AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 69 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Whirl Islands. I decided to base this chapter off of Chapter 12 called "A Rescue" from the book The Trumpet of the Swan. In that book, Applegate Skinner was being teased for having a name like Applegate, and wanted to do something to get even. Well, the same goes for Ed, but with storms approaching. You'll see what I mean when you read this chapter. There are similarities and differences from these chapters, but I hope you enjoy it just the same. Also, I decided to add Will of the Elite Four from the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games. What skills does he posess? Read and find out. Please read and review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan, Hillary, and the other Trainers meet a Trainer of the Johto region's Elite Four, Will, who is able to read the future. He knows Lugia has a pure heart. However, an exasperated Ed, after being made fun of just because of his name, decides to swim far out to sea in a big storm and gets into big trouble, and it's up to Lugia to save the day!
Chapter 69: WHIRL CAMP, PART 3
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the beginning of "Takin' it on the Chinchou"))
Today, our heroes are enjoying a nice breakfast inside the Pokémon Center. But little do they know that a pleasant surprise will be coming to Whirl Camp.
"Wow, sis," said Tristan as he ate his breakfast with Pikachu. "We've seen so many amazing things and have met amazing people and Pokémon."
Hillary nodded in agreement. "And I'm sure there will be other things to look forward to as well. Right, Togepi?"
Togepi nodded and chirped in agreement.
(Music Cue: Professor Oak's Pokémon Lecture (on the TV))
Presently, a news bulletin came on the television set overhead as a newscaster appeared. "We have just received breaking news that Will of the Johto region's Elite Four will be doing his tour throughout the region. He is well-known for raising Psychic Pokémon as well as being able to read what's on a Pokémon's mind and connecting with their hearts. There are also rumors that he can predict the future as well. He will be making several stops along the way. His first stop on his tour will be Silver Rock Isle in the Whirl Islands where he plans to meet several Trainers, who are even now taking part in a summer camping program called Whirl Camp."
"Did you hear that, Tristan?" asked Hillary, who jumped up in excitement.
"I sure did, sis," replied Tristan. "What?"
"Will of the Elite Four is coming!" said Hillary. "We'll get a chance to meet a member of the Elite Four we haven't seen yet!"
"No way!" replied Tristan. "I honestly thought that Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance made up the Elite Four...unless one of them retired."
"But that's only in Kanto," said Hillary. "Each region has its own Elite Four in case you've forgotten. And the Johto region also shares some of the Elite Four positions with Kanto. Ergo, there may be more of the Elite Four in these two regions than we know. Now come on already, let's go see Will of the Elite Four!" And she and Togepi quickly left the cafeteria.
"Hey, wait for us!" called Tristan as he and Pikachu rushed after her.
(Music Cue: The Shadow that Follows Team Rocket (Mew's Theme))
Lugia was enjoying a nice breakfast in the water when it saw Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi quickly approaching the beach. It flew over to meet them. You two look excited today. What's up?
"Will of the Elite Four is coming!" said Tristan and Hillary together.
Who's Will? asked Lugia. And who's the Elite Four?
"The Elite Four are a group of really strong Trainers," explained Hillary. "They're the strongest Trainers in the entire region. They use different battle strategies not only to help attain victory, but they also help Trainers develop those very strategies in battle."
"Wow, Hillary, since when did you become an expert of the Elite Four?" asked Tristan.
"Did you forget?" replied Hillary. "I've watched some of those matches with you on television back at home sometimes." She then took out a magazine and showed Will's picture to Lugia. "Will came in as a total unknown and managed to defeat two members of Kanto's Elite Four recently. Agatha put up a good fight with her Ghost Pokémon, but their Poison-type characteristics proved to be no match for the Psychic attacks Will's Pokémon launched. Bruno's Fighting Pokémon didn't stand a chance against them, either. And that was how he was accepted into the Elite Four. And not only that, Will is able to read the minds of humans and Pokémon and connect with their hearts. There's also speculation that he can see into the future."
