AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings readers! Here is chapter 50 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. As always, please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews.
TEASER: Tristan's grandfather loans him Abra for his Gym battle against Morty in the hopes of earning his fourth badge. But will Abra have enough strength to defeat Gengar, Morty's most powerful Pokémon or will it be too spooked to win?
Chapter 50: HERE GHOST NOTHING
(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Battle of the Badge"))
Last time, Tristan and Hillary ran into Morty, the Ecruteak Gym Leader. They learned more about the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh from him as well as the role the legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune played in their reincarnation.
Then, they heard the bells ringing from the Bell Tower, so they ran to it as fast as they could.
So when the crystal bells rang and Tristan's Silver Wing glowed, the legendary Ho-Oh descended and landed at the top of the Tin Tower for the first time in three centuries.
Ho-Oh understood Tristan and Hillary's feelings for Pokémon, and presented them each with an egg as a test to see if they could be hatched safely.
Now, after being given the egg, Tristan has another task at hand as he prepares to battle Morty for his fourth Johto League Gym badge.
Tristan was conversing with Professor Oak on the video phone the next morning.
"Ghost Pokémon can be very tricky, but they're not impossible to defeat," said Professor Oak. "They can become invisible, but if you use Foresight on them, they lose their immunity to Normal and Fighting-type attacks."
"Grandpa's Abra wanted to help me win," replied Tristan. "So it decided to spend the night with me in the Pokémon Center so we could train."
"Well well, your grandfather's a very kind person," said Professor Oak. "However, don't forget that you already have six Pokémon. So you'll have to send one to me in order to use Abra."
"Which Pokémon should I send, Professor?" asked Tristan.
"As I recall, you recently hatched a Larvitar at Purity Canyon after your great-grandmother gave it to you in Goldenrod City," replied Professor Oak. "Most of the Larvitar I've seen in the Johto region come from Mount Silver, so I'd like to do some research on Larvitar while you have your Gym battle."
"Sounds good to me, Professor," said Tristan. He took out Larvitar's Poké Ball and put it on the transporter. "Larvitar, I'll see you later, buddy. Be good for Professor Oak, okay?" And he pushed the button.
Larvitar's Poké Ball glowed, and then it disappeared through the transporter.
Seconds later, Professor Oak received it. "Your Larvitar arrived here safe and sound. I'm sure it'll be very happy here during its visit. Good luck with your Gym match."
"Thanks, Professor Oak," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best."
The video transmission ended.
Meanwhile in his laboratory in Pallet Town, Professor Oak was getting ready to send Larvitar out. "I know you're going to have fun here. Come out, come out!"
(Music Cue: No Way, No How!)
Larvitar's Poké Ball opened and Larvitar emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Larvitar was confused and frantically looked around for Tristan, but he wasn't there.
"Hello, Larvitar," smiled Professor Oak.
Larvitar whimpered. It wasn't used to seeing anyone else other than its Trainer.
"It's okay, Larvitar," said Professor Oak nervously. "Don't be scared."
But Larvitar continued to whimper until...
(Music cut)
"LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!"
"What is that?!" bellowed Professor Oak.
Larvitar's screeching was so loud that it could be heard for miles around.
(Music Cue: Sneaking from the Shadows)
Back at the Pokémon Center in Ecruteak City, Tristan let out a big sigh.
Pikachu looked at Tristan with concern. "Pikachu?"
"Hey, Tristan!" said Hillary as she, Togepi, Veronica, and Eric all made their way over to the lobby.
"What's up, Hillary? How are you doing, guys?"
"You seem a little tense, dear," said Veronica. "What's the matter?"
"Well, I've had lots of Gym battles before, but not against Ghost Pokémon," said Tristan. "But Professor Oak did give me some good advice on how to beat them." He bent his face down low. "I just hope Larvitar's doing okay at Professor Oak's laboratory."
"I wouldn't worry, grand-sonny," said Eric. "Larvitar will be just fine. It may have hatched just recently, but I'm sure Professor Oak can take care of it during your Gym match."
"Thanks, Grandpa," replied Tristan. "And thank you for letting me use your Abra."
"Abra may be a Psychic-type and it may be vulnerable to Ghost-type attacks," said Veronica. "However, most of the Ghost Pokémon's Poison-type characteristics make them vulnerable to Abra's Psychic attacks. Plus, this Abra can use Foresight, as you've seen before. That may be your ticket to victory."
