AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 66 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Whirl Islands. I think this will be one of the best chapters yet. Let me explain why. You may recall Louis, the Trumpeter Swan in the book Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. Well, I decided to base part of this chapter on the chapter where Louis falls in love with Serena, but got rejected because he had no voice. You may recall that the Lugia in this story has a masculine voice, and its character is one who is learning about the world around it, like Caroll Spinney's portrayal of Big Bird from Sesame Street. I also decided to have a shiny Lugia in this chapter. You know, the one with mostly pink fins and what not. This one will have feminine features, and will have long eyelashes. And I'll name her Silveena after the word silver. You may recall that I named Goldie after the word gold. I also decided to occasionally add a few music cues by Manny Corallo (you may recall you've heard them in the 4Kids dub of Pokémon from seasons one through eight, but this cue was heard starting in season 5). If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them responsibly, of course. And as always, please feel free to read and leave responsible reviews at your leisure.

TEASER: After getting rejected by a female Lugia named Silveena, Tristan and Hillary invite Lugia to be a lifeguard at Whirl Camp. But when Tristan goes into a burning building to save a little boy in trouble, it could just very well be the last thing he does...until a mysterious call is heard.

Chapter 66: PREPARING FOR WHIRL CAMP

(Music Cue: The Shadow That Follows Team Rocket)

The next morning, near Silver Rock Isle, Lugia was flying in the sky over the sea as it practiced its aerial maneuvers. Lugia, now known as a strong flier, was getting better and faster with each flight, and could hardly wait to see Tristan to show him its progress.

But then, something caught its attention in the water.

It was a Pokémon that was pale silver-white, but it had pink fins on its back and two more on its tail, and it had a pink underside. It had extra long eyelashes, indicating that it had feminine features. It was a Lugia, all right, but it was of a different color. It was shorter in size than Lugia was.

Lugia was instantly spellbound, and thought that it was the most beautiful thing it ever saw. So it dove down and landed in the water with a tremendous splash.

The other Lugia was drenched with water as Lugia splashed down, and was not amused.

Lugia popped its head out of the water. Sorry about that. Hi, I'm a Lugia, like you, and I think that you're the most beautiful thing in the world.

Hmph! grumbled the pink Lugia in a feminine voice. So who taught you how to fly, huh?

I learned how to fly all by myself, answered Lugia. By the way, what's your name?

If you must know, my name's Silveena, she answered. You may have learned how to fly all by yourself, but you'll never impress me.

Oh yeah? Okay, Silveena, just watch what I can do, said Lugia as it excitedly flew into the air and showed off its incredible speed. It did several aerial maneuvers, including multiple zigzags. Then it quickly dove underwater and showed how fast it could swim. When it came up to the surface, it saw that Silveena had her back turned. She pretended that Lugia didn't exist.

That's all? asked Silveena impatiently.

That's not all, answered Lugia. I also know a human named Tristan.

Of course, when Silveena heard the word 'human,' she was furious. A what?! YOU KNOW A WHAT?!

Lugia was taken aback by Silveena's outburst. But...he's my friend.

Humans and Pokémon are not meant to become friends! snapped Silveena.

What? That's not true! protested Lugia. Tristan was the one who saved my life after I was forced to leave my family and...

But the rest of Lugia's speech was interrupted when Silveena dealt a hard slap to its face with her wing.

(Music Cue: Very Sad Moments)

Lugia felt like crying after the hard slap. It had never been treated so harshly by a Pokémon of its own kind. It felt even worse than on the day its own parent yelled at it for failing to watch its sibling.

You are so pathetic, said Silveena scornfully. How can you even think about having a mate when you have a human for a friend? All humans are bad, and they only want us to serve. I was there watching from the distance when a Lugia and its baby were kidnapped by evil people not too long ago.

You were? Lugia was shocked. It didn't know which was worse, the fact that Silveena had watched an ordeal it didn't know about or the fact that she was trying to twist the truth.

And what's worse, other humans were trying to attack it! added Silveena. Further proof of what I'm telling you: humans are the masters, we are the servants!

