AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is the first of five chapters of Whirl Camp as we go into chapter 67 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Whirl Islands. I'm basing this chapter off of chapter 11 called "Camp Kookooskos" in the book The Trumpet of the Swan where people first come to camp. Also, the song Never Too Far From Home makes an appearance. The song was composed by Neil Jaosn, John Loeffler, and John McCurry and the lead vocal is Shareef McQueen. I'm only inserting the instrumental version, so you can imagine him and the backup singers singing along. Again, there are similarities and differences between the two chapters. I hope you enjoy.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary are appointed as Whirl Camp's junior counselors while Lugia is appointed as a lifeguard as they meet Trainers from all over, including Tarah, who rides a wheelchair to get around, and Ed, who does things he shouldn't be doing. But they also meet some new friends while reuniting with old friends. Lugia also shows Tristan the beauty of the night sky in the sky.
Chapter 67: WHIRL CAMP, PART 1
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard in the beginning of "Takin' it on the Chinchou"))
Today, our heroes are eagerly awaiting the start of Whirl Camp. After receiving Professor Elm's invitation to attend, they decided to bring Lugia along as a special guest.
I wonder where all the other campers are, said Lugia as it waited with its friends.
"Don't worry, Lugia, they'll be here soon," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, you'll see them," agreed Hillary.
Presently, a boy with brown hair in a short bowl cut arrived. "Hey, Tristan! Hillary!"
Tristan and Hillary smiled. "It's Cody!" And they and Pikachu happily ran over to greet him.
"Great to see you again!" said Cody. "I haven't seen you since you guys came to Seafoam Island."
"Yeah, how have you been?" asked Hillary.
"I've been doing great," answered Cody. "Ever since you helped me conquer my fear of the water, I've been taking swimming lessons. My mother seems to think that coming here to Whirl Camp would be a great idea for me. By the way, who's that trying to hide behind you?"
(Music Cue: Today's Pokémon Curiosity (Johto (as heard at the beginning of "Charizard's Burning Ambitions")))
Tristan and Hillary turned around to see Lugia looking a little nervous as it peeked its head over to Tristan's left side.
Is he a friend? How do you know that kid? asked Lugia nervously.
"It's okay," whispered Tristan. "He's a good friend of mine." He then turned to Cody. "This is my good friend, Lugia, Cody."
"That's incredible!" said Cody. "You're friends with a legendary Pokémon? How?"
"We first met when it hatched, and it took a liking to me right away." explained Tristan. "It's a little nervous around strangers, though."
"I understand," replied Cody.
"Lugia, this is my friend, Cody," said Tristan. "He's very nice."
Hi, Cody, replied Lugia.
Cody nearly jumped back in surprise when he heard Lugia's telepathy. "Whoa! You can talk! Most Pokémon don't have the ability to speak human language, but you're talking to me right before my eyes! It's incredible!"
Lugia nodded. It's nice to meet you.
Then, Cody noticed Togepi in Hillary's arms. "Wow, you have a Togepi! It's so adorable. You two are just full of surprises today."
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu nodded as Togepi chirped in agreement. Presently, they saw a boy in swimming trunks approaching.
"That kid must be a good swimmer," murmured Tristan.
"I'll say," whispered Hillary in agreement. "He doesn't have any other clothes on."
"Hi there," said the boy. "I'm Oliver."
"Nice to meet you, Oliver," replied Tristan. "I'm Tristan, and this is my sister, Hillary, and our Pokémon, Pikachu and Togepi."
"Hello," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi greeted Oliver warmly as Lugia slowly walked backward.
Cody walked up to Oliver. "Hello, my name's Cody."
"It's nice to meet you, Cody," smiled Oliver. "I guess we have more things in common than we thought." And the two boys gave good chuckles.
Lugia, watching from a short distance saw Oliver with Cody. Hey! I know that boy! I have to know from him if my family's okay!