"I hope so, Grandma," said Tristan. "I hope so." And he held Abra's Poké Ball close to him.
At the Gym, Morty was teaching his students about the strengths and weaknesses of Ghost-type Pokémon.
Presently, Tristan, Hillary, and their grandparents arrived.
"Good morning, Morty," said Tristan.
"Ah, good morning, Tristan," replied Morty. "I've been expecting you...you and your family that is. Hey, Tristan, would it be all right if my students watched our match?"
"Sure that's fine with me, Morty," smiled Tristan.
"This'll be exciting," said Veronica to Eric. "I'm not sure who to root for."
"Morty is a good friend of ours, dear, but Tristan is our grandson, after all," reminded Eric. "We'll just root for the both of them."
"That's a good plan," smiled Hillary.
A few moments later, Tristan and Morty took their position on opposite sides of the battlefield.
A battle judge came to officiate the match. "Attention, Trainers. This official Ecruteak Gym match between Morty, the Ecruteak Gym Leader, and the challenger, Tristan, from New Bark Town is about to begin. Each side is allowed to use three Pokémon. The Gym Leader will choose his first Pokémon and start the battle, and the challenger will follow. During the match, the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions; the Gym Leader will not."
"That's a good handicap," remarked Veronica. "That might give Tristan an edge."
"Yes, but keep in mind, dear, that Morty's got a lot of experience with Ghost Pokémon," reminded Eric. "We'll have to see what Tristan's strategy is."
"This battle will really put his abilities to the test," said Hillary.
"I choose Gastly!" shouted Morty as he threw his first Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon as heard in "The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis"))
A purple spherical Pokémon covered in gas emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"So he's beginning with Gastly," said Tristan. "Yeah, I know who I'm gonna choose. Abra, let's go!" He threw his first Poké Ball.
Abra emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Why's he starting with Abra now?" asked Hillary.
"Maybe he's learned a few of Abra's tricks while training overnight," replied Eric. "If he learned that quickly about Abra's abilities yesterday, then there's a good chance he'll defeat Morty."
"Let the battle begin!" said the judge.
"Disappear, Gastly!" commanded Morty.
Gastly disappeared into thin air.
"Hey, where'd Gastly go?" asked Hillary. "I can't see it anywhere."
"I'm sure that this is all part of Morty's strategy," said Veronica.
"Just because you have good Pokémon, Tristan, doesn't mean that we'll go easy on you," warned Morty. "Gastly, use your Lick attack!"
"Don't let it fool you, Abra," said Tristan. "Use your Foresight!"
Abra opened its eyes and they glowed red, then it shot a red beam of light from them. Sure enough, it was able to identify Gastly before it could launch a sneak attack.
"There it is," said Veronica.
"Now it can't hide from any attack Tristan throws its way!" said Hillary.
"Abra, return now!" commanded Tristan as he took out Abra's Poké Ball.
A red beam shot from the Poké Ball's button, transforming Abra into red energy, which shot back inside the ball.
"All right, Pikachu, let's go!" said Tristan.
Pikachu eagerly charged into battle.
"Gastly, use your Night Shade!" ordered Morty.
Crimson beams of energy shot out from Gastly's eyes straight toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack now!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu zigzagged to dodge Gastly's Night Shade. Then it streaked directly towards Gastly with a white line trailing behind it.
"Dodge it, Gastly!" shouted Morty.
Gastly flew to the left to avoid Pikachu's Quick Attack just as it got within striking distance.
"Stay on it, Pikachu!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu easily changed direction and scored a direct hit on Gastly, sending it plummeting to the ground.
"Gastly!" cried Morty.
Gastly collapsed with a dazed expression on its face. It had been knocked out.
"Gastly is unable to battle...Pikachu wins the round," said the referee.
"Excellent, Pikachu," commended Tristan.
Pikachu raised its arms and did a victory pose.
"I see," said Hillary. "Abra used Foresight to prevent Gastly from disappearing and launching a surprise attack. So rather than use Abra to attack now, he decided to save it for later if he has to."
"That's a pretty good strategy," remarked Veronica.
"As usual, Tristan's thinking one step ahead," added Eric. "Of course, I wouldn't expect any less from our grandson, right, dear?"
