AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 88 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. I was inspired to write this chapter after watching the Pokémon episode, "One Trick Phony" from Pokémon: Master Quest. In some instances, this chapter is the same as that particular episode, but in many others, it's very different. Plus, remember the line from Anthony in Kanto from the episode "The Punchy Pokémon?" That line also makes an appearance in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan takes on the strongest Pokémon at one of the Pot Luck Grab Bag courses at the Battle Park. But little do he and Hillary know that he will be battling against a disguised Taz, who happens to have just been hired there, and will also witness Larvitar undergo a stunning transformation!
Chapter 88: A HARD SHELL BATTLE
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the beginning of "Takin' it on the Chinchou"))
Today, our heroes are getting closer to Blackthorn City, but after traveling on the road for quite some time, they come to a conveniently located facility on the way.
"I sure could use a rest," groaned Hillary as she stretched her arms the next day.
"Me, too," agreed Tristan. "Why don't we take a break here?"
Sure enough, there were plenty of buildings, including one for Trainers to rest in.
"Normally, I'd say yes once, but this time, I think I'll say it three times," said Hillary.
Tristan gave a chuckle. "Come on, let's go see if we can find something to eat while we're at it."
"That sounds like the old Tristan I know," smiled Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed as they and their Trainers went to one of the buildings for rest and refreshment.
Inside the main office, Taz, disguised as an employee, was cleaning up some dirty Poké Balls. "Phew!" he said. "Cleaning up those things is harder than I thought. But if I want to replace all the gadgets and gizmos those kids destroyed, I have to keep woiking, and I hate having to do hard woik."
Just then, a Park Warden came into the room. "Well, now, Theodore, I see you're just finishing up cleaning those dirty Poké Balls."
"Yup, they're as clean as they can be," replied Taz.
"And you did it all just in time, too," added the Park Warden, "because some challengers have arrived."
"What? Where are they?" Taz was a little surprised.
"They're in the lobby," answered the Park Warden. "Just look through the window."
Taz focused his evil eyes on Tristan and Hillary and exclaimed, "No, it's those good-for-nothing kids again!"
"Oh, so you know them?" The Park Warden was surprised. But then, he gave a good chuckle. "Then I guess they're really strong! This'll be a great opportunity to test their skills in battle!"
Taz couldn't believe what the Park Warden was saying and fumed. He thought to himself, So he wants to make a fool of me, does he?! I'll show him who's strong around here! I'll knock those kids out of the park!
Just outside, Tristan, Hillary, and their Pokémon were enjoying the lunch that Tristan had prepared earlier in the day.
Larvitar was in an exceptionally good mood because of it.
"Wow, Tristan, Larvitar seems to be enjoying itself," remarked Hillary.
"I'll say," agreed Tristan. "You must be loving the food, right, Larvitar?"
Larvitar nodded as it happily continued to chow down.
"I changed up the recipe to not only make it taste better, but I also made it nutritious for the Pokémon as well," explained Tristan.
"That should make the Pokémon twice as strong," said Hillary.
Presently, the Park Warden and the disguised Taz came out.
"So, do all these Pokémon belong to the two of you?" asked the Park Warden. "They must be really happy and healthy."
"Yes, sir," answered Tristan.
"Then I welcome you to the Battle Park," smiled the Park Warden. "So how many are coming into this facility?"
"Admission for two, please," answered Tristan.
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
A moment later, Tristan and Hillary saw a board at the front desk inside the reception area.
"So what are those pictures?" wondered Hillary.
"Here, you can battle with other Trainers, and use other Pokémon like these to battle against them," explained the Park Warden. "However, you can use your own Pokémon if you wish."
"Yeah, using your own Pokémon could give them a great workout," added Taz as he came forward. "It tests your reflexes and makes you think quickly on your feet. And I highly recommend you use them because these Pokémon are taking a break."
"Who's this guy?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, this is my newest employee, Theodore," answered the Park Warden. "He volunteered to be the next opponent of any Trainer who wanted to battle him."
