AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Sorry it took so long, but here's chapter 56 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through Kanto. Professor Oak appears starting in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and provide any feedback.

TEASER: Tristan is battling on the ice field in round four of the Pokémon League Competition. But will victory slip away from him when he takes on Lancaster's Jynx? Or will he find a way to slide into the Victory Tournament?

Chapter 56: SLIDING INTO VICTORY

(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard in "Enter the Dragonite"))

When we last left our young hero, Tristan battled on the water battlefield in the third round of the Pokémon League Competition. His opponent was a trainer named Trinity. Her Pokémon proved to be tough to beat, especially since she sent out her Chinchou to take out Tristan's Blastoise and draw with his Lapras. With both trainers down to their last Pokémon, Trinity sent out her Gyarados while Tristan used his trusty Pikachu. During the battle, Gyarados ferociously attacked with its Hyper Beam while Pikachu barely managed to dodge its attacks. However, Pikachu was left trapped on the corner of the battlefield. Fortunately, Tristan picked the right moment to issue an Agility attack, and follow it up quickly with Thunder, the results were shockingly explosive, thereby earning him an impressive victory as he sails on to round four!


(Music Cue: All's Well That Ends Well)

"Here you go, Tristan," said Nurse Joy as she handed Pikachu and Tristan's five Pokéballs to him the next morning. "Your Pokémon are rested up and ready for your battle on the ice field today."

"Great. Thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan.

Pikachu jumped on Tristan's shoulder.

Hillary appeared just then. "So what's your plan of attack this time?" she asked.

"What else? To win," answered Tristan.

Hillary chuckled. "I know that, but what I mean is, what's your strategy today?"

"Well, since Lapras has Ice-type characteristics, I think it'd be a good choice on an ice field," explained Tristan. "I can also use Pikachu. Its speed can really come in handy on an icy field. But I'm not sure who else I want to use." Tristan strained as he tried to think. "I just don't know."

"Well, there is one other Pokémon you could use," said a voice.

Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu were surprised and pleased to see Professor Oak arrive.

"Hi, Professor," smiled Hillary.

"What brings you here?" asked Tristan.

"Well, I just thought I'd offer some assistance, plus cheer you on in the competition," explained Professor Oak. He then took out a Pokéball. "This Pokémon can really come in handy."

"Hey, it's my Snorlax!" said Tristan excitedly. Then he became puzzled. "But why Snorlax?"

"Snorlax's endurance, plus its big belly could help with this next battle," suggested Professor Oak.

"Okay, I'll give it a try," said Tristan as he took Snorlax's Pokéball.

"But Tristan can't carry more than six Pokémon at a time," protested Hillary. "What Pokémon should he leave?"

"I have an idea," said Nurse Joy. "Maybe you can leave some of your Pokéballs with me for the time being. Then, you can take the Pokémon to the ice field so you can battle with them. And I'll take care of the Pokémon you leave with me."

"That's a great idea, Nurse Joy," replied Tristan. He gave Nurse Joy Venusaur's, Charizard's Blastoise's, and Pidgeot's Pokéballs and put Snorlax's and Lapras's Pokéballs in his pocket. Then he registered for the match with Lapras, Pikachu, and Snorlax as his three choices.

"Well, it appears that you're all set," said Professor Oak. "You go ahead and get to the ice field. I'll stay here with Hillary and wait for your grandparents."

"How do you know that Grandma and Grandpa are here, Professor Oak?" asked Hillary.

"They called me on the phone yesterday, so I decided to come here to watch the competition," answered Professor Oak. "I left Tracey in charge of the lab." He turned to Tristan. "No matter what, Tristan, always do your best. And remember, win or lose, you're always a winner."

"I'll remember that. Thanks, Professor Oak," replied Tristan. "I'll do my best." So saying, he and Pikachu hurried out of the Pokémon Center toward the ice field.

Presently, Veronica and Eric arrived. "Did we miss our cue, Professor?"

"You just missed him," answered Professor Oak. "Let's head to the stadium so we can cheer Tristan on."

Everyone agreed and headed out of the Pokémon Center.


(Music Cue: Fighting Spirit)

The stadium was filled to capacity when Tristan and Pikachu arrived. Fans were roaring with excitement.

Tristan was getting a little nervous, but he took a few deep breaths and regained his composure. "Well, Pikachu, we made it this far. Let's do our best out there."

Pikachu agreed.

