AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 61 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they begin their travels through the Whirl Islands. I decided to have Captain Marius make a brief appearance in this chapter as well as Professor Elm and his Corsola. Taz also shows up in this chapter and in others. I mentioned that I decided to have him as comic relief for this story instead of being a true villain. As always, please feel free to read and review responsibly at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary begin their journey through the Whirl Islands, but it's not all smooth sailing, as Taz has set his sights on stealing Water Pokémon.

Chapter 61: EXPLORING THE WHIRL ISLANDS, PART 1

(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the beginning of "Takin' it On the Chinchou"))

Following the suggestion of Chuck, Leader of the Cianwood Gym, and his wife, our heroes decide to take a side trip and explore the Whirl Islands while they wait for an opportunity to challenge Jasmine at the Gym in Olivine City. But for now, Tristan has invited his Lapras to stay while Hillary's Lapras gets some exercise alongside it to increase its strength.

Tristan and Hillary's Lapras were embracing one another as they swam next to each other.

Their Trainers happily looked on.

"It seems like our Lapras are good buddies already, Tristan," remarked Hillary.

"You're right, sis," replied Tristan. "Those two sure hit it off right."

Pikachu and Togepi were about to agree when suddenly, they pointed to something up ahead.

"What's up, guys?" asked Hillary.

"Whoa, look at that!" exclaimed Tristan.

(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))

Sure enough, the sea ahead was full of powerful vortices of water.

"Those are whirlpools!" said Hillary. "I remember the last time we were near those things."

"Yeah, they were no picnic," added Tristan. "They nearly did us in."

"We need to get away from those things as fast as we can," suggested Hillary.

"You heard her, Lapras, let's get outta here!" ordered Tristan.

Both Lapras made a beeline for it away from the whirlpools as fast as their flippers would carry them.

Tristan and Hillary both breathed sighs of relief as the danger passed.

"That was a close one," said Hillary.

"At least there's no storm to cause trouble for us this time," added Tristan.

Presently, they saw that Hillary's Lapras was tired from quickly swimming away from the whirlpools.

"Uh-oh," said Hillary. "It looks like my Lapras is all worn out."

"Why don't you let it rest in its Poké Ball?" suggested Tristan. "I'm sure its strength will return after getting some."

"Good idea," replied Hillary. And she returned her Lapras to its Poké Ball.

Presently, they saw a boat approaching them.

A familiar figure was in a white lab coat. "Hey, do you two need a lift?"

"It's Professor Elm!" said Tristan and Hillary excitedly.

(Music Cue: Route 29)

A few minutes later, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were hauled on board.

"Great to see you again, kids," said Professor Elm.

"You, too, Professor," replied Tristan and Hillary.

Professor Elm saw Tristan's Lapras swimming alongside the boat. "Say, that Lapras looks wonderful. Does it belong to either of you?"

"Yes, it's mine," answered Tristan. "I first got it after Team Rocket took over the Silph Company in Saffron City. It was shy at first, but we warmed up to each other very quickly. It loves to ferry us across the sea on its back."

"We've been using it because my Lapras was feeling unwell," explained Hillary. "We gave it some medicine and are waiting for the okay to ride it again. We were giving it some exercise to improve its strength when we just missed those whirlpools."

"Well it sounds like you have a good plan to get your Lapras back up to speed," said Professor Elm. "And now, I'd like to show you a Pokémon that I've been working with for quite some time." And he took out a Poké Ball, and it opened.

A pink coral Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.

"Corsola, the Coral Pokémon. A combination of both Water and Rock types. It sheds and regrows the horns on its head numerous times."

Corsola seemed to like that statement.

"I must say that that's a very well-trained Corsola, Professor Elm," remarked Hillary.

"Thanks, Hillary," replied Professor Elm. "You see, ever since seeing one, Misty from Cerulean City also wanted to catch one. It's hard to say whether she managed to catch one here on the Whirl Islands or not, but I'll tell you one thing for sure. That was practically the only thing that was on her mind."

Presently, another man came to the deck. "Hey, Professor Elm, we have more passengers?"

