AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! It's been a little bit, but here's chapter 33 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through Kanto. Many characters from the games and anime appear in this chapter, including the president and secretary of the Silph Company, Blue, the Team Rocket trio, and Giovanni. Shinji Miyazaki's music cues are in this chapter for your imaginative listening pleasure. As always, please feel free to read and review, and remember that feedback of any kind, positive or negative, is always welcome.
TEASER: Tristan is in the middle of a heated battle against Blue, but will the battle prove to be enough to prepare Tristan's confidence to stop Team Rocket and save the Silph Company?
Chapter 33: TEAM ROCKET'S TAKEOVER, PART 3
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (version 2) as heard in "To Master the Onix-Pected")
Hoping to save the baby Lapras that had been kidnapped by Jessie, James, and Meowth, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu managed to blow past the four Team Rocket brothers who surrounded them. When Hillary was in danger, Tristan and Pikachu showed the brothers no mercy by giving them the shock of their lives using Pikachu's Thunderbolt attack. To navigate through the maze of the Silph Company, Hillary cleverly set markers that had Team Rocket's emblem next to the warp tiles. The idea was that they wouldn't attract any attention. However, when Hillary stepped on an alarm by accident, their cover had been blown, and many Team Rocket members charged at them, but they weren't any match for Pikachu's Thunderbolt either. More and more Team Rocket members showed up in an attempt to stop Tristan and Hillary; however, Blue showed up to help them in the nick of time, and immediately challenged Tristan to a battle in an effort to boost his confidence. Tristan managed to defeat Blue's Sandslash and Ninetales without too much trouble. However, he was in for a shocking surprise as Blue sent out his newly-evolved Jolteon to face Wartortle. To prove how much stronger he'd become, Blue commanded Jolteon to use its Thundershock on a defenseless Wartortle. Will Tristan and his Pokémon have enough power to blow past Blue so he, Hillary, and Pikachu can rescue the baby Lapras from Jessie, James, and Meowth, and also to stop Giovanni and Team Rocket from taking over the Silph Company? The battle continues...now!
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu! as heard in "From Ghost to Ghost")
"Wartortle, you've got to get back up as fast as you can!" yelled Tristan.
Wartortle continued to flail on its back defenselessly as it struggled in vain to get up and dodge Jolteon's Thundershock attack.
"Hurry, Tristan, you've gotta do something fast!" shouted Hillary.
"Wartortle, Withdraw now!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle's limbs and head shot back into its shell in an attempt to cancel the oncoming damage from Jolteon's attack, but even with that defensive stance, Thundershock still managed to score an effective hit.
"Wartortle!" exclaimed Tristan.
The force of Jolteon's Thundershock attack had flipped Wartortle right side up, but it had taken some serious damage.
"Quick, Wartortle, return!" called Tristan as he held its Pokéball.
The red energy beam from the Pokéball's button shot at Wartortle, who transformed into red energy and shot back inside.
"Oh, well," said Blue. "I guess retreating is better than losing. So what Pokémon will you be using next?"
"That Jolteon seems to be a lot more powerful than it was since the last time I battled it," thought Tristan. "So I'll have to go with my next best choice." Then, he threw a Pokéball and shouted out loud, "Go, Ivysaur, I choose you!"
Ivysaur materialized from the white light that shot out of its ball.
Tristan hoped that Ivysaur's type advantage over Jolteon would be enough to defeat it.
"So you think that by using a Grass-type against my Jolteon would save you, huh?" said Blue. "We'll see who saves whom when Jolteon uses its Thundershock attack!"
(Music Cue: Raid!)
Jolteon fired another powerful bolt of electricity from its body at Ivysaur, which took the force of the attack. However, Ivysaur easily shook off the damage.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Blue. "Ivysaur just absorbed the attack like it was being tickled!"
"I get it!" said Hillary. "Tristan sent out Ivysaur in an attempt to stop Jolteon's Electric attacks! Grass Pokémon like Ivysaur are able to absorb electricity into the ground like lightning rods!"
"That's pretty smart of you to think outside the box like that, Tristan," commended Blue.
"Ivysaur, Razor Leaf attack!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur fired a flurry of leaves from the bud on its back at Jolteon.
