AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 55 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. I've decided to have Macy and Egan, two characters on Pokémon: Master Quest join the fray in this chapter. Egan, as you know, proclaims himself as the hotheaded prince of fire while Macy is working to compete in the Johto League. We see her there, but maybe nobody knows what she does before then. Anyway, please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary participate in the Fire Pokémon Tournament, but it's no bed of roses when several tough Trainers like Egan and Macy, and one villain like Taz enter the fray!
Chapter 55: HILLARY ON FIRE!
(Music Cue: Opening & Title (as heard in "Fighting Flyer with Fire"))
Last time, our heroes were still on the road to Olivine City and Tristan's fifth Gym Battle, but they were completely exhausted and desperately needed a rest from walking for so long. Fortunately, they met Keegan and Ramona, two Trainers who operated a delivery business and offered them a ride on their Arcanine. But soon, Taz came along disguised as an ice cream man, offering the Arcanine the first lick. However, it was actually a trap to capture the Arcanine and the Fire Stones. But thanks to some first-class teamwork by Heracross and Larvitar, they managed to stall him long enough for the Arcanine to escape.
Taz tried to escape again through Magmar's Smokescreen; however, after taking some Arcanine riding lessons from Keegan, Tristan and Arcanine worked together and defeated him.
Now, our heroes are excited about the upcoming Fire Pokémon Tournament, with Hillary planning to use her Cyndaquil and Tristan putting his hopes on Quilava. Now they'll be up against countless Trainers as they prepare to compete in the tournament. Which of them will emerge victorious?
Tristan and Hillary quickly got themselves registered for the tournament.
"Let's both give it our all," said Tristan. "What do you say, sis?"
"You bet," agreed Hillary. "And may the best Trainer win."
Pikachu and Togepi were about to agree when suddenly...
"AAAAH!"
(Music Cue: Raid!)
"Did you hear that, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
Tristan nodded. "We'd better check it out."
And off they dashed posthaste.
A familiar bearded man had stolen a Cyndaquil from a girl's possession, and was speeding away on his motorcycle. Yes, it was Taz, the man who always caused Tristan and Hillary trouble.
"Give back my Cyndaquil, you creep!" yelled the girl abrasively.
"Ha!" laughed Taz. "Sorry, kid, but since yesterday, I happen to be on fire because I always learn from my mistakes."
Just then, Tristan and Hillary arrived on the scene.
"Hey, kid, what happened?" asked Hillary.
"That guy's got my Cyndaquil!" cried the girl.
Tristan took one quick look. "It's Taz. I knew it." He took out his Fast Ball and threw it. "Quilava, I choose you!"
Quilava emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Quilava, catch up to that motorcycle using Quick Attack now!" ordered Tristan.
Quilava ignited the flames on its forehead and back end and ran as fast as it could as a white line streaked behind it, surprising Taz.
"Now use your Flamethrower attack!" shouted Tristan.
Quilava shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth, scoring a direct hit on Taz.
"Hot! Hot! HOT!" cried Taz.
His being on fire caused him to lose his balance and fall off and crash his motorcycle, sending Cyndaquil flying back to the girl.
"Cyndaquil," said the girl as she gently stroked it. "Are you okay?"
Her Cyndaquil gave a nod.
Taz picked himself up and grumbled just as Tristan, Hillary, and the girl arrived. "Youse got some nerve crashing my capture!"
"Cyndaquil's not yours and you know it!" retorted the girl.
"Oh, yeah? We'll just see about that!" replied Taz.
"Quilava, hit him with another Flamethrower!" commanded Tristan.
Quilava shot another powerful blast of fire from its mouth at Taz, scoring such a huge direct hit that it caused an explosion sending him skyward.
"Looks like I flamed out again!" screamed Taz as he disappeared into the sky.
DING!
"That's what you get for playing with fire!" called Tristan.
"Next time you decide to steal another Fire Pokémon, learn to stop, drop, and roll first!" added Hillary.
They both then turned to the girl.
"Thank you for saving my Cyndaquil," said the girl. "I'm Macy from Mahogany Town."
"We were just glad we could help," said Tristan. "I'm Tristan, and this is my sister Hillary."
"Hello there," added Hillary. "It's nice to meet you."
Pikachu and Togepi introduced themselves.
"I was planning to use my Cyndaquil in the Fire Pokémon Tournament," explained Macy. "But Taz decided to scare it out of its wits so he could steal it. After what happened, I can't blame it for not wanting to participate."
