Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 85 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. Here is the conclusion of this part of the story. Many of the characters from the anime and the games make appearances in this chapter, as well as a few familiar friends and enemies. I hope you enjoy this part of the story, and don't forget to review responsibly.
TEASER: The battle for Goldenrod City rages on as our heroes confront Team Rocket, Professor Namba, and Silveena. But when Silveena breaks free from Professor Namba's control, it won't be an easy task for our heroes to get through to her, so it'll take a Pokémon with the same abilities as she does to defeat her, but it'll take a special bond with a Trainer to help end the crisis!
Chapter 85: THE RADIO TOWER TAKEOVER, PART 3
(Music Cue: Movie Title 1998 The Beginning of the Counterattack))
Our heroes' journey to the Johto League had been interrupted when they learned that Team Rocket had infiltrated the radio station in Goldenrod City. However, they didn't count on Butch and Cassidy and their powerful angry Pokémon to stand in their way.
Luckily, our heroes were rescued by their grandparents, Veronica and Eric, and soon, Evan and Braden joined forces with them to stop Team Rocket and save Goldenrod City.
However, none of them counted on Tristan and Hillary's rival Silver to get in their way in the Goldenrod Tunnel, nor did they count on a pair of burglars to show up. Evan and Braden offered to deal with them so Tristan and Hillary would have a fighting chance against Team Rocket.
Now, as Professor Namba unveils his plan to use Silveena to dominate the world, how will Tristan and Hillary save her and the city from his evil clutches?
(Music Cue: Raid!)
"Houndour, enraged Flamethrower!" commanded Cassidy.
Houndour shot an extremely powerful stream of fire at Pikachu.
"Dodge it now!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu jumped out of the way of Houndour's attack.
"Enraged Rolling Kick, Hitmontop!" shouted Butch.
Hitmontop spun round and round, much faster than normal at Squirtle.
"Squirtle, dodge!" commanded Hillary.
Squirtle nimbly jumped up and evaded Hitmontop's attack.
"We've got to destroy those things on their heads," said Hillary. "What should we do?"
"I have an idea," replied Tristan. "You create a diversion, and when they're distracted, Pikachu and I will attack those devices. Okay?"
"Got it, Tristan," agreed Hillary. "Squirtle, use your Water Gun on both Houndour and Hitmontop!"
Squirtle shot a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Houndour and Hitmontop.
"Dodge it!" commanded Cassidy and Butch together.
Houndour and Hitmontop jumped out of the way of Squirtle's Water Gun, but as soon as they did, Pikachu had come in to intercept them.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt now!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu shot a powerful yellow bolt of electricity from its body at Houndour and Hitmontop's Rage Crown and scored direct hits on them, destroying them instantly.
Butch and Cassidy gasped in shock.
"No, not that!" cried Butch.
"Our Rage Crowns!" added Butch.
"Now we got 'em," said Tristan. "Go, Pikachu!"
"Squirtle!" commanded Hillary.
Tristan and Hillary nodded to each other, then they shouted, "Get 'em!"
Pikachu sped toward Hitmontop using Quick Attack while Squirtle charged at Hitmontop using Skull Bash. Both scored direct hits on their foes, causing them to faint instantly.
"Houndour!" cried Cassidy.
"Hitmontop!" exclaimed Butch.
"Well, that should take care of them, right?" said Tristan.
Hillary nodded in agreement as Pikachu and Squirtle gave each other a high-five.
"All right, let's go," said Tristan.
And quickly, he, Hillary, and their Pokémon made their way to the director and set him free.
"Thanks for saving me," said the Director. "Now we have to save my beloved radio station."
"There's no time to lose," agreed Hillary.
And everyone made their way through the exit.
"This isn't over!" yelled Butch.
"Just wait until Professor Namba forces you into submission!" added Cassidy.
Meanwhile, back in the Underground Tunnel, Braden had soundly defeated Silver and all of his Pokémon.
"I...I don't understand. Is that what that Lance guy said true?" Silver said to himself. "That I don't treat my Pokémon properly? Love...Trust...are they really what I lack? Is the lack of those two traits keeping me from winning?"
