AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 71 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Whirl Islands. Ever since I got into playing my Pokémon Silver Version game, and saw the three-part Lugia saga on Pokémon: Master Quest, I'd been imagining myself flying on a Lugia sometimes, and having a fun time in the sky. Of course, we all know that Pokémon aren't real. But I digress. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please feel free to review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan's grandmother has just challenged him to a battle in front of the other Trainers. Who will triumph? Plus, Lugia has the honor of taking all the Trainers on a flight through the sky, including Tarah, who is about to get her wish.
Chapter 71: WHIRL CAMP, PART 5
(Music Cue: Opening & Title 1997-1998 (as heard at the end of "Pokémon Emergency!"))
Last time, Tristan and Hillary's grandparents, Veronica and Eric came to Whirl Camp while bringing two special guests of their own. Those special guests were none other than their brothers Evan and Braden.
Braden, eager to show off his surprise, challenged three Trainers to one-on-one matches.
To everyone's surprise, the surprise turned out to be a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, all Pokémon that had just hatched from eggs that Tristan's Pokémon and great-grandmother Rachael were taking care of.
No one expected Braden's newly hatched Pokémon to know powerful attacks: Bulbasaur's SolarBeam, Squirtle's Ice Beam, and Charmander's Fire Blast.
Then, the biggest surprise came when Tristan was challenged to a battle by his own grandmother.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Tristan happily accepted. That brings us to the real question: Will our young hero emerge triumphant?
"So, Tristan, are you ready for a great battle?" said Veronica confidently.
"You bet I am," replied Tristan. "I've been waiting to battle against you for quite a while. You may have used Eevee to help you win against Pikachu, but that was only because I needed to get back in the game after a heartbreaking loss to Blue."
Veronica smiled. She was happy to see Tristan full of determination.
The Trainers and Professor Elm seemed to be impressed.
"Tristan sure looks confident," remarked Hillary.
"Yeah, but he's going up against Grandma," replied Braden. "And she's a really good Trainer. But knowing Tristan, he knows that she's good."
"There's no way Grandma will lose," smiled Evan. "Not that Tristan's a bad Trainer. It's just that she's had a lot more experience."
"Hey, Braden, why don't you let your Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle out so they can watch Tristan's battle?" suggested Hillary.
"That's a good idea," agreed Braden. He took out his three Poké Balls and tossed them into the air.
Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle all emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
"Okay, guys," said Braden, "I need you to watch Tristan's battle. This will help you gain some experience."
All three Pokémon nodded in agreement.
A moment later, Tristan and Veronica faced each other.
"I wonder if this was part of Grandma's plan," said Hillary.
Professor Elm nodded. "Veronica wanted to get a battle in against Tristan, to see how much he's grown as a Pokémon Trainer. There's no doubt that Tristan will be at his very best."
"We'll battle one-on-one, if that's all right with you, dear," said Veronica.
"Fine by me," replied Tristan. "I choose Pikachu!"
Pikachu eagerly leaped in front of Tristan and prepared for battle.
"So, you're using Pikachu," smiled Veronica. "A nice choice. So that means I'll choose Umbreon! Go!" And she took out a Poké Ball and threw it.
(Music Cue: Johto Champion Battle (higher-pitched as heard in "Love, Pokémon Style"))
A Pokémon with four slender legs and a sleek black body emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had crimson eyes, and it had yellow rings on its forehead and legs.
"Whoa, what's that?" wondered Evan as he scanned the Pokémon with his Pokédex.
"Umbreon, the Moonlight Pokémon. When an Eevee has had sufficient training and is exposed to moonlight, it evolves into an Umbreon."
Tristan was impressed. "So you trained another Eevee and evolved one. I must admit, Grandma, you're full of surprises. This should be a great battle."
"Yes, it should," smiled Veronica.
Go, Tristan! Go, Pikachu! cheered Lugia.
Eric came to judge the match. "Pikachu versus Umbreon...begin!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu ran forward and quickly jumped into the air. Then it shot a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Umbreon.