"We're sorry to hear that, Macy," said Tristan.
"So, does this mean you're not gonna participate now?" asked Hillary with concern.
"Nope, not even close," replied Macy, who instantly cheered up. "I have plenty more Fire Pokémon to use than just my Cyndaquil. And they're just as good if not better. You see, I live and breathe Fire Pokémon!"
"That's the spirit, Macy!" said Tristan.
"What about you two? Are you planning on entering?"
"We are," answered Hillary. "Don't expect us to go easy when we compete."
"Ha! Easy is for the weak!" said a voice.
Everyone turned around to see a boy with red hair standing right behind them. He had on a maroon shirt, a red vest, and was wearing shorts.
"And who might you be?" asked Hillary.
"Call me Egan, the Prince of Fire!" said the boy.
"The prince?" murmured Tristan, Hillary, and Macy together.
"Listen, you," said Macy. "If anyone's the best with Fire Pokémon, it's me!"
"Dream on, Miss Pigtails," retorted Egan. "If you're gullible enough to let your Cyndaquil get captured by a thug like him, then you're nothing but a loser."
"What did you say?!"
"You heard me!"
Tristan tried to break up the fight. "Now, now, let's simmer down before someone crashes and burns."
Macy and Egan turned their backs on each other.
"I can battle washed up Trainers like you any day," smirked Egan. He turned to Hillary. "And you, don't think that I'll go any easier on you than with that girl."
"Bring it on," replied Hillary.
Egan walked away.
Macy was steamed. "The nerve of that kid! Who does he think he is, butting into my business?"
"I don't care who he is," said Hillary. "I just want to do my best and have fun in this tournament."
"Me, too," agreed Tristan.
Little did they know that Taz had watched from afar after blasting off, and soon decided to enter the competition, too.
An hour later, the stadium was filled to capacity with fans.
An announcer began his speech. "Welcome. Welcome, one and all, to the Fire Pokémon Tournament. We see a group of hot competitors eager to battle it out today, so let's give 'em a big hand!"
The audience cheered and applauded as the Trainers came into the stadium one by one.
"As you know, we had a successful Fire Pokémon Tournament just weeks ago," continued the announcer. "So we decided to bring it back here for one day only. And the prize is...you guessed it...a collection of Fire Stones."
Grandma would be pleased if she had those, thought Tristan to himself.
"Trainers have come from near and far to show off their fiery spirit," said the announcer. "So show great teamwork, and let's set this place on fire!"
And everyone cheered.
The first match pitted Tristan against another Trainer.
A referee was ready to judge the match as the announcer commentated. "Tristan from New Bark Town has chosen Quilava while his opponent has chosen Growlithe to start things off."
"Ready...begin!" shouted the referee.
"Let's go get 'em, Growlithe! Start off with a Flamethrower attack!" instructed the Trainer.
Growlithe charged in and proceeded to blast Quilava with a stream of fire.
"Quilava, charge into the flames and use your Quick Attack!" commanded Tristan.
Quilava sped through the flames as a white line streaked behind it. Then it rammed into Growlite, scoring a clean hit.
"Now use your Flamethrower!" ordered Tristan.
Thanks to Growlithe's Flamethrower, Quilava's own Flamethrower got a boost in firepower, scoring a huge direct hit on Growlithe and knocking it out instantly, much to Hillary's surprise.
"Growlithe is unable to battle...Quilava's the winner!" declared the referee as he raised the green flag into the air.
"Well done, Quilava," commended Tristan as the crowd cheered.
Hillary was still flabbergasted. "That was awesome! I know that Quilava's strong, but not that strong. Tristan's a strong competitor, so I'd better watch out."
The second match pitted Macy against Egan.
"Go, Slugma, I choose you!" shouted Macy as she threw her Poké Ball.
A red limbless Pokémon composed of magma emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Slugma, the Lava Pokémon. A common sight in volcanic areas, this Pokémon slowly slithers around constantly searching for warm places."
(Music Cue: Johto Rival theme (as heard in "The Grass Route"))
"I choose Flareon!" shouted Egan as he threw his Poké Ball.
A mammalian quadruped Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had red fur as well as a fluffy yellow tail. Fluffy yellow fur made a small tuft on its forehead, and surrounded its mane around its chest and neck.