Lugia was impressed. You must really like this Will. He looks scary at first glance with that mask on, but from the way you're talking about him, I'd say he shows no signs of malice.
"I think you'll be impressed by Will's abilities, Lugia," said Hillary. "And you will, too, Tristan. Just wait and see."
Hmmm, thought Lugia to itself. I wonder how skilled Will is. If he can read minds and connect with their hearts, maybe I can ask him to read my mind and connect with mine. I just hope that he sees that Silveena accepts me in the end.
Professor Elm and the other Trainers met up with Tristan and Hillary and their Pokémon friends a few minutes later.
Then, Professor Elm gathered all the Trainers together and said, "Good morning, everyone. We have a special guest today. And I hear he's one of the best when it comes to connecting with the hearts of Pokémon. So let's all give a warm welcome to one of the newest members of the Elite Four, Will!"
As Will himself came to the front, everyone clapped...all but Ed. He didn't seem interested at all.
"Good morning, everyone," said Will. "Yes, as Professor Elm mentioned, my name is Will of the Elite Four. I specialize in Psychic Pokémon, and have trained my Pokémon all over the world, making them stronger. And recently, I was, at last, accepted into the Elite Four. I always know that I can only keep getting better."
Oliver raised his hand. "Excuse me, Will. What got you into Pokémon Training?"
"That's an excellent question, young man," smiled Will. "And I'll be glad to share it with you."
(Music Cue: Reunion)
"One day, many years ago, a huge thunderstorm had just passed over my house. As I was walking in the fields to survey the damage the storm left behind, I saw a little Natu. It had clearly been injured, but I didn't know why. I didn't know it at first, but I had the ability to communicate using my heart. The little Natu was afraid, like it was expecting me to hurt it. But it was in too much pain to move, and it passed out. So I carefully picked it up and took it home with me.
"As I was treating Natu, I saw into its eyes and saw that it had been injured by a lightning strike near my home earlier in the day, and I wasn't sure where the blast had come from, but I knew it was close by. I suddenly discovered that I was able to read the little Natu's mind and see what had happened. The poor thing had a traumatizing experience and kept trembling. I even saw it shed a few tears because it couldn't get the event out of its mind. So I gently picked up the little Natu and held it in my arms and assured it that it was safe. That seemed to help it feel better. It then fell fast asleep.
"I bandaged up its tiny wings and helped nurse it back to health, although I must admit that I'd never bandaged little wings before. They're smaller than the wings of a teeny-weeny Pidgey.
"After the little Natu woke up, I gave it some Pokémon food to help get its strength back up. It loved the taste and warmed up to me more and more.
"Natu helped me practice reading its mind for days and days. Some days were successful, but others were not. But I kept at it until I mastered my ability to read minds.
"Then, when it was fully recovered, I thought I should release it back into the wild, but the little Natu didn't want to leave me. And who could blame it? It was too happy to leave...it enjoyed my company, so I let it stay with me.
"We became the best of friends, and have been together ever since," finished Will.
"Wow, that's a great story," said Oliver.
Hillary decided to look up Natu's entry in her Pokédex.
"Natu, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. Natu moves around by hopping and always seems to be staring at something."
"And now, I'd like to show you my partner today." And Will took out his Poké Ball, and it opened.
A green condor-like Pokémon with long red and black tipped white wings emerged from the light that shot out of it.
The Trainers were impressed.
"Is that the same Natu that you helped rescue, Will?" asked Hillary.
"Yes, it is," answered Will. "This is just its evolved form. Meet Xatu."
Tristan looked up Xatu in his Pokédex.
"Xatu, the Mystic Pokémon. Xatu is said to be able to foretell the future with a high degree of accuracy, but it is unknown whether its prophecies are correct."
"Xatu and I have been working together and reading into the hearts of Pokémon," explained Will. "If the Pokémon is happy, that makes the Trainer happy. Of course, if the Pokémon isn't feeling very happy, and the Trainer cares about it, then I help them figure it out by telling them what the Pokémon needs, whether it just needs a little love and attention, or whether it needs help with an injury. Whatever difficulties the Pokémon has with a Trainer, I help them overcome those very difficulties. And as a result, the bond between the Pokémon and the Trainer is stronger than ever."