Umbreon just stood there as it took damage from Pikachu's attack.
"Yes, that sure hit the mark!" said Hillary excitedly.
"That Pikachu's been raised well," agreed Evan.
"True," replied Braden, "but I wouldn't underestimate that Umbreon."
Pikachu's Thunderbolt attack stopped and Umbreon seemed to be a bit shaken.
"You're okay, Umbreon, just shake it off," said Veronica.
Umbreon shook itself, and sure enough, it looked good as new.
Tristan was surprised. "Thunderbolt didn't work? But why?"
"That was a nice attack, Tristan, and a powerful one, too," smiled Grandma. "But it'll take more than that to defeat my Umbreon."
Grandma's right, thought Tristan. Umbreon took Pikachu's Thunderbolt head-on, and is still ready for more. But I know that we're just getting started. "All right, Pikachu, it's time to battle with speed," he said aloud. "Use your Quick Attack now!"
Pikachu sped toward Umbreon as a white line streaked behind it.
"Ah, so we're battling with speed now, are we? Fine with me," smiled Veronica. "You heard what Tristan said, Umbreon, use your Quick Attack, too!"
Umbreon sped toward Pikachu as a white line trailed behind it.
Sure enough, both Pokémon charged into one another in an attempt to push the other back.
Unfortunately, Pikachu's size was too small, and Umbreon was able to push it back, causing it to hit the ground.
"Pikachu, are you okay, pal?" asked Tristan.
Pikachu easily got back up and gave a hard nod.
"That Umbreon's tough," remarked Evan. "No wonder Grandma's good."
"Well, she hasn't lost her touch, that's for sure," agreed Hillary.
"All right, Pikachu, confuse Umbreon with your Double Team!" instructed Tristan.
Pikachu quickly made illusory copies of itself, surrounding Umbreon in the process.
Umbreon looked around for the real Pikachu.
"Stay calm, Umbreon," said Veronica calmly. "Use your Faint Attack."
"What's a Faint Attack do?" wondered Tristan.
"Just watch," replied Veronica. "I think you'll get a big kick out of it."
As she spoke, Umbreon quickly ran to the copies of Pikachu, then it managed to find the real Pikachu and gently tapped it on the shoulder, causing it to look the other way. Then it used its hind legs to attack Pikachu, sending it to the ground.
"Pikachu!" gasped Tristan.
Veronica chuckled. "It sometimes pays to be honorably sneaky. Wouldn't you agree, Tristan?"
"That was very sneaky," grunted Tristan. "Umbreon managed to beat Double Team with just one Faint Attack."
"Can Faint Attack really do that, Braden?" asked Hillary.
"Yes, it can, and it does," answered Braden. "With Faint Attack, it doesn't matter how accurate your Pokémon is or how elusive your opponent is. When your Pokémon uses Faint Attack, it's almost always a guaranteed hit."
"How's Tristan supposed to beat that?" asked Evan.
"It's hard to say for sure," replied Braden. "But knowing him, he'll keep battling until the end."
Pikachu struggled back to its feet, and electricity crackled out of its cheeks, much to Tristan's delight.
"All right, we're back and ready for more!" said Tristan. He was certainly very excited not only to battle, but to battle a strong Trainer like his grandmother. He kept calm and focused on the battle.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in "Hot Matches"))
"That's the spirit, Tristan," smiled Veronica. Then she turned to the Trainers. "You see, boys and girls? Sometimes, when you're faced with a disadvantage in battle, it's important not to give up. There are moments when you feel it's pointless to go on. But most of the time, when your Pokémon can still battle, we support them all the way, and they'll support us in return. In other words, we need to think with our heads and hearts."
Lugia heard what Veronica had just said. I can relate to that, it thought. Tristan never gave up on me, and I'll never give up on him or my other friends, either. So I'll follow my head and heart, whatever that means, and I'll help Silveena see that there are humans worth trusting.
"Umbreon, use your Sand-Attack now!" commanded Veronica.
