AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 75 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. I decided to put Karen of the Johto region's Elite Four into this chapter. As you know, she raises Dark-type Pokémon, and they can be real tricky to beat, especially if one comes unprepared. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that this'll be a good chapter. Please feel free to read and review responsibly.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary meet up with a Trainer named Karen, who gives them shelter from the rain. But when Taz steals Karen's Umbreon, another one of her Pokémon will scare Taz and his Pokémon out of their wits...literally!

Chapter 75: AN ELITE ENCOUNTER

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

Today, our heroes are continuing their journey to the next Gym so that Tristan can earn his seventh badge, but first they decided to take a shortcut and make a quick stop in Ecruteak City.

"The weather's just picture-perfect, isn't it, Tristan?" remarked Hillary.

"It sure is, sis," agreed Tristan. "Perfect."

Pikachu and Togepi were about to agree when suddenly, dark clouds came through the air and covered the sky. Then big drops of rain began to fall.

"Oh, no, it's raining!" groaned Tristan.

"Well, we can't just stand here," replied Hillary. "We've gotta seek shelter."

And they started running as fast as their legs would carry them.

But just then, lightning flashed in the sky.

Pikachu got really excited by the lightning as sparks crackled from its cheeks.

"Hey, Pikachu, watch what you're doing, or we're gonna get hit!" warned Tristan.

Just then, a car drove up next to them.

A young woman with blue hair rolled her window down and said, "Come on, hop in. I'll give you shelter from the rain."

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi got into the car as fast as they could, and they drove off.

(Music Cue: Pewter City)

As the car drove along, the woman introduced herself. "I'm Karen. It's nice to meet you."

"Hi, I'm Tristan," said Tristan. "And this is Pikachu."

Pikachu introduced itself to Karen.

"I'm his sister, Hillary," said Hillary. "And this is Togepi."

Togepi chirped and warmly greeted Karen.

"I saw you guys running in the rain, so I figured you needed a lift," smiled Karen.

"That's really nice of you, Karen, thanks," replied Hillary.

"So, you two are on your way to Ecruteak City," said Karen. "Is that right?"

"That's right," answered Tristan. "We figured it'd be a great shortcut to get to Mahogany Town. I already earned six badges, and I'm on my way there now to try and earn my seventh."

"So, I assume that means you're trying to compete in the Johto League, right?"

"That's right."

Karen smiled. "That's very impressive."

"Hey, Karen," said Hillary. "I've gained experience as a Trainer, too. I mean, my goal may not be the same as Tristan's, but I'm trying to gain experience by competing in some local tournaments. I don't know what my goal is yet, but I know that I'm gonna find out soon."

"Hillary's really come a long way since she first started training," added Tristan.

Karen brightened up even more. "Ah, so you're the same Hillary who became the youngest Trainer to ever receive the little Squirtle that Professor Oak gave you, aren't you?"

"Yup, that's right," replied Hillary.

"I'd heard about that after Team Rocket forced the cancellation of the Indigo League," explained Karen. "And I didn't believe the story at first. But when I saw that you had a Togepi with you, and saw your cute young face, I knew I'd run into you."

"Well, I don't know if I should be called a celebrity," said Hillary. "But Professor Oak lent me that Squirtle as a test to see if the both of us could bond and work well together. Squirtle and I helped Tristan save all the wild Pokémon from the flames that had raged out of control thanks to Giovanni and Team Rocket's schemes, not to mention that we saved a Trainer named Blue, our parents, and all their Pokémon in the process. As a result, Professor Oak gave me that Squirtle, and we've been good buddies ever since."

"What a great story," remarked Karen. "It's times like those that make me remember getting my first Pokémon."

"What is your first Pokémon, Karen?" asked Tristan.

"Well, I'd be happy to tell you," replied Karen. "But I don't think the car is probably the best place to do it. You two are still wet."

Presently, a house was seen ahead.

"That's my residence," explained Karen. "I'll let you guys dry off and offer you some lunch. Then, while we're eating, I can tell you the story of how I first became a Trainer. How's that sound?"

Tristan and Hillary agreed to the idea as the car drove up to Karen's house.

A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary got into fresh, clean clothes as Karen set to work to wash their wet ones.

Then Karen gave Tristan, Hillary, and their Pokémon some refreshments.

