AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 108 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Johto region. You may recall Cal from the Trainer House in the Gold, Silver, and Crystal version games. He makes an appearance in this chapter. Satchel also makes one more appearance here. I hope you'll enjoy.
TEASER: Tristan faces off against another Trainer named Cal for the chance to move on to the Victory Tournament, and they both go head-to-head with starters from Kanto AND Johto!
Chapter 108: THE ROUND ROBIN, PART 2
(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen (as heard at the end of "Pokémon Emergency!"))
In our last episode, Tristan battled against a Trainer named Satchel, who had also worked long and hard with his Pokémon for the Johto League Silver Conference. During the match, Tristan and Satchel battled hard, but in the end, it came down to Nidorino and Pupitar.
Pupitar's hard shell proved to be highly resistant against Nidorino's Poison-type attacks, but was quite vulnerable to a Double Kick attack. However, Tristan and Pupitar managed to come out on top, and now, with a victory under his belt, he can now focus on his second match in the round robin tournament.
The next day, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi were watching in the 'A' Stadium as spectators to see what would happen in the battle between Cal and Satchel.
"Satchel's Nidorino and Croconaw have been eliminated, and so have Cal's Meganium and Typhlosion," said the announcer. "Now with one Pokémon remaining on each side, who will come on out top in this match?"
Cal's Feraligatr was showing signs of fatigue from one of its earlier battles, but Satchel's Magmar was still fresh.
"Feraligatr, Hydro Pump, go!" instructed Cal.
(Music Cue: Raid! (as heard in "Pop Goes the Sneasel"))
Feraligatr unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Magmar.
"Dodge it, Magmar!" ordered Satchel.
Magmar jumped into the air and avoided Feraligatr's attack.
"Now, Dynamic Punch!" commanded Satchel.
Magmar made a fist, which glowed brightly, then it struck Feraligatr, sending it flying backward.
"Magmar's Dynamic Punch scores big time!" said the announcer.
It was then that Feraligatr, now in a daze from the attack, hurt itself using its own claws.
"Is that the power of a Dynamic Punch?" wondered Hillary.
"If so, then Feraligatr must've gotten confused by it," replied Tristan. "According to what Braden told me, Dynamic Punch always confuses it opponent if it hits."
Sure enough, Feraligatr was continuing to hurt itself, ignoring its own Trainer's pleas to snap out of its confusion.
"Now finish it off with Flamethrower!" ordered Satchel.
Magmar unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth, which struck Feraligatr with such force that it was sent flying.
"That Flamethrower attack makes a clean hit," said the announcer.
Feraligatr careened into one of the stadium walls and collapsed on the ground. It had been knocked out.
"Feraligatr is unable to battle...Magmar is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air. "The winning Trainer is Satchel from Silver Town!"
The crowd roared as Satchel praised his Magmar for a job well done.
"Satchel had to have won that battle, or he would've gotten eliminated," remarked Hillary.
"So does that mean he and I are tied?" asked Tristan.
Hillary nodded. "So now you each have three points while Cal has zero. And you'll still be able to proceed into the Victory Tournament even if your next match ends in a draw."
"Well, I'm looking for a win," replied Tristan. "And I know my Pokémon and I will do our best together to get it."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
(Music Cue: The Shadow That Follows Team Rocket)
That night, Lugia and Silveena quietly poked their heads in through a large open window and looked at Tristan and Hillary planning for the next battle.
"Okay, so Cal has Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr, right?" said Tristan.
Hillary nodded. "They're all the final evolved forms of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile."
"I suppose I could use the same Pokémon to counter them," suggested Tristan.
"Now hold on a sec," suggested Hillary. "I don't think using the same Pokémon as Cal would be a good idea."
"Why not?" asked Tristan.
Hillary struggled to come up with an answer. "Because...because...well, just because."
Because why? wondered Lugia.
Tristan and Hillary were startled to see Lugia speaking behind them.
I don't think there's a rule that says he can't use the same Pokémon that Cal uses, right?
