AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 32 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Kanto region. Shinji Miyazaki's music cues appear. Jessie, James, and Meowth, as well as Giovanni from the anime make appearances in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and review, and remember, feedback of any kind is welcome.
TEASER: Tristan begins to doubt himself after his latest battle with Jessie, James, and Meowth, but can a battle against an old rival give his confidence a boost?
Chapter 32: TEAM ROCKET'S TAKEOVER, PART 2
(Music Cue: A Formidable Opponent Appears)
Last time, Tristan and Hillary began one of their most challenging tasks to date: getting Team Rocket out of Saffron City. However, their challenge didn't get any easier when Officer Jenny arrived on the scene and accused them of letting Team Rocket in it. To make matters worse, she attacked our heroes and chased them into the Silph Company, which was Team Rocket's base of operations. As if that weren't bad enough, Jessie, James, and Meowth showed up and proceeded to steal the baby Lapras in the fountain, putting Tristan even further in self-doubt. Meanwhile, the president and secretary were forced into their own board room by Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. His evil intention was to steal top-secret plans for the Master Ball, which, if used, captures any wild Pokémon without fail. Now, Tristan and Hillary find themselves surrounded by four Team Rocket members who are actually brothers. Will Team Rocket rule the roost and get away with seizing the Silph Company right before Tristan's eyes?
(Music Cue: Brutal Pokémon Appearance (orchestra version)
"So what's it's going to be, kid?" asked Gary to Tristan.
He, Barry, Harry, and Larry hoped that the kids would come with them.
"Um, why don't you four leave this place and Saffron City?" suggested Hillary, trying to be polite. "We're really not interested in playing with you creeps right now. In fact, you make us look bored!" She then laughed hysterically.
"Not the best time to be insulting them, Hillary," whispered Tristan.
The four Rocket Brothers, Barry, Gary, Harry, and Larry all shook and clenched their fists in fury at Hillary's comedy routine.
"That's it!" screamed Barry as he and the others threw their Pokéballs. "Go, Machoke, my fist of fury!"
"You're going down!" added Gary. "Go Cubone!"
"It's time to pay!" added Harry. "Go, Weezing!"
"Golbat, Hypno, you too!" finished Larry.
All the Pokémon materialized from the white lights that shot out of the Pokéballs.
Machocke had gray skin, plus it had big muscles and wore what appeared to be a championship belt.
Cubone had a thick skull on its head and a bone in its hand.
Golbat had large purple wings and a large, gaping mouth with fangs in it.
Weezing had two faces connected with a thin spherical tube attaching them.
Hypno looked like a yellow humanoid Pokémon with triangular ears and a pendulum in one of its hands.
All of the Pokémon had angry expressions on their faces.
Tristan hadn't seen Hypno or Machoke before, so he scanned them with his Pokédex just to be sure.
"Machoke: The Superpower Pokémon: The evolved form of Machop," identified Dexter. "The belt around Machoke's waist suppresses its energy. Without it, this Pokémon would be unstoppable.
"Hypno: The Hypnosis Pokémon: The evolved form of Drowzee. When it locks eyes with an opponent, Hypno will unleash a combination of the Hypnosis and Dream Eater attacks. Trainers beware: this Pokémon uses the pendulum in its hand to put its foes to sleep."
"Now they definitely have us outnumbered," said Hillary. "They're using five Pokémon at once!"
"Well, we won't be for long. I choose everyone!" shouted Tristan as he threw four Pokéballs.
(Music Cue: Real and Copy! Which are the Strongest? as heard in "Better Eight Than Never")
Ivysaur, Charmeleon, Wartortle, and Pidgeot all materialized from the white lights that shot out of the balls. Pikachu jumped in alongside the other Pokémon, ready to battle Team Rocket.
"Well, at least the Rocket Brothers aren't going to outnumber us anymore," said Tristan. "It's five on five. And it's also a good thing we have tall ceilings."
Hillary and all of Tristan's Pokémon nodded in agreement.
"Machoke, use your Karate Chop on Charmeleon!" yelled Barry.
Machoke tried to chop at Charmeleon using the side of its hand, but Charmeleon was too agile as it jumped back, dodging the attack.
"Cubone, give that Pikachu a Bone Club!" ordered Gary.
Cubone charged at a defenseless Pikachu with its club as the driving force.
"Look out, Pikachu!" exclaimed Tristan.
But before Cubone could strike, Wartortle blasted a huge stream of water at Cubone, pushing it back on the spot.