"Thanks a lot, Karen," said Tristan. "This is really good."

"No problem," replied Karen.

"So what got you interested in Pokémon, Karen?" asked Hillary.

"Well, I did say I'd tell you how I met my first Pokémon, didn't I?" chuckled Karen. "Okay, I'll tell you." And she began her story.

(Music Cue: Unconditional Love)

"I was passing through the forest on my way home many years ago. It was a beautiful night to go out for a walk. The stars were beautiful, and the moon was gleaming brightly. Suddenly, I encountered a lost little Eevee. It was trembling with fright because it was so scared of the dark. So I gently picked it up and held it in my arms. I assured it that it was safe because nothing, not even the dark, would hurt it. Then I had an idea. So I took out my flashlight and turned it on, showing us the path ahead. The little Eevee hopped on my shoulder and fell asleep at once. The poor thing must've been exhausted from its ordeal. I took the little Eevee home, and we slept the night away together.

"The next day, Eevee and I played together. It was a magical day that would change the both of us for the better.

"The days passed by, and Eevee and I grew closer and closer. Then about a month later, as Eevee and I were walking home through the forest on another beautiful night, my flashlight went out. I tried to turn it on again, but didn't see a branch in my path, and I tripped and fell to the ground.

"I suffered a few scrapes, but my little Eevee, faithful as ever, ran to my side to make sure I was okay. It assured me that everything was going to be fine. Then, the most amazing thing happened: Eevee gathered up all its courage and evolved right before my eyes. I was very surprised when it had evolved into an Umbreon. I wasn't sure whether it was our strong bond or whether Eevee wanted to overcome its fear of the dark for me. Nonetheless, when it evolved, the rings on its body lit up with the force of ten flashlights, and it ended up guiding us back home.

"And that's how I met my first Pokémon, Umbreon," said Karen. "And we've been fast friends ever since then."

"Wow, what a great story," said Tristan.

"Umbreon inspired me to raise Pokémon that can not only handle the dark, but also have a wild, tough appeal at the same time," continued Karen. "Dark-types are very strong and skilled in battle. However, if one is careless, they can be scary, too."

"I wouldn't want to meet a Dark-type Pokémon in a dark alley," shivered Hillary nervously.

"Don't worry," chuckled Karen. "You're safe with me."

Everyone laughed and continued eating their lunch as the rain continued to fall outside.

(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Theme (as heard in the Japanese version of "Emperor of the Crystal Tower"))

Meanwhile, Taz was scheming just outside the house. "So, those kids are stuck inside the house, huh? Well, that won't be a problem once I'm through with them," he said with an evil smirk. And he got into the bushes to hide and began to set his plan in motion.

Later, Karen gave Tristan and Hillary their freshly laundered clothes. "There, this should keep you two happy."

"Thanks a lot, Karen," replied Hillary. "You really helped us out."

"I'm just glad I was able to help out," smiled Karen. "By the way, Tristan, how'd you like to have a battle with me before you go?"

Tristan jumped at the opportunity. "I'd be happy to battle you, Karen. A good workout will help me stay in shape for the Johto League."

"That's great," smiled Karen. "There's a battlefield we can use out back."

Just then, the rain stopped and the sun came out again.

"Ah, just in time, too," said Karen. "I'm ready to battle whenever you are, Tristan."

"Let's do it!" said Tristan. He could hardly wait for the battle to begin, nor could he wait to see what Pokémon Karen had.

A few minutes later, Karen led Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi to the battlefield. "So, what do you say to a one-on-one battle?"

"I accept," replied Tristan. "Are you ready, Pikachu?"

Pikachu nodded and leaped in front of Tristan, preparing itself for battle.

"So, you're starting with Pikachu," said Karen. "And that means, I'll choose Umbreon! Go!" And she threw her first Poké Ball.

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

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

But as soon as Umbreon appeared, a mechanical arm came out of nowhere and firmly grabbed it!

"Umbreon!" cried Karen.

Umbreon was put into a cage, and it was locked tight.

"Hey, what's going on?!" demanded Hillary.

Suddenly, maniacal laughter was heard from above as Taz himself appeared in an Electabuzz-shaped hot-air balloon. "Thanks for the Umbreon, lady. You really know how to brighten my day."

