AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 30 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Kanto Region. Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader from "Pokémon Sent-Sation" and the old hippie from "Wake Uo, Snorlax," make appearances, but the hippie only has a minor role. As always, please feel free to read and review, and remember, feedback of any kind, positive or negative, is always welcome.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary are almost to Saffron City, but they decide to spend the day enjoying the sights and smells with Gym Leader Erika and their grandmother, Veronica. Plus they pay a visit to Veronica's longtime friend.
Chapter 30: THE ROAD TO SAFFRON CITY, PART 3
(Music Cue: Opening 1997-1998 Version 1 (first few measures))
Tristan and Hillary have now arrived in Celadon City. It's the final leg of their long journey to Saffron City and Tristan's sixth Gym Battle.
"Thanks a lot for the ride, Pidgeot," said Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu jumped off of Pidgeot's back.
Pidgeot nodded its reply.
"What did you think of flying for the very first time, sis?" asked Tristan to Hillary.
"I was a little nervous at first," answered Hillary, "but when I saw the great view in the sky and the wind blowing softly on my face, I felt really great. I want to do it again sometime."
"It sounds like a critic agrees, Pidgeot," said Tristan as he gently stroked it.
Pidgeot rubbed against Tristan to show its affection.
"You'd better rest for awhile in your Pokéball," said Tristan. "You must be tired."
Pidgeot nodded as a red energy beam shot out from the button on its Pokéball. The beam transformed Pidgeot into red energy and it shot back inside.
"Now let's go find a Pokémon Center," suggested Tristan.
"Good idea," replied Hillary. "We've had a big day already, and I'm exhausted."
Pikachu agreed with them as it tagged along with Tristan and Hillary to the Pokémon Center.
(Music Cue: Pokémon Center)
"Hello, and welcome to my Pokémon Center," said Nurse Joy as Tristan and Hillary walked in. Then she opened her eyes wide as she saw who walked in. "Wait! I know you two. You're the two kids who helped rid Celadon City of that awful Team Rocket!"
"I guess word gets around quickly," replied Hillary.
"I was wondering if you could take care of my Pokémon," said Tristan.
"I'd be happy to take care of them for you," smiled Nurse Joy as she took Pikachu and Tristan's four Pokéballs into the examination room.
Tristan and Hillary sat down in one of the chairs in the lobby.
"Nurse Joy seems to be very nice," said Tristan.
"It seems that way for most of the Nurse Joys I've met," replied Hillary.
"Okay, what's our game plan for tomorrow?" asked Tristan.
"Well, you said it yourself, Tristan," replied Hillary. "As soon as we get a good night's sleep, we'll head straight for Saffron City first thing tomorrow morning. We could even fly on your Pidgeot."
"I guess it would save us some time and walking," said Tristan, "but don't we want to get some exercise ourselves?"
Hillary thought about it for a minute. "I guess we don't have to fly there if we don't have to."
"And besides," added Tristan. "We still have a problem of getting past the thirsty guards that are blocking the entrance to Saffron City in all directions."
"Thirsty?" said Hillary. Then she jumped up from one of the chairs and shouted, "Tristan, that's it!"
The other people were startled by the sudden outburst of excitement and turned toward Tristan and Hillary. They were now the center of attention.
Hillary blushed and said, "Oops! Sorry about that. You can go back to what you were doing."
They turned around and returned to their original activities.
Tristan turned to Hillary and whispered loudly to her, "What was that about? Do you want us kicked out of here?"
"Sorry, Tristan, but the word 'thirsty' gave me a sudden idea," replied Hillary. "You said the guards were thirsty, right?"
"Yes, I did," replied Tristan.
"So, if we were to give one of the guards a huge water bottle, soda pop, or lemonade, we'd be able to enter Saffron City without any trouble!" suggested Hillary. "It's genius!"
"Genius from whom?" asked Tristan.
"It was your idea," answered Hillary. "Tristan, big bro, you've done it again!"
Just then, the healing chimes rang and Nurse Joy came out.
