AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 81 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. Siblings get into fights all the time, so I decided to have Tristan and Hillary get into a big one. The reason: Team Rocket, namely, Jessie, James, and Meowth. This chapter takes place after they've been frozen by Pryce's Ice-type Pokémon. You may recall that Jessie said that the sun would have them melted in about five days. As always, please feel free to read and review.
TEASER: Tristan wants to challenge Pryce to a Gym battle. But when they get to the Gym, he and Hillary encounter a frozen Team Rocket. Hillary and Pryce agree to release them from their ice prison, but Tristan's refusal to work with them to get the Gym ready stirs up a big fight between him and Hillary! Could their journey together be coming to an end before Tristan reaches the Johto League?
Chapter 81: THE COLD SHOULDER
(Music Cue: My Friend, Pokémon)
After a long day of stopping Team Rocket at Lake of Rage, our heroes decide to spend the night at the Pokémon Center in Mahogany Town before challenging its Gym Leader to a battle.
It was a beautiful night as the moon shone above.
Tristan and Hillary came to the Mahogany Town Pokémon Center.
"I'm exhausted," yawned Hillary. "Battling Team Rocket can really wear you out. Why don't we get a bite to eat and then get some rest?"
"Good idea," agreed Tristan. "Let's go in."
Pikachu and Togepi eagerly agreed.
But just as they were about to go inside, they saw a Pokémon covered in dense brown striped hair approaching. The Pokémon had a pink pig-like nose, and its eyes were closed.
"I wonder what Pokémon that is," said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Swinub, the Pig Pokémon. The Swinub has an extremely keen sense of smell, which it usually uses to find food."
"What would a Swinub be doing here of all places?" wondered Tristan. "It's not that cold."
"Maybe not, but I can definitely feel a chill in the air." shivered Hillary. "Brrr!" She frantically rubbed her hands against one another in an attempt to keep them warm.
"Now that you mention it, it is a little chilly out here," said Tristan.
Just then, Swinub came to Tristan and sniffed all over his backpack.
"I think Swinub may be hungry," said Hillary. "Maybe you should give it something."
"Yeah, maybe it got lost and forgot about having dinner," replied Tristan. He dug into his backpack and took out some homemade Pokémon food. "Here, try this, little guy."
Swinub sniffed the food, then it took one of the pieces. After it did, it enjoyed it so much that it jumped up and down.
"I think Swinub likes it!" said Hillary.
"I think you're right!" agreed Tristan. "Would you like some more?"
Swinub gave a nod, and Tristan handed it some more Pokémon food, which it scarfed down in just a few seconds.
"That Swinub must've been hungry," remarked Hillary. "It ate the whole bowlful of that food."
Swinub then looked around to see where it was.
"Maybe we should see about finding Swinub's Trainer," suggested Tristan. "That Trainer must be worried sick about it."
"Yeah, let's see if Nurse Joy can help us find him," agreed Hillary.
And together, they went inside the Pokémon Center.
Inside, Nurse Joy was talking to an elderly bald man with short snow-white hair with three upper spiked fringes and two spikes on each side. He was wearing a yellow short-sleeved buttoned shirt, plus red shorts and red sandals.
"Thank you for taking care of my Pokémon, Nurse Joy," said the man. "They had a challenging battle against Ash, whom I owe my eternal gratitude for helping me reunite with my long lost Piloswine."
"Oh, that's no problem at all," replied Nurse Joy. "Your Piloswine didn't suffer too much after being frozen for all those years. I guess being frozen helped it with its own injuries without it even realizing it, considering it's an Ice-type."
"Hello there," said Hillary as she and Tristan walked over.
The man turned around and saw them approach. "Ah, good evening, kids. What brings you here to Mahogany Town?"
"We were hoping to find the Gym Leader so I could earn another badge," explained Tristan. "But we found this Swinub wandering around."
"Oh, the poor thing," said the man as Tristan handed it to him. "Did you go wandering off by yourself again?"
Swinub nodded.
"I was so worried about you," said the man as he embraced it.
"So does this Swinub belong to you, sir?" asked Hillary.
"Well, it's not technically one of the Pokémon that I use, but it is a resident at my Gym," answered the man.
"Your Gym? Does that mean...?" Hillary was surprised.
"If you're thinking that I'm the Gym Leader, then yes, it does," answered the man. "My name's Pryce. It's nice to meet you."
"Hi, my name's Tristan, and this is my Pokémon, Pikachu," said Tristan.
