AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 40 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey to the Johto region. First of all, I based the radio experiences in Goldenrod City from the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games, plus the Pokémon: Johto League Champions episode "Air Time!" The instrumental version of "All We Wanna Do" by Johto makes an appearance in this chapter as well. And DJ Mary from the anime and Buena from Pokémon Crystal Version also make appearances. Finally, I always knew I had some talent, but I never knew that I had a great announcing voice until I tested it for the first time when I got on the high school speech team in 2007. And that's what inspired me to have my own radio show and voice work in college, which I've enjoyed doing voice over work ever since. But I digress. Please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews. Enjoy!
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary have to get to the radio station by midnight so that they can get their Poké Gears upgraded. But it's not as simple as it sounds with a few obstacles to deal with, and a few guest appearances.
Chapter 40: THE RADIO STATION
(Music Cue: Opening M01B 1997-1998)
Our heroes visited the Miltank Dairy, which was just on the outskirts of Goldenrod City. The Gym Leader, Whitney, challenged Tristan to battle on the hill just outside the dairy, which he happily accepted.
(Music Cue: Opening M01C 1997-1998)
With the combined efforts of his Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Pikachu, Tristan managed to defeat Whitney and her Miltank, and earn the Plain Badge. Now with five badges to go before gaining entry into the Johto League, it's on to new and exciting adventures! The question now is, which one will be next?
"What? What do you mean there's not enough room in the car?!" exclaimed Tristan as he watched Hillary, Evan, and Braden get in the back seat. It was in the middle of the afternoon, and he and his friends were preparing to leave the Miltank Dairy.
"We're sorry, dear, but there isn't enough room back there for four passengers," explained Veronica. "Besides, we only have three seat belts. And Hillary, your brothers, and your grandfather all want to stop and shop in the Goldenrod Galleria."
"We need to stop and get some things for your great-grandparents," added Eric.
"Hey, I can lead you to the Galleria if you swap out one of your passengers," suggested Whitney.
"It's a deal, Whitney," smiled Veronica. "Hillary, you stay with Tristan."
"What?!" exclaimed Hillary as Veronica tossed her her Togepi.
Everyone else got into the car.
"I'm sure you'll find your way back to Goldenrod City," said Whitney as Veronica started up the car. "It'll just take you a little longer, that's all."
"Have fun walking!" called Braden.
"Yeah, last one to the Galleria's a rotten Exeggcute!" added Evan as Veronica's car drove away.
(Music Cue: Dejected)
"Thanks a lot," said Hillary to herself.
"Now what do we do?" asked Tristan as he and Hillary sadly sat back down on the ground.
Pikachu felt just as sad about not going with Veronica, Eric, Evan, Braden, and Whitney.
"We've been rejected and dejected," grumbled Hillary.
"Not to mention dumped," added Tristan.
"Lonely."
"Forgotten."
"Crushed."
"Unhappy."
"Sad."
"Bad."
"Miserable."
"Glum."
Just then, Milton came up. "Hey now, why are you two looking so mopey?"
"Whitney, Grandma, and Grandpa took off for the Goldenrod Galleria without us," explained Tristan.
"There wasn't enough room in the car," added Hillary.
"Aw, cheer up," smiled Milton. "Don't be like that. Maybe some fresh milk will bring your spirits right back up. Come on inside and have some."
A few minutes later, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were all drinking the fresh milk. It was tastier than the last time they drank it.
"Thanks, Milton," smiled Tristan. "I feel a lot better now. This milk really does perk me up."
"Yeah, it's even fresher than the last glass," added Hillary.
"I thought it might cheer you up," said Milton. "I'm gonna see what's on the radio." And he walked over to his radio and turned the switch on.