"Right," agreed Veronica.
"Well done, Tristan," commended Morty as he returned Gastly to its Poké Ball. "You've raised your Pikachu and Abra exceptionally well. But we're just getting started. I choose you, Haunter!" He threw his second Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))
Morty's Haunter emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Are you okay to keep going, Pikachu?" asked Tristan.
Pikachu nodded determinedly.
"All right, then I'm keeping you in!" said Tristan.
"I don't think I've seen Tristan and Pikachu this confident before," remarked Hillary.
"With everything they've learned on their journey so far," replied Veronica, "there's a good chance they'll get that fourth badge."
"Yes, dear, but don't forget that Morty still has two Pokémon to work with," said Eric, "and you can be pretty sure that his third and final choice will be one of his strongest contenders."
"Haunter, Mean Look!" instructed Morty.
Haunter's eyes glowed purple, and the corresponding glow enveloped Pikachu.
"What's Mean Look?" asked Hillary.
"Not good," replied Veronica. "Mean Look forces your opponent to stay in the battle. Tristan can't switch Pikachu out with another Pokémon until either it or Haunter is defeated."
"No fair," grumbled Hillary. "The challenger's allowed to switch his Pokémon. Why did this attack have to exist anyway?"
"Mean Look is an official Pokémon attack, Hillary," explained Veronica. "This is the kind of thing that'll put Tristan's abilities to the test. Before a Trainer can earn a Gym Badge, a Gym Leader does his job, and that job is to test how the challengers react to surprises like this."
"Whoa," said Hillary. "That's a lot of pressure on Tristan. Now that he and Pikachu can't switch out, who knows what they're in for."
"We won't let Mean Look stop us," said Tristan. "Use your Thunderbolt attack, Pikachu!"
Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity at Haunter, but Haunter nimbly dodged the attack.
"Just because a Thunderbolt attack can work on a Ghost-type doesn't mean that it will work," said Morty. "Haunter, use your hands to grab Pikachu!"
Haunter's hands reached for Pikachu as it frantically tried to dodge them.
Quick Attack won't do us any good if we attack it directly, thought Tristan. But that doesn't mean we can't use it to defend. "Pikachu, use your Quick Attack to dodge it!" he ordered aloud.
Pikachu streaked away from the grasp of Haunter's hands as a white line trailed behind it.
"Not bad, Tristan," smiled Morty. "Using Quick Attack to dodge instead of attacking is a good way to deal with Ghost Pokémon. But no one wins a battle on defense alone. Haunter, now!"
Quickly, Haunter's hands reached out and grabbed Pikachu from behind.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt attack!" shouted Tristan.
"Haunter, Lick attack!" ordered Morty.
Haunter used its tongue to lick Pikachu before it could launch a Thunderbolt attack.
"This is bad," said Hillary. "Pikachu's in real trouble."
"You can toss it down now, Haunter," instructed Morty.
Haunter, still holding a dazed Pikachu in its hands, spun it around and around, and sent it careening into the ground, causing a cloud of dust to form.
"Pikachu!" cried Tristan.
When the dust cleared, Pikachu, still having a dazed expression in its eyes had been knocked out.
"Pikachu is unable to battle...Haunter wins the round," declared the judge.
"Oh, Pikachu lost," said Hillary sadly.
"That Mean Look attack was a major factor in its defeat," added Veronica.
Tristan quickly rushed over to Pikachu and held it in his arms. "How are you feeling, Pikachu?"
Pikachu gave a weak reply.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Imitation Confrontation"))
"You did a great job," said Tristan as he gently placed it on the ground next to him. "You just take it easy for a while." He turned to Morty. "This isn't over yet. We've worked hard to get here, and we didn't come to lose." He took out his Lure Ball and threw it. "Totodile, I choose you!"
Totodile emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Interesting choice," remarked Eric.
"I'll say," agreed Hillary. "But why'd he choose Totodile? Tristan should know that Water attacks would do the same amount of damage an Electric attack would do."
"That is, unless he has another trick up his sleeve," said Veronica.
"But what kind?" asked Hillary.
"We'll just have to see," replied Veronica.
"Totodile, Water Gun attack!" commanded Tristan.
Totodile leaped up and shot a blast of water at Haunter, giving it a good soak.
"All right, that hit the mark!" said Hillary excitedly.