"Thanks, Wartortle," said Tristan.
Wartortle nodded and gave a thumbs-up to its Trainer.
"Weezing, use Tackle attack on that Ivysaur!" commanded Harry.
Weezing did a full-body charge at Ivysaur.
"Ivysaur, do a Tackle attack right back!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur charged at Weezing and collided with it. At first, they were evenly matched, but with a little persistence, Ivysaur came out on top and successfully pushed Weezing back.
"Golbat, use your Supersonic on that big bird!" commanded Larry.
Golbat emitted an ultrasonic wave from its mouth at Pidgeot.
The wave hit Pidgeot, whose eyes had swirls in them. It teetered from side to side in confusion.
"What's going on with Pidgeot?" asked Hillary.
"Golbat's Supersonic attack must've confused it!" gasped Tristan.
"Now, Hypno, Hypnosis!" commanded Larry.
Hypno's eyes glowed in a blue color as it swung its pendulum rhythmically from side to side. Pidgeot looked at the pendulum and Hypno's eyes. It seemed to be in a hypnotic trance as it continued teetering from side to side.
"Pidgeot, please snap out of it!" shouted Tristan.
"Golbat, Bite attack!" yelled Larry.
"Golbat charged at a drowsy Pidgeot with its fangs bared.
"Charmeleon, you've gotta help Pidgeot, so use your Flamethrower!" ordered Tristan.
Charmeleon jumped in front of Pidgeot and immediately fired a red-hot stream of fire from its mouth. Its attack scored a direct hit on Golbat, but unfortunately, a few stray embers from the attack flew onto Pidgeot's crest on its head. It squawked loudly and immediately snapped out of the trance as it tried frantically to put out its fire.
"Pidgeot!" gasped Tristan.
"The embers from Charmeleon's Flamethrower must've landed on it!" added Hillary.
Tristan turned to Wartortle. "Quick, Wartortle, you've gotta help us out, so use your Water Gun attack!"
Wartortle shot another stream of water at Pidgeot's head and put out the fire. However, Pidgeot wasn't too thrilled at the thought of being soaked to the feather.
"Are you okay, Pidgeot?" asked Tristan.
Pidgeot shook the excess water off its feathers and squawked a happy reply.
"Well, at least Pidgeot snapped out of its confusion," said Hillary.
"Why you!" exclaimed Larry.
"Get them!" shouted Gary.
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu!)
All of the Rocket Brothers' Pokémon charged at Tristan's Pokémon.
"Ivysaur, give 'em a dose of your Razor Leaf!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur shot a flurry of razor sharp leaves at the Rocket Brothers' Pokémon. One by one, they were struck down and were sent flying backward.
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower!" ordered Tristan.
Charmeleon shot a powerful hot stream of fire from its mouth, inflicting more damage on the Rocket Brothers' Pokémon. All of them collapsed on the ground, knocked out.
The Rocket Brothers were most annoyed.
"If we can't get your Pokémon, we'll just have to get the girl instead!" shouted Harry.
"Get her!" yelled Barry.
All four Rocket Brothers charged at a defenseless Hillary, who gasped in fear.
"That's no fair! Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" commanded Tristan.
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" shouted Pikachu as a yellow bolt of electricity shot from its cheeks and body at the Rocket Brothers, who screamed in pain.
The Rocket Brothers collapsed in a pathetic heap.
"Never, ever, ever mess with my sister!" fumed Tristan.
The Rocket Brothers were too dazed to stand up.
"Like brother..." began Larry.
"...like brother," put in Harry.
"Good night," added Gary.
"Sweet dreams," finished Barry.
Then the four Rocket Brothers, dazed from Pikachu's attack, fell fast asleep.
"Thanks, Tristan," said Hillary.
"There's no time for thank-yous, sis," advised Tristan. "Chances are, Jessie, James, and Meowth have already met up with Giovanni, and we've gotta get Lapras back."
"You're right," replied Hillary. "Let's go!" But the second she stepped aside to follow Tristan, she stepped on a yellow square. Instantly, the yellow square glowed then, Hillary glowed in a white light.
"Tristan, what's going on?" gasped Hillary as she disappeared a second later.
"Hillary, where are you?" shouted Tristan.
But it was no use. Hillary couldn't be seen or heard anywhere.
"I have to find her!" said Tristan. He took out his four Pokéballs. "Return, everyone!"
