AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 78 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. I decided to add Kiyo from the anime to this chapter as well as the two Trainers named Markus and Hugh. In the games, the two Trainers don't find each other, but what if the heroes do? And Kiyo, you may recall, has a Tyrogue that he had recently caught. You know, the one that was causing trouble along with its two pals in "A Tyrogue Full of Trouble." Kiyo has a Hitmonchan and a Hitmonlee. But what if the Tyrogue decides to evolve into something else? Will it? You'll have to read this chapter to find out.

TEASER: After getting lost in the caves of Mount Mortar, a huge boulder threatens to crush them. Kiyo decides to help them, but Tyrogue, having been saved by Kiyo in the past, may want to do something to help him.

Chapter 78: MOUNT MORTAR

(Music Cue: The Caves of Mount Moon (as heard in "The Mystery Menace"))

Our heroes are continuing their journey to the next Gym in Mahogany Town, where Tristan hopes to earn his seventh Johto League Gym badge. Today, they wind up at a mysterious cave called Mount Mortar. But little do they know that the inside of the cave is a gigantic maze.

"Hey, Tristan, are you sure this is the way to Mahogany Town?" asked Hillary as she and Tristan walked along.

"I was positive that Mount Mortar would be the way to go," replied Tristan as he checked the map on his Poké Gear. "According to this, this is the easiest way to get to Mahogany Town and the quickest."

"I have a bad feeling we're gonna get lost if we go in there, aren't we?" said Hillary disdainfully. "Besides, what proof do you have that this is the easiest way? The only means of navigation is our Poké Gear maps! And they haven't been very reliable on our journey. No offense to Grandpa and his craftsmanship, but I think these things need to be updated or something."

"But I think this cave could be a shortcut that could get us to Mahogany Town," protested Tristan.

"Ugh! You and your directions," scoffed Hillary. "I just know that we're gonna lose our way in there. Come on, let's go."

And with that, Tristan and Hillary, along with Pikachu and Togepi, walked into the dark caves of Mount Mortar.

A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary could barely see their hands in front of their faces.

"I think we'd better use our flashlights if we want to get through here," suggested Hillary.

"Good idea," agreed Tristan as he and Hillary opened up their backpacks, dug out their flashlights, and turned them on. "There, much better."

"Now let's get going," said Hillary.

Just then, they heard a voice.

"Yo! Markus!"

(Music Cue: The Rockets Unveilled)

Tristan and Hillary were startled by the sudden interruption.

"Did you hear that?" asked Tristan.

"Maybe it's one of those hairy scary monsters that roams Mount Mortar!" shivered Hillary.

"That's impossible," replied Tristan. "There's no such thing as a..."

But Tristan's speech was interrupted as a person came into view. "Markus, is that you?"

"Markus?" repeated Tristan. "Who's Markus?"

The Trainer saw Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi. "Oops. Sorry, my mistake. My name's Hugh, and I'm looking for a Pokémon Trainer named Markus. We came into Mount Mortar to find Kiyo, the Karate King so we could battle him. Have you seen him?"

"No, I'm afraid we haven't," replied Hillary.

Hugh groaned in disappointment. "Where could that Hugh be?"

"Hey, maybe we can help you look for him!" suggested Tristan.

Hugh was delighted. "You will?"

"Sure we will," said Tristan. "I'm Tristan, and this is my partner, Pikachu, and my sister, Hillary."

Pikachu greeted Hugh warmly.

"Hello there," smiled Hillary. "It's nice to meet you."

"All right, let's go look for Markus!" said Hugh as he excitedly led the way through the cave.

"Wait for us!" called Tristan as he and Hillary raced after him.

"Yeah, we don't even know the way!" added Hillary.

But when they proceeded through the cave...

"Oh, no, it's a dead end," said Hugh. "Now what?"

"We can start by having lunch," suggested Hillary.

"I have a better idea," replied Tristan. "Hey, Hugh, do you know of any Pokémon that Markus owns?"