Then they both entered the stadium and stepped into the green box as the announcer began speaking.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to round four of the Pokémon League Competition!" boomed the announcer. "Trainers who have made it this far will get the chance to go on to the Victory Tournament. And compared to this ice-cold field, we'll be seeing some red-hot battle action! Appearing on one side of the field is Tristan from New Bark Town."

Just then, a teenage female trainer wearing a winter coat and hat showed up. She had skis and a scarf for accessories.

"And challenging Tristan will be Lancaster from Mahogany Town!" continued the announcer.

Lancaster smiled. "Ha! With just a short-sleeved shirt and a vest, you'll freeze in no time, kid!"

"When I battle, I get all fired up, so don't worry about me," replied Tristan.

The referee appeared and prepared to start the battle. "This fourth round battle between Tristan and Lancaster will now begin!" he announced.

"Dewgong, I choose you!" shouted Lancaster as she threw her first Pokéball.

A pinniped Pokémon resembling a sea lion appeared from the white light that shot out of it. It had a snow-white furry body and had a large horn on its forehead.

"So that's a Dewgong, huh?" said Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.

"Dewgong: The Sea Lion Pokémon: The evolved form of Seel," identified Dexter. "Having both Water and Ice-type characteristics, this Pokémon can easily resist extreme cold."

"Pikachu, I'm gonna start out with you, okay?" said Tristan.

Pikachu nodded and immediately jumped onto the ice field. It was very cold and very slippery.

The others watched from a nearby bench.

"Hmm," said Professor Oak. "An interesting choice."

"Why's that, Professor?" asked Hillary. "Pikachu should have the advantage, right?"

"Well, when it comes to type, it does," answered Professor Oak. "But Tristan isn't used to battling on an icy field. And when it comes to fields like that one, he could easily slip and slide away, and that could present a problem."

"I just know Tristan will come out on top," ensured Veronica.

"He'll do his best," added Eric.

The referee raised his red and green flags and shouted, "Trainers, go!"

(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle)

"Pikachu, start off with Quick Attack!" instructed Tristan.

Pikachu started charging at Dewgong with a white line trailing behind it, but the icy surface made it difficult for Pikachu to navigate, and it fell flat on its stomach.

"Pikachu gets going with a Quick Attack," said the announcer, "but it appears the field is giving it the cold shoulder!"

"Pikachu!" exclaimed Tristan. "Are you okay?"

"Whoa, no way!" gasped Hillary. "Pikachu's Quick Attack didn't work!"

"That's because using speed attacks on this field will make things worse, not better," explained Professor Oak. "Pikachu won't be able to go fast, let alone stop easily here."

"So when Pikachu tries to use Quick Attack, in this sense, it's a weakness!" exclaimed Hillary.

"Tough luck, kid!" smiled Lancaster. "I think it's time you learn that you can't heat things up on this field. Dewgong, Aurora Beam!"

A mysterious multi-colored beam was unleashed from Dewgong's horn, and it struck Pikachu hard, causing it to go into a spin on the ice.

"Pikachu!" cried Tristan.

"Aurora Beam scores a direct hit, causing problems for Pikachu!" boomed the announcer.

"This isn't good," said Veronica worriedly. "If Pikachu doesn't straighten itself out, it won't be able to defend itself from any of Dewgong's attacks."

"Come on, Tristan!" shouted Hillary.

"All right, Dewgong, Headbutt!" commanded Lancaster.

Dewgong easily charged forward on the ice at Pikachu with its horn as the driving force.

It was then that Tristan saw some ice pillars on the ice field. Even though he couldn't use Quick Attack without slipping up, he might be able to use them to his advantage. "All right, Pikachu, slide on the ice, and use those pillars to change direction!"

(Music Cue: Gym 1 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Rivalry Revival"))

Pikachu complied, and sure enough, it easily dodged Dewgong's Headbutt. Using the pillars, it changed direction easily, allowing it to go in faster and faster circles, confusing Dewgong in the process.

"Look at that!" said the announcer. "Pikachu's used the ice pillars not only as a slippery defense, but also allowing it to go in any direction!"

"Now that's slick thinking," remarked Professor Oak.

"And the faster Pikachu goes, the easier it is to change direction," added Hillary.

Lancaster was getting frustrated. "We can't lose this one, Dewgong! Aurora Beam!" she yelled.

Dewgong shot another mysterious colored beam at Pikachu, but Pikachu slid too fast for it to work.

Pikachu then grabbed Dewgong by the tail, surprising both it and Lancaster.

"All right, Pikachu, give it a Thunderbolt!" ordered Tristan.

"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" shouted Pikachu as it unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at close range.