"Yes, Marius," answered Professor Elm. "Kids, I'd like you to meet Captain Marius, who's helping me explore the Whirl Islands. Marius, these are my friends, Tristan and Hillary."

"Hello, Captain Marius," said Tristan and Hillary.

"Well, hello, kids," replied Captain Marius. "It's nice to meet you."

"Pardon me for interrupting, but what's that island off in the distance?" asked Hillary.

"Oh, that's Blue Point Isle," answered Captain Marius. "It's one of the Whirl Islands. You can tell because of that blue rock next to the island. It helps guide travelers safely home there after being lost at sea."

"I guess that blue rock is how Blue Point Isle got its name," remarked Tristan.

"And that city in the distance is called Inland City," continued Captain Marius, "the entry point in the Whirl Islands."

"What's special about that city, Professor?" asked Hillary.

"It's the city where Trainers can register for the Whirl Cup," answered Professor Elm.

"I'd love to participate in that," said Hillary excitedly.

"Me, too," agreed Tristan.

"I'm sure that the both of you would," said Professor Elm. "But unfortunately, the Whirl Cup is a Water Pokémon tournament that takes place every three years, and I'm afraid that this year's competition ended some time ago."

Tristan and Hillary's hearts sank.

"Why didn't we get here sooner?" groaned Hillary.

"We watched Ash and Misty compete on television, remember?" added Tristan.

"Don't get so down low, kids," Professor Elm assured them.

"Why not?" asked Tristan.

"It just so happens that I'm planning a summer camp right here on the Whirl Islands," explained Professor Elm.

"A summer camp?" asked Hillary. "What's that?"

"Well, like the name says, it's a camp where people camp out during the summer months," explained Professor Elm. "I'm planning on inviting Pokémon Trainers all over the Johto region to Silver Rock Isle in the next week. And I'd like you two to be my junior counselors."

"But what do the junior counselors do, Professor?" asked Hillary.

"They help supervise, of course," answered Professor Elm. "And they help make sure that the other campers stay safe during their stay, too."

Tristan and Hillary looked at each other.

"Well, Tristan, wanna do it?" asked Hillary.

"Well, I guess since I don't have plans to face Jasmine yet, sure, why not?" agreed Tristan. He turned to Professor Elm and said, "We'll do it, Professor."

"Great," smiled Professor Elm. "I'm thinking of calling this summer camp Whirl Camp. Trainers come from far and wide to camp out. Plus they'll learn the art of the Pokémon battle and study all about the habitats of the various Water Pokémon living on the Whirl Islands."

"That sounds like fun, Professor," said Tristan.

"Why don't you guys do a little exploring until then, okay?" suggested Professor Elm. "That way, you'll get to meet all sorts of Water Pokémon."

Tristan and Hillary agreed that this was a good idea.

A few minutes later, they arrived at Inland City on Blue Point Isle.

"Well, here's your first stop, kids," said Professor Elm. "I hope to see you in a week. I'll be sending out formal invitations to you real soon, so keep your eyes out."

"We will, Professor," replied Tristan and Hillary as they waved goodbye to Professor Elm and Captain Marius. Then they started exploring Inland City.

"Hey, Tristan, while we're here, maybe we should stock up on some food and supplies," suggested Hillary.

"Great idea, Hillary," agreed Tristan. "We can use this time to prepare for Whirl Camp and get the supplies we need."

Pikachu and Togepi agreed that this was a good idea.

And together, they went to the market district.

A short time later, they stopped at the Pokémon Center to give their Pokémon a checkup.

Nurse Joy checked on Hillary's Lapras first since it was still the one who was ailing. "Yup, your Lapras is recovering nicely. And the rest of your Pokémon are in tip-top shape all around. After a good night's sleep tonight, it should be feeling more like its old self."

"Thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Hillary. She turned to Tristan. "Let's give Grandma a call, Tristan. She'll want to know where we are."

"Hillary, that's another good idea," smiled Tristan. "You're on a roll today."

"Well, someone has to be," chuckled Hillary.