Please, Silveena, that's just not true at all! insisted Lugia. I'm no servant, and Tristan's no master! We're just friends, that's all! It's not like he wants to keep me all to himself! Besides, he doesn't do any of that stuff. When we flew together, he had a fun time sitting on my back and enjoying the ride. And if you'd met him like I did, you'd agree with me! Please just give him a chance!

Well, you may have gotten a human to fly with you, but no human is ever gonna ride on me! retorted Silveena. I'd throw them off in a heartbeat! That goes for your human friend, too!

But they'd get hurt! protested Lugia, who by this time was getting more and more upset. Don't you care what happens to them if you force them off?

No, I don't! replied Silveena angrily. And if they get hurt, then there are less humans to worry about. Humans are our enemies. Therefore, your human friend is my enemy, too. They should all be eliminated! But if you won't forget about him, you can forget about me. Goodbye and good riddance! And before Lugia could stop her, Silveena flapped her wings, took off into the air, and flew away, leaving Lugia alone.

Lugia was brokenhearted at Silveena's hurtful words as more and more tears began to fall from its eyes. It let out a loud, sad cry toward the sky as Silveena disappeared into the distance.

(Music Cue: Kanto Route 1 (as heard in the Japanese version of "Mewtwo's Counterattack"))

Our heroes are still continuing their journey to the Johto League, but after receiving an invitation from Professor Elm to attend Pokémon Whirl Camp on Silver Rock Isle, it's natural that they'd accept.

"I wonder what kinds of Pokémon we'll be seeing at Whirl Camp," said Tristan as he, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi rode on the back of Hillary's Lapras.

"Who knows?" replied Hillary. "We could meet many different Water-types. We've seen a lot of those already on our tour of the Whirl Islands. Of course, we could see some Grass-types or Fire-types, maybe even Electric-types."

Tristan let out a chuckle. "I suppose that's true, right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu nodded in agreement.

"I'll just be happy with whatever Pokémon we meet," added Tristan.

"Now that's keeping an open mind," remarked Hillary.

Togepi chirped in agreement.

Suddenly, they heard a loud, sad cry in the distance.

"Whoa, did you hear that?" asked Tristan.

"I did, but what is it? " answered Hillary.

"It sounds like...crying."

"Crying?"

(Music Cue: Bill's Lighthouse)

Then the same sad cry was heard.

"There it is again!" said Tristan. "Do you think that someone's in some sort of distress?"

"I don't know, Tristan, but we'd better find out and fast," replied Hillary. "Come on, Lapras, let's hurry!"

And Lapras increased its speed as they sailed toward the source of that sound.

Presently, they saw a silhouette in the distance. It had a long, slender neck, and the sound got louder as they got closer.

Tristan took out his binoculars and saw the silhouette. He gasped in shock at what he saw.

"What's up, Tristan? What do you see?" asked Hillary.

"It's Lugia!" answered Tristan.

Sure enough, it was Lugia, and it was still crying.

Tristan and the others quickly swam over.

"Lugia!" called Tristan.

Lugia turned around and saw Tristan and Hillary approaching on Lapras' back. Hi, guys.

"What happened, Lugia?" asked Tristan. "Why do you look so sad?"

"Yeah, what's the matter?" added Hillary.

Well... And Lugia told its story.

A little while ago, I was practicing my aerial abilities as I usually do when I saw another Lugia in the water. But this Lugia had different colored fins, and it had eyelashes. The fins were pink.

"Wow, a girl Lugia?" gasped Tristan.

"I've never even heard of that," agreed Hillary.

I fell in love with her at first sight, continued Lugia. But she told me that she didn't want to have anything to do with me.

Tears began to fall from Lugia's eyes again. I showed her what I could do, but she gave me a slap in the face! She said that humans are my enemies, including you!

"WHAT?!" Tristan and Hillary could scarcely believe their ears.

Pikachu and Togepi were just as shocked as their Trainers were.

She claims that she saw my mother and sibling get kidnapped by evil people not too long ago, continued Lugia.

"Could that have been...?" asked Hillary.

"Team Rocket," agreed Tristan disdainfully.

She told me that it was proof that we were made to serve humans!