"Pikachu's Thunderbolt scores a direct hit!" boomed the announcer.

"Dewgong, no!" cried Lancaster.

Dewgong collapsed on the ice and fainted.

"Dewgong is out of the match!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag.

The crowd roared in excitement as Lancaster returned Dewgong to its Pokéball.

"Great work, Pikachu!" commended Tristan.

Pikachu replied happily.

"Sliding on the ice was an excellent strategy," remarked Veronica. "I felt like I was watching a bumper pool match."

"You can always count on Tristan to come through time after time," added Professor Oak.

"Pikachu's slippery moves have given Tristan an early lead!" said the announcer. "Now we wait for Lancaster's second Pokémon."

"I choose Swinub!" shouted Lancaster as she threw her second Pokéball.

(Music Cue: A Fight! Real Vs. Copy Pokémon (as heard in "Hello, Pummelo!"))

A small Pokémon with a pink pig-like nose emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Its entire body was covered in dense, brown, striped hair.

"Lancaster's second Pokémon is a Swinub!" boomed the announcer.

"Oh, wow!" remarked Professor Oak. "This is a treat!"

"What do you mean, Professor?" asked Hillary.

"Swinub is a Pokémon that normally lives in the Johto region," explained Professor Oak. "Lancaster must have brought it along not just for show."

"Will Tristan know enough about Swinub?" asked Veronica nervously.

"I'm afraid his current Pokédex won't do him any good," answered Professor Oak. "For now, he has to be prepared to face anything that comes his way."

"Begin!" shouted the referee to Tristan and Lancaster as he raised both flags in the air.

"All right, Pikachu, your Thunderbolt worked before, so let's do it again!" suggested Tristan.

Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Swinub.

"Just stay there, Swinub," instructed Lancaster.

Swinub stayed where it was as it was struck by Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

"Yes! Direct hit!" said Tristan excitedly.

But a few seconds later, Swinub broke out of Pikachu's Thunderbolt like it was nothing.

"What happened?" gasped Tristan.

"Pikachu's Thunderbolt has no effect!" boomed the announcer.

"No effect?" gasped Hillary. "But that means..."

"Right," replied Professor Oak. "Swinub is part Ground-type, so Pikachu's Electric attacks won't do anything against it. I imagine this took Tristan by surprise."

"Boy, Tristan, you really need to get out more often," said Lancaster, who was rather bored. "All right, Swinub, Take Down attack!"

Swinub charged at Pikachu and rammed it hard, giving it a lot of damage.

"Swinub's Take Down scores big time!" boomed the announcer. "This could be the end for Pikachu!"

"Hang on, Pikachu!" cried Tristan.

But Pikachu collapsed on the ice, knocked out from the damage it took.

"Pikachu is out of the match!" declared the referee as he raised his red flag.

The crowd roared in excitement.

"Lancaster's Swinub is a powerful contender!" said the announcer.

Tristan quickly rushed to Pikachu, even though the ice was a bit slippery to manage. "Pikachu, are you okay, buddy?"

Pikachu gave a weak but happy reply.

"You were awesome, Pikachu," said Tristan. "You deserve a rest." He gently carried Pikachu to the green box and placed it next to him.

"Swinub took out Pikachu with just one attack," said Hillary.

"Yes, that Swinub is very strong," added Eric.

"What will Tristan's second Pokémon be?" asked the announcer.

Tristan took out his second Pokéball, threw it, and shouted, "Lapras, go!"

(Music Cue: Raid! (as heard in "Shell Shock!"))

Lapras emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball.

"Tristan's second Pokémon is Lapras!" said the announcer.

"A Lapras?!" exclaimed Lancaster.

"Looks like Tristan made a very wise move," remarked Professor Oak. "Lapras has the advantage of type and size this time."

"We won't let this technicality stop us!" shouted Lancaster. "Swinub, Tackle attack!"

Swinub quickly charged at Lapras and tried to ram into it, but Lapras's massive size made Swinub just bounce off.

"Uh-oh!" said the announcer. "Swinub tried to Tackle Lapras head on, but Lapras proves to be way too big!"

"Lapras, use your Body Slam!" ordered Tristan.

Lapras jumped high into the air and quickly landed on top of Swinub.

"Lapras's Body Slam puts the squeeze on Swinub!" boomed the announcer.

"Swinub!" cried Lancaster.

Lapras got off of Swinub, who had fainted from being squished.

"Swinub is out of the match!" declared the referee as he raised his green flag.