Pikachu greeted Pryce warmly.
"I'm his sister, Hillary, and this is Togepi," added Hillary.
Togepi chirped its greeting to Pryce.
"Hey, Pryce, would you consider having a Gym battle with me?" asked Tristan. "It'd be great if you could."
"I'd be very happy to accept your challenge, Tristan," replied Pryce. "But keep in mind, I had just finished a battle with another Trainer named Ash earlier today, and my Pokémon are in need of rest. How about we have our Gym match tomorrow, provided that nothing else interferes with our plans?"
"Okay, then, tomorrow it is," agreed Tristan.
"I'll be heading back to the Gym for the night, but you two feel free to enjoy yourselves at the Pokémon Center," said Pryce. And so saying, he departed.
"Let's go eat and get a good night's rest so that we can be ready for my big Gym battle tomorrow!" said Tristan as he and Pikachu excitedly ran to the cafeteria.
Hillary gave a chuckle. "Well, with Tristan, some things never change." And she happily followed him.
The next morning, Pryce was up early at the Gym. As he started to leave, he saw a gigantic block of ice in the middle of his pond.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy 1997-1998 M26B
Inside the block of ice were four figures: Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet.
Pryce was none too happy to see them. "Hmph! Not you three losers again. I guess you were planning to steal some of my Pokémon for your own selfish gains?"
"No, sir, not at all," shivered Jessie through the ice. "We were just trying to have these Pokémon model for us."
"Yeah, we was just wantin' ta sell some Ice Pokémon ice cream so's we'd make all dem Trainers happy," added Meowth.
"Woooooooooooooooooobb!" put in Wobbuffet, pretending to sound like a swinger.
"Huh!" scoffed Pryce. "Likely story. It's no use lying to me. And there's no way I'll help you three out after what you pulled."
"Please, sir, can't you get us out of here?" pleaded James.
"Hey, Pryce, what's going on?"
Pryce turned around to see Tristan and Hillary approaching them. "Ah, good morning, guys. Sleep well?"
"Sure did," answered Tristan.
"Tristan, take a look there!" said Hillary as she pointed to the frozen block of ice.
Sure enough, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet were seen frozen in place.
"It's you three again!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Okay, okay, so we've had some rough run-ins with you, but we're begging you to take it easy on us this time," said Jessie.
"Please be a pal," begged James.
"We'd do anything!" added Meowth.
"Anything?" asked Hillary suspiciously.
"Anything!" replied Jessie, James, and Meowth in unison.
Tristan and Hillary turned to each other. Then they turned to Pryce.
"Well, what do you think?" asked Hillary.
"Well, they do sound sincere," replied Pryce.
But Tristan had his doubts. "I don't trust them, and I never will." And he indignantly turned his back on the Team Rocket Trio.
Pryce turned to Hillary. "What's with Tristan?"
"He's had some rough experiences with Team Rocket in the past, and has never trusted them ever since," explained Hillary.
"We promise we won't do anything bad while we're here," shivered Jessie.
"Please warm up to us, and we'll never steal anything from here again!" added James.
"Won't ya do dis for us?" put in Meowth innocently.
Pryce closed his eyes and said, "All right, we'll get you all unfrozen under one condition."
"Anything you want," smiled Jessie, James, and Meowth in unison.
"You three help me maintain the Gym and clean up, and don't steal anything from my Gym again."
"We're at your service," replied Jessie, James, and Meowth together.
"What?!" Tristan turned in disbelief.
"I don't like this any more than you do, Tristan, but for now, we have no choice but to release them."
Tristan crossed his arms and turned away. "Fine. Do what you want, but you'll regret it."
"Do either of you have a Fire Pokémon you can use to defrost these three?" asked Pryce.
"Sure I do," replied Hillary. "I've got Cyndaquil."
"You, too, Hillary?" groaned Tristan.
"Just trust us, Tristan," insisted Hillary. "They won't cause any trouble when they're unfrozen. I promise."
"Sure they won't," said Tristan doubtfully.
Cyndaquil emerged from the light that shot out of Hillary's Poké Ball and awaited Hillary's instructions.
"Cyndaquil, use your Fire Blast to defrost Team Rocket!" commanded Hillary.
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and unleashed a five-point flame from its mouth at the frozen Team Rocket, defrosting them instantly...and scorching them a little in the process.
Jessie, James, and Meowth crazily danced as they felt the scorch marks.
"Hey, what's da big idea of boinin' us like that?!" demanded Meowth.