(Music Cue: Pokémon Center 1997-1998 M77B)

"So you're on the Whirl Islands, eh?" said Veronica, Tristan and Hillary's grandmother, on the video phone. "Where exactly on the Whirl Islands are you?"

"We're in Inland City," answered Tristan. "Professor Elm took us there himself."

"And he's planning a summer program called Whirl Camp," added Hillary. "And it starts in a week."

"And it takes place on Silver Rock Isle, which is where we saw Lugia hatch," put in Tristan.

"Interesting," said Veronica. "Well, it just so happens that I'll be a special guest at your camp."

Tristan and Hillary were excited by that piece of news.

"Professor Elm and Professor Oak and I all talked about it," explained Veronica, "and they wanted me to show the Trainers there some battling skills from when I was a champion Trainer. I'm sure you could learn a few things, too."

"That'll be fun," smiled Hillary. "We can't wait to see you."

"In the meantime, we just thought we'd explore the Whirl Islands until Whirl Camp starts," added Tristan.

"Now that's wonderful to hear," smiled Veronica. "I look forward to seeing you at Whirl Camp. Be safe, kids."

The video screen turned off.

"This is awesome!" said Tristan. "Grandma's gonna be there, too!"

"You said it, Tristan," agreed Hillary. "I can just taste Grandma's home cooking again...not that yours is bad or anything."

Tristan gave a sigh. "Yeah, I miss Grandma's home-cooked meals, too."

Meanwhile, just outside, a familiar bearded figure was plotting. Sure enough, it was Taz. "Just look at all those Water Pokémon outside this Center. I can hardly wait to get started stealing them." He took out a Poké Ball and threw it. "Go, Electabuzz!"

Taz's Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of them.

"Go, Electabuzz, give 'em a Thunderbolt!" said Taz slyly.

(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Bug Stops Here"))

Electabuzz unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity at the Water Pokémon swimming in the pool in the back of the Pokémon Center.

That bolt did not go unnoticed by Tristan and Hillary.

"What's going on?" asked Tristan in alarm.

"I know what it is, and it's not good," said Hillary as she and Tristan rushed out of the Pokémon Center to see Taz and Electabuzz zapping the Water Pokémon.

(Music Cue: Johto Champion Battle (as heard in "Takin' it On the Chinchou"))

"Hey, look, it's Taz again!" exclaimed Tristan disdainfully.

"Argh! Not youse two again!" fumed Taz. "Why can't I ever lose ya? Never mind, I'll settle for the Pokémon I have and get outta here!" And he jumped into a waiting hot-air balloon, which had a net dangling from it as it rose higher and higher into the air. Then he threw a Poké Ball. "Magmar, Smokescreen attack!"

Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it and launched a gray cloud of smoke at Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi, who were forced to cough in the smoke.

"Ta-ta, kiddies!" taunted Taz as he returned his Magmar to his Poké Ball.

When the smoke cleared, they saw that Taz's balloon was rising higher and higher into the air as it drifted further and further away.

"We've gotta stop him!" said Tristan as he took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Bayleef, I choose you!"

Bayleef emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Tristan's orders.

"Bayleef, Razor Leaf attack!" ordered Tristan.

Bayleef shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at the balloon, but unfortunately, it was too high up, so Bayleef's attack fell short.

"Argh!" grumbled Tristan. "We almost had him!"

"Ha!" laughed Taz. "What's the matter? Am I a bit beyond your reach?"

"Hey, Tristan, I've got an idea," said Hillary. "Let Bayleef launch Squirtle into the air, and we'll see if Squirtle can force Taz down."

"Okay, let's try it," agreed Tristan.

"Go, Squirtle, I choose you!" shouted Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.

Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

"Okay, Bayleef, use your Vine Whip and launch Squirtle up to that balloon," instructed Tristan.

Bayleef unleashed two vines and wrapped them around Squirtle. Then with all its might, it launched Squirtle high into the air straight towards Taz's balloon.

Taz was surprised. He never expected Squirtle to fly.

"Squirtle, Water Gun!" ordered Hillary.

Squirtle launched a powerful blast of water from its mouth right at Taz's balloon, scoring a direct hit on it.