"Kid, I can see that you're a really strong Trainer," smiled Taz. "But I have strong Pokémon as well. If you want a REAL workout, I highly suggest you do the Pokémon Pot Luck Grab Bag course."
"What's that?" wondered Tristan.
"It means you'll be battling some of the strongest Pokémon in all of Battle Park," explained Taz. "Would you like to do course 1 or course 2?"
"Course 2, please," answered Tristan.
"An excellent choice, my friend," smiled Taz.
So under Taz's timely suggestion, he and the Park Warden led Tristan and Hillary to the interior of the Battle Park. There were several battlefields ranging from a rock field to water field to grassy plain to lakeside to fountain park.
"This is so exciting, Tristan," said Hillary. "Are you nervous at all?"
"Nah," replied Tristan. "I can do this. I can't wait to get started."
Presently, they reached a tall gate.
"We're here," said Taz. "Stand clear while I open the doors." And he pulled a switch, the gates opened.
Just inside was a grassy plain where Trainers could battle.
"Now this is awesome," said Tristan.
"Now that's what I call a wide open space," agreed Hillary.
Taz came to the opposite side of the field and faced Tristan. "So, kid, are you ready?"
"You bet I am, Theodore!" answered Tristan as he started to take out his Fast Ball. "So let's..."
"Wait!" called Hillary.
That caused Tristan to fall flat on his back. "Hey, Hillary, what's up?" he grumbled.
"I'm afraid you can't have a battle if you don't have a judge," answered Hillary.
"Oh, don't worry about that," smiled the Park Warden. "I can do it." And so he officiated the match. "All right, this practice battle will now begin! It will consist of three one-on-one matches. The first Trainer to win two out of three wins the battle! Trainers step forward!"
Tristan stepped forward as Taz took out a Poké Ball from the Course 2 box.
"Okay, kid, I hope you're ready for this!" said Taz. "Poké Ball, go!" And he threw the ball.
A big pale-green quadrupedal Pokémon resembling a sauropod dinosaur emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a pair of stamen antennae on its forehead and petals surrounded its long neck.
"Oh, wow, a Meganium!" said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Meganium, the Herb Pokémon. Meganium is the evolved form of Bayleef. Meganium has the ability to restore dried up plants and bring them back to life with its breath."
"Wow, just by using tis breath? That's amazing!" said Hillary.
Meganium stomped its feet hard on the ground to show off its power.
"Yes!" said Tristan excitedly. "It looks big and strong! Now that's the kind of Pokémon I wanna try and work out with. Let's...go...Quilava!" He then threw his Fast Ball.
Quilava emerged from the white light that shot out of it and ignited the flames on its forehead and back.
"That's a pretty strong Quilava, kid," smiled Taz. "Okay, let's see..."
"Begin the match!" shouted the Park Warden as he raised his arms in the air.
(Music Cue: Raid!)
"All right, Meganium, let's start out with Razor Leaf!" ordered Taz.
Meganium unleashed a flurry of razor-sharp leaves from its petals at Quilava.
"Dodge 'em, Quilava!" commanded Tristan.
Quilava nimbly jumped out of the way as Megainum's Razor Leaf slashed the nearby grass.
"Whoa, that Razor Leaf just mowed that grass easier than a lawn mower ever could!" remarked Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to agree, for they hadn't seen a Razor Leaf that strong since they saw Tristan's Venusaur in action not too long ago.
"Yes!" said Taz excitedly. "Now I know what real power is like! And now my dream of being the world's greatest Trainer is finally here! Meganium, Body Slam attack!"
Meganium charged at a high rate of speed, then jumped high into the air.
"Jump in the air to dodge it!" ordered Tristan.
Quilava jumped high into the air and avoided Meganium's bulky body as it landed on the ground.
"Let's put it in repeat, Meganium," commanded Taz.
Meganium jumped into the air and over Quilava, then it landed right on it, causing it to crash into the ground below, scoring a direct hit on it, leaving it in a slight daze.