Lugia may be right, added Silveena. It would make things interesting.
Hillary sighed. "Well, I suppose Tristan could do it. But I don't see what the point is, other than to confuse everyone."
But Tristan had second thoughts and said, "Well, Hillary does have a point."
"Wait, I do?"
"I don't really have to battle using the same Pokémon Cal uses," explained Tristan. "I've got other Pokémon that'll help me out. And besides, I have old friends that never really had the chance to battle in the Indigo League when the final rounds in the Indigo Stadium were cancelled. So I wanna make sure they have a chance to battle, too."
Lugia and Silveena smiled at one another. Then they turned to Tristan.
I never knew that you had more than just the six Pokémon you have with you, said Lugia. I'm eager to see what else you caught on your journey. Some of them may be ones that I never even knew you had.
"Believe me, Lugia, some of these Pokémon have felt the need to get in on some of the action in quite a long time," replied Tristan. "Now let's see..." And he carefully chose from his collection on the computer as Lugia and Silveena watched.
Do you think Tristan will win tomorrow's battle? asked Silveena as she and Lugia took their heads out of the window.
I have no doubt that he will, replied Lugia.
Later, Tristan and Pikachu came to the lobby as Cal spoke with Professor Elm on the video phone.
"I felt like a total loser out there today," said Cal. "Even my variety of Pokémon couldn't beat Satchel."
"I know you're upset right now, Cal," replied Professor Elm. "But you'll have another chance."
"I just wish I knew why my team wasn't strong enough to win." He then saw Tristan standing behind him. "Oh, I almost forgot, I'll be facing Tristan tomorrow."
Tristan ran to the video phone. "Hi, Professor Elm."
"Ah, Tristan, long time, no see," smiled Professor Elm. "How have you and Hillary been?"
"I've been great, Professor Elm," replied Tristan. "Hillary's asleep right now, though." He then turned to a still upset Cal. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I lost today's battle, that's all," sighed Cal. "And now I'm facing you tomorrow."
"Cheer up, Cal," smiled Tristan. "I know you're sad right now, but I know things will get better." He then told one of his stories about one of his greatest losses.
(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle)
"I remember when I was winning battle after battle, time after time. I had just gotten my Earth Badge, which was the final badge I needed to compete in the Pokémon League Competition at the Indigo Plateau. Then I was challenged by Blue to a battle in the Trainer House Stadium in Viridian City.
"Naturally, I accepted, and he and I faced off in a Full Battle. My Pokémon ended up getting seriously hurt, and I lost the match.
"When I lost, I felt like a failure, too," said Tristan. "Maybe it was because I never knew what losing was like. But Hillary had my grandmother come over and battle me to get my fighting spirit back."
Cal was a little surprised by that story. "No way! You faced defeat, too?"
Tristan nodded. "Everyone has a bad day. Even I do. But if you just trust in yourself and in your Pokémon, things will get better. You'll see, Cal."
Cal felt better after that. "Thanks, Tristan. I needed to hear those words." He turned back to Professor Elm on the video phone. "Hey, Professor Elm, I have to go, but I hope you'll watch me and Tristan compete in tomorrow's battle."
"I sure will, and good luck to the both of you," replied Professor Elm.
The video screen turned off.
"Well, Tristan, let's give it all we've got in tomorrow's battle, okay?" said Cal. "I don't want you going easy."
Tristan nodded. "Same goes for you, Cal."
Pikachu agreed as Tristan and Cal shook hands.
The following day in the 'A' Stadium, Tristan and Cal prepared to face off as Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi watched from the bench.
All of Tristan and Hillary's Legendary Pokémon friends watched the big screen away from the stadium.
The digital wheel spun round and round until it slowed to one of the red areas.
"So Cal from New Bark Town will make the first move," said the announcer. "Tristan from New Bark Town will follow."
"Here I come, Tristan," said Cal. "Let's make this a battle for the books."
"You got it, Cal!" replied Tristan excitedly.
