AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 105 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 for four reasons: The first inspiration comes after seeing the Digimon episode "The Battle for Earth" where just after the DigiDestined defeated VenomMyotismon and celebrated their victory and reunited with their families, the Digital World appeared in the sky, causing all systems on many aircrafts, including a passenger airplane, to fail, not to mention the airplane's wing freezing up. Of course, in the end, Garudamon and MegaKabuterimon saved the plane. Secondly, I thought about what happened 20 years ago on September 11th and couldn't forget the stories of the hijackers taking control of the planes, but in this story, Taz is the sole hijacker, and everyone makes it out safely. Third, I remember the time when I was watching Pokémon: 4Ever for the very first time, and how, after Misty twisted her knee, Celebi was able to heal her injury instantly. I thought that was incredible. Lastly, this reminds me of the time I broke my arm when I was swinging on the playground. It was a painful experience, but at least it's been fully recovered for years. Now, on with the chapter.
TEASER: Hillary breaks her arm and is forced to stay at the Pokémon Center; but help soon arrives. Meanwhile, an airplane on the way to the Silver Conference runs into trouble when Taz steals command. It will be up to Silveena to conquer her fear of carrying humans and saving Tristan and Hillary from a near-certain fate! Will Tristan and Hillary ever make it to the Johto League?
Chapter 105: SILVEENA'S DILEMMA
(Music Cue: (Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard at the end of "A Shadow of a Drought"))
Our heroes are getting closer and closer to Silver Town, site of the upcoming Johto League Silver Conference. But today, they have several surprises waiting for them. Some of them will be pleasant, but many others could be very dangerous. Then again, maybe they aren't getting close at all!
"We're getting really close," said Tristan. "I can feel it."
"Oh, yeah? How can you tell?" asked Hillary, doubtfully.
"I just do, that's all," retorted Tristan. "Maybe it's just one of my instincts." He didn't feel so sure of himself anymore. "Maybe I ought to check my Poké Gear just in case." He checked the map on his Poké Gear, but couldn't find their location. "Hmmm, maybe we're..."
"Don't tell me we're lost," interrupted Hillary.
"Well, what do you want me to tell you then?" said Tristan. "And besides, we're not lost, we just haven't found our way."
Hillary sighed. "I knew it. We're lost."
(Music Cue: Flying Kairu (Dragonite (as heard in "The Whistle Stop")))
Suddenly, a welcome voice could be heard from above as two familiar silvery figures descended from the sky. Hi, guys! Need a lift?
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi looked up and saw them.
"It's Lugia and Silveena!" said Tristan excitedly.
"Perfect timing!" added Hillary.
Sure enough, Lugia and Silveena landed on the ground next to them, and Lugia immediately nudged Tristan as he hugged it.
Pikachu and Togepi were obviously happy to see them.
"It's good to see you, Lugia," smiled Tristan. "How've you been?"
I've been well, answered Lugia. I've been practicing my swimming and flying skills with Silveena. We get better and better each day.
Lugia's been working me hard to get in better and better shape, added Silveena.
"You should be very proud of yourselves for working so hard," commended Hillary.
"And I've been working hard, too," added Tristan. "I finally got my eighth badge, so now I can finally compete in the Silver Conference."
Awesome, good job, said Lugia. We thought we'd take you to there by way of Mount Silver...that is, if you want to get there by air.
"That'd be awesome! Thank you!" smiled Tristan.
You're very welcome, replied Lugia. Climb aboard.
"All right!" said Tristan as he and Pikachu quickly climbed on Lugia's back. "Look out, Johto League! We're on our way!"
Let's go! cried Lugia excitedly.
Pikachu was just as excited as Tristan and Lugia were as they took off into the sky..
"Come on, Silveena, please let me on!"
(Music Cue: Raid! (as heard in "Gotta Catch Ya Later!"))
Tristan, Pikachu, and Lugia turned around to see Silveena struggling with Hillary just below.
