AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 35 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their way through Kanto. Sabrina and her parents, who have been named, make appearances in this chapter as well as Shinji Miyazaki's compositions and arrangements from the main series games as well as the episode references make appearances in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and review, and remember, feedback of any kind, positive or negative, is always welcome.
TEASER: Tristan finally faces Sabrina in what is expected to be a tough battle. Will his Wartortle have enough strength to defeat Sabrina's powerful Alakazam?
Chapter 35: THE BATTLE WITH A WET FUTURE
(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 as heard in "Volcanic Panic")
Last time, Tristan and Hillary had the idea to throw a special party for Sabrina in an attempt for her to make new friends with the residents inot Safront City. Tristan invited Sabrina to dance along with him, and she happily accepted. Later, both trainers were in the middle of a heated, but friendly battle with Tristan using Pikachu, and Sabrina with Alakazam. Pikachu wasn't able to land one hit while Alakazam used its Psychic attacks to overpower and defeat it. Then, trouble arose when one of the steel beams on the stage broke off and headed toward a little girl, who sneaked onto it. Tristan quickly made an effort to protect the girl while he and Hillary managed to help Sabrina overcome her self-doubt. Having received that boost in confidence, Sabrina got Tristan and the girl out of danger and crushed the steel beam using psychic powers of her own. As a result, Sabrina had earned the respect of everyone in Saffron City, and the party was a huge success. Now, there's only one thing on Tristan's mind: how will he defeat Sabrina's Alakazam and earn his sixth Gym Badge?
Tristan was up early the next morning, but wasn't feeling as cheerful as most mornings. He spent most of the morning in the Pokémon Center's lobby studying Alakazam on his Pokédex.
"Alakazam: The Psi Pokémon," said Dexter. "This Pokémon uses Psychic attacks. It can instantly identify its opponent's weaknesses."
Tristan then gave a big sigh.
Hillary and Pikachu joined him in the lobby.
"Good morning, Tristan," said Hillary. "Did you sleep well?"
"Not really," answered Tristan.
"You don't seem like yourself this morning," said Hillary. "Are you okay?"
"I'm just nervous," replied Tristan. "I've never had to face a Psychic Pokémon like Alakazam in a Gym match before. Pikachu and I never landed a hit on it at last night's party."
"Good morning, Tristan," said a friendly voice.
Tristan turned around to see Nurse Joy coming in the lobby.
"I heard that you are facing off against Sabrina today," said Nurse Joy.
Tristan nodded.
"Most trainers feel nervous about facing Psychic Pokémon in Sabrina's Gym," continued Nurse Joy. "Try and have a good time, just like Sabrina did at the party."
"I think a good breakfast will cheer you up," added Hillary.
"Your sister does make a good point," smiled Nurse Joy. "After eating something good, you should feel better in no time."
Tristan thought about it and said, "I guess it's worth a try." And he followed Hillary into the Pokémon Center's cafeteria.
After breakfast, Tristan was feeling much more cheerful as he, Hillary, and Pikachu made their way to the Saffron City Gym.
"See, Tristan?" said Hillary. "I told you that food always helps."
"I'll have to remember that," chuckled Tristan.
Presently, they arrived at the Gym.
"This is it," said Tristan as he took a deep breath and slowly let it out.
Pikachu tugged at Tristan's legs to help him relax.
"I think you'll be fine," said Hillary. "Besides, you didn't get those other five badges for nothing, you know."
"You're right, guys," replied Tristan. "Let's go inside."
Just then, the doors opened and out came Sabrina and her parents.
"I knew you'd show up," said Sabrina.
Tristan was a little confused about why Sabrina said that. "Well, other than our promise to battle, did you actually predict the future?" he asked.
"I did," answered Sabrina.
"Good morning, kids," smiled Edward.
"You must be here for the Gym Battle," added Diana.
"I am," replied Tristan. "And I'm ready to go."
"Then let's go in," said Diana.
Everyone walked into the Gym just before the doors closed behind them.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Sabrina took their places on opposite sides of the Gym's battlefield.
"Thank you for planning last night's party," said Sabrina. "If it hadn't been for you and Hillary and my parents, I'd still be a lonely girl."