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Hillary. "That's just so-so-so-so-so..."

"Wrong!" put in Tristan.

Both he and Hillary were most offended when they heard that statement; however, they weren't angry with Lugia.

I tried to tell her otherwise, but I couldn't! cried Lugia. And now she's flown away!

(Music Cue: Very Sad Moments)

And Lugia wrapped its wings around Tristan and began to sob.

Tristan gently put his hand on Lugia's forehead.

However, Hillary was still furious. "The nerve of that Pokémon!" she exclaimed. "How dare she say that all humans are bad!"

"I'm really sorry, Lugia," Tristan said sadly. "We all are. That's the saddest story I've ever heard. You didn't need another tragic event like that in your life."

"Well, this proves one thing," said Hillary.

"What's that, sis?"

"Sometimes, beauty is only skin-deep."

Lugia continued to sob as Tristan gently comforted it.

Poor Lugia, thought Tristan. It wanted to show this female Lugia its love at first sight. And how did she return the favor? With a slap in the face. Talk about heartbreak.

Pikachu, Togepi, and Lapras all watched sadly.

"Someday, we'll show her that there are humans worth trusting!" said Hillary. "Right, Tristan?"

"Right, Hillary," agreed Tristan. "Hey, Lugia, do you happen to know the name of this female Lugia that you fell in love with?"

Lugia stopped crying long enough to give a response. Her name...is Silveena.

"Hmm...Silveena," said Tristan. "A beautiful name for a beautiful Pokémon."

"Except when Silveena doesn't act nicely," added Hillary.

Tristan continued to comfort Lugia as it cried its heart out. He didn't know how to heal a broken heart, but he was very compassionate when Lugia needed him. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Hey, Lugia, would you like to come to Whirl Camp with us?"

Both Hillary and Lugia were taken by surprise at Tristan's offer.

Lugia stopped crying when it heard Tristan ask him. You mean that?

"Are you sure, Tristan?" asked Hillary.

"Absolutely," answered Tristan. "We'll have a blast, meet new friends, and see Professor Elm. Plus, we'll get a chance to play and fly in the sky together. What do you say?"

Lugia thought about it. Then it said, Okay.

"Terrific!" said Tristan.

Presently, Tristan's PokéGear rang.

Tristan opened his backpack, took it out, and pushed the button on it. "Hello, Tristan here."

(Music Cue: Route 29 (as heard at the beginning of "Throwing in the Noctowl"))

"Hi, Tristan, it's Professor Elm."

"Oh, hi, Professor Elm, what's up?" asked Tristan.

"I was just wondering if you and Hillary had accepted the invitation to Whirl Camp that I sent you," explained Professor Elm.

"We did, and we're on our way right now."

"That's wonderful," said Professor Elm. "I'm looking forward to seeing you both on Silver Rock Isle very soon."

"Oh, Professor Elm?"

"Yes?"

"Would you mind if we brought a special guest along with us to Whirl Camp?"

"I don't see why not," answered Professor Elm. "As a matter of fact, I could use your help. I've been trying to find someone that knows how to swim in case any of our Trainers get in trouble in the water. But I haven't been able to find a designated lifeguard for the job."

"What are the requirements for being a lifeguard?" asked Tristan.

"Any human or Pokémon that knows how to swim is encouraged to come and be our designated lifeguard."

"Don't worry, Professor Elm, I've got that covered," smiled Tristan. "Or should I say my guest has that covered."

"Great," said Professor Elm. "See you soon."

Tristan saw the screen on his PokéGear turn off, and he put it back in his backpack. Then he turned to Lugia. "Hey, Lugia, how would you like to try being a lifeguard?"

What's a lifeguard? asked Lugia.

"You know, I've seen some on Cianwood Beach where they watch and rescue people that have difficulty swimming in the water," said Hillary. "And they help save lives in the process."

Is that what a lifeguard does?

Tristan nodded in agreement. "Well, wanna do it, Lugia? It could be your chance to prove Silveena wrong."

Lugia gave the matter a lot of thought. At last, it said, Okay, you've convinced me. I'll come and try...as long as there aren't any bad people around.

