AUTHOR"S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is Chapter 20 of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu's adventures through Kanto. Ash Ketchum and Team Rocket are mentioned in this chapter, but don't make appearances. Erika, the Gym Leader, does make an appearance. As always, please read, review, and remember, feedback of any kind is always welcome.

TEASER: Tristan is ready to face the next Gym Leader in his next chance to earn another Gym Badge. But will Gloom's awful stench stink too much for Tristan and his Charmander?

Chapter 20: THE SCENT-SATIONAL BATTLE

(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard in "Volcanic Panic"))

Today, Tristan and his Pokémon are preparing for his Gym Battle in Celadon City, in high hopes for his fourth Gym Badge. He feels pretty confident in his abilities, especially after a long hard night of battling against Team Rocket! But will he get the sweet smell of success like the scents in Celadon City or will he be left stinking?

"Keep going, guys!" said Tristan as he stretched his body. "Let's really stretch those muscles!"

Pikachu, Ivysaur, Charmander, Wartortle, Butterfree, and Pidgeotto all agreed with him as they stretched, too.

"Wow, Tristan, you seem to be working hard," remarked Hillary.

"I know," replied Tristan. "I'm trying to have everyone loosen up for today's Gym Battle, so my Pokémon are stretching their bodies to be even more flexible and I'm stretching along with them. After all, what kind of Trainer would I be if I didn't stretch with them?"

"Good point," said Hillary.

"Now that we're all warmed up, let's go to the Gym right away!" said Tristan excitedly.

"Ah ah ah!" replied Hillary, stopping him. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

As she spoke, Tristan's stomach grumbled. After that, everyone else's stomach's grumbled, too.

"I forgot, but my stomach sure didn't," laughed Tristan nervously. "Let's have breakfast, and then we'll go to the Gym."

"Now, you're talking!" said Hillary as she and her friends made their way to the Pokémon Center's cafeteria.


After a good breakfast, Tristan and Hillary walked around Celadon City, hoping to find the Gym.

"According to the map," said Tristan, who was studying it closely, "the Gym is supposed to look like a Gloom, but I'm not sure why it looks like one."

"I think the Gym Leader uses Grass Pokémon," replied Hillary. "That may be why. Do you have a strategy for beating them?"

"Butterfree and Pidgeotto can take care of those Grass Pokémon without too much trouble," said Tristan. "And Charmander can handle things if the battle gets really tough." He continued looking at the map. "Now, let's see, if we were to take a left here, and a right there..."

He was looking at the map so closely that he didn't see a young lady with royal blue hair in front of him and bumped into her by accident.

"Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am," stuttered Tristan. "I didn't see you there."

"That's all right," replied the lady. "Just watch where you're going next time."

"There's a surprise," said Hillary sarcastically. "Every time you look at the map, Tristan, you always get yourself into trouble."

"There's nothing wrong with looking at the map," smiled the lady, "if you're looking to find your destination." Then she went into a small trance. "Lovely weather, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is lovely weather today," replied Tristan. Then he took in more of Celadon City's sweet scents. "This place smells as lovely as the weather."

"I'm glad you like it, young man," said the lady.

"I'm used to my grandmother's sweet smelling perfume back in New Bark Town," remarked Tristan.

"Oh, so you're from Johto, then?" asked the lady.

"Yes, we are," replied Tristan.

"Isn't your grandmother's name Veronica by any chance?" asked the lady.

"Yes it is, but how'd you know?" replied Tristan.

"Veronica's been a frequent customer at my perfumery for a long time," replied the lady. "Whenever she can, she stops by Celadon City and picks out some perfume to spread around her house in New Bark Town. However, there are some customers who really dislike the perfume she uses because they think it turns guys into zombies. As a result, Veronica gives them a good scolding, and sometimes, I allow her to stamp an X on the offending customers' faces. The customers get kicked out learning a painful lesson as a result."

"Whoa, don't mess with Grandma," remarked Hillary.

"Yeah," added Tristan. "I sure wouldn't want to get on her bad side." Then he introduced himself. "By the way, my name's Tristan, and this is Pikachu."