"A good way to start it off," remarked Eric.
"Haunter, use your Mean Look attack!" instructed Morty.
Haunter's eyes glowed purple, and the corresponding glow enveloped Totodile in the same way it did to Pikachu.
"Now your Totodile's stuck in battle, too," smiled Morty. "Haunter, Confuse Ray!"
Haunter's eyes glowed brightly in an attempt to confuse Totodile.
"Don't look at it, Totodile!" shouted Tristan. "Blast it with another Water Gun!"
Totodile shot another powerful blast of water at Haunter, scoring a direct hit on it and stopping Haunter's Confuse Ray.
"Now that was an excellent move," remarked Veronica. "Totodile's Water Gun cancelled out Haunter's Confuse Ray, causing it to lose its concentration."
"Haunter, Night Shade!" ordered Morty.
Haunter's eyes glowed as a beam of crimson energy shot out from them, but faster than Gastly did.
"Haunter's faster than Gastly," said Veronica. "Morty is certainly one tough opponent."
"Dodge it, Totodile, and use your Bite attack!" shouted Tristan.
Totodile leaped off the ground and sunk its teeth hard into Haunter's ghostly body.
"Haunter!" cried Morty.
"A direct hit!" said Hillary excitedly.
"Now that's what I call a bite to remember," remarked Eric.
Totodile continued to hang on tightly to Haunter using its teeth as Haunter continued to endure the hit.
"Haunter, use your hands to get Totodile to let go of you!" instructed Morty.
Haunter used its hands to try and pry Totodile loose. After pulling hard, it eventually succeeded, but then...
"Okay, Totodile, finish it off with Water Gun!" ordered Tristan.
Totodile shot another blast of water towards Haunter at point-blank range, causing it to fall to the ground.
"Haunter!" cried Morty.
Haunter had a dazed expression in its eyes, and had been knocked out.
"Haunter is unable to battle...Totodile wins the round," declared the judge.
"Great job, Totodile," commended Tristan.
Totodile nimbly landed on its feet and gave a nod of approval.
"That was a close one," said Hillary as she breathed a sigh of relief. "If Tristan had waited any longer, Totodile would've met the same defeat as Pikachu did."
"True, but he didn't," replied Veronica. "Tristan knew that Haunter would eventually pry Totodile loose, but he picked the right moment to blast Totodile right out of the battle before it got licked."
"And now Morty's down to his last Pokémon," added Hillary.
"And if I know Morty, it'll be his most powerful Ghost Pokémon," put in Eric.
Morty returned Haunter to its Poké Ball. "I'm very impressed with you and your Pokémon," remarked Morty. "You've raised them all quite well, despite that you've never faced my Ghost Pokémon in a Gym match before. But now, it's time to show you my true power!" He took out his Poké Ball and threw it. "I choose you, Gengar!"
A dark purple bipedal Pokémon with a round body emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had red eyes and a wide mouth that was curled into a sinister grin.
"So that's a Gengar," said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. The evolved form of Haunter. Details about Gengar are unknown."
"Well that doesn't help much," said Hillary.
"Gengar's one of the most mysterious Pokémon to exist in the Pokémon world," said Veronica. "I've heard tales of its sudden appearance dropping the temperature, leaving chills in your spine."
"That sounds scary," said Hillary nervously. "But at least Tristan doesn't have to face the unidentified ghosts like we did in the Pokémon Tower back in Lavender Town."
"I get the shivers just thinking about it," remarked Eric.
"Well, Tristan, are you ready for my Gengar?" asked Morty.
"We're more than ready," replied Tristan. "Totodile, hit it with your Water Gun attack!"
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "The Lost Lapras"))
Totodile shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Gengar.
"Dodge it, Gengar!" commanded Morty.
Gengar disappeared into thin air, causing Totodile's Water Gun attack to miss.
"That's not good," said Hillary. "Now Tristan and Totodile can't see where Gengar's attack will come from."
"Totodile has to attack Gengar or it'll never win," said Eric.
Totodile frantically looked around as it tried to find Gengar.
"Stay calm, Totodile," advised Tristan. "Just keep your eyes and ears open for Gengar and stay one step ahead of its attacks."
"Use Night Shade!" instructed Morty.
Crimson beams came out of thin air from above, scoring a direct hit on Totodile before it or Tristan could react.