"Don't worry, Lugia," Tristan assured it. "You'll be safe. Besides, I could tell that you're an excellent swimmer from the moment you hatched, not to mention one of the best fliers out there."

Thanks, Tristan, that's nice of you to say that, and it might take my mind off of things for a while. I just hope it's the right thing for me to do.

"I think a good flight may be just what you need," said Hillary.

"Hillary's right, Lugia," agreed Tristan. "It should help clear the air."

(Music Cue: Route 38 (as heard in "Charizard's Burning Ambitions"))

Thus at once, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi got on Lugia, and they all took off into the air towards their destination on Silver Rock Isle. The wind blew across their faces as they flew.

Lapras had already been returned to its Poké Ball.

"The ocean sure looks beautiful from up here," remarked Tristan.

"Blue sky and blue sea as far as the eye can see," added Hillary.

"And Whirl Camp is gonna be on Silver Rock Isle," smiled Tristan. "That's near the place where you hatched, isn't it, Lugia?"

Yes, it is, answered Lugia. It will be nice for me to do something close to the place of my original birth for a change.

"Hey, look, there it is!" said Hillary as she pointed to an island filled with silver rock stone.

"Silver Rock Isle," said Tristan to himself. "That's where we're gonna meet new friends and have fun." He imagined what it would be like as he and his friends flew closer to the island.

Professor Elm was waiting anxiously for Tristan and Hillary when suddenly, he saw a large Pokémon descending from the sky.

"Am I seeing things?" he asked as he rubbed his eyes. Then he saw Tristan and Hillary riding on Lugia's back, much to his delight.

"Hey, Professor Elm!" called Tristan as he and Hillary waved.

"It's us!" added Hillary.

"Ah, there you are!" Professor Elm waved back as Lugia prepared to land.

"I see, so this is the special guest you've been talking about," said Professor Elm as Tristan and Hillary met him.

"Lugia and I have known each other for a while now," explained Tristan. "We've become really good buddies."

"It's been learning about the world and its place in it," added Hillary.

Pikachu and Togepi agreed.

"I've heard of a Lugia in legends and folklore," said Professor Elm. "I remember Captain Marius talking about how a Lugia saved a group of people from a raging storm, and how that very storm just disappeared."

"That's the same legend that Grandma told me about," said Tristan.

"And Professor Oak also told us that Lugia is able to not only calm, but give rise to storms," added Hillary.

"That's very interesting," said Professor Elm.

"I was hoping that Lugia would spend a few days learning from all the Trainers attending Whirl Camp with us," said Tristan. "You see..." And he whispered Lugia's heartbreaking situation in Professor Elm's ear.

(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle)

"Oh, that's awful!" said Professor Elm. "I'm very sorry to hear that. Actually, spending time camping with you will help take its mind off of that for a while. I'm sure that when Lugia's with you, it's always more comfortable."

"And you've seen it fly," put in Hillary.

"And I know it's an excellent swimmer," added Tristan.

"If you say that Lugia can swim, then I believe you," smiled Professor Elm. "You've earned my stamp of approval."

"Looks like you're in, Lugia," said Tristan.

Well, I have done a lot of swimming before, replied Lugia. Then it thought to itself. I just hope that I really can save someone in trouble.

"The other campers will arrive sometime tomorrow, so feel free to explore Silver Rock Isle for a while," said Professor Elm.

"Okay!" replied Tristan and Hillary.

"Come on, Lugia!" said Hillary. "Do you want to explore with us?"

No, thanks, answered Lugia. I think I'll grab a nap instead. Maybe I'll feel better after a quick snooze. It then gave a big yawn.

"Poor thing," said Hillary to Tristan. "Getting rejected by someone you love and crying your heart out can really take its toll on anyone."

Tristan understood, especially after the tough day Lugia had. "Yeah, it can make anyone feel exhausted. Hey, Professor Elm, could you please watch Lugia and make sure it's okay during its nap?"

"Sure, I can do that, Tristan."

"Thanks, Professor Elm. We'll be back soon." He then gently stroked Lugia. "You deserve a good rest, buddy." And he, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi walked off to explore Silver Rock Isle.