"Quilava, can you stand up?" asked Tristan.
Quilava opened its eyes and jumped back onto its feet.
"It'll take more than just one Body Slam to beat my Quilava," smiled Tristan.
"Well, now, if that didn't put you down, then Vine Whip might!" retorted Taz. "Meganium, go!"
Meganium launched a pair of green vines from its flowery petals at Quilava and firmly grabbed it.
"Oh, no!" gasped Tristan.
"Now, reel it in!" instructed Taz.
Meganium pulled Quilava right toward it.
But Tristan wouldn't give up so easily. "Quilava, use Meganium's power and use your Flame Wheel attack!"
(Music Cue: Johto Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))
Quilava surrounded itself with fire as it rolled into a ball, and as it was pulled closer to Meganium, it used all its might to attack, and managed to score a huge direct hit on it, causing it to hit the ground, much to Taz's shock.
"Meganium!" exclaimed Taz.
"Great, Quilava, now use Flamethrower!" commanded Tristan.
Quilava shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Meganium, scoring another direct hit on it and sending it backward.
"Aah!" cried Taz. "Meganium, what have they done?"
"Quilava's doing awesome against that Meganium," remarked Hillary. "It's gotten much stronger since it met Tristan as a Cyndaquil."
Okay, thought Taz, I need to think of some way to beat that Quilava without losing my cool. Aha! "Hey, Meganium," he said aloud. "Can you do the most powerful Grass-type attack known to man?"
Meganium gave a nod.
"All right, then, use your SolarBeam!" instructed Taz.
Meganium's petals began to absorb sunlight, and they began to glow in a bright light.
"Hurry, Tristan, you've gotta strike before Meganium finishes absorbing energy!" called Hillary.
"I'm all over it, sis," agreed Tristan. "Quilava, hit it with Flamethrower now!"
Quilava shot another hot stream of fire from its mouth at Meganium.
But unfortunately, at that moment, Meganium had charged up enough power and was ready to launch its attack.
"Now, Meganium, give it a SolarBeam!" ordered Taz.
Meganium unleashed a bright bream of energy from its petals to intercept Quilava's Flamethrower.
Both attacks were evenly matched.
"Yeah, now that's what I call power," smirked Taz. "Now, Meganium, show me even more power!"
Meganium turned up the velocity of its SolarBeam, and it began to push back against Quilava's Flamethrower.
"Don't hold back, Quilava, give it all you've got!" shouted Tristan.
Quilava increased the velocity of its Flamethrower, and managed to push back against Meganium's SolarBeam, causing it to be cancelled out as Quilava scored the finishing blow against Meganium, knocking it out.
"Meganium, no!" cried Taz.
"Meganium is unable to battle...Quilava's the winner!" declared the Park Warden as he raised his left arm in the air.
"Yeah, Quilava, good job!" commended Tristan.
Quilava gave a happy reply to its Trainer.
Taz looked frustrated. He wasn't expecting Quilava to defeat Meganium so easily. But he quickly recalled it and regained his composure, for he didn't want his true identity to be given away. "Well, kid, I hate to admit it, but that Quilava's really tough. But don't expect to win a second time."
Tristan nodded, for although he knew the Pot Luck Grab Bag course would be great training for him and his Pokémon on the way to Blackthorn City, he knew it wouldn't be easy. He was always up for a challenge, and this was no different.
"All right, the second battle will now begin," said the Park Warden. "Challengers, take your places!"
Taz picked a second Poké Ball from the Course 2 box and took his position as Tristan readied himself for the next round.
"Begin!" shouted the Park Warden as he raised his arms in the air.
"And now, let's see what round 2 has in store!" said the disguised Taz as he threw the Poké Ball.
A blue bipedal Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had red spikes on its forehead and all over its back and tail.
"It's a Feraligatr this time!" said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Feraligatr, the Big Jaw Pokémon. Although it has a massive body, its powerful hind legs allow it to move quickly, even when on the ground."