A cheery female voice was heard making an announcement. "Attention, Pokémon Trainers and fans! Does your PokéGear need an upgrade? Then come on over to our radio station, which is in the center of Goldenrod City. We're currently running a promotional campaign to upgrade your PokéGears! The rule is very simple: Answer five questions correctly, and you can win a radio card, which fits perfectly in your PokéGear. With it, you can listen to our radio broadcasts anywhere, anytime! So come on over to the radio station. But don't delay, this event goes until midnight tonight!"
"A promotional campaign?!" Tristan and Hillary could hardly believe their ears.
"We hate to drink and run, but we've got things to do!" called Tristan as he and Hillary raced out of the kitchen.
"Yeah, thanks for the milk, Milton!" added Hillary as Pikachu and Togepi followed.
"Don't you want seconds?" asked Milton.
"Maybe later!" called Hillary.
Milton was amused. "Something about that radio campaign sure perked them up big time."
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard in "Chikorita's Big Upset"))
Tristan and Hillary rushed outside as fast as their legs would carry them.
"How will we reach Goldenrod City quickly?" asked Hillary. "It's still far away, and we only have a few hours before the event at the radio station ends."
"I'm sure Lugia can take us there!" replied Tristan as he touched the Silver Wing hanging around his neck.
As he touched it, it began to glow.
A huge gust of wind came through the air, nearly knocking all the nearby Miltank off their hooves, followed by the arrival of a pale, silver-white Pokémon with blue fins as it flew low alongside Tristan and Hillary.
Whoa, you seem to be in a hurry, Lugia said. I can speed things up for you if you'd like.
"Quick, let's climb on!" suggested Tristan.
Hillary nodded as she, Tristan, Pikachu, and Togepi scrambled on Lugia. Just as Hillary put Togepi in her backpack, Lugia flapped its wings and quickly rose into the air.
"Great to see you, Lugia," said Tristan. "How have you been?"
I've been well, answered Lugia. I'm still confused about the big hurry.
"We have to get to the radio station so we can upgrade our PokéGears with radio cards," explained Hillary.
"And we only have until midnight to do it," added Tristan.
Well, why run there when you can go in style, right? replied Lugia.
"Yeah!" agreed Tristan and Hillary.
I can take you there easily, smiled Lugia. Now hold on! And Lugia folded up its wings and plates, and went into a steep dive.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu held on as tightly as they could.
But then, Lugia raised its plates, flapped its wings, and went back into a steep climb.
"That was great, Lugia!" commended Tristan.
"Yeah, you must've been training a lot!" added Hillary.
What did you expect? replied Lugia. I didn't just learn how to fly for nothing, you know.
"All right!" said Tristan excitedly. "Next stop: the radio station in Goldenrod City!"
And Lugia increased its flying speed as Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu flew on.
A few moments later, Lugia landed just outside the Goldenrod City Pokémon Center.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu quickly dismounted.
"Thanks a lot, Lugia," said Tristan.
Anytime, replied Lugia. I have to go, but please call me back when you need me. And with that, Lugia flapped its wings, creating a big gust of wind as it took off into the sky and disappeared.
"Let's get our Pokémon rested up, Tristan," suggested Hillary.
"Good idea," replied Tristan as he and Hillary quickly made their way inside the Pokémon Center lobby.
(Music Cue: Pokémon Center M77B 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Pokémon Water War"))
Nurse Joy saw them entering. "Welcome to the Pokémon Center," she smiled. "Was that a Lugia I saw outside just a minute ago?"
"Yes, it was," answered Tristan. "We had a fun time riding it. Could you take my Pokémon please?"
"And mine, too?" added Hillary.
"Sure, I'll take care of them," replied Nurse Joy as she took Pikachu, Togepi, and Tristan and Hillary's Poké Balls into the examination room.
Tristan and Hillary sat down on the benches to wait.
"Lugia's flying skills have gotten better and better," remarked Tristan.
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "I wonder what it'll do next."
Just then, Tristan's PokéGear rang.
Tristan took it out of his backpack and answered it. "Hello, this is Tristan."
