AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 21 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through Hoenn. I've been pretty busy as you know, but I always try to find inspiration whenever and wherever I can. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please read and review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: Tristan's Gym Battle against Brawly is finally here! But he must make good use of the geyser's on Brawly's field in order to win his second badge. And with Taz planning to ruin everything, as usual, that task might just be a little more difficult!
Chapter 21: A FIGHT TO REMEMBER
As our heroes continued to train on Dewford Island, they ran into a Battle Girl named Shauna.
Then they discovered that there was a Second Chance Contest coming up in Slateport City. So Wayne, out of generosity, decided to let Tristan try for his second Gym Badge first.
Just as everyone made plans to get to Brawly's practice field, Taz tricked them into fishing on a leaky boat; however, Brawly and his Hariyama came to their rescue just in time.
Now, with plans for Tristan and Brawly's Gym Battle well underway, Tristan looks forward to getting that second badge. Will he be able to use everything he learned during his training on Dewford Island and win it? Stay tuned!
Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins followed Brawly and Shauna inside the practice arena.
"This is amazing," remarked Tristan as he looked all around.
Pikachu was impressed too.
"It's like a workout gym with dumbbells, treadmills, weights, and everything," added Hillary. "Even someone like me could exercise with this. I can just imagine it now...going fast...fast..." And she closed her eyes and began daydreaming.
She fantasized about how she'd grow big and strong with muscles hard as steel and her agility as fast as an ExtremeSpeed, leaving her lost in her own little world.
But she soon came back to her senses when she tripped and fell over a small hole in the ground.
"Well, that was fast," chuckled Marc.
"Hope you had a nice trip," teased Lisa.
"Yeah, we'll see you next fall," put in Wayne.
Everyone couldn't help laughing at Hillary's expense after the awful puns and her fall.
"That's right, keep laughing," grumbled Hillary sarcastically.
Tristan came to Hillary to help her up. But once he did, he saw the hole. "What's this?"
"It's a hole, what else?" replied Wayne in a deadpan voice.
"Not just any hole," put in Brawly. "But a special one where a geyser shoots up."
"A geyser?" repeated Tristan. "What's that?"
"Let me explain. Because of the shape of this island, some waves can cause a jet of water to shoot up into the air."
"Like a geyser or a fountain?" asked Hillary.
"Exactly," smiled Brawly. Suddenly, he felt the ground rumble below him. "Ah, I hear it now. Better move away before it shoots up."
"Let me at that thing," said Wayne, being brave as ever.
"Wayne, don't, the geyser's...!" Tristan warned.
But his warning came too late, for suddenly, a jet of water shot out of the hole and blasted Wayne through the hole in the ceiling high into the air.
"Wayne, no!" everyone cried.
"Quick, Ralts, help Wayne out!" shouted Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.
Ralts emerged from the white light that shot out of it and immediately teleported to Wayne's height a hundred feet into the air. Then, using Confusion on Wayne and itself, it got Wayne off the geyser and slowly began to lower him safely back through the hole in the ceiling back to where Tristan, Hillary, and the others were waiting.
Wayne gave a huge sigh as he landed. "Thanks a lot, Ralts."
Ralts gave a happy reply.
"I'll bet that was pretty painful, huh, Wayne?" teased Shauna.
Wayne had to give a nod.
"That was pretty fool-hearty, little dude," smiled Brawly, "rushing into a big wave like that. But I'm glad you're okay." He then turned to Hillary. "As for you, Hillary, that was quick thinking on your part."
"Thanks, Brawly," replied Hillary. "I only wish I was battling you instead of Tristan. He taught me a lot."
"Well," smiled Tristan sheepishly, "I did teach you a few things. But you helped me grow as a Trainer, too."
"That's the best way to learn and grow," smiled Brawly. "Experience from each other. That's really the best way to learn on a Pokémon journey. Now that we got that out of the way, let's get back to our trip to my sparring arena."
Everyone arrived at the practice field a few minutes later.
As the lights were turned on, they saw an arena with plenty of holes in the ground. There were tall, pointy stones above the water, surrounding the battlefield.
Everyone was impressed at the looks of the field, especially Tristan.
"So are those holes where geysers shoot out of like the one we saw?" wondered Tristan.