"Good news, Tristan," she said. "Your Pokémon are as happy and healthy as can be. You've obviously taken very good care of them, even your Pidgeot."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan.
Nurse Joy turned to Hillary. "Hillary, I've never seen you so pumped before," she said.
"I guess I was just excited because Tristan just gave me a great idea to give a drink to one of the guards, and then, that guard would share it with the others," replied Hillary.
"That does make sense, seeing as how Saffron City is blocked in all directions," said Nurse Joy. "But before you set out tomorrow, why don't you guys get some sleep, and then, you'll be able to get out for some more adventures."
"We'll do that. Thanks, Nurse Joy," said Tristan and Hillary together.
Nurse Joy left the two kids and Pikachu alone.
"Well, sis, let's eat," said Tristan. "And besides, I'm starving."
"Me, too, Tristan, let's go," replied Hillary as she and Tristan set off for the Pokémon Center's cafeteria.
The next morning, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were up with the sun. As planned, they headed out of the Pokémon Center fully rejuvenated.
"Let's get some drinks from the Celadon Department Store," suggested Hillary.
"Okay," replied Tristan. "I know the guards at the entrances to Saffron City are going to need them, but maybe we should get some water for ourselves. Water's important for just about anything, you know."
(Music Cue: Poké Flute)
Presently, they heard a faint sound of a flute being played.
"Listen," said Tristan. "Do you hear that, Hillary?"
"It sounds like a Poké Flute to me," replied Hillary.
"But it can't be," insisted Tristan. "I'm the only one who has a Poké Flute."
"Maybe you're not, Tristan," said Hillary. "Let's go over and see who's playing it."
And they dashed posthaste to where the sound of the Poké Flute was located.
Celadon City was a big city, much bigger than they had anticipated since the last time they were there. They had explored part of it in the past in the wake of Tristan's fourth Gym battle win. After several minutes, plus many twists and turns, they eventually made it to the source. It turned out to be an old hippie with a beard and mustache. He was accompanied by something really big and heavy.
"It's a Snorlax!" said Tristan. "And it's sleeping!"
"But who's that with it?" asked Hillary.
They continued to listen to the beautiful music coming from the old hippie's Poké Flute. The Snorlax opened up its eyes and got up on its feet.
"That's it, Snorlax," the old hippie said. "It's time to eat and run." He turned to Tristan and Hillary, who were standing behind him. "Well, I see a couple of youngins who liked my music."
"Yes we did," replied Hillary.
"So is this your Snorlax?" asked Tristan to the hippie.
"Yes it is," answered the hippie. "I heard reports that a Snorlax was blocking the road between here and Fuschia City, so I decided to come and wake it up so it could get out of here. So are you youngsters headed to Fuschia City, too?"
"Actually, we've already been to Fuschia City, sir," replied Hillary.
"We had to make a detour through Lavender Town, and then we encountered another Snorlax there," added Tristan.
"I bet that's a wild Snorlax who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," smiled the hippie. "Were you able to wake it up and catch it?"
"Yes, I was," answered Tristan, "although I had to use a Poké Flute of my own in order to do it."
"Well, it's too bad I wasn't able to find you at the time," said the hippie.
"It's okay," replied Hillary. "We managed."
"Anyway," continued Tristan, "we went south of Lavender Town on the pier where people fished and caught Pokémon, and that's where I caught the Snorlax."
"Then we headed west and arrived in Fuschia City," added Hillary.
"I battled Koga there and earned a Soul Badge," finished Tristan.
The hippie seemed intrigued. "It's fascinating that you youngins have been able to find a way around a very big and heavy problem," he said. "Now that my Snorlax is awake, the citizens of Fuschia City will be able to go between here and Fuschia City with no trouble. Well, I'll catch you on the flip side. Come on, Snorlax, there's food to eat." And he and Snorlax slowly walked away, for it takes a while for most Snorlax to move about.
"That guy seemed to be very nice," remarked Tristan.
"I know," added Hillary, "especially with how he plays his music."
Pikachu agreed with them.
"Now, what were we about to do again?" asked Tristan.
"Don't you remember, Tristan?" replied Hillary. "We were going to get some of those drinks for the guards and ourselves."