"Way to go, Lapras!" commended Tristan.

Lapras replied happily.

"This time, Lapras knocked out Swinub with just one attack," remarked Veronica.

"Sometimes, size matters," explained Professor Oak. "It may not always work out, however."

"But Lapras proved it this time," added Hillary. "And now, all Tristan has to do it beat Lancaster's last Pokémon and he'll win the match."

(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (both parts))

"Now Lancaster is down to her last Pokémon!" said the announcer. "The question is what will her last Pokémon be?"

"Go, Jynx!" shouted Lancaster as she threw her last Pokéball.

A bipedal Pokémon resembling a woman with long blonde hair emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a dark purple face with pink lips, white arms, wore a red gown that hid its feet, and saucer-shaped eyes.

"Lancaster's final Pokémon is a Jynx!" boomed the announcer.

Tristan had never seen a Pokémon quite like that before. "Let's see what Dexter has to say," he said as he took out his Pokédex.

"Jynx: The Human Shape Pokémon," identified Dexter. "This Pokémon has some very unusual powers. Its special attack is the Lovely Kiss, which puts its opponent into a deep sleep."

"You'd better be careful, Lapras," advised Tristan. "There's no telling how powerful those lips are when Jynx uses its Lovely Kiss attack."

Lapras nodded in reply.

"Jynx, use Blizzard attack, go!" commanded Lancaster.

Jynx exhaled a strong, cold blast of wind and snow from its mouth. Tristan had to cover his face so he wouldn't freeze.

"Jynx is using Blizzard to make things even colder, yet somehow, Lapras seems to be unaffected!" said the announcer.

Sure enough, Lapras didn't mind Jynx's Blizzard at all.

"Why use Blizzard now?" asked Hillary. She was confused.

"Lapras has Ice-type characteristics, so it should be fine," said Veronica.

"Yes, but keep in mind that most opponents use a Blizzard attack not just to attack, but also to launch a surprise attack," added Professor Oak. "And I have a feeling that the surprise is coming."

Jynx's Blizzard was so strong that Tristan and Lapras couldn't see anything.

"Lovely Kiss!" shouted Lancaster.

Jynx suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and in a twinkling, its pink lips glowed as it kissed Lapras on the cheek.

"Jynx appears out of the blizzard and unleashes a powerful Lovely Kiss," said the announcer. "This could be nighty-night for Lapras!"

Lapras's eyes grew heavy, and it soon fell fast asleep.

"Lapras, try to shake it off and wake up!" shouted Tristan.

But it was no use. Lapras was out like a light and out of the match as the referee raised his red flag in the air.

The crowd roared in excitement. However, Tristan's friends were very disappointed.

"Jynx cleverly used Blizzard to create whiteout conditions, and when Lapras wasn't expecting it, Jynx kissed it to sleep!" boomed the announcer. "Now each Trainer has only one Pokémon left for battle! The question is: what will Tristan's last Pokémon be?"

Tristan returned Lapras to its Pokéball. "Thanks for your help, Lapras," he said. "You were great." He took out Snorlax's Pokéball. "Okay, Snorlax, it's just you and me now. I choose you!" He threw the Pokéball.

(Music Cue: Cross the Stormy Sea)

Snorlax emerged from the white light that shot out of the ball. It looked tired, but was ready for action.

"Tristan's final Pokémon is Snorlax," said the announcer. "But it appears to be drowsy. Will it stay awake long enough to earn Tristan a win?"

"I never knew that Tristan had a Snorlax," said Veronica.

Professor Oak nodded. "Tristan caught it on his way to Fuschia City," explained Professor Oak. "He and I both figured that its massive belly might help it on the ice field."

"Just like wearing ice skates," replied Eric.

"We'll see if it works," said Hillary hopefully.

Snorlax yawned at Jynx. It was clearly bored.

"Snorlax appears to be yawning," said the announcer. "It seems to it that Jynx is an easy opponent! Will Jynx prove Snorlax wrong?"

"Don't underestimate Jynx, Snorlax," advised Tristan.

Lancaster was starting to lose her patience. "I don't like that Snorlax's attitude! Jynx, give it a Doubleslap!"

Jynx rushed to Snorlax and used its hands to slap it in the gut. However, Snorlax didn't even feel that attack at all.

"Snorlax is getting pummeled by Jynx's Doubleslap," said the announcer. "But it doesn't seem to be flinching!"

"Blizzard, Jynx, now!" ordered Lancaster.

Jynx exhaled another cold blast of snow and wind at Snorlax, but it wasn't fazed by Blizzard either.