"Pikachu!" greeted Pikachu.

"And my name's Hillary," added Hillary. "It's nice to meet you."

The young lady introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you both. My name's Erika. I'm the Gym Leader."

Tristan and Hillary were shocked at the revelation. "You're the Gym Leader?!" they gasped.

"That's right," she giggled.

"We heard that you use Grass Pokémon," said Tristan. "How'd you get inspired to do that?"

"Well, this inspiration actually started when I was a child," replied Erika as she began her story...


(Music Cue: Unconditional Love)

"One day, I was walking through the city and ran into a wild Grimer."

"GRIMER!"

"I cowered in fear as I was very afraid of what it would do to me. Then, out of nowhere, this Gloom came by and noticed my plight."

"GLOOM!"

"It was so kind that it used a horrible stench to send the Grimer scurrying."

"Oh, thank you!"

"Gloom, Gloom!"


"Gloom and I have been together ever since that day," said Erika as she finished her tale. "And that's why I was inspired to become this city's Gym Leader."

"That's a great story," remarked Tristan.

"But why doesn't your Gloom smell so bad all the time?" wondered Hillary. "We can't see it or smell its stench at all."

"That's a great question, Hillary," replied Erika. "First of all, my Gloom's in its Pokéball. But as long as Gloom doesn't feel like it's in any danger, it smells just fine. Just make sure that it feels safe and show that you want to be its friend."

Tristan was getting more determined than ever, then he said, "Erika, I'd like to battle you in the Celadon City Gym. Will you battle with me?"

"I accept your challenge, Tristan," smiled Erika. "After all, it's my duty to accept any and all challenges as Gym Leader."

"Thank you, Erika," said Tristan. "My Pokémon and I are raring to go."

"That's the spirit, Tristan," said Erika. "I'll take you to the Gym. Please follow me."

Tristan and Hillary followed Erika around Celadon City, taking in the sweet scents along the way.


When Tristan and Hillary arrived at the Gym, they were amazed not only by the scents inside, but the greenery and glass ceilings, too.

"This looks just like a greenhouse," remarked Hillary.

"It smells even lovelier than it does outside," added Tristan. "You must be very proud of your work here, Erika."

"Thank you, Tristan," replied Erika happily. "All of this city's sweet scents, including the ones at the perfumery, are made here. The Gym Trainers and I always want to make sure that it smells just right. Even after Team Rocket caused a fire that almost destroyed the Gym some time ago, we managed to get all the ingredients replaced and rebuild the Gym without much trouble."

"I didn't know that you had Gym Trainers here," said Tristan, "and I'm glad that you got this Gym up and running again. Last year, I heard on the news that a brave young Trainer named Ash Ketchum risked his life to save your Gloom from that nasty fire. Isn't that right?"

"That's right, Tristan," replied Erika, "and I'm still very grateful for what he did. Even after he insulted my perfume, his heart was at the right place at the right time, and I showed my gratitude by giving him a Badge."

"I sure would like to meet him someday," said Tristan.

"Me, too," added Hillary.

"Maybe you will," replied Erika, "but for right now, let's do what we came here to do and start our battle." Then she called, "Okay, ladies, it's time for another Gym Battle!"

Suddenly, Erika's Gym Trainers came to the battlefield. They were all ladies, and they behaved like them, too.

Hillary was ecstatic to see the ladies. "Yes! Bring 'em on!" she said excitedly.

Tristan was a little embarrassed, however. "Why am I the only "boy" here in this Gym?" he grumbled.

Erika giggled. "Oh, sorry, Tristan," she said. "I didn't mean to embarrass you like that, but this Gym has all female Gym Trainers."

"I should have known," replied Tristan. Then he regained his focus. "I'm ready for action whenever everyone else is."

Tristan and Erika took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield while Hillary, Pikachu, and the Gym Trainers took their seats in the bleachers.

A female referee came to the field to judge the battle. She had two flags, a green flag in one hand and a red flag in the other. "The official Gym Battle between the Celadon City Gym Leader, Erika, and the challenger, Tristan from New Bark Town, will now begin!" she announced. "Each side will use three Pokémon. The battle will be over when all three of either Trainer's Pokémon will be unable to continue."