"Sorry, but we had no choice," replied Hillary. "You were frozen but good."
"Now that you three are all thawed out, it's time to earn your keep," said Pryce. "You three help me clean up the battlefield!"
"Aye aye, sir!" replied the Team Rocket Trio.
"Hmph!" grumbled Tristan. He felt that his opinion of Team Rocket meant nothing to Pryce and his own sister.
In no time at all, everyone was hard at work getting the battlefield back to the way it was before Ash's Gym battle with Pryce.
Jessie, James, and Meowth set to work with pickaxes as they chipped away at the frozen pool in the middle of the field.
Tristan and Hillary collected the broken chunks of ice and put them all outside to melt.
Pryce was even happy to oblige.
Everyone was happily working hard...all but Tristan, who was still in a very foul mood.
"I don't see why I have to work with those three losers," grumbled Tristan. "I've never enjoyed their company ever since I first met them."
Hillary was most offended. "I'm disappointed in you, Tristan," she said scornfully. "Ever since Jessie, James, and Meowth were defrosted, it seems like your disposition has changed from sunny to stormy. I'm sure they've changed, so what's the deal?"
"I don't want to talk about it," replied Tristan as he crossed his arms.
Pikachu looked on in concern.
Jessie, James, and Meowth looked at Tristan and Hillary as they worked.
"Looks like the Twerps are getting into a fight," whispered Jessie.
"If we can separate them from each other, it'll leave them defenseless," put in James.
"And all da Pokémon will be ours," finished Meowth.
And they snickered evilly before innocently coming to Tristan and Hillary.
"What's the matter?" asked James.
"We'd like to help sort things out," added Jessie.
"Oh, Tristan's not in a happy mood right now," answered Hillary.
"We can see dat, but why?" wondered Meowth.
"Because you three are always getting in our way, that's why!" yelled Tristan.
Tristan's outburst made Jessie, James, and Meowth jump back and cringe.
"And furthermore," continued Tristan, "you're part of Team Rocket, which means you're evil, too, and you always will be!"
"Tristan, that's enough!" shouted Hillary.
(Music Cue: OK! (Piano Ballad))
Tristan was surprised. He never expected Hillary to yell at him.
"If there's anything I can't stand from you, it's you not giving those three a chance!" scolded Hillary.
Jessie, James, and Meowth were surprised. They never expected one of their enemies to defend them the way Hillary was.
"If you're not gonna work with them, then you might as well wait outside," said Hillary coldly. "Go on. Out." And she pointed the finger to the entrance of the Gym.
Tristan couldn't believe it. His own sister was turning her back on him. All he was doing was telling the truth about Team Rocket, but all he got was the cold shoulder. He then turned his back on Hillary and started to leave. "Fine. See if I care." And he walked out of the Gym, feeling dejected.
Pikachu watched sadly. It knew how much Tristan hated Team Rocket, but couldn't bear to see Tristan so unhappy. So it started to follow him.
But Hillary stopped it. "Just let him go for now, Pikachu," she said. "After Tristan spends some time alone, I'm sure he'll understand why Team Rocket deserves a second chance."
But Pikachu wasn't so sure.
Pryce came and put his hand on Hillary's shoulder. "I think you were a little too hard on Tristan," he said. "Maybe there's something about those three that he knows and we don't."
Jessie, James, and Meowth looked on and whispered to one another.
"One Twerp down," whispered Jessie.
"One more to go," put in James.
"And one lonely Pikachu makes for a separation of power," finished Meowth.
Tristan stood outside alone as he thought about the argument he and Hillary had about Team Rocket.
"If there's anything I can't stand from you, it's you not giving those three a chance! If you're not gonna work with them, then you might as well wait outside."
Tristan felt depressed. He gave a long, sad sigh. He and Hillary had been on many adventures together and shared many memories. But now it seemed as though they'd be separated just inches shy of his goal of entering the Johto League. So he left the Gym and sat by a waterfall.
It was quiet and peaceful with nothing but the sound of water in the background.
Tristan gave another long sigh. "Maybe Hillary's right. Maybe I am being too hard on Team Rocket.
Just then, a familiar silver-white neck of a familiar Pokémon came over Tristan's head. Hey, what's the matter?
Tristan nearly jumped back in surprise. Then he sadly looked at the Pokémon who had just appeared. "Oh, hi, Lugia."
What's wrong? asked Lugia. You look sadder than usual.