"We're glad we could help, Sabrina," replied Tristan.
"Even though we're friends, a battle is a battle, so I won't hold back," advised Sabrina.
"I may not know all the tricks your Alakazam may pull on me, but I won't be a quitter in today's battle," said Tristan.
Edward stepped up to his platform and explained the rules of the battle. "Each side will use one Pokémon with no substitutions. The battle will be over when either Pokémon is no longer able to battle."
"Go, Alakazam!" called Sabrina as she held out a Pokéball.
The Pokéball opened and Alakazam materialized from the white light that shot out of it.
But just then, a floating purple Pokémon with floating hands appeared out of the blue, surprising everyone.
"That must be the Haunter that you mentioned!" gasped Hillary.
"Yep, you got it," confirmed Diana. "I guess it just wanted to play.
"Well, this is something different," whispered Tristan to himself.
Haunter showed its affection to Sabrina by making funny faces.
Sabrina chuckled and said, "I'm happy to see you, too, Haunter, but I'm about to battle a challenger."
Haunter then felt sad.
"I'll tell you what," continued Sabrina. "You can watch me battle against this nice challenger."
Haunter then brightened up and floated right next to Sabrina.
"I've gotta try and outsmart that Alakazam somehow," thought Tristan. He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Wartortle, I choose you!"
The Pokéball opened and Wartortle materialized from the white light that shot out of it. Wartortle looked like it was ready for battle.
"I just hope Wartortle will have enough strength to win," thought Tristan. "With as much training as we've done together, Alakazam still has an advantage. However, I refuse to let that stop us from getting that badge."
"Both Wartortle and Alakazam are evenly matched when it comes to type," said Diana to Hillary.
"But Alakazam is fully evolved and Wartortle isn't," replied Hillary. "That puts Wartortle at a serious disadvantage."
"But take a good look at Tristan right now," said Diana.
Sure enough, Tristan didn't seem fazed at all by facing Alakazam in battle.
"You're right, Diana," replied Hillary. "I think he can win this one." Then she cheered Tristan on. "Go get her, Tristan! You can do it!"
"Let this one-on-one battle begin!" announced Edward as he raised both arms in the air.
"Wartortle, shoot a Water Gun attack at Alakazam now!" ordered Tristan.
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle)
Wartortle quickly shot a powerful stream of water from its mouth at Alakazam, easily scoring a direct hit.
"Yes! Way to go, Wartortle!" shouted Tristan.
Little did Tristan know that as Alakazam took on the water, it didn't seem fazed at all, and neither was Sabrina.
"Why is Sabrina just standing there?" asked Hillary.
"That's a good question," replied Diana. "Most people would think that Sabrina would be lost in thought right about now. But maybe she's got a strategy or two up her sleeve that Tristan isn't noticing."
Sure enough, Sabrina just stood there as if nothing was going on.
"Wartortle, try a Bubble attack!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle shot a stream of bubbles at Alakazam, and they seemed to score a direct hit on Alakazam, but again, Sabrina just stood there as if nothing happened.
"What's going on? Alakazam's just standing there as if my attacks are feathers to it!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Very perceptive, Tristan," replied Sabrina. "Now it's our turn to attack. Alakazam, Psybeam!"
Alakazam fired a mysterious colored beam from between its two spoons at Wartortle and scored a clean hit.
"Wartortle!" cried Tristan.
"Sabrina means business," said Hillary. "That Alakazam of hers is well-trained."
"Yes, it does seem that Sabrina's throwing Tristan for a loop, doesn't it?" replied Diana.
Wartortle managed to dig in its foot claws and stay on its feet.
"Way to hang in there, Wartortle," said Tristan.
"Your Wartortle may be gutsy," replied Sabrina, "but guts alone won't win this battle. Alakazam, give it another Psybeam."
"Wartortle, fight back with Ice Beam!" commanded Tristan.
Alakazam shot another mysterious colored beam from between its two spoons while Wartortle shot an icy cold beam from its mouth. The two attacks were colliding against one another.
"Don't give up, Wartortle!" encouraged Tristan. "Show them what you can do!"