"I couldn't help but notice, but I heard that a Lugia was here as a lifeguard," explained Oliver.
"Yes, that's right," replied Hillary.
Suddenly, Lugia appeared and put its wings on Oliver's shoulders. Hey, have you seen my family? Are they okay?
"Lugia, please, take it easy!" implored Hillary.
"Yeah, don't worry," added Tristan as he comforted it. "I'm sure your family's safe and sound."
Sorry. I couldn't help it. But I've seen this boy before, and he is the boy I've proven to be innocent! So I just had to ask him!
Tristan, Hillary, and Oliver gasped in shock: Oliver for listening to Lugia speaking telepathically and reuniting with it, and Tristan and Hillary for learning that Lugia had known Oliver ever since it was small.
"How do you know Oliver, Lugia?" asked Hillary.
When my mother came and frightened him, she had accused him of trying to hurt my sibling, explained Lugia.
"You must mean Silver, right?" asked Oliver.
Lugia nodded. I could tell that he had no bad intentions, so after I saw my mother scaring him half out of his wits, I pleaded with my mother not to harm him. And that's the reason why I was forced to leave my family behind. And yesterday, when I met this Lugia of a different color named Silveena, she told me that humans and Pokémon are not meant to become friends. And that's when I was invited to come here and be a lifeguard, especially now that I know I saved Tristan's life while he and Hillary fought a huge fire and helped save a little kid.
Tristan, Oliver, and Hillary were silent and completely understood Lugia's story.
"Well, I had to say goodbye to Silver after teaming up with Ash and his friends to save it and its parent from Team Rocket," explained Oliver. "They've gone back to living a happy life together and are probably far away by now, but I know they're fine, and I know Silver will be back to play with me after it grows up big and strong, just like you have. Say, how did you grow up so fast?"
"Well, you see..." began Tristan.
It was your kindness and compassion, Tristan, answered Lugia. After I left my family, I was attacked, but your promise to protect me and keep me safe as well as your compassion helped me grow up to be big and strong. And, Oliver, I'm sure Silver will be back to play with you soon, too.
"Thanks, Lugia," smiled Oliver. He couldn't wait for the day that Silver, the baby Lugia that he once befriended, returned to play with him.
Then Tristan turned to see more young Trainers approaching. "Looks like we've got company."
"And lots of it," added Hillary.
(Music Cue: No Way, No How! (as heard in "The Ninja Poké Showdown"))
Sure enough, there were Trainers of all kinds, some of whom were just starting out on their journeys, and they were all running to get a closer look at Lugia.
Tristan had to push some of them away to make sure they wouldn't scare it. "Hey, take it easy, will you? This Pokémon needs its own space, too!"
Pikachu protested in agreement.
Lugia nervously stepped back as the crowd of young Trainers got closer. It didn't feel comfortable with a crowd of people approaching it too fast.
Professor Elm had to come over to calm things down. "All right, kids, let's settle down now before someone gets hurt."
Then, Tristan and Hillary saw a little girl in the distance. She was in a wheelchair looking the other way all by herself.
"I wonder who that girl is," said Tristan.
"Do you know, Professor?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, that's Tarah," answered Professor Elm. "She's been in a wheelchair for most of her life. She can walk, but not very well, and has never been able to make friends with anyone just by rolling around in a wheelchair all day. She's a little shy, too, so that doesn't help the situation."
This made Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Lugia very sad.
Presently, Tristan was hit in the back of the head by a flying beach ball. "Ow! Hey, watch it!"
A boy, who was slightly fat, was heard laughing behind him. "I guess your reflexes are a little slow!" He ran to pick up the beach ball. "Thanks, kid!" And then he darted off.
"Well, that wasn't very nice," grumbled Tristan.
Who's that kid? asked Lugia.
"Oh, that's Ed," answered Professor Elm. "Apparently, people make fun of his name, making him act like a bully. Not only that, he doesn't seem to like Pokémon, plus he gets jealous at times."