"Hillary and I had a big disagreement about Team Rocket," explained Tristan. "They're currently helping Pryce at the Gym. Hillary doesn't seem to understand Team Rocket like I do."
Lugia felt sorry for Tristan. That's too bad. But I know things will turn out all right at the end. You'll see.
Tristan felt a little better after that.
Meanwhile, back at the Gym, Hillary was concerned for Tristan. "I didn't mean to send him away."
"I know you didn't mean to send him away, Hillary," said Pryce, assuring her. "Let's see if we can find him so you two can make up."
"You're right, Pryce," agreed Hillary.
But just then, a pair of hands snuck up behind Pikachu and firmly grabbed it.
Pikachu cried out for help as Hillary, Togepi, and Pryce watched in horror.
"Pikachu!" cried Hillary.
"All right, what's the meaning of this?!" demanded Pryce.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Kanto Motto 1997-1998 (as heard in "Get Along, Little Pokémon"))
Jessie and James snickered and got into a variation of their motto.
"Don't mind us, just prepare for trouble."
"Your brother may be gone, but we made it double."
"To grab the news of a broken reputation."
"To unite all your losses within our nation."
"To separate the siblings and make them weaker."
"And make their future even bleaker."
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket double-crossed you at the speed of light."
"So surrender at once 'cause there's no hope to fight."
"Daaaaaaat's right!" chimed in Meowth.
"Wobbuffet!" put in Wobbuffet.
"Give back Tristan's Pikachu now!" demanded Pryce.
"Yeah, we had a deal!" added Hillary.
"Your brother was right not to trust us," smiled James.
"But now he's gone, and there's nothing you can do about it," put in Jessie.
"Wobbuffet!" agreed Wobbuffet.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "A Bout with Sprout"))
"Go, Weezing!" shouted James as he threw a Poké Ball.
Weezing emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Okay, Weezing, Smokescreen now!" ordered James.
Weezing unleashed a cloud of thick, green smoke from its two mouths at Hillary and Pryce, causing them to choke.
"This smoke is really thick!" gasped Pryce.
"Quick, Squirtle, use your Water Gun attack to wash away Weezing's Smokescreen!" commanded Hillary as she threw a Poké Ball.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the smoke.
When the smoke cleared, Hillary and Pryce saw that Team Rocket had disappeared with Pikachu.
"They got away," said Pryce.
Hillary clenched her fists in anger. "Tristan was right. I should never have trusted those three. He's gonna be so mad when he finds out I lost Pikachu to them!"
"We'll get it back, don't worry," Pryce assured her. "They won't get far."
(Music Cue: OK! (Orchestra)
Tristan was still listening to the waterfall.
So what are you thinking about? wondered Lugia.
"I was just thinking how I'd hurt Hillary's feelings when I told the truth about Team Rocket," explained Tristan. "That's why we're spending some time apart right now."
So does she really think that they have changed? asked Lugia. Or are they just trying to manipulate her by driving you two apart?
Tristan was a little surprised by that part of the question. "What do you mean, Lugia?"
Remember the time when you protected me from Team Rocket? said Lugia. I was very small back then, yet I could fly at a young age, and I was in really bad shape after they attacked me.
"How could I forget that?" chuckled Tristan.
You also told me of a similar experience you had with them when you were young. They were the ones who kidnapped you, but you were able to get out of that situation in one piece.
"Only because I wasn't a Trainer then, and Officer Jenny came and saved me."
Oh, come on, you can't start doubting yourself now! You and your Pokémon kept your promise to help me grow big and strong, and I protected you in return.
Tristan gave a nod.
And it wasn't just you who did it, continued Lugia. Your sister, Hillary, helped, too. So if it you two hadn't worked together to stop Team Rocket, I wouldn't be where I am today. And I'm sure that deep in your heart, you'll realize that she's helped you become one of the best Trainers around. And Hillary's a Trainer, too, just like you. Where would you two be without having each other to share your journey with?
Tristan could see that Lugia was right as he remembered all the adventures he had with Hillary.
He thought back to when he first started his journey with Pikachu, and Hillary was there to help him through all the good times and bad times, including when he had his first major loss against Blue in the Trainer House Stadium.
Hillary had first reported Tristan's problems to Veronica, their grandmother, who had helped him cheer up after a battle.
Next, he thought back to when he and Hillary worked together to stop a raging wildfire that cancelled the Pokémon League at the Indigo Plateau, and how they both celebrated Hillary becoming a Trainer early as she received Squirtle from Professor Oak as they journeyed through the Orange Islands.