"Oh, no, not again," grumbled Tristan.
Lugia gave a huge sigh. Silveena still doesn't like people riding on her, does she?
Get off me! demanded Silveena as she tried to shake Hillary off.
Hillary held on as tightly as she could, even as Silveena made a vertical climb into the air, causing her to hang on to the edge of her tail. "Too high! Too high!" she yelled.
Suddenly, Silveena, who climbed high and fast above them, quickly made a vertical dive toward the ground.
"Look out! They're headed this way!" shouted Tristan.
Lugia quickly got out of the way.
Sure enough, Silveena dove as fast as she could with Hillary still clinging to the edge of her tail. Then, when she was low enough, she quickly leveled off and quickly rose into the air, causing Hillary to tumble to the ground.
"Hillary!" cried Tristan as Lugia quickly turned around and landed back on the ground. Then he and Pikachu quickly leaped off of Lugia and rushed toward her.
Once Silveena noticed that Hillary wasn't hanging on to her anymore, she quickly landed nearby. Serves her right, she said to herself.
Hillary groaned in pain as she lay on the ground.
Fortunately, Togepi, who was safely inside Hillary's backpack wasn't hurt.
"Are you okay, sis?" asked Tristan.
"I think so," grunted Hillary as she sat up. But as she tried to stand up, she felt a sharp pain in her left arm. "Ow! It hurts!" And she clutched it tightly.
Quickly, Tristan checked his first aid kit, but he noticed the lack of contents inside. "Uh-oh."
What's the matter? Lugia asked with concern.
"I don't have enough supplies to treat Hillary's injury," answered Tristan sadly. "Hillary, may I see your arm for a moment?"
"Okay," replied Hillary nervously.
(Music Cue: Strange Weather (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Tristan felt her arm all over, but when he tried to move it...
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" cried Hillary as she clung to it even tighter.
"Sorry, sis," said Tristan. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay, big bro," replied Hillary. "It's not your fault."
Tristan took another look at Hillary's arm without moving it. "I was afraid of this. Looks like that arm of yours might be broken."
Hillary was horrified. "Broken?!"
Tristan nodded sadly.
Lugia turned disapprovingly to Silveena, who was starting to slink away. Well, now you've done it.
Me? What did I do? asked Silveena, who was a little surprised.
Just look what you did to poor Hillary, scolded Lugia as it pointed to her, still clinging tightly to her arm. Because of you, her arm's hurting big time, but I don't suppose that bothers you any now, does it?
Sure enough, Hillary continued clinging tightly to her injured arm.
When Silveena saw Hillary in pain, she felt very ashamed. Oh, dear. I just wanted to get her off of me. I didn't realize I'd hurt her by shaking her so hard. She turned to Lugia. I'm very sorry, Lugia.
You should apologize to Hillary, not to me, retorted Lugia. And I have a feeling that it'll take time for her to accept your apology.
"All right, take it easy, Lugia," said Tristan. "We'll go to the Pokémon Center so Nurse Joy can look at her. Think you can climb on, sis?"
"I'll try," replied Hillary as she struggled to climb on Lugia. "Now if I can just hang on long enough...I'll be fine."
"Can you, sis?" asked Tristan worriedly.
She tried to hold on to Lugia, but the pain in her arm was too much for her to take to do so.
I don't think she can ride, Tristan, said Lugia sadly. But you can ride at least, and I'll use my Psychic powers to have Hillary fly along with us.
"Great idea, Lugia," agreed Tristan as he helped Hillary back down to the ground.
As Tristan got on, Lugia's eyes glowed in a blue light, as did Hillary, and together, they all took off into the sky.
"Hang in there, sis," said Tristan. "We'll get you fixed up."
Silveena slowly and sadly followed them.
Meanwhile, high up in the sky, an airplane was seen zooming along on its way to the airport in Silver Town.
The passengers were eagerly excited to see the Johto League Silver Conference.