Wartortle put more power in its Ice Beam.
"Alakazam, keep pushing that Ice Beam back!" commanded Sabrina.
Alakazam then put more power in its Psybeam.
"Wow, I've never seen a battle as intense as this one," said Diana. "Sabrina and Tristan are really going at it."
"I just wonder who's going to win," added Hillary.
Alakazam and Wartortle continued to push the other's beam back to where it came from, but neither would give up without a real fight.
"Wartortle, maximum power now!" shouted Tristan.
"Turn it up, Alakazam!" commanded Sabrina.
Both Pokémon put all their hearts into their attacks. They were now bigger and much more powerful than before. There was such force in both attacks that the collision created a huge explosion.
Everyone covered their eyes from the blast.
"That was powerful!" exclaimed Hillary.
"I know!" replied Diana. "When Sabrina and Tristan battle, it's like there's a battle of wills! It's kind of hard to tell who will emerge victorious now!"
Alakazam and Wartortle were both struggling to avoid being sent backward from the force of the explosion.
"Alakazam, you can sense where Wartortle is. Find it and hit it with Psychic," instructed Sabrina.
"Wartortle, don't let Alakazam find you!" shouted Tristan.
Alakazam closed its eyes and focused on Wartortle's whereabouts. When it sensed Wartortle, it immediately opened its eyes, and they glowed in a red color.
Wartortle was lifted out of the smoke above the battlefield. It flailed in midair.
"Wartortle!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Gotcha!" said Sabrina.
"This is bad," said Hillary. "If Wartortle gets hit by one more attack, it's all over!"
Pikachu shouted in encouragement for Tristan and Wartortle.
"Come on, Wartortle, try and get yourself free!" cried Tristan.
Wartortle continued to flail above the battlefield with no chance of escape.
"I guess it's time to end this match," said Sabrina. "Alakazam, finish it off with Psybeam!"
With Wartortle still in its grip, Alakazam focused all its power between its two spoons, then it shot a mysteriously colored full-power beam at a defenseless Wartortle.
"Wartortle, aim your Water Gun attack at the ground!" ordered Tristan.
(Music Cue: Opening 1997-1998-M01B)
Wartortle strained as it opened its mouth. It shot a powerful stream of water at the ground, giving it just enough power not only to escape Alakazam's Psychic attack, but dodge its Psybeam as well.
"Whoa, that turned the tide!" said Hillary excitedly.
"I'll say," added Diana.
"I'll have to add this to my current events," finished Edward.
Wartortle landed neatly on its feet.
"That was great, Wartortle!" commended Tristan.
"Wartortle!" replied Wartortle happily.
"Okay, Sabrina, are you ready for more?" said Tristan. "Wartortle use another Water Gun attack!"
(Music Cue: Boy Trainer Appears)
Wartortle shot a powerful stream of water from its mouth, but this one was much faster and much more powerful than the last several streams it shot. The force of the attack struck Alakazam, who was taken by surprise.
"Whoa, that's fast!" gasped Sabrina.
This left Hillary a little surprised. "I thought Alakazam couldn't feel Wartortle's Water Gun," she said to Diana. "Why is it more powerful now?"
"Well, Hillary," replied Diana. "It seems that Tristan's determination to win was so strong that Wartortle felt it, too. It's been wanting to fulfill the trust it has in all of his Pokémon. It isn't just the attack or the type of Pokémon you're using. If you put your trust in your Pokémon, they will trust you right back. And when that happens, anything is possible."
Hillary was amazed at what Diana just told her. "I never thought of that," she said.
Then she remembered the time back in Vermilion City when Squirtle was afraid of fighting the fire. It had been too scared to move away from the fire. Tristan had risked his safety to ensure its own. They then worked together to fight that fire.
"Now I understand what you're saying, Diana," said Hillary. "If you put your trust in your Pokémon and they put their trust in you, you'll be in perfect sync, right?"
"That's right," replied Diana. "Now you're getting it."
Sabrina smiled approvingly at how the battle was going. "This is the most fun battle I've had in quite a long time," she said. "I could battle on like this forever. However, every battle has to have an end."