"Wow, another powerful one," said Tristan to himself. "This is definitely good practice. And I know just who I want to choose for this one." He took out his Friend Ball and threw it. "Bayleef, let's go!"
Bayleef emerged from the white light that shot out of it and readied itself for battle.
"That Bayleef looks really strong, too, kid," remarked Taz. "But don't expect Feraligatr to take it easy on you."
"Bring it on, Theodore!" replied Tristan.
Bayleef agreed. It was up for a challenge.
"Feraligatr, Hydro Pump!"
(Music Cue: Rocket Powered Disaster)
Feraligatr unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Bayleef.
"Bayleef, use Vine Whip to jump!" instructed Tristan.
Bayleef unleashed its pair of green vines from the leaves around its neck, and bounced off the ground, dodging Feraligatr's Hydro Pump.
"Wow, what a jump!" remarked Hillary. "I'll bet Taz didn't think Bayleef could do that!"
But Hillary bet wrong, for Taz commanded, "Use Hydro Pump again, and shoot it down!"
Feraligatr unleashed another powerful blast of water from its mouth and scored a direct hit on Bayleef, sending it earthward.
"Bayleef, are you okay?" asked Tristan.
Bayleef struggled back to its feet and faced Feraligatr again.
"Your Bayleef's got spunk, kid," commended Taz. "But spunk alone won't win this battle. Ferliagatr, move in and use your Crunch attack!"
Feraligatr charged forward and used its teeth to bite Bayleef hard on the neck.
"Bayleef's in trouble!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Hang in there, Bayleef!" encouraged Tristan. "Use Vine Whip now!"
Bayleef extended the two vines from the leaves around its neck and repeated struck Feraligatr with them. Even though they were dealing damage, Feraligatr still had a strong grip on it.
Slowly but surely, Feraligatr was losing its grip on Bayleef.
"Now, Bayleef, give it all you've got with Razor Leaf!" shouted Tristan.
Bayleef shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves from the leaves around her neck and scored a close-range direct hit on Feraligatr, forcing it to let go of Bayleef and sending it backward.
"Yeah, that was great, Bayleef!" commended Tristan.
Bayleef eagerly nodded.
"I wouldn't count my Exeggcutes before they hatch, kid," reminded Taz. "For you see, even though you managed to free yourself from that sticky situation, this battle is far from over. Feraligatr, use another Crunch attack!"
Feraligatr charged forward again and proceeded to use its teeth on Bayleef, but this time, it bit Bayleef's leaf.
"Oh, no!" gasped Tristan.
"Now spin it around, Bayleef!" instructed Taz.
Feraligatr spun Bayleef around and around in the air with its leaf still clutched firmly in its huge jaws.
"You see, my mistake was that I didn't attack Bayleef where it was at its most vulnerable," explained Taz. "But now that it's being spun around, it's almost impossible for it to defend itself, meaning it can't use any attacks."
"No way!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Now, Feraligatr, give it a toss and finish it off!" commanded Taz.
And with all its might, Feraligatr sent Bayleef flying past Tristan and into a tall tree.
The impact of the crash, plus being spun in the air at a high rate of speed knocked it out instantly.
"Bayleef, no!" cried Tristan.
"Bayleef is unable to battle...Feraligatr wins!" declared the Park Warden as he raised his right arm in Taz's direction.
"Yes!" cried Taz. "That's what I'm talking about!"
Feraligatr gave a nod.
Tristan quickly ran over to Bayleef. "Bayleef, are you okay?"
Bayleef opened its eyes, raised its head, and gave a weak, but happy reply.
"You were great," commended Tristan. "You have a good rest." And he recalled Bayleef into its Friend Ball. "That was awesome. This'll definitely help me with my training."
"And now, the third and last battle will begin!" said the Park Warden. "Challengers, step forward."
The disguised Taz picked his third Poké Ball from the box and faced Tristan. He then threw the ball. "Go, Poké Ball!"