"So that's what a Flareon looks like," said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Flareon, the Flame Pokémon. Flareon stores a lot of heat in its body, allowing its body temperature to rise to 3,000 degrees. Flareon evolves from an Eevee when exposed to a Fire Stone."
"Now, for the second match," said the announcer. "Macy from Mahogany Town will be using her Slugma while Egan will be using his Flareon."
"I hope Macy knows what she's up against," said Hillary nervously. "That Flareon looks pretty tough; it could flatten that little Slugma if she's not careful."
"Ready...begin!" shouted the referee as he raised his flags in the air.
"Slugma, Flamethrower!" commanded Macy.
Slugma shot a powerful blast of fire at Flareon.
"Flareon, dodge it using Quick Attack!" ordered Egan.
Flareon quickly went from side to side, dodging every Flamethrower Slugma threw its way.
"Now, Flareon, counter with your Flamethrower!" instructed Egan.
Flareon shot a stream of fire directly at Slugma.
"Oh, yeah? Slugma, use Double Team!" commanded Macy.
Slugma quickly made illusory copies of itself, allowing it to evade Flareon's Flamethrower.
Egan began to get frustrated. "Using a move like that is a loser's way to battle, you know!"
"So what?" retorted Macy. "I've got tons of defenses for almost any attack!"
"Do you think Macy will win?" asked Tristan.
"It's tough to say for sure," replied Hillary. "But so far, Macy's holding her own against Flareon."
"Slugma, use Body Slam!" ordered Macy.
Slugma jumped high into the air and proceeded to land on Flareon.
"Flareon, Flame Wheel attack, let's go!" shouted Egan.
Flareon surrounded itself in flames just as Slugma got within striking distance. Then it jumped into the air and scored a hit on Slugma, sending it flying.
Slugma had taken major damage not only due to Flareon's mass, but the flames that surrounded it.
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"Now finish this thing with Flamethrower!" commanded Egan.
Flareon shot a powerful stream of fire at Slugma, scoring a direct hit on it.
"Slugma, no!" cried Macy.
Slugma collapsed on the ground; it had been knocked out.
"Slugma is unable to battle; Flareon is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his flag in Egan's direction.
"A hot battle to be sure," said the announcer as the crowd cheered. "Egan and Flareon move past Macy and proceed to the next round."
Macy came to her defeated Slugma. "Slugma, you were great. Take a good, long rest." And she returned Slugma to its Poké Ball.
"Well, that definitely cooled you off," smirked Egan.
"Hey, I don't need your remarks!" retorted Macy. "The only thing I care about is my Pokémon's health. I'm sure that deep down, you do, too. Now don't let this victory go to your head, kid, because there's a long way to go."
Egan turned his back on Macy and walked away.
Tristan and Hillary saw the heated exchange.
"What an attitude," said Tristan. "He's obviously got a hot temper."
"You can say that again," agreed Hillary. "He's acting like a bad winner."
"Well, you're up next, sis," said Tristan. "Show them what you've got."
"I'll do my best," replied Hillary.
As Tristan watched with Pikachu and Togepi in the stands, Hillary took a few deep breaths as she and her Cyndaquil waited for the battle to begin.
(Music Cue: A Formidable Opponent Appears)
Presently, a mysterious man came out. He was smartly dressed and clean shaven.
Little did everyone know that it was really Taz in disguise.
The announcer began to speak again. "Hillary now prepares to battle another Trainer, who is shrouded in mystery. But the name strikes fear into scores of people who dare to face him.`Now, ladies and gentlemen, here comes Hillary's opponent: the mysterious Trainer known as Tazmania.
Tazmania? Now that's a weird name, thought Tristan.
Suddenly, Cyndaquil began to glare at the disguised Taz, and ignited its flame so much that it nearly knocked Hillary off her feet.
"Whoa, what's the matter, Cyndaquil?" asked Hillary, who became much alarmed.
Cyndaquil continued to glare at the disguised Taz.
"That's strange," said Tristan. "I've never seen Hillary's Cyndaquil tense up like that before."
Pikachu and Togepi were as confused as Tristan was.
Just then, Macy appeared beside him. "What's going on?"
"It's Hillary's Cyndaquil," answered Tristan. "It's flaring up like crazy." The he thought, If Cyndaquil's that angry at something, there must be someone threatening somewhere nearby, thought Tristan as he eyed the newcomer suspiciously. I hope Hillary knows what she's up against...or who she's up against. Then he shouted, "Hillary, this Trainer may not be who you think he is! There may be more at stake than you know!"