Then he thought back to his current journey through the Johto region, including the time at Whirl Camp, where they worked together as Professor Elm's Junior Counselors.
"You know what, Lugia? You're absolutely right," said Tristan.
I am?
"Yeah, you reminded me that true friendships last forever, including mine with Hillary. We're brother and sister, and there's no way we'd be separated by some measly argument.
That's the spirit! said Lugia. Sounds like the old Tristan's finally returned.
Tristan nodded. "Thanks, Lugia, you really helped me feel a lot better."
Lugia was nodding in agreement when suddenly, it spotted a hot-air balloon from far away. Tristan, look up there!
(Music Cue: Cause for Alarm (full version as heard in "Fighting Flyer with Fire"))
There, in the distance was a balloon shaped like a Meowth, and it was flying from the Gym and drifting further and further away with each passing second.
"That's Team Rocket's balloon!" cried Tristan. What he saw next made him gasp in horror, for his sharp eyes spotted Pikachu trapped in a shock-proof cage. "They got Pikachu, too!"
Well, Tristan, what do we do? asked Lugia.
"We get Pikachu, that's what," answered Tristan.
Then let's go, there's not a moment to lose, advised Lugia as it lowered itself to the ground.
Tristan quickly scrambled on, and together, they took off into the sky to rescue Pikachu.
Pryce and Hillary had just gotten outside, and they saw Team Rocket getting away in their Meowth-shaped balloon.
"Look, there they go!" said Hillary. "Let's get 'em!"
Hillary and Pryce raced after the balloon as fast as they could.
"Squirtle, shoot them down with Water Gun!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle launched another powerful blast of water from its mouth at the balloon.
But Jessie seemed to be ready for it. "Wobbuffet, Counter attack, go!"
Wobbuffet's body glowed red as Water Gun hit it, but as soon as it did, it was sent back at twice the force, and scored a direct hit on poor Squirtle.
"Squirtle, no!" cried Hillary.
Squirtle was sent crashing to the ground as it struggled in vain to get up.
"Squirtle, are you okay?" asked Hillary.
Squirtle groaned weakly.
Hillary growled in anger. "How dare you do that to Squirtle! Go, Cyndaquil, use your..."
"Not so fast," replied James as he tossed a Poké Ball. "Go, Victreebel!"
Victreebel emerged from the white light that shot out of it and gave a loud shriek as it attempted to devour James once again.
"Not me, get the girl, you numbskull!" shouted James as he tossed Victreebel from the balloon to the ground and stood directly in Hillary's path, preventing her from throwing any Poké Balls.
"That's enough!" demanded Pryce as he tossed a Poké Ball. "Go, Dewgong!"
Dewgong emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Victreebel, use your Sleep Powder!" shouted James.
Victreebel unleashed a cloud of silvery powder at Dewgong, causing it to be put to sleep instantly.
"Oh, no!" gasped Pryce.
"Quick, Arbok, use your Poison Sting now!" ordered Jessie as she threw a Poké Ball.
Arbok emerged from the white light that shot out of it and launched a barrage of poisonous needles from its mouth at Hillary.
"Hillary, look out!" cried Pryce.
Hillary narrowly dodged Arbok's attack.
"Now, Arbok, tie her up into a neat package with a Wrap attack!" commanded Jessie.
Arbok wrapped its body tightly around Hillary, causing her to be immobile.
"Let her go!" demanded Pryce.
"Den will you surrender and admit defeat?" asked Meowth.
Pryce grunted and clenched his fists.
"No...we can't...quit!" strained Hillary. "That's Tristan's Pikachu...and he's counting on us to get it back!"
Suddenly, Lugia appeared and tackled Arbok, causing it to crash into Victreebel and release Hillary from its grip.
(Music Cue: OK! (Orchestra & Guitar as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
Team Rocket yelled out in shock as Arbok lay on the ground.
Lugia landed on the ground and allowed Tristan to dismount.
"Hillary, are you okay?" asked Tristan as he quickly rushed to her aid.
"I am now, thanks to you," answered Hillary as Tristan helped her back on her feet. "But Team Rocket's got Pikachu."
"Not for long, they don't!" replied Tristan.
"They've got a pretty good start, so we'd better think of something fast," advised Pryce. "Dewgong's not gonna be much help now."
Sure enough, Dewgong was out like a light as Victreebel's Sleep Powder was still in full effect on it.
"No sweat," smiled Tristan. "I can take care of them."