A mostly cream colored Pokémon with a back and head that are dark green-blue emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Oh, boy!" cried Taz excitedly. "I got a strong Typhlosion!"
"Wow, a Typhlosion for Tristan's final battle!" said Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Typhlosion, the Volcano Pokémon. When heat from its body causes the air around it to shimmer, that means it's ready to battle."
Sure enough, Typhlosion ignited the flame on the back of its head, signaling that it was ready to battle.
"I know who I'm gonna choose this time," said Tristan as he threw his Poké Ball. "I choose Larvitar! Go!"
Larvitar emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"I'm counting on you, Larvitar," said Tristan. "Let's win this."
Larvitar nodded in agreement and prepared for battle.
"Tristan must know by now that he's battling the evolved forms of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, all Pokémon he's owned, and all that are available to start out with in the Johto region," remarked Hillary.
"Typhlosion, use Flamethrower!" ordered Taz.
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle (full version as heard in "Riddle Me This"))
Typhlosion shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Larvitar.
"Dodge, Larvitar!" ordered Tristan.
Larvitar jumped high into the air, much to Taz's surprise.
"Wow, nice dodge," said Hillary. "I never realized how agile Larvitar really was."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"Larvitar, Rock Slide!" shouted Tristan.
Larvitar created white orbs, which surrounded it. Then they turned into big rocks and Larvitar launched them directly at Typhlosion.
"Quick, Typhlosion, dodge them!" yelled Taz.
Typhlosion nimbly raced by all the rocks as they fell, and with lightning speed, it managed to dodge them all, and was now within striking distance.
"Now, use Flamethrower," instructed Taz.
Typhlosion unleashed another powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Larvitar, scoring a direct hit on it, causing it to slide backward.
Larvitar didn't seem to take much damage from Typhlosion's attack.
"You're doing great, Larvitar," said Tristan. "Just hang in there."
Larvitar nodded and charged in again.
"You just don't know when to quit, do you?" smirked Taz. "All right, Typhlosion, show that Larvitar who's boss with another Flamethrower!"
Typhlosion inhaled and prepared to unleash another Flamethrower attack.
"Larvitar, Screech attack!" shouted Tristan.
Larvitar emitted a loud, shrill cry, causing everyone, including Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi to plug their ears.
"What...IS that?!" bellowed Taz as he struggled in vain to keep the noise out.
Typhlosion had to cover its ears, too, causing its attack to be cancelled out.
"Well, at least Larvitar's Screech took care of Typhlosion's Flamethrower," said Hillary. "So this is Tristan's chance to strike back."
"Now, Larvitar, Tackle attack!" ordered Tristan.
Larvitar charged in and used its rock-hard spike on the top of its head to deal major damage to Typhlosion.
Typhlosion fell to the ground, but slowly got back onto its feet.
Taz became very annoyed. "All right, kid, you asked for it. I was going easy on you, but playtime's over. Typhlosion, Flamethrower now!"
Typhlosion unleashed another powerful stream of fire from its mouth and managed to score another direct hit on Larvitar, who still didn't take much damage from the attack.
"Are you okay, Larvitar?" asked Tristan.
Larvitar struggled back onto its feet and gave a hard nod.
"Well, you won't be for long," smirked Taz. "Okay, Typhlosion, it's time to show them our full power. Fire Blast!"
Typhlosion inhaled as much air as it could, then it launched a five-pointed flame from its mouth at Larvitar.
"Look out, Larvitar!" shouted Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi yelled out to Larvitar to get out of the way as loudly as they could.
But unfortunately, Typhlosion's Fire Blast came so fast and with such force that there was no time for Larvitar to react, and so it scored a huge direct hit as a result, sending Larvitar flying back onto the ground.
"Larvitar, no!" cried Tristan.
Larvitar struggled and strained as it tried to get back on its feet.
"Poor, Larvitar," said Hillary. "That Fire Blast attack must've done a whole lot of damage. I wonder if Larvitar has the strength to keep going."