Umbreon kicked up sand into the air using its hind legs
The sand hit Pikachu's eyes, rendering it unable to see.
Everyone gasped in shock, including Tristan.
"Hang in there, Pikachu!" encouraged Tristan. "You can do it!"
Pikachu tried to shake the sand out of its eyes, but to no avail.
"How's Pikachu supposed to know where Umbreon's attacks are coming from, let alone attack back?" wondered Hillary.
"There's no way," said Evan. "A Pokémon that can't see in battle will almost always lose."
"That's not quite true, and you know it," replied Braden. "Knowing the bond that Tristan and Pikachu share, they always find a way to make the most out of a sticky situation. Just watch and find out."
"Let's not draw this out any longer, Umbreon," said Veronica. "Finish it off with Quick Attack."
Umbreon sped forward as a white line streaked behind it.
Pikachu could hear Umbreon coming, but still couldn't see it.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack and jump straight up!" instructed Tristan.
Pikachu made a vertical jump into the air as high as it could as a white line streaked behind it, evading Umbreon's Quick Attack.
The Trainers were surprised to see that Pikachu had dodged Umbreon's Quick Attack without even seeing it.
"Now point your body straight down and attack!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu managed to flip and point its body down and rammed into Umbreon, scoring a huge direct hit on it, sending it to the ground and causing a large cloud of dust to form, much to everyone else's surprise.
Veronica was impressed. "Not bad, dear, not bad at all."
"You see what I mean, Evan?" said Braden. "Even though Pikachu can't see Umbreon, Tristan can do the work of being Pikachu's eyes. And they use their hearts to communicate.
"That's...amazing!" Evan couldn't believe that Tristan and Pikachu had a bond that was stronger than just by listening and seeing.
"I must admit that that was a good strategy," said Veronica. "But it's time to finish this battle. Umbreon, Quick Attack!"
And quick as a flash, Umbreon shot out of the dust and rammed into Pikachu, scoring a huge direct hit and sending it flying.
"Oh, no! Pikachu!" cried Tristan.
Pikachu crashed straight into the ground. It tried to get back on its feet, but was unsuccessful and collapsed. It had been knocked out.
The Trainers gasped in shock.
"Pikachu is unable to battle...Umbreon wins, which means the victory goes to Grandma...I mean Veronica!" declared Eric.
Tristan quickly rushed to Pikachu. "Are you okay, pal? Please say something."
Pikachu opened its eyes and gave a weak, but happy reply.
Veronica came to Umbreon and gently stroked it. "That was excellent work, Umbreon."
Umbreon gave a happy reply.
Veronica, Eric, Evan, Braden, and Hillary then came to Tristan.
"How's Pikachu, dear?" asked Veronica.
"Pikachu just needs a good rest, that's all," answered Tristan. Then he smiled. "That Umbreon's strong. No wonder you were a champion Trainer."
"I still am, but your Pikachu's really strong, too," replied Veronica. "It seems to me that you two are on the right track. Just keep up the training, and you'll be sure to be on a path that leads to victory. Maybe even beyond that."
"Thanks, Grandma, that's what we want," smiled Tristan.
Pikachu agreed.
Professor Elm came to the Trainers. "Well, that's it for today, kids. Tomorrow, we'll wrap up Whirl Camp with a very exciting surprise. Although we won't tell you what it is. Okay, Trainers dismissed! Go and play!"
Everyone agreed that this was a good idea.
That evening at the Pokémon Center, Veronica and Eric came to Tristan.
"Your grandfather, Braden, Evan, and I will all be staying over with you guys tonight," said Veronica. "We can't wait to see the surprise that Professor Elm has planned."
"That's great, Grandma," said Hillary. "I'm looking forward to the surprise, too."
Evan and Braden also agreed.
Just then, Professor Elm arrived. "Excuse me, I was thinking of something really exciting for tomorrow."
"What's up, Professor?" wondered Tristan.
"I'm thinking that Lugia should give the Trainers a ride in the sky tomorrow," suggested Professor Elm. "After all, it's proven to be one of the best lifeguards we've ever had at Whirl Camp, not to mention the best flier around. And I just know that the Trainers will get really excited about flying."