"Oh, yeah, that's right," said Tristan. "Come on, guys. We'll retrace our steps and go back to where we started. Then we'll find the Celadon City Department Store."
And off they all went.
(Music Cue: All's Well That Ends Well)
Most people would have a hard time navigating through Celadon City, but Tristan and Hillary managed to find their way around, which wasn't a bad record to have for a couple of kids. They arrived at the Celadon City Department Store in good time.
"Let's go inside," said Hillary.
They went inside the store only to find a big surprise. They gasped in shock at who they saw at one of the tables inside.
"Oh, Erika, this is just wonderful." It was Veronica, Tristan and Hillary's grandmother. She was having a lovely conversation with Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader.
"Oh, I don't know, Veronica," replied Erika. "I think this one would be much more charming for your home."
"Grandma!" said Tristan and Hillary excitedly as they ran to them.
Veronica turned around and said, "Well, this is a surprise. What are you two doing here?"
"We just came in the store to see if there are drinks available," replied Tristan. "We weren't expecting to see you and Erika here."
"Hi, kids," smiled Erika as she turned toward Tristan and Hillary. "It's nice to see the both of you again."
"It's nice to see you, too, Erika," replied Hillary. "How have you been?"
"I've been very well," said Erika. "Your grandmother was just telling me about you."
"I wanted to go to Celadon City because the house back home was running low on that perfume that I love so much," explained Veronica, "but I wasn't sure how to get there. So I called Erika and she said that she'd offer me a ride here."
"I always wanted to take a break from being a Gym Leader every once in a while," smiled Erika. "This was just the perfect excuse to do it. And now, your grandmother and I have hit things off very well."
"Let's see if we can get some..." Tristan began.
But Veronica interrupted him. "Come on, everyone, let's go get that perfume!" and she twirled away in excitement.
Tristan and Hillary were confused.
"What's with Grandma?" asked Tristan.
"Beats me," replied Hillary. "Maybe it's the fountain of youth?"
"We've gotta try and keep up with her," said Erika as she took Tristan and Hillary by the hands. "Come on!" And off they went to follow Veronica.
Veronica was the first person to enter the perfume shop. "I love this place," she said to herself. Then she called out, "Come on, you slowpokes, you're lagging behind!"
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Erika came in behind her. They collapsed on the ground from exhaustion.
"Where does Grandma get that energy?" moaned Hillary.
"Let's just be glad we're here," groaned Tristan.
"You're telling me," added Erika.
(Music Cue: Goofball Alert)
Veronica excitedly went from shelf to shelf to look and smell the beautiful scents of each of the perfumes. "This is great! I love this place! This perfume looks good. No, maybe this one looks better. Maybe this one's the best one. No, maybe that one?"
"Don't they all smell the same?" asked Tristan.
"To the untrained nose, maybe," answered Veronica as she startled Tristan. "But for someone who has a sensitive nose like I do, there are wonderful scents and smells that can be differentiated." She pointed to the perfumes one at a time. "This one has the wonderful scent of the ocean. This one has the smell of citrus fruit. This one smells like wonderful flowers. And this one has the smell of fresh greenery, which happens to be my personal favorite.
"So you see," said Veronica, "every perfume has its own unique scent."
"I'm amazed at your knowledge of perfume, Veronica," smiled Erika.
"Thanks, Erika," replied Veronica. "But I think you deserve most of the credit."
Hillary was surprised. "You taught Grandma all that stuff, Erika?"
Erika nodded and smiled, "That's right."
"I sure never expected to have a perfume expert in the family," mused Tristan.
A few hours later, everyone got out of the Celadon City Department Store, although it took a lot of effort to take Veronica out of there.
"At least I got my share of perfume!" squealed Veronica in delight.
Hillary and Tristan were very despondent.
"We were supposed to get drinks for those guards while travelling to Saffron City," fumed Tristan.
"Instead, we wasted our time getting some useless perfume for Grandma in the store," added Hillary.
"What was that, children?!" glared Veronica warningly to Tristan and Hillary.