"Where'd the brother Twerp come from, James?" demanded Jessie.
"You said dose two would be separated forever!" added Meowth.
"Well," laughed James nervously. "I never counted on those guys to change their minds so fast."
"Oh, never mind," grumbled Jessie. "We still have Pikachu, so let's just get outta here."
"You're not getting away that easily!" shouted Tristan as he threw his Friend Ball. "Bayleef...GO!"
Bayleef emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Tristan's directions.
"Bayleef, Razor Leaf attack!" ordered Tristan.
Bayleef shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at the balloon, causing it to run out of air and crash to the ground with Team Rocket screaming as they went.
Pikachu's cage was sent flying as the balloon crashed, and Tristan caught it safely in his hands.
Tristan opened the cage and in no time at all, Pikachu was freed. "How are you doing, Pikachu?"
Pikachu implied that it was okay.
Then Tristan and Pikachu angrily turned to Team Rocket, who cringed in fear.
"Now you're gonna pay for what you did!" said Tristan.
"Don't look now, but I think he looks mad," whimpered Meowth.
"Who cares if he's mad?!" barked Jessie. "Arbok, go get him!"
"You, too, Victreebel!" added James.
Arbok and Victreebel lunged toward Tristan and his Pokémon.
"Quick, Tristan, look out!" cried Hillary.
"Bayleef, Body Slam!" shouted Tristan.
Bayleef jumped into the air and slammed Arbok and Victreebel into Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet.
"Use your Thunderbolt attack, Pikachu!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity at Team Rocket, scoring a direct hit on them and causing an explosion that sent them skyward.
BOOM!
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" yelled Jessie, James, and Meowth as they disappeared into the sky.
"Wobbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-ffet!" added Wobbuffet as it disappeared with them.
DING!
(Music Cue: Such Sweet Sorrow)
That evening, Tristan and Hillary were standing outside the Gym and talking things out as Pikachu, Togepi, and Pryce looked on.
Lugia watched from a distance.
"I want to apologize to you, Hillary," said Tristan. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. I'm so ashamed of the way I acted."
Hillary shook her head and replied, "I'm the one who should apologize. I was in the wrong."
Tristan was confused.
"You were right about Team Rocket all along," explained Hillary. "When you said that those three have always been bad, I should've listened to you. I just wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, thinking that they had changed for the better...but I didn't take your feelings about them into account. If I'd known that they were going to steal Pikachu, I would've believed you. But all I did was make things worse for the both of us. I guess I didn't keep my promise, did I?"
Tristan shook his head.
Pryce came to Tristan and said, "I also want to apologize on Hillary's behalf. I'm sure that she just wanted to give them a chance, and we both deeply regret it."
I think I hear an 'I told you so' coming, thought Lugia.
"I hate to say it, but I told you so," replied Tristan.
Lugia gave a nod as it looked on.
"Please, Tristan, won't you please forgive me?" asked Hillary. "I promise we'll make an even better team from now on. Would you be willing to give me another chance?"
"Oh, Hillary, of course I would," answered Tristan. "You're more than just my sister, you're my friend, too."
And Tristan and Hillary embraced one another for what seemed like a long time.
"Thank you, Tristan," said Hillary. "I promise I'll never let you down again."
"I'm glad that's over," smiled Pryce. "There's nothing better than seeing two siblings make up."
"By the way, Tristan, how did you know that Team Rocket took Pikachu?" asked Hillary.
"Lugia and I saw the balloon and we..."
But as Tristan, Hillary, and Pryce turned around, they saw that Lugia had already left.
"I guess Lugia had to leave to continue its own journey," said Hillary.
"That's too bad," sighed Tristan. "I wanted to say goodbye. But I know we'll meet again."
"I believe I promised you a Gym battle," said Pryce. "If you're willing to battle me, let's do it tomorrow. Today really wore all of us out."
"You bet," smiled Tristan. It was the first time a Gym Leader had challenged Tristan to a battle. Usually, it was the other way around.
"Very well," said Pryce as he and Tristan shook hands.
Hillary, Togepi, and Pikachu all smiled. They were eager to see Tristan's Gym battle the next day.
And so, with one misunderstanding solved, Tristan and Hillary's bond grows stronger than ever. And now, Tristan eagerly looks forward to his Gym battle with Pryce, the Mahogany Town Gym Leader. Will he have what it takes to earn his seventh Johto League Gym badge? Stay tuned to find out.
► TO BE CONTINUED