The balloon popped, causing it to lose all the heated air and crash straight to the ground with Taz on board, screaming as he went.

CRASH!

"Way to go, guys," commended Tristan.

Bayleef and Squirtle congratulated each other for a job well done as they and their Trainers ran toward the wrecked balloon.

Sure enough, Taz was crawling out from the wreckage. "That's the last balloon I'm ever thinking of using."

"Okay, Taz, it's over!" declared Hillary as she and Tristan arrived on the scene.

"Give back those Pokémon!" demanded Tristan.

Taz quickly rose to his feet. "If you think I'm gonna give those Pokémon back to you, you've got another thing coming! Go get them, Electabuzz!"

(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard the first time in "The Wayward Wobbuffet"))

Electabuzz charged into battle and headed straight towards Bayleef.

"Bayleef, Razor Leaf now!" ordered Tristan.

Bayleef shot another flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Electabuzz, who nimbly dodged them.

"Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!" yelled Taz.

Electabuzz made a fist as electricity crackled through it, and using that power, struck Bayleef, causing it to slide backward.

"Hang in there, Bayleef!" encouraged Tristan.

"I can help, Tristan," said Hillary. "Squirtle, Water Gun now!"

Squirtle unleashed a blast of water from its mouth and scored a direct hit on Electabuzz.

"Nice shot," commended Tristan.

"Thanks," replied Hillary.

"So you wanna play rough, do you?" grunted Taz as he took out another Poké Ball and threw it. "Go, Magmar!"

Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

"Quick, Bayleef, use Razor Leaf to cut that net!" commanded Tristan.

Bayleef launched a flurry of razor-sharp leaves, cutting the net and setting all the captive Water Pokémon free.

"Hey, those nets are expensive!" fumed Taz. "Magmar, Electabuzz, team up and attack!"

Electabuzz and Magmar charged toward Tristan and Hillary's Pokémon.

"Squirtle, hit 'em with Water Gun at full power!" ordered Hillary.

Squirtle launched its most powerful Water Gun attack, scoring a huge direct hit on Electabuzz and Magmar, sending them flying into Taz.

"All right, Pikachu, time for a Thunderbolt!" commanded Tristan.

Pikachu launched a powerful yellow bolt of electricity and scored such a huge direct hit on Taz, Electabuzz, and Magmar, that it caused an explosion that sent them flying.

BOOM!

"We won't forget this!" yelled Taz as he and his Pokémon blasted off into the sky.

DING!

"Now that's what I call teamwork," said Hillary as she and Tristan gave each other a high-five.

"Let's get those Pokémon back to the Pokémon Center," suggested Tristan.

Hillary nodded in agreement.

(Music Cue: To Be Continued)

A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary returned the Pokémon safely to the Pokémon Center.

"Thank you for saving the Pokémon," said Nurse Joy. "I don't know what we would've done without your watchful eye."

"We were just at the right place at the right time, Nurse Joy," replied Hillary. "Isn't that right, Tristan?"

"Yeah, that's right," agreed Tristan. "By the way, do you know the best way to get to our next destination?"

"I'd say go to the Blue Lagoon," suggested Nurse Joy. "That's a nice tourist attraction where the Parade of the Chinchou normally takes place. Although, I must admit it's a bit early for the next parade."

"Great, then we'll check that out," replied Hillary. "What do you say, Tristan? Let's check out the Blue Lagoon as part of our sightseeing adventures on the Whirl Islands. Besides, it'll be a great way to pass the time while we wait for Whirl Camp to begin, and for Professor Elm to formally send us those invitations."

"Sure, I'm in," agreed Tristan.

Thus it was a few minutes later that Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi left the Pokémon Center and began walking toward their next destination as they waved to Nurse Joy and the Water Pokémon in the Pokémon Center.

Having begun their travels in the Whirl Islands, our heroes stop Taz once again and save the Water Pokémon in the process. Now with Whirl Camp on their minds, they begin their sightseeing travels to pass the time, and look forward to the many Water Pokémon yet to be discovered on the Whirl Islands.

► TO BE CONTINUED