica.
Veronica charged toward Wobbuffet full-body style.
"Wobbuffet, Counter attack!" shouted Jessie.
Wobbuffet's body glowed in a red light as it raised its tail.
Unfortunately, as Eevee rammed into Wobbuffet, the force of its Tackle attack was sent right back at it with twice the force, causing it to be sent reeling backward.
"Eevee, are you okay?" cried Veronica.
"That Wobbuffet's Counter attack is really strong!" gasped Tristan.
"Arbok, finish it with Wrap attack now!" ordered Jessie.
Arbok shot forward and proceeded to wrap its body around a defenseless Eevee
"Eevee, don't give up!" shouted Veronica. "I believe in you!"
Eevee managed to get back on its feet and let out a cry as it was suddenly bathed in a bright white light, much to everyone's shock.
Arbok was bounced off by that very light as everyone looked on.
"What's going on with Eevee?" asked Veronica.
"Eevee's starting to evolve!" gasped Tristan.
Sure enough, Eevee was evolving, and as it did, it grew just a little taller, its tail became forked, and its legs became slender. When it had finished evolving, it had lilac fur and a red gem on its forehead.
"That's awesome," said Tristan. "That little Eevee evolved into Espeon!"
Veronica was amazed. "Eevee evolved for me when I needed it most." She turned to Team Rocket. "All right, let's see what you've got!"
"Okay, Victreebel, Vine Whip it!" ordered James.
Victreebel extended its vine toward Espeon.
(Music Cue: OK! (Orchestra and Guitar (as heard in "The Little Big Horn")))
But Espeon knew it was coming as its gem glowed, and it unleashed a mysteriously colored beam from it at both Victreebel and Arbok, scoring direct hits on both of them.
"What was that?" asked Veronica.
"That was a Psybeam!" answered Tristan.
Arbok and Victreebel had dazed expressions on their faces as they danced about aimlessly.
"Oh, come on, Arbok, this is no time to be playing around!" shouted Jessie.
"Victreebel, snap out of it!" barked James.
"Dat Psybeam must've gotten 'em mixed up!" said Meowth.
"Espeon, Quick Attack!" ordered Veronica.
Espeon sped toward Arbok and Victreebel as a white line trailed behind it. It scored a direct hit on both of them, causing them to crash into Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet.
"Your turn, Tristan, so send them packing," said Veronica.
"Okay," replied Tristan. "Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt on them!"
Pikachu leaped high into the air, focused the electricity in its cheeks, and shot a powerful bolt of electricity on Jessie, James, Meowth, and their Pokémon, causing an explosion that sent them skyward.
"That Espeon was tough to beat," groaned James.
"Our egg plan laid an egg!" added Jessie.
"Guess we're da ones dat got scrambled," finished Meowth.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they yelled as they disappeared in the sky.
"Wobbu, Wa!" Wobbuffet's voice echoed as they disappeared.
DING!
"You were awesome, Grandma," said Tristan. "That Espeon's really something."
"Well, I did have help," replied Veronica as she stroked her Espeon on the head. Then she pointed to all of Tristan's Pokémon. "Thanks to all of you, we have all of my parents' eggs back safe and sound."
"She's right, guys, great job," commended Tristan.
All of the Pokémon cheered happily as they celebrated their victory.
Suddenly, Veronica collapsed on one knee.
"Grandma, are you okay?" asked Tristan as he and the Pokémon quickly rushed to her.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine, dear," replied Veronica. "It's just from all that running."
"Come on, let's all carry the eggs back to the house," suggested Tristan.
Veronica nodded in agreement.
Back at the house, everyone was waiting anxiously for Tristan and Veronica's return. Presently, they saw Tristan and Veronica and the Pokémon slowly carrying the eggs.
"Hey, there they are!" said Hillary excitedly.
"And the eggs are safe and sound, too," added Rachael.
"Hey, guys!" replied Tristan.
"Ah, there's our young hero," said Eric.
"Yeah, and Grandma's with him," added Hillary.
Everyone met Tristan and Hillary.
"How can we thank you for saving our eggs from that nasty Team Rocket?" said Stuart.