"Meganium, let's go!" shouted Cal as he threw his Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (as heard in "Trouble's Brewing"))
Cal's Meganium emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Now that's a pretty strong Meganium," said Tristan to himself as he threw his first Poké Ball. "Venusaur, I choose you!"
Venusaur emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Pikachu was happy to see its former teammate in action again.
But Hillary was confused. "Why use Venusaur against another Grass-type? I thought Tristan was going to use something with more of an advantage. I wonder what he's planning."
Outside the stadium, Lugia and Silveena looked at the big screen.
I never knew Tristan had a Venusaur, remarked Silveena.
Neither have I, replied Lugia. We'll have to see what happens.
"Let the match begin!" declared the referee as he raised both flags in the air.
"Venusaur, Razor Leaf!" shouted Tristan.
Venusaur shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Meganium.
"We'll use Razor Leaf, too!" replied Cal.
Meganium unleashed a flurry of razor-sharp leaves to counter Venusaur's Razor Leaf.
"Both attacks are perfectly matched," said the announcer.
"Let's try Vine Whip instead!" suggested Tristan.
Venusaur unleashed a pair of green vines from the flower on its back at Meganium.
"You heard him, Meganium, use your Vine Whip, too," instructed Cal.
Meganium unleashed a pair of vines from the petals around its neck.
Both sets of vines tugged at one another without giving an inch.
"Both Pokémon are evenly matched with Vine Whip," said the announcer. "This is like a game of tug-of-war."
"Now, Meganium, Body Slam it!" commanded Cal.
With a huge leap, Meganium soared into the air and proceeded to used its full weight to smash Venusaur to the ground.
"Quick, Venusaur, get out of the way!" shouted Tristan.
Venusaur quickly used its vines to knock Meganium off balance and dodge the attack.
"Now, use Sludge Bomb!" ordered Tristan.
Venusaur unleashed multiple globs of brown sludge from the flower on its back, striking Meganium with them.
"That Sludge Bomb scores big time!" said the announcer.
"Whoa, that's not good!" exclaimed Cal.
"Now, Venusaur, finish it off with SolarBeam!" commanded Tristan.
Venusaur prepared its attack by absorbing as much sunlight as it could.
"Oh, yeah? We'll use SolarBeam, too!" replied Cal.
Meganium absorbed the sunlight into its petals, but because of the damage it took from Sludge Bomb, it was able to absorb half as much sunlight.
"Attack!" shouted Tristan and Cal together.
Venusaur and Meganium both unleashed powerful blasts of energy at each other.
Ultimately, Venusaur's SolarBeam was able to push back Meganium's, and score a direct hit.
Meganium collapsed to the ground from the damage it took with a dazed expression on its face. It had been knocked out.
"Meganium is unable to battle...Venusaur wins!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air.
"Venusaur's Sludge Bomb did the damage needed to help it win against Meganium with SolarBeam," said the announcer as the crowd roared in excitement. "Venusaur's Poison-type characteristics gave it a huge advantage."
"That explains why Venusaur was able to withstand Meganium's attacks!" said Hillary.
"That was awesome, Venusaur!" commended Tristan.
Venusaur gave a happy reply.
"Good job, Meganium," said Cal as he recalled it back into his Poké Ball. He then took out his second Poké Ball. "Well, Tristan, I hope you're ready for this!" He threw his ball.
(Music Cue: Rocket Powered Disaster (as heard in "Why? Wynaut!))
A Typhlosion emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Cal's second Pokémon is a Typhlosion!" boomed the announcer.
"Uh-oh," said Hillary worriedly. "With Typhlosion being a Fire-type, that'll put Venusaur at a huge disadvantage."
But Tristan wasn't too worried. Typhlosion may have the advantage against Venusaur, he thought, but I believe in my Pokémon, and I know we'll find a way to overcome this challenge. "Okay, Venusaur, Razor Leaf!" he shouted aloud.
Venusaur shot another flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Typhlosion.