"I wonder how Tristan will do in this battle?" wondered Hillary. "He hasn't faced many Grass Pokémon until now."

Pikachu agreed with her.

"We'll see how easy it is for me!" said Erika as she threw her first Pokéball. "Tangela, go!"

A Pokémon with thick blue vines and red boot-like feet materialized from the white light that shot out of it. Its black face and round eyes could be seen through the vines.

Tristan scanned the Pokémon with his Pokédex, Dexter.

"Tangela: The Vine Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Its entire body is wrapped in thick, blue vines. The rest of its form is obscured by these vines. The vines on this Pokémon never stop growing."

"That sounds like Hillary on a bad hair day," teased Tristan.

"I heard that, Tristan!" shouted Hillary from the bleachers. She was clearly insulted by Tristan's latest remark.

"Sorry, sis!" Tristan called back. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Butterfree, I choose you!"

Butterfree materialized from the white light that shot out of it. Its scaly wings sparkled in the sunshine.

"That's a nice Butterfree, Tristan," remarked Erika. "You must have trained it well."

"Thanks, Erika," replied Tristan. "I always try."

"Let the battle begin!" declared the referee as she raised both flags in the air.

(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle)

"Let's get started right away!" said Erika. "Tangela, Vine Whip!"

Multiple vines extended from Tangela's body and were aiming at Butterfree.

"Butterfree, dodge it!" commanded Tristan.

Butterfree flew from side to side, evading Tangela's Vine Whip attack. However, one of Tangela's vines struck it, knocking it off balance.

"Tangela, Constrict!" instructed Erika.

Tangela wrapped its vines around a vulnerable Butterfree and reeled it in close.

"Quick, Butterfree, use your Confusion attack to break free!" shouted Tristan.

Butterfree tried, but Tangela's vines were wrapped around it too tightly for it to move.

"Tangela, Stun Spore!" commanded Erika.

A golden powder was released from Tangela's body and surrounded Butterfree.

Butterfree found it very difficult to move.

"No, Butterfree!" cried Tristan.

"Big trouble!" said Hillary. "Tangela's Stun Spore seems to have worked, making Butterfree completely immobilized!"

Erika giggled and said, "Poor Tristan. After the battle, maybe I should give you some Paralyze Heal to make your Butterfree feel better."

"Sorry, Erika, but I don't need your sympathy," replied Tristan. "Butterfree, try as hard as you can to move!"

Butterfree, still affected by Stun Spore, struggled to break free under great strain.

"That's it, Butterfree, you can do it!" encouraged Tristan.

Butterfree kept squirming and struggling, even though Tangela's grip got tighter and tighter.

"Okay, Butterfree, Psybeam!" yelled Tristan.

Butterfree fired a mysterious beam of light from between its antennae, and hit it at close range, giving it a lot of damage.

Tangela's grip slackened and Butterfree wriggled out of it with great difficulty.

"Yes, it worked!" cheered Hillary. "Now Butterfree's free!"

"Now, use your Sleep Powder!" ordered Tristan.

Butterfree flapped its wings and a silvery powder spread toward Tangela.

Tangela's eyes grew heavy.

"Hang on, Tangela!" encouraged Erika as Tangela tried to resist Butterfree's Sleep Powder.

But it was no good. Tangela slowly fell down to the ground, closed its eyes, and fell fast asleep.

"Butterfree, give it a Psybeam wake-up call!" commanded Tristan.

Another beam of mysterious energy shot out from between Butterfree's antennae. It scored a direct hit on the sleeping Tangela, knocking it out.

"Tangela, no!" cried Erika.

"Tangela is unable to battle...Butterfree wins!" declared the referee as she raised the green flag.

"I knew you could do it, Butterfree!" praised Tristan. "Way to go!"

Butterfree nodded happily with great strain.

Erika returned Tangela to its Pokéball and held it close to her. "Thanks, Tangela," she said. "You earned a good rest." She then looked up at Tristan. "Well done, Tristan. You've proven that anything is possible, even when your Pokémon gets hit by Stun Spore. But let's move on." She took out her second Pokéball and threw it. "Weepinbell, go!"