Braden gave a nod and replied, "Sounds like you have a lot of work to do."
"Well, it won't end here," said Silver. "I still won't give up on my dream of becoming the world's best Pokémon Trainer." And so saying, he departed.
Braden quickly recalled his Feraligatr and went to find Evan.
Meanwhile, Evan had just defeated the two burglars and had taken all the things that they were planning to sell. "This should really help with my own bank account someday." He then turned to see Braden coming his way.
"There you are, Evan!" said Braden. "I see you had no trouble defeating those two losers."
"Nope," smiled Evan. "Thanks to Rocky, my trusty Onix."
Braden saw the Nuggets and Star Pieces. "Hey, where'd you get that? Don't tell me you're gonna keep these all for yourself!"
Evan laughed nervously because that was exactly what he thought. "Whatever do you mean, Braden? I don't know anything about keeping all to oneself," he fibbed.
"Oh, never mind!" said Braden. "We've gotta get to Tristan and Hillary, who are probably back at the radio station as we speak."
"You're right, let's go!" agreed Evan.
And together, they set off toward the radio station as fast as they could.
Tristan and Hillary came to what appeared to be a warehouse on the other side of the Goldenrod Tunnel. There were scores of boxes, and not much was to be seen.
"Where are we?" wondered Hillary.
"I'm not sure," replied Tristan. "But something about this place seems very familiar to me."
"This is the basement of the Goldenrod City Department Store," answered the Director.
Just then, three men who had big muscles, all came to them. A Machoke was seen tagging along with them.
"Hey, what are you kids doing here?" barked the first man. "Our job is to be seen behind the scenes without anyone noticing us!"
"We're sorry," replied Tristan. "We didn't mean to come here."
"It's okay, boys," the Director assured them. "These kids are with me."
"Oh, I guess that's okay then," replied the second man.
"Yeah, go on up and take these Apricorns with you."
Sure enough, there were dozens of Apricorns lying on the floor.
Tristan and Hillary picked them up and put them safely in their backpacks.
"Evan and Braden may need these," said Tristan.
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "But right now, we've got more important things to do."
And with that, Tristan, Hillary, and the Director made their way out of the Goldenrod City Department Store.
To their shock, they saw the storm clouds getting darker and darker.
"There's something strange about those clouds," said the Director nervously. "I don't think this is a natural phenomenon."
And the director was all too right, for he and the others saw Silveena in the distance flying in circles over and over.
"I think Silveena's trying to create a storm to try and do away with us!" said Tristan.
"Then we'd better hurry!" replied Hillary. "Silveena may not realize it now, but she's counting on us!"
"To the radio station!" shouted the Director as he and the others ran there posthaste.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot)
Meanwhile, just outside of Goldenrod City, Lugia was seeing the storm clouds develop. I don't like the looks of those clouds, it thought. Tristan may need me in a little while. No, if Silveena's causing this to happen, I've gotta be there. And with that, it took off into the sky as fast as its wings would carry it.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and the director got inside the radio station a few minutes later, and came to a locked door.
"How do we get past this?" wondered Hillary.
"The only way we can reach Professor Namba and his team of four Rocket Executives is if we use a special Card Key," explained the Director. "Fortunately, Team Rocket didn't take mine." And he took out his Card Key and inserted into the slot.
Sure enough, the door unlocked and everyone immediately went inside.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
A group of ten Rocket Grunts soon stood in their way, including one Tristan and Hillary recognized.
"Hyuck-hyuck-hyuck! We meet again!"
"Oh, great, not more of them!" grumbled Hillary.
"With one of them from the hideout in Mahogany Town," added Tristan.
The Director was surprised. "You've met?"
"Let's get 'em, guys!" shouted the Rocket Grunts.
All the Rocket Grunts charged at Tristan and Hillary.
Tristan took out his Poké Ball and shouted, "Larvitar, Take Down attack!"
Larvitar emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball, and tackled every one of the Grunts like bowling pins using its rock-hard head.
All the Grunts lay in a heap.
"Wow, a perfect strike!" said the Director. "Now we can deal with the other thugs."
"Let's get moving," agreed Hillary.
So saying, they all went up the stairs.