"Totodile!" cried Tristan.
"Now use your Lick attack!" commanded Morty.
Gengar, still invisible, shot its tongue out from above at Totodile and wrapped it around.
"Totodile's tongue-tied!" cried Hillary.
"All right, finish it off, Gengar!" instructed Morty.
Gengar spun Totodile around and around like a wheel, and tossed it down, sending it crashing to the ground.
Totodile had a dazed expression in its eyes, as it was knocked out.
"Totodile is unable to battle...Gengar wins the round," declared the judge.
"Wait! No way!" gasped Tristan.
"Gengar's strong!" said Hillary.
"Gastly and Haunter were strong, too," remarked Veronica. "But Gengar seems to be the strongest of Morty's Ghost Pokémon."
"Now Tristan has only one choice he can make," said Eric. "And that's Abra."
Abra came out of its Poké Ball and awaited Tristan's instructions.
"I'm counting on you, Abra," said Tristan. "We can do this."
Abra nodded.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Freeze Frame"))
"Disappear, Gengar!" commanded Morty.
Gengar disappeared into thin air.
"Gengar's invisible again," said Hillary. "Now where could it be?"
"Use Foresight to find it!" instructed Tristan.
Abra opened its eyes and tried to shoot a red light to find Gengar.
"Use Night Shade!" commanded Morty.
Crimson beams came out of thin air from above, colliding with the beam from Abra's Foresight, causing an explosion of energy,
Everyone on Tristan's side of the battlefield shielded their faces from the strong winds that followed.
"What incredible power!" exclaimed Hillary.
"I knew Gengar was going to be tough to beat, but not this tough!" grunted Veronica.
"All right, Gengar, let's try and use your Night Shade to finish Abra off," instructed Morty.
Crimson beams shot out from up above straight toward Abra.
"Abra, use Teleport to dodge it!" ordered Tristan.
Abra glowed white and disappeared. An instant later, it appeared in a different part of the battlefield.
"Ah, nice dodge," smiled Morty. "But you can't dodge it forever. Gengar, use a series of Night Shade attacks!"
Gengar, still invisible, shot multiple crimson beams at Abra as it tried to teleport away from them.
"What now, Tristan?" asked Morty. "You know the only way to win is to make Gengar become visible again. But if it spends too much time dodging Gengar's attacks, you don't stand a chance."
"Morty's right," agreed Veronica. "Tristan's in a tough spot, and he needs to find Gengar, or he'll lose the match."
"But what can he do, Grandma?" asked Hillary.
"Well, Abra doesn't know very many attacks besides Teleport," replied Veronica. "But if Tristan taps into Abra's true strength, there's still a chance for him to win."
"Gengar, use your Shadow Ball!" shouted Morty.
Gengar's hands sparked with blue electricity. Then it formed a dark colored ball, and threw it directly toward Abra at incredible speed.
Gengar's Shadow Ball came so fast that Abra didn't have time to react, for it scored a direct hit, causing an explosive blast of energy to send it flying.
"Abra, no!" cried Tristan.
Abra fell to the ground, seemingly injured from the explosion thanks to Gengar's Shadow Ball.
"Poor Abra," gasped Hillary.
"I think it's hurt for sure," said Veronica nervously.
"Well, I guess that's that," said Morty. "With all due respect, Tristan, you're a great Trainer, and one with fighting spirit. However, I highly suggest that you forfeit the match before Abra gets hurt even further."
Tristan gave the matter a lot of thought, but when he saw Abra struggling to get back on its feet and turned to him with determination, he was taken aback. "Are you sure, Abra? Do you want to keep battling?"
Abra nodded determinedly.
"Okay, Morty, we'll keep going," replied Tristan. "We're winners, not quitters. And I know Abra won't let me down."
Abra nodded again, but just as it did, it was bathed in a bright light.
(Music Cue: The Day is Conquered (as heard in "Hot Matches"))
Tristan was shocked at what was happening, and so were Veronica, Eric, and Hillary.
Eric was the most surprised of all.
"Abra must be evolving!" gasped Eric.
Morty didn't know which was more surprising: the fact that Abra was evolving or its will to win.
Nevertheless, Abra changed shape as it evolved, and when it had finished, it had two pointed ears, narrow deep-set eyes, and a star on its forehead.
"Abra just evolved into Kadabra!" said Hillary excitedly.