Lugia thought to itself, I don't know this Professor Elm very well, but he seems to be nice.

Professor Elm slowly walked over to Lugia, knelt down, and gently stroked it. He felt its skin, which was rougher than he thought, but it was still quite warm.

Lugia felt the gentle strokes and closed its eyes. It felt so much more relaxed. In a few minutes, it had fallen fast asleep.

A few hours later, Tristan, Hillary, and their Pokémon returned carrying a lot of bags.

Professor Elm was impressed. "Wow, you two came prepared. You must've bought a lot of supplies."

"Yes, we did," replied Hillary. "We have medical supplies and food supplies, plus just about anything we need to help us out when we need it."

"Grandma told us to always be prepared for any situation," added Tristan.

(Music Cue: Orchestral (as heard in the 4Kids dubbed version)

It was then that they noticed that Lugia still had its eyes closed and hadn't moved a muscle since they left.

"Wow, Lugia's still sleeping," whispered Hillary.

"No wonder, after the tough day Lugia's been through," agreed Tristan.

"There were no problems whatsoever," smiled Professor Oak. "I'm sure that nap will help it feel a lot better."

Sure enough, Lugia was still sound asleep.

"It sure looks like it's totally content," remarked Hillary.

"I had a chance to do a little research on Lugia while I was watching it," continued Professor Elm. "There have only been a few reports that there is a breeding population somewhere on the Whirl Islands. And I highly speculate that it's nearby. If my theory is correct, we researchers may be able to come up with a way to preserve Lugia and its natural habitat."

"Lugia would certainly appreciate that," smiled Tristan.

Pikachu agreed with him.

"I hope you'll pass the knowledge on to Professor Oak when you speak with him," said Hillary.

"I'll be sure to do that, Hillary," replied Professor Elm.

At that moment, Lugia slowly opened its eyes, gave a yawn, and stretched its wings.

Tristan and Pikachu walked over. "Well, look who finally woke up. Did you have a good nap?"

Yes, thank you, answered Lugia. I feel a lot better now.

"Glad to hear it," smiled Tristan.

Suddenly...

BOOM!

(Music Cue: The Rockets Unveiled)

A loud explosion was heard and felt from not too far away.

"What was that?" asked Hillary.

"It came from the market district!" replied Professor Elm.

"Let's check it out," suggested Tristan as he and the others ran off.

Lugia watched them take off into the distance. It soon became concerned. Someone may need my help, it thought to itself. I don't care what Silveena says. If it's a human who needs help, I'll help them.

(Music Cue: A Formidable Opponent Appears)

In Kasado City's market district, a massive fire was raging out of control in one of the buildings while threatening another.

The citizens watched anxiously as Officer Jenny approached on her motorcycle.

"Please, everyone, just move back!" she implored. "The fire department should be on its way!"

Presently, a panicked firefighter's voice was heard on Officer Jenny's radio. "Come in, Officer Jenny! Come in, please!"

"This is Officer Jenny," she replied as she spoke into the radio.

"We've got a problem," said the firefighter. "We can't start our fire engine!"

"What?!" gasped Officer Jenny. "Aren't there other trucks at your station?"

"Our other fire trucks are in for repairs!" replied the firefighter.

"Good grief," grumbled Officer Jenny disdainfully.

Tristan, Hillary, and Professor Elm arrived on the scene at that very moment and saw Officer Jenny.

"Oh, no!" gasped Professor Elm

"Officer Jenny, what's going on?" asked Hillary.

"There's a fire that's out of control, and the fire department can't seem to get their only available engine started," replied Officer Jenny. "If this keeps up, it could threaten the whole market district!"

"Don't worry, Officer Jenny, we're on the job," said Tristan. "Let's do this, Hillary."

"Right, Tristan," agreed Hillary.

Tristan took out his Lure Ball while Hillary took out her Poké Ball, which they both threw at the same instant.

"Croconaw, I choose you!"

"Squirtle, I choose you!"

Both Poké Balls opened and both Croconaw and Squirtle emerged from the white lights that shot out of them as they awaited their Trainers' directions.