Meanwhile, Veronica and Eric, using their Espeon and Kadabra successfully dealt with all of the Rocket Grunts and forced them to leave Goldenrod City.
"See, dear?" smiled Veronica. "I told you those creeps didn't stand a chance against us."
"And you were right," replied Eric. "I should listen to you more often."
Veronica was just about to agree when she saw the storm clouds.
(Music Cue: Enter Mewtwo)
Then she saw Silveena flying in circles, drawing the clouds in from every direction. "This is bad. We'd better help evacuate the citizens immediately."
"But this city is so big, it could take days for that to happen."
"Unfortunately, we don't have that amount of time," said Veronica nervously. "For all we know, we only have minutes. Let's just hope our grandchildren didn't get caught in the middle."
And they and their Pokémon set off to warn the citizens of the impending danger, but suddenly, Officer Jenny came on her motorcycle.
"Officer Jenny, you have to help us," implored Veronica. "The citizens are going to be in major trouble if we don't get them evacuated."
"I'll help you warn them right now," replied Officer Jenny. And she quickly blew the whistle and shouted into her megaphone. "Citizens of Goldenrod City. We have an emergency situation. Please evacuate the city immediately. Repeat: Please evacuate the city immediately."
All the citizens, including Whitney, the Goldenrod Gym Leader, heard the announcement, and readied themselves for evacuation.
Whitney, being the responsible Gym Leader that she was, helped the residents get on board the Magnet Train as they filed into the Magnet Train Station one by one.
Train after train came and went, and soon, all the citizens had left for Saffron City at the end of the line until the situation in Goldenrod was all clear.
Professor Namba was on the roof, admiring the stormy view Silveena was creating in the sky. "Yes, my servant, keep the storm coming. Soon all of Goldenrod City will have no choice but to obey my every command."
"Hold it right there!"
Professor Namba turned to see the Director issue that demand as Tristan and Hillary stood with him.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up," smirked Professor Namba evilly. "Witness my craft, the most powerful storm that I have ever created, or should I say, my Lugia friend has created."
"Let Silveena go now!" demanded Hillary.
"She's not yours!" added Tristan.
"No," replied Professor Namba. "I'm just getting started with her. And my four Rocket Executives, as well as Butch and Cassidy, will see to it that she stays in my control." And he snapped his fingers.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Decision)
At that instant, all four Rocket Executives, plus Butch and Cassidy, surrounded Tristan, Hillary, and the Director.
"Hey, where'd you come from?!" exclaimed Tristan.
"We told you this wasn't over," smirked Butch.
"Now watch our power at work," added Cassidy.
"It's high time I get my payback for what happened at the Slowpoke Well," said Proton.
"And ours for the hideout in Mahogany Town!" added Ariana. "Right, Petrel?"
"You said it," agreed Petrel. "What about you, Archer?"
"I completely agree with you," put in Archer. "We won't let you stop us from attaining Team Rocket's former glory, and you won't interfere with our plans. Attack, everybody!"
And all four Executives took out their Poké Balls and threw them.
"Golbat, Weezing, I choose you!" shouted Proton.
"Weezing, go!" added Petrel.
"Arbok, Vileplume, Murkrow, get them!" put in Ariana.
"And now, the best part, Houndoom!" finished Archer.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Ash Appears)
All seven Pokémon emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
"Well, we'd better send our Pokémon, sis, are you ready?" said Tristan.
"You bet!" replied Hillary as she took out her Poké Balls. "Let's go, everybody!"
Hillary's Cyndaquil, Squirtle, Eevee, Pichu, and Lapras emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.
Tristan took out all his balls and threw them. "I choose everyone!"
Tristan's Bayleef, Quilava, Feraligatr, Larvitar, and Lapras emerged from the white lights that shot out of his balls.
"Hey, that's no fair, they have more Pokémon than we do!" complained Proton.
"Who cares?" retorted Ariana.
"Attack!" shouted Petrel and Archer.
All seven of the Executives' Pokémon charged in for the attack.
"Okay, everybody, let 'em have it!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu and Pichu teamed up and used their Thunderbolt and Thundershock attacks respectively; Quilava and Cyndaquil used their Flamethrower attacks; Feraligatr, Squirtle, and both Lapras used their Water attacks; and Bayleef used its Razor Leaf.