"And it looks stronger than ever," added Veronica.
Presently, Abra's eyes glowed red and got ready to attack.
"What's it doing?" wondered Tristan.
"Looks like a Confusion attack to me," answered Eric.
Tristan took out his Pokédex and looked up the entry.
"Confusion. This powerful Psychic attack confuses the opponent and weakens it as well."
"This is awesome!" said Tristan. "All right, Kadabra, use your Confusion attack!"
Kadabra sent a red beam of light that was so strong it was felt through the whole building.
Sure enough, Gengar was revealed, much to Morty's shock.
"Look! Gengar's no longer invisible!" said Hillary.
"Now's our chance," said Tristan. "Use Foresight!"
Kadabra shot another red beam of light in Gengar's direction, and pretty soon, it was identified.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball!" shouted Morty.
Gengar attempted to fire another Shadow Ball, but Kadabra fired a mysterious colored beam of energy at Gengar, scoring a direct hit on it and cancelling out its Shadow Ball.
"Gengar!" cried Morty.
"Wow, Kadabra just used Psybeam!" said Hillary.
"Now that hit the mark," said Eric.
And it did, too, for Gengar was sent careening into one of the walls, and soon, fell to the ground, knocked out.
"Gengar is unable to battle...Kadabra wins the round," said the referee. "The match goes to the challenger, Tristan from New Bark Town!"
"Kadabra, we did it!" said Tristan as he and Pikachu ran to congratulate it. "I'm so very proud of you."
Kadabra smiled as Tristan gently put his hands on its shoulders.
Morty returned Gengar to its Poké Ball and held it close. "You did a great job, Gengar. You deserve a good rest." He looked up at Tristan, Hillary, their grandparents, and their Kadabra. Then he said to himself, "I must admit. Veronica and Eric raised two wonderful grandchildren. They were taught well."
(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky)
That evening, Tristan, Hillary, and their grandparents stood outside the Gym with Morty and his students.
"Well, Tristan, you did a great job," said Morty. "That Kadabra was raised even better than I thought it was when it was still a little Abra."
"Well, Grandpa was the one who did the work," replied Tristan.
"But you were the one who won your Gym match, grand-sonny," reminded Eric.
"Your grandfather has a good point," agreed Morty as he took something out of his pocket. "This is proof of your victory at the Ecruteak Gym. The Fog Badge is yours, and you earned it."
"Thanks, Morty," said Tristan as he took the badge from him. "I had a great time battling with Pokémon I'm not used to training, and I learned a lot from our battle." He then raised his new badge in the air and proclaimed, "All right! The Fog Badge!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu as it stood proudly with Tristan and Kadabra.
"Well, I suppose we should be getting home, dear," said Eric to Veronica. "And Kadabra could use a good rest back at home, too."
"I agree," said Veronica. "And Morty, thank you for battling with our grandson. He was waiting to battle you for a long time."
"It was my pleasure," smiled Morty. "Tristan, I wish you success in your upcoming matches. I believe you'll make it to the Johto League before you know it."
"Thanks, Morty, I'll do my best," replied Tristan.
And so, with a little help from his grandfather and Kadabra, Tristan earns his fourth badge. Now with four badges left to obtain before gaining entry into the Johto League, there's no doubt that he and Hillary are ready to move forward to the next Gym and the next adventure.
That night at the Pokémon Center, Tristan was conversing with Professor Oak on the video phone as Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi watched.
"So how'd your battle with Morty go?" asked Professor Oak.
"It was great," replied Tristan. "I won a Fog Badge. Hey, wait, what happened to you, Professor?"
Sure enough, Professor Oak had earmuffs on his ears and bandages on his face.
"It seems your Larvitar was very loud during its visit and misses you a bit," said Professor Oak, "especially since it spent the whole day screeching and attacking me."
Just then, Larvitar tried to push Professor Oak away, but Professor Oak wouldn't let him.
(Music Cue: Exeggutor and Oddish March (from the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation" as heard at the end of "Type Casting"))
"Hang on, Larvitar, I'll send you back to Tristan before..." But Professor Oak's speech was interrupted because Larvitar began screeching again, causing everyone in the Pokémon Center to cover their ears.
"NOT AGAIN!" bellowed Professor Oak as the screeching continued for what seemed like hours.
► TO BE CONTINUED