AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is the 20th chapter of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. You may have noticed that I have been busy, but I always strive for new ideas. Remember Shauna the Battle Girl on Pokémon: Advanced? Well, she appears in this and the next chapter. I hope you enjoy part one of this two-part adventure.

TEASER: Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins run into a Battle Girl named Shauna and learn that there's a Second-Chance Pokémon Contest in Slateport City. But when Taz disguises himself as a fisherman to trick them, they could very well be sunk!

Chapter 20: PREPARING FOR A FIGHT

(Music Cue: Opening & Title Screen 1997-1998 (as heard in "Volcanic Panic"))

Tristan and Wayne were on the beach the next morning, training for their upcoming Gym Battle against Brawly. They stood in front of the ocean with their Pokémon with their eyes closed as a big wave prepared to close in on them.

"Here it comes," whispered Tristan to himself.

The wave came closer and closer. Then when it was close to shore, Tristan and Wayne opened their eyes at the very same instant. "Now!' they shouted together.

Everyone ran from the tidal surge and avoided getting wet just as it washed ashore.

Hillary, Marc, and Lisa were most impressed.

"That was great, guys!" commended Lisa.

"Yeah, your timing was just perfect," added Hillary.

Togepi trilled in agreement.

"There's no doubt you're both getting the patience thing down," put in Marc.

"Well, I did have some help," replied Wayne. "And I owe it all to Tristan."

"Unfortunately, Wayne, I can't take all the credit," said Tristan. "But it's obvious you're getting better and better each day. I know you're gonna be victorious against Brawly this time."

"That's right," agreed Wayne. "And with that second badge on the line, there's no way I'll lose!"

"You got that right, Wayne, because I'm super psyched to win that second badge!" put in Tristan. "Right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu eagerly agreed with him.

"And we can only do that with some serious training, which is exactly what we're gonna do right now!" continued Wayne. At that very instant, he and everybody else heard their stomachs grumble. "But first, let's have some breakfast."

Everyone had to agree and laugh at that.

As our heroes prepare for Tristan and Wayne's Gym Battle against Brawly, they put all the knowledge that they've gained for the past few days to good use. But before they resume their training, they decide to have a little breakfast break.

"That was a great breakfast, as always, Tristan," commended Marc as he and everybody else finished eating an hour later.

"Yeah, five stars out of five," added Lisa.

"I'm sensing success in your future," put in Hillary. "And all of ours, too."

"Thanks, everyone," replied Tristan. "I'm glad you all enjoyed it."

"Now, let's get back to training!" said Wayne excitedly. "And now, I'll be more than ready to battle Brawly!"

"Hold it!"

Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins were stunned to find a girl with blue hair tied to a ponytail confronting them.

"Did I hear you say that you're gonna battle Brawly?"

Everyone was confused.

"Well?"

"Excuse me, but whom are you addressing?" asked Tristan.

"Whomever is challenging Brawly next!" answered the girl.

"Well, I was gonna challenge him," interrupted Wayne.

"Ha! Then I challenge you to a battle!"

"Wait, you wanna battle with me?" Wayne was a little surprised.

"So, afraid of losing?"

"Me? No way! I'll show you!"

A moment later, Wayne and the girl faced each other on the beach as everyone else watched.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to know your name before we get started," said Wayne.

"I'm Shauna," replied the girl. "And I've just been dubbed Brawly's apprentice."

"Apprentice, huh?" smiled Tristan. "Now that's impressive."

"I'm glad you think so. Time to fight, Meditite!" shouted Shauna as she took out her Poké Ball and threw it.

(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (full version))

A bipedal Pokémon resembling a person meditating emerged from the white light that shot out of it. Its lower body was blue while its wrists, face, feet, and onion-shaped head was white. It also had large eyes.

"I've gotta check this out," said Wayne as he scanned the Pokémon with his Pokédex.

"Meditite, the Meditate Pokémon. Meditite meditates to build up its mental energy. It is said that it eats only one Berry a day."

"Wow," remarked Wayne, who was at a loss for words. "Eating only one berry? Talk about healthy fasting Well, I can't let that stop me. Let's go, Taillow!"

Taillow, who was already out, flew in front of Wayne and prepared for battle against Meditite.

"Wayne made a smart choice," remarked Hillary. "Flying-types like Taillow have the advantage against Fighting-types like Meditite."