The Pokéballs shot red beams of energy from the buttons at Charmeleon, Ivysaur, Wartortle, and Pidgeot, transforming them into red energy as they shot back inside them.
Pikachu climbed on Tristan's shoulder as he stepped on the yellow tile. The tile glowed, and he and Pikachu disappeared also.
"Tristan, Pikachu, where did you go?" called Hillary. "Please don't disappear like that!"
Just then, Tristan and Pikachu materialized on the pink tile.
"There you are, sis," said Tristan.
"I'm glad you're back," said Hillary as she and Tristan embraced.
"So am I," replied Tristan. Then he checked his surroundings. "Where are we?"
"I don't know," said Hillary. "It looks like we're in a maze."
"Those tiles..." thought Tristan. Then he spoke out loud. "We must have stepped on some warp tiles!"
"Warp tiles?" asked Hillary.
Tristan nodded. "This entire building must have been made to look like a maze, so the warp tiles must have been placed to help navigate through here."
"Now all we have to do is figure out which warp tiles lead where so we can rescue Lapras and beat Team Rocket, right?" asked Hillary.
"That's easier said than done," replied Tristan. "We don't have any idea where the warp tiles will lead us."
"Then it's time to use these," smiled Hillary as she dug into her backpack and took out little stickers with red letter Rs on them.
"Those look like Team Rocket markers," said Tristan. "Why did you take those out?"
"Because Team Rocket loves fame and fortune," answered Hillary. "We'll simply use these to mark where we've been when we step on the warp tiles. And since Team Rocket's here at the moment, we won't attract attention. And when we finally get to the Team Rocket trio, we'll be that much closer to getting to the source of the problem!"
"I see now," smiled Tristan. "That just might work."
"Then let's go," said Hillary as she placed a Team Rocket marker next to the warp tile. Then, she and Tristan raced off to find the Team Rocket trio.
Tristan and Hillary were making good progress through the building. Sometimes, when they stepped on the warp tiles, they found themselves in areas they hadn't seen. Other times, they saw the markers and had to retrace their steps. Some of the Rocket Grunts saw the markers and were very pleased.
"Someone apparently likes us," said one of them.
"Maybe they'd like our autographs," said another.
"I wonder who placed these?" wondered a third.
Sure enough, Hillary's plan was working flawlessly. She and Tristan had not attracted any attention from any of the Rocket Grunts they hadn't encountered yet.
"Do you think we're getting closer to the source of the problem?" asked Tristan.
"I'm not sure," replied Hillary. "Anything's possible in this maze."
"Those employees must have had the foresight to make it easier to navigate from one place to another," said Tristan.
It was then that they saw what they thought was a red warp tile they hadn't seen yet.
"This looks promising, Tristan," said Hillary. "Let's get on this warp tile and see where we end up."
Hillary took out a Team Rocket marker and put it on the wall so she and Tristan would know they had been at that spot. However, when she stepped on it, red lights flashed and an alarm blared throughout the building.
"What's that?" asked Tristan. "What's making that buzzing sound?"
"It must be some sort of alarm!" answered Hillary. "This isn't a warp tile, it's a trap!"
(Music Cue: Raid!)
A trap it was, for just then, multiple Rocket Grunts arrived on the scene and charged at Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu.
"Now we're in for it," whispered Tristan.
"So you're the one who placed those markers!" yelled one of the Rocket Grunts. "Get outta here right now!"
"Pikachu, give 'em a Thunderbolt," commanded Tristan.
Pikachu immediately jumped off of Tristan's shoulder and shot a yellow bolt of electricity from its cheeks at the Rocket Grunts, who felt the large zap. One by one, they collapsed in a heap.
"Good job, Pikachu," commended Tristan.
Pikachu replied happily.
"Well, at least we won't see them for awhile," said Hillary.
But just then, more Rocket Grunts appeared and charged right toward Tristan and Hillary.
"Oh, no! Again?!" exclaimed Hillary.
"Use another Thunderbolt attack, Pikachu!" ordered Tristan.
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" yelled Pikachu as another yellow bolt of electricity shot out from its cheeks at the second group of Rocket Grunts. Like the first group, this one, too, collapsed in a heap, but just as suddenly, a third group of Rocket Grunts appeared, followed by another and still another.
"Those guys are nuts! They just don't quit!" grunted Tristan.
"Sandslash, do a Swift attack!" shouted a voice.
Tristan and Hillary gasped in shock as a flurry of brightly colored sharp stars shot out of nowhere and struck the Rocket Grunts, one by one.