"Jolteon, jump and use your Quick Attack!" ordered Blue.
Jolteon leaped off the ground and avoided Ivysaur's Razor Leaf, and then it sped toward Ivysaur with a white line trailing behind it.
"Ivysaur, hold your ground!" instructed Tristan.
Jolteon rammed into Ivysaur, but Ivysaur used its head to keep Jolteon at bay. Thanks to its weight advantage, Ivysaur managed to push Jolteon back.
"Jolteon, Pin Missle attack!" yelled Blue.
Jolteon's yellow fur turned sharp, and it immediately shot sharp white needles from it. The needles hit Ivysaur hard.
"Ivysaur, hang on!" shouted Tristan.
Ivysaur fell onto the ground, and then it struggled to get back on its feet.
"That's the way, Ivysaur!" commended Tristan. "Now, fire Leech Seed!"
Ivysaur launched a brown seed from the bud on its back toward Jolteon. The seed blossomed into vines, which tangled Jolteon from head to toe. Jolteon instantly found itself powerless from the zap of Leech Seed.
"Jolteon, no!" cried Blue.
"Ivysaur, Vine Whip!" shouted Tristan.
Ivysaur quickly shot two green vines from its back, and grabbed Jolteon with them. It spun Jolteon around and around into the air until, at last, it thrust Jolteon down to the ground hard, knocking it out. The vines from Leech Seed completely disappeared.
"Jolteon!" exclaimed Blue.
"Good job, Ivysaur," said Tristan.
Ivysaur nodded happily to its Trainer.
"That was a close one," said Hillary as she sighed with relief. "I was getting nervous for a minute."
"Jolteon, return!" called Blue as he aimed the Pokéball's button at it.
The red energy beam from the ball transformed Jolteon into red energy and shot it back inside.
"So you managed to defeat my Jolteon," said Blue. "I was expecting it to give you a hard time ever since it evolved from my Eevee. But even with that, you still managed to defeat it even with the difficulties of its Electric attacks as well as its Pin Missle. I think that proves you're getting stronger already."
Tristan was surprised. He wasn't expecting Blue to be so nice to him.
"However," continued Blue, "that doesn't mean that you've beaten me yet. I won't accept defeat so easily. Now feast your eyes on my element of surprise as I choose Abra!" He threw his fourth Pokéball.
Abra materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It looked like a bipedal Pokémon with a kit-shaped face and naturally closed eyes, a small pale yellow snout, and a long, thick tail.
Trista quickly scanned Abra with his Pokédex named Dexter.
"Abra: The Psi Pokémon," identified Dexter. "This Pokémon sleeps 18 hours a day. If it senses danger, it will teleport itself away from it even while sleeping."
"Eighteen hours a day?!" gasped Tristan. "I'm lucky if I can get eight!"
"Well, your Pokédex may be accurate on most Abra, but not this one," replied Blue. "I've trained this Abra long and hard, and now it can stay awake through almost anything. So go on, just try and attack it."
"All right, Ivysaur, give Abra a Vine Whip attack!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur shot its two green vines from its back at a seemingly motionless Abra.
"Teleport," instructed Blue.
Abra glowed in a bright white light and disappeared before Ivysaur's Vine Whip could connect. At the same instant, Abra appeared behind Ivysaur, nearly scaring it out of its wits.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (version 1) as heard in "The Big Balloon Blow-Up")
"Oh, no!" gasped Tristan.
"That Abra's fast!" exclaimed Hillary.
Blue just smiled.
At that moment, Abra began to glow in a bright white light as a shimmering tone was heard.
"What's going on?" asked Tristan.
"I think Abra's evolving!" replied Hillary.
Sure enough, Abra grew bigger as it evolved. When the evolution was complete, it looked like a bigger humanoid Pokémon with two pointed ears, a red star on its forehead, and two mustache-like tufts of fur extending from its snout. Its eyes were opened naturally, and it had a spoon in its hand.
"I'd better check it out," said Tristan as he scanned the newly evolved Pokémon with his Pokédex.
'Kadabra: The Psi Pokémon: The evolved form of Abra," identified Dexter. "It emits special alpha waves that cause headaches just by being close by."
"You'd better be careful, Ivysaur," advised Tristan. "That Kadabra seems pretty powerful."