A Trainer with dark blue hair stood up and raised his hand. "Excuse me, Will. My name's Zachary Evans. I'd like to show you my Pokémon."
"Go ahead, Zachary," smiled Will.
"Yanma, I choose you!" shouted Zachary as he threw his Poké Ball.
A large red dragonfly Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. A green mask marking covered most of its face, and it had clear wings.
"What's that?" asked Hillary as she scanned the Pokémon with her Pokédex.
"Yanma, the Clear Wing Pokémon. Through the use of its two large eyes, Yanma can see in all directions at once. Yanma is capable of beating its wings at a high rate of speed, generating a powerful shock wave strong enough to shatter glass. Some of Yanma's strongest attacks are Tackle, Double Team, and Sonic Boom."
"Ah, now that's one nice Yanma," remarked Will. "I can tell that when you first met, it was injured, and when you helped nurse it back to health, you had some difficulty controlling its power when it broke all the windows in town. You've both been training hard, and now you're able to use Sonic Boom without fear of losing control of those powers."
Zachary was impressed. "Wow, you mean that?"
Will nodded. "Just keep on training that Yanma of yours, and you two will be tough to beat."
"Thanks, Will," replied Zachary. "We'll do our best, right, Yanma?"
Yanma nodded.
Tristan and Hillary smiled. They knew how much love Zachary had for his Yanma, and how Yanma loved him in return.
Then, every Trainer rose his hand, wanting a chance to for Will to communicate with their Pokémon's minds.
Will was only happy to oblige. "All right, kids, one at a time, one at a time."
Lugia seemed to be impressed. So that's how he reads a Pokémon's mind. If he knows my future, maybe he can tell me what it holds regarding my life, and if I'll win Silveena over.
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)
Later, as the other Trainers played with each other on the beach, Tristan and Hillary took Lugia over to meet Will, who understood the circumstances.
"Ah, I see," said Will. "So this Lugia is the one who befriended you right after it hatched, right?"
Tristan nodded. "Lugia and I always have a fun time when we get together. We play and fly in the sky. It's always a blast."
"And Lugia's very strong, too," added Hillary.
Will nodded and seemed to agree. "I also see that it's had very tough moments in its life, like when it had to leave its family behind."
Lugia sadly nodded in agreement.
"However," continued Will, "you managed to grow up big and strong in record time, thanks to Tristan's patience and kindness." He then turned to Tristan. "I can see that you and Lugia share a really strong bond, Tristan. And I'd say that the secret of that bond lies around your neck."
"Oh, you mean my Silver Wing?" Tristan showed his Silver Wing to Will.
"Silver Wings like that are very hard to come by," explained Will. "Only a select few Trainers are capable of possessing that power. And it's no small wonder that this Lugia chose you to be its friend after it hatched. You've both grown physically and mentally, and I can see in Lugia's eyes that it's never a Pokémon who harms humans, but only helps them when they're in trouble. That may be one reason why the two of you were meant to meet and become friends."
Hey, Will, could you please tell me about my future? asked Lugia. I met another Lugia the other day. She had pink fins instead of blue ones, and was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. The only problem is that she rejected me because she thinks that all humans are evil, and I've been close friends with Tristan and his Pikachu ever since I first hatched. A few tears fell down Lugia's eyes. Please, could you tell me if Silveena and I will be together even though Tristan and I will always be friends?
Will gave the matter a lot of thought. Finally, he said, "It won't be easy, but Xatu and I can help you see into the future. Before I begin, I must tell you that the vision of the future that you'll see is not guaranteed to happen. You will have to work hard and show determination to make your dream come true. Do you understand everything that I've said?"
Yes, answered Lugia. I'll try anything. I'm desperate to have Silveena as my mate, and expand my population.
Will raised his arms into the air and said, "All right, Xatu, are you ready?"
Xatu nodded. It closed its eyes and tightened its focus.
