AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! I know it's been quite a while, but here is Chapter 22 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu, as they continue their journey through Kanto. Shinji Miyazaki's music cues are in there. For those of you who like Peg + Cat, which is owned by the Fred Rogers Company, there's a big problem, and there's a REALLY big problem. I wonder if they watched Tristan and Hillary before they had their own show debut? That may be where this problem comes in. As always, feedback of any kind is welcome.
TEASER: A sleeping Snorlax has blocked the road to Fuchsia City. Will Tristan and Hillary find a way to wake it up so they can move on or will they be at a dead end?
Chapter 22: THE SNORLAX PROBLEM
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu are now on their way to the next Gym, but they don't seem to know where that Gym is at the moment, especially since there's a sleeping Pokémon blocking their way.
"Whoa, look at that!" exclaimed Tristan as he and Hillary walked on a pier on Route 12.
He and Hillary were amazed to see the figure of a giant sleeping Pokémon blocking the T section of Routes 11, 12 and 13.
"I wonder what it is?" wondered Hillary.
"Maybe Dexter knows," replied Tristan as he scanned the enormous Pokémon with his Pokédex.
"Snorlax: The Sleeping Pokemon," identified Dexter. "Snorlax isn't satisfied unless it eats at least 900 pounds of food per day. Once it is full, it promptly goes to sleep."
"Whoa!" exclaimed Hillary. "Nine hundred pounds of food a day?! That's a lot!"
"You're telling me!" replied Tristan. "I've never heard of a Pokémon that ate that much. My appetite is definitely no match for Snorlax."
"But now, we need to figure out a way to wake it up so we can move on," said Hillary. "This is a big problem!"
"Wait a second," replied Tristan as he dug into his backpack.
"What are you looking for, big bro?" asked Hillary.
"This," answered Tristan as he took out a gold-colored flute with a Pokéball shape on it.
"The Poké Flute!" said Hillary. "Great idea! We can use that to wake Snorlax up! So the problem will be solved."
"Here goes nothing," said Tristan as he began to play.
(Music Cue: Poké Flute (as heard the first time in "Wake Up, Snorlax"))
As Tristan played, Snorlax drowsed comfortably, then its eyes blinked.
"It's working!" whispered Hillary. "Snorlax is waking up!"
As the music continued, Snorlax slowly stood on its feet and danced.
"Snorlax seems to enjoy the music," remarked Hillary.
However, as the music ended, Snorlax's expression of joy on its face turned into rage. It began stomping on the pier.
"I think I made it mad," said Tristan.
"I'll say," agreed Hillary. "I guess it didn't want to be disturbed during its afternoon nap."
Pikachu replied in agreement.
Snorlax, who was still grumpy, continued to stomp on the pier.
Tristan tried to explain. "We're sorry we interrupted your nap, Snorlax," he began, "but you were blocking the road and we needed to get through and..."
As Tristan spoke, Snorlax leaned forward and was about to crush him and Pikachu under its massive body.
"Look out!" cried Hillary as she pushed them out of the way just in time.
Tristan and Pikachu recovered as they stood back up on their feet.
"That was a close one," panted Hillary. "You were almost hit by Snorlax's Body Slam."
"What did you do that for, Snorlax?" demanded Tristan.
"Pika!" added Pikachu.
Snorlax just stood there, glaring at Tristan.
"It doesn't look like Snorlax wants to listen to you," observed Hillary.
(Music Cue: Raid!)
"All right, then," replied Tristan. "We'll just have to battle it so we can pass by." He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Butterfree, I choose you!"
Butterfree materialized from the white light that shot out of it.
Snorlax charged toward Butterfree and used its big head to attack.
"That looks like Snorlax's Headbutt!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Butterfree, dodge!" commanded Tristan.
Butterfree swerved out of the way of Snorlax's attack.
Snorlax fell into the water and made a big splash, causing everyone in the area to get soaked.
Hillary was very angry. "Hey, I just took a bath today, you know!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Butterfree, Confusion!" ordered Tristan.
Butterfree's eyes and Snorlax's outline glowed in a purple color, but Snorlax didn't get lifted up at all.