Ivysaur nodded in reply.
"Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf attack!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur shot a flurry of leaves from its back at Kadabra.
"Kadabra, Confusion!" commanded Blue.
Kadabra's eyes glowed in a crimson color, causing the flying Razor Leaf attack to stop in midair. They, too, glowed in a crimson color. Then, using its telekinetic powers, Kadabra sent Ivysaur's Razor Leaf right back at it. Ivysaur was taken by surprise as it was battered with leaf after leaf.
"That Confusion attack was really strong!" gasped Hillary.
"Finish it with Psybeam!" ordered Blue.
Kadabra focused its psychic energy in the palms of its hands. Then it shot a big mysterious colored beam from them at Ivysaur, scoring a direct hit in the process.
"Ivysaur!" exclaimed Tristan.
Ivysaur collapsed to the ground from the direct hit with a dazed look in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Well, it looks like the end of that," smiled Blue.
"Ivysaur, return!" called Tristan as he aimed the Pokéball's button at it.
A red energy beam shot out from the Pokéball, transforming Ivysaur into red energy as it shot back inside.
"I'm proud of you, Ivysaur," said Tristan as he held his Pokéball close to him. "Take a long rest." He turned to Blue. "Your Kadabra's pretty tough...much tougher than I first thought."
"Well, your Ivysaur's getting stronger, too," said Blue, "but keep in mind that Psychic attacks are real strong against Poison Pokemon."
"What do you mean, Blue?" asked Tristan.
"I mean that Ivysaur may be a Grass Pokémon, but it has Poison characteristics, too," answered Blue. "Just check your Pokédex."
Tristan checked his Pokédex, and sure enough, he saw that Ivysaur had qualities of both Grass and Poison Pokémon. "Pretty clever, Blue," he said.
"So which Pokémon will you be using next, pal?" asked Blue.
"That Kadabra's one of the toughest Pokémon I've had to battle against," thought Tristan. "But there's no way I'll ever give up."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy (the second half)
Meanwhile, on the top floor, Jessie, James, and Meowth were still waiting for their leader, Giovanni, to finish up his meeting with the president and secretary. They groaned as they sat down and took a break from hauling Lapras's heavy net.
"Why can't the Boss just get his little meeting over with?" complained Jessie.
"Da Boss really has his hands full dis time," added Meowth.
"I'm sure he will accept this Lapras we caught," finished James.
The three paused for a second.
"I'm fed up with all this waiting!" grumbled Jessie. "This is starting to get on my nerves!"
"Meowth, too," added Meowth.
"Not to mention this Lapras is heavy, even with all three of us lifting it," grunted James.
"Dere's gotta be some way," said Meowth.
"Wobbuffet!" agreed Wobbuffet as it popped out of its Pokéball yet again.
Jessie grumbled. "Meowth said some way, not some Wobb."
"Wobbu," said Wobbuffet sadly as Jessie returned it to its Pokéball.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon as heard in "Two Hits and a Miss")
"Charmeleon, let's go!" shouted Tristan as he threw another Pokéball.
Charmeleon materialized from the white light that shot out of its ball.
"We've gotta be careful, Charmeleon, because Kadabra's Psychic attacks are pretty powerful," advised Tristan.
Charmeleon nodded in reply.
"Charmeleon, use your Flamethrower attack!" ordered Tristan.
Charmeleon shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at Kadabra.
"Kadabra, send it back with your Confusion attack!" commanded Blue.
Kadabra's eyes glowed in a red color, as did Charmeleon's Flamethrower. With one thrust from its spoon, Kadabra sent Flamethrower back at Charmeleon, sideswiping it.
Charmeleon was shaken, but easily got back on its feet.
"Now, Kadabra, use your Psybeam!" instructed Blue.
Kadabra shot another mysterious colored beam from its hands at Charmeleon.
"Counter that with Flamethrower!" ordered Tristan.
Charmeleon shot another hot stream of fire from its mouth at Kadabra's Psybeam. The two attacks collided with explosive results.
The smoke was so thick that Blue couldn't see. He was getting flustered.
This was Tristan's big chance. "Slash attack!" he shouted.