Having no other choice, the Rocket Grunts were forced to retreat.
Presently, a a mouselike Pokémon with quills on its back landed neatly on its feet.
A spiky-haired kid made his appearance next to the Pokémon.
Tristan knew who it was. "It's Blue," he whispered.
"Why did you help us?" asked Hillary.
"No reason," answered Blue. "I also figured you guys could use a little help. So, what kept you guys?"
"Team Rocket," replied Tristan. "We've been trying to get a stolen Lapras back from a trio of Team Rocket members. They used Smokescreen to cover their escape. We've got to help that Lapras somehow."
"Those blundering idiots?" asked Blue. Then he and his Pokémon fell on their backs in hysterical laughter.
"It's not very nice to laugh when someone tells you about their experiences with Team Rocket," barked Tristan.
Blue stopped laughing. "Sorry about that. I just knew that you'd show up after Team Rocket slowed you down. So I figured I'd follow you to Saffron City to see if you got better."
"We don't have time for a battle now, Blue," insisted Tristan. "I already told you that we need to find a group of Team Rocket members. And besides, they used a Wobbuffet, which neither of our Pokédexes can identify, and I'd like to get back at it."
Blue then became concerned. "It sounds like you've been doubting yourself for a while," he said. "I think a battle against me is just what you need to get your confidence back, and you need a little break time anyway. Besides, those three couldn't navigate through the maze, even if they tried. And even if they did manage to find their way to their leader, I doubt even he will take the time to talk with them. I'm sure that the president and secretary are trying to stall for as much time as they can."
Tristan thought about what Blue just said. Then he said, "Okay, Blue, if it will help me get my confidence back, then I accept your challenge."
"But Tristan, we need to go now," said Hillary.
"Relax, sis," replied Tristan. "I think Blue may be right. I have been doubting myself for the past hour, and I sure could use a little practice."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy (version 1))
Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth were listening in on Tristan and Hillary through headphones as they tried to navigate through the maze of the building.
"I don't see the Boss anywhere, James, do you?" asked Jessie.
"No, Jessie, I don't," replied James. "But knowing him, he's probably on the top floor."
"Well, wherever he is, he's gonna be proud of da latest catch we did," added Meowth.
Lapras quietly cried in the net as Jessie struggled to keep a good grip on it.
"Oh, be quiet already!" barked Jessie. "Your consistent crying is giving me a big headache. Now stop it or you will have something to cry about!" She turned to James and Meowth. "You two, help me with this net, will ya?"
James and Meowth quickly ran to Jessie and helped carry the net, but even with all three of them carrying it, it was still hard to manage.
"Dis Lapras must weigh a ton!" strained Meowth.
"I can barely lift it myself!" grunted James.
"Oh, come on, you two," complained Jessie. "We've got to get this Lapras to the Boss or we'll never get that promotion."
It was then that James noticed one of the markers Hillary left behind. "Hmmmm," he said.
"What is it, James?" asked Jessie.
"Well, it looks like someone left a Team Rocket marker behind," replied James.
"Dat means dere's loyal Team Rocket fans in dis building somewheres," said Meowth excitedly.
Then what are we waiting for?" said Jessie. "Let's find the Boss so we can impress them!"
"Yay!" cheered James and Meowth. But before they knew what happened, they had stepped on the warp tile next to where Hillary left her marker. They both glowed just as the tile did, and they disappeared.
That left Jessie confused. "This is a whole new experience," she said as she struggled with the net toward the warp tile. Jessie and the warp tile glowed, and eventually, she and the net disappeared.
"I'm gonna use this Sandslash first," said Blue to Tristan.
"Sandslash," repeated Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex, Dexter.
"Sandslash: The Mouse Pokémon: The evolved form of Sandshrew," identified Dexter. "It attacks opponents with the quills on its back."
"That Sandshrew must've evolved," said Tristan.
"Very perceptive, Tristan," replied Blue. "I've been training my team nonstop since our last battle. I've got five Pokémon for you to beat."
"And I'll bet Sandslash is one of them," said Tristan. "I know who I'm gonna choose." He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "I choose you...Wartortle!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle)
Wartortle materialized from the white light that shot out of the ball.
"So, a Water-type is up first," said Blue. "How predictable."
"Let's get this battle going so we can free the Lapras," advised Tristan. "Wartortle, use your Water Gun!"
Wartortle sprayed a powerful stream of water at Sandslash.
"Sandslash, use your Slash attack to keep the water at bay!" commanded Blue.