Pikachu and Togepi watched anxiously for something to happen.
"Heh," smirked Taz. "It's over. You've got nothing left."
Tristan grunted. "This battle isn't over yet, Theodore, not by a long shot."
"Oh, please," retorted Taz. "If you're a real man, you know when you have to admit defeat."
Larvitar started to waver as the disguised Taz continued to taunt Tristan.
"Time to face facts," continued Taz. "You can lose today and win tomorrow."
Larvitar realized that Tristan loved to win battles; even though it had a type advantage, it refused to give up until it was truly over. So it struggled on, despite the damage it took.
"Larvitar," said Tristan to himself. He couldn't believe that Larvitar was still willing to battle, even to the very end. He then shouted, "I believe in you, Larvitar!"
Larvitar let out a loud cry, and suddenly, it was bathed in a bright white light, much to everyone's surprise.
(Music Cue: OK! Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
"What's going on?" gasped Taz.
Pikachu and Togepi marveled at what was happening.
"I think Larvitar's evolving!" exclaimed Hillary.
Sure enough, Larvitar was changing shape, and it was turning thicker and thicker. When the light stopped, Larvitar had a grayish blue shell, and it had two holes resembling eyebrows.
"Wow, Tristan, your Larvitar just evolved into a Pupitar!" said Hillary excitedly.
"I can't believe it," whispered Tristan to himself. "Larvitar evolved for me right when I needed it the most." He then grew more and more excited. "Yeah! All right, Pupitar, let's show Theodore that we never give up."
Pupitar agreed as it showed off its newfound strength and charged in for the attack.
"Well, Theodore, we're ready for you now," he said to Taz. "I think you're about to learn the meaning of the word 'tough' the hard way!"
"Bah!" grumbled Taz. "Well, tough or not, that overgrown pupa of yours is gonna get burnt to a crisp! Typhlosion, get it with your Flamethrower!"
Typhlosion charged forward again and unleashed another powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Pupitar.
But Pupitar just kept on going as the flames licked it.
"No!" exclaimed Taz. "That Flamethrower didn't even bother it!"
"That's showing him, Pupitar!" commended Tristan.
The disguised Taz was losing his patience. "Oh, yeah? We'll show you! Typhlosion, go for another Fire Blast attack, and this time, use all the power you've got!"
Typhlosion inhaled as much air as it could, then it unleashed another powerful five-pointed flame from its mouth at Pupitar, as it had before. But this time, Pupitar easily broke through and just kept going, much to Taz's shock.
"This can't be happening!" gasped Taz. "Pupitar survived my best attack and there's not a scratch on it!"
"I guess Taz must've realized that Pupitar's hard shell is a match for any flame he tries to throw against it," smiled Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered loudly for Pupitar.
"All right, Pupitar, it's time to end this match once and for all," said Tristan. "Hit Typhlosion with your Take Down!"
Pupitar charged toward Typhlosion at a high rate of speed and scored such a huge direct hit on it that it was sent careening past the disguised Taz and into a tall tree behind him.
"No, Typhlosion!" cried Taz.
Typhlosion had a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"Typhlosion is unable to battle...Pupitar wins, and the other victory by his Quilava gives Tristan the best two out of three!"
"Pupitar, we did it!" cried Tristan excitedly as he ran to Pupitar.
"That was awesome," said Hillary. "Tristan just keeps getting better and better every time."
Pikachu and Togepi celebrated over Tristan's latest victory.
Tristan embraced Pupitar. "You were unbelievable. I'm very proud of you."
Pupitar gave a nod and gave a happy reply to Tristan.
The disguised Taz seethed in anger. "This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. Well, if I can't win, I'll just do this!"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "Espeon...Not Included"))
And he made a big jump and snatched Pikachu and shoved it into a rubber bag before anyone knew what was happening.
"Pikachu!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Hey, what are you doing?!" demanded Hillary.