(Music Cue: The Moon Stone)
"What's Xatu doing, Will?" asked Tristan.
"Xatu is getting ready to see into the future," explained Will. "Once Xatu has a clear vision, it will show Lugia's future to us."
Xatu focused harder and harder for the next few seconds. Finally, it opened its eyes. It was ready to see the future.
"Now, Xatu, Future Sight!" commanded Will.
Xatu's eyes glowed blue, then the scenery changed to what appeared to be a Lugia trapped in a cage at the top of a tall tower. It had pink fins and looked very miserable.
Tristan and Hillary recognized that very tower.
"That's the radio station in Goldenrod City!" gasped Tristan. "And look who's in that cage!"
"That must be Silveena!" said Hillary, who was still in shock. "But what's she doing in there? And what does she have to do with the radio station in Goldenrod City?"
Then they saw themselves confronting people in black uniforms.
"That's us!" exclaimed Tristan. "But who are we facing?"
Then red letter R's appeared on their uniforms.
"Team Rocket!" gasped Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu and Togepi were just as shocked as their Trainers were as they saw themselves battling alongside them.
Then, Tristan and Hillary saw another scene where Lugia and Silveena were happily reunited as they watched.
Could that be...? thought Lugia, ...that looks like me...and Silveena...together. That means...if I work hard...and show my courage to Silveena...my dream can still come true!
Just then, Xatu's eyes stopped glowing, the vision ended, and the scenery changed back to the beach, which was where everyone was when its Future Sight was used.
Lugia was awestruck. Was that...a vision of the future?
"Yes, it was," answered Will. "In that vision, you will run into Silveena again, and she will happily accept you as her husband, Lugia. However, Silveena will be used for evil purposes in the future." Then he turned to Tristan and Hillary. "It'll be up to you two to save her and make sure that Lugia's dream comes true."
"You can count on us, right, Pikachu?" said Tristan.
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"And Togepi and I will do our best to help, too," added Hillary.
Togepi chirped happily.
Thanks so much, guys, said Lugia. You're the best friends I could ever ask for. And I'll be sure to help you no matter what kind of trouble comes your way.
That's true, thought Tristan. But something's bothering me. What does Team Rocket have to do with Silveena? And where does the radio station fit into all this?
(Music Cue: Goofball Alert (as heard in "Tricks of the Trade"))
Later that day, Will had been invited as a special guest for lunch. As Tristan was busily fixing lunch for the Trainers and the Pokémon, one of them started to tease Ed about his name.
"Hey, Ed, where'd you get such a simple, yet funny name?" he asked.
"My parents gave it to me," replied Ed. "Why do you care?"
Another Trainer said, "I know what his name is. Rotten Ed!"
This caused several Trainers to laugh.
"Hey! That's not funny!" yelled Ed.
A third Trainer spoke up. "Hey, you know what? The last person who eats Tristan's lunch is a rotten Ed!"
That bad joke caused the Trainers to burst into screams of laughter.
Ed was most offended and began to cry.
Tarah, who was watching from a distance seemed concerned. "I don't like where this is going," she said to herself.
"Aw, now he's become a crybaby," taunted a fourth Trainer.
The four Trainers laughed again.
Hillary was clearly annoyed. "Hey, you know that's not funny! Leave Ed alone!"
"Leave rotten crybaby Ed alone, she means," whispered the third Trainer.
Some of the Trainers had to pull their backpacks over their heads so that their snickering couldn't be heard.
"Now, I want you to apologize to Ed right this minute!" demanded Hillary.
One of the Trainers, who had teased Ed came to him. "I'm sorry that you have such a silly name, rotten crybaby Ed," he said rather insincerely.
The other Trainers who had teased Ed with him laughed wildly.
Ed felt sore as tears fell down his face. "Just leave me alone!" And he ran off.
In the distance, Lugia had seen Ed and quietly followed him.
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
A few moments later, Ed came to an undersea tunnel and stood in wonder.
It was the same tunnel that Tristan and Pikachu went through to get to Ogi Isle.
Ed slowly walked inside. He wanted to do something to get even. I'll show those loser Trainers, he thought.
