AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 48 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. I decided to put the Wobbuffet Festival Crashers into this chapter because one, they've caused trouble only twice, and two, they haven't been arrested yet. I figured that any rarely occurring criminal that has caused trouble and hasn't been arrested yet should be. You may have noticed that Taz turned from a dangerous Pokémon Hunter to one that serves as comedy relief at certain points of the story. That's why he hasn't been out of the story yet. Too bad he doesn't appear in this chapter, though. Anyway, feel free to read and leave responsible reviews when you have a chance.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary visit the Wobbuffet Village, where the spirit of Wobbuffet stands strong. However, that strong spirit may be in jeopardy when the Wobbuffet Festival Crashers attack the village...and the Wobbuffet!
Chapter 48: THE WOBBUFFET VILLAGE
(Music Cue: Golden Silver)
Tristan and Hillary, along with their Pokémon friends continue on their journey to Ecruteak City, but today, they've stopped in a quaint little village for some rest and refreshment.
Tristan and Hillary were admiring the sights and sounds of a small village as they walked the next day.
Presently, Hillary noticed a sign. "I wonder what the sign says."
Tristan knelt down and read it. "Welcome Trainers. This is the Wobbuffet Village, so named because most people who live here own a Wobbuffet. Wobbuffet never attack first, reflecting its easygoing and happy nature. During the Wobbuffet Festival, battles are strictly prohibited inside the Wobbuffet Village."
"Didn't Jessie from Team Rocket own a Wobbuffet?" asked Hillary.
"How could I forget that?" replied Tristan. "That Wobbuffet's Counter attack was very strong, much stronger than I had originally thought when I first encountered it."
Hillary took out her Pokédex and looked up Wobbuffet's entry.
"Wobbuffet, the Patient Pokémon. Wobbuffet like to live in dark areas so they can keep their pitch-black tails concealed."
"I can see why the Pokédex called Wobbuffet the Patient Pokémon," remarked Tristan.
Pikachu agreed with him.
Presently, Togepi began to cry.
Hillary knew what that meant. "Uh-oh. Someone's hungry."
"Let's go get something to eat," suggested Tristan. "I'm kind of hungry myself."
"Good idea," agreed Hillary. "Sounds like someone has the right attitude for a meal."
Tristan gave a chuckle just as a woman came by.
The woman wore green shorts and a shirt that had a Wobbuffet face. "Aw, what a cute little Togepi. I assume you folks would like a little snack, right?"
"Togepi does," replied Hillary.
"As a matter of fact, we all would," agreed Tristan.
A Wobbuffet appeared right beside the woman. It had the same personality as she did.
"Come on, my house is just ahead," said the woman as she led Tristan and Hillary down the road.
They came to a little house and settled in.
"I'm Lulu, and I've been a big fan of Wobbuffet for many years," said the woman. "Almost everybody in the village has a Wobbuffet."
"I never knew Wobbuffet could be so popular here," remarked Tristan. "They make almost anyone feel good."
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "They don't call it the Patient Pokémon for nothing. Even my patience is off the charts today."
Lulu handed Togepi a small sandwich to chow down on.
Togepi munched on the sandwich, and instantly cheered up.
"Togepi seems to like the food, Lulu," remarked Hillary.
"I'm glad to hear that," smiled Lulu as she put a plate of sandwiches on the table. "Well, dig in."
And Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu did just that, and were so pleased with the taste that they asked for seconds.
(Music Cue: Route 29 (as heard in "Forest Grumps"))
Afterwards, Lulu escorted them through the Wobbuffet Village.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were surprised by scores of Wobbuffet hanging out with their Trainers.
"I've never seen so many Wobbuffet in one place," said Tristan.
"We all take pride in taking good care of our Wobbuffet," replied Lulu. "Each one has its own unique personality, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Look, there goes one now."
Sure enough, a Wobbuffet happily ran by, although it was half its normal size.
"Wow, a mini-Wobbuffet!" said Hillary. "That one's so cute!"
"And here comes Officer Jenny, and she also has a Wobbuffet," added Lulu.
Officer Jenny walked by and gave a friendly wave to Lulu. Her Wobbuffet was tough, just like her.
"I always thought Officer Jenny had Growlithe as a partner," said Tristan.
"This one decided to honor the tradition and have a Wobbuffet of her very own," replied Lulu. "Why don't you go play with the Wobbuffet? I'm sure they'll be happy to have visitors like you playing with them."
"Okay!" said Hillary. "Come on, guys, let's go!" And she happily ran towards the Wobbuffet.
"Hey, wait for me!" called Tristan as he and Pikachu followed Hillary and Togepi.
Meanwhile, a suspicious trio was watching from a cliff above the Wobbuffet Village.
"Those people may have made fools out of us twice," said one.
"But you know what they say: the third time's the charm," said another.
"Let's get to work," put in a third.
They sent out their Pokémon, who were all Fighting-types. They were a Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape.
"Let's show those Wobbuffet we mean business once and for all," said the first one.
"Yeah!" agreed the second and the third.
All three Fighting Pokémon agreed.