"Sandslash!" replied Sandslash as it furiously slashed at the water with its sharp claws. As hard as Wartortle blasted at it, Sandslash just kept slashing at the onrushing water.
"That's one of the most powerful Slash attacks I've ever seen!" gasped Hillary.
"Sandslash, Poison Sting now!" yelled Blue.
Sandslash spun like a wheel as a barrage of poisonous needles shot out from the quills on its back.
"Look out, Wartortle!" shouted Tristan. "Protect yourself using Withdraw!"
Wartortle shot its limbs and head into its shell just before Sandslash's Poison Sting made contact. The hard shell nullified the damage done to it.
"Hiding in your shell like that is a loser's way to battle, you know!" exclaimed Blue, who was most annoyed. "Sandslash, Swift attack!"
Sandslash spun like a wheel again, but this time, sharp, brightly colored stars shot out from its back at Wartortle's shell. The shell was pushed backward, but Wartortle shot back out of its shell, ready for a little more action.
But that was the chance Blue had been waiting for. "Sandslash, wrap this up with Slash attack!" commanded Blue.
Snadslash charged at Wartortle with its sharp claws as the driving force.
But Tristan had Sandslash right where he wanted it. "Wartortle, Ice Beam now!" ordered Tristan.
Wartortle fired a beam of ice-cold energy from its mouth at Sandslash's claws. The beam instantly froze them solid, making them useless.
"No, Sandslash!" exclaimed Blue.
"Wartortle, Water Gun!" shouted Tristan.
Wartortle blasted a powerful stream of water at Sandslash with all its might. Not only did it get Sandslash soaked to the skin, but it was pushed back with such force that it was instantly knocked out.
"Sandslash!" exclaimed Blue.
"Well done, Wartortle," commended Tristan.
Wartortle replied happily as it landed neatly on the ground.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Boss Theme as heard in "The Breeding Center Secret")
Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth managed to find a warp tile that Hillary hadn't marked yet. By shear dumb luck, they managed to find their way to the eleventh floor where they saw Giovanni.
"It's the Boss," whispered Jessie. "He's definitely close by."
"Den what're we waitin' for?" said Meowth. "Let's deliver da Lapras to him!"
"But what if the Boss is in a meeting?" asked James, who was a bit concerned.
Jessie and Meowth realized that Giovanni never liked to be disturbed during meetings.
"I guess we can wait a little longer," said Jessie.
"We got plenty of time before da twoips show up," added Meowth. "Dey'll never be able to find us."
"Let's watch the Boss and see what he does with his hostages," said Jessie.
"So what will it be, Mr. President?" asked Giovanni, who was getting impatient. "I want an answer and I want it now."
"We already told you, sir, we won't give you the Silph Company!" insisted the President, who by this time was losing his own patience. "This company has been passed down from generation to generation, and I will not allow dastardly criminals like you take it for your evil purposes!"
"But what if I were to tell you that I'm not doing this for evil purposes?" suggested Giovanni. "Would you reconsider?"
"We saw what those awful people from Team Rocket did," said the secretary. "You can't deny that you were behind this takeover!"
"And another thing," added the president. "Even if we were to hand this company to you, Officer Jenny would eventually catch up to you."
Giovanni chuckled evilly. "It sounds to me like you've been doing your homework. But I really must have this company if I'm to bring this company into a bright future for the entire world. Unfortunately, if you two don't reconsider, and quick, I'm afraid you two won't be part of this future."
The president and secretary grunted desperately, hoping against all odds that someone would rescue them.
"Ninetales, go!" shouted Blue as he threw his second Pokéball.
Ninetales emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball. It looked like a fox with luxurious golden-white fur with nine beautiful long tails.
"Blue's Vulpix must've evolved since last time," said Hillary.
"Let's see what Dexter has to say about Ninetales," said Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Ninetales: The Fox Pokémon: The evolved form of Vulpix," replied Dexter. "It has nine tails and a shining golden fleece. Ninetales are said to live very long lives."
"There's gotta be a secret to its longevity somewhere," said Hillary.
Tristan was confused. "Is Longevity some kind of new Pokémon?" he asked.
Everyone but Tristan hit their heads in embarrassment.
"Let's just continue on with this battle," advised Blue. "Ninetales, Ember now!"
(Music Cue: Let's Run! as heard in "The Evolution Solution")
Ninetales immediately shot a barrage of little balls of fire from its mouth at Wartortle.