"Croconaw, use your Water Gun attack to put out the fire!" ordered Tristan.

"You, too, Squirtle, Water Gun!" commanded Hillary.

Croconaw and Squirtle shot powerful blasts of water at the raging fire in an attempt to douse it.

"Those two Pokémon sure know how to fight fires," remarked Professor Elm.

"Let's just hope it's enough," said Officer Jenny.

"Keep on pumping, Squirtle, you're doing great!" encouraged Hillary.

"You, too, Croconaw, hang in there!" added Tristan.

Just then, a young woman was seen frantically running down the street directly toward them. "Have any of you seen my little boy, Leon? I can't find him anywhere!"

"No, ma'am, we haven't," replied Officer Jenny.

"He's not in the burning building, is he?" asked Tristan worriedly.

Suddenly...

"Help! Help me!"

(Music Cue: Desperate Situation 1997-1998)

A little boy was seen shouting for help from an upstairs window, and the fire was rapidly closing in on him.

"Leon!" cried the woman.

"Oh, no!" gasped Hillary. "That's the little boy, and he's trapped inside!"

"And the fire department's still far away!" added Officer Jenny. "If that boy isn't rescued soon, he's a goner!"

Sure enough, the little boy was feeling very scared and crying as his eyes watered from the intense smoke and flames.

"We have to do something before this whole building burns down to the ground!" exclaimed Hillary.

"I'm coming, Leon!" cried the woman as she tried to go in the burning building to save him.

But Officer Jenny stopped her. "Please, ma'am, stay back!"

"Leon needs help. I'm going in!" said Tristan as he rushed toward the burning building.

"Tristan, wait!" shouted Hillary.

But it was no use, for Tristan had already disappeared inside.

Please be careful, big bro, thought Hillary.

Pikachu and Togepi watched with concern as Croconaw and Squirtle kept using their Water Gun on the fire as best they could.

Inside, flames could be seen almost everywhere.

Tristan desperately looked all around for the little boy. "Hey! Leon! Can you hear me?" he shouted as loud as he could.

But the flames were so big and so loud that there was no response.

He tried again. "Leon! Please let me know where you are!"

But there was still no response.

"This is bad," said Tristan to himself. "Leon's nowhere to be seen, and this fire is getting bigger by the second. I have to get him out...and fast."

As he spoke, big pieces of burning debris fell from above and completely surrounded him, leaving him with no place left to run.

Tristan began to get dizzy as the heat from the flames intensified, and soon, he felt so lightheaded from the intense heat that he collapsed on the ground and passed out.

Lugia, who was still on the beach, immediately sensed Tristan in trouble and flew high into the air. It then took a deep breath, and emitted a mysterious call that was so loud it could be heard for miles.

Everyone heard that very call as they watched the building continue to burn.

Inside the building, Tristan's Silver Wing around his neck began to glow, and as it did, the mysterious call was heard again.

Hearing the call, Tristan slowly opened his eyes. He saw the Silver Wing around his neck glowing brightly. Then he heard Lugia's voice.

Tristan, please don't give up.

"Lugia...is that you?" asked Tristan. He couldn't believe that Lugia was speaking to him telepathically, even though it was far away from him.

Yes, Tristan. I'm communicating to you through the Silver Wing. Use its light; it'll guide you out.

The light from the Silver Wing transformed into a beam of light that seemed to be pointing somewhere.

Once Tristan knew what Lugia was talking about, he came back to his senses. He knew that he had to use the Silver Wing's light to help guide himself and Leon through the flames. It was their only chance.

You can do it, Tristan. I know you can. I believe in you.

(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard in "Chikorita's Big Upset"))

He quickly got back on his feet and shouted for Leon as his Silver Wing continued to glow. "Leon! Please come to the light! Follow the light!"

Leon saw the Silver Wing's light through the flames and slowly came towards it, dodging the flames as he went. At last, he reached Tristan.

"You did it!" cheered Tristan excitedly. "Now, let's get outta here!" And he carefully carried Leon on his back as the Silver Wing's beam of light guided them out through the flames and burning rubble.

