AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! I know it's been awhile since the last chapter was written, but we finally made it to the one-hundredth chapter of this story as Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu make it back to New Bark Town, where their Johto journey first began. Once again, Jessie, James, and Meowth make appearances in this chapter. As always, please read and review responsibly at your leisure.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary make it to New Bark Town, where they learn that someone special will be living at their place soon. Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth are still up to their old tricks, but Eric has a trick of his own up his sleeve to try his hand at battling with an experienced Pokémon!

Chapter 100: A HAPPY HOMECOMING!

(Music Cue: Viridian City, Pewter City, Saffron City)

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were walking on the road the next day.

The weather was sunny, the breeze was gentle and warm, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

"I can't wait till we get to New Bark Town," said Tristan excitedly. "Grandma and Grandpa will be so surprised when we drop by for a visit."

"Yeah, I can't wait to have some of Grandma and Grandpa's home cooking!" added Hillary. "Grandpa's spaghetti and meatballs are the absolute best!"

"And Grandma's homemade pizzas are over the top," agreed Tristan. "And then there'll be chocolate shakes, milk, ice cream, and all kinds of great food to eat."

"All this talk of food is making my mouth water," replied Hillary.

"As soon as we get to New Bark Town, I'm gonna ask Grandma and Grandpa to make all these things for us!" said Tristan.

Pikachu and Togepi were also very excited.

"But first thing's first, Tristan," reminded Hillary. "Let's not forget that you have to stop by the Pokémon Center so you can register for the Johto League Silver Conference."

"That's right," smiled Tristan. "I was so excited at the thought of being home again and seeing Grandma and Grandpa that I kind of forgot. I guess the vibe of being home can make anyone feel excited."

"I feel the same way," replied Hillary. "Plus, when it comes to homemade food, you can never get enough of the good smells and taste of it. Right, Togepi?"

Togepi agreed. It was very happy to finally see what her Trainer's home was like.

"That's right, Togepi," she said to it. "You've never been to New Bark Town before. You're gonna love the food that Grandma and Grandpa make."

Presently, they came to the top of a hill, where many skyscrapers could be seen in the distance.

"Yes! We're here!" said Tristan excitedly. "New Bark Town!"

"We finally made it!" added Hillary. "And not one minute too soon."

Sure enough, it was New Bark Town, and it looked just as peaceful as it had ever been.

"Well, Grandma and Grandpa are sure going to be so happy to see us," said Tristan.

"But what about registering for the Silver Conference?" asked Hillary.

"I'll do that later," replied Tristan. "Let's go see Grandma and Grandpa now!" And he and Pikachu excitedly dashed off.

Hillary gave a sigh. "Well, when Tristan wants to see Grandma and Grandpa at home, there's no stopping him." There was a long silence. Then she smiled and said, "Hey, grandparents are special, right? Registering for the Silver Conference can wait a little longer."

Togepi trilled in agreement.

Then Hillary started running after Tristan. "Hey, Tristan! Wait for us!"

Well, our heroes have finally made it to New Bark Town, where our heroes' unforgettable Johto journey first began. It's here that Tristan plans to register for the Johto League Silver Conference at the local Pokémon Center. But first, he and Hillary decide to stop at home to see their grandparents, who have been waiting patiently for their happy return.

"Well, here we are, Pikachu," said Tristan. "Home at last."

Pikachu was just about to agree when...

"Tristan, slow down!"

Hillary finally arrived after running for so long. She was trying to catch her breath.

"What happened to you?" wondered Tristan.

"I was running so fast to try and keep up with you," panted Hillary.

"I didn't realize that you were far behind, or else I would've slowed down."

"Don't worry about it. It was all worth it."

Tristan and Hillary came to the front door.

"Look, there's a note here," said Hillary. She took the note off and read it. "'Grandpa and I are currently at the Pokémon Center to gather supplies for something very special, kids. Come and find us there.' Signed Grandma." She turned to Tristan. "Well, Tristan, we should get to the Pokémon Center."

"Right, let's go!" agreed Tristan.