"Hey, Tristan, it's Evan!" It was Evan's voice. "We're having a fun time at the Goldenrod Galleria! We're getting lots of supplies. If you don't hurry and get them, you'll miss out."
"I wish we could come, Evan, but we have other things to do in Goldenrod City," replied Tristan. "I'll talk with you later, okay?" And he hung up. He then sighed. "I don't know why Evan does this sometimes."
"It's Evan," replied Hillary. "He likes to do that."
A few minutes later, Nurse Joy came out of the examination room carrying Pikachu, Togepi, and Tristan and Hillary's Poké Balls. "All of your Pokémon are fully rested and ready for action," smiled Nurse Joy. "One of you must've just been in a Gym battle."
"I was, and I won a Plain Badge," replied Tristan as he and Hillary took their Poké Balls. "Whitney's Miltank was really strong. It was tough dealing with its Rollout attack."
Pikachu nodded in agreement as it hopped back on Tristan's shoulder.
"Most of Whitney's challengers end up here with me after a tough loss," explained Nurse Joy. "You should be very happy. Your Pokémon are in much better shape these days than some of my other patients."
"We heard that there was a radio campaign at Goldenrod City's radio station," said Hillary. "Do you know anything about that?"
"Oh, yes," answered Nurse Joy. "This is a promotional event that occurs one week once a month where people can get their PokéGears upgraded so that they can listen to their radio on the go. It's very good for the radio station and the Trainers because it not only helps Trainers improve their PokéGear functionality, but it also draws in more listeners. Buena, our newest DJ here in Goldenrod City, has a password show for traveling Trainers."
"Tristan, if we can get our PokéGears upgraded now, we'll be able to tune in to Buena's show wherever we go!" said Hillary. "Wouldn't it be cool if we could meet Buena and most of the other DJs in person?"
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" agreed Tristan as he, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi excitedly raced out of the Pokémon Center.
"Be careful out there in the big city!" called Nurse Joy as she saw them leave.
Some time later, they came to a big building with a tower on top.
"So that's the radio station," said Tristan as he and Hillary looked up.
"It's gigantic!" agreed Hillary. I've never seen anything like this up close."
Just then, a man came out of the building in fancy clothing and quickly ran toward them. "Excuse me, but do you know a Trainer named Trisan, who just won a Plain Badge?"
"Uh, I am, sir." Tristan was a bit surprised and confused by the approach.
"Come on in to the radio station!" said the man. "I'm the producer, and I was instructed by DJ Mary and Professor Oak to bring you inside because he got wind from Veronica that you won the Plain Badge!"
"Professor Oak's here? How?" Hillary was just as surprised and confused as Tristan was.
"Grandma sure knows how to spread the word," said Tristan to himself.
The producer took them past the lobby and through the hallways. There were many doors with ON AIR lights on them.
"These are our studios," explained the Producer. "In here, you'll find my friend, Reed, who's as energetic as a cowboy."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's 7th Change (as heard in "Tricks of the Trade"))
Sure enough, as the ON AIR light went on, they peered through the window on the door and saw a man in a cowboy outfit speaking into the microphone. "Yee-haw! This is your favorite DJ Reed! How y'all doin' now? Whether you're up or way down low, don't you miss the Lucky Number Show!"
"The Lucky Number Show? What's that?" asked Tristan and Hillary.
"Now the rule is very simple, match any or all of the five numbers on your Original Trainer or OT number on your Pokédex and win a fabulous prize!" explained Reed as he drew a ticket from a box next to him. "This week's Lucky Number is...25443! I'll repeat that! This week's lucky number is...25443! Match that and go to the radio tower! Meanwhile, you just keep on listenin', and I'll be here on the Lucky Channel on Channel 8.5 on your radio dial!"
The ON AIR light then turned off.
"Your interview with Professor Oak and Mary is in 15 minutes, so you've got a little time for a chance to win a prize," said the producer. "Please, go on in." And he led Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi inside.