"That's just awful," said Hillary.
"And sometimes, he will do things that he's not supposed to do," continued Professor Elm.
Lugia thought to itself, Ed must not have very many friends if he's acting like that.
(Music Cue: All's Well That Ends Well)
A little while later, Professor Elm gathered all the Trainers around him on the beach. "Welcome, everyone, to Whirl Camp, a special Pokémon Summer Camp here in the Johto region. And, please welcome Lugia, who will be your lifeguard throughout the week. It's a great Pokémon to have around, and a great friend. So please be sure to treat it well."
Everyone clapped. But Tarah didn't. She just kept staring at the horizon.
And Ed didn't either, he just turned away scornfully.
Lugia looked a little embarrassed.
"Now I'd like us to get things started by having a meet and greet," continued Professor Elm. "But before we get things rolling, I'd like to hand things over to the true master of ceremonies, Professor Oak."
Everyone clapped as Professor Oak made his appearance.
Tristan and Hillary didn't expect Professor Oak to be there, but were happy to see him nonetheless.
"Thank you, Professor Elm," smiled Professor Oak. "And welcome, boys and girls, to Whirl Camp. This is a great opportunity to discover new Pokémon and meet new friends around the Whirl Islands. Some of you may be visiting from home while others came in the middle of their journey. But whatever your goal is, always strive for it, and chase after it as fast as you can go. So, without further ado, let's make new friends and get things started."
Everyone was in complete agreement and they got up...all but Tarah.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu came to see Professor Oak.
"Hey, thanks for coming," smiled Professor Oak.
"Hi, Professor Oak," said Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu and Togepi greeted Professor Oak happily.
Professor Oak then saw Lugia. "Ah, so you've brought Lugia as your special guest. It's big, and it's looking well."
"And it's this week's lifeguard, too," added Hillary.
"Hey, why don't we all go swimming?" suggested Tristan. "It'll be a great way to know each other better."
"Great idea, Tristan!" agreed Hillary. "May we do that, Professors?"
"Of course," replied Professor Oak and Professor Elm together.
Professor Elm came to speak to the Trainers. "Everyone, Tristan and Hillary suggested that you all go swimming. All those in favor?"
Everyone but Tarah raised their hands and shouted "Aye!"
"The ayes have it," said Professor Elm.
Everyone cheered...all but Tarah.
"But before you start having fun, I need you to stay with a buddy," continued Professor Elm. "We don't want any swimming incidents happening this week. And remember, your lifeguard will be watching."
Hillary started off for the water, but stopped.
Tristan saw her. "Aren't you coming?"
"Tarah can't swim, remember?" reminded Hillary.
Tristan had forgotten about Tarah being in the wheelchair.
"I'll stay here with Tarah," said Hillary. "You go ahead and play with the others."
"Okay, then," replied Tristan. "I'll see you in a little bit." And he ran off.
Hillary came over to Tarah, who looked depressed. "Hi, Tarah. I'm Hillary. What's the matter?"
(Music Cue: Prayer)
Tarah lifted her head a little and said, "I just wish I could run and swim like you guys can. My mother sent me to camp because she thought I could get out and make some new friends. But I've never made real friends before. I'm not sure if I'll ever have a Pokémon for a friend."
"I know you're disappointed by sitting in that wheelchair all day," replied Hillary. "But you never know unless you try."
Tarah sighed. "If only I could walk freely, or even fly."
Presently, Lugia came up and accidentally scared Tarah.
"Aaah! A big Pokémon!" she screamed.
"Relax, Tarah, it's okay," Hillary assured her. "This is Lugia, our designated lifeguard. It won't hurt you."
Tarah seemed to tremble because of Lugia's size.
Lugia saw how scared Tarah was and slowly drew back.
Hillary then came to Lugia.
Sorry, Hillary, it whispered. I didn't mean to scare her.