All of the attacks combined to strike all seven of the Executives' Pokémon, sending them blasting off into the sky.
"Uh, what just happened?" wondered Proton.
"They blasted our Pokémon like it was nothing!" replied Petrel.
Presently, Larvitar and Eevee came forward.
"I don't think they're finished with us yet, guys," shuddered Ariana.
And sure enough, Larvitar and Eevee tackled all four of the Executives, plus Butch and Cassidy, and sent them blasting off into the sky right after their Pokémon.
"I guess this is it!" shouted Archer.
And together, they all screamed, "WE'RE HISTORY!" as they disappeared into the sky.
DING!
"That takes care of them," commended Tristan.
Bayleef gave a happy reply.
Presently, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu heard Evan and Braden's voices as they came into view.
"Tristan! Hillary! Pikachu!"
"We got here as fast as we could, guys!" panted Braden.
"Ah, there are Evan and Braden!" said Hillary.
Professor Namba grumbled; he didn't expect Tristan and Hillary to blast his four Executives so easily, not to mention Evan and Braden showing up tp help them. He turned to Tristan and the others and barked, "All right, kiddies, that's as far as you go!"
Tristan and the others turned to Professor Namba.
"Who's that guy?" asked Braden.
"That's Professor Namba," answered Tristan. "He's one of Team Rocket's scientists and steered us into that nasty storm on our way back from the Whirl Islands."
"He's nasty!" exclaimed Evan.
"You bet your shoes, I'm nasty," smirked Professor Namba. "And last time, I wanted to get some information about a mysterious Pokémon from you. I failed last time, but I managed to find all that I needed to know about the legendary Pokémon Lugia!"
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"So that's the Pokémon you were after!" fumed Tristan.
"You wanted to kidnap Lugia for your own selfish goals, didn't you?!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Precisely," answered Professor Namba. "I'd originally wanted to kidnap Lugia so that I'd be able to use its Aeroblast attack using the power of rage. And the more rage a Pokémon feels, the stronger it becomes. However, a smaller baby Lugia that could fly came into the picture, so I decided to capture it instead. But somehow, you two got in my way."
"Tristan, what is he talking about?" asked Braden.
Tristan gave a sigh as he showed Braden his Silver Wing. "The little Lugia was defenseless, and it got attacked by Team Rocket after it was forced to leave its family behind. I promised to help protect it from Team Rocket, and it grew big in record time. It gave me the Silver Wing as a gift."
"That's incredible," gasped Braden. "So that's how Lugia was so friendly to you."
Professor Namba turned to the sky and shouted, "All right, Pokémon XP, it's time! Destroy them now!" And he turned the knob on his control box as far as it would go.
(Music Cue: Zapdos Appears! (Japanese version as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
As he did, the rage crown on Silveena's head glowed an angry red, and she gave a screech. Lightning flashed, the thunder cracked, the wind grew stronger, and rain began to fall heavily.
Everyone tried to shield themselves from the wind and rain as best they could.
"What's going on?" grunted the Director.
"Silveena must've been the one who caused this storm to come up!" replied Hillary.
"Who's Silveena?" wondered Braden.
"That's the Lugia that our Lugia friend has fallen madly in love with," explained Tristan. "But she rejected it. Lugia spent time with us at Whirl Camp right after it happened."
"I hate to be the one stating the obvious, but shouldn't we figure out a way to stop that Lugia?" asked Evan. "Or better yet, get down in one piece?"
"You're right, Evan," agreed Braden. "We've gotta do something about it."
"Enraged Hydro Pump now!" ordered Professor Namba.
Silveena turned around and fired an extremely powerful blast of water from its mouth at Tristan and his friends.
"Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump now!" shouted Tristan as he threw his Poké Ball.
Feraligatr emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a powerful blast of water of its own to try and block Silveena's Hydro Pump.
Sure enough, both attacks were evenly matched.
Feraligatr struggled to push Silveena's attack back.
"I hate to be the one stating the obvious here," began Professor Namba.