But Taz, in another one of his disguises. was hatching another plot to not only hijack the plane, but take it to another sinister desination. He then stood up, walked past the unsuspecting passengers, and entered the cockpit.
The pilot and co-pilot saw him enter.
"Hey, you! You can't be in here!" said the pilot. "This is strictly off limits!"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "Rage of Innocence"))
But Taz wouldn't listen, and he quickly tied both the pilot and co-pilot up, and locked them out of the cockpit. Then he made an announcement as he quickly turned the plane around. "Attention, all passengers. We're experiencing technical difficulties, and the navigation system has decided to take us to Team Rocket Headquarters where all your Pokémon will be taken and become the property of Team Rocket."
The passengers were horrified after hearing that announcement.
However, some of them got over that fear and decided to take the plane back. So they charged the cockpit and smashed the controls, much to Taz's shock.
"Hey, what gives?!" exclaimed Taz.
"We won't let you bully us into giving you our Pokémon!" replied the passengers as they threw Taz out of the cockpit.
"Hey, stop it!" cried Taz. "You're gonna crash the plane!"
"Well," whispered the pilot, "better that nobody have the plane than to have him hijack it, right?"
"Right," agreed the co-pilot as they tried to assist the passengers in dealing with Taz. Then they opened the hatch and threw him out, sending him falling thousands of feet below.
"Hey!" yelled Taz as he fell. "Have you no shame?! I'm liable to get hurt!"
But it was too late for the plane, for after the controls were destroyed, one of the engines gave out and exploded, causing smoke to form in it.
Meanwhile, a few minutes later, everyone made it to the Pokémon Center safely.
Nurse Joy closely looked at Hillary's arm and gently felt it despite Hillary occasionally crying out in pain from her feeling it. "You were right, Tristan," she said. "Your sister broke her arm."
"But I don't want my arm to be broken!" cried Hillary.
"How did this happen?" asked Nurse Joy.
"Well, I fell down to the ground hard after Silveena, the pink Lugia, dropped me," answered Hillary.
(Music Cue: Legend of the Forest Theme (as heard in "Celebi: The Voice of the Forest"))
Tristan, Pikachu, and Togepi watched from a short distance.
"Can my arm be healed?" asked Hillary.
"Yes, it can," answered Nurse Joy. "But it will need to be put in a cast for at least six weeks."
"Six weeks?!" cried Hillary. "But Lugia was going to take us to the Silver Conference!"
"I know you're sad, but there's no choice in the matter," replied Nurse Joy. "You won't be able to use that arm while it heals, and the cast can't get wet while it does its work. I'm afraid you'll have to stay here until your arm heals unless some miracle happens. That means no journeying until your arm is fully healed and out of the cast."
"What?! Stay here?!" Hillary could scarcely believe her ears. "But I can't do that! I'm anxious and restless enough as it is already!"
"I'm very sorry, but you can't risk further injury while you have an arm out of commission," replied Nurse Joy. "But as always, you're free to stay here free of charge." And she went into the operating room to get some supplies.
Tears began to flow from Hillary's eyes. She never thought that having a broken arm would be so agonizing.
There was a long silence as Tristan looked on. "Poor Hillary," he said to himself as he held Togepi in his arms.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed sadly.
Tristan sat next to Hillary as he tried to comfort her. "It'll be okay, sis. I promise things will work out somehow."
Just outside, Lugia and Silveena looked through the window.
Six weeks? That means they won't be able to go to the Silver Conference. Lugia felt just as bad at Hillary's misfortune.
You mean they can't go out journeying? asked Silveena.
Tristan can, but Hillary can't, answered Lugia. And there's no way he'd leave her here alone.
Now it was Silveena's turn to feel sad. Tears began to flow from her eyes. This is all my fault. None of this would've happened if I hadn't been so rough with Hillary.
Presently, a small green fairy-like Pokémon flew in from the sky and landed on Lugia's back.