"Well, there is that one Pokémon," answered Hugh. "It can use Strength. Boy, you should see how strong that Slowpoke is. It managed to learn that attack under Kiyo, the Blackbelt."

"Kiyo the Blackbelt?" repeated Hillary. "Hey, that name sounds familiar."

"You're right, Hillary!" said Tristan. "Remember when we met Kiyo back at the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City?"

"Yeah, and he had a strong Hitmonchan that could really throw a series of hard and fast punches."

"And then there's his Hitmonlee, who kicks its opponents from almost any position so masterfully."

Hugh was surprised. "Wait, so you two have met this guy before?"

"We sure have, and I even battled against him," replied Tristan.

"With my suggestion, of course," added Hillary.

"That's amazing!" said Hugh. "Maybe he can help us find Markus!"

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go find him!" said Tristan as he excitedly ran off with Hillary and Hugh close behind.

(Music Cue: The Mythical Mew)

Meanwhile, in another part of the cave, another Trainer was walking along with a blackbelt.

Sure enough, it was Kiyo, and the person walking with him was Markus, the Trainer Hugh had asked Tristan and Hillary to help find.

"It's getting pretty dark in these caves," said Markus nervously. "Are you sure we're going the right way?"

"You know, I'm not sure of it myself," replied Kiyo. "Mount Mortar is such a confusing place. It's so easy to get lost in here. So, about this Hugh fellow. What kind of Pokémon does he use?"

"Well, I know he has a Seadra," answered Markus. "And it can use Waterfall."

"It's very interesting," remarked Kiyo. "And those are two very good clues right there. But before we commence our search for your friend again, what do you say we have ourselves a lunch break?"

"Good idea," agreed Markus. "If Hugh gets a scent of our food, he'll follow it right to us."

"Then let's get started," said Kiyo.

A few moments later, Kiyo had prepared a hot stew as a delicious aroma went through the air.

"Yeah, this is sure to attract my friend!" said Markus excitedly.

"Well, then let's get our Pokémon out so they can enjoy this feast," suggested Kiyo as he tossed five Poké Balls into the air.

His five Pokémon emerged from the white lights that shot out of them. They were a Mankey, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, and Tyrogue, who was primarily humanoid with a predominantly purple body and three protrusions on its forehead. It was wearing a red armband around its neck.

"Now if all goes well, your friend should be following his nose to our delicious stew," said Kiyo.

"Let's hope it works," smiled Markus.

Sure enough, somewhere in the cave, as Hugh ran along with Tristan and Hillary, he sniffed the air and suddenly stopped.

"What's up Hugh? Something wrong?" asked Hillary.

"Well, it's not wrong," replied Hugh. "But it sure smells delicious."

"Delicious?" Hillary then began to sniff the air. "Hey, you're right!"

"But who would cook something delicious in the middle of this cave?" wondered Tristan.

"Well, there's only one way to find out," said Hugh. "Follow me! I know that smell anywhere!" And he darted off toward the source of the aroma.

"Wait for me!" called Tristan as he followed him.

"Hey, slow down!" added Hillary. "Your legs are longer than mine, remember?"

"Why don't you have a seat, Hugh?" suggested Kiyo. "And let's invite your Pokémon to enjoy this lunch."

"Okay," agreed Markus. And he tossed his Poké Ball into the air.

Out came Slowpoke, the Pokémon Hugh had described to Tristan and Hillary earlier. It looked so strong it could move a heavy boulder.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the cave.

"Markus! Yo, Markus!"

Markus recognized that voice immediately. "That's Hugh's voice."

And just a few seconds later, Hugh came into view with Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi close behind.

(Music Cue: Pikachu Appears!)

"You found me!" said Markus as he and Hugh embraced one another. "How'd you find us?"

"A delicious aroma came through the air, and we followed it to you," explained Hugh.