"Hey, that's my line!" interrupted Evan.
"Where are you manners, little boy?" retorted Professor Namba. "Don't you know better than to interrupt a grown-up when he's talking?! Now then, as I was saying, your Feraligatr's Hydro Pump pales in comparison to mine. So just admit defeat, and I'll let you leave in one piece. Or better yet, maybe you could tell me where your Lugia friend is!"
Tristan gasped in shock. He couldn't expose Lugia to any danger, especially against a rampaging Silveena.
"Tristan, you've gotta help me," pleaded Braden. "Our only chance is to combine Pikachu's Thunder attack with Feraligatr's Hydro Pump. It's the only way to block Silveena's attack and maybe destroy that thing on her head."
"You're right, Braden, we have no choice," agreed Tristan. "Pikachu, help Feraligatr with Thunder!"
Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity from its body, and it combined its attack with Feraligatr's Hydro Pump.
The added boost in power managed to cancel out Silveena's Hydro Pump and give her a big shock, and sure enough, the device on her head was destroyed.
Silveena's eyes stopped glowing red and she seemed to be back to her normal self.
"We did it!" cried Tristan.
"Yeah!" cheered Evan and Hillary.
Pikachu, Togepi, and Feraligatr were very excited.
"All thanks to teamwork," smiled Braden.
Professor Namba seethed in anger. "How dare you destroy my invention! Now I'll make you pay dearly for that!"
But just as he said that, Silveena angrily turned to Professor Namba.
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! (as heard in "Enter the Dragonite"))
"Hey! Stop glaring at me like that!" barked Professor Namba. "I am the master, you are the servant!"
But Silveena fired another Hydro Pump directly at him, forcing him to dodge.
"That's it! You've tried my patience!" snapped Professor Namba as he threw a Poké Ball. "Go, Electabuzz!"
His Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Hey, leave Silveena alone, Namba!" demanded Hillary.
"Never!" retorted Professor Namba. "Electabuzz, attack!"
Electabuzz jumped high into the air directly at Silveena.
But Silveena fired a powerful Hydro Pump attack at close range, causing Electabuzz to crash down at Professor Namba's feet. Then she blasted it into Professor Namba, sending them blasting off into the sky, screaming as they went.
DING!
"Good riddance!" remarked Evan.
"Yeah, I have a feeling we won't be seeing him anytime soon," agreed the Director.
But just as Tristan and the others were celebrating their victory, Silveena angrily turned toward them and screeched loudly, causing them all to gasp in horror.
(Music Cue: Real and Copy! Which are the Strongest?!)
"Is she mad at us, too?" asked Hillary.
"Silveena hates all humans, and she doesn't care who she hurts just so long as she gets rid of them!" explained Tristan.
"And you didn't mention this sooner?!" fumed Braden.
Silveena furiously flapped her wings, creating hurricane-force winds, causing everyone to shield themselves as best they could.
"Silveena's using her Gust attack!" shouted Hillary.
"The strongest one I've felt!" added Braden.
"No kidding!" bellowed Evan. "Being controlled by Team Rocket must've made Silveena go berserk!"
"If this Gust persists, she could destroy all of Goldenrod City!" exclaimed Tristan.
"No, we can't let that happen!" exclaimed Braden. "Quick, Feraligatr, stop her with your Hydro Pump attack!"
Feraligattr unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Silveena, but she easily dodged the attack and unleashed a Hydro Pump attack of her own, scoring a direct hit on Feraligatr.
"Feraligatr, are you okay?" asked Braden.
Feraligatr moaned weakly.
"Feraligatr got soaked," said Evan.
Silveena then dove down toward Tristan and his friends, who braced themselves as she unleashed another powerful Hydro Pump directly at them.
But suddenly, a familiar silvery figure flew in and surrounded itself with a green aura, blocking Silveena's attack.
Tristan and the others turned to see that Lugia had saved them just in time.
"Lugia!" said Evan excitedly.
"Its Safeguard protected us!" added Hillary.
Then Silveena saw Lugia and angrily turned toward it.
Quick, everyone, get away from here! warned Lugia. I'll take care of Silveena.
"Are you sure, Lugia?" asked Tristan.
