AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 3 of the continuing adventures of Tristan and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. This chapter is based off of my experiences of meeting Wally for the first time in the Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald version main series games. Also, this episode is partially based off of the Pokémon: Advanced episode: "There's No Place Like Hoenn." Out of the four characters in Norman's family, Norman is the only one who does make an appearance. And unfortunately, Taz makes a return appearance, still a member of Team Rocket, and still causing who knows what kind of trouble. Hopefully, you'll be able to enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoy writing it.
TEASER: Tristan and his cousins meet Wally, a soon-to-be Pokémon Trainer, who wants to catch his very first Pokémon, but Taz captures a Ralts, and Wally must summon up his courage to save it from him!
Chapter 3: GOING THROUGH THE WALLY
(Music Cue: Petalburg City (full version))
Tristan and his best friend Pikachu are beginning their new journey, along with his cousins, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa. Today, we find them arriving in Petalburg City, home of the first Hoenn League Gym.
"Wow, Pikachu, there it is!" said Tristan excitedly as he and Pikachu came to the top of the hill overlooking a huge city.
Pikachu was just as excited.
"Hey, Tristan, is that it?" asked Wayne as he, Marc, and Lisa caught up to him.
"It sure is," answered Tristan. "Look over there."
Sure enough, they had arrived at their destination.
"Yup, that's Petalburg City, all right," said Lisa.
"I wonder what the Gym Leader is like," put in Marc. "It could be very interesting, considering this is your first Gym, and only having two Pokémon to battle with."
"Don't worry, Marc," Tristan assured him. "With Pikachu and Mudkip on my side, I'm sure we'll give it nothing but our very best shot."
Pikachu happily agreed.
Wayne looked a little less sure of himself. "I'm not so sure I should be competing in Gym Battles, Tristan. All I have is Torchic, and I haven't caught one single Pokémon yet. Maybe it'd be best if I just go back to Littleroot Town."
"Nah, you're doing just fine," replied Tristan. "Remember, you're just beginning, and you and Torchic haven't been in many battles yet."
"Tristan's right," added Lisa. "And with a little more experience, you'll get much stronger, and things'll be much better. You'll see."
Wayne gave a sigh of relief. "Thanks a lot, you guys. Really."
"What are friends and cousins for?" smiled Tristan. But first, let's go stop by the Pokémon Center so we can rest up a bit."
"Yeah, great idea," agreed Wayne. "I could use a rest."
"No rest for the weary, I always say," chuckled Marc as he and the others laughed and walked down the hill toward Petalburg City.
"Hi, Nurse Joy," said Tristan as he and his cousins entered the Pokémon Center a few minutes later.
"Hi, and welcome to the Pokémon Center," smiled Nurse Joy. "And what a lively, attractive group we have here."
"Thanks a lot," replied Wayne. "Actually, we came here to give our Pokémon a little checkup."
"Sure, I'll take care of them," said Nurse Joy.
Everyone handed Pikachu and their Poké Balls to Nurse Joy.
"Hey, guys, why don't we give Mom and Dad a call?" suggested Marc.
"Yeah, I'm in," replied Lisa.
"Yeah, great idea, Marc. Good thinking," agreed Wayne. "Hey, Tristan, wanna check in on them with us while we wait?"
"If you mean Aunt Amy and Uncle Greg, of course I do," answered Tristan.
(Music Cue: Oldale Town (full version))
"Oh, that's wonderful," smiled Amy on the video phone. "You all made it to Petalburg City already."
"That's right, Ma," replied Wayne. "Tristan and I are planning to challenge the Petalburg Gym Leader as soon as we get our Pokémon back."
"And we're gonna win, too," added Tristan.
"Well, well," chuckled Amy. "I like the fighting spirit you two have. But while I admire your confidence, perhaps you realize that you'll need three Pokémon for this Gym battle, right?"
Tristan and Wayne gasped in surprise.
Now she tells us! thought Wayne.
"That's just great. I only have two Pokémon," said Tristan.
"And Torchic's the only one I've got," put in Wayne.
"Don't worry, guys," Amy assured them. "There's still plenty of time before the Hoenn League begins, and I'm sure you'll both get enough badges to qualify before then. Just remember to do your best and have fun journeying in the meantime."
"Okay," replied Tristan and Wayne together.