"No good!" grunted Lancaster.

"Snorlax, Headbutt!" commanded Tristan.

Snorlax's head rammed into Jynx on its head.

"Ouch!" said the announcer. "Snorlax's Headbutt has given Jynx a headache!"

"No more Ms. Nice Girl!" said Lancaster angrily. "All right, Jynx, use Lovely Kiss!"

Jynx proceeded to kiss Snorlax to sleep with its lips.

"Snorlax, slide on your belly to dodge it!" instructed Tristan.

Snorlax fell onto its belly, then slid on the ice from pillar to pillar to confuse Jynx.

"Snorlax is sliding all over the ice field," said the announcer. "Now Jynx has no idea where Snorlax will appear next!"

"Jynx, use your Blizzard attack!" yelled Lancaster.

Jynx inhaled, and as it prepared to attack, Snorlax used one of the pillars to lift off into the air. By now, Snorlax was directly above Jynx.

"Okay, Snorlax, use your Body Slam at full power!" commanded Tristan.

Snorlax proceeded to land on Jynx, and as it did, the impact was so strong that it made the entire stadium shake.

When the shaking stopped, Snorlax slowly got off of Jynx.

Jynx looked like it was flattened; it had been knocked out from Snorlax's Body Slam.

The referee raised his green flag and declared, "Jynx is out of the match, and the fourth round victory goes to the green trainer, Tristan!"

(Music Cue: Ending 1997-1998)

The crowd cheered loudly.

"Yeah, Snorlax, we did it!" cried Tristan excitedly. He ran out onto the field to congratulate Snorlax for a job well done, but forgot about the ice, and he slipped and slid.

Snorlax's belly stopped Tristan from sliding any further.

"Phew!" said Tristan. "Thanks, Snorlax. You were awesome."

Snorlax gently picked Tristan up and put him on its left shoulder.

His friends were watching from the sidelines. They were very pleased with Tristan's win.

"It looks like Snorlax isn't giving Tristan the cold shoulder," remarked Professor Oak.

"Nope, it's giving him a rather warm shoulder," replied Veronica. "Especially since he won on all four fields."

"We should all be very proud of him," added Eric.

"I agree," said Hillary. "With as much training as he did, he definitely earned his place here."

"Tristan has earned the right to participate in Indigo Stadium for the start of the Victory Tournament after his fourth Pokémon League victory!" said the announcer.

Lancaster returned Jynx to its Pokéball and held it close. "I'm very proud of you, Jynx," she said. "You earned a good rest." Then, she thought to herself, That Snorlax was good. And so was Tristan. But I'll do better next time. She smiled at Tristan. "You were a great opponent to battle against, Tristan. Thanks for a great battle."

Then Tristan replied, "You were a tough opponent to beat."

"I wish you nothing but the best in the Victory Tournament."

"Thanks. I'll do my best."

Then Lancaster left the stadium as Tristan and Snorlax smiled at each other.


(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)

Later at dinner, everyone was still talking about Tristan's latest victory.

"You were right, Professor Oak," said Tristan. "Snorlax did come in handy."

Professor Oak nodded. "After spending so much time at my lab, eating and sleeping are all Snorlax usually does. But it has a little time to work out every once in awhile."

"That Jynx certainly made it tough, that's for sure," said Tristan. "You know, I haven't had this much fun battling in a major tournament before. I mean, it's always fun when I win, but even if I lose every now and then, I know that a battle is a battle no matter what the outcome."

"That's the spirit, grand-sonny," replied Eric.

"I owe all of my Pokémon a great deal of thanks," said Tristan. "They've all worked hard to get us here."

Pikachu agreed.

"Now, you've slid your way into the Victory Tournament," said Veronica.

Everyone laughed at that pun.


And so, Tristan has won his fourth Pokémon League match. What new opponent will he have to face next? Stay tuned to find out!


Late that night, as Blue came into the Pokémon Center, he stole more Pokémon from the losing trainers, including Lancaster's Dewgong, Swinub, and Jynx. Unfortunately, because it was so dark, he tripped on the floor as he was making his getaway, causing him to trip the security alarm.

(Music Cue: The Rockets Unveiled)

Blue had no choice but to carry the bag and make a run for it.

All of the residents instantly woke up to the sound of that alarm, including Nurse Joy.

"Somebody's taking all the Pokéballs!" she gasped in horror. "Stop! Thief!" Quickly, she put on her nightgown and proceeded to chase after Blue.

TO BE CONTINUED...