Tristan's right, thought Hillary. I don't trust that guy, whoever he is.
May the best Trainer win, thought Taz evilly. And when I do, that puny Cyndaquil and all the rest of your Pokémon AND those Fire Stones will be all mine. Hahahaha. Then he took out his Poké Ball and threw it. "Go, Magmar!"
Taz's Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Both Trainers have made their picks," said the announcer. "Hillary has chosen Cyndaquil while Tazmania has chosen Magmar."
I have to win this, thought Hillary. And I will. With Cyndaquil on my side, there's no way we'll lose.
"Ready...begin!" shouted the referee as he raised his red and green flags in the air.
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle (as heard in "Volcanic Panic"))
"Go, Magmar, Fire Punch now!" shouted Taz.
Magmar clenched its fists as they were surrounded in flames and prepared to deliver Cyndaquil a fiery punch.
"Cyndaquil, dodge the punches using Quick Attack!" instructed Hillary.
Cyndaquil moved from side to side as Magmar threw one fiery punch after another at it.
"Ha! Not bad, kid, but you're still no match for us," said Taz. "Magmar, use your Smokescreen!"
Magmar unleashed a thick, gray cloud of smoke from its mouth, enveloping Cyndaquil in it.
Hillary couldn't see anything through the smoke, not even her own Cyndaquil. She frantically looked for Magmar until suddenly...
"Flamethrower!"
Without warning, Magmar used its Flamethrower attack to make the effects of its Smokescreen attack explosive, causing Cyndaquil to take most of the damage, much to Hillary's shock.
"Cyndaquil!" cried Hillary.
"This is bad!" exclaimed Macy.
"You're right," agreed Tristan. "As long as Magmar uses that combination, Hillary and Cyndaquil will have a very difficult time defeating that Trainer. She has to come up with something in a hurry, or she and Cyndaquil will be toast."
Pikachu and Togepi cheered as loudly as they could for Hillary and Cyndaquil.
The Flamethrower Smokescreen combination soon cleared up as Cyndaquil struggled to its feet.
"Hang in there, Cyndaquil," encouraged Hillary. "You can do it."
"All right, Magmar, let's do it again," said Taz. "Use your Smokescreen attack one more time."
Once again, Magmar shot another thick, gray cloud of smoke enveloping Cyndaquil in it.
Now's my chance, thought Hillary. If I can rush into the smoke quickly enough, maybe I can stop Magmar from using its Flamethrower attack. Then she shouted, "Cyndaquil, charge into the smoke!"
Cyndaquil rushed into the smoke on all fours as fast as it could.
Taz was confused. What's that pipsqueak doing? Ah, it doesn't matter. My Magmar will burn it to smithereens again just like it did last time. Then he commanded, "Flamethrower!"
"Quick Attack now!" shouted Hillary.
And Cyndaquil quickly rammed into Magmar before it had an opportunity to use its Flamethrower attack on the smoke again.
"Magmar!" cried Taz.
Magmar was now out in the open again, especially after being attacked.
"All right, it worked!" said Tristan excitedly.
"Magmar's been exposed!" added Macy.
"All right, Cyndaquil, this is our big chance!" said Hillary. "Use your Flamethrower attack at maximum power!"
Cyndaquil increased the flame on its tail and shot its most powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Magmar.
"Oh, yeah? I'll show you power!" shouted Taz. "Magmar, show that half-pint a Flamethrower attack she'll never forget!"
Magmar shot its most powerful stream of fire from its mouth yet, and sure enough, both Flamethrower attacks collided.
"Come on, Cyndaquil, you can do it!" shouted Tristan.
"Yeah, show that Magmar how hot you really are!" added Macy.
Pikachu and Togepi continued to cheer loudly for Hillary and Cyndaquil.
Cyndaquil continued to put all its heart into building its fire.
Unfortunately for Magmar, it used up too much power after using so many Flamethrower attacks, and soon, Cyndaquil's Flamethrower overpowered it, scoring a direct hit on it in the process.
"No, this can't be!" gasped Taz as lingering embers got on his disguise,
Magmar toppled onto the ground with a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Magmar is unable to battle...Cyndaquil is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air.
"Cyndaquil, we did it!" cried Hillary excitedly.