"Burn them with your Flamethrower, Typhlosion!" ordered Cal.
Typhlosion unleashed a stream of fire from its mouth and successfully burned all of Venusaur's leaves.
"That Razor Leaf attack had no effect at all," said the announcer.
"This is looking bad!" exclaimed Hillary. "Grass attacks won't do much damage against a Fire-type like Typhlosion!"
She's right, thought Tristan. I'd better keep Venusaur a safe distance away. "Venusaur, Sludge Bomb attack!" instructed Tristan.
Venusaur unleashed another barrage of poisonous globs from the flower on its back at Typhlosion.
"Typhlosion, dodge it using Quick Attack!" commanded Cal.
Typhlosion quickly moved as a white line streaked behind it, dodging every one of Venusaur's Sludge Bombs, and headed straight toward Venusaur at remarkable speed.
"That's fast!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Fire Blast!" ordered Cal.
Typhlosion, now within striking distance, unleashed a powerful five-pointed flame from its mouth at Venusaur at such close range that Venusaur had no time to dodge when it struck.
"Whoa!" boomed the announcer. "That close-range Fire Blast is doing some serious damage!"
"Venusaur!" cried Tristan.
Venusaur collapsed from the damage it took from Fire Blast with a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Venusaur is unable to battle...Typhlosion is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air.
The crowd roared at the latest turn of events.
"Well, Fire attacks are super-effective against Grass Pokémon, and this proves it," remarked Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
Tristan recalled his Venusaur and held its Poké Ball close to him. "Great job, Venusaur. You deserve a nice rest."
"So now each Trainer has two Pokémon left," said the announcer. "What will Tristan choose as his second Pokémon?"
Tristan took out his second Poké Ball and threw it. "Charizard, go!"
(Music Cue: Real vs. Copy Pokémon (full version as heard in "Hello, Pummelo!"))
Charizard emerged from the white light that shot out of it and gave a mighty roar.
Just outside the stadium, Lugia and Silveena looked closely at the big screen.
Wow, a Charizard! said Lugia excitedly.
That Tristan sure has a unique collection of Pokémon, remarked Silveena.
Back in the arena, Hillary was saying to herself, "I wonder if this was Tristan's plan all along. He could've had the advantage if he used a Water-type, but instead, he's using a Fire-type to combat another Fire-type."
"Charizard, Flamethrower!" ordered Tristan.
Charizard unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Typhlosion.
"Typhlosion, use your Flamethrower, too!" instructed Cal.
Typhlosion unleashed its own stream of fire to collide with Charizard's Flamethrower.
Both attacks collided, creating a huge explosion.
"Those two Flamethrower attacks are evenly matched," said the announcer. "What kind of developments could we see next?"
"Typhlosion, Smokescreen!" shouted Cal.
Typhlosion unleashed a thick, black cloud of smoke from its mouth at Charizard, who was blinded by it.
"Typhlosion's Smokescreen envelops the entire field," said the announcer.
"Blow that Smokescreen away, Charizard!" ordered Tristan.
Charizard flapped its wings, creating a gust of wind that cleared away the smoke instantly.
"Amazing!" said the announcer. "Charizard used its wings to blow the Smokescreen away."
"All right, Typhlosion, use Quick Attack now!" instructed Cal.
Typhlosion ran at blinding speed right at Charizard as a white line streaked behind it, scoring a hit on it.
"You've gotta strike back, Charizard!" shouted Tristan.
Using its thick, scaly tail, Charizard struck right back at Typhlosion.
"Those two Pokémon keep giving one hit after another," said the announcer. "But so far, neither side can do the damage needed to take the other down."
"No, but this surprise might," replied Cal. "Okay, Typhosion, Thunder Punch!"
Typhlosion made a fist, and to everyone's surprise, electricity crackled in it, and it struck Charizard full-force.
"What a shock!" boomed the announcer. "Typhlosion scores a direct hit with a surprise Thunder Punch!"
"Charizard!" cried Tristan.