"Yup," replied Brawly. "Exactly like that one. Plus, the ebb and flow of the waves make any Trainer's strategy on this field all the more important. Ash was able to use this field well. Can you?"
"I not only can, I will," answered Tristan. "And I'll put those rocks to good use, too."
"I wouldn't get too confident, Tristan," advised Hillary. "Brawly's gonna be tough, especially with that field."
"Don't worry, sis, I'm gonna win that badge no matter what comes my way."
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
"Hey, Pikachu, no offense, but I'm gonna need you to sit this one out," said Tristan. "I'm gonna have you watch with the others...and Beldum, of course. I want to give some of my newer Pokémon as much experience as they can so they can be prepared for the Hoenn League along with you."
Pikachu felt sad, but understood why.
Tristan released Beldum from its Poké Ball. "Beldum, this is what a Gym Battle's like. Soon, you'll be in one."
Beldum gave a happy response.
"Come on, let's head over there," suggested Marc. "We can watch Tristan's Gym Battle from there."
A moment later, Tristan and Brawly took their positions and faced each other on the battlefield.
Tristan reminds me so much of Ash, thought Brawly. I wonder what kind of battle he'll give me today.
"I'm surprised Tristan didn't want to use Beldum," said Lisa. "Wouldn't it be a good match-up against Fighting-types?"
"Actually, it wouldn't," replied Hillary. "Beldum may have Psychic-type traits, but it's also a Steel-type. Plus, it only knows Take Down, so that wouldn't work out for him at all."
"Oh, yeah, I forgot," chuckled Lisa. "Tristan certainly knows how to plan ahead."
"And since Pikachu's standing here with us this time," added Marc, "that leaves only two choices."
"Mudkip and Treecko," whispered Wayne.
Shauna came to officiate the match. "We will now begin the battle between the Gym Leader, Brawly, and Tristan from New Bark Town. Each Trainer will use two Pokémon. Only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions. Ready, Brawly? Ready, Tristan? I know from experience both of you are really great Pokémon Trainers. So make this a battle we won't forget!"
"You bet," agreed Tristan and Brawly together.
"Now I'll show you a battle you won't forget, Tristan. Machop, I choose you!" shouted Brawly as he took out his first Poké Ball and threw it.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Elite Four Battle (full version))
Machop emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
I knew he'd use Machop, thought Tristan. And I know just who I'm gonna choose. "Treecko, I choose you!" he shouted aloud as he threw his Poké Ball.
Treecko emerged from the white light that shot out of it and readied itself for battle.
"Ready, Treecko? This'll be a tough one, but I know you can do it," advised Tristan.
Treecko gave a nod. It was willing to battle no matter how tough it was.
"Let the battle begin!" shouted Shauna as she raised both flags in the air.
"Machop, Karate Chop!" yelled Brawly.
Machop charged forward to chop Treecko using its hand.
"Dodge it, Treecko!" ordered Tristan.
Treecko nimbly jumped out of the way, causing Machop to Karate Chop one of the pointy rocks instead.
Excellent, thought Tristan.
"That was a great dodge by Treecko!" remarked Lisa.
Hillary was impressed. "I don't know what surprises me more: the fact that Treecko dodged Machop's attack, or the way that Tristan battles. Either way, he seems to get better and better at battling each day."
"Hey, Treecko, let's pretend that this is the forest where you used to live," suggested Tristan. "Just use those rocks like you're going from tree to tree."
Treecko nodded in agreement. It could use the rocks to its and Tristan's advantage and go on the offensive when the time was right.
Interesting, thought Brawly. This is a strategy that Ash used. But it won't work against me. "All right, Machop, Karate Chop again!"
Machop charged forward to chop with its right hand again, but Treecko jumped from rock to rock to dodge its attack. Again and again Machop charged, but missed its target every time. Soon, Machop was beginning to wear down.
"All right!" smiled Wayne. "Machop's exhausted."
"Yeah!" added Hillary. "It looks like Machop won't be able to defend itself against Treecko's attack now!"
"This could be Tristan's big chance to finish it off!" added Lisa.
"Maybe," said Marc doubtfully.
Hillary and Lisa have good points, thought Tristan, but now's not the time to attack just yet.