"Oh, by the way, Mom, how's Dad?" wondered Lisa.
"Oh, your dad's doing fine," answered Amy. "He's just outside taking care of mowing the lawn. His tireless attitude never seems to slow him down. That's what makes him so happy."
"We're so glad to hear it," said Wayne.
"You'll say hi to him for us, won't ya?" asked Marc.
"Don't worry, I will," promised Amy. "Well, I have to go now, but I'll be cheering you both on in the meantime. Be sure to keep Wayne and the others out of trouble, okay, Tristan?"
"You can count on it, Aunt Amy," replied Tristan.
"Take care, kids, and remember I love you all," smiled Amy as the video transmission ended.
Just then, Nurse Joy came back out with Pikachu and the other Poké Balls. "Well, here you are. Everyone is ship-shape and ready for action."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy," smiled Tristan as Pikachu leaped back onto his shoulder.
"Yeah, thanks a lot," added Wayne. "I can tell my Torchic's getting stronger already just by getting these checkups."
"There's more to it than just checkups, you know," put in Marc. "You actually have to have your Torchic win battles, and judging by the looks of your battle record, it hasn't won one."
Wayne felt insulted. "Oh, yeah? I'll show you a battle you can't win!"
"Oooh, I'm shaking."
Tristan and Lisa had to stand between them to break up the fight.
"Whoa, take it easy, guys," said Tristan.
"He started it!" accused Wayne and Marc as they pointed to each other.
"Now, now, you two, act your age and not your shoe size," coaxed Lisa.
"She's right," reminded Nurse Joy. "Remember, this is a Pokémon Center. Places like this are never to be used for personal fights. And besides, there are other Trainers here, not just you."
"Yes, ma'am," sighed Wayne and Marc. They were most ashamed.
"Well, what do you say we have a look around Petalburg City?" suggested Tristan. "It'll give us something to do, and we'll look for someone to meet."
"Yeah, I'm cool with that," agreed Marc.
"Me, too," added Lisa.
"Well, I always feel better when we meet somebody new anyway," finished Wayne. "All right, let's go."
Nurse Joy waved to them as they left. "Goodbye, and be careful out there!"
"So what's the plan, Tristan?" asked Wayne as he and the others walked around Petalburg City a few minutes later.
"Well, I might as well check out the Petalburg Gym," answered Tristan. "Even though I won't be able to have an official Gym battle there just yet, I'd still like to have a sneak peek. Plus, I want to battle the Gym Leader just for fun. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu eagerly nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, they heard somebody coughing in the distance.
"Did you hear that?" asked Lisa.
"Sounds like somebody may be sick," replied Marc. "Come on, let's go see if we can help them."
And everyone ran off in the direction of the coughing sound. Seconds later, they ran into a little boy with messy green hair, pale skin, and bluish gray eyes. He was wearing a white buttoned-up shirt and slightly baggy trousers.
"Hey, kid, can we help you?" asked Tristan.
The boy tried to speak, but was having trouble breathing. "I want to...try to..." But he was hacking so much that he couldn't be understood.
"This is awful," remarked Lisa. "The poor boy can barely talk. Marc, don't you have something that can help?"
"Sorry, Lisa, I don't have anything that can help a poor boy's throat," answered Marc. "Oldale Town doesn't have any cough drops, you know."
"Cough drops?" repeated Tristan. "That's it!" He quickly dug into his backpack and pulled out a bag of small tablets. He gave two of them to the boy and said, "Here, take these."
The boy took the drops, one at a time, put them in his mouth, rolled them around in it for a while, and swallowed the dissolved liquid. Seconds later, he managed to catch his breath. "Thanks a lot. You really helped me out."
"Aw, don't mention it," replied Tristan. "This is one of Grandma's homemade remedies. She packed those for me just before I left for the Hoenn region."
"Wow, no wonder you're ready for anything," remarked Wayne. "I can't even remember half of the things my mother always teaches me to pack." He turned to Wally. "So what were you trying to say to us anyway?"
"I was trying to say that I wanted to catch my own Pokémon," explained the boy. "But I've been too sick for the past few days to do so."
"Well, maybe we can help you out," said Tristan. "Hi, I'm Tristan, and this is Pikachu."
Pikachu greeted the boy warmly.
"My name's Wayne," said Wayne.