Charizard was sent careening into one of the stadium walls. Then it fell to the ground, defeated.
"Charizard is unable to battle...Typhlosion wins!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag in the air to the roar of the crowd.
"Folks, Charizard was defeated by a powerful Electric attack," said the announcer. "Typhlosion has proven that it's one tough opponent."
"Sorry about that, Charizard," whispered Tristan as he held his Poké Ball close to him. "I wasn't expecting that." He put it away and took out his third Poké Ball. "I'm counting on you, Blastoise, it's just you and me now. I choose you!" He then threw the ball.
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle (full version))
Blastoise emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Tristan's final Pokémon is Blastoise," said the announcer. "And this one looks tough. But will it be strong enough to defeat Cal, who still has two Pokémon?"
"Let's hope so," whispered Hillary. "With that Thunder Punch, Blastoise could be in for some serious trouble."
"Okay, Blastoise, let's show 'em what you can do!" said Tristan.
Blastoise nodded. It had been waiting to get back into battle for quite some time, and now it felt ready to take on a strong opponent like Typhlosion, plus whatever else Cal had.
"Let's turn up the heat!" said Cal excitedly. "Typhlosion, Flamethrower!"
Typhlosion unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Blastoise.
"Blastoise, Hydro Pump!" ordered Tristan.
Blastoise's cannons were drawn, and it unleashed two powerful blasts of water from them; they not only doused Typhlosion's Flamethrower, but scored a direct hit on Typhlosion as well.
"Hydro Pump scores a direct hit, causing big disruptions for Typhlosion," boomed the announcer.
"That Blastoise is well-trained, Tristan," remarked Cal. "But don't think we're finished yet! Typhlosion, give it a Thunder Punch!"
Typhlosion leaped up, and proceeded to make another electrified fist. It then prepared to strike Blastoise.
"Blastoise, use Dig!" instructed Tristan.
Quickly, Blastoise jumped into the air and burrowed underground.
"Blastoise narrowly escapes Typhlosion's Thunder Punch and hides below the surface," said the announcer.
"Heads up, Typhlosion!" advised Cal. "Blastoise could come up anywhere!"
Typhlosion nodded and carefully listened for Blastoise.
But suddenly, there was a rumble, a roar, and then, Blastoise emerged from right under Typhlosion's feet, sending it skyward.
"Whoa! What a surprise that was!" said the announcer. "Blastoise's Dig scores a huge direct hit, leaving Typhlosion completely defenseless!"
"Now that's the way to do it," said Hillary. "Way to go, Tristan."
"We're not done yet!" said Cal. "Typhlosion, give it a Thunder Punch, and use it at full power!"
Typhlosion, still in midair, managed to right itself, and charged at Blastoise with another electrified fist.
"Blastoise, Hydro Pump!" ordered Tristan.
Blastoise unleashed two more powerful blast of water from its cannons and scored another clean hit on Typhlosion.
"A direct hit from Hydro Pump is doing the job," boomed the announcer.
"Blastoise, finish it off with Surf attack!" shouted Tristan.
Blastoise unleashed a wave of water from its body and surfed on it, striking Typhlosion with the wave.
"Wow, hang ten!" boomed the announcer. "Blastoise's Surf is making this battle a day at the beach!"
"Typhlosion!" cried Cal.
The water cleared up, and Typhlosion fell to the ground in a heap, defeated.
"Typhlosion is unable to battle...Blastoise is the winner!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag in the air.
The crowd roared in excitement.
"Each Trainer has only one Pokémon left for battle," said the announcer.
"Good work, Typhlosion," smiled Cal as he recalled it back into its Poké Ball. Then he took out his third Poké Ball. "Now it's time for my best Pokémon. Okay, Feraligatr, let's...go!" He then threw his ball.
(Music Cue: Johto Champion Battle (full version as heard in "Dueling Heroes"))
His Feraligatr emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Cal's final Pokémon is Feraligatr," boomed the announcer. "And it's ready for a serious battle."