A yellow bell-shaped Pokémon materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It had one sharp leaf on each side, round eyes, a gaping mouth, and a short stem at the end.

"What's a Weepinbell?" asked Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.

"Weepinbell: The Flycatcher Pokémon," identified Dexter. "When hungry, it swallows anything that moves. Its hapless prey is melted inside by strong acids."

"Whoa, that sounds almost as disgusting as Victreebel's description!" exclaimed Tristan.

(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! (as heard in "Mild 'n Woolly"))

"Weepinbell, give Butterfree a Wrap attack!" commanded Erika.

Weepinbell extended its stem and wrapped it around Butterfree.

"Butterfree, try and hang on!" encouraged Tristan.

But Butterfree was so worn out from its battle with Tangela that it really couldn't do anything.

"Butterfree must be so tired that it doesn't seem to have the strength to handle Weepinbell, also!" said Hillary worriedly.

"Weepinbell, Razor Leaf!" ordered Erika.

Weepinbell fired a flurry of razor sharp leaves, battering Butterfree at point blank range.

Butterfree collapsed to the ground with swirls in its eyes; it had been knocked out.

"Butterfree is unable to battle...Weepinbell wins!" declared the referee as she raised her red flag.

"You did well, Weepinbell," said Erika.

"Weepinbell!" it replied.

"Butterfree, return," said Tristan as Butterfree transformed into a red field of energy and returned back inside its Pokéball. Then he held the Pokéball close to him and said, "You were great. You deserve a nice, long rest." Then he took out his second Pokéball and threw it. "Pidgeotto, I choose you!"

(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "Snack Attack"))

Pidgeotto materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It had an alternating pattern of red and yellow tail feathers and red feathers on its head.

"Pidgeotto should have the type advantage, but who knows what's going to happen since Erika's the Gym Leader," remarked Hillary.

Pikachu once again agreed with her.

"Weepinbell, Razor Leaf again!" commanded Erika.

Weepinbell fired a flurry of razor sharp leaves at Pidgeotto.

"Blow those leaves away with your Gust attack, Pidgeotto!" ordered Tristan.

Pidgeotto furiously flapped its wings, creating a huge gust of wind, and sure enough, the leaves were sent back at Weepinbell, who got battered by them.

"No, Weepinbell!" cried Erika.

"Now finish it off with your Quick Attack!" shouted Tristan.

Pidgeotto quickly flew toward Weepinbell with a white line trailing behind it. It rammed into Weepinbell, scoring a clean hit. Weepinbell had Xs in its eyes. It had been knocked out.

"Weepinbell is unable to battle...Pidgeotto's the winner!" declared the referee as she raised her green flag.

"Good job, Pidgeotto!" praised Tristan. "You really showed them what you can do!"

Pidgeotto squawked happily. It always loved to battle and win ever since Tristan saved it from a certain defeat at the Cerulean Gym. Now it was continually returning the favor by doing its best in battle.

Erika returned Weepinbell to its Pokéball. "Good job, Weepinbell," she said. "You fought hard." Then she looked up at Tristan. "As for you, Tristan, you've proven yourself to be a worthy opponent. It's time for my third and final Pokémon."

"You don't mean your Gloom, do you?" asked Tristan nervously.

Erika just smiled and took out her third Pokéball. "Gloom, go!" She then threw it.

A blue bipedal Pokémon materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It had rudimentary hands and feet, orange leaves, and a reddish brown flower. As its name suggests, it had a gloomy expression on its face, but it really wasn't.

Tristan scanned the Pokémon with his Pokédex.

"Gloom: The Weed Pokémon," identified Dexter. "Gloom gives off a very unpleasant smell. While strong against Water Pokémon, Gloom is weak against Fire and Flying Types."

(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs Copy Pokémon (as heard in "Hello, Pummelo"))

"You'd better be careful, Pidgeotto, because Gloom's smell could be dangerous," advised Tristan.

Pidgeotto squawked its response.