And together, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi all made their way to the Pokémon Center as fast as they could.

"Once we get there, you should register for the Johto League Silver Conference," reminded Hillary.

"I know, I know," replied Tristan.

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi arrived at the Pokémon Center a few minutes later.

Suddenly, a pair of voices came up from behind him and Hillary. "We wouldn't expect anything less."

Tristan and Hillary nearly fell down in surprise. "Grandma! Grandpa!"

(Music Cue: Pokémon Center M77B 1997-1998)

It was Veronica and Eric.

"Hello, kids!" smiled Veronica.

"Welcome home," added Eric as he and Veronica hugged Tristan and Hillary.

"It's good to see you again, Pikachu," said Veronica as she gently petted it.

Pikachu happily greeted Veronica.

"And hello, little cutie pie," she added as she gave Togepi a big hug.

Togepi trilled happily, both at the hug, and the attention it was getting from Veronica.

"What are you doing here at the Pokémon Center?" asked Hillary.

"We figured you'd stop by here eventually," explained Eric. "We wanted to come for some building supplies."

"Building supplies?" wondered Tristan. "What for?"

"Well, remember how you and Lugia have always been close friends?" said Veronica. "Well, ever since we saw Lugia at Whirl Camp, we thought Lugia might want a big, comfortable place for it and Silveena to stay. So we thought that we'd ask some friends of ours and their big, strong Pokémon to build a big, comfortable shed for them to live."

"You mean you want them to live with us? Here in New Bark Town?!" Tristan could barely contain his excitement.

Veronica just smiled.

"But wait!" reminded Hillary. "How do we know that Lugia and Silveena are coming to live with us here in New Bark Town?"

"Well, there's this voice inside my head that told me to come here and help get things ready," explained Veronica.

"And with your grandmother hearing voices inside her head, I figured I should come along, too," added Eric.

"Well, then what are we waiting for?" said Tristan excitedly. "Let's get to work!"

(Music Cue: Magnemite (as heard in the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation" and the Orange Islands episode: "Hello, Pummelo!"))

Everyone pitched in to help carry building supplies from the Pokémon Center back to Tristan and Hillary's house.

Meganium and Feraligatr helped haul the heavy wood and shingles into Veronica's car while her Espeon assisted with the heavier materials using Psychic.

Tristan, Pikachu, and Hillary helped unload the stuff from the car at the house.

They all made several journeys, but after five heavy loads, the task was finally done.

"That was harder than I thought," sighed Hillary.

Tristan agreed. "That was enough work to prepare me for the Silver Conference." He then gasped, for he suddenly remembered. "The Silver Conference! I almost forgot to register for the Johto League Silver Conference while we were at the Pokémon Center!"

"Well, that's typical," grumbled Hillary as she hit her face in embarrassment.

"Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it," Eric assured her. "Besides, we still have more than two months before the Silver Conference begins, so there's plenty of time."

"I guess you're right, Grandpa," chuckled Hillary. "But I'm sure Tristan will want to register as soon as possible."

Tristan nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, two robotic arms came from out of the sky and snatched Pikachu and Togepi!

"Pikachu!" cried Tristan.

"Togepi!" exclaimed Hillary.

"All right, you! What's the meaning of this?!" demanded Veronica.

(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Kanto Motto (M20A 1997-1998 as heard in "The Totodile Duel"))

Then maniacal laughter was heard from a Meowth-shaped hot air balloon above as two familiar voices went into their motto.

"Prepare for trouble, we've got Togepi, so you can cry boo-hoo."

"And make it double, we've got Pikachu, too!"

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight, fight, fight."

"Meowth, dat's right!" chimed in Meowth.

"Wobbuffet!" added Wobbuffet as it popped out of its Poké Ball.

"Team Rocket!" shouted Hillary.

"It figures you'd show up," added Tristan.

"They never change," remarked Eric.

"Can't you three just quit already?!" grumbled Veronica.

Jessie only laughed. "But Team Rocket doesn't know the meaning of the word 'quit.'"