Charmeleon jumped out of the smoke at a surprised Kadabra. Charmeleon's razor sharp claws struck Kadabra hard, causing it to collapse. It had been knocked out.
"Kadabra!" exclaimed Blue.
"That was great!" smiled Hillary. "By using the smoke from the two attacks, Tristan and Charmeleon struck hard and fast without letting up!"
As Blue returned Kadabra to its Pokéball, he commended Tristan for his efforts. "Well, it looks like you're doing very well. But let's see what Cloyster has to say about that. Go!" He threw his fifth and final Pokéball.
A black pearl-like Pokémon encased in a light gray shell materialized from the white light that shot out of its ball. The first shell was surrounded by a blue-violet shell casing with spikes all over.
"That looks just like Shellder!" gasped Hillary.
"But only a lot tougher on the outside," added Tristan as he scanned the new Pokémon with his Pokédex.
"Cloyster: The Bivalve Pokémon: The evolved form of Shellder," identified Dexter. "This harder-than-diamonds shell is so strong, it can even withstand a bomb. It attacks by shooting spikes from its shell."
"Charmeleon's at a huge disadvantage, Tristan," advised Hillary. "Maybe you'd better switch Pokémon."
"Do you want to take a break, Charmeleon?" asked Tristan.
Charmeleon thought about it for a second. It wanted to keep battling, but it could somehow sense that Tristan had a long road ahead to rid Saffron City of Team Rocket. So it nodded its response.
"You did well, Charmeleon," said Tristan. He took out its Pokéball.
A red energy beam shot from the Pokéball's button at Charmeleon, transforming it into red energy as it shot back inside. He turned to Pikachu, who was standing by Hillary. "Are you ready, pal?"
"Pikachu!" replied Pikachu as it jumped in front of Tristan and readied itself for battle.
"Well, there's a surprise," said Blue sarcastically. "I thought you'd use an Electric Pokémon against a Water-type."
(Music Cue: Flying Pokéball Chaos as heard in "The Wayward Wobbuffet")
"Let's see how Cloyster likes an Electric attack," replied Tristan. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" yelled Pikachu as a yellow bolt of electricity shot out from its cheeks.
"Cloyster, use Withdraw," said Blue confidently.
Cloyster quickly closed up its shell, protecting itself from any damage against Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
"Let's battle by using speed; use your Quick Attack, Pikachu!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu charged at Cloyster at a high rate of speed with a white line trailing behind it.
"Aurora Beam," instructed Blue.
Cloyster charged a multicolored beam from the horn on its head, then it fired it at Pikachu, scoring a clean hit.
"Pikachu!" gasped Tristan.
Pikachu fell on the ground before struggling back on its feet.
"Now Clamp attack!" commanded Blue.
Cloyster quickly grabbed Pikachu by the tail and clamped tight to it.
"Let's see you get out of this one, buddy," said Blue.
"Pikachu's Thunderbolt isn't going to be powerful enough to break free from Cloyster's grip this time, so I'll have to hit it with an even bigger jolt," thought Tristan. Then he shouted out loud, "Pikachu, use Thunder attack!"
"Pikaaaaaaaaaaaaa-chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" yelled Pikachu as a pulverizing yellow bolt of electricity shot out of its cheeks and struck Cloyster at a very close range.
"Augh! No!" exclaimed Blue.
"Talk about in your face!" said Hillary.
Cloyster collapsed on the ground, knocked out, as it let go of Pikachu's tail.
Pikachu, landed perfectly on its feet despite its injured tail.
"Way to go, Pikachu," commended Tristan.
Blue's expression on his face turned from shock into a smile. "It looks like you're ready to face Team Rocket," he said as he returned Cloyster to its Pokéball.
"Wait a second," said Tristan suspiciously. "Was this battle a test?"
"Of course it was," answered Blue. "I wanted to make sure you didn't lose your battling spirit."
Tristan scowled at Blue.
"In the meantime," continued Blue, "I'm moving on up and ahead. I'm also checking to see what Pokémon are strong and how they evolve, and when I get my eight badges, I'm going to the Pokémon League to boot out the Elite Four."