"No need to thank us, Dad," replied Veronica. "The Pokémon did all the work."
Tristan nodded in agreement.
Eric saw the newly evolved Espeon. "My stars!" he exclaimed. "Did that little Eevee evolve?"
"Yes, dear," replied Veronica. "And it's really strong, too."
(Music Cue: Route 26)
That evening, everyone was waiting for the glowing yellow egg to hatch.
"It won't be long now," said Hillary. "I can't wait to see what it is."
"Trust me," replied Stuart. "We won't have to wait very long."
Presently, it glowed, and a shimmering tone was heard.
"Look, guys!" said Tristan. "The egg's hatching!"
Indeed, it was, and it changed shape to a bipedal Pokémon with a kite-shaped face. Its eyes were closed.
"It's an Abra," said Veronica.
"Awww, it's so cute!" remarked Hillary.
Abra gave a big yawn as it looked directly into Eric's eyes.
"What a healthy yawn it has!" added Eric.
"Maybe you'd like to take it along," suggested Stuart.
Eric was surprised. "You mean that? Oh, thank you. Well, Abra, looks like you're one of the family now."
Abra was so happy it embraced Eric as he hugged it.
Rachael and Stuart looked on happily.
"We can't thank you enough for protecting our eggs from that nasty Team Rocket," said Rachael.
"We owe you our gratitude," added Stuart.
"We're just glad we could help, Dad," replied Veronica.
Tristan handed Rachael Venusaur and Blastoise's Poké Balls. "Great-Grandma, I know you're gonna need Venusaur and Blastoise to help you breed more Pokémon, just like Charizard has, and I know you'll take care of them."
"Thank you so much, Tristan," replied Rachael as she gave him a gentle hug. "And Hillary, I just love your Furret. Could it possibly stay here for a while?"
Hillary turned to her Furret. "Well, what do you think, Furret?"
Furret hopped on Rachael's lap and made itself comfortable.
"I guess Furret really likes you, Great-Grandma," smiled Hillary as she handed Rachael Furret's Poké Ball. "Sure, it can stay." And she stroked Furret one last time as Furret embraced her one last time.
"Oh, thank you very much," said Rachael. "I'll take good care of it. I also have two special eggs for both you and Tristan." And she handed them two special egg cases.
The first case had a green Pokémon Egg while the second case had a yellow and black Pokémon Egg.
"I think I'll take the yellow egg," said Hillary. "It's yellow, and it reminds me of Pikachu."
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Then I'll take the green egg," said Tristan.
Rachael handed the cases to Tristan and Hillary.
"That's so cool," remarked Veronica. "Two Trainers each carrying an egg."
As the sun set, Rachael and Stuart waved goodbye as Veronica, Eric, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi got into Veronica's car.
Veronica started the engine and drove away from the house.
(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky)
Night soon fell as Veronica continued to drive the car.
"That was one of the best adventures so far, wasn't it, Hillary?" said Tristan.
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "Spending time with family and saving Pokémon Eggs from Team Rocket...now what could be better than that?"
"And not only that, Grandma's Eevee evolved into an Espeon," added Tristan.
"Wow!" exclaimed Hillary. "I sure missed that."
Presently, lights could be seen in the distance.
"Hey, look!" said Hillary. "That must be it!"
Sure enough, there were many lights and skyscrapers.
"Goldenrod City," said Tristan. "We're finally here, Pikachu. Now we can focus on getting our next badge."
"Pi-Pikachu!" agreed Pikachu.
"But first, why don't we have a little dinner at the Pokémon Center?" suggested Eric. "I'm sure we could all use a bite after today's exciting adventure, right?"
"I'm in," agreed Tristan.
"Me, too," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi eagerly agreed.
"Yup," smiled Veronica. "Food always excites our young hero."
Everyone gave a good chuckle as they continued their drive to the Pokémon Center.
After visiting their great-grandparents at their Pokémon Daycare and Nursery as well as saving the eggs from Team Rocket, Tristan and Hillary have finally made it to Goldenrod City. Many surprises await in a city this big as our heroes' journey to the Johto League continues.
► TO BE CONTINUED