"What's going on?" asked Tristan. "Butterfree's Confusion attack doesn't seem to be working." He took out his Pokédex again.
"Snorlax is considered to be one of the heaviest Pokémon, with some weighing more than 1,000 pounds."
"One thousand pounds?" gasped Tristan.
"Gosh, no wonder!" exclaimed Hillary. "Maybe you should try another attack."
"Right," replied Tristan. "Butterfree, try a Psybeam!"
A mysterious colored beam shot out from between Butterfree's antennae at Snorlax, but even as it got hit, it didn't seem fazed by the attack and shook it off.
"Butterfree's Psybeam doesn't seem to be working either," grunted Tristan.
Then Snorlax charged toward Butterfree and used its massive body to attack.
"Snorlax is using its Body Slam!" gasped Hillary.
"Look out, Butterfree!" shouted Tristan.
But it was too late, for Snorlax's gigantic body flattened Butterfree's tiny body. When Snorlax stood up, Butterfree had a dizzy expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
Tristan rushed toward Butterfree and gently touched it. He could tell that it's whole body was hurting. "Are you okay, Butterfree?"
Butterfree gave a painful reply.
"How rude," remarked Hillary. "Snorlax ought to know better than to throw its weight around like that."
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! (as heard in "Mild 'n Woolly"))
Then, just to try and add insult to injury, Snorlax picked up Butterfree in its grubby hands and held it close to its gaping mouth, much to Tristan and Hillary's horror.
Butterfree tried to squirm free, but the pain from its battle made it seemingly immobile.
"Hold on, Snorlax!" gasped Hillary frantically. "Butterfree's not on the menu! Tristan, do something before Butterfree becomes Snorlax's lunch!"
"Quick, Butterfree, return!" called Tristan as he aimed the Pokéball's button at Butterfree.
A red energy beam shot out from the ball and hit Butterfree as it transformed into red energy and disappeared back inside.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu sighed with relief.
"That was close," said Tristan. "Butterfree almost got eaten."
"I guess Snorlax likes to eat as much as it likes to sleep," remarked Hillary.
"We've tried waking it up," Hillary said, "but it only got mad."
"And we tried battling it," added Tristan, "but Butterfree was no match for it."
"Not only that, Butterfree was almost Snorlax's latest entrée," finished Hillary.
"This is a REALLY big problem," agreed Tristan.
Pikachu agreed with them.
"Since this is a Pokémon problem, we need to find a Pokémon solution, so let's go back to the Pokémon Center in Lavender Town so Nurse Joy can help us," suggested Hillary.
"Good thinking, sis," replied Tristan. "Besides, Butterfree needs medical attention."
And so, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu raced away just as Snorlax lay back down and fell fast asleep.
Some time later, as they were waiting for Nurse Joy to come out of the examination room with Butterfree, Tristan and Hillary were attempting to think of a plan.
"There has to be a way to defeat Snorlax, but what?" said Tristan. There was no doubt that he was frustrated.
"Don't worry, Tristan," assured Hillary. "You'll think of something."
"I still can't believe that Snorlax easily defeated Butterfree with just one attack," said Tristan.
"Don't forget that Butterfree's weight pales in comparison to Snorlax's weight, which, may I remind you, is over 1,000 pounds," replied Hillary.
"You're right," said Tristan. He paused for a second. "Maybe if I used a bigger Pokémon with a little more mass, then maybe, just maybe, I can defeat that Snorlax."
"That's a good idea, but you don't know how much better they would be against a Pokémon like Snorlax," advised Hillary.
Just then, the recovery signal rang. Tristan and Hillary rushed over to the door where Nurse Joy greeted them with Butterfree's Pokéball in her hands.
"Your Butterfree is fully rested and ready for more action, Tristan," smiled Nurse Joy.
"Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan as he took Butterfree's Pokéball and put it away.
"I know it's frustrating that Butterfree got squished by Snorlax's full weight," said Nurse Joy. "I'm sure you'll be able to defeat that Snorlax if you think outside the box."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Hillary.