Outside, Hillary and the others watched anxiously as they waited for something to happen.

Then a bright light was seen coming out of the burning building as two silhouettes emerged.

It was Tristan carrying Leon, much to everyone's delight.

"Tristan!" cried Hillary.

"Leon!" cried the woman.

"And they both made it out!" added Officer Jenny.

"Great job!" commended Hillary.

"You were very brave indeed," added Professor Elm.

Tristan lowered Leon to the ground.

Leon and his mother embraced each other.

"Mom!" cried Leon.

"I'm here now, Leon," said his mother. She turned to Tristan. "How can I thank you for what you've done for my little boy?"

"I'm just glad he's okay, ma'am," replied Tristan. He then noticed Squirtle and Croconaw were tiring out from using their Water Gun for a long time. Then he turned to Hillary. "Hillary, maybe our Lapras can help Squirtle and Croconaw put the fire out."

"Right, Tristan," said Hillary.

She and Tristan both threw their Poké Balls.

Both Lapras emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

"Lapras, Water Gun attack!" ordered Tristan and Hillary together.

Both Lapras nodded and aimed powerful blasts of water at the raging fire.

Squirtle and Croconaw, seeing the assistance the Lapras were giving them, increased the velocity of their Water Gun attacks.

"It's really working!" smiled Professor Elm.

"Now that's showing some teamwork!" added Officer Jenny.

Squirtle, the two Lapras, and Croconaw all worked together to get the fire back under control.

That evening, the fire was completely out. Although the building suffered heavy damage, there were no injuries thanks to Tristan's bravery.

Officer Jenny came to Tristan, Hillary, and their Water Pokémon. "Thank you, everybody, for a job well done. I should make you honorary firefighters someday."

"Well, we've had experience fighting fires before," replied Hillary.

"I'll see about having that firefighter have more than just one truck ready to go next time," said Officer Jenny. And she got on her motorcycle and took off as Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Professor Elm waved to her.

Presently, everyone heard a voice coming from the sky.

Tristan! Tristan!

(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge!)

Tristan turned around to see Lugia descending from the sky towards him. As it landed next to him, they hugged one another.

I'm so glad you're safe, it said.

"I wouldn't have made it out if you hadn't called out to me the way you did," replied Tristan. "Thank you."

"So that's what that mysterious call was all about," said Hillary. "Lugia must've been watching out for you this entire time."

Tristan nodded in agreement. "You know something, sis? I have a feeling it was. And it was able to communicate with me...thanks to this." And he raised his Silver Wing in the air, and it glistened brightly.

Everyone watched in awe as the light shone.

"Lugia, you've proven yourself to be a fantastic lifeguard," said Tristan.

"He's right, Lugia," smiled Professor Elm. "Would you like to be our Whirl Camp lifeguard?"

"Well, Lugia, wanna do it?" asked Tristan. "You've earned it."

Pikachu and Togepi agreed.

Lugia thought about it. At last, it said, I'll do it. If I can save Tristan, I can save others. Then it whispered to itself, And soon, I'll prove to Silveena that humans are worth saving.

"Did you say something, Lugia?" asked Tristan.

Oh, nothing, answered Lugia sheepishly.

Everyone laughed.

The next morning, Tristan and Hillary prepared themselves to meet with the other campers as the opening day of Whirl Camp arrived. They, Pikachu, and Togepi all came outside and met Lugia and Professor Elm.

"Well, kids, it's almost time," said Professor Elm. "Are you all set to go camping?"

"You bet we are!" said Hillary excitedly.

Tristan, Pikachu, Togepi, and Lugia all nodded in agreement.

"I can't wait for Whirl Camp to start," said Tristan. "We'll go swimming, camp out, and meet all kinds of Pokémon and Trainers."

Lugia nodded. It was just as excited about Whirl Camp as Tristan was.

And so, with Whirl Camp set to begin soon, Tristan and Hillary have met up with Professor Elm to attend, and have brought Lugia along as a special guest. With the many people they're destined to meet and the many Pokémon they'll be learning about, they're sure to get their feet wet as the journey to the Johto League continues!

► TO BE CONTINUED