Reed saw them enter. "Well, now, you must be two youngins who came to participate in the Lucky Number Show, am I right?"
"I guess so," replied Hillary.
"Yes, that's right," added Tristan.
"Well, now, that's mighty nice to hear that!" said Reed excitedly. "As you know, this week's Lucky Number is 25443. Now who wants to go first?"
"I'll go!" said Tristan. The excitement of winning a prize excited him, but just as he was about to hand Reed his Pokédex, Hillary jumped ahead.
"I'll go, if you don't mind. After all, ladies first, right?" And she handed Reed her Pokédex.
"Showoff," muttered Tristan.
Reed looked over the Pokédex carefully, then the Lucky Number for the week. "Nope, none of your ID numbers match."
"That's too bad," said Hillary as Reed handed her her Pokédex back.
"My turn to try," said Tristan as he handed Reed his Pokédex.
Reed looked over the numbers. Then, he said, "Congratulations, kid! We have a match!"
(Music Cue: Fanfare! Get Pokémon!)
"I do?" asked Tristan.
"He does?" repeated Hillary.
"Yep!" replied Reed excitedly. "The lucky number this week is 25443 while Tristan's ID number is 45430! One of the digits matched...the middle number! As a reward, take this!" And he handed Tristan a round, gray object with little black dots on it.
"What's that?" asked Tristan.
"That's an Everstone," answered Reed. "It has the power to prevent your Pokémon from evolving if you don't want them to."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Reed. Thanks," said Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu began to leave to meet up with the producer.
"Y'all come back soon now, ya hear?" called Reed as the door closed behind them.
"Oh, well," said Tristan. "At least I got something out of the deal."
"Yeah, in case any of your Pokémon decides not to evolve...or any one of mine," agreed Hillary.
"But now we have to get to DJ Mary's studio," said Tristan. "And it doesn't leave us much time to get to that promotional event."
"Oh, don't worry," said the producer. "This shouldn't take very long at all."
Presently, Professor Oak appeared along with a red-haired woman wearing a green shirt and round glasses.
"Hey, thanks for coming," smiled Professor Oak.
"It's good to see you again, Professor Oak," said Tristan. Then he turned to the woman. "So, you must be DJ Mary, right?"
"That's right," smiled the woman. "I am, in fact, DJ Mary. I was just wondering when you two would get here. And with Professor Oak, talking with us, I'm sure this'll be a great interview."
"Normally, Mary broadcasts her show during the late morning hours of the day," added Professor Oak, "but since there's a promotional campaign on right now, I figured we should do a special show together."
"Well, big bro, let's go in and make our radio debut," said Hillary. "Braden and Evan are gonna be so jealous."
"Let's do it," agreed Tristan. "This is so exciting, it's making me nervous."
"Don't worry, everything'll be fine," smiled Professor Oak as he and Mary showed Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi into the studio.
(Music Cue: All We Wanna Do (instrumental (as heard in "Air Time")))
Inside, there were four places to sit, with four microphones.
There was also music playing in the background.
"This studio is state of the art, and it's where I broadcast my morning radio show," explained Mary.
"This is awesome!" said Tristan.
"I've never seen anything like this," added Hillary.
"Now, just before we go on, I want you to imagine that we're not in radio, and we're in a Pokémon battle," suggested Mary.
"Yeah!" agreed Tristan and Hillary together.
Professor Oak smiled. He knew that battling was their specialty.
At that moment, the music faded out, and the engineer cued Mary to begin speaking on the microphone as the ON AIR light turned on.
"Welcome back to Poké Radio," said Mary. "This is DJ Mary, and I have the famous Professor Oak here with me on tonight's special show."
"Hello, boys and girls," smiled Professor Oak. "And thank you, Mary, for letting me be on your show tonight."
"And we have a special treat for you," continued Mary, "because we have two special guests: two Trainers who are brother and sister. Please welcome Tristan and Hillary, and their Pokémon, Pikachu and Togepi."