"Hi, I'm Lisa," put in Lisa.
"And my name's Marc," finished Marc.
"I'm Wally," said the boy. "It's really nice to meet you all."
Wally explained the situation as he walked along with Tristan and his cousins through Petalburg City. "I was hoping I could get some help from Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader."
"No way! Norman's the Gym Leader here?" Wayne was a little surprised.
"Yeah, they say that Norman's supposed to be one of the best Gym Leaders in the Hoenn region. He uses Normal-type Pokémon, and is the father of two young kids named May and Max."
"Sounds like a family that battles together stays together," remarked Wayne.
"Well, I saw May and Max leave the Gym to go on a journey with another Trainer named Ash just yesterday, so I don't know when they'll be back again."
"That's too bad," sighed Tristan. "I wanted to see Ash again and see how he was doing. But when you're on a journey, you can't just stop and say hello all the time. He and I both finished in the Best Eight in the Johto League Silver Conference."
"Wow, the Best Eight? That's impressive!" said Wally excitedly. "Now I wanna catch my own Pokémon even more!" The thought of battling got him so excited that he ran past them toward the Gym before anyone else could stop him.
"Hey, wait for us, Wally!" called Marc and Lisa.
"And me!" added Tristan as he and Pikachu followed.
"Hey, you guys seem to be forgetting something: Me!" put in Wayne as he ran after them.
They arrived at the Petalburg Gym in half a minute less than no time.
"I wonder why we're here of all places," said Lisa. "Besides just getting a chance to battle Norman, I mean."
"Because I wanna see him in person," answered Wally.
"Why's that, Wally?" asked Tristan.
"I want him to help me catch a Pokémon of my very own," explained Wally. "Then I can go on my own journey and make new friends with Pokémon."
"Come on, man," smiled Wayne. "You can't just expect him to help ya out when we have better things to do."
But Wally didn't hear him and rushed inside before Wayne can stop him.
"Hey, come back, kid!" called Wayne. "Ya can't go in there!"
"It's okay, Wayne," Marc assured him. "This'll be his first big step. He needs to learn to be as independent as possible so he can take care of himself."
"Marc's right," agreed Tristan. "Wally will be fine. And I'm sure the Gym Leader won't mind helping him out. Besides, what's the worst the Gym Leader can say?"
"Try 'no,'" answered Wayne, Marc, and Lisa in unison.
And they followed Wally inside.
"Um, excuse me, but could you help me please?" Wally was speaking with a tall, lean, middle-aged man with short black hair with a single fringe in the center, wearing a dark red long jacket, blue-gray trousers, and black boots.
"Yes, kid, I'd be happy to help you out," answered the man. "Oh, wait! You must be Wally! I've seen you pass by the Gym lots of times. How may I be of assistance today?"
"I wanna catch my own Pokémon," explained Wally. "That way, I can go on my own journey someday. But first I wanna stay with my relatives in Verdanturf Town until I'm over my breathing trouble. But I don't wanna be lonely by myself."
Presently, Tristan and his cousins arrived.
The man saw them come in. "Ah, you must be Wally's friends. Wally has asked me a big favor, so I was hoping you'd be able to help him out."
"Sure we would," replied Tristan. "I'm Tristan, and these are my cousins, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa, and my partner, Pikachu, on my shoulder."
"Hi there!" said Wayne, Marc, and Lisa in unison.
Pikachu greeted the man warmly as well.
"I'm Norman," replied the man. "I'm the Petalburg Gym Leader."
This made Tristan excited. "That's awesome! Hey, Norman, could you have a battle with me? Not an official Gym Battle, but just for fun."
Now it was Norman's turn to smile. "I don't see why not." He turned to Wally. "Would you like to watch a Pokémon battle, Wally?"
"Oh, yes, please!" answered Wally excitedly. "I've never seen a Pokémon battle before!"
Tristan and Pikachu faced Norman on the battlefield as his cousins and Wally watched.
"I wonder what Pokémon Norman's gonna use," wondered Wayne.
"I don't know, Wayne," replied Lisa. "But knowing him, he's gonna use a really strong Pokémon."
"Let's have a one-on-one Pokémon battle with no substitutions, agreed?" suggested Norman.
"Agreed," answered Tristan.
"Okay, Vigoroth, I choose you!" shouted Norman as he threw a Poké Ball.