"You'll have to win the regional Pokémon League Tournament first," said Tristan.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll be able to attain Champion status before you get here, one way or another," smiled Blue. "Well, good luck, Tristan. Don't sweat it. Smell ya!" And he stepped on the warp tile. He glowed in a white light and eventually disappeared.
Hillary was stunned. "Wow," she said. "Talk about a disappearance."
"Well, that battle made me get a lot stronger," added Tristan. "However, my Pokémon need a good rest."
"Did I hear someone say they needed to rest?" asked a friendly voice. A woman in pink nurse attire and mobile machinery came to Tristan and Hillary.
"It's Nurse Joy!" smiled Hillary.
"Perfect timing!" added Tristan.
"Quick, put your Pokéballs on this machine," advised Nurse Joy.
Tristan quickly got Pikachu and his four Pokéballs on the machine.
Nurse Joy pushed a button on the machine, and surges of energy went through Pikachu and the four Pokéballs. Instantly, Pikachu felt reenergized.
"Wow, it worked!" smiled Hillary.
"Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy," added Tristan as he took Pikachu and his Pokéballs off the machine. "Come on, guys." And he, Pikachu, and Hillary raced to a warp tile they hadn't seen yet.
"Please don't give up!" called Nurse Joy as the three friends disappeared.
Jessie, James, and Meowth were struggling desperately to keep a good hold on the net with Lapras, who was now struggling desperately to get out of it.
"Stop being a crybaby!" commanded Jessie.
"Okay, calm down," added James.
"We'll take care of you," finished Meowth.
"We found you, Team Rocket!" shouted Tristan.
Jessie, James, and Meowth gasped in shock and turned to see Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu confronting them.
Lapras cooed with joy.
"Let go of the Lapras!" demanded Hillary. "It isn't yours!"
It was then that Jessie and James went into their motto.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Kanto motto (version 1) as heard in "Beach Blank-Out Blastoise")
"It is now, so prepare for trouble."
"It's also rare, so make it double."
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
"So render yourself invisible or prepare to fight!"
"Wobbu!" chimed Wobbuffet as it popped out of its Pokéball.
However, it immediately got kicked over by Meowth who chimed, "Daaaaat's right!"
"Our Boss is in a meeting, and we won't let you disturb him," said Jessie.
"What meeting?" asked Hillary suspiciously.
"The meeting where he enforces total control of this building and all of Saffron City!" smiled James. "And he's taken the president and secretary as his hostages while we wait to give him this Lapras."
"We won't let that happen," said Tristan, who was determined more than ever to stop Team Rocket. "Pikachu, use your Quick Attack now!"
Pikachu sped toward the terrified trio with a white line trailing behind it. It successfully rammed into them, causing them to lose the hold on Lapras's net.
Taking this chance, Tristan threw a Pokéball. "Ivysaur, use your Razor Leaf to cut the net!"
A rejuvenated Ivysaur materialized from the white light that shot out of its ball and fired razor sharp leaves at the net, cutting it into pieces.
"Aaaah! The Lapras!" screamed the Team Rocket Trio.
Lapras wailed in happiness as it jumped and greeted Tristan.
"How are you doing, Lapras?" asked Tristan.
Lapras cooed its response to Tristan.
"It sounds like Lapras is doing fine," replied Hillary.
"Then, we'll make sure it's not fine!" insisted Jessie as she threw a Pokéball. "Go, Arbok!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (version 1) as heard in "The Fourth Round Rumble")
Arbok, which loked like a purple cobra, materialized from the white light that shot out of the ball.
"I choose Weezing...Victreebel!" shouted James as he threw two Pokéballs.
Weezing, looking like two heads with holes, and Victreebel, looking like a yellow bell, materialized from the white lights that shot out of James's balls. However, the latter, who was shrieking, immediately chomped down on James, attempting to swallow him as usual.
"Wait! Get off! Not me!" cried James.
"Arbok, Poison Sting attack now!' ordered Jessie.
"Send in a Sludge attack, Weezing!" added James.
Poisonous dart-like needles shot out from Arbok's mouth while brown sludge was released from Weezing's two mouths. The two attacks were aimed at Tristan and his friends.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt now!" shouted Tristan.
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" yelled Pikachu as a yellow bolt of electricity shot out from its cheeks. Its attack successfully kept Poison Sting and Sludge at bay.