Yes, answered Lugia. This is my big chance to show her that humans can be trusted, and also win her heart. Don't worry about me. You and your friends need to get to safety.
Tristan saw that Lugia was serious...more serious now than it was before. "All right, Lugia. Go get her." He turned to the others. "Come on, everyone, we've gotta get down to the bottom of the tower."
"He's right," agreed Braden. "Lugia's buying us time to escape from here. Feraligatr, return!" And he quickly recalled his Feraligatr.
Quickly everyone started their way down the tower.
Lugia smiled and watched them go, then it turned to Silveena. All right, come and get me! And it flew high into the air and proceeded to battle her in the stormy sky.
Meanwhile, Tristan, his friends, and the Director made their way to the bottom of the tower and emerged through the front door.
Veronica and Eric were anxiously waiting for them.
"Look, there they are!" said Eric.
Veronica saw all four of her grandchildren come to her. "Are you all okay?"
"Yes, Grandma, we're all fine," answered Braden.
"Professor Namba was really causing some trouble," explained Hillary.
"Well, you can count on Team Rocket staying out of Goldenrod City for a long time to come," smiled Veronica.
"Hey, look!" gasped Tristan. "Lugia and Silveena are still going at it!"
Sure enough, Lugia was holding its own against Silveena, but Silveena refused to give up without a real fight. Lugia kept aiming for Silveena with Aeroblast, but she was dodging every one.
Presently, Silveena fired a full-power Hydro Pump toward the ground where Tristan and the others were.
"If that blast hits us, we're goners!" exclaimed Hillary.
Lugia saw the danger that Tristan and his friends were in, so it flew in front of them and used its own body as a shield to take the damage itself.
"Lugia!" cried Tristan.
Tristan...help me! grunted Lugia.
Silveena kept blasting Lugia with Hydro Pump at maximum velocity.
Tristan couldn't believe what he was seeing. Even in the face of danger, Lugia was willing to protect him, his friends, and all he cared about. It was like how he'd protect Pikachu from danger.
Veronica put her hand on Tristan's shoulder. "All right, Tristan, the only way Lugia can defeat Silveena is if you believe it can with all your heart."
"She's right, grand-sonny," agreed Eric. "Lugia's your friend, so you have to."
"There's no other choice," put in Braden.
Everyone else nodded in agreement.
Tristan was touched by their words and gave a hard nod. Then he yelled as loudly as he could, "You can do it, Lugia!"
Instantly, the Silver Wing hanging around his neck glowed brightly.
Lugia saw the glowing light and began to push Silveena's attack back, much to her surprise. Then when it was close enough, it let loose its most powerful Aeroblast with all its might, and it scored a huge direct hit on Silveena, causing a tremendous explosion of blinding light.
Everyone gasped at what they saw.
Silveena started to fall, but Lugia managed to catch her on its back. Then it tossed her back into the air.
(Music Cue: Miracle Tears)
Silveena managed to hold herself steadily in the air as she slowly opened her eyes and regained consciousness.
Silveena, are you okay?! cried Lugia.
Silveena looked all around as she saw the sky clearing up. What...happened? Then she noticed that the Rage Crown that had been on her head was gone. I...don't remember anything. Then she saw Lugia, who quickly flew to her. Did you save me? Wait, you look familiar! You're the same Lugia I saw before! In all my hostility, you never gave up on me. You're my hero.
It wasn't just me, replied Lugia as it led Silveena to the ground, and landed near Tristan and his friends. My friends here helped, too.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Evan, Braden, Veronica, Eric, and the Director happily looked on.
Silveena realized that the humans she saw weren't there to hurt her; they had only come to help her, and Lugia was right about them all along. Tears came to her eyes as she and Lugia embraced. Oh, thank you, Lugia. I'm truly sorry for attacking you. I should've known all along. You and your friends risked your own safety to ensure mine. You have my eternal gratitude. I would love it very much if we can mate and start a family together.
Lugia was surprised. Silveena...do you really mean that? Lugia gave one of its biggest smiles yet as tears came to its own eyes. It'd be an honor.
Tristan was so happy for Lugia's dream finally coming true that he felt tears coming to his eyes.