"And dat woid's not in our Team Rocket dictionary," added Meowth.

"Besides, we saw some Pokémon outside their Poké Balls, so we decided to snatch some up and give to ourselves," put in James. "Some of whom may be lucky enough to be given to the Boss."

"And remember, our gain is your loss!" called Meowth as he pressed a button.

(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard the first time in "The Wayward Wobbuffet"))

At that instant, two engines on their balloon started revving up as it started to make its getaway.

"We'll see about that!" retorted Tristan. "Meganium, shoot down their balloon with your Razor Leaf!"

Meganium shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at the balloon.

"Back atcha!" said James as he pressed a button.

Instantly, a hose came out and began to blow a big gust of wind from it, causing Meganium's Razor Leaf to fly back right at it, causing it to get hit by its own attack.

"Meganium, hang on!" shouted Tristan.

Meganium hit the ground hard and struggled back to its feet.

"Whoa, that Razor Leaf was powerful, but it hit the wrong target," said Hillary, who had become concerned.

"I couldn't help it!" protested Tristan. "How was I supposed to know Team Rocket would try their stupid hose?"

"Oh, yeah, mister Pokémon Master?" replied Hillary. "What could you have done differently?"

"Not ask for your advice, for one thing!" retorted Tristan.

Veronica was quite annoyed by Tristan and Hillary's bickering. "Will you two stop fighting already?! You're on the same team! Now start acting like it!"

This only made Team Rocket cackle loudly.

"We'd love to see how this turns out," laughed Jessie, "but we've gotta fly."

"We've got things to deliver," put in James as he tossed a Poké Ball.

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

"Give them a dose of your Smokescreen, Weezing!" commanded James.

Weezing unleashed a thick, green cloud of smoke from its two mouths, causing Tristan, Hillary, their grandparents, and Meganium to choke.

"See ya around...not!" called Meowth as they cackled and drifted further and further away in their balloon.

When the smoke cleared, Tristan and Hillary saw that Team Rocket had disappeared.

"They're gone," said Hillary. "And they took Pikachu and Togepi with them." She then became concerned. "Togepi must be feeling pretty scared right about now."

"Don't worry, sis," Tristan assured her. "We'll get them back. I'm sure they haven't gone too far.

"True, but they got a head start," replied Veronica. "If we hurry, maybe we can catch them."

"Let me handle this, dear," said Eric as he took out a Poké Ball and threw it.

To everyone's surprise, a Pidgeot emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

Tristan recognized it immediately. "Hey, that Pidgeot's mine!"

Sure enough, Pidgeot happily flew to Tristan and embraced him.

"How've you been, buddy?" asked Tristan as he stroked it.

Pidgeot gave a happy squawk in response.

"I asked Professor Oak if I could borrow it for a while just to see what it's like to raise one," explained Eric. He then turned to Pidgeot. "Pidgeot, could you please help us find Team Rocket's balloon?"

Pidgeot nodded and flew off to find it.

"Let's follow it," advised Eric. "With those keen eyes, Pidgeot should lead us right to them."

"What are we waiting for?" agreed Tristan as he and the others followed Pidgeot in the hopes of finding and rescuing Pikachu and Togepi.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket were enjoying their latest triumph as Pikachu tried to blast its way out of a glass container that it and Togepi were in with Thunderbolt.

"Save your energy, Pikachu," smirked Jessie.

"Yes, all you're doing is wasting your wattage," added James.

"And it ain't our energy we're wasting," put in Meowth, "because all the energy we use won't cost Team Rocket nuttin' on our next electric bill."

And they all cackled loudly.

But not for long, for suddenly, Pidgeot flew into Team Rocket, causing them to careen into a nearby tree.

Pidgeot glared at the Trio just as Tristan and the others arrived.

"All right, Team Rocket, gimme back my Pikachu!" demanded Tristan.

"And give back my Togepi!" added Hillary.

"Yes, Twerp, right away, Twerp," retorted Jessie, pretending to comply. as she took her Poké Ball out. "Arbok, go!"