"Victreebel, Razor Leaf attack!" commanded James.
Victreebel shot a flurry of razor sharp leaves at Tristan's Pokémon.
"Ivysaur, use your Razor Leaf, too!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur fired a flurry of razor sharp leaves to counter Victreebel's leaves.
"Those twerps aren't bad for little kids," remarked Jessie.
"Wobbuffet!" agreed Wobbuffet as it appeared beside Jessie.
"Why are you agreeing with me?" shouted Jessie. "You're supposed to say that we rock! Go!" She shoved Wobbuffet into battle.
"We're going to need some more help," said Tristan as he took out two Pokéballs and threw them. "Charmeleon, Wartortle, I choose you!"
Charmeleon and Wartortle materialized from the white lights that shot out of the balls.
"What are you going to do, Tristan?" whispered Hillary.
"I'm going to distract it," replied Tristan. "Charmeleon, use your Flamethrower attack on Wobbuffet!"
Charmeleon fired a red-hot stream of fire at Wobbuffet.
"Wobbuffet, get ready to Counter it!" ordered Jessie.
Wobbuffet's outline began to glow in a pink color.
But that was the chance Tristan was waiting for. "Water Gun now!" he shouted.
Wartortle immediately shot a powerful stream of water at Wobbuffet from a different direction, confusing it.
Wobbuffet was so confused that it didn't know how to counter two attacks at once. Water Gun pushed it back into Arbok, Weezing, and Victreebel, causing them all to collapse into Jessie, James, and Meowth.
"All right, Pikachu, Thunder attack now!" ordered Tristan.
"Pikaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" shouted Pikachu as a powerful stream of electricity shot out from its cheeks at the Team Rocket trio, who screamed as they felt the enormous shock. The attack was so strong that it caused an explosion, sending them flying out of the building into the twilight sky.
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light! Again..." they groaned as they flew west into the distance with a tiny "ding" to mark their flight.
Back in the Silph company, Tristan congratulated his Pokémon for a job well done. "Great work, everyone."
"There's not a second to lose," advised Hillary. "Let's go stop that meeting."
Tristan and Pikachu agreed as they, Hillary, Ivysaur, Charmeleon, and Wartortle dashed posthaaste to the board room.
Lapras was inspired by Tristan's bravery and followed the others as fast as its flippers would carry it, although it was safe to assume it didn't do as well on land as it did in the water.
"I've just about run out of patience," said Giovanni angrily as the president and secretary cringed in fear. "I'm going to have to force you out without any money!"
(Music Cue: Opening (1997-1998-M01B)
Persian hissed and lunged at the terrified president and secretary with its claws fully extended, but a timely burst of water forced Persian down to the ground.
Giovanni was a little surprised by this turn of events.
"What's that?" asked the president.
"I don't know," replied the secretary.
(Music Cue: Title Screen 1997-1998-M01C)
Wartortle appeared in the room and showed a friendly smile followed by Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and their friends. Then, just to add injury to insult, Wartortle fired another Water Gun attack at Giovanni, soaking him to the skin.
"You nasty Pokémon!" burbled Giovanni. "You've got some nerve ruining my perfect suit! Whose Pokémon is that?!"
"It's mine!" answered Tristan. "Got a problem with that?"
Giovanni turned around and saw Tristan, defiantly challenging him.
"Tristan, look there!" gasped Hillary. "Those two must be the ones who are in danger, and Giovanni was the one who was behind this takeover all along!"
"Hey, you kids! Please help us!" implored the president.
"Please stop this madman from taking over Silph Company and..."
But with one short, loud growl, Persian silenced them.
"Not another word, you two," warned Giovanni. "Or you're done."
"All right, Giovanni, let those two go right now!" demanded Tristan.
Giovanni stepped forward. "Ah, Tristan, so we meet again," he smiled. "The president and I are discussing a vital business proposition. So keep your nose out of grown-up matters...or experience a world of pain!"
Persian stepped in front of Giovanni and growled at Tristan and Wartortle.
"If you think we're going to sit idly by and let you get away with your evil plans, then you're sorely mistaken, Giovanni!" said Tristan. "Go, Wartortle!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle (as heard in "Volcanic Panic"))
Wartortle stepped forward and prepared itself for battle against Persian.