Cyndaquil squealed with delight as it ran into Hillary's arms.
"You were awesome," commended Hillary.
Cyndaquil gave a happy reply.
Taz, however, was steamed at his loss, but not for long, though, for after the embers got on his clothes, they burned away, revealing his true identity.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Perfect Match"))
Tristan and Macy were both shocked.
"It's Taz!" exclaimed Tristan.
"That explains Cyndaquil's behavior earlier," added Macy.
"I should've known it was you all along, Taz," fumed Hillary. "You simply must stop making my Cyndaquil mad."
"Who asked youse?!" retorted Taz. "Now I'm gonna take your Cyndaquil and your Pokémon!" And he and Magmar rushed over and both tried to grab Cyndaquil out of Hillary's hands.
"Hillary, watch out!" cried Tristan.
Hillary quickly jumped out of the way. "What nerve!" exclaimed Hillary. "How dare you try and steal Cyndaquil away from me! All right, Cyndaquil, hit 'em with your Flamethrower!"
Cyndaquil leaped out of Hillary's hands and shot a powerful stream of fire at Taz and Magmar, scoring such a huge direct hit on them that it caused an explosion, sending them skyward.
"NOT AGAIN!" screamed Taz as he and Magmar blasted off into the sky.
DING!
"Way to go!" cried Tristan and Macy as Pikachu, Togepi, and the audience cheered and applauded.
As the tournament progressed, Tristan and Hillary attained one victory after another, and so did Egan, making their way to the semifinals.
In the first semifinal match, Hillary won handily against a Trainer and his Charmander.
The second semifinal match pitted Tristan against Egan.
"Good luck, Tristan," said Hillary. "I hope to battle you again in the final match."
"Same here, sis," replied Tristan as he made his way to the stadium where Egan was waiting.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon)
"Well, I'm glad you made it, Tristan," smirked Egan. "Because now I have a chance to turn the heat up on you."
"I wouldn't gloat just yet, Egan," replied Tristan. "There's still a long way to go before the Fire Stones are won." He took out his Fast Ball and threw it. "Quilava, I choose you!"
"Flareon, let's get busy!" shouted Egan as he threw his Poké Ball.
Quilava and Flareon both emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
"This semifinal match will decide who faces Hillary in the finals," said the announcer. "It's Tristan and his Quilava against Egan and his Flareon."
"Ready...begin!" shouted the referee as he raised his two flags in the air.
"Quilava, Flamethrower!" shouted Tristan.
Quilava ignited the flames and shot a powerful stream of fire at Flareon.
"Flareon, use your Flamethrower, too!" ordered Egan.
Flareon, too, shot a powerful stream of fire.
Both attacks had collided, causing both Pokémon to fight for control of the battle.
"You can do it, Quilava!" encouraged Tristan.
"Show it who's boss, Flareon!" shouted Egan.
Both Pokémon continued to push each other's Flamethrower back, but so far, they were evenly matched.
Hillary and Macy were anxiously watching.
"Do you think Quilava has a chance, Hillary?" asked Macy.
"Knowing Tristan, it always has a chance," answered Hillary. "He's put a lot of hard work into raising his Quilava. Although, I must admit that Egan's raised his Flareon well, too. It's hard to know who will come out on top in this match."
Sure enough, both Pokémon were still going at it.
"All right, this is getting us nowhere," said Egan. "Flareon, let's show it your Flame Wheel now!"
Flareon stopped its Flamethrower attack, dodged Quilava's, and charged straight toward Quilava as flames surrounded it.
"Now what?" gasped Tristan.
Flareon's Flame Wheel collided with Quilava, scoring a direct hit on it and sending it crashing to the ground.
"Stay strong, Quilava!" encouraged Tristan. "Hang in there!"
Quilava managed to get back on its feet.
Flareon, let's finish this up with Flamethrower!" commanded Egan.
Flareon shot a stream of fire at Quilava.
"Quilava, jump and use your Smokescreen attack!" ordered Tristan.
Quilava jumped high into the air and shot a thick, black cloud of smoke down towards Flareon.
Now it was Egan's turn to look for Quilava. "I can't see a thing through this smoke."
"Quick Attack!" shouted Tristan.
Flareon had been hit and knocked out of the Smokescreen, much to Egan's shock.
"Flareon!" cried Egan.
"That sure hit the mark!" said Macy excitedly.