"So that's the surprise you're planning," said Hillary.
(Music Cue: A Future Hope)
Professor Elm nodded. "I spoke with Lugia about it just a few minutes ago, and it seems excited to offer the Trainers a ride."
"That's a great idea, Professor," smiled Tristan.
Everyone else agreed that it was a great idea.
"Just promise you won't tell anyone," said Professor Elm. "Although, I'm sure that the Trainers will find out sooner or later."
"Don't worry about that, Professor Elm," Eric assured him. "Our lips are sealed."
Everyone else nodded in agreement.
"Well, good night, everyone," said Professor Elm. "I'll see you all bright and early tomorrow."
"Good night, Professor Elm," everyone else replied.
And he left the Center.
"Well, kids, we'd better get some shut-eye for tomorrow," suggested Veronica. "It's gonna be a big day."
"Right," agreed Hillary. "Good night."
"Good night, Grandma. Good night, Grandpa. Good night, Evan and Braden," said Tristan.
"Good night, kids," said Veronica and Eric.
"Good night," replied Evan and Braden as everyone else entered the bedrooms.
That night, as Tristan and Hillary got ready for bed, Lugia poked its long neck through the open window.
"Hi, Lugia, what's up?" asked Tristan as he and Pikachu came to the window.
Nothing, really, answered Lugia. Well, actually, Tristan, there is something that I need your help with.
"Sure, what is it?"
Could you help me with this training that everyone is talking about? It sounds like fun, and I've heard that it can help Pokémon and Trainers grow stronger. I want to make sure that I'm fully prepared for tomorrow's flights with those Trainers.
Tristan was puzzled, but he was still listening.
I made a promise to Tarah a few days ago that I'd play with her, and show everyone that I'm the best flyer around. So could you please help me?
Tristan hesitated. Then he smiled and said, "Sure thing, Lugia. I'm an experienced Pokémon Trainer, and I'd be happy to help you with your training. We'll fly together first thing tomorrow, okay?"
Thanks, said Lugia. I'll make you proud.
Tristan gave a smile. "But you already have...just by being yourself. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"And it isn't just him you've made proud, Lugia," added Hillary. "I'm proud of you, too."
Togepi chirped in agreement.
And together, they happily looked out at the night sky as they thought about the final day of Whirl Camp.
(Music Cue: Boy Trainer Appears)
The next morning at dawn, Tristan and Pikachu were up bright and early, and soared off high into the sky with Lugia to train, just as they promised.
"All right, Lugia, are you ready to get started?" said Tristan.
I'm ready, answered Lugia. What do you want me to show you first?
"First, let's practice your flight control," explained Tristan. "Start by swooping down and then swooping back up."
Lugia folded up its wings and went into a steep dive as Tristan and Pikachu held on. Then when it was close to the water, it flapped its wings and went into a steep climb back into the air.
"Great, Lugia!" commended Tristan. "You have excellent flight control."
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
Lugia could see that they were right. It had been training all by itself for weeks, and wanted to prove that it was as much of an expert at flying as everyone else believed. What next, Tristan?
Tristan looked around and saw a big cloud. Then he said, "Now let's practice your Aeroblast. Focus all your energy and aim your attack at that cloud."
Lugia nodded, then it opened its mouth. Blue energy began to form inside it. Seconds passed by as the energy grew bigger and bigger.
"All right, Lugia, let her rip!" commanded Tristan.
And with all its might, Lugia unleashed its Aeroblast on the big cloud, obliterating it on the spot.
"That was awesome!" said Tristan. "That Aeroblast attack was top-notch."
Pikachu agreed excitedly.
Thanks a lot, replied Lugia. What should I do now?
"Now let's work on your speed," said Tristan. "Let's see how high and fast you can go!"
Lugia flapped its wings and flew higher and faster.
Tristan and Pikachu were enjoying the exhilarating ride as they rose higher and higher.