Lugia then came to Tristan and said, Thank you so much. If it hadn't been for you believing in me, I would never have been able to get to Silveena. You're a real friend. And it happily embraced him in its wing.
"I'm just glad I could help," replied Tristan. "But we all did it together. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu happily agreed.
That evening, as the radio employees came back inside the radio station and all the residents came back to Goldenrod City by way of the Magnet Train, Lugia and Silveena prepared to say goodbye to Tristan and his friends.
"I hope this isn't our final goodbye, Lugia," said Tristan. "Now that you and Silveena are together, I feel like I may never see you again."
Don't worry, Tristan, I'll be back, Lugia assured him. Remember, you can always call on me with your Silver Wing anytime you need me. And Silveena understands that, too, right?
That's right, agreed Silveena. Lugia will be well cared for, just as it, or rather, 'he,' will take good care of me. And Lugia won't be gone forever. We'll just be going on several dates until we settle into our forever home.
"Where will that be?" wondered Hillary.
You'll just have to wait and find out, smiled Silveena. By the way, I like the color pink.
Hillary gave a good chuckle; she never knew that Silveena like pink as much as she did.
Lugia and Silveena started taking off into the air.
"Bye, Lugia!" called Tristan. "Take care!"
"Have a safe flight!" added Hillary.
"See you soon!" called Evan and Braden.
Pikachu and Togepi waved their goodbyes to Lugia and Silveena as well.
"We'll miss you!" said Veronica and Eric.
Thank you, everyone! replied Lugia. We'll be all right!
Don't worry, we'll be back! added Silveena.
And everyone waved until Lugia and Silveena flew out of sight.
Presently, the Director came to them. "Hi, everyone!"
"Hi, Director, what's up?" wondered Hillary.
"I just thought I'd give you these." And he gave Tristan, Hillary, Evan, and Braden a small crystal clear bell.
"Those look like the crystal bells in Ecruteak City's Tin Tower!" gasped Hillary.
"When this station was first built, these bells were discovered in the rubble," explained the Director. "I didn't quite understand what they were for at first, but Morty from the Ecruteak Gym explained that these bells are associated with the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh and the legendary beasts in some way. These special bells will ring only when a Ho-Oh is close by and arrives at your location. Please accept these as tokens of my appreciation for the way you and your friends saved Goldenrod City, the radio station, and all of Johto from almost-certain control by Team Rocket."
Tristan and the others were touched by the kind words.
"I don't know what to say, sir," said Hillary. "Thank you so much."
"We promise to take good care of them," added Evan.
The Director smiled. He knew how much Tristan and his friends treasured rare objects.
That night, everyone gathered together at the Magnet Train Station.
"I guess it's time for us to return to Kanto to resume our journey," sighed Braden as he and Evan prepared to say their goodbyes. "So what's next for you?"
"Hillary and I were planning to head to Blackthorn City when this whole craziness started," answered Tristan. "But Mahogany Town's too far to travel by foot."
"We can handle taking you to Mahogany Town," said Veronica.
"You will?" said Hillary excitedly.
"Sure, don't worry about it," replied Eric. "We'll just plan to spend the night in Mahogany Town together before you two resume your journey."
"Sounds like fun," smiled Evan. "I hope you get that eighth badge, Tristan."
"Thanks, Evan," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best."
Pikachu agreed.
Presently, lights came into view, and the Magnet Train came to a stop.
A few minutes later, Evan and Braden got on board the train and the doors closed.
Soon, the Magnet Train began to pull away from the station.
"Have a safe trip, guys!" called Tristan.
"So long!" called Hillary.
"See you soon!" added Veronica and Eric.
Pikachu and Togepi waved goodbye to Evan and Braden as the Magnet Train left the station.
Working together, our heroes, their brothers, Evan and Braden, and their grandparents, Veronica and Eric, have saved Goldenrod City from Team Rocket. And Lugia's dream of being with Silveena has finally become a reality. And now, with Tristan's desire to compete in the Johto League burning brighter than ever, and with one good night's sleep in Mahogany Town, our heroes can now continue on their journey to Blackthorn City.
► TO BE CONTINUED