Lugia felt an itch and tried to scratch it away, but it was so hard to reach. Silveena, could you help me? I have this itch on my back, and it just won't go away.
Sure, I can help with that, agreed Silveena. But just as she went to scratch Lugia's itch, it saw a familiar Pokémon that had come in. What the...? What's this?
What's what? Lugia then saw the Pokémon that was happily flying alongside. Hey, it's our good friend, Celebi!
Celebi? Silveena was confused.
Tristan and Hillary befriended this Pokémon when they were in the Ilex Forest, explained Lugia.
Do you think it came here to help us? wondered Silveena.
I'm not sure. Then it saw Celebi flying to one of the windows. Maybe it wants to go in there.
How come? wondered Silveena.
(Music Cue: Bedtime (as heard in the Japanese version of "Lord of the Unknown Tower: Entei"))
Inside, Tristan had heard knocking on one of the windows. He opened it and in came Celebi, who landed on his head. "Celebi!" He was pleasantly surprised. "Where'd you come from?"
Celebi was obviously very happy to see him. Then it saw Hillary, who was still holding her arm and clinging tightly to it.
"Maybe you should go see Hillary," suggested Tristan. "Your presence might help her feel better."
Celebi nodded, then it flew over to Hillary, who saw it approach.
"Hi, Celebi," sighed Hillary.
Celebi flew lower to Hillary's arm and touched it.
Instantly, sparkles of magic appeared on it and disappeared just as suddenly.
Then Hillary moved her arm, and to her amazement, she could move it just as well as she did before her injury. "Hey!" she said excitedly. "My arm's better!"
Tristan was surprised; so were Pikachu and Togepi.
"Really? Are you sure?" he asked as he ran over.
"Yeah!" replied Hillary. "Check it out!" And sure enough, she reached out and bent her elbow without worry, just like before. "Thanks a lot, Celebi. You really helped me out."
Celebi nodded and flew all around Hillary and Tristan.
Tristan, Pikachu, and Togepi were obviously very happy to see that Hillary's injury had been healed so quickly.
Tristan was impressed. "That's...awesome. I never knew you could do that."
Celebi nodded and flew happily around him.
Just then, Nurse Joy came into the room. "Okay, are you ready for the cast?" Then she gasped in surprise as she saw that Hillary could use her arm at will again. "How'd you recover so quickly?"
"Simple," answered Hillary. "Celebi helped my arm heal."
"Already? Impossible!" Nurse Joy could hardly believe it. Then she smiled. "Then you won't need to put on this cast after all. You are one lucky girl, indeed."
"Well, I did have help," replied Hillary.
"And you know what that mean, sis," added Tristan. "Now we can resume our scheduled trip to the Silver Conference already in progress!"
"You bet!" agreed Hillary.
Lugia and Silveena saw Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Celebi emerge from the Pokémon Center a few minutes later.
So what did the good nurse say? asked Lugia hopefully.
"No need to worry," answered Hillary as she moved her arm with no trouble. "My arm's fully healed...thanks to Celebi."
Celebi flew all around her, showing how happy it was.
Lugia and Silveena were pleasantly surprised by the news.
Does that mean what I think it means? asked Lugia.
"You bet it does," answered Tristan. "We can go straight to the Silver Conference!"
(Music Cue: An E-mail to Oak (as heard in the Japanese version of "Lord of the Unknown Tower: Entei"))
Silveena breathed a huge sigh of relief and came to Hillary. I'm sorry I made you get hurt. I just never had someone ride on me for a long time. I still have never gotten over the abuse that Team Rocket gave me back in Mahogany Town. And Silveena told her story.
Ever since I was small, I was held captive in some sort of legendary exhibit because of my rare color, explained Silveena. I never knew who had wanted me to give people rides on my back, but I would imagine that it was someone training me to accept anyone of any size. Anyone who wanted to fly on my back was invited by these keepers I used to live with. They'd take care of me because I was extra special, but I felt that my wellbeing was not their first priority.