Seconds later, Lugia flew high into the clouds and eventually flew over them. Then it leveled out and cruised along.
"Well, Lugia, there's no doubt about it, you're really getting stronger," commended Tristan. "I think your mother would be very proud of the progress you're making."
Lugia was just about to agree when Pikachu pointed to the sky ahead.
(Music Cue: Route 26)
Sure enough, the first rays of sunlight were beginning to appear on the horizon.
Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia stared at the rising sun and marveled at its beauty in the sky.
"Wow, what a gorgeous sunrise this is!" said Tristan. "This is like the time Pikachu and I came to Ogi Isle on our vacation and saw you hatch."
That's true, agreed Lugia.
As the sun rose higher and higher, the light grew better and better.
Tristan and Pikachu felt the wind blowing on their faces. For them, the morning flight couldn't get any better than this.
"So was this part of the reason why you wanted Pikachu and me to come with you this morning?" asked Tristan.
Lugia nodded. Seeing this sunrise reminds me of new things happening for each day that dawns: new friends, new adventures, even new possibilities.
"And new dreams, too," added Tristan. "Who knows? I bet there are some dreams out there that we never thought of before."
They kept flying in the direction of the sunrise for the next few minutes.
Then Tristan said, "Well, I guess we should get back to Silver Rock Isle. Professor Elm and the others are probably waiting for us right now."
You're right, and I have a promise to keep, agreed Lugia as it turned around and started flying back to the beach on Silver Rock Isle. I always feel confident while flying in the air, but when you're flying with me, Tristan, I feel much more relaxed.
"Well, then, how would you like me to help assist the Trainers in flying in the sky with you today?" suggested Tristan.
I'd like that very much, replied Lugia.
On the beach, Hillary and Professor Elm waited for Tristan and Lugia to arrive as they directed the Trainers' attention to them.
Veronica, Eric, Evan and Braden were also waiting for them.
"Well, this is it, Trainers," said Professor Elm. "Today is our last day together, so I have a very special surprise coming here to help us out."
Presently, a shadow appeared in the sky and got bigger and bigger as it approached.
"Ah, I think that's the surprise coming now!" said Hillary.
Everyone looked up.
Sure enough, it was Lugia that was coming in for a landing with Tristan and Pikachu riding on its back.
"It's Lugia!" said the Trainers.
"Hey, everyone!" called Tristan. "Sorry we're late!"
"Actually, you came just in time!" replied Hillary.
Tarah, who was still in her wheelchair, stared in wonderment as Lugia landed.
Lugia lowered itself, allowing Tristan to dismount safely.
"Lugia and I were just doing a little special training together," explained Tristan.
"Well, no wonder Lugia has gotten stronger," remarked Professor Elm. "I think I've seen a big improvement since yesterday."
Veronica and Eric agreed.
Professor Elm turned to the Trainers. "Kids, I've decided to let you all take a ride on Lugia to celebrate the end of Whirl Camp. Tristan will fly along with you while Hillary helps with the waiting line."
All the Trainers agreed that this was a good idea.
"We can fly on Lugia with Tristan, too, right?" asked Veronica.
"Sure you can, but we'll save you guys for last just because you're special guests," said Professor Elm.
"Fine by us," agreed Eric. "Right, kids?"
"You bet!" answered Evan and Braden together.
Tarah became concerned. "How can I fly on Lugia when I'm stuck in the wheelchair?" she said to herself.
(Music Cue: The Heartbeat of the Planet (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Tristan came to Tarah and said, "How would you like to be the first to fly with Lugia and me, Tarah? After all, you do want to play with Lugia, don't you?"
Tarah was surprised. She wasn't expecting to be the first to fly on Lugia with Tristan and Pikachu.
I did make a promise to play with you, right? added Lugia.
Tarah looked all around and saw all the Trainers smiling and rooting for her.
"Go for it, Tarah!" said Bucky.
"You can do it!" added Cherry.
"You've earned it!" put in Zachary.
"Yeah, you can fly!" smiled Oliver.