"Most of the time, Trainers use Pokémon to match the Pokémon they have an advantage against," explained Nurse Joy. "But there are times when those Trainers will be at a disadvantage, too. For example, when you battle a Water Pokémon with a Fire Pokémon, it's quite easy to think you won't win, but if you think outside the box on what attacks to use and how to use them, you can use the type disadvantage to your advantage."
"I get it now," said Tristan. "Maybe I should use Snorlax's weight to my advantage...but how can I do that?"
"Maybe you'll think of something when you battle it again," replied Nurse Joy. "Don't give up hope."
"She's right," added Hillary. "You're at your best when you battle. Besides, we could all use a bite to eat before we do."
Just as Hillary said that, Tristan's stomach grumbled, much to Tristan's embarrassment.
"I guess I'd better eat something," said Tristan. "That Snorlax isn't the only one who gets hungry."
Tristan and Pikachu joined Hillary in the cafeteria and had a delicious meal. Sure enough, they were very hungry.
When Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu arrived back on the pier some time later, Snorlax was fast asleep again.
"Okay, Tristan," advised Hillary, "once you wake Snorlax up, use a heavier Pokémon than Butterfree."
"I'll try and remember to do that," replied Tristan as he played the Poké Flute again.
(Music Cue: Poké Flute (as heard the first time in "Wake Up, Snorlax"))
As Tristan played, Snorlax once again woke up feeling drowsy. Its eyes blinked and blinked. Then it got up and danced to the music again.
"So far, so good," whispered Hillary to Pikachu. "Snorlax likes the music."
Pikachu responded in agreement.
Tristan continued to play until the song was over.
But as the song ended, Snorlax got even grumpier than the first time it woke up.
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle)
"Well, now that I got its attention, let's get a move on," said Tristan as he took out a Pokéball. "Ivysaur, go!"
Ivysaur materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It looked ready for this really big challenge.
Snorlax charged forward toward Ivysaur and used its massive body to attack.
"Here comes another Body Slam!" shouted Hillary.
"Ivysaur, move away and use your Vine Whip!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur got out of Snorlax's path and shot two green vines from the bud on its back. But even that attack was just as ineffective as Butterfree's Confusion attack.
"No good," grunted Tristan. "Try a Razor Leaf attack, Ivysaur!"
Ivysaur fired a flurry of razor sharp leaves at Snorlax, but they merely bounced off of its massive belly.
Snorlax thought it best to eat the leaves because it thought they were good appetizers.
"Well, at least there's no problem with its appetite," mumbled Hillary.
"Well, if it likes leaves, then it'll love this," said Tristan. "Ivysaur, Leech Seed!"
Ivysaur sprouted a seed from its bud, then shot it at Snorlax, who saw this as an opportunity to get more food.
Snorlax quickly caught the seed in its mouth, chewed it, and swallowed it, much to Tristan and Hillary's shock.
Tristan was complaining. "Hey, that's not fair. We can't handle Leech Seeds like you can."
Snorlax suddenly charged forward and rammed into Ivysaur with its big head, scoring a clean hit.
"Ivysaur, no!" shouted Tristan.
"Whoa, Ivysaur just got pummeled by Snorlax's Headbutt attack!" gasped Hillary.
Tristan quickly rushed to Ivysaur's side. "Are you okay, Ivysaur?" he asked.
Ivysaur gave a weak reply.
"Thanks, Ivysaur," said Tristan as he took out its Pokéball. "You deserve a rest." The Pokéball's button shot a red energy beam at Ivysaur, who was transformed into red energy itself and disappeared back inside the ball.
"Do you have any other ideas?" asked Hillary, hopefully.
"I always have other ideas, sis," replied Tristan as he took out another Pokéball. "Wartortle, I choose you!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle (as heard in "Navel Maneuvers"))
Wartortle materialized from the white light that shot out of it.
"Don't let Snorlax's lack of speed fool you, Wartortle," advised Tristan. "It's very powerful."
Wartortle nodded its reply.
Tristan suddenly got an idea. Lack of speed... he thought. Snorlax may be powerful when it attacks, but when it comes to other movements, it should be pretty slow. And I'm sure it doesn't exercise very often.
Sure enough, Snorlax was soon breathing heavily because it was battling so hard.