"Wartortle, Water Gun!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle quickly launched a powerful stream of water at Persian.
"Persian, dodge it and use your Slash attack!" shouted Giovanni.
Persian jumped up off the ground and evaded Wartortle's Water Gun, then it successfully used its sharp claws to deal some damage to Wartortle. However, Wartortle didn't give in so easily.
"Hang tough, Wartortle!" encouraged Tristan. "Try your Skull Bash!"
Wartortle lowered its head, and then charged at Persian with a silver aura glowing around its head. It successfully rammed into Persian, giving it a lot of damage.
Giovanni seethed in anger. "You impudent twit!" he grumbled to Tristan. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? If you stop me, then the Silph Company will never advance to its greater glory!"
"The only thing we saw was two people in danger!" countered Tristan.
"Yeah, we won't let you just pressure them into doing something that isn't right!" added Hillary.
"Show those wannabes your Slash attack, Persian!" commanded Giovanni.
Persian lunged and slashed at Wartortle with its sharp claws and successfully scored a direct hit, sending it flying. What made things worse was that Wartortle fell on its back and couldn't get up.
"Oh, no! Wartortle!" gasped Tristan.
"This is bad!" said Hillary. "Wartortle can't do much of anything when it's on its back like that!"
"Looks like Wartortle's done," smiled Giovanni. "Now, Persian, show no mercy and end this!"
Persian lunged at a defenseless Wartortle with its sharp claws as the driving force.
"Wartortle, you've gotta stand up!" cried Tristan.
Wartortle continued to flail on its back as it struggled in vain to get up. All the while, Persian continued to lunge closer and closer in an attempt to finish Wartortle off.
But suddenly, another Water Gun attack pushed Persian away just in time.
"What's that?" asked Hillary.
(Music Cue: Gym (Version 2) as heard in "Enter the Dragonite")
Presently, Tristan and Hillary heard a happy wail in the background and turned to see a familiar teal blue Pokémon with a gray shell on its back.
"It's Lapras!" said Tristan excitedly.
"I think it wants to help us," added Hillary.
Sure enough, Lapras had come to save them, and wanted to provide a little payback for helping it out by battling alongside them. And to ensure Wartortle's safety, it used its head to push Wartortle back on its feet again.
"Wow, thanks a lot, Lapras," said Tristan. He turned to Giovanni. "All right, Giovanni, Wartortle's back in the battle thanks to the friendly assistance of Lapras."
"Hmph!" fumed Giovanni. "Do you fools really think that this Lapras will be friendly with you? It will soon belong to me along with this building!"
"I think Lapras has proven that it can trust people to be its friends," replied Tristan. "And we ought to know because we helped free it from Jessie, James, and Meowth."
Giovanni grumbled. "Those fools. They can't ever do anything right."
"Now's our chance, Wartortle!" shouted Tristan. "Use your Ice Beam!"
Wartortle shot an icy cold beam of energy at Persian.
Lapras was so inspired by Tristan's bravery that it fired an icy cold beam of energy to combine with Wartortle's attack.
Tristan and Hillary were surprised.
"Lapras is using Ice Beam, too!" exclaimed Hillary.
Sure enough, the two Ice Beam attacks combined together to form one massive blast, which scored a direct hit on Persian, freezing it solid and knocking it out.
"No, Persian!" cried Giovanni.
"Good job, guys!" commended Tristan. "That took care of them."
"Argh! I lost again?!" grumbled Giovanni as he returned Persian to its Pokéball. He then held it close. "You'll be okay." He turned to Tristan again. "Blast it all! You ruined Team Rocket's plans for the Silph Company!" He then smiled. "However, Team Rocket will never fall. Tristan, never forget that all Pokémon exist for Team Rocket!"
"That's not true, Giovanni," replied Tristan.
Giovanni grumbled. "Why do you say that?"
"Humans and Pokémon exist to live together in peace and harmony," explained Tristan. "When Pokémon need help, humans help them. The same can be said when humans need help. That's why we emerged victorious today.
Giovanni didn't believe him, but smiled anyway. "Hm. No matter. You can never understand what I have in store next. Now I must go, but I shall return!" He took out his radio. "Attention, all units...retreat immediately." He then threw a black ball with a red letter R on it. It exploded on the ground, creating a big black cloud of smoke.