A white sloth-like Pokémon with a teardrop shape tuft on red fur on its head, plus two brown stripes on its back, and two large claws on its hands and feet.
"A Vigoroth? What's that?" wondered Tristan as he looked up its data in his Pokédex.
"Vigoroth, the Wild Monkey Pokémon. Vigoroth is only comfortable going berserk, will destroy anything by spinning both arms, and goes more berserk when done."
"Wow, sounds pretty scary!" exclaimed Marc.
"No kidding!" agreed Marc. "I wouldn't wanna meet that thing in a dark alley!"
"Let's go, Pikachu!" commanded Tristan.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Wild Pokémon Battle (full version as heard in "There's No Place Like Hoenn"))
Wasting no time, Pikachu leaped on the battlefield and prepared to battle Vigoroth.
"So, a Pikachu, eh?" smiled Norman. "Interesting." Then he thought to himself, It seems really strong. Hmm...I wonder what Tristan's strategy is.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu streaked toward Vigoroth with a white line streaking behind it.
But Vigoroth saw it coming and quickly dodged the attack with lightning speed.
"It dodged it?" gasped Lisa.
"But that's impossible!" put in Wayne. "First attacks are almost never off target!"
"Okay, Vigoroth, use Scratch attack!" instructed Norman.
Vigoroth charged in and proceeded to attack with its long claws on its hands.
"Dodge it, Pikachu!" shouted Tristan.
But unfortunately, Vigoroth was going so fast that Pikachu had no time to dodge Vigoroth's claws, causing it to score a clean hit on it and sending it to the ground.
"That's what I call powerful!" exclaimed Wayne.
"Are you okay, Pikachu?" asked Tristan.
Pikachu quickly got back up on its feet and gave a hard nod. It wouldn't be taken down without a hard battle.
But that was just the kind of challenge Norman had been waiting for, for he commanded, "Use a barrage of Scratch attacks!"
Vigoroth charged in for the attack using its sharp claws.
"Quick, dodge!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu jumped out the way, but Vigoroth anticipated Pikachu's movement and struck it anyway, sending it rolling on the ground.
Meanwhile, just outside, a familiar bearded man was watching the battle. Sure enough, it was Taz, the person Tristan had run into many times before. "Boy, if I could get a Pokémon as powerful as that, I'd go berserk, too. That kid would never stand a chance against me." Presently, he saw a humanoid Pokémon with a white body slowly passing by. Its red eyes were kept out of sight by green hair resembling a bowl cut, and it had two red horns on the top of its head. It slowly turned toward Taz, little realizing the danger it was about to be in, for an idea popped into his head at once. "I think I found myself a winner," he said with an evil smirk.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" instructed Tristan.
Pikachu unleashed a fast and powerful yellow bolt of electricity from its body and managed to score a direct hit on Vigoroth.
"Vigoroth!" exclaimed Norman.
"Yeah, that's it, Pikachu!" commended Tristan.
"Awesome!" said Wally excitedly. "That's what I call a powerful attack!"
"Yes, and fast, too!" smiled Marc. "Vigoroth's in big trouble now!"
But unbelievable, though it may seem, Marc was wrong, for Vigoroth managed to break free of Pikachu's Thunderbolt, much to everyone's surprise.
"No way!" exclaimed Tristan.
"How'd it break free of that?!" put in Wayne.
"Now Vigoroth, finish it up with Scratch attack!" instructed Norman.
Vigoroth, still having plenty of energy, charged in for the attack and used its claws to score multiple clean hits on Pikachu, who couldn't dodge in time.
"Now let's wrap it up," smiled Norman.
Vigoroth put in one more powerful hit with its claws and sent Pikachu flying into the wall and falling toward the ground, knocking it out.
Everyone gasped in shock.
"Oh, no! Pikachu!" cried Tristan as he rushed to it and gently helped it back up. "Are you okay, buddy?"
Pikachu opened its eyes and gave a weak, but happy reply.
"You were awesome, Pikachu," commended Tristan. "You just take it easy for awhile."
Pikachu gave a nod as Tristan carried it in his arms.
"Well, I guess that's that," said Norman.
"I guess so," replied Tristan. "That Vigoroth of yours is really something, Norman. But I know I'm gonna get a lot stronger, and then I'll be back to challenge you again."