"That kid is impressive," said one of the Gym Trainers.

"I know," replied another. "He's taken out two of Erika's Pokémon already."

"I just hope Tristan knows how to take on that horrible smell that Gloom emits," said Hillary. "If Gloom's smell is as stinky as Erika says it is, then he will be in for a difficult battle."

"Gloom, give your Acid attack a try!" suggested Erika.

Gloom shot a purple ooze of liquid from its mouth at Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeotto, Gust attack!" ordered Tristan.

Pidgeotto quickly flapped its wings, creating another gust of wind from them. The wind made the acid dissipate.

If Gloom's smell is as dangerous as I think it is, then I'd better keep Pidgeotto a safe distance away, thought Tristan. Then he shouted, "Pidgeotto, keep going with your Gust attack!"

Pidgeotto kept flapping its wings furiously, leaving Gloom at a standstill.

"It's time, Gloom, so use that smell of yours on Pidgeotto!" ordered Erika.

A brown odor began spreading from Gloom's flower.

Pidgeotto cringed at the smell and fell down to the ground.

Hillary, Tristan, and Pikachu covered their noses.

"What is that smell?!" exclaimed Tristan.

"It's like I said, Tristan," smiled Erika. "It's the essence of Gloom's terrible smell. Gloom, Stun Spore now!"

A golden powder was released from Gloom's flower and petals.

Pidgeotto was covered in it and was completely immobilized.

"Pidgeotto, no!" exclaimed Tristan.

"Now, Petal Dance!" instructed Erika.

A flurry of pink petals shot out from Gloom's flower toward Pidgeotto in a twister like fashion. It was like a beautiful Razor Leaf attack.

"Look out, Pidgeotto!" shouted Tristan.

But it was no good. Gloom's awful smell combined with the Stun Spore had paralyzed Pidgeotto, making it seemingly immobile. Because of that, Gloom's Petal Dance easily scored a direct hit on it, knocking it out.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle...Gloom is the winner!" declared the referee, raising her red flag.

"Well, that sure stunk," said Hillary. I never thought that Gloom's smell would be so potent."

"Pidgeotto, return," said Tristan, as he Butterfree transformed into red energy and disappeared inside its Pokéball. Then he held it close. "Thanks, Pidgeotto. You did a great job."

"Now Tristan has only one Pokémon that he can use for this battle," said Hillary nervously. "I sure hope he knows what he's up against."

"Charmander, go!" shouted Tristan as he threw Charmander's Pokéball.

Charmander, orange as ever, materialized from the white light that shot out of it. The flame on its tail was burning brightly.

"Okay, Charmander," said Tristan. "I'm counting on you, so give it your best shot."

"Char!" replied Charmander.

"Let the final round begin!" declared the referee as she raised both flags.

(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "The Fourth Round Rumble"))

"This is it, Gloom!" shouted Erika. "Stun Spore!"

Another burst of golden powder spread from Gloom's flower.

"Charmander, use your Flamethrower to burn the Stun Spore!" instructed Tristan.

A stream of fire shot out of Charmander's mouth and burned the Stun Spore to a crisp.

"Now use your Flamethrower attack on Gloom now!" ordered Tristan.

Another stream of fire shot out from Charmander's mouth, this time at Gloom.

"Gloom, jump and use that smell!" commanded Erika.

At Erika's command, Gloom jumped out of the way of Charmander's Flamethrower and spread a brown odor from its petals.

Charmander covered its nose from that awful stench.

"Now Sleep Powder!" ordered Erika.

A silvery powder spread from Gloom's flower.

Charmander was still covering its nose from the awful smell that Gloom emitted, but because it had its eyes closed, it couldn't see the Sleep Powder surrounding it. The powder enveloped Charmander, who began to get drowsy.

"Charmander, hang on!" shouted Tristan.

"This is bad!" said Hillary. "If Charmander falls asleep, Tristan's going to be in major trouble!"

Charmander closed its eyes and dropped to the ground fast asleep.

"Charmander, you've gotta wake up!" implored Tristan.

But Charmander was fast asleep and couldn't be moved.