Tristan and Hillary cringed.
"Nothing," said Tristan. "We were just admiring your taste for perfume. Right, sis?"
"Yeah, that's right, Tristan," laughed Hillary nervously.
Erika came to Tristan and Hillary. "Don't worry about your grandmother, kids," said Erika. "She's the world's biggest fan of perfume. She can get a little carried away sometimes, and I'm sure you like the scents, too. I just wasn't expecting you to come to the store today."
(Music Cue: Unconditional Love)
Veronica's expression of happiness turned into an expression of concern about what Erika had said. "I guess you're right, Erika," she replied. "I guess I did get carried away. It seems that the children may be a little annoyed with me." She turned to Tristan and Hillary, who seemed pretty grumpy. "Hey, kids, I wasn't expecting you to tag along with Erika and me. I know you two have been on a journey, and I was so excited to see you that I got a little selfish with the whole perfume experience, and I feel like I did something to hurt your feelings. Did I?
Tristan and Hillary nodded.
"Was it because of me getting a whole bag of perfume instead of those drinks at the Department Store?" asked Veronica.
Tristan and Hillary nodded again.
"I'm sorry, children," said Veronica. "I never realized that you two had things to do. I really didn't mean to hold you up today." A tear fell from Veronica's right eye. She obviously felt ashamed of herself. "Can you two ever forgive an old woman like me?"
"Oh, Grandma," replied Hillary, "of course we do."
"You're our grandmother," added Tristan. "And we always love you. I was just so psyched to get some of those drinks from the store so we can get to Saffron City, but I wasn't expecting to get perfume instead."
An idea suddenly struck Veronica. "I know of an old friend of mine who lives at the Celadon Mansion. And I'd like to invite you two and Erika personally as my guests for tea. Would you like to come?"
"I guess that would be all right," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, we'd like to come," added Hillary.
"I would, too," finished Erika.
"Then let's go together," said Veronica as she led everyone to the Celadon Mansion.
A half hour later, Veronica and the others got inside the mansion and took the elevator.
"This is where my friend lives," said Veronica. "It's a big place, and my friend usually takes the elevator to get up and down the stairs. She doesn't get around as well as she used to when she was your age."
Presently, the elevator reached the top floor and everyone inside got out.
"My friend lives in the first door on the right," Veronica said. She knocked on the door.
"Yes?" asked an old woman's voice.
"Amy, it's Veronica, and I have a few guests I'd like you to meet," called Veronica.
The door opened and out stepped an old woman with glasses on her face and a purple hand-stitched beret on her head. She carried a cane with her. She seemed very kind. "Hello, Veronica," she said. "Who are these guests?"
"Amy, I'd like you to meet my grandchildren, Tristan and Hillary, and the Celadon Gym Leader, Erika," said Veronica.
"Hi, there," said Tristan and Hillary.
"It's nice to meet you, Amy," added Erika.
"It's nice to meet you, too," replied Amy.
"Tristan's a Pokémon Trainer," explained Veronica. "He's working hard to challenge the eight Gyms all over Kanto so he can compete in the Pokémon League."
"That's interesting," remarked Amy. "How many badges do you have, dear?"
"I have five already, and I plan to go for my sixth badge in Saffron City next," answered Tristan as he showed Amy his collection of badges.
"That's impressive," said Amy. "I assume that he battled you in the Celadon Gym recently, Erika?"
Erika nodded. "Tristan's Charmander was awesome. It evolved into Charmeleon during the final round and it won the match for him."
"Interesting," replied Amy. "It must have been a great battle. Speaking of battles, I have a Pokémon I'd like you all to meet. Eevee, darling, come on over!"
A mammalian Pokémon with brown fur came out from one of the rooms to Amy's feet and showed its affection.
"Wow, so that's an Eevee," said Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex, Dexter.
"Eevee: The Evolution Pokémon," identified Dexter. "It has the potential to evolve into any one of three different Pokémon."
"I wonder what Dexter meant by one of three?" asked Hillary.
Tristan continued looking in his Pokédex.