Everyone covered their faces to try and hold their breath.
"Giovanni, come back!" shouted Tristan.
When the smoke cleared, not a trace of Giovanni or Team Rocket could be found anywhere in the building. All that was heard was the sound of a helicopter taking off into the sky.
"He got away again," grunted Tristan.
"I wonder what his next plan will be?" added Hillary.
The president and secretary sighed with relief now that the crisis was over.
The secretary spoke first to Tristan and Hillary. "Thank you both for rescuing all of us," she said. "The president and I admire your courage."
"We'd like to thank you for rescuing the Silph Company," added the president. "I will never forget that you saved it and us in our time of need."
"We didn't do it alone, sir," replied Tristan. "My Pokémon friends deserve most of the credit, including Lapras."
Pikachu, Lapras, Wartortle, and the others agreed with him.
"It sounds like Lapras has gained some self confidence in you, young man," said the president. "I have to thank you in some way. Because I am rich, I can give you anything, and I know just what to give you." He handed Tristan a special purple Pokéball with little pink circles and a capital letter M on it.
"What's this?" asked Tristan.
"This is a Master Ball," answered the president. "This is the prototype Team Rocket was after. It can catch any Pokémon without fail."
"All this trouble for a Master Ball?" asked Hillary in disbelief.
"I guess they wanted to use it to catch powerful rare Pokémon to take over the world," added Tristan.
"You should both be quiet about using it though," advised the president. "Do you promise?"
"We promise," replied Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu agreed with them.
"Why don't we guide these two kids out of the building?" suggested the president to the secretary.
"Good idea," replied the secretary. "We'll explain everything to Officer Jenny when we get out."
Some time later, everyone stood outside the Silph Company as the president and secretary explained what happened to Officer Jenny. She completely understood what they said.
"It looks like I owe you kids a big apology," said Officer Jenny to Tristan and Hillary. "I never should have jumped to conclusions and accused you of letting Team Rocket into the city without knowing your good intentions. I attacked you without listening to the full story."
"We're just glad that it all worked out, Officer Jenny," replied Tristan.
"We still respect you," added Hillary.
Pikachu agreed with them.
"By the way, Officer Jenny," said Tristan, "we heard that there was a Gym somewhere in Saffron City. I was hoping I could challenge the Gym Leader so I could get my sixth badge.
"You heard right, Tristan," replied Officer Jenny. "The Gym is on the north side of the city. I highly suggest you two get a good night's rest tonight. You've earned it after driving Team Rocket out of Saffron City."
"We'll do that, Officer Jenny," said Hillary. She turned to Tristan, who was now feeling better. "See, Tristan? I told you things would work out."
"And you were right, sis," said Tristan.
Pikachu agreed with them.
(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky)
The president and secretary then walked up to Tristan. "Tristan, the president and I have something for you," they said.
"What is it?" asked Tristan.
The president handed Tristan a Pokéball. "I want you to have this Lapras," he said.
"What for?" asked Tristan.
"Lapras was totally terrified when Team Rocket showed up, and there was no way it could befriend anyone just by swimming in some little fountain," explained the president.
"And seeing you battle those thugs and that madman as bravely as you did, it knew right away you'd be the perfect trainer to take good care of it," added the secretary.
"It's very intelligent, not to mention a good swimmer," continued the president. "And whenever you want to ferry across the sea, Lapras will be happy to give you a ride."
Hillary grew very excited. "Wow, Tristan, that's so great!" she said.
"I'll be happy to take good care of this Lapras," replied Tristan to the president.
"Thank you so much, Tristan," said the secretary. She handed Lapras's Pokéball to Tristan.
"You have my word; I'll take good care of it," assured Tristan to the president and secretary. He raised the Pokéball into the sky and proudly proclaimed, "I caught a Lapras!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu happily.
"Thanks to Tristan and his Pokémon friends, Team Rocket was driven out of Saffron City. And Tristan has a new swimming friend named Lapras to add to his growing Pokémon family. Soon, he'll be able to take on the Saffron City Gym so he can battle for his sixth badge.
TO BE CONTINUED...