"Right, and that end will result in me getting a badge, right, Wartortle?" said Tristan.
"Wartortle!" replied Wartortle.
"Alakazam, Psybeam!" instructed Sabrina.
Alakazam shot another mysterious colored beam from between the two spoons at Wartortle.
"Wartortle, dodge it and use your Skull Bash attack!" commanded Tristan.
Wartortle jumped out of the way of Alakazam's Psybeam, then with a silver aura glowing from its head, it rammed hard into Alakazam, giving it serious damage.
"Oh, no!" gasped Sabrina.
"I'll bet that took Sabrina by surprise," said Hillary.
"Now that's using your head," added Diana.
Alakazam had taken a lot of damage and got a lot of bruises on its body thanks to Wartortle's Skull Bash.
"How did you like that one, Sabrina?" asked Tristan.
"I thought that was great," replied Sabrina. "But now, it's time for a surprise. Alakazam, Recover."
"What's Recover?" asked Tristan.
Alakazam's entire body glowed in a yellow color. One by one, its bruises disappeared. Its body then stopped glowing and it felt stronger.
Tristan and Wartortle gasped in shock.
"It looks like Alakazam recovered from the injuries it took from Wartortle's Skull Bash!" remarked Hillary.
"Now the real battle begins," added Diana.
"Alakazam, Psybeam," instructed Sabrina.
Alakazam shot a mysterious colored beam from between its two spoons at Wartortle, striking it with a clean hit.
Wartortle slid backward but remained on its feet.
"Wartortle, are you okay?" asked Tristan.
Wartortle slowly opened its eyes and nodded.
"Try another Water Gun attack!" ordered Tristan.
Wartortle shot another stream of water from its mouth, but this time, its aim seemed to be way off, and it missed its target.
"Wartortle, try and concentrate!" encouraged Tristan.
"What's going on with Wartortle?" asked Hillary.
"Psybeam has a secondary effect," answered Diana. "It can cause opposing Pokémon to become confused."
"What do you mean?" asked Hillary.
"Sabrina was counting on Alakazam's Psybeam to eventually confuse Wartortle, and obviously, she got it right."
"Well, now what, Tristan?" asked Sabrina. "You and Wartortle look as confused as ever. You'd better think of something, but don't think too hard or you're going to hurt yourselves." She then chuckled.
"There has to be a way for us to win this match," thought Tristan.
"Alakazam, Psybeam attack now!" commanded Sabrina.
Alakazam fired another mysterious colored beam from between its spoons at Wartortle.
That was when an idea sparked in Tristan's head. If Psybeam caused Wartortle to be confused, maybe taking Psybeam on at close range could snap it out of its confusion.
"Wartortle, use your Skull Bash!" ordered Tristan.
Wartortle, still in its confused state, complied with the order and took Alakazam's Psybeam head on. Both attacks caused another explosion, sending both Pokémon backward.
"Wartortle, are you okay?" asked Tristan.
Wartortle stood up on its feet and opened its eyes. Its confusion had worn off thanks to taking Psybeam at a very close range.
"It looks like Wartortle snapped out of its confusion," said Hillary.
"Now that was impressive," added Diana. "The force of taking on Alakazam's Psybeam at close range caused Wartortle's condition to go back to normal."
"All right, Wartortle, now we'll show Sabrina what we can really do!" said Tristan.
Wartortle agreed with Tristan, and then it began to glow in a bright white light.
(Music Cue: Gym Version 2 as heard in "Houndoom's Special Delivery")
Everyone gasped in shock and awe of what was happening, including Tristan.
"My stars!" gasped Edward. "I think Wartortle's evolving!"
Wartortle's glowing body began to grow in size. Its ears shrunk to become triangular ears. Its arms, legs, and shell became even thicker. When the light stopped, it looked different, and stood tall, even taller than Tristan.
"Wartortle just evolved!" said Hillary.
"Into what?" asked Tristan as he looked up his newly evolved Pokémon on his Pokédex.
"Blastoise: The Shellfish Pokémon: The evolved form of Wartortle," identified Dexter. "Blastoise's strength lies in its power, rather than its speed. Its shell is like armor, and attacks from the hydro cannons on its back are virtually unstoppable."