"It's Taz again!" said Tristan disdainfully.

"Who's Taz?" asked Karen.

"He's a poacher who likes to steal people's Pokémon and cause trouble just for the fun of it," answered Hillary.

"Is that so?" said Karen. "Give back my Umbreon right now, or you'll be sorry!"

"Try and make me!" And with that, Taz pushed a button on his remote.

(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "The Fortune Hunters'))

Instantly, the balloon's flame increased in power, and the balloon rose higher and higher into the air.

"It's been fun, kids, but I've got things to do," smirked Taz. "So long! For now! Ha-ha-ha!"

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

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

"Byaleef, use your Razor Leaf attack on that balloon!" ordered Tristan.

Bayleef launched a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Taz's ballon.

"No, you don't! Go, Magmar, use your Flamethrower!" shouted Taz as he threw a Poké Ball of his own.

Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it, and unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth.

Not only did it negate Bayleef's Razor Leaf, but, unfortunately, it also scored a direct hit on poor Bayleef as well, causing it to hit the ground hard.

"No, Bayleef!" cried Tristan.

"Now, for the grand finale," smirked Taz. "Magmar, Smokescreen attack!"

Magmar shot a cloud of thick, gray smoke from its mouth, enveloping everyone in it, causing them all to choke.

The Smokescreen cleared just as quickly as it appeared, but Tristan, Hillary, and Karen noticed that Taz was no longer in sight.

On the bright side, Bayleef didn't suffer too much damage from Magmar's Flamethrower.

"Taz got away," grumbled Hillary.

"And he took Umbreon with him," added Tristan. "Now what?"

"Well, he's not gonna get away that easily," said Karen as she took out another Poké Ball. "Let's go, Murkrow!"

An avian Pokémon with black feathers emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a crooked yellow beak, and it had three feathery tufts resembling a witch's hat on its head.

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

"Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon. Murkrow confuse would-be attackers into luring them into dark mountain trails, where they are sure to get lost."

"All right, Murkrow, go after that balloon!" ordered Karen.

Murkrow immediately flew off in search of Taz.

"Let's go, too," advised Karen.

Tristan and Hillary nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Umbreon glared at Taz from inside the cage.

"Aw, what's the matter, Umbreon?" asked Taz, pretending to be innocent. "Don't you like your new home?" He then reached his finger inside the cage and tried to pet it, but Umbreon retaliated by trying to bite him. "Feisty, ain't ya? Well, I'll take you home with me, and I'll treat you like family, unlike that lady."

Umbreon took offense to that comment and tried to shake itself and the cage away from Taz.

"Hey, stop that right now!" barked Taz. "Or I'll turn youse into black-eyed pea soup!"

Just then, Murkrow appeared in the sky and pecked a hole in the balloon, forcing Taz to lose his grip on the cage, and the balloon to crash to the ground with him still on board.

CRASH!

Taz groaned in pain. Then he seethed in anger and shouted, "All right, that does it! Get me an attorney! Get me an attorney named Murray!"

"Okay, hold it right there!" demanded Tristan as he, Hillary, and Karen arrived on the scene.

"Give back my Umbreon immediately, or else!" demanded Karen as Murkrow hovered in front of her.

"I'll give you nothing!" retorted Taz as he picked up Umbreon's cage. "Magmar, go!" He then threw his Poké Ball.

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

"I guess I should've warned you," said Karen as she took out her third Poké Ball. "Mess with me, and you're playing with fire! Go, Houndoom!"

(Music Cue: Johto Champion Battle (as heard in "The Psychic Sidekicks"))

A black quadruped canine Pokémon with an orange snout and black nose emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball. It had a pointy tail, and a pair of long, curvy gray horns on its head.

"Whoa, what's that?" wondered Tristan as he scanned the new Pokémon with his Pokédex.

"Houndoom, the Dark Pokémon. The evolved form of Houndour. Houndoom's eerie howl is said to cause those who hear it to shudder in fear."

"I guess a scary Pokémon needs a scary howl," remarked Tristan.

"I'm starting to quiver in fear already," added Hillary.

"Magmar, Flamethrower!" yelled Taz.

Magmar shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Houndoom.

"Houndoom, counter with your Flamethrower!" commanded Karen.