"That's the spirit," smiled Norman. "Keep that up, and you'll be ready for me in no time."
"How'd you like the battle, Wally?" asked Lisa.
"It's a shame that Tristan lost, but the battle was so exciting! I just can't get enough!" replied Wally excitedly.
Just then, they heard a shrill cry off in the distance.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Decission (full version as heard in "The Mystery Menace")))
"What was that?" wondered Lisa.
"It sounds like some kind of Pokémon," replied Marc.
"And it's in trouble!" put in Wayne. "Come on!" And he, Marc, and Lisa all dashed out of the Gym toward the source of that sound.
"But wait, what about..." Wally began.
But Norman, remembering his promise, gave him a Poké Ball and said, "Here's a Zigzagoon to help you catch your first Pokémon. It might even help you save that Pokémon that's in trouble right now."
"Wow, thanks so much, Norman!" said Wally excitedly. "Come on, Tristan, let's go save that Pokémon!"
"I'm with you, Wally, let's go!" agreed Tristan as he, Pikachu, and Wally raced after the others posthaste.
"Be careful out there!" called Norman as he watched them leave.
(Music Cue: Wicked Plot (full version))
Meanwhile, Taz had just bagged the little Pokémon that had been following him. "Heh. A brand-new Pokémon oughta make a nice little boost for me."
Wayne, Marc, and Lisa were the first to arrive on the scene and saw Taz.
"Ahhhh, fresh meat," smirked Taz as they approached.
"Hey, you! Who do you think you are?!" demanded Wayne.
"It's none of your beeswax," answered Taz. "Besides, I was having some fun with this baby Pokémon, that's all."
The little Pokémon struggled and squirmed in the bag.
"Well, it doesn't like being cooped up in that little bag you threw it in!" put in Marc.
"Yes, you thief, so let it go!" added Lisa.
"Thief? I ain't no thief," said Taz, pretending to be innocent. "I found this Pokémon, and it simply wanted to go with me."
Presently, Tristan, Pikachu, and Wally arrived on the scene and exclaimed in shock.
"Oh, no!" gasped Wally. "That mean old man has captured the Pokémon!"
"It's Taz again!" grunted Tristan disdainfully.
Taz gave a snarl. "Ugh! Can't I ever get rid of that stuck-up kid?"
"Wait, so you know that guy?" asked Wayne, who was as surprised as Marc and Lisa were.
"He's a poacher who follows me everywhere I go," explained Tristan. "And he's a member of Team Rocket, too."
Taz then gave a smirk. "Well, since you're here, look at the sweet little prize I managed to snatch." And he took out the Pokémon and held it by the neck.
"That poor Pokémon," sighed Lisa sadly.
"I'll see what it is," said Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. Ralts is the pre-evolved form of Kirlia. It can use the horns on its head to read human emotions. Ralts rarely shows itself to humans, but may occasionally approach when it senses positive or happy feelings."
"'Feelings.' Bah!" said Taz scornfully. "I don't care about this whole 'feelings' nonsense. Go get 'em, Electabuzz!" And he threw a Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, and Groudon Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of "There's No Place Like Hoenn"))
Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Wayne, Marc, and Lisa cringed.
"So which one of youse amateurs would like to take a shock...er, I mean 'shot' at my Electabuzz?" smirked Taz evilly.
Electabuzz flexed its muscles, ready for a battle.
Wayne, getting over his shock, decided to charge in. "You don't scare me, Taz! I'll face you! Now, Torchic, let's go!" he shouted as he threw his Poké Ball.
His Torchic emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"So, a Torchic," smirked Taz. "Another new one. This'll be a piece of cake."
"Yeah? I'll make you have your cake and eat it, too!" retorted Wayne. "Now, Torchic, use Ember attack!"
Torchic unleashed a stream of little fireballs from its beak at Electabuzz.
However, Electabuzz charged in and punched through them with its fists without having to use any attacks.
"My Ember attack's not working!" gasped Wayne.
"Thunder Punch!" ordered Taz.
Electricity crackled through Electabuzz's right fist, and it scored a huge direct hit on Torchic.
Everyone gasped in horror.
"Aah! My little Torchic!" cried Wayne.
"And now, I'll be taking this Ralts and my leave. Now, Magmar, use your Smokescreen!" commanded Taz as he threw a second Poké Ball.
Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it, and it unleashed a thick, black cloud of smoke from its mouth, enveloping everyone in it and causing them all to gasp and cough.
Wally, unfortunately, was suffering the most as he coughed the hardest.
"Oh, no! Wally!" gasped Lisa.
"This is dangerous!" exclaimed Marc. "If we don't do something, Wally's gonna get hurt!"
"I'm on it, Marc. Quick, Mudkip, use your Water Gun attack to wash the smoke away!" ordered Tristan as he threw a Poké Ball.
Tristan's Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth at the smoke.
Seconds later, the smoke cleared, and everyone was able to catch their breath.
"Boy, that was close," sighed Wayne. "But Taz is gone!"
"Where'd he disappear to this time?" wondered Tristan.
"He must be used to quick getaways," added Lisa.
"Looks like we've got bigger problems, guys," interrupted Marc as he pointed behind him.
Sure enough, Wally was coughing and having trouble breathing again.
"Wally, you okay?" asked Wayne as he and the others approached.
But Wally struggled to say anything because he was hacking so much.
"Looks like Magmar's Smokescreen damaged Wally's throat," said Lisa. "Can't the cough drops be taken to help him again?"
"I'm afraid not," answered Marc. "Cough drops won't work if too much smoke is inhaled through Wally's lungs."
But Tristan had another idea. He quickly took out his canteen of water and gave it to Wally. "Drink this, Wally," he advised. "It'll help clear the smoke from your lungs."
Wally took his time and drank the water. Eventually, his coughing eased, and he was able to breathe normally again.
"Thanks, Tristan," said Wally. "You really come prepared."
"He's right about that, Tristan," agreed Marc.
Lisa nodded in agreement.
"I'm just glad to hear you're feeling better again, Wally," replied Tristan. "But now, we've gotta focus on saving that Ralts."
"How are we gonna do that?" wondered Wayne. "Taz must be miles away by now."
Presently, Mudkip began to wave the fin on its head and began to walk off.
Tristan was confused. "Mudkip? Where are you going?"
But Mudkip didn't answer. It just kept walking, continuing to wave its fin.
"Of course!" said Marc. "Mudkip must be using that fin on its head to act as a radar to take readings of its surroundings!"
"So if its radar can sense people or objects that are far away..." put in Wayne.
"Then it could lead us straight to Taz!" added Lisa.
"And we can save that poor Ralits!" finished Wally.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" said Tristan excitedly. "Let's go find Taz and get Ralts outta there!"
Everyone agreed as they quickly followed Mudkip to Taz's current location.
Elsewhere in Petalburg City, Taz was admiring his catch in his bag as he prepared to fly off in his balloon. "Now settle down in there while I try to find a snack for me to chow down on."
But the poor Ralts continued to struggle and squirm inside the bag.
"Stop that squirming right now!" ordered Taz. "Or else..."
His Electabuzz, who had been standing right next to him, had an electrified fist ready to torture a frightened Ralts, should it disobey again.
"That's better," smirked Taz. "Now, I can get myself a sandwich."
But thoughts of having lunch were interrupted when suddenly, he and Electabuzz were blasted by a stream of water.
Taz was angry. "Hey! Who did that?!"
(Music Cue: Team Aqua & Magma Grunt Battle (full version))
Presently, he and Electabuzz saw Mudkip staring defiantly at them.
"Oh, so it was you!" growled Taz. "You're gonna pay for soaking me like that! Okay, Electabuzz, show that new water toy what happens when somebody makes me all wet!"
Electabuzz charged in to attack Mudkip, who trembled in fear, by using Thunder Punch.
But a timely Quick Attack by Pikachu not only negated the attack, but sent it flying backward into Taz, causing him to lose his grip on the bag containing the captured Ralts.
Ralts flew out of the bag and ran toward Tristan and the others.
"Ralts, are you okay?" asked Wally.
Ralts nodded happily. It seemed to like Wally instantly.
"I'm so glad," smiled Wally. He then angrily turned to Taz. "How dare you capture this sweet little Ralts! Get ready, 'cause you're going down!" And he took out the Poké Ball that Norman lent him.
"Yeah, that's it!" said Wayne.
"Go for it, Wally!" added Tristan.