Then one day, I had back problems after a particularly busy day. I had carried a lot of passengers, some of whom were overweight, and I took a few days off of what you humans call 'work.' Then when my back got better, I escaped from this exhibit the first chance I got. I used Hydro Pump and flooded their park out so that I could fly over to some remote hideaway. I never saw those workers again.
Tristan and Hillary understood the story Silveena told.
"So that's why you wouldn't allow Hillary to ride with you," said Tristan.
"Why didn't you say something before, Silveena?" asked Hillary.
I was afraid you wouldn't understand me, answered Silveena.
"Of course we would," replied Hillary. "If we'd known sooner, I would've just ridden with Tristan on Lugia, and we would've avoided this whole situation."
Hillary's right, added Lugia. She and Tristan are good at respecting wishes of other people...and Pokémon, too.
Silveena went over to Hillary. Won't you please forgive me, Hillary? I never meant to cause you any harm. I just wanted to get you off of my back. I never realized I caused you pain.
Hillary stared at Silveena for a long time. Silveena seems sincere. I bet Tristan would give her another chance, just as other Pokémon give us another chance when we mess up.
Tristan turned to Hillary, who looked to him, and nodded to her.
Then Hillary turned back to Silveena and said, "I'll do it, Silveena. I'll give you another chance. And I know you won't mess things up this time."
Thank you, Hillary, replied Silveena as she hugged her with her wings. You won't be disappointed. And I won't let you down.
"That's all I ask, Silveena," smiled Hillary.
Tristan, Pikachu, Lugia, and Celebi smiled at one another as they saw the happy reunion.
Togepi popped its head out of Hillary's backpack and trilled happily.
Presently, Pikachu saw something in the sky. It was having some trouble staying aloft.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Decision))
Tristan quickly took out his binoculars and took a closer look at the object. Black smoke was billowing from its engines. Tristan gasped in shock.
"What's up, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
"Trouble, Hillary," answered Tristan.
What kind of trouble? asked Lugia.
"There's an airplane on fire, and it's going to crash!"
What?! cried Lugia and Silveena together.
"We have to save that airplane!" said Hillary, with urgency in her voice. "Come on!" And she scrambled onto Lugia as fast as she could.
"I'm right behind you, sis," agreed Tristan as he and Pikachu scrambled on behind her. "Lugia, let's go!"
You got it, Tristan! Come on, Silveena! And Lugia took off high into the air to catch up with the plane.
Silveena quickly zoomed up behind them.
They caught up to the plane a moment later.
"Tristan, can you get a visual of the interior?" asked Hillary.
"Not yet," replied Tristan as he tried to look through the windows of the plane.
(Music Cue: Fire Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of "The Lord of the Unknown Tower: Entei"))
Then suddenly, he saw little kids and families screaming for help. "There are people trapped inside!"
Everyone gasped in horror.
We've gotta do something! cried Lugia.
We have to save them! added Silveena.
"Lugia, try and let me off on the top of the plane," instructed Hillary.
Lugia nodded and flew alongside the plane as closely as it could.
Hillary jumped off and neatly landed on top of the plane. "Squirtle, use your Water Gun to put out the fire!" she ordered as she threw her Poké Ball into the air.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it, and unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the plane's engines, putting out the fire in the process.
However, the plane was starting to tilt as Hillary and Squirtle held on tight.
"Are you two okay?" asked Tristan.
"Don't worry about us, Tristan!" answered Hillary. "Just rescue the people inside the plane!"
"Right!" agreed Tristan. "Lugia, try and get us closer to the plane's hatch."
Lugia nodded and flew closer to the door.
Tristan knocked on the hatch, and it opened.
The pilot saw him riding on Lugia and peeked out. "Oh, thank goodness you're here!" he said. "Please, you've gotta rescue the passengers!"
"Don't worry, sir, we're on the job," replied Tristan. "Celebi, over here!"
Celebi flew over and saw the people, including the co-pilot ready to jump.