(Music Cue: "Let's Run! (as heard in "A Dairy Tale Ending"))

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

"Victreebel, I choose you!" yelled James as he threw his own Poké Ball.

Victreebel emerged from the white light that shot out of it, and proceeded to chomp down on James, as usual.

"Not me!" he cried. "Go get them!" And he pried Victreebel off of him and tossed it into battle.

Tristan took out his Fast Ball and started to throw it when...

"Hold on, grand-sonny," said Eric. "Let me try battling them."

Everyone was surprised.

Even Team Rocket, who laughed profusely.

"An old man, trying to battle?" chuckled Jessie.

"Now that's funny," added James. "He thinks he has a chance against us."

"Let's show them that age doesn't matter, Pidgeot," smiled Eric.

Pidgeot nodded.

(Music Cue: Johto Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))

Then it flew in front of Eric and readied itself for battle.

"That birdbrain thinks it can beat us!" grumbled James defiantly.

"Oh, yeah?! We'll see who beats who when this game's over!" retorted Jessie.

"We'll show you who da real winner is!" put in Meowth.

"Wobbuffet!" agreed Wobbuffet as it popped out.

"Arbok, use Poison Sting!" ordered Jessie.

Arbok shot a barrage of poisonous needles at Pidgeot.

"Now, Pidgeot, Agility, let's go," instructed Eric.

With astounding speed, Pidgeot flew high into the air and avoided Arbok's attack, flying from side to side in the blink of an eye.

It was even faster than Tristan saw last time. "Look at that!"

"Wow, it's quick!" remarked Hillary.

"Come on, Arbok, send it into a tailspin with Poison Sting again!" ordered Jessie.

Arbok fired another barrage of poisonous needles from its mouth at Pidgeot, but with the same result.

"Victreebel, Razor Leaf!" commanded James.

Victreebel shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Pidgeot, but again, Pidgeot easily dodged.

"Those three should've known that with Agility, Pidgeot reaches Mach Two speed," smiled Veronica. "There's no way that they're gonna win by attacking like Slowpoke."

"You're right, dear," agreed Eric. "And now, it's time to rescue Pikachu and Togepi. Pidgeot, would you do the honors, please?"

Pidgeot flew in and grabbed the glass container in its talons and carried it back to Tristan and Hillary, who freed Pikachu and Togepi from it.

"Hey!" cried Jessie and James.

"Dat Pidgeot just took our Pokémon away!" exclaimed Meowth.

Tristan and Hillary were happily reunited with Pikachu and Togepi, respectively.

"Grandpa, thanks a lot," smiled Tristan.

"Yes, thanks," added Hillary.

"All right, Pidgeot, let's blow those three away, shall we?" instructed Eric. "Hit 'em with your Gust attack!"

Pidgeot nodded and flapped its wings furiously, causing a big gust of wind to blow, causing Team Rocket and their Pokémon to fly sky-high.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blowing away again!" the Team Rocket Trio yelled as they and their Pokémon and Wobbuffet disappeared into the sky.

DING!

"That was awesome, Grandpa," commended Hillary. "You handled Tristan's Pidgeot like you've been training it for years."

"Well, don't forget that Tristan was the one who originally raised it," replied Eric.

(Music Cue: Bulbasaur's Lullaby to Togepi (as heard in "Don't Touch That 'Dile"))

Tristan was surprised at how his grandfather battled with Pidgeot so masterfully...much better than he himself had ever done. But he was so impressed with his grandfather's battling abilities that he forgot to be jealous, especially now that he had Pikachu safely back with him.

Veronica put her hand on Tristan's right shoulder. "You deserve most of the credit with how well you raised your Pidgeot, dear," she said. "Now your grandfather will be able to raise one without any trouble at all. And you inspired him to get into training and battling with his Pokémon."

Tristan nodded in agreement. He knew he was a good Trainer, but never imagined how quickly his grandfather picked up battling from him.

"Now that things are back to normal," said Eric, "why don't we head on over to the Pokémon Center? I think there's something there that Tristan needs to do."