"Eevee evolves into one of three Pokémon depending on what stone Using a Fire Stone will evolve Eevee into Flareon, the Flame Pokémon.A Water Stone will evolve Eevee into Vaporeon, the Bubble Jet Pokémon. A Thunder Stone will evlove Eevee into Jolteon, the Lightning Pokémon."
"I also learned that some new forms of Eevee have been recently discovered," added Veronica.
"I didn't know that," said Tristan.
"Well, as soon as you finish up your journey through Kanto, you and Hillary ought to explore the Johto region," suggested Veronica. "It's very rich in history, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your travels there."
"We'll try and do that," replied Tristan.
"But first, it's Saffron City that's on our minds," reminded Hillary.
Just then a white light shot out of Veronica's pocket. It materialized into her own Eevee. It had sensed the other Eevee, who had recently appeared. The two Eevee rubbed against one another to show their affection.
"Wow, Veronica, I didn't know you had an Eevee with you, too," remarked Amy.
"I really love Eevee," replied Veronica. "I've always wanted to be an Eevee trainer. After Tristan and Hillary left on their Pokémon journey, I've wanted to get back into battling. And seeing how Eevee had gotten along so well with all of us, I thought I should train some more of my Pokémon.
"Well, then, could I ask a favor?" said Amy.
Veronica nodded. "Go ahead."
(Music Cue: Legend (Version 2))
"Well, a few weeks ago, I found this Eevee who had been very dirty and frightened," explained Amy. "I guess it must have been abandoned."
Everyone felt sad as Amy continued her story.
"I tried to take Eevee to the Pokémon Center as fast as I could," continued Amy, "but along the way, I sprained my ankle. Fortunately, Nurse Joy saw us and took us to the Pokémon Center in her car. Later, I had my leg bandaged up and it felt better, but thanks to that fall, I didn't feel quite as mobile as I used to be."
"I was happy to take care of this Eevee, but I've been so worried about tripping over it that I didn't want either of us to get hurt. And the space is so small that I get twice as worried about it," finished Amy.
"That's too bad," said Tristan sadly.
"We never knew that this was hard for you," added Hillary.
"So I was wondering, Veronica," said Amy. "Would you be willing to be the owner of this wonderful Eevee? It won't be a burden to you. I promise."
Veronica's eyes teared up. "I'd love to have this adorable Eevee," she beamed. "Come here, you two."
The two Eevee leaped into Veronica's arms with joy.
Veronica said to the second Eevee, "I think we're all going to get along very well together." She took out a second Pokéball. The second Eevee touched the button, and as it did, it transformed into red energy and disappeared into it.
Hillary was pleased. "Looks like you have a new friend, Grandma," she said.
"Thank you, dear," replied Veronica as she got into a victory pose. She proudly proclaimed, "I got an Eevee: another one!"
Eevee cheered happily.
"Hey, no fair copying my pose," complained Tristan.
"I know you'll take good care of that Eevee, Veronica," said Amy.
"Thanks, Amy," replied Veronica.
Amy turned to Tristan and Hillary. "I have something for the two of you." She handed them two tea bags. "This is my handmade tea. Give it to one of the guards at one of Saffron City's entrances. They'll like it very much."
"Thanks a lot," replied Hillary. "We certainly appreciate it." She turned to Tristan and Pikachu. "Now we can go into Saffron City."
"All right," said Tristan. "As soon as we get there, I'm going to win my sixth badge."
"Pi-Pikachu!" proclaimed Pikachu.
"As your grandmother would say, Tristan," said Amy, "'I know you can do it.'"
Everyone laughed after that.
(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)
An hour later, everyone stood at the edge of Celadon City, preparing to bid it farewell. Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu prepared to head to Saffron City while Erika prepared to take Veronica back to New Bark Town in the Johto region.
"Thanks for spending time with me today, children," said Veronica. "I know it wasn't the best time we ever had, but we all got what we wanted."
"We were just glad to see you and Erika, Grandma," replied Hillary.
"Yeah," added Tristan. "Things wouldn't be the same without you."
"Your grandfather will love the second Eevee coming into the house," said Veronica.