"Are you sure you want me to go with the passengers?" asked the co-pilot to the pilot.
"Yes," answered the pilot. "You and the passengers go first. I'll be right there."
"Okay, Celebi, get those people to safety!" instructed Tristan.
Celebi, happy to oblige, nodded, and its eyes glowed.
Instantly, the passengers and co-pilot were lifted out of the plane, and Celebi helped them get down safely to the ground miles below using Psychic.
Meanwhile, Hillary and Squirtle were working hard to extinguish the fire as quickly and efficiently as they could.
"Keep it up, Squirtle, you're doing great," encouraged Hillary.
Squirtle kept blasting at the fire with its Water Gun as best it could, but it was tiring out fast.
"Is that all the passengers?" asked Tristan to the pilot.
"I think so," replied the pilot.
Then Tristan called out to Hillary. "How are you and Squirtle holding up?"
"Not good!" replied Hillary. "Squirtle's getting very tired!"
But just then, there was a loud boom that shook the whole plane.
Squirtle lost its balance and fell off.
"Squirtle, quick! Return!" cried Hillary as she quickly took out its Poké Ball.
Squirtle, still falling, had been caught by the red beam of energy that had been unleashed, and it was safely sent back in.
"Thanks, Squirtle. Get a good rest in there," said Hillary. But just as she put Squirtle's Poké Ball away, there was another boom, only this one was bigger and louder.
There had been another explosion on the other engine, causing another fire.
What made things worse was that the explosion caused the pilot to fall out of the plane.
"Oh, no!" cried Tristan and Hillary together.
Fortunately, Celebi had just returned from helping the passengers and saved the pilot using Psychic.
Everyone and the pilot gave huge sighs of relief.
"That was close. Thank you," said the pilot.
"Great job, Celebi," commended Tristan.
Celebi nodded.
Just then, they heard crying inside.
"Tristan, in there!" shouted Hillary as she pointed inside.
Sure enough, Tristan could see a baby boy in the corner of the cabin, crying loudly.
"I see him!" called Tristan to Hillary. "Lugia, hold the plane steady while I try and rescue him."
I'll do my best, replied Lugia. Just be careful in there.
"I will," agreed Tristan. "And Celebi, you get the pilot to safety."
Celebi nodded and helped the pilot down to the ground miles below.
Tristan jumped off of Lugia and landed in the plane with Pikachu holding on to him while Lugia used its whole body to keep the plane balanced.
It didn't take long for Tristan to locate the baby boy and carry him in his arms. But just as they were preparing to exit, another loud boom shook the plane, causing Tristan and Pikachu to lose their balance and fall on the floor with the baby still in hand.
Unfortunately, this also caused Hillary to lose her balance on the plane, and she dangled from the edge of one of the plane's wings.
"Hillary, hang on!" shouted Tristan.
Lugia was having a very difficult time keeping the plane balanced since it was so heavy; it was losing strength fast. Hurry, Tristan! I can't keep this up much longer!
Tristan got to the open hatch and called out. "I got the baby, Lugia! Now what?"
I can't carry you and the plane at the same time, grunted Lugia as it struggled to keep the plane balanced. It's gonna crash! Silveena, we need your help!
Silveena was surprised. Me? What can I do?
You must carry Tristan, Hillary, and the baby down to the ground now!
What? Now? Uh-uh. Not me. No way.
Look, you're the only one who can get everyone down to the ground safely, Silveena. And right now, I have to keep the plane steady so it doesn't crash. Tristan and Hillary are still on board the plane with one little person. And they're all in great danger. I know you've had bad experiences with people riding on your back. But just think about how much of a toll this plane is doing to mine!
Hillary strained and struggled to hang on to the plane's wing as Silveena watched. "I can't hang on much longer!" she grunted.
Silveena gave Hillary a long stare, and thought of the all the good things she and Tristan had done for her, including the time they rescued her from Team Rocket in Goldenrod City. Then she saw Lugia valiantly holding on to the plane as best it could.