Hillary nodded in agreement. "If Tristan can just keep this up, he'll beat Egan."
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly for Tristan.
"All right, Quilava, it's your turn to finish things off now," said Tristan. "Let's give Flareon another Smokescreen attack."
Quilava proceeded to shoot another gray cloud of thick, black smoke at Flareon.
But Egan wasn't having it. "I won't fall for that again. Flareon, Quick Attack now!"
Flareon moved quickly from side to side before ramming into a surprised Quilava.
"Quilava, hang on!" cried Tristan.
"Finish it up with Flamethrower!" shouted Egan.
Flareon shot a powerful stream of fire at Quilava, scoring a direct hit on it, causing Hillary and Macy to both gasp in shock.
"Quilava's been hit!" exclaimed Macy.
Quilava collapsed on the ground; it had been knocked out.
"Quilava is unable to battle...Flareon is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in Egan's direction.
"Folks, Quilava was defeated by Flareon," said the announceras the crowd cheered and applauded "and now Egan will proceed to the final round."
"Ha!" laughed Egan. "I guess you should've known not to play with fire, especially when it's my fire."
Tristan came to the defeated Quilava and gently held its head in its hands. "Are you okay, Quilava?"
Quilava gave a weak reply.
"You did a great job," said Tristan. "You deserve a nice, long rest." He returned Quilava to its ball. He then turned to Hillary and thought, All right, Hillary, Egan and his Flareon are going to be tough to beat, so it's up to you now.
"Poor Tristan," said Macy. "He's worked so hard to get this far."
"Yes," agreed Hillary. "But in his heart, he knows he's a great Trainer worthy of those Fire Stones. And now it's my turn to help him."
Macy nodded in agreement. "Go get him, Hillary."
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Talkin' 'bout an Evolution"))
A few moments later, Hillary and Egan faced each other on the battlefield.
"Go, Cyndaquil, I choose you!" shouted Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.
"Flareon, let's go!" shouted Egan as he threw his.
Both Pokémon emerged from the white lights that shot out of them and faced each other warily.
"Well, folks, this is it!" said the announcer. "Whoever wins this match wins this sack of Fire Stones. The final match pits Hillary and her Cyndaquil against Egan and his Flareon."
"Do you think Hillary's gonna win?" asked Macy.
"I'm not sure," answered Tristan. "But one thing I am sure about is that Hillary will give it her all."
"Ready...begin!" shouted the referee as he raised his flags in the air.
"Go, Cyndaquil, use your Flamethrower!" commanded Hillary.
"Flareon, Quick Attack!" ordered Egan.
Cyndaquil shot a powerful stream of fire while Flareon quickly dodged and rammed into Cyndaquil.
"Cyndaquil!" cried Hillary.
"This is not good," said Tristan nervously. "Hillary's gotta get Cyndaquil back in the battle."
"Hang in there, Cyndaquil!" shouted Macy.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly for Hillary.
"Come on, Cyndaquil, I know you can do it!" encouraged Hillary. "Show him how tough you are!"
Cyndaquil struggled back to its feet.
"Cyndaquil's at a huge disadvantage," said Tristan.
"What do you mean, Tristan?" asked Macy.
"Cyndaquil not only hasn't evolved yet, but it's smaller in size, and Flareon could easily beat it," explained Tristan. "But maybe Hillary can use Cyndaquil's size and speed to her advantage."
"Okay, Flareon, let's not draw this out any longer," said Egan. "Let's finish this thing up with Flamethrower!"
Flareon shot a powerful blast of fire at Cyndaquil.
"Cyndaquil, dodge it using Quick Attack now!" shouted Hillary.
Cyndaquil jumped out of the way as a white line streaked behind it, causing Flamethrower to miss it.
"Flareon, you've gotta try and hit it again!" ordered Egan.
Flareon attacked with its Flamethrower again, and again, and again, but every time, Cyndaquil dodged every one of them using Quick Attack.
"Come on, no fair!" complained Egan.
"Aha!" said Macy. "I see what you mean now."
"Yes, but Cyndaquil can't just keep dodging forever," remarked Tristan. "Hillary has to come up with a way to use that speed to fight back somehow."
Flareon had gotten tired out, but unfortunately, so had Cyndaquil.
"Cyndaquil, our only chance to win is if we battle with all our hearts," said Hillary. "Think you can do it?"
Cyndaquil gave a nod.