"Zigzagoon, go!" shouted Wally as he threw the Poké Ball.
Zigzagoon emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Oh, yeah? Magmar, Smokescreen!" ordered Taz as he threw his second Poké Ball.
Magmar emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed another black cloud of smoke from its mouth.
But Tristan wouldn't have any of it. "Mudkip, Water Gun attack!"
Mudkip unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth, negating Magmar's Smokescreen and scoring a direct hit on Magmar at the same time.
"Hey, no fair!" exclaimed Taz. "I didn't get a chance to smoke the kid out!"
"I won't allow you to endanger Wally again!" retorted Tristan. He turned to Wally. "Ready to help take him down?"
"You bet!" replied Wally.
"We'll see who takes down whom when this thing's all over!" said a defiant Taz. "Okay, youse guys, go get 'em!"
Electabuzz and Magmar charged in for the attack on Mudkip and Zigzagoon.
"Zigzagoon, use Sand-Attack!" instructed Wally.
Zigzagoon used its hind legs to kick up sand into Electabuzz and Magmar's eyes, instantly blinding them.
"Hey, what's going on here?" gasped Taz.
"Way to go, Wally!" cheered Lisa. "Keep it up!"
Pikachu cheered loudly for Wally and Zigzagoon as well.
Ralts was especially impressed with how Wally was doing in battle.
"Looks like Ralts enjoys seeing Wally in action," remarked Wayne.
"It seems to have gained not only some self-confidence, but also confidence in Wally as well," added Marc.
Mudkip, seeing Zigzagoon use its hind legs to kick up sand, decided to follow its lead and dig even deeper into the ground to kick up mud in Electabuzz and Magmar's faces as well.
"What's Mudkip doing?" wondered Tristan.
"I'm not sure, but I think your Mudkip just learned how to use Mud-Slap," answered Wally.
"Mud-Slap?" repeated Tristan. "Is that even a real attack?"
"You bet it is," replied Wally. "It not only deals damage to an opponent, but it lowers their accuracy, too."
Tristan was excited to hear this. "That's awesome! Keep it up, Mudkip!"
"So, those kids know how to fight dirty, eh?" snarled Taz. "Well, they should've joined forces with me instead!"
"Now, Mudkip, Water Gun attack!" ordered Tristan.
Mudkip faced its foes and blasted a stream of water from its mouth, scoring direct hits on Electabuzz and Magmar, sending them flying into Taz.
"Ready to wrap this up, Wally?" asked Tristan.
"Yeah, let's do it!" agreed Wally. "Zigzagoon!"
"Mudkip!"
"Tackle attack!" they commanded together.
Mudkip and Zigzagoon charged in for a full-body style attack as fast as they could, and scored a direct hit so huge that Electabuzz, Magmar, and Taz were all sent skyward.
"We won't forget this!" screamed Taz as he and his Pokémon disappeared into the sky.
DING!
"Wally, you and Zigzagoon were awesome together," commended Tristan.
"Well, you and your Mudkip were awesome, too," replied Wally. "I wasn't expecting it to learn Mud-Slap in the middle of that battle."
Ralts jumped for joy after that victory.
"What's Ralts doing?" wondered Wally.
"It seems to be jumping?" replied Tristan.
"You know, I think Ralts wants to come with you," remarked Wayne. "Don't you think?"
Wally lowered himself to Ralts' eye level. "Is that true? Do you wanna come with me, Ralts?"
Ralts jumped at the suggestion, but then leaped back.
"Now what's it doing?" asked Wally.
"It's true Ralts wants to come with you, Wally, but first you have to prove yourself," answered Marc.
"What Marc means is you'll have to battle it and catch it," added Lisa.
"Yeah, that's what I was gonna say," chuckled Marc.
"Okay, Ralts, I accept your challenge!" said Wally eagerly. "Let's do it, Zigzagoon!"
(Music Cue: Hoenn Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "Having a Wailord of a Time"))
Zigzagoon nodded and readied itself for battle.
"Do you really think Wally can do it?" wondered Wayne.
"Trust me," answered Tristan. "With the way Wally battled today, I know he can."
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Zigzagoon, Tackle attack!" ordered Wally.
Zigzagoon charged full-body style toward Ralts, who nimbly jumped out of the way.
"Whoa, what a jump!" gasped Lisa.