"Hi, everyone," said Tristan as he spoke into the microphone.
"We're happy to be here," added Hillary.
In the department store, Evan and Braden gasped in shock while Veronica and Eric smiled as they all listened on the speakers.
"Whoa, since when did Tristan become a celebrity?" asked Evan.
"Since he earned the Plain Badge," answered Veronica.
"No fair," complained Braden. "I won a Plain Badge and I never got to be on the radio."
"As you know, Tristan just earned a Plain Badge from the Goldenrod City Gym," explained Mary. "And he's got a very impressive collection of Pokémon with him. Tristan, could you tell our listeners what kind of Pokémon you have?"
"I have a Chikorita, Cyndaquil, a Totodile, and you've met Pikachu," answered Tristan.
Pikachu smiled in agreement.
"I also have a Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, but they're helping out some of my other relatives right now," continued Tristan. "And Pidgeot and Lapras are currently at Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town. We have a wonderful time playing and working together. I'm willing to work with any Pokémon friend I make so that we can be stronger as a team."
"That's the advice I give to him any chance I get, Mary," added Professor Oak.
"Now that's sound advice, Professor Oak," smiled Mary. "And Hillary, you're one of the youngest Pokémon Trainers ever to receive your first Pokémon! How did it start for you?"
"Well, Mary, Professor Oak gave me a Squirtle to help me out when we were tasked with stopping Team Rocket and helping Tristan save our parents and their Pokémon," explained Hillary. "Professor Oak and the Elite Four were so impressed that I was allowed to have a Pokémon of my very own at the age of eight."
"Wow, that's pretty incredible!" smiled Mary. "I never knew something like that could be possible."
"Well, she passed with flying colors, Mary," agreed Professor Oak.
"I also understand that you're trying to set your sights on a goal," said Mary. "Do you have one in mind?"
"Not yet, but I recently participated in a tournament called the Little Cup in Violet City," answered Hillary. "I didn't win, but I did pretty well: the best eight."
"That's exciting!" said Mary. "So what Pokémon do you have with you?"
"I currently have Cyndaquil, Eevee, Lapras,, and you know my Squirtle and Togepi."
Togepi chirped in agreement.
"Where are you two planning to go next?" asked Mary.
"We're not sure yet, but..." Tristan quickly checked his map on his PokéGear. "Oh, yes! I remember. We're planning a trip to Ecruteak City so that I can battle the Gym Leader for my fourth Johto League badge."
Pikachu agreed excitedly.
"And here's something that may interest the both of you and to all the Trainers listening," continued Mary. "There's gonna be a big Water Pokémon tournament that's not too far away from here. And the grand prize will be a bunch of Water Stones."
"I can't wait!" said Hillary excitedly. "Can you, Tristan?"
"No, sis, not with my Totodile to help me out," agreed Tristan.
Professor Oak gave a good chuckle. "You two seem to be fired up for this tournament."
"And now, as part of our campaign, we have five questions for you to answer," said Mary. "Tristan and Hillary will need to work together as a team to get all five of them right. The first one's for Hillary. Can a Town Map be displayed on a Poké Gear?"
"You bet it can," answered Hillary. "That's why Tristan checked it for our next destination."
"Correct!" smiled Mary. "The second question is for Tristan, with no help from the Pokédex. Can Nidorina be a female only?"
Tristan didn't remember if Nidorina could be male or female. "Uh, yes?"
"That's right!" smiled Mary. "Question three is for Hillary. "Does Kurt, the Poké Ball expert in Azalea Town use Apricorn?"
"Yes he does," answered Hillary. "That's why Tristan and I got these special Poké Balls."
"So far so good," said Mary. "Question four is for Tristan. Magikarp can't learn any other attacks except Splash attack, Tackle, and Flail attack. Is that true?"
Boy, I never knew that a single question could be about Magikarp, thought Tristan. He then took a guess. "Yes?"