Meanwhile, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were having fun playing with the Wobbuffet. They played on the swings with them. They happily raced with them. And then they just sat together.
Suddenly, Lulu showed up. "Someone just attacked a Wobbuffet!"
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
(Music Cue: Imminent Danger)
They rushed posthaste to a little boy and his injured Wobbuffet. The little boy was seen crying.
"What happened?" asked Lulu.
"I was playing on the swing when those people came and attacked my Wobbuffet," sniffled the boy.
His Wobbuffet gave a weak reply of agreement.
"This is terrible!" gasped Hillary.
"Who'd do such a thing?" fumed Tristan.
Suddenly, a man appeared. "Hey! Another Wobbuffet was just attacked!"
Everyone gasped in shock.
They dashed to another woman with her injured Wobbuffet.
"Those three came and attacked my Wobbuffet!" cried the woman. "I didn't see who those three were!"
Her Wobbuffet gave a weak reply.
"I'd better go find Officer Jenny," said Lulu. "I have a feeling I know who's behind this." And she ran off.
Presently, a little girl came by. "Another Wobbuffet was just attacked! It's my friend's Wobbuffet, and he was attacked from behind!"
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"This is bad," said Tristan. "We have to find whoever's doing this to the Wobbuffet before it's too late."
"Do you know where they are, miss?" asked Hillary.
"They're at the Wobbuffet Festival Symbol," answered the girl. "They've also been attacking the village just for the fun of it."
"Tristan, we have to hurry and get there before another Wobbuffet gets attacked," said Hillary.
"You're right, Hillary, let's go," agreed Tristan as he, Hillary, and their Pokémon rushed off to the Festival Symbol as fast as they could.
Sure enough, at the Festival Symbol, the Wobbuffet were being attacked one by one as the other Wobbuffet and their Trainers looked on in horror.
Tristan and Hillary arrived in time to see everything.
The three suspicious people gave a good cackle as the Wobbuffet trembled in fear.
"So you're the ones who've been attacking all the Wobbuffet here!" fumed Hillary.
"Yeah, you got a problem with it?" asked the first one.
"You bet we do!" replied Tristan. "Just look what you've done to the poor Wobbuffet! What have they ever done to you, huh?"
"They deserve it!" retorted the second one.
"Just who do you think you are, anyway?" demanded Hillary.
"I'm Tsuyoshi, and I train Hitmonlee!" said the first one.
"I'm Tetsuya, and I train Machoke!" put in the second one.
"And I'm Hisashi, and I train Primape!" finished the third one.
"We are the Wobbuffet Festival Crashers!" And together they did a pose.
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
Just then, Lulu appeared on the scene. "I never thought you three would be back in town!"
"Well, well, look who it is," smirked Hisashi.
"The lady who beat us before," put in Tetsuya.
Tristan and Hillary were surprised. "You've seen them before?"
Lulu nodded as she began her story.
"Those three raise Fighting Pokémon and decided to build their strength by attacking the village instead of training them," explained Lulu. "They damaged a few houses and wound up at my place. I battled them using my Wobbuffet and had it use Counter and Mirror Coat to defeat them.
"They had been sent packing until recently, when they came to crash the Wobbuffet Festival again, but this time, they attacked all the Wobbuffet as revenge for their defeat.
Jessie used her Wobbuffet to send them packing again before she, James, and Meowth showed their true colors when they stole the food for the festival. I'm still very disappointed by that."
"So that's why those three came back again, not only to get revenge, but to attack everything and every Wobbuffet," said Tristan.
"Officer Jenny is on her way," said Lulu. "Please, you have to do something to stop them from hurting another Wobbuffet!"
"But what about the village?" asked Tristan.
"Won't it be damaged?" added Hillary.
"It's okay to battle now," added Lulu. "Battles are only forbidden during the Wobbuffet Festival. The festival doesn't occur again for another nine months. The village might suffer some damage, but we'll just rebuild it again. After all, the Wobbuffet are the ones who need your help."
Tristan and Hillary looked at each other. Then they gave a nod. "We'll do it, Lulu."
"Oh, thank you," smiled Lulu. "I'll go get Officer Jenny. You try and stall them until we get back."
Tristan and Hillary nodded as they turned to face the Wobbuffet Festival Crashers.
"All right, this is your last chance," warned Hillary. "Leave now, or you're gonna be sorry."
"Hillary's right," agreed Tristan. "Now apologize to the Wobbuffet and their Trainers for attacking their home."
"No," smirked Tsuyoshi. "We're just getting started. But if you want to defend the honor of a weak Pokémon, be our guests. Go, Hitmonlee!"
"Go, Machoke!" shouted Tetsuya.
"Go, Primeape!" yelled Hisashi.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "For Cryin' Out Loud"))
Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape all charged into battle.
"Chikorita, I choose you!" shouted Tristan as he threw his Friend Ball.
"Cyndaquil, Squirtle, I choose you!" cried Hillary as she threw her two Poké Balls.
Tristan's Chikorita as well as Hillary's Squirtle and Cyndaquil emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
"It may be just us two, but it's three on three," said Tristan.