Houndoom unleashed its own stream of fire from its mouth to counter Magmar's Flamethrower.

The two Flamethrower attacks combined and created explosive results, making a huge cloud of smoke.

Instantly, Houndoom's Flamethrower blasted through the smoke and scored a direct hit on Magmar.

"Check out that power!" remarked Hillary. "That's what I call hot!"

"That Houndoom is really something," agreed Tristan.

Pikachu and Togepi were impressed with Houndoom's powerful attack.

"Oh, so you want to play rough now, do ya?" growled Taz. "Go, Magmar, charge in!"

Magmar charged toward Houndoom as fast as it could.

"Houndoom, Roar," instructed Karen.

Houndoom gave a loud bark, causing Magmar to stop dead in its tracks and be forced back into its Poké Ball.

Seconds later, Taz's Ariados emerged from its own Poké Ball.

"Hey, what the...?!" stuttered Taz.

"Houndoom, Flamethrower!" shouted Karen.

Houndoom unleashed another powerful Flamethrower and scored a scorching direct hit on Ariados, sending it flying into Taz, causing him to lose the cage.

Tristan turned to Bayleef, who was standing by. "Okay, Bayleef, grab the cage with Vine Whip."

Bayleef extended its two vines and grabbed the cage with them, letting it land safely in Karen's hands.

"Hey, thanks, Tristan," said Karen as she unlocked the cage. Then she and Umbreon embraced. "Are you okay, my little Umbreon?"

Umbreon gave a nod and ran to join Houndoom in the battle.

They both glared at their adversaries, but Houndoom's growl seemed to intimidate Taz most of all.

Taz looked at the seemingly hopeless situation. "That's not good."

"Taz had better watch out, because I think he's gonna get a scare to remember, and it isn't Karen's attitude towards him," said Hillary.

"You're right, sis," agreed Tristan. "That Houndoom really knows how to make opponents run away in fright."

"All right, guys, let's send Taz packing!" commanded Karen.

Umbreon and Houndoom both charged at Taz and Ariados, and scored a direct hit on them, sending them both skyward.

"WE'LL REMEMBER THIS...YOU HEAR ME?!" screamed Taz as he and Ariados disappeared into the sky.

DING!

"That Houndoom is strong...real strong," remarked Hillary.

"I'll say," agreed Tristan as he and Hillary stared in astonishment at Karen and her Pokémon.

(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)

"Thank you so much for helping us out, Karen," said Hillary as she and Tristan prepared to leave sometime later.

"Yes, thank you," agreed Tristan. "If it hadn't been for you, we would've still been all wet, right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu nodded.

"I'm always willing to help out fellow Trainers in need," replied Karen. "And that meal we shared together helps remind me of all the memories I make with everyone I meet. And, yes, that includes my three Pokémon: Umbreon, Murkrow, and Houndoom. I figured that truly skilled Trainers like you and me should always try to win with their favorites. Your Pokémon, Pikachu, Togepi, and Bayleef, and all of your other Pokémon; they're all friends of yours, and you treat them like they're your favorites. I like your style, and you seem to understand what's important."

"Those were some great Pokémon you showed us today," said Tristan. "Now I'm even more excited to enter the Johto League."

"You'll have to get your last two badges first," reminded Hillary.

"Oh, I have every confidence that he will," said Karen.

"I'm just sad that we never had a chance to battle today," said Tristan sadly.

"I wouldn't worry about it at all," replied Karen. "I know that you're a good-hearted Trainer with boundless spirit. We'll battle again soon enough, and next time, it won't be interrupted. I promise."

"You mean it?"

"Absolutely."

Tristan cheered up. "Thanks, Karen. I'll remember that."

"By the way, Karen, how did you train your Pokémon to be so strong, anyway?" asked Hillary.

Karen stopped and thought for a second. Then she gave a chuckle. "I figured you'd find out sooner or later. If the truth be told...I'm a proud member of the Johto region's Elite Four."

(Music Cue: To Be Continued (sample))

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi all gasped in shock. They never expected that revelation to come up.

Well, this is a huge surprise! Our heroes fated meeting with Karen of the Elite Four really made them excited without even knowing it. And soon, they'll be off again as they continue their unforgettable Johto League journey.

► TO BE CONTINUED