Then Ralts let off an ear-piercing shriek, releasing shockwaves from its mouth in the process.
Everyone who had arms was forced to cover their ears.
"Yikes!" cried Wayne. "What's that awful sound?!"
"Ralts is using its Growl attack!" bellowed Tristan.
"Zigzagoon, stop it with Sand-Attack!" instructed Wally.
Zigzagoon used its hind legs to kick up sand into Ralts' face, temporarily blinding it and stopping its Growl attack.
"All right, it worked!" cheered Wayne. "Now's your big chance, Wally!"
"Zigzagoon, finish it up with Tackle!" commanded Wally.
Zigzagoon rushed in a zigzag pattern full-body style toward Ralts and scored a clean hit on it, sending it flying.
Ralts lay still in daze, knocked out.
"Quick, Wally," said Tristan as he handed him a Poké Ball. "Use this to catch Ralts."
"Right, thanks, Tristan," replied Wally. "Go, Poké Ball!" And wasting no time, he threw the ball, which the Ralts, transforming it into red energy and disappearing inside.
The Poké Ball wiggled as the red light flashed on the button. Then seconds later, a tone was emitted as the red light stopped flashing.
Everyone, including Wally, knew what that meant. "All right!" they cheered.
Wally picked up his Poké Ball and turned to Zigzagoon. "Thank you, Zigzagoon. You were a big help today."
Zigzagoon gave a nod and nuzzled against Wally to show its affection.
"Looks like Wally's gonna be a great Trainer," said Wayne. "I almost feel jealous."
"I know Wally will do his best," replied Tristan. "And that's exactly what we all have to do, too. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu eagerly agreed with him.
(Music Cue: Petalburg City (full version))
That evening, everyone told Norman the story in front of the Petalburg Gym.
"That's excellent," said Norman. "I'm glad to hear that your quest to catch a Pokémon was a success, despite Taz ruining things."
"Thank you so much, Norman," replied Wally as he returned Zigzagoon's Poké Ball to him. "Even though I'll miss working with Zigzagoon, I know Ralts and I will become great friends."
"I know you'll be great," smiled Norman.
"Well, I have to be going to Verdanturf Town now," said Wally. "Thank you all for your help today."
"We were just glad we could help you, Wally," replied Tristan.
"See you soon!" called Wally as he ran off to his destination to tell his relatives the good news.
Everyone waved until Wally was out of sight.
Norman turned to Wayne and Tristan. "I know you two will be great Trainers, too, so I suggest you travel along toward Rustboro City to have your first Gym battle there."
"Rustboro City?" repeated Tristan and Wayne together.
"It's a great place to start testing your skills as Trainers in the Hoenn region," explained Norman. "I have a feeling that once you've earned at least four badges and at least three Pokémon, you'll be ready to come back and challenge me to a battle."
"Okay, we'll be ready for you then," replied Tristan.
Wayne nodded in agreement.
"And before you two go, I have something to give the both of you," continued Norman as he handed both Tristan and Wayne a small, flat case.
"Whoa, badge cases!" said Wayne. "Now we'll be able to store our badges in them!"
"Thanks a lot, Norman," added Tristan.
"Not a problem at all," replied Norman. "Oh, Wayne, I almost forgot, I have a something for you from your mother." He handed him a yellow handheld electronic device.
"What's this?" wondered Wayne.
"It's a Pokémon Navigator," answered Norman. "Or PokéNav for short. It's a device made by the Devon Corporation in Rustboro City. Now you'll be able to find your way to any place you want to travel to. Plus it has many other functions that you'll be able to discover."
"All right!" said Wayne excitedly. "Rustboro City, here we come!" And he zoomed off.
"Hey, wait up, Wayne!" called Marc and Lisa together as they did their best to catch up with him.
"Well, I guess we're leaving now," said Tristan to Norman as he and Pikachu hurried along.
"Have fun, and be careful, okay?" called Norman as he waved to them. "Hope to see you soon!"
And so, having experienced the joys of another great adventure in Petalburg City while helping Wally catch his very first Pokémon, our heroes now begin their journey to Rustboro City, home of Tristan and Wayne's real first Gym Battle, with an excited Wayne quickly leading the way. What new adventures and new Pokémon will they see next in their travels? Stay tuned to find out!
TO BE CONTINUED...