"Right," agreed Hillary. "They're not gonna outnumber us that easily."
"Hitmonlee, use your Rolling Kick attack!" commanded Tsuyoshi.
Hitmonlee charged toward Chikorita as it prepared to kick it.
"Chikorita, knock it off balance with Vine Whip!" ordered Tristan.
Chikorita shot two green vines from its bud necklace and successfully stopped Hitmonlee's Rolling Kick.
"Go, Machoke, Karate Chop attack!" yelled Tetsuya.
Machoke charged toward Squirtle using the side of its open hand to attack.
"Squirtle, Withdraw!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle shrunk into its shell as it glowed in a blue aura, preventing Machoke from giving as much damage to it.
"Primeape, Fury Swipes attack!" shouted Hisashi.
Primeape lunged for Cyndaquil using its fists to attack.
"Cyndaquil, Flame Wheel!" ordered Hillary.
Cyndaquil rolled into a ball, igniting itself in flames as it went, and scored a direct hit on Primeape.
"Those kids can't beat us if we attack them together!" said Hisashi as he, Tsuyoshi, and Tetsuya all held hands.
"Attack!" they cried.
Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape all charged for Tristan and Hillary as they braced themselves.
Suddenly, a loud whistle was heard blowing in the distance.
Tristan and Hillary turned to see Lulu arriving with Officer Jenny and their Wobbuffet.
"Oh, great, the cops!" grumbled Hisashi.
"That battle was a trap!" gasped Tetsuya and Tsuyoshi.
"What do you think you're doing attacking those defenseless Wobbuffet?" demanded Officer Jenny.
"Those Wobbuffet deserve it, lady!" retorted Hisashi. "And those kids are just getting in our way!"
"I'm placing all three of you under arrest for attacking the Wobbuffet Village and the Wobbuffet who live here," said Officer Jenny as she took out three pairs of handcuffs.
"We won't let you take us in, right, guys?" said Tsuyoshi.
Hisashi and Tetsuya agreed.
"Go get her!" ordered Tsuyoshi, Tetsuya, and Hisashi.
(Music Cue: Radio Tower Takeover (as heard in "May's Egg-Cellent Adventure"))
Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape turned around and prepared to attack Officer Jenny and her Wobbuffet.
"Whoa!" gasped Hillary. "Those three are about to attack Officer Jenny!"
"Officer Jenny, get out of the way!" shouted Tristan.
"It's all right," Lulu assured them. "I have a feeling Officer Jenny will be able to handle those three just like I have."
As Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape got closer and closer, Officer Jenny waited for just the right moment to issue her command. Then suddenly...
"Now!" she shouted.
Her Wobbuffet glowed in a red aura just as Hitmonlee, Machoke, and Primeape all attacked it.
"Look! Wobbuffet's using its Counter attack!" said Tristan.
The three Fighting Pokémon pushed as hard as they could, but it wasn't enough to beat Wobbuffet's Counter, for it pushed them all back, sending them sky-high with twice the power as they had unleashed on Wobbuffet. Seconds later, they appeared out of the sky and fell to the ground, much to Tsuyoshi, Tetsuya, and Hisashi's shock. They all had dazed expressions in their eyes, signifying that they had been knocked out.
"See? What did I tell you?" smiled Lulu.
"You were right," replied Hillary. "She had this under control all along."
"That Wobbuffet really is tough," agreed Tristan. "Not to mention strong."
(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge! (as heard in "The Battle of the Badge"))
The three Wobbuffet Festival Crashers bowed their heads in surrender as Officer Jenny put the handcuffs on their wrists.
That evening, a patrol wagon was seen carrying the arrested Wobbuffet Festival Crashers away as Tristan, Hillary, Lulu, and Officer Jenny proudly looked on.
"Thanks to you, we were able to capture the Wobbuffet Festival Crashers once and for all with a minimal amount of damage," said Officer Jenny.
"And you helped save all the Wobbuffet," added Lulu.
"Well, we didn't do all that much," replied Hillary.
"She's right," agreed Tristan.
"You helped stall them until we got to them," continued Officer Jenny.
"But what about the injured Wobbuffet?" asked Hillary.
"They'll all be just fine," replied Officer Jenny. "Your first aid kit really came in handy when it came to treating those Wobbuffet, who, by the way, suffered only minor injuries."
"That's a relief," smiled Tristan.
"So where are you off to next?" asked Lulu.
"We're on our way to Ecruteak City so that I can earn my fourth Johto League badge," answered Tristan. "But I'll certainly think about those Wobbuffet, too."
"And all the other Pokémon we've met so far," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi nodded in agreement.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary had said goodbye to Officer Jenny, Lulu, and the residents of the Wobbuffet Village, including all the Wobbuffet.
"Playing with those Wobbuffet sure was fun, wasn't it, Tristan?" said Hillary.
"You said it, Hillary," agreed Tristan. "It just makes me wonder what we'll see next."
After saving the Wobbuffet Village from the three Wobbuffet Festival Crashers, our heroes turn their attention back to the road, the road that will lead them to Ecruteak City and the Johto League!
► TO BE CONTINUED