Lugia flew over the tunnel and saw Ed emerge from it onto Ogi Isle.
Ed came to the water's edge and removed his clothes. He had his swimming trunks on, and had planned to swim far out into the ocean. He gulped and hesitated. But a moment later, he jumped into the water and began to swim. He wanted to prove to those Trainers that having a name like Ed was not something to be laughed at.
What's Ed doing? thought Lugia. I have a strange feeling that whatever he's planning, I doubt it's good. And as it watched Ed swim, it flew high above him.
Ed swam on and on. As he did, the water got deeper and deeper.
Dark clouds began to cover the sky.
I have to do something, or else he'll be in trouble, thought Lugia. Then it shouted, Ed! Please come back to shore! It's not safe to be in water that deep!
But Ed didn't hear Lugia and swam on. But as he did, the water got even deeper.
The sky got even darker, and the wind began to grow stronger. Seconds later, lightning flashed and rain began to fall.
Lugia tried again. Ed, please come back! Don't go any further! Head back to shore!
But Ed still didn't hear Lugia and continued swimming. But as he did, the wind got even stronger, and the waves got higher and higher.
Suddenly, one wave hit him squarely in the face, causing him to go under.
Ed, no! cried Lugia.
Tense seconds passed as the waves got higher and higher.
(Music Cue: Cross the Stormy Sea)
Suddenly, Ed emerged from the water and struggled to stay afloat. Another wave hit him in the face and he got a mouthful of water. He became very scared. "Help! Help me!" he screamed. And he sank below the surface once again.
I'm coming, Ed! cried Lugia. And it folded its wings and quickly dove into the water to save him.
Back on Silver Rock Isle, Tristan and Hillary saw the storm as they felt the strong winds and rain.
"Looks like that storm came quickly," said Hillary nervously.
"You're right," replied Tristan. "Let's get all the Trainers inside. I can serve them and the Pokémon their lunch inside the cabin."
"Good idea," agreed Hillary. But suddenly, she noticed that Ed wasn't with the other Trainers. "Have you seen Ed?"
"No, I haven't," replied Tristan.
"This is bad," said Hillary, who was now full of concern. "I don't know where he could've gone off to."
Suddenly, Tristan's Silver Wing flashed repeatedly. Then he heard Ed's voice.
"Help! Help me!"
Tristan gasped in horror. "That's Ed, and he's in trouble!"
"What?!" exclaimed Hillary.
Professor Elm came to Tristan and Hillary. "What's the matter?"
"Ed's in trouble," answered Hillary, "and he needs help."
"That's terrible!" gasped Professor Elm.
"I know where he is," said Tristan. "Ed must be on Ogi Isle, and I have to find him."
"I'm coming, too!" said Hillary. "He's my responsibility, too!"
All the Trainers and Professor Elm agreed and wanted to come as well, so they all ran off to find Ed.
"I remember being on Ogi Isle once before to see Lugia hatch," explained Tristan as he led the way through the undersea cave. "I just hope we're not too late."
Back near Ogi Isle, Ed struggled to stay afloat as the waves got higher and higher. Then he sank below the surface once again.
Below the surface, Lugia frantically looked for Ed. Time is running out. Ed can't survive being underwater for very long. I have to find him and get him back to the surface, or he's a goner. Suddenly, Lugia saw Ed floating down toward it. It quickly swam to him and pointed its neck between his legs. Then it got him positioned on its back. Dpn't worry, Ed, I've got you! The current of the water was very strong, but Lugia had no trouble navigating through it as it rose higher and quickly got closer to the surface. We're almost there! Just hang on!
Ed held on to Lugia as tightly as he could as they rose higher and higher.
Tristan, Hillary, Professor Elm, Will, and all the Trainers arrived at Ogi Isle as the storm got worse. They were anxiously waiting for something to happen.
"Lapras can help look for Ed, too," said Tristan as he took out his Poké Ball.
"No, wait! Look!" said Professor Elm as he pointed out into the water.