Sure enough, Machop was still ready to defend against any attack that Treecko would dish out, and if it did, it would just counterattack with either Karate Chop or Cross Chop.
Suddenly, there was a big rumbling in the ground.
"What's going on?" gasped Wayne.
Brawly gave a big smiled as Machop stood on top of the holes that was shaking violently.
Here it comes! thought Tristan anxiously.
"Machop, Cross Chop, go!" shouted Brawly.
Machop crossed its arms as they glowed. Then just as suddenly, it was lifted off by a jet of water that shot up from the hole and it flew straight toward Treecko.
"Look out, Tristan!" cried Marc.
"Machop's headed straight for Treecko!" added Hillary. "And with the geyser helping it along, Treecko will be in for some major damage if it hits!"
Treecko doesn't stand a chance against a geyser-powered Cross Chop attack, thought Tristan. I have to get it out of there fast. "Treecko, return now!" he shouted aloud as he quickly took out its Poké Ball.
It was a race against the geyser and Machop's Cross Chop attack, but Treecko was safely recalled back into the ball before Machop could land a hit, causing it to hit another pointy rock instead and crash into the ground.
"Machop, are you okay?" asked Brawly worriedly.
Machop struggled to its feet
Hillary and the cousins gave a huge sigh of relief.
"That was close," remarked Lisa.
"One more second and Treecko would've been hit with that extra powerful Cross Chop instead of that rock," added Marc.
"And the speed of that geyser made it even more powerful than it normally was," gasped Wayne.
Pikachu, Beldum, and Togepi had to agree in wonder.
Tristan took out his second Poké Ball and thought, I'm counting on you, Mudkip. I know you can do this. "Mudkip, I choose you!" he shouted aloud as he threw his Poké Ball.
Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it and prepared itself for battle.
"So, a Mudkip," smiled Brawly. "Interesting. I wonder how you and Mudkip will handle Machop and the geyser."
"We're about to find out," replied Tristan. "Okay, Mudkip, let's do this!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle (full version))
Mudkip nodded and charged into battle.
"Machop, Karate Chop!" commanded Brawly.
Machop charged and used its hands to attack Mudkip and score a hit on it, but Mudkip was not to be denied, for it rolled over after the hit and recovered.
"Machop, Karate Chop again!" instructed Brawly.
Machop attacked the same way, but Mudkip rolled and made another nice recovery.
"Yeah, that's it, Mudkip!" commended Tristan.
"Wait, I remember this strategy!" gasped Wayne. "It's the same strategy Brawly used against me in my match! And now it looks like Machop's really starting to get tired."
Sure enough, Machop was panting after all those missed attacks.
"But Brawly doesn't seem to be fazed one bit," remarked Lisa.
"True," agreed Hillary. "Tristan had better be careful about Brawly and his Machop. Knowing them, they trained just as hard as he did."
Hillary's right, thought Tristan. I can't afford to underestimate Brawly. I need to use all the lessons I've learned from training and working with nature in order to beat him. "All right, Mudkip, it's time for us to work with nature," he said aloud.
Mudkip nodded in agreement and jumped from pillar to pillar.
Machop, already feeling tired, was confused and frantically tried to find Mudkip.
"Stay calm, Machop," advised Brawly. "We'll just have to crush every one of those rocks in order to find Mudkip. Hit 'em all with Cross Chop at full power now!"
Machop crossed its arms as they glowed and prepared to strike all the rocks down using Cross Chop in an attempt to find Mudkip.
But Mudkip had already leaped into the air above Machop, much to Brawly and Machop's surprise.
"Now, Muckip, finish it off with Water Gun!" shouted Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a full-powered stream of water from its mouth at Machop, scoring a huge direct hit on it, sending it careening on the battlefield.
Machop lay on the field with a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"Machop is unable to battle; Mudkip wins!" declared Shauna as she raised her green flag in the air.
"Awesome! Way to go, Mudkip!" commended Tristan.
Mudkip smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, they did it!" cheered Marc.
"Great battling, big bro!" added Hillary.
Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum nodded in agreement.
Brawly recalled his Machop into its Poké Ball and held it close. "Well done, Machop. Take a good rest." He turned to Tristan. "As for you and Mudkip, Tristan, you've obviously put your training to good use. But don't think we're done just yet." He took out his second Poké Ball and threw it as he shouted, "Hariyama, ride it, dude!"