You can do this, Silveena! cried Lugia. I believe in you!
Silveena slowly blinked her eyes. Then she flew below Hillary, who was still dangling on the plane's wing. Quick, Hillary, jump on. I'll catch you.
Hillary hesitated for a few seconds. But she let go of the plane's wing and landed neatly on Silveena's back. She felt herself flying freely at last.
"All right!" said Tristan excitedly. "We knew you could do it, Silveena!"
But suddenly, another boom shook the plane, causing Tristan to lose his footing and fall out of the plane with the baby held tightly in his arms and Pikachu hanging on tightly to him.
"Tristan!" yelled Hillary.
I'll get him! cried Silveena as she dove after Tristan as fast as she could.
Tristan held on tight to the baby boy, even as he and Pikachu fell.
Silveena quickly flew below them and safely caught them on her back.
"That was close," said Tristan. "Thanks a lot, Silveena."
Silveena nodded. She never enjoyed carrying passengers before, let alone saving them.
Presently, Hillary pointed to a large body of water in the distance. "There's a big lake up ahead! We can land the plane over there!"
"Lugia can't last much longer, Hillary, so that's where we're gonna have put it down," agreed Tristan.
Follow us, Lugia! called Silveena as she flew toward the lake.
Lugia strained and struggled to follow with the heavy plane still on its back.
They arrived at the lake a moment later.
"There it is!" cried Hillary. "I can see the lake up ahead!"
"Okay, Lugia, do your thing!" shouted Tristan.
And with all of its might, Lugia tossed the plane into the lake.
The plane flew lower and lower until it landed in the lake with a big...
SPLASH!
The engine fires had been put out by the tremendous burst of water.
Silveena landed on the ground and lowered herself so everyone would dismount.
A young woman came over and saw the baby boy safe in Tristan's arms. "Oh, my little boy!" she cried. And she took the baby boy from Tristan and embraced him in her arms. "It's okay, you're safe now." She turned to Tristan. "How can I ever thank you for what you've done?"
"We're just glad the boy's okay, ma'am," answered Tristan.
The woman, holding the baby boy safely in her arms, left the scene just as Celebi and the pilot arrived.
"Hey, guys!" he called. "I'm glad you two are all right! The passengers are safe as well!"
"That's great!" replied Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu and Togepi were just as relieved as their Trainers were.
"I have to go and check on them to make sure that they have everything they need. Thanks again!" And so saying, the pilot departed.
"I'm glad that worked out," said Hillary. "But where's Lugia?"
Presently, Lugia arrived on the scene. It landed safely on the ground, and was very exhausted. It had many bruises on its body from carrying the heavy plane for so long.
"Lugia, you did it," whispered Tristan.
We did it, corrected Lugia. It was barely able to stand up, and was breathing hard. Suddenly, it closed its eyes and fell to the ground unconscious.
"Lugia!" cried Tristan and Hillary as they, Pikachu, Togepi, and Silveena rushed over.
Is it okay? asked Silveena worriedly.
Tristan felt Lugia all over; it remained unmoving. "Lugia, you can't give up," he said. "Don't quit on us now. Remember, you have friends that help you in any situation. You have Silveena, you have us. You have me!"
Lugia still didn't move.
But Tristan wouldn't give up and cried out, "I believe in you, Lugia!"
Then suddenly, his Silver Wing glowed in a bright white light.
(Music Cue: Pokémon Reinforcements (as heard in the Japanese version of Revelation Lugia"))
But this wasn't just a regular glow, for the light was so strong that it could be seen for miles around. The light then reached Lugia, and gave it enough power to regain consciousness.
Lugia started glowing in the same light that the Silver Wing was glowing.
Then, as everyone watched, the wounds that Lugia had taken disappeared from its body.
Lugia proudly stood up to its full height, now fully restored, much to everyone's joy.