Sure enough, Blastoise and Feraligatr eyed each other warily. They were both not only strong, but they both had fully evolved from their basic stages.
Tristan and Cal both knew that this last battle was going to be a tough one.
Hillary, however, was excited. "Wow! Blastoise going up against Feraligatr is a matchup I've never even seen before!"
Pikachu and Togepi cheered as loudly as they could for Tristan and Blastoise.
"First move wins it!" said Cal. "Feraligatr, Hydro Pump now!"
Feraligatr unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Blastoise.
"Blastoise, use your Hydro Pump attack, too!" instructed Tristan.
Blastoise unleashed two devastating blasts of water from its cannons to counter Feraligatr's Hydro Pump.
"Now it's a battle of Hydro Pumps," said the announcer.
"Feraligatr, Slash attack!" shouted Cal.
Feraligatr charged at Blastoise using its claws to attack.
"Blastoise, Skull Bash now!" ordered Tristan.
Blastoise glowed in a silver aura and used its head to collide with Feraligatr.
"Both Pokémon are matching move for move with no signs of letting up," boomed the announcer.
"You know, Tristan, your Blastoise is really good!" remarked Cal.
"Oh yeah? Your Feraligatr's really strong, too!" replied Tristan.
"Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump!" commanded Cal.
Feraligatr unleashed another blast of water from its mouth and scored a direct hit on Blastoise.
However, Blastoise was even more determined after that attack.
"Use your Hydro Pump attack again, go!" ordered Tristan.
Blasstoise launched two more powerful blasts of water from its cannons and scored a clean hit on Feraligatr.
"Now Blastoise, use Dig!" instructed Tristan.
Blastoise quickly burrowed underground.
"Oh, no you don't!" replied Cal. "Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump to fill that hole!"
Feraligatr unleashed another blast of water from its mouth inside the hole that Blastoise had just dug, causing the ground underneath to shake.
"Blastoise, you've gotta get out of that hole, fast!" shouted Tristan.
Blastoise tried, but the water filled up so fast that it didn't have time to escape.
"That flood of water inside the hole is bound to cause big problems for Blastoise!" boomed the announcer. "Can Blastoise escape in time?"
Sure enough, when the ground opened up, Blastoise had been sent skyward, and then it started to fall toward the ground.
"We're not finished yet!" said Tristan. "Use Hydro Pump now!"
Blastoise, still falling, managed to fire two blasts of water from its cannons and scored a direct hit on Feraligatr.
"Unbelievable!" boomed the announcer. "Blastoise scored a huge direct hit, even when it was falling!"
"Now that was awesome," remarked Hillary. "Using Hydro Pump not only dealt damage, but it should help with Blastoise's current predicament, too."
Sure enough, thanks to Blastoise's Hydro Pump, it managed to soften its landing and landed safely on the ground.
"I must admit, you're really good," remarked Cal. "But every battle has to come to an end at some point."
"True, but I'm having a great time battling you," replied Tristan. "Now what do you say we finish this up?"
"You got it!" agreed Cal.
Then both Trainers commanded, "Ice Beam, let's go!"
(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Both Blastoise and Feraligatr gathered up as much energy as they could muster. Then they unleashed ice-cold beams of energy from their mouths at each other.
Both attacks collided in midair with neither side giving an inch.
Blastoise and Feraligatr were doing everything they could to win out.
"Both Ice Beam attacks are evenly matched," boomed the announcer. "Which one will win out?"
"Feraligatr, maximum power!" shouted Cal.
Feraligatr quickly turned up the velocity on its Ice Beam and started to push it toward Blastoise.
"You, too, Blastoise, give it all you've got!" commanded Tristan.
Blastoise turned up the power on its Ice Beam attack, too, and sure enough, both attacks were evenly matched once again.
Seconds later, there was a tremendous explosion of energy that rocked the stadium and everyone around it.
Outisde, Lugia, Silveena, and all the watching Legendary Pokémon braced themselves as the impact went on.