"Taillow versus Meditite," announced Marc as he judged the match. "Begin the battle!"

"Let's get started," said Shauna. "Meditite, use Focus Punch!"

Meditite's right hand glowed white with a purple aura as it charged straight toward Taillow.

"What's Focus Punch?" wondered Tristan.

"It's an attack that tightens the Pokémon's focus," explained Lisa. "But if it gets hit before executing Focus Punch, it'll lose its focus and the attack will be cancelled out."

Meditite continued to charge toward Taillow with its hand still glowing.

Taillow prepared to dodge the attack.

"Not yet, Taillow," advised Wayne.

Taillow nodded, closed its eyes and listened for Meditite and its Focus Punch, just like the big wave from earlier. Then when it was close enough...

"Now, Taillow!" shouted Wayne.

Taillow flew above Meditite and successfully dodged Focus Punch.

"Not a bad dodge at all," smiled Shauna. "You've obviously been doing some training."

"That's true, but you ain't seen nothing yet," replied Wayne. "Now, Taillow, use Quick Attack!"

Taillow charged toward Meditite as a white line streaked behind it and scored a direct hit on Meditite; however, Meditite didn't go down that easily.

"Pretty good speed there," commended Shauna.

Wayne's obviously been learning a lot from his defeat for the past few days, thought Tristan. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be ready to face Brawly again soon.

"Now hit it with Wing Attack!" commanded Wayne.

Taillow flew at Meditite as its wings glowed.

"Meditite, use Meditate," instructed Shauna

Meditite closed its eyes and sat as its body glowed.

All the while, Taillow flew closer and closer.

"Why use Meditate now?" wondered Hillary.

"Meditate's an attack that increases your Pokémon's attack," explained Lisa. "And by using it in a certain way, Meditite will be able to concentrate even more and anticipate the next attack coming."

Sure enough, when Taillow was within striking distance, Meditite quickly moved to the right, dodging Taillow's Wing Attack in the process.

Of course, Wayne was a little surprised. "That was fast."

"Yup, it sure was," replied Shauna. "All right, Meditite, it's time to bring it home with High Jump Kick!"

Meditite jumped high into the air and prepared to strike Taillow from above using its knee.

"Here it comes, Taillow," advised Wayne. "Get ready to dodge using Quick Attack on my signal."

Taillow nodded and closed its eyes, listening for Meditite.

Then when Meditite was within striking distance.

"Now!" shouted Wayne.

Taillow quickly zipped to the right, causing Meditite's High Jump Kick attack to miss its mark.

As a result, Meditite crashed to the ground with an injured knee.

"Oh, no!" cried Shauna.

"How did Meditite get hurt like that?" wondered Hillary.

"High Jump Kick is one of the riskiest attacks there is," explained Tristan. "If you're unfortunate enough to miss with either it or Jump Kick, your Pokémon will take a serious amount of damage."

"All right, Taillow, now finish it!" ordered Wayne.

Taillow, still using Quick Attack, dove down and scored a huge direct hit on Meditite, sending it careening past Shauna into the sand.

Meditite had a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.

"Meditite!" exclaimed Shauna.

"Meditite is unable to battle; Taillow is the winner!"

"Great work, Taillow," commended Wayne.

Taillow gave a happy reply as it flew lower in front of Wayne.

Quickly Shauna ran to her Meditite. "Are you okay?"

Meditite gave a weak, but happy reply.

"You did your very best, Meditite. I'm proud of you. Now get a good rest, okay?" Shauna recalled Meditite back in its Poké Ball.

"How's your Meditite?" asked Wayne as he walked over to Shauna.

Shauna turned to Wayne and replied, "Oh, it'll be fine. It just need to rest for a while. You were pretty good. How'd you learn to battle like that?"

"Well, I did have a bad loss at the Dewford Gym," explained Wayne. "So I asked everyone to help me train for my rematch against Brawly."

"Well, it just so happens that Brawly will soon be ready for another challenger," smiled Shauna. "Ash earned his Knuckle Badge from him just yesterday."

So that's what the next badge is called, thought Tristan.

Then Shauna suddenly remembered. "By the way, I never asked for your names."

"Hi, I'm Tristan," said Tristan. "And this is my partner Pikachu and my sister, Hillary."

"Hello there," added Hillary.

Pikachu greeted Shauna warmly.

"I'm Marc," put in