Sure enough, a tremendous splash of water was seen, and Lugia emerged from it with Ed riding on its back.
(Music Cue: Fighting Spirit)
Everyone cheered as Lugia flew above the water.
"Great save, Lugia!" commended Tristan.
"Yeah, way to go!" added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered in agreement.
Just as I thought, thought Will as he proudly looked on. That Lugia is a Pokémon that can do anything with heart and soul. It has a pure heart of gold.
Lugia didn't pay much attention to all the cheering. It carefully flew closer to shore as Ed clung tightly to it.
Soon, the skies cleared up, and the sun came out again as Lugia landed.
Lugia lowered its body to the ground, allowing Ed to dismount. Then he came to the water's edge, coughed up the seawater he swallowed, and breathed hard.
"Are you okay, Ed?" asked Hillary.
Ed was very cold and wet, but he gave a nod. Then he shivered, "I'm s-s-sorry I r-ran off."
"I'm just glad we found you and Lugia kept an eye on you," said Tristan. "Next time, please let us know where you're going."
"I will," replied Ed. "I'll do whatever you say. I promise." Then he turned to Lugia and said, "Hey, Lugia, you did okay...for a Pokémon."
Aw, shucks, said Lugia. I was only doing my job. And I'm glad you're okay.
And for the first time, Ed gave a genuine smile as he and Lugia embraced one another.
Later on Silver Rock Isle, after the Trainers finished their lunch, Professor Elm and Will gathered them together.
Professor Elm gave a quick speech. "There's no doubt in my mind that we all saw what happened out in the water today. When one of our Trainers was drowning in the stormy sea, Lugia, showing bravery and complete disregard for its own safety, quickly came to the rescue. Lugia helped the Trainer back to the surface and saved his life. And because Lugia has proven to all of us that it is one of the best lifeguards we've ever had, I've invited Officer Jenny to come and have the honor of giving it the Lifesaving Badge for Pokémon and Trainers."
All the Trainers stood up, clapped their hands, and cheered as Officer Jenny arrived with a waterproof badge with a cord wrapped around it.
Then she hung the badge around Lugia's neck.
The badge read: "To Lugia, a lifeguard, who dutifully and with complete disregard to self-safety, saved the life of Pokémon Trainer Ed."
Lugia was confused. But it said, Thank you so much for this. It's a huge honor.
Tristan and Hillary came to Lugia.
"Well, Lugia, looks like you have a badge, too," said Tristan.
"He's right, Lugia," agreed Hillary. "You're a hero."
Lugia just stood there, enjoying the moment as everyone clapped and cheered. It felt a great sense of pride for doing a heroic deed.
(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky)
That evening at sunset, Lugia stood alone on the beach. It then took another look at the badge around its neck. I never knew that someone like me could be a hero. I may be a lifeguard, but Will was right in saying that I help people in trouble. And no matter what Silveena thinks, I know I did the right thing and saved Ed's life. And someday, I'll help save her.
"That's the spirit, Lugia," said Tristan as he, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi came to Lugia. "There's no way you'll doubt yourself now, especially after what you did today. You're not just a great swimmer, but an excellent flyer and a great friend to have around, plus you know how to save lives. And today, you've proven yourself capable of doing just that."
"Tristan's right, Lugia," added Hillary. "And remember, Will also said that. We've never been more proud of you."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
Lugia turned to them and said, Thanks, guys. You helped make it happen. Then it thought to itself, If my mother were here, she'd be proud of me, too.
They all stood on the water's edge and watched the sunset over the once more calm sea.
From high above, Silveena had been watching and said, That's impossible! How did that Lugia navigate through my storm and save that human? Perhaps he's better than I thought. However, I still can't trust humans. And with that, she flew off.
And so, Lugia saves the day as it rescues Ed from a watery fate. And as the sun sets on an exciting day of meeting Will of the Elite Four, our heroes think about the many adventures they've had at Whirl Camp with many more yet to come. What surprises will they experience tomorrow? Stay tuned and find out as Whirl Camp continues.
► TO BE CONTINUED