"I bet he would," replied Hillary.
"I wish you success in your upcoming Gym Battle in Saffron City, Tristan," said Erika.
"Thanks a lot, Erika," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best."
Tristan and Hillary waved goodbye as Erika's car drove away. After it was out of sight, they left Celadon City smelling all the wonderful scents for the last time.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Boss Meeting)
Meanwhile, in a hideout not far from Saffron City, a man in an orange suit was waiting patiently as he was about ready to make his next big move. It was Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket. He was watching Saffron City and its residents very carefully.
"It's a matter of time now," he said.
Presently, he turned to another screen. Who should appear on it but Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu, who were about to arrive. They didn't know that they were being watched by him. He smiled a wicked smile.
"This couldn't have turned out any better," smiled Giovanni. "The kids are almost there. And soon, they'll be just in time to watch me take over the entire city. Saffron City, the Silph Company...but the big prize I'm after is the Master Ball. Soon, we'll have all the Master Balls, and we'll catch every rare Pokémon imaginable. And once we do, Team Rocket will rule the entire world. Mufufufufufufu."
Some time later, as the sun set, Tristan and Hillary saw a big city with tall buildings.
"Finally," said Tristan. "Saffron City."
"We finally made it," added Hillary.
Pikachu agreed with them as they walked toward the guard who was guarding the entrance.
"Oh, boy," said the officer as he wiped his head. "I'm working up a huge sweat today."
"Excuse us," said Hillary, "but we have something that you'd like."
She and Tristan got their teabags out of their backpacks and handed it to the officer.
"That's tea, my favorite drink!" said the officer. "I can have this?"
"Sure you can," replied Tristan.
The officer squeezed the tea out of the bags and into his mug. He gulped it down and said, "Thanks so much, kids. If you want to head into Saffron CIty, you can go through now. I'll share this tea with the other guards."
"Thanks a lot," replied Hillary.
As soon as Hillary thanked him, Giovanni spoke into his earpiece. "Now."
(Music Cue: Flying Pokéball Chaos (as heard in "Two Hits and a Miss")
The officer took off his uniform and revealed another uniform in black with a red letter R on it. He was a Team Rocket Grunt.
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"You're no officer, you're Team Rocket!" shouted Tristan as he pointed to him.
"That's correct, you fools," replied the Rocket Grunt. "Now Saffron City belongs to us." He spoke into his headset. "Okay, guys, open season!"
"Open season?" trembled Tristan. "What's that mean?"
"It means Saffron City is about to get the takeover of its life!" replied Hillary.
Sure enough, hundreds of Rocket Grunts came from all directions into Saffron City. The residents ran in terror and bolted their doors. One of the Rocket Grunts blocked the entrance to the Saffron City Gym while others stood in front of other houses. The rest of the Rocket Grunts went into the tallest building in Saffron City: the Silph Company.
Tristan and Hillary were outraged.
"How could we be fooled by the likes of you?!" fumed Hillary.
"Just lucky," answered the Rocket Grunt.
Presently, a helicopter could be heard from the sky. The Rocket Grunt smiled while Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock.
"That's my cue!" laughed the Rocket Grunt as he left his post and dashed into Saffron City.
Tristan and Hillary tried to shield themselves from the wind that blew from the helicopter's blades. "What's going on here?" they shouted over the noise.
An evil laugh was heard over the helicopter's loudspeaker.
Tristan immediately knew who it was. "Giovanni!" he fumed.
"I'm glad you're here, you fools," replied Giovanni. "Now this place belongs to Team Rocket!" He laughed as the helicopter started to roar off.
"Wait, come back here!" shouted Tristan.
But Tristan and Hillary could only watch helplessly as the helicopter carrying Giovanni flew away.
Just as Tristan and Hillary celebrated their arrival into Saffron City, Team Rocket has struck once again, and is now creating a crisis of major proportions! How will Giovanni proceed with his evil plan? And will Tristan and Hillary be able to stop him from getting what he wants? Don't miss the exciting battle for Saffron City beginning next time!
TO BE CONTINUED...