"But I don't see any hydro cannons on its back," said Tristan.
Just as he said that, Blastoise's two hydro cannons on its back came out of its thick shell.
"Oh, there they are," chuckled Tristan.
Two powerful blasts of water shot out from the two cannons and struck Alakazam hard, sending it flying.
"Alakazam!" gasped Sabrina.
"What was that attack?" asked Hillary.
"Blastoise just learned how to use Hydro Pump!" answered Diana.
"That's awesome, Blastoise!" said Tristan.
"Okay, Tristan, no more playing around," said Sabrina. "Give Blastoise a Psychic attack!"
Alakazam's eyes glowed in a bright red color as it attempted to lift Blastoise into the air.
"All right, Blastoise, use Hydro Pump attack one more time!" commanded Tristan.
Blastoise immediately fired two more powerful blasts of water from its cannons at Alakazam, scoring a direct hit in the process. Alakazam's Psychic attack had been cancelled out.
"Ice Beam attack now!" ordered Tristan.
Blastoise fired an icy beam from its mouth at Alakazam, scoring another direct hit and freezing it solid.
"Whoa, now that's cold," said Hillary.
"Cold and wet," added Diana.
"Now's our chance, Blastoise," said Tristan. "Use Skull Bash at full power!"
Blastoise lowered its head as it glowed in a silver aura. Then, using all the strength it had, it rammed into Alakazam with such force that it not only shattered the ice, but sent Alakazam flying backward at tremendous speed into the wall.
"Alakazam, no!" cried Sabrina.
Alakazam had a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Alakazam is no longer able to battle!" announced Edward as he raised his arm in Tristan's direction. "I hereby declare Blastoise and Tristan the winners!"
(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge!)
"All right, Blastoise! Way to go!" commended Tristan.
"Blastoise was awesome!" said Hillary.
Pikachu cheerfully agreed with her.
"That was a hot battle with a cold and wet finish," added Diana.
"You were just marvelous, Blastoise," said Tristan as he hugged his Pokémon. "I'm proud of you."
Blastoise gave a big strong hug right back.
Sabrina walked over to Alakazam and bent down next to it. "Are you okay, Alakazam?" she asked.
Alakazam nodded weakly.
"You were great," she said. "I'm real proud of you." She took out Alakazam's Pokéball.
A red energy beam shot out from the button, transforming Alakazam into red energy as it shot back in the ball.
Then, Sabrina stood up and proudly looked on at Tristan and Blastoise who were celebrating their latest victory. "That was a great battle, one of the best I've had in a long time," she thought.
Later, everyone stood outside the Gym.
"Tristan, the timing of your attacks, putting trust in your Pokémon, and, not to mention Blastoise's evolution: it was all just wonderful," said Sabrina."I'd have to say that all of those parts added up to be the best battle I ever had."
"Thanks a lot, Sabrina," replied Tristan. "You were a super tough opponent."
"That battle felt just like a day at the beach," remarked Diana.
"True," added Edward. "I haven't seen a battle this enjoyable since Ash was here."
Sabrina stepped forward to Tristan with a box in hand. She opened it and took something out.
"And now, Tristan," said Sabrina. "I'd like to present this Marsh Badge to you. It is proof of your victory at the Saffron Gym."
Tristan happily accepted the badge. "Thanks so much, Sabrina," he replied. "This one means a whole lot to me. I'll treasure it as I treasure my friendship with you."
Sabrina smiled. "You have earned my gratitude," she said. "It was super nice of you and Hillary to come to my aid when I needed it most. Now I feel more confident in my abilities and I know I can make new friends easily."
"That's the spirit, Sabrina," said Hillary. "I know you'll do a great job."
"Thanks," replied Sabrina. "I'll do my best."
Tristan proudly raised his new badge into the air and proclaimed, "The Marsh Badge! Yes!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu.
With his Marsh Badge in hand, Tristan now has six badges. He now only has two more to earn before he can participate in the Pokémon League. What will the last two Gyms be like? And will he be able to taste sweet victory at the Pokémon League? The excitement is just beginning, so stay tuned!
TO BE CONTINUED...