"It's not your fault, Lugia," replied Hillary. "She's not used to seeing anything so big."
What's that thing she's sitting in? asked Lugia.
"That's a wheelchair," answered Hillary. "Tarah can't walk very well, so she spends most of her time in it to help her get around. Hey, I've got an idea. Come over here and meet Tarah."
But won't I scare her again? asked Lugia nervously.
"Tarah will warm up to you soon enough," replied Hillary. "But don't forget to speak softly." And she took Lugia over to Tarah.
Tarah saw Lugia coming to her and shut her eyes tightly.
It's okay, Tarah, Lugia assured her.
(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears!)
Tarah stopped trembling and opened her eyes. "Did you just talk?"
Lugia nodded. Do you have friends?
Tarah shook her head.
Lugia felt sad. Then it said, I'd like to be your friend, if you'll let me.
Tarah looked at Lugia straight in the eye and said, "You'd really be my friend?"
Absolutely, answered Lugia as it lowered its head.
Tarah didn't know what to say, so she slowly reached forward and gently touched Lugia's head. She couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
Hillary smiled. "You see, Tarah? Now you have a friend."
"Thanks, Hillary. And thank you, Lugia," said Tarah. "I feel a lot better now that I know I have at least one friend. But how did you know that I needed one?"
I could tell just by looking at you that you have a good heart, explained Lugia. And I know that it isn't a lot of fun to just be sitting in that wheelchair all day. I have a feeling that Whirl Camp will help expand your horizons.
"Lugia's right," agreed Hillary. "And we'll help you find new people and Pokémon to be friends with. Some, like Lugia, are big and strong while others are cute and cuddly like Pikachu."
Tarah seemed to be cheering up as she listened. She felt happier with each minute, especially that she made friends with Lugia. Then she felt Pikachu jumping into her lap. Tarah gently petted Pikachu on the head.
Pikachu seemed to like it very much.
"Now I have two new friends," smiled Tarah. "Thanks, Pikachu."
Pikachu smiled and nodded.
I have to watch the others in the water now, said Lugia. But I promise to play with you later in the week.
"You'd do that?" asked Tarah.
Yes, I would. I promise, replied Lugia.
"Oh, thank you, Lugia," smiled Tarah as she hugged it.
And with that, Lugia flew into the air and landed next to the water.
"That's so graceful. I wish I could fly like that," sighed Tarah as she watched.
I have a feeling that you will, Tarah, thought Hillary. Then she said aloud. "Tristan and I are gonna spend some time planning out the week while we're here. We'll have plenty of surprises and have lots of fun."
"I'd sure like to see them," smiled Tarah. "Now I'm getting even more excited just thinking about it!"
Tristan and the others were having fun swimming in the water as Lugia watched.
Tristan put his head underwater, but soon, he had to come up for air. He took another deep breath and tried again, but came up again seconds later.
The other Trainers did the exact same thing.
Lugia was confused, so it swam over to Tristan. Why can't you stay underwater for a long time like I can?
"I can't breathe underwater," answered Tristan.
Lugia became concerned. Why not?
"Because humans have lungs, which take in air, not water," answered Tristan.
Lugia felt sad. What do you mean?
"What I mean is, humans are unable to breathe underwater under normal circumstances," explained Tristan. "They can get in big trouble if they're unable to come up for air right away, and could lose consciousness, or worse, drown."
That sounds terrible! said Lugia. I'll make sure nothing bad happens during my time here. After all, I'm the designated lifeguard.
Tristan nodded in agreement.
"However, humans can use special diving gear to help them breathe underwater for an extended length of time," continued Tristan.
I'm very interested to see how this special gear works, replied Lugia.
"We'll make sure you see it," smiled Tristan. "But for now, let's keep swimming!"
And everyone did for the rest of the afternoon.
(Music Cue: Golden Silver)
That evening, Tristan made a campfire and cooked up a big bowl of stew for every Trainer, plus Professor Oak and Professor Elm.