(Music Cue: The Day is Conquered! (as heard in "Hot Matches"))
"Flareon, finish it up now with Flamethrower!" ordered Egan.
Flareon shot its most powerful stream of fire at Cyndaquil.
"All right, Cyndaquil, do whatever it takes to stop it!" shouted Hillary.
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back even more. Then it took a deep breath and exhaled a blast of fire that looked like a star.
Everyone was surprised by this, especially Hillary.
"What's that?" asked Macy.
"Amazing, that's what!" gasped Tristan. "Cyndaquil just learned how to use Fire Blast!"
"Now that's hot!" remarked Macy.
"Awesome, Cyndaquil, you learned Fire Blast!" commended Hillary.
Sure enough, that was the attack Cyndaquil was using, and pushed back against Flareon's Flamethrower.
"Flareon, push harder!" shouted Egan.
And Flareon did just that, but unfortunately, the strain of turning it up got it more and more exhausted.
Sure enough, Fire Blast successfully pushed back against Flareon's Flamethrower and scored a huge direct hit on it.
"Flareon, hang on!" exclaimed Egan.
"Now's our chance, Cyndaquil!" shouted Hillary. "Use your Quick Attack at full speed now!"
Cyndaquil ran as fast as it could as a white line trailed behind it, and scored another direct hit on Flareon, sending it soaring.
"Flareon!" cried Egan.
Seconds after Flareon was sent skyward, it soon reappeared and crashed to the ground with a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"Flareon is unable to battle...Cyndaquil is the tournament winner!" declared the referee.
The crowd cheered and applauded as the announcer said, "An impressive victory by young Hillary and her Cyndaquil, having learned Fire Blast in the process."
"Way to go, Hillary!" cheered Tristan.
"Congratulations!" added Macy. "You were great!"
Hillary stood bewildered at the turn of events. Then she smiled.
Flareon was shocked, but soon cheered up and came to Flareon. "Great job, Flareon. You deserve a good rest." And he returned Flareon to its Poké Ball and came to Hillary. "I guess I shouldn't have underestimated you, Hillary. That Fire Blast attack was something I never expected. I hate to admit it, but you raised your Cyndaquil better than I thought you had. You deserve to win" And he offered a handshake to Hillary.
"Thanks, Egan," replied Hillary as she shook his hand. "Your Flareon wasn't bad, either."
"I guess I got too worked up in that battle," Egan faltered. "I'll remember not to do that in the future, although it's a hard thing for me to overcome."
A short time later, all the competitors and the judges came onto the battlefield to congratulated Hillary.
"And so, in recognition of her victory," said the announcer, "Hillary wins this sack of Fire Stones and the admiration of this crowd."
The audience continued to cheer and applauded as Hillary smiled and waved.
(Music Cue: To Be Continued)
"That was great, Hillary," said Tristan later that evening. "That Fire Blast attack was something to see. I'm almost jealous."
"Well, I have you to thank, too, you know," replied Hillary. "I mean besides Cyndaquil."
"What do you mean?" asked Tristan.
"You helped me become a great Trainer already," explained Hillary. "And I always help you on your journey. That's what I call teamwork."
"You're right, sis," smiled Tristan. "We do make a pretty good team, don't we?"
Pikachu and Togepi eagerly nodded in agreement.
"I'm gonna train harder and get stronger," said Macy. "Hey, Hillary, I'd like to have a rematch with you someday, if you'd like."
"I'd like that," replied Hillary.
"And Egan, try not to get to heated up in your battles coming up, okay?" said Tristan.
"I'll try, but I wouldn't push it," replied Egan.
And a moment later, Egan and Macy said their goodbyes and headed off.
Tristan then saw Hillary gift-wrapping the Fire Stones. "You're gonna send them back home, sis?"
Hillary nodded. "I don't want to carry those Fire Stones all the way to Olivine City. Besides, we still have eggs to hatch, remember?"
"Good point," replied Tristan. "I wonder when those eggs Ho-Oh gave us are gonna hatch." The he thought, I just hope they're as friendly as Lugia was when it first hatched.
And so, Hillary wins the Fire Pokémon Tournament, claiming the sack of Fire Stones as her physical prize, but the real prize of the day was Cyndaquil's new Fire Blast. Now it's on to Ecruteak City with thoughts of more exciting adventures and the time it takes for the two eggs to hatch. Of course, that's exciting all by itself!
► TO BE CONTINUED