"Right again!" said Mary. "Okay, this last question is for the both of you. How many badges are required to get into the Johto League?"
"Eight!" said Tristan and Hillary together.
"Wow, you aced this quiz like champs!" smiled Mary. "Congratulations. I have your prize: a radio card for each of your Poké Gears. And a special Blue Card for when you tune in to Buena's Password later tonight."
"Yes!" said Tristan and Hillary together. "Thanks so much, Mary!"
"I'll be sure to give them to you as soon as we get into the next song," said Mary. "Remember, listeners, this event goes on until midnight tonight, so stop by the radio station before then and ace the quiz like these two Trainers just did. Stay tuned for more fun and excitement on Poké Radio!"
"Wow, you two were a big hit on the radio!" smiled Veronica as everyone convened at the Pokémon Center later that night.
"Maybe you'll be big celebrities like Professor Oak and DJ Mary someday," added Eric.
"Well, we did have our spotlight, but now I'm ready to get back into training," said Tristan. "Now that we have our stuff, we can tune in to the radio anytime."
"Yeah!" said Hillary as she inserted the radio card into the Poké Gear, tuned into a channel and listened.
A cheery female voice was heard on the radio. "Hey, Buena here! I have today's password right here! It's...Pikachu! Don't forget it! I'm in the Goldenrod Radio Tower! And if you can't make it in person, give me a buzz on your Poké Gear."
"Quick, let's phone it in!" suggested Tristan.
"Right!" agreed Hillary. "I'll call and we'll do it together."
(Music Cue: Buena's Password (as heard in Pokémon Crystal version)
At the radio station, Buena heard her phone ring and answered it. "Hey, hey, Buena here!"
"Hi, Buena, it's Hillary!"
"And Tristan, too!"
"Well, now, a double feature!" said Buena excitedly. "I'm sure you remember today's password, right?"
"Pikachu!" said Tristan and Hillary together.
"Pikachu!" added Pikachu.
"How about that! Not only did you guess right, but you have a Pikachu with you!" said Buena. "I'm so happy! You've each earned one point on your Blue Cards. Congrats! They'll be updated automatically."
Sure enough, the Blue Cards each had a tally of one point.
"Yup, our contestants were Tristan and Hillary, plus Pikachu, too," said Buena. "Thank you for calling...and listening. I hope all you listeners will do the same. I'll be waiting!" And she hung up on the phone.
(music fade out)
(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)
"What a day," said Tristan as he, Hillary, Evan, and Braden all prepared for bed. "We got new radio cards and got to be on the radio, too."
"And you got the Plain Badge, as well," added Braden.
Hillary nodded in agreement. "It's too bad that Grandma and Grandpa had to go back home to New Bark Town to take care of things after visiting Great-Grandma Rachael and Great-Grandpa Stuart."
"Evan and I have to go back to Kanto sometime tomorrow, so why not plan?" suggested Braden.
"What plans do we need?" asked Evan.
"It all depends," replied Hillary. "Besides, Tristan and I still have to take care of our Pokémon eggs and continue our journey to the Johto League."
"Yeah, and I want to go to Ecruteak City so that I can earn my fourth Johto League badge. It'll be great to see Morty again.
"And we should make sure our Pokémon eggs stay safe until they hatch," finished Hillary.
"Hey, speaking of that, thanks again for letting Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa borrow your Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, Tristan," said Braden. "I have a feeling that those three will help lay their eggs in no time."
"I'm just glad I could help, Braden," replied Tristan.
"Well, goodnight, guys," said Evan.
"Goodnight," replied Tristan, Hillary, and Braden as they turned out the lights and fell fast asleep.
Even though it was quiet in the Pokémon Center, the city still teemed with life as lights still illuminated Goldenrod City.
Our heroes are now getting ready for another night of rest. But when the next day comes, they'll be ready to take on new challenges and more surprises as they continue their journey to the Johto League.
► TO BE CONTINUED