When it was ready, Professor Elm called the Trainers to the campfire.
Everyone happily dug in and thanked Tristan for the wonderful meal.
"Wow, Tristan, your stew recipe is top-notch," said Professor Elm.
"Thanks, Professor Elm," replied Tristan. "Brock was the one who taught me how to cook."
"You're very fortunate to have met someone like him," smiled Professor Elm.
Lugia then came over and noticed the delicious aroma. That looks good, Tristan. What is it?
"It's my special stew recipe," answered Tristan. "It's got a lot of the essential vitamins and minerals to help you grow up to be strong and healthy. Brock taught me how to make it when I first started my journey."
May I try it?
"Sure, Lugia," answered Tristan. "Hey, Hillary, could you get some of that hot stew for Lugia?"
"Sure thing," said Hillary. She got a big bowl and used a spoon to distribute the stew into it. "There you go, Lugia."
Lugia came to the bowl and took a little taste of the stew. Its face brightened up, and it said, It's great! And it happily dug in.
Tristan was happy that Lugia was enjoying another one of his recipes, but not as happy with the fact that his plan to help Lugia get the heartbreaking situation with Silveena out of its mind was succeeding so far.
In a little while, Lugia had finished its helping of stew. May I have seconds please?
Tristan gave a chuckle. "Sure, Lugia. I'll make sure you get some." Then he said to the other Trainers, "There's plenty of stew left, everybody, so feel free to have seconds if you want."
The other Trainers were happy to know that and helped themselves to a second helping.
After dinner, everyone washed the dishes and got ready to follow Porfessor Elm into the cabins.
But as Professor Elm saw Tristan and Hillary follow him, he suddenly remembered. "Uh-oh. I forgot to get you two beds for those cabins. You may have to find somewhere else to sleep.
"Well, the Pokémon Center is a possibility, Professor Elm," said Professor Oak. "Tristan and Hillary could sleep there. Besides, it's not too far from where we're standing, and they're the junior camp counselors. They deserve special privileges for that, right?"
"I guess that's true," replied Professor Elm. "Would the Pokémon Center be okay with you guys?"
"Sure, it's fine with us," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, we don't have a problem with that at all," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to like the idea.
"I have to get back to Pallet Town and help out at the lab," said Professor Oak. "Always know that I'm a phone call away if you need any extra help."
"Don't worry, Professor," replied Tristan. "The Trainers will be in good hands."
Tristan and Hillary waved to Professor Oak and Professor Elm as they started toward the Pokémon Center.
"I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning!" called Professor Elm as he and Professor Oak waved back.
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)
That night, as Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi got ready for bed at the Pokémon Center, Lugia poked its head through the open window.
"Hey, Lugia," said Tristan. "Did you come to say goodnight to us?"
Lugia nodded. I'm gonna try and sleep at the bottom of the ocean tonight. I want to see what it's like down there compared to when I'm on land. I'll be close by, so if you need me, I'll come right away like I always have.
"Okay, Lugia," said Hillary.
Lugia bent its head down low. I still miss my family: Silver, my mother, and, most of all, Silveena. I don't know when I'll see them again.
Tristan came over to the window and gently put his hand on Lugia's slender neck. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what. And I just know you'll reunite with your family sometime soon. And as long as they're in your thoughts, they'll never be too far away."
"Well put, Tristan," agreed Hillary.
Thanks, guys, replied Lugia. Even though my real family isn't right there next to me, you've always treated me like family. And I'm sure Silveena and my family will know it, too.
Tristan smiled. "You know what? I think the ocean would be a wonderful place for you to try and sleep tonight. Professor Oak says that most Lugia like to live at the bottom of the ocean, but they can also live on land."
I guess that's true, grinned Lugia. I think I have a system that can adapt to living on both land and water.
"That's what makes you so unique," said Hillary. "One of a kind."