"That's right!" exclaimed Tristan. "With all the excitement I forgot about registering for the Johto League!"

And everyone dashed posthaste to the Pokémon Center.

Nurse Joy welcomed them warmly as they arrived a few minutes later.

"Hi, I'm Tristan from New Bark Town, and I'd like to register for the Johto League Silver Conference."

"Let's check out your credentials," said Nurse Joy as Tristan handed his Pokédex to her. She pressed a few buttons, and beeping sounds were heard, one for each of Tristan's badges. "Your eight badges are verified. You're now registered to compete in the Silver Conference. Well done, and good luck, Tristan." She handed the Pokédex back to him.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best."

Pikachu agreed.

(Music Cue: Pokémon Center (as heard in "The Pokémon Water War"))

Later at home, Tristan and Hillary were enjoying a fabulous home-cooked meal that their grandparents had made.

"This is so good!" said Tristan. "With food like this, I know we'll be ready for the Silver Conference."

"It's our special recipe that helps give you energy for the weeks to come," explained Veronica. "With it, you'll be able to tackle any challenge like it's nothing."

"Even tough terrain like Mount Silver," added Eric.

"Where's Mount Silver?" asked Hillary.

"It's a place where many strong Pokémon reside, and it's just outside of Silver Town's city limits," answered Veronica. "I trained my Pokémon there through the years, and we always worked up a sweat."

"We know you'll do well at the Silver Conference," said Eric.

"Thanks, Grandpa," replied Tristan.

Pikachu happily agreed.

"And we'll be with you all the way, too, right, Togepi?" said Hillary.

Togepi trilled in agreement.

That night, Tristan was quietly conversing with Pikachu. "Well, Pikachu, we've made it this far. We leave for the Silver Conference first thing in the morning." He slowly and gently stroked Pikachu, who was just dozing off. "I'm getting excited just thinking about all the Trainers we'll face...and all the Pokémon that we have yet to see."

Pikachu quietly nodded.

"You know, I'm actually a little nervous," added Tristan. "But I'm also excited. I bet you're excited, too, aren't you, Pikachu?"

Pikachu agreed. Then it closed its eyes and fell asleep.

"Good night, Pikachu," whispered Tristan. And he closed his eyes and fell asleep, too.

(Music Cue: To Be Continued (full version as heard in "Beach Blank-Out Blastoise"))

The next morning, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were ready to set off for the Silver Conference in Silver Town.

"Just follow this road past Tohjo Falls, and it should take you to Silver Town in a matter of days," instructed Veronica.

"We know you'll do well, grand-sonny," added Eric.

"And I'll make sure Tristan stays on schedule," put in Hillary.

"Don't you trust me, sis?" asked Tristan, who was a little offended.

"Hey, you can't forget my way of guiding us through this journey, remember?" reminded Hillary.

"Never mind, you two," said Veronica. "Meanwhile, your grandfather and some of his friends will help build the big living space for Lugia so it'll be as happy as it can be when it moves in."

"You can count on me to make sure that we get the job done right," added Eric.

"Thanks, guys," smiled Tristan. "We're looking forward to it." He turned to Hillary. "Well, sis, shall we get going?"

"You bet," agreed Hillary.

And together, Tristan and Hillary turned to leave.

"Be safe, kids!" called Veronica as she waved to them.

"Take care!" added Eric. "And good luck at the Silver Conference!"

"Thanks!" replied Tristan as he and Hillary waved back.

"See you soon, Grandma and Grandpa!" added Hillary.

Pikachu and Togepi waved their goodbyes as they and their Trainers disappeared from sight.

Veronica turned to Eric and said, "I can just imagine Lugia and Silveena being very happy here."

"Yes," agreed Eric. "And I have a feeling that Tristan will be very happy to play with Lugia as much as he wants to when it moves in."

And so, the final leg of our heroes' Johto journey begins. With Tristan registered to compete, it's on to Silver Town and the upcoming Johto League Silver Conference!

► TO BE CONTINUED