Kiyo smiled. "I'm glad you two were able to reunite." Then he saw Tristan and Hillary. "Well, if it isn't Tristan and Hillary. Long time, no see. You're looking well."

"Thanks, Kiyo," replied Tristan. "It's nice to see you again, too."

"So what brings the two of you here?" asked Kiyo.

"We were just on our way to Mahogany Town so I could compete for a Gym badge. I have six so far." He then showed Kiyo his badges.

Kiyo gasped in surprise. "Whoa! That's a Storm Badge! That means you must've met the legendary Master Chuck from the Cianwood City Gym!"

"Yes, we did," answered Tristan.

"Ash also had a Storm Badge and also met Master Chuck," continued Chuck. "You know, I met the very same Ash, who had the very same purpose like you do."

"Wow, Ash meets just about everyone we do," remarked Hillary.

Presently, Tristan saw Tyrogue and scanned it on his Pokédex.

"Tyrogue, the Scuffle Pokémon. Tyrogue is the pre-evolved form of Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee. It has a small and energetic body."

"That Tyrogue was abandoned by its original Trainer," explained Kiyo to Tristan. It wore a worn-out blue armband as a reminder of its abandonment. Then when I battled against it myself, I was able to gain its trust, and it joined my side. But I knew I couldn't just leave its friends, Mankey and Primeape behind, so I allowed them to join me also. And right now, we're all training together to be in the P-1 Grand Prix, which is a tournament for Fighting Pokémon."

"I sure hope it all goes well for you," said Hillary.

Just then, a thought crossed Tristan's mind. "Didn't we see that tournament on television one time? I think I saw Ash compete with his own Primeape last year."

"Yes, I remember seeing that, too," said Hillary. "Boy, I'd sure like to meet him."

"Well, I'm sure you'd love to catch up with him and say hello," smiled Kiyo. "So why don't we eat our lunch first, and then we'll find our way out of here?"

"We're in," said Markus and Hugh.

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu smiled and agreed. They were happy that they were able to help Hugh and Markus reunite and learn more about Tyrogue.

An hour later, Tristan and his friends made their way through the darkness of Mount Mortar. Then they saw light.

"Look! Daylight!" said Markus. "Everyone, let's go!"

"Wait up!" called Hugh as he, Tristan, Hillary, and Kiyo ran right behind them.

Sure enough, they had safely made it out of Mount Mortar no worse for wear.

"It's good to be out in the sunshine again," said Hillary.

Tristan nodded in agreement. "Now we can get on over to Mahogany Town."

"I can lead you the rest of the way if you'd like," said Kiyo.

"That'd be awesome, thank you," replied Hillary.

Just then, an enormous boulder was seen about to fall off a nearby cliff, causing the group to gasp in horror.

(Music Cue: Radio Tower Takeover (as heard in "Goin' Apricorn!")

"Look out!" cried Hillary. "That boulder's gonna squish us like pancakes!"

"Everyone, make a run for it before it's too late!" ordered Kiyo.

"But Kiyo..." protested Tristan.

"I'll be fine, just go!" insisted Kiyo.

"Come on, let's get outta here!" said Hillary as she dragged Tristan away with Markus and Hugh following closely behind, just as the boulder fell off the cliff and headed straight down.

Fortunately, Tristan and his friends made it out of danger, but Kiyo stayed behind to catch the boulder with his bare hands.

Kiyo strained as he held it up.

"Kiyo may be strong, but that rock's gonna crush him if he's not careful!" said Hugh. "What can we do?"

"I'm not sure, but we'll figure out something," replied Markus.

"Don't give up, Kiyo!" shouted Tristan.

"We believe in you!" added Hillary. "We all do!"

Kiyo continued to strain as he held the boulder high above him so it wouldn't crush him.

"Kiyo's very brave to take on a boulder that's much bigger than he is," remarked Markus.

"True, but I don't know how much longer he can hold it up," replied Hugh with concern.