Taz threw off his disguise and said, "Well, kiddies, I enjoyed battling you, but now I have a prize to claim."
"It's Taz!" cried Hillary.
"Hey, give back Pikachu, Taz!" demanded Tristan.
"You're in no position to be making demands, young man," retorted Taz as he jumped into his nearby Electabuzz-shaped hot-air balloon, "for these Park Poké Balls are staying with me also."
"Hey, give those back now!" demanded the Park Warden. "They belong to the Battle Park!"
"Magmar, Smokescreen now!" ordered Taz as he threw his Poké Ball.
Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it and emitted a black cloud of smoke from its mouth, enveloping everyone in it.
"So long, suckers!" called Taz as his balloon rose higher and higher. But unfortunately, one of the Park Poké Balls wiggled, and it opened, releasing a Pokémon inside.
An orange bipedal draconic Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Realizing the situation, it charged toward the balloon.
Taz was surprised as he saw it flying toward him. "How'd a Charizard get out here?" But before he could ponder the question, Charizard used its sharp claws to pop the balloon and send it crashing to the ground, causing him to lose Pikachu and all the Park Poké Balls he stole.
As Magmar's Smokescreen cleared, Tristan safely caught Pikachu while the Park Warden caught the net with the Park Poké Balls inside.
"How did this happen?" wondered Hillary.
"Charizard, managed to escape and noticed that it was being stolen," explained the Park Warden. "These Pokémon are amazingly obedient inside the park. They're trained to return to the park if they're being stolen and rebel against anyone who tries to do so."
"That's amazing," remarked Tristan.
Taz and Magmar groaned in pain, and were just emerging from the rubble of the wrecked balloon when Charizard faced them.
"Hey, pal, maybe we can work something out here, can we?" begged Taz as he groveled at Charizard's feet.
But Charizard responded by dealing him a powerful Flamethrower, causing a massive explosion that sent him skyward.
BOOM!
"No fair!" screamed Taz. "We'll remember this!" And he and Magmar disappeared higher and higher into the sky.
DING!
(Music Cue: To Be Continued (full version as heard in "The Breeding Center Secret"))
"I'm sorry Taz tried to steal your Pokémon," said the Park Warden as Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi stood outside that evening. "I should've known that he would cause trouble if he lost."
"Trouble? We had a blast!" replied Hillary.
"Yeah, I had a chance to battle a Meganium, Feraligatr, and Typhlosion," added Tristan. "And to me, that's what I call a day full of training. Plus, it helped me get excited to win my eighth badge in Blackthorn City."
Pikachu happily agreed. It was feeling stronger just by thinking about it.
"Well, I'm glad it all worked out for you," smiled the Park Warden. "Team Rocket also tried to steal the Park Poké Balls from the Battle Park not too long ago. They underestimated the training the Pokémon received here."
"Somehow, I'm not surprised," said Hillary.
"I figured they'd do that," added Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"Feel free to come back here when you want to battle again," smiled the Park Warden. "And this time, I'll be sure to find you a real opponent."
"We will," replied Tristan. "And thank you!"
"Bye-bye now!" called Hillary. "Take care!"
"Goodbye!" called the Park Warden. "Hope to see you soon!"
Tristan and Hillary waved until the Park Warden was out of their sight.
"Wow, what a great day," smiled Tristan. "I wasn't expecting Taz to help me with my training. But I battled three strong Pokémon, and I know I'll do well in the Johto League!"
"Don't forget, you still have to earn your eighth badge," reminded Hillary.
"I know that," chuckled Tristan. "I was just getting you warmed up."
"I should've known," sighed Hillary as she and Tristan continued walking on the road.
And so, Tristan trains hard and battles a most unusual challenger in Taz. Good thing that his attempt to try and steal the Pokémon in the battle didn't go unpunished. And as another adventure draws to a close, our heroes can now turn their attention back to the road, one that will hopefully lead them closer to Blackthorn City and the Johto League tournament!
► TO BE CONTINUED