"Okay, Wartortle, give it a Water Gun!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle squirted a powerful stream of water at Snorlax, soaking it.
"Way to go, Wartortle!" praised Tristan. "Keep it up!"
Snorlax then charged toward Wartortle with another Body Slam.
"Jump and use another Water Gun attack!" shouted Tristan.
Wartortle jumped out of the way and squirted Snorlax with another stream of water just as it crashed on the pier.
Even though Snorlax didn't seem to be affected by the water, it was still getting wet. That gave Hillary an idea.
"Quick, Tristan, use Pikachu on it!" suggested Hillary.
"What for?" wondered Tristan.
"Water conducts electricity," answered Hillary.
"Right," said Tristan. He called to Pikachu, who was standing by.
Pikachu leaped in front of Tristan and faced Snorlax.
"Pikachu, use your Thunderbolt!" ordered Tristan.
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" it shouted as a yellow bolt of electricity shot out of its body and struck a soaked Snorlax, giving it twice as much damage.
Snorlax, who was knocked out, fell on its back.
"Nice work, Pikachu," said Tristan.
Pikachu nodded happily.
"Now, it's time to catch it," said Tristan as he took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Pokéball, go!"
The Pokéball's button hit Snorlax, causing it to transform into red energy and disappear inside.
The Pokéball wiggled while the button flashed red. Tristan and Pikachu were waiting to see what happened. The next few seconds were pretty tense. Just as Pikachu was getting ready to attack again, the Pokéball clicked and the button stopped flashing. Snorlax had been caught.
Tristan picked up the Pokéball, raised it in the air and proclaimed, "Yes! We caught a Snorlax!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" cried Pikachu happily.
But just then, the Pokéball started glowing in a bright white light and disappeared out of Tristan's hands into thin air to Tristan's confusion.
"Hey, where's my Pokéball?!" gasped Tristan. "What happened to my Pokéball?"
"Remember, Tristan?" said Hillary. "You already have six Pokémon with you, so Snorlax was transported."
"Let's go to the Pokémon Center and talk to Professor Oak," suggested Tristan. "Maybe he knows where Snorlax is."
And so, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu rushed back to the Pokémon Center in Lavender Town as fast as they could.
"Hello, Tristan," said Professor Oak on the video phone inside the Pokémon Center. "It's certainly very nice to see you."
"It's good to see you, too, Professor Oak," replied Tristan.
"We know we've been busy, but we've been catching Pokémon and earning badges, or at least, Tristan has," added Hillary.
"By the way, Professor Oak, do you know where my Snorlax is?" asked Tristan.
"Don't worry," said Professor Oak. "It's right here-aaaaaagggh!"
Tristan and Hillary gasped as Snorlax appeared on the screen and fell on Professor Oak.
Tristan was relieved when he saw it. "Do you like Professor Oak's laboratory, Snorlax?"
"Snor!" it smiled happily.
"Would you mind if I kept Snorlax with you, Professor Oak?" asked Tristan.
Snorlax got off of the professor and he said, "I'd be happy to look after it. I'm sure that Ash's Snorlax will be more than happy to have a buddy to eat and sleep with."
"I'm sure it'll have a lot of fun there," said Tristan. "Be good for Professor Oak, Snorlax."
"Snorlax," replied Snorlax.
"Take care, kids!" said Professor Oak.
"Bye, Professor Oak," replied Tristan and Hillary together.
"Pikachu!" added Pikachu as the video screen turned off.
Just then, Nurse Joy came into the lobby. "Good news, Tristan," she said. "Your Ivysaur is back to tip-top shape."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan.
"And that's not all," continued Nurse Joy. "Now that Snorlax is no longer blocking the road to Fuchsia City, you can go there for your next Gym Battle."
(Music Cue: To Be Continued (sample))
"Now you can try and earn your fifth Gym Badge there," added Hillary.
"Awesome!" said Tristan. "I can hardly wait!"
With persistence and sheer determination, Tristan catches a Snorlax and has opened a road of opportunity for himself and the residents of Lavender Town. Now, more psyched than ever before, he and Hillary will set their sights on Fuchsia City.
► TO BE CONTINUED