Back in the stadium, the smoke from that icy explosion was just clearing, and Blastoise and Feraligatr stared at each other, seemingly exhausted.
"Those two Pokémon are showing signs of fatigue," boomed the announcer. "But which one will emerge triumphant?"
Blastoise and Feraligatr gave each other a small smile. Then they both collapsed to the ground at the same time.
"Blastoise and Feraligatr are unable to continue the battle!" declared the referee as he raised both flags in the air.
(Music Cue: Ending 1997-1998 (as heard in "Fowl Play"))
The crowd roared in excitement at that revelation.
"What a finish!" boomed the announcer. "And this battle ends in a draw!"
"Great job, Blastoise," commended Tristan as he stroked it. "I'm very proud of you."
Blastoise gave a weak, but happy, reply.
"You were so awesome, Feraligatr," smiled Cal. "You gave it your all out there."
Feraligatr gave a satisfied reply.
"This completes competition for Division 'G' in the 'A' Stadium," said the announcer. "With three points for his victory in his earlier battle and one for a tie in this one, Tristan's four total points send him to the Victory Tournament."
"You were awesome, Tristan," commended Cal. "That Blastoise of yours was really something. And I had a great time battling you."
"Thanks, Cal," replied Tristan. "You and that Feraligatr were awesome, too."
Blastoise and Feraligatr then shook hands and gave each other a smile.
"Look at that," remarked Hillary. "Blastoise and Feraligatr, despite not knowing each other, and being the fully evolved forms of their basic starter forms from Kanto and Johto, have become really good friends."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed. They always like happy situations where people and Pokémon remain friends, win or lose.
Satchel was waving to Tristan in the audience. "Hey, Tristan, congratulations! Now go out there and win the Championship! I'll be rooting for you!"
"Yes," said Tristan to himself. "And I'll be the Johto League Champion!"
On the way back to the Athletes' Village, Tristan and Hillary saw Jack Pollockson's concession stand.
"Hey, look at all those paintings!" said Hillary. "Jack Pollockson must've sold a lot of them by now."
"He must be doing well here," added Tristan. "I bet a lot of those people are very happy to see them."
They saw a red-haired Trainer just outside the Pokémon Center.
"It's Silver!" gasped Tristan.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Decision (full version)))
"So you made it through after all," smirked Silver. "I knew you would. But I wouldn't get your hopes up too high, because your next win against me is not going to happen." And he gave out an even bigger smile.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Tristan suspiciously.
"Come on inside, and you'll find out."
And they came inside and looked at the board of the remaining Trainers.
Sure enough, Ash had made it through, and so did Gary.
Then they saw that Ash and Gary were going to be battling each other in the Victory Tournament.
"Wow, looks like Ash and Gary are really going to go head to head out there," remarked Tristan. "Well, Gary may have helped Ash out, not to mention me, too, but I'm going to be rooting for Ash all the way, because I know he's gonna win."
"Uh, Tristan, I'd pay more attention to you than to Ash," reminded Hillary. "Just take a look."
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Ash Appears! (full version)))
Sure enough, to Tristan's shock, they found out that Silver had been pitted against him.
"I knew you'd make it to the Victory Tournament, Tristan," smiled Silver. "Now we'll see which one of us is really the better Trainer."
"Looks like there are a lot of difficult battles ahead," remarked Hillary to Tristan.
Togepi trilled in agreement. It could just tell that the air was charged with energy from all the Trainers who were there, particularly the rivalry between Tristan and Silver.
Tristan knew that he'd won battle after battle against Silver before. But he could tell that this battle against Silver was going to be the toughest one yet. "Yeah? Well, you'd better watch out, Silver, 'cause I'm gonna put you in your place once and for all."
Pikachu agreed with determination.
And so, as the big day for Tristan and Silver's big faceoff draws near, will Tristan emerge triumphant against him again? Find out as the Johto League Silver Conference rages on!
► TO BE CONTINUED