"Wartortle, douse that Ember attack with your Water Gun!" ordered Tristan.
Wartortle shot a powerful stream of water at Ninetales' attack, instantly nullifying it.
"Ninetales, Quick Attack now!" commanded Blue.
Ninetales sped at Wartortle with a white line trailing behind it. It successfully scored a hit on it, much to Tristan and Wartortle's surprise.
"Whoa, that's fast!" said Tristan.
"Your Pikachu and Pidgeotto have taught me well, Tristan," remarked Blue. "So I decided to teach my own Pokémon that attack just so I can keep up with you! Ninetales, try your Quick attack again now!"
Once again, Ninetales, sped at Wartortle with a white line trailing behind it.
"Wartortle, aim your Ice Beam attack at the ground now!" shouted Tristan.
Wartortle shot a beam of ice-cold energy at the ground. Ninetales was fast, but it was going too fast. It found that out the hard way when it slipped and fell on the ground.
"All right, Wartortle, hit Ninetales with your Water Gun!" ordered Tristan.
Wartortle shot a powerful stream of water at Ninetales, scoring a direct hit on it.
"Ninetales!" exclaimed Blue.
The damage from Wartortle's Water Gun combined with the slippery ice from its Ice Beam caused Ninetales to hit obstacle after obstacle, knocking it out.
"Ninetales, return!" called Blue as he aimed the Pokéball's button at it.
A red energy beam shot out from Ninetales' Pokéball, transforming it into red energy, which shot back inside it.
"Well, well," said Blue. "I see you've been doing some training, too," said Blue
"I don't know what other surprises Blue has in store for me in this battle," thought Tristan, "so I'll have to be at my very best if I want to claim victory."
"Okay, here's something to surprise you with: Jolteon, I choose you!" shouted Blue as he threw his third Pokéball.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (version 2) as heard in "The Battle of the Badge")
Jolteon emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball. It looked like a bigger version of Eevee, but it was covered in yellow spiky fur with a spiky fringe around its tail and a white ruff around its neck.
Hillary gasped in surprise. "Is that the same Eevee you battled before?" she asked.
"It almost has to be," replied Tristan as he scanned Jolteon with his Pokédex.
"Jolteon: The Lightning Pokémon," identified Dexter. "When angered or frightened, the hairs on Jolteon's body become like needles that are fired at its opponents. It absorbs charged atoms and can produce 10,000 volts of electricity."
"You'd better be careful, Tristan," advised Hillary. "Wartortle's at a huge disadvantage against Electric-type Pokémon like Jolteon."
"Are you okay to keep going, Wartortle?" asked Tristan.
Wartortle eagerly nodded.
"Great! Use your Water Gun attack!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle quickly sprayed a stream of water from its mouth at Jolteon.
"Jolteon, dodge it, and then use your Pin Missle attack!" ordered Blue.
Jolteon jumped out of the way of Wartortle's attack. Its fur became spiky, and then it shot multiple yellow needles at Wartortle.
"Wartortle, Withdraw now!" shouted Tristan.
Wartortle withdrew its head and limbs as they shrunk back into its shell, nullifying the damage to Jolteon's Pin Missle attack.
"If you think you can hide in your shell forever you've got another thing coming! Jolteon, Quick Attack now!" commanded Blue.
With lightning speed, Jolteon charged at Wartortle with a white line trailing behind it. It successfully scored a clean hit on it, giving it some damage.
"Wartortle!" exclaimed Tristan.
"That was an incredibly fast Quick Attack!" gasped Hillary.
"I hate to kick a Pokémon when it's already down, but for you, I'll make an exception," said Blue. "Jolteon, Double Kick!"
With its hind legs, Jolteon kicked Wartortle in the belly, causing it to fall on its back. Wartortle flailed as it struggled in vain to get back on its feet.
"Wartortle!" gasped Hillary.
"This is bad," said Tristan. "Wartortle's shell is giving it so much trouble that it can't get back up."
"Jolteon, use your Thundershock attack!" yelled Blue.
Jolteon's electricity sizzled throughout its body. Then it shot a yellow stream of electricity at Wartortle.
"Wartortle, look out!" shouted Tristan.
As Wartortle braces for a pulverizing Thundershock from Jolteon, Tristan's latest battle against Blue may be just the thing to get his confidence back. But will he emerge victorious? And will he be able to stop Team Rocket and save the baby Lapras before it's too late? Don't miss the exciting conclusion...next time!"
TO BE CONTINUED...