Presently, Tyrogue, who had been standing behind Kiyo appeared.

"Hey, isn't that...?" began Tristan.

"It's Tyrogue!" gasped Hillary.

Kiyo continued to hold up the boulder as Tyrogue watched.

"Tyrogue," grunted Kiyo. "Help me. I believe in you with all my heart."

Tyrogue saw how far Kiyo was willing to go to protect his friends as it stood there watching him prove his strength. Seconds went by, and then it made its decision and kicked the boulder out of Kiyo's hands and into the nearby stream with a tremendous splash miles below.

SPLASH!

"Whoa, that Tyrogue sure has a strong kick," remarked Hillary.

"Of course," replied Tristan. "With a strong build like that, who wouldn't?"

Then Tyrogue landed next to Kiyo.

"Thank you, Tyrogue," said Kiyo. "I knew I could count on you to pull me through."

Tyrogue gave a nod. Then suddenly, it was bathed in a bright white light.

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

"Wow, look at Tyrogue!" gasped Tristan.

"Tyrogue's starting to evolve!" added Markus and Hugh.

"But into Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan?" wondered Hillary.

Tyrogue's body grew as it evolved. Its body became spherical as it grew a large point on its head, and its legs became shorter, and it grew a short tail. When the light disappeared, it looked a lot different than what Tristan and Hillary were used to.

"That's not Hitmonchan or Hitmonlee," said Tristan.

"I wonder what it evolved into," said Hillary as she scanned the new Pokémon with her Pokédex.

"Hitmontop, the Handstand Pokémon. Hitmontop's smooth, graceful kicks are deceptively powerful. Opponents may be surprised by their force, so beware."

"So that's a Hitmontop," said Tristan.

Hugh nodded. "That's because its offensive and defensive powers were the same when it evolved," explained Hugh. "Tyrogue evolves into Hitmonlee if its attack is higher than its defense. And when Tyrogue evolves into Hitmonchan, its defense must be higher than its attack. And since neither its attack, nor its defense, was higher than the other, it evolved into Hitmontop."

"That's awesome," repleid Hillary.

Kiyo turned to his newly-evolved Hitmontop. "So what do you say, Hitmontop? Are you ready to kick it in the P-1 Grand Prix Tournament?"

Hitmontop gave a hard nod.

"That's awesome, Kiyo," said Tristan as he, Hillary, Hugh, and Markus came over. "Now you'll really be a force to be reckoned with."

"Hey, thanks a lot, guys," replied Kiyo. "You all made it happen. And please be sure to give my best to Ash when you see him."

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu nodded as Togepi gave a happy chirp.

A chance encounter with Kiyo has helped our heroes reunite their friend Hugh with his friend Markus. Now, our heroes are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Mahogany Town as they continue their unforgettable Johto League journey.

Meanwhile, at a nearby laboratory near a big lake, two executive members of Team Rocket, Petrel and Ariana, surveyed the damage of a fallen antenna as they read the news of one of their colleagues' arrest.

"Blast!" grumbled Ariana. "Those officers have caught on to our little scheme! And our friend Tyson was our best chance."

(Music Cue: Imminent Danger (as heard in "Foul Weather Friends"))

"Don't worry," replied Petrel. "We still have Professor Sebastian to help us out, and we have plans for two certain passersby. They may have defeated our friend Proton at the Slowpoke Well. But with the Gym Leader occupied with his Gym battle with another Trainer, we'll be able to take over the town. All right, Rockets, gather round!"

And like lightning, 16 Rocket Grunts appeared before the two executives.

"I want you to prepare for our friends' arrival," said Petrel. "They'll be in Mahogany Town any day, and we won't let them stop our operation like those other three Trainers have. Now, go to the laboratory at Lake of Rage at once!"

"Yes, sir!" replied the Grunts as they split up in all different directions.

Petrel clenched his fists. "I won't let them succeed in arresting me."

► TO BE CONTINUED