Tristan could barely contain his excitement. "Lugia, you're okay!" he cried as he, Pikachu, and Lugia, embraced one another.
My strength is fully restored, thanks to you, replied Lugia. And I learned a brand-new technique, which helped me greatly, too.
Hillary was confused. "What's that, Lugia?"
"I think I know what it was," replied Tristan. "That must've been Recover!"
Lugia nodded.
As Tristan's Silver Wing stopped glowing, Silveena also embraced Lugia.
How are you doing? asked Silveena.
Thanks to you, Tristan, and everybody else, I'm now better than ever, answered Lugia. And it seems like you conquered your fear of carrying humans, Silveena.
Silveena nodded. From now on, I'm going to let Hillary fly with me, not just because she loves the color pink, but because she's my friend. She walked over to Hillary and hugged her with her wing. And I'll love her like a sister would. And I'll take care of her just as Lugia does for Tristan whenever he needs help.
"Aw, thanks, Silveena," replied Hillary as she embraced her.
"But one thing still bothers me," said Tristan. "How did that plane lose control in the first place?"
"You mean like this?" asked a familiar voice as a net ensnared Lugia from the air and began to shock it.
(Music Cue: Iron Masked Marauder Returns (as heard in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest"))
Hey, what is this?! demanded Lugia.
"Lugia!" cried Tristan.
"Who are you?" asked Hillary.
"Guess who, losers!"
Sure enough, Taz had captured Lugia in a big electric net and proceeded to carry it off in his mini-aircraft.
"Taz!" cried Tristan.
"I suppose you were the one who made the plane fly out of control and endangered the lives of the passengers, right?" accused Hillary.
"You're so smart," smirked Taz. "Now you're gonna pay for me for what the passengers did to me! So I'll be taking that Lugia with me, and I'll be on my merry way!"
That's what you think! retorted Lugia as it stretched its wings as widely as possible, and broke through the net.
"Hey!" cried Taz. "You were supposed to stay in that net!"
Are you ready, Silveena? asked Lugia.
You bet! agreed Silveena. Let's show Taz our combined power for all our friends.
And together, Lugia and Silveena fired their Aeroblast and Hydro Pump attacks, respectively, and combined them into one big blast, causing a tremendous explosion that sent Taz flying.
BOOM!
"Party poopers!" yelled Taz. "I won't forget this!" And he disappeared high into the sky.
DING!
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard in "Chikorita's Big Upset"))
"That was awesome, you two!" commended Tristan. "You sure showed him."
Now, let's do what we came here to do, and get you to the Silver Conference, said Lugia. Hop on.
"All right!" agreed Tristan excitedly as he and Pikachu climbed on. "Celebi, would you like to watch me compete?"
Celebi, delighted with the idea, flew alongside.
"All right, let's go!" shouted Tristan as Lugia took off into the sky.
Silveena lowered herself to the ground.
Hillary was a little confused at first.
Go on, Hillary, climb aboard, said Silveena.
Hillary smiled and replied, "Okay!" And she climbed on Silveena, and together, she, Togepi, and Silveena, took off and followed Lugia and Celebi.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary saw scores of people enter Silver Town, including the passengers they had rescued earlier that day.
"Look at all those people!" said Tristan. "And look! There's the stadium! We finally made it!"
Does that mean we made it to Silver Town? asked Silveena.
Yes, we did, answered Lugia. I wonder what Pokémon Tristan will be battling against.
"Well, whoever Tristan faces, he'll be at his very best," replied Hillary. "And I know he'll do well."
"Me, too, Hillary," agreed Tristan. "I'm going to be the next Johto League Champion!"
Pikachu cheered excitedly for him.
And so, after a big day of rescuing passengers from a falling plane, and Silveena conquering her fear of carrying human passengers, our heroes have finally reached Silver Town, where Tristan plans to battle hard in the Johto League Silver Conference. What Trainers will he be battling against? Stay tuned and find out!
► TO BE CONTINUED