"What they said!" agreed Cody.
Even Ed rooted for her. "Yeah, this is your chance!"
Tarah was shocked by all the support that she was receiving, even from Ed, who, at the beginning of the week, didn't seem to care.
Now that he learned important life lessons at Whirl Camp, he grew more and more friendly toward her, plus everyone else who was at Whirl Camp with him.
Tarah's face brightened up, and she replied, "Yes, I'll do it! I would be happy to play with you, Lugia!"
All the Trainers cheered with the decision.
Professor Elm came to help assist Tarah out of her wheelchair, then he carried her and seated her comfortably on Lugia. "Now be sure to hold on to Lugia during the flight, Tarah," he advised. "And Lugia, be sure to be careful with her."
Don't worry, Professor Elm, she'll be in good wings with me, replied Lugia.
Tristan and Pikachu got on Lugia and seated themselves behind Tarah.
"And I'll make sure that everyone stays safe during the flight," added Tristan. "Ready, guys?"
"Ready!" answered Tarah and Lugia together.
"Have fun in the sky," said Professor Elm. "I know you're having fun already."
"We will, Professor Elm," replied Tristan and Tarah together.
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
Lugia raised itself to its full height, and with a few flaps of its wings, it took off into the air.
Tarah was instantly spellbound as the wind blew in her face. She looked all around. "This is so awesome!" she said to herself.
"Hey, Tarah, check it out," said Tristan as he pointed to the water below.
Sure enough, there was a school of Chinchou and Lanturn swimming below.
"Wow, look at all the Chinchou!" said Tarah as she saw them.
The Chinchou gave friendly waves with their antennae as Lugia flew by.
Then Tarah saw something overhead and pointed to it.
Tristan and Pikachu looked up, and sure enough, there was a flock of Butterfree flying across the sea.
"We sure picked a perfect day for flying, didn't we?" said Tristan.
We sure have, agreed Lugia. Just wait until the others get a good look at the scenery. Hey, Tarah, wanna do some tricks?
"Would I? I'd love to!" said Tarah. She seemed really excited by the idea.
Okay, hold on tight! And Lugia increased its flying speed as Tristan, Pikachu, and Tarah held on tightly to Lugia. It went into a steep dive, flying close to the Chinchou swimming in the water.
When Lugia was close enough to the water, Tarah held on to Lugia with one hand and reached out to touch the water with the other.
Then Lugia went into a steep climb back into the air.
"That was cool!" said Tarah. "Hey, do you think you can do that again?"
How about I do this instead? replied Lugia. It then spun round and round in a circle as everyone watched.
Tarah was really excited now. "Woo-hoo!" she shouted.
The other Trainers were impressed.
"Just look at 'em go!" said Ed excitedly.
"That Lugia's expert flying skills are something that we don't see often!" agreed Zachary.
"Flying through the sky like that gives everyone who does a wonderful feeling," added Evan. "Just think of it...flying in an endless sky. To me, that represents the hopes and dreams of everyone here. There's no limit to how far you and your dreams will take you!"
"You said it, Evan," agreed Braden. "Hey, since when did you know all this stuff, anyway?"
"Just lucky, I guess," chuckled Evan.
Lugia continued to fly in the sky for the next ten minutes, showing off its impressive flying skills and enjoying the scenery with its passengers, including the nearby Ogi Isle, which was where it first hatched. Then it said, Okay, guys, let's give someone else a turn to enjoy this experience.
Everyone else agreed.
So Lugia flew lower and lower to the ground to the excitement of all the Trainers waiting for it on Silver Rock Isle. It came in for a landing, and then lowered its body, allowing Professor Elm to help carry Tarah off of Lugia and back into her wheelchair.
"So, Tarah, did you enjoy the flight?" asked Professor Elm.
"It was the best," answered Tarah. "I felt like I was riding on a gentle, but exhilarating roller coaster. I even forgot about being in a wheelchair during the flight."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Tarah," smiled Professor Elm.
"And you know what?" said Tarah. "I'm looking forward to the day when Lugia and I play with each other again."