"Everyone is," agreed Tristan.
Lugia nodded. Hey, I'd like to show you something. Would you like to fly along and see it with me?
"I'd like that, Lugia," replied Tristan. "Pikachu and I will meet you outside. Wanna come, Hillary?"
Hillary yawned. "No thanks. Togepi and I are too tired."
Sure enough, Togepi had already fallen asleep as it had withdrawn into its shell.
"Okay, then," said Tristan. "Good night."
"Good night, Tristan," replied Hillary. "Enjoy your time with Lugia." Then she closed her eyes and thought, Tristan and Lugia have a really strong bond with one another. Could it be because of the Silver Wing? Is it the power of friendship and trust? Or is it a combination? She just lay on the bed thinking about those questions and thought about the answer. But none came, for it didn't matter, for in a few minutes, she had fallen fast asleep.
(Music Cue: Never Too Far From Home (instrumental as heard in "Houndoom's Special Delivery"))
A few minutes later, Tristan and Pikachu took off into the night sky on Lugia's back. Higher and higher they soared until they were high into the clouds.
"This is great," said Tristan. "It's so calm and peaceful up here."
Pikachu agreed.
I know you're used to flying with me in the daytime, said Lugia, but I'd like to show you that the night has so much to see from the sky, too. Just look around.
Sure enough, the sky was beautiful with plenty of stars and a full moon to help illuminate it.
"I never thought I'd get a view of the sky from high up," said Tristan. "I'm so used to seeing it from the ground, but I never thought I'd get a much better look here."
And that's not all, added Lugia. You get a view of the ocean down there.
Lugia was right, for the moon's reflection could be seen hundreds of feet below.
Tristan and Pikachu smiled as Lugia flew on for the next several minutes.
"The moon looks close enough to touch from up here," remarked Tristan.
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
This is the kind of thing that should bring everyone together, continued Lugia. A calm and quiet moonlit night with people and Pokémon to share it with. Once Silveena and I become husband and wife, I'll show her the moonlight that makes nighttime special just like I did with you. And I know you and Pikachu will be there in spirit. Right, Tristan?
But there was no response.
Lugia glanced around and saw that Tristan had laid his head down on its back; he had fallen fast asleep.
Pikachu had fallen asleep shortly thereafter.
Would you look at that, whispered Lugia to itself. They must be so relaxed from this flight. And with that, Lugia decreased its flying speed so it wouldn't accidentally shake Tristan and Pikachu off. Then it carefully turned around and flew back to the Pokémon Center.
Once Lugia arrived at the Pokémon Center a few minutes later, it used Psychic to help Tristan and Pikachu go through the open window and helped get them into bed. Good night, guys, it whispered. I'll see you in the morning. Then it took off into the air, flew towards the ocean, and dove down below the surface with a tremendous splash. Finally, it dove to the ocean floor. Having been able to enjoy another nice flight with Tristan and Pikachu, Lugia closed its eyes and fell fast asleep, thinking about its family and Silveena.
The next morning, Lugia dove up to the surface, yawned, and stretched its wings. It then had a nice breakfast of seaweed. It could see Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi coming out of the Pokémon Center in the distance.
Professor Elm saw them coming. "Ah, good morning, guys. It sure is a nice day today."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Are you two ready for another great day filled with surprises?"
"We sure are, Professor," replied Hillary.
Presently, Tarah rolled up in her wheelchair. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Tarah," replied Tristan.
"Did you sleep okay?" asked Hillary.
"Well, not exactly," answered Tarah.
"Is something wrong?" asked Tristan.
"Well, I could use your help," replied Tarah. "Could you do me a favor?"
"We'd be happy to do it, Tarah," said Tristan. "What is it?"
(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting (sample))
With Whirl Camp finally underway, our heroes have had a chance to know some interesting Trainers. What is Tarah requesting our heroes to help her with? Find out as Whirl Camp continues.
► TO BE CONTINUED