Hariyama emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It seemed to be bulkier than the last time Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins saw it in action.
Tristan kept his focus on Hariyama. "This is it. I've been waiting for you."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Theme (as heard in "Pokémon Heroes"))
Meanwhile, Taz was lurking about in the practice area, cooking up another sneaky plan. "Okay, so I may have struck out so far, but I'll get my hands on a Pokémon today. There's no doubt about it." He quickly and quietly dashed from one piece of gym equipment to another to get closer to the battling arena. A minute later, he arrived just in time to see Tristan and Brawly face off in the second round of their Gym Battle. As he looked all around, he saw Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum all unprotected. He quietly snickered. "Perfect. Just perfect. This'll be my big moment to shine."
"All right, Hariyama, Arm Thrust!" instructed Brawly.
(Music Cue: Raid! (as heard in "Hokey Poké Balls"))
Hariyama charged forward and proceeded to attack Mudkip with its big hands.
Hariyama's Arm Thrust is gonna be too big to dodge, thought Tristan. But I won't let that stop me. "Mudkip, aim a Water Gun attack straight at the ground now!" he shouted aloud.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful blast of water from the ground. Instantly, it lifted off into the air, successfully dodging Hariyama's attack.
"That's the way to do it, Mudkip!" commended Tristan.
Mudkip gave a happy reply.
"Whoa, nice one, dude!" remarked Brawly. "But remember, this battle's just getting started. And now we've got you exactly where we want you. Hariyama, hit 'em with Vital Throw now!"
Tristan gasped, for he knew Mudkip couldn't dodge Hariyama's next attack in midair.
Hariyama grabbed Mudkip and held it tight in its arms.
"Mudkip's in big trouble!" exclaimed Marc.
"This is like a replay of my match!" cried Wayne.
It sure seemed like it, for Hariyama spun Mudkip around and around until it launched it high into the air with all its might.
"Hang in there, Mudkip!" shouted Tristan. "Aim another Water Gun at the ground, let's go!"
Mudkip nodded and shot another powerful blast of water at the ground. It then crashed into the ground from Vital Throw, but the damage wasn't as severe, for it struggled back onto its feet, ready for more.
"Yeah! I knew you could do it, Mudkip!" commended Tristan.
Mudkip happily nodded.
"Nice recovery," remarked Lisa.
"That's Tristan for you," agreed Hillary. "He really knows how to make the best out of a bad situation."
Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum excitedly agreed.
"Very impressive, Tristan," smiled Brawly. "I haven't seen any Pokémon recover from a Vital Throw attack in a long time."
"Well, you haven't seen anything yet," replied Tristan. "Mudkip, Mud-Slap attack!"
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
Mudkip nodded and used its hind legs to throw clumps of sand, dirt, and mud into Hariyama's eyes, seemingly blinding it.
"Oh, no!" cried Brawly.
"Now, hit it with a Tackle attack!" commanded Tristan.
Mudkip charged full-body style at Hariyama and scored a direct hit on it.
But Hariyama was not to be defeated so easily, for it, too, was capable of making nice recoveries. It then regained its balance and awaited Brawly's next command.
"Grab it now!" ordered Brawly.
Hariyama quickly grabbed Mudkip, much to everyone's shock.
"Now finish it off with Seismic Toss!" commanded Brawly.
Hariyama leaped into the air and made several somersaults with Mudkip clutched tightly in its big hands. Then it thrust Mudkip down to the ground with a crash, knocking it out instantly.
"Mudkip!" cried Tristan.
"Mudkip is unable to battle...Hariyama wins!" declared Shauna as she raised her red flag in the air.
"Excellent work, Hariyama," commended Brawly. "How do you feel?"
Hariyama gave a strong grunt as a reply.
"That Seismic Toss attack is tough to beat," remarked Marc. "How's Tristan gonna handle Hariyama with only Treecko left?"
"Don't worry, Marc," Hillary assured him. "If I know Tristan, he's probably got a few more tricks up his sleeve."
"Hey, guys, check out Hariyama!" gasped Wayne.
Sure enough, Hariyama was panting hard; it was evident that it was starting to get tired.