Lugia nodded in agreement. You wanna know something, Tarah? I am, also."
Hillary came to Tarah. "I am, too." Then she came to the front of the line again. "Okay, who's next?"
All of the Trainers flew in the sky with Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia, one by one.
Oliver, Cody, Bucky, Zachary, Cherry, and Ed enjoyed the pleasant flight as they saw the Chinchou swimming below and the Butterfree flying in the sky.
Then, after they flew, Evan and Braden flew with Lugia in the sky. There they saw an even bigger school of Lanturn swimming below them and a flock of Fearow flying above.
And when Veronica and Eric flew with Tristan and Lugia, they got the biggest surprise of all as a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.
"This is wonderful," said Veronica. "And that rainbow is a sight to behold."
"Yes," agreed Eric. "Almost as wonderful as every day with you, Veronica." He then turned to Tristan. "Thank you for taking us for a ride in the sky with Lugia, grand-sonny. We've waited a long time for this."
"Yes, Tristan, thank you," added Veronica. "And Lugia, we're all lucky to have a friend like you."
Tristan and Lugia smiled. They knew that Veronica and Eric would enjoy an experience as pleasant as this one.
Later that day, Professor Elm gathered all the Trainers together on the beach one last time and made one final speech. "Well, Trainers, we've had some exciting moments, and a few scary ones, but thanks to all of you, Whirl Camp was a huge success. I give special thanks to the guests that took part in our camp, including our designated lifeguard, Lugia, for if it hadn't been for you, we wouldn't all be here celebrating our success together. Plus, I'm sure you all had a nice flight experience you'll never forget, so let's all give Lugia a big hand."
Everyone cheered and clapped their hands, including Ed, who was grateful to Lugia for saving his life earlier in the week.
"And now," continued Professor Elm, "to celebrate the end of Whirl Camp, I'd like everyone to enjoy a nice buffet of food that Veronica, Eric, and Tristan have prepared."
Everyone agreed and happily dined in.
(Music Cue: Such Sweet Sorrow)
That evening, after all the Trainers had left, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Lugia all stood on the beach and saw the glorious sunset over the horizon.
Veronica, Eric, Evan, Braden and Professor Elm came to see them.
"Kids, thank you for attending Whirl Camp, and bringing Lugia as your special guest," said Professor Elm. "I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best lifeguard we've ever had."
I was just doing my job, Professor Elm, replied Lugia. Besides, it helped take my mind off of Silveena and the heartbreak I've experienced.
"We're glad we could help, too," added Hillary. "Being junior counselors helped me become more independent. And I feel like we've learned from all different kinds of Trainers and Pokémon we've met and the places they visited."
"Me, too," agreed Tristan.
"Well, I guess it's time for us to be saying our goodbyes, then, huh?" said Evan sadly.
"Yes, it would appear to be that way," replied Braden. "But we'll be back to see each other again. Hey, Tristan, good luck in the Johto League. Evan and I will be rooting hard for you."
Tristan gave Braden a hug and said, "Thanks. I'll do my best."
Veronica and Eric came to Lugia.
Veronica said, "Thank you for that pleasant flight today. And I know that things will get better soon. Promise to take care of Tristan when he needs you."
Lugia promised.
A few moments later, after saying their goodbyes, Veronica, Eric, Evan, Braden, and Professor Elm walked up the gangplank and got onto the ferry at Silver Rock Isle's pier. Then they waved to Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Lugia, who waved back as the ferry cruised by the beach.
"See you soon, kids!" called Veronica.
"Take care!" added Eric.
"We love you!" put in Evan and Braden.
"Have a safe journey!" added Professor Elm.
"We will! Bye now!" replied Tristan and Hillary as they, Pikachu, Togepi, and Lugia all waved until the ferry was out of sight.
And so, Whirl Camp draws to a close. But Tristan and Hillary's Pokémon journey is far from over. Soon, they'll pick up where they left off as they continue their unforgettable Johto League journey.
► TO BE CONTINUED