"Looks like this match is over, Tristan," said Erika. "Gloom, finish this off with your Petal Dance!"

Another round of pink petals in a twister like fashion shot out from Gloom's flower. The petals battered a sleeping Charmander one by one, much to Tristan's shock.

"Wake up, Charmander!" yelled Tristan. "Stay strong! You can do it!"

Charmander woke up to the words 'you can do it' and found itself in a petal tornado, much to its surprise.

"Quick, Charmander, use your Flamethrower on that Petal Dance at maximum power now!" ordered Tristan.

Charmander took a deep breath and exhaled a large stream of fire from its mouth to burn all the petals to ashes.

"Way to go, Charmander," said Tristan. "I knew you could do it."

"Charmander!" it replied. Suddenly, Charmander was bathed in a bright white light.

Everyone was very surprised.

"What's happening?" gasped Tristan.

"Charmander's starting to evolve!" replied Hillary.

Charmander not only grew in size, but it also grew claws on its hands and feet. It also grew a snout and a horn like protrusion on its head. When the light stopped, it was bigger and redder than Charmander was.

Tristan checked the newly evolved Pokémon on his Pokédex.

"Charmeleon: The Flame Pokémon: The evolved form of Charmander," identified Dexter. "It has razor sharp claws, and its tail is exceptionally strong."

(Music Cue: Gym 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Rivalry Revival"))

"Wow, CHarmander evolved for me right when I needed it the most," whispered Tristan to himself. Then he focused his attention back to the battle.

"Okay, Gloom, don't let that Pokémon scare you," said Erika. "Use your Petal Dance again!"

Gloom fired another twister of petals at Charmeleon, but it seemed ready to take it on.

"Charmeleon, Slash attack!" ordered Tristan.

Charmeleon used its claws to slash the petals to smithereens. There was nothing standing in its way now.

"Try that smell of yours, Gloom!" shouted Erika.

Gloom began to release another awful stench from its flower, but Tristan wouldn't have it this time.

"Charmeleon, use your Flamethrower at full power!" commanded Tristan.

Charmeleon fired an extremely hot stream of fire from its mouth to not only cancel out Gloom's awful smell, but also score a huge direct hit on Gloom.

Gloom stood dazed and burnt by the attack, then it collapsed on the ground in a heap, much to Erika's shock. It had clearly been knocked out.

"Gloom is unable to battle...Charmeleon's the winner...and the victory goes to the challenger, Tristan!" declared the referee as she raised her green flag.

(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge! (as heard in "The Battle of the Badge"))

"Yes, we did it!" cheered Tristan.

"Charmeleon!" replied Charmeleon happily.

"Tristan really won," whispered Hillary in awe.

The Gym Trainers were shocked, but stood up and applauded for Tristan's victory a few seconds later.

"You were incredible, Charmeleon," said Tristan. "I'm proud of you."

Charmeleon ran to Tristan to hug him, but shot out a Flamethrower in his face to show its affection for its Trainer.

"Well, that's one way of being proud of you, too," stuttered Tristan as he collapsed to the ground.

Pikachu and Charmeleon looked at each other and just smiled.


That evening, everyone stood outside the Gym.

"Congratulations, Tristan," said Erika. "You've shown that your Pokémon are capable of so many things when it comes to battling and being friends with them. And today was no different. Your Charmeleon especially proved that toward the end of today's battle."

"Thanks, Erika," replied Tristan. "There were some moments that stunk, literally, but I had a great time battling you."

Erika took something out of her pocket. It looked like a petal with rainbow colors around it. "I present you with this Rainbow Badge," she said. "It is proof of your victory in the Celadon Gym."

"Thanks so much, Erika," replied Tristan. He gently took the Badge, raised it in the air, and proclaimed, "Yes! We got a Rainbow Badge!"

"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu.

"Charmeleon!" finished Charmeleon.


Another Gym Battle, another Gym Badge, plus one Charmeleon equals more excitement. Now that Tristan has earned his fourth badge, he feels more determined than ever as he continues his journey with Hillary and Pikachu with new adventures waiting just beyond the horizon.

► TO BE CONTINUED