"I guess that battle with Mudkip is starting to wear Hariyama down," said Lisa. "That means he has a chance!"
"All right, go, Tristan!" cheered Hillary.
Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum all eagerly agreed as they cheered along with Hillary.
Tristan recalled Mudkip and held the Poké Ball close. "Thanks, Mudkip, you did great." He put it away and took out Treecko's Poké Ball. "Okay, Treecko, it's just you and me now. I choose you!" He threw the ball.
Treecko emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Sure enough, it was back to full strength after a short rest, giving it the edge over a tired Hariyama.
Taz quietly snuck around to where Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum were and prepeared to launch his plan. This time he had a bug-catching net. "Okay, here goes. It's a three-for-one day!"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Bug Stops Here"))
Taz quickly launched himself into the air and proceeded to catch the three defenseless Pokémon.
But Pikachu quickly pricked up its ears, turned around, and unleashed a Thunderbolt on Taz, giving him a huge jolt and sending him flying in the middle of the battlefield.
Everyone was instantly alerted to his presence.
Taz fell to the ground, dazed and surprised. "Hi, Mommy, Tazzy's home."
"It's Taz!" exclaimed Wayne, Marc, Lisa, and Hillary.
"Not you again," grumbled Brawly.
"Why don't you get outta here, Taz? We're in the middle of a very important Gym Battle!" ordered Tristan.
"No way, José!" retorted Taz. "I'm not leaving! I'm here to catch Pokémon, and that's what I'm gonna do."
"Oh, yeah? Treecko, send him flying with..." But before Tristan could issue a command, he saw that Taz was standing above one of the holes on the battlefield. He knew what that meant and smiled. "Never mind, Treecko, I guess we won't have to do anything this time."
Treecko was confused.
So were Hillary and the cousins.
"I don't get it," said Wayne. "Why didn't he give Treecko a command?"
Even Taz was bewildered by Tristan's lack of response. Then he smirked evilly. "Well, kid, you picked the wrong time to stall and the right time to fall."
Suddenly, the ground began to rumble.
"What's going on?" asked Lisa.
"I know what!" gasped Marc.
(Music Cue: Flying Dragonite (Kairu (full version))
"Here it comes!" smiled Shauna.
Taz was confused and began to tremble. "Here what comes?"
But before he could get an answer, another geyser shot up out of the ground below him, sending him straight up through the ceiling high into the sky for hundreds of miles. "Hey, what's the idea of not putting up warning signs about these stupid geysers?! I'll remember this!"
DING!
"So that's why Tristan didn't need to worry about Taz," said Hillary. "He must've known that the geyser would do the work for him."
"Way to work with nature, little dude," commended Brawly. "But now that Taz's gone, shall we finish the battle?"
"You bet," agreed Tristan.
"Let the battle begin!" shouted Shauna as she raised both flags in the air.
"Hariyama, try and hit Treecko with Arm Thrust!" commanded Brawly.
(Music Cue: Legendary Birds Freed (second part (as heard in "Going for Choke!"))
Hariyama used its big hands to try and attack Treecko, but it was still having trouble seeing thanks to Mudkip's earlier Mud-Slap attack.
"Here is comes, Treecko, dodge it!" ordered Tristan.
Treecko nimbly dodged Hariyama's attack by jumping into the air.
"Treecko, use those rocks to jump on!" instructed Tristan.
Treecko gave a nod and jumped from one rock to another just as if as they were trees.
"I wonder what Tristan's doing now," said Wayne.
"Maybe he's trying to confuse Hariyama," replied Lisa. "Now that it has trouble seeing, it won't be able to know where Treecko's next attack will come from."
Hariyama frantically turned from side to side trying to figure out where Treecko was, but had no success.
"Try to stay calm, Hariyama," said Brawly.
"Treecko, Pound attack!" shouted Tristan.
Treecko used its thick tail to strike Hariyama right on Hariyama's right leg.
Instantly, Hariyama felt immense pain from the attack and barely kept itself up.
"Yeah, that's a bullseye!" cried Marc excitedly.
Everyone else agreed.
Treecko then jumped from rock to rock again to confuse Hariyama.
Now what's Treecko doing? thought Brawly.
"Now use Pound again, Treecko, go!" commanded Tristan.
Treecko used its tail to attack again, but this time, it landed a hit on Hariyama's left leg.
"Now I see," said Brawly. "You're using those rocks like those trees and using Treecko's speed to deliver hard and fast hits, and in the process, weakening Hariyama by striking its legs. Well, that's a very smart strategy, but I won't let you off that easily. Hariyama, send Treecko sailing with Vital Throw!"
Hariyama, still partially blinded, managed to grab ahold of Treecko and sent it flying.
"Hang in there, Treecko!" shouted Tristan.
Treecko opened its eyes and used its tail to grab one of the rocks to stop itself from crashing into it.
"That was close," sighed Wayne.
"Nice recovery," smiled Brawly. "But remember, you can't win by just recovering from hits."
"I'm well aware of that, Brawly, and that's why this battle's not over yet," replied Tristan. "Treecko, give it a Quick Attack!"
Treecko sped toward Hariyama as a white line streaked behind it and struck Hariyama's right leg a second time.
"What a battle!" smiled Hillary. "Tristan's really come a long way during our training here on Dewford Island. He's been taking Brawly's advice by playing with nature, and now look where it's gotten him. He's making excellent use of the field and is one step away from getting another badge!"
This made Wayne feel even more excited to take on Brawly again. "He's using all the strengths and weaknesses from our training and putting them to good use. That's just what I'm gonna do too."
"Hariyama, Seismic Toss!" shouted Brawly.
Hariyama grabbed ahold of Treecko, even though it was still having a little trouble seeing, but it jumped into the air and spun round and round with Treecko clutched tightly in in its grip. This it sent Treecko hurtling toward the ground at frightening speed.
"Treecko!" cried Tristan.
"Look out!" cried Hillary, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa.
Treecko was still quickly falling from the air and was about to crash.
"Don't give up, Treecko! You can do it!" shouted Tristan as loudly as he could.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Treecko opened its mouth and spat out a stream of large glowing yellow seeds surrounded in a green aura, aiming them toward the ground, which allowed it to soften its landing and negate the damage from Hariyama's Seismic Toss.
"What just happened?" asked Marc, who was confused and surprised.
"Wow, Treecko just learned how to use Bullet Seed!" gasped Marc. "That allowed it to escape the damage it would've taken from Hariyama's attack!"
"Treecko, that was awesome!" commended Tristan.
Treecko gave a happy reply.
But the celebration was cut short when the ground began to rumble violently.
Everyone tried to keep their balance as it did.
"Now what's going on?" trembled Wayne.
"It feels like an earthquake!" added Marc.
"Well, if I know this place well enough, that means there's a geyser that's about to come up," said Hillary.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight (Decision (full version)))
"You got that right," smiled Brawly. "And it isn't just one geyser, either."
"Wait, you mean there's more than one that'll come up?" gasped Tristan.
Treecko was confused.
"So what do you say, Tristan?" asked Brawly. "You wanna do it?"
Tristan hesitated at first, but then he realized that challenges like geysers were his specialty, so he smiled and replied, "Okay, Brawly, let's do it! Are you ready, Treecko?"
Treecko gave a nod and stood above one of the holes and anxiously awaited for the geyser to lift it off.
"Okay, Hariyama," said Brawly.
Hariyama, still with injured legs, stood above another hole and got ready for the approaching geyser.
Seconds went by with Treecko and Hariyama eyeing each other, waiting for the big moment.
Everyone watched nervously...all except Brawly, who knew enough about the geysers.
(Music Cue: Lugia Appears! (as heard in the Japanese version of "Revelation Lugia"))
Suddenly, both geysers shot up from beneath the two Pokémon, sending them charging against one another.
"Hariyama, Knock Off attack!" shouted Brawly.
Hariyama proceeded to use its big hands to attack Treecko.
"Treecko, Quick Attack!" yelled Tristan.
Treecko, using the momentum from the geyser, increased the speed of the geyser as well as its own speed as a white line streaked behind it, and struck Hariyama so hard that it was knocked off balance, causing it to fall to the ground hard with a crash.
Everyone gasped as the final attack took place.
Treecko and Hariyama had one final face-off that seemed to last forever.
But Hariyama, sustaining damage from its battles against Treecko and Mudkip collapsed to the ground, knocked out.
"Hariyama is unable to battle...Treecko wins! The victory goes to Tristan from New Bark Town!" declared Shauna as she raised her green flag in the air and in Tristan's direction.
(Music Cue: Victory! Gym Leader (full version))
"We did it, Treecko!" cheered Tristan as he ran onto the battlefield to congratulate Treecko, who embraced him just as joyously in return. "You were awesome."
Treecko gave a happy reply.
"Tristan, that was great!" commended Lisa.
"You were spectacular," added Marc.
"I knew you could do it, big bro!" put in Hillary.
"I'm very happy for you, bud," finished Wayne.
Pikachu, Togepi, and Beldum were just as happy for Tristan as Hillary and the cousins were.
"Thanks, everyone," replied Tristan. "And thank you, too, Treecko."
Treecko smiled.
"That was an awesome battle, Tristan," said Brawly as everyone stood outside the practice arena that evening.
"Thanks, Brawly, you were great, too," replied Tristan.
Brawly motioned Shauna to hand Tristan something.
Shauna nodded and gave the object to him.
Then Brawly gave the object to Tristan; it was shaped like a fist. "This is a Knuckle Badge, Tristan, proof of your victory here at the Dewford Gym. You earned it."
Tristan happily accepted the badge. "Thank you, Brawly. I really had fun in our battle today. Those geysers made it even more fun." He then raised his new badge in the air and proclaimed, "All right! I got...a Knuckle Badge!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" cheered Pikachu as it proudly stood alongside Tristan.
"Congratulations, Tristan," said Hillary.
"You should be proud," added Marc.
"Now I want to win a Knuckle Badge too, especially after seeing Tristan win," said Wayne, who was now feeling inspired.
"You'll have to learn patience first," teased Lisa.
"Zip it!" said Wayne warningly.
"Well, Wayne, you wanna try your luck against me tomorrow?" asked Brawly. "I'm sure you've improved at least a little bit since our last battle."
"You're on, Brawly," answered Wayne. "I've learned to control my temper a little bit thanks to Tristan's help."
"Oh, I don't know, you've done a whole lot better, Wayne," chuckled Tristan.
"You know, Tristan, if you keep on battling the way you did today, you'll be a big force to be reckoned with in the Hoenn League," smiled Brawly.
"Thanks, Brawly, I'll do my best," replied Tristan.
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
"So, I understand Mr. Briney will be here to pick you up from the port, right?" asked Shauna.
"That's right," answered Hillary. "We asked him to take us to Slateport City so I can have my Second-Chance Contest there."
Presently, they saw the S.S. Wingull approaching.
"That must be him now!" said Tristan excitedly.
"Then let's get down to the port and see Tristan and Hillary off," suggested Lisa.
Everyone else agreed.
(Music Cue: To Be Continued (full version))
"So, you won a Knuckle Badge," smiled Mr. Briney. "Congrats."
Peeko gave a happy response in agreement.
"Thanks, Mr. Briney," replied Tristan.
"Good luck with your Contest, Hillary," said Lisa.
"We'll be rooting for you," added Marc.
"Thanks, guys," replied Hillary.
"I know you have to leave now, Tristan," said Wayne, "but I'll remember everything you taught me during our training on Dewford Island. I'm gonna get that badge for sure."
"I know you will, Wayne," replied Tristan. "Go get 'em."
"Thanks," smiled Wayne. "You just make sure to get the other six badges, too, and I'll catch up to you when we get to the Hoenn League."
"I will," promised Tristan.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi got aboard the S.S. Wingull as Mr. Briney started up the engine.
Then together, they started to leave.
"Bye, guys!" called Lisa. "Have a safe trip!"
"Bye now!" added Wayne and Marc.
"Come back to Dewford Island sometime!" put in Brawly.
"And don't forget to battle us again soon!" finished Shauna.
"Thanks, guys!" replied Tristan. "Good luck to you too!"
"Bye-bye!" added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi waved their goodbyes as well.
Now that Tristan's earned his second badge, he's one step closer to qualifying for the Hoenn League. Now he and Hillary, under the escort of their friend, Mr. Briney, sail on toward Slateport City, where Hillary plans to participate in her first Second-Chance Pokémon Contest. Stay tuned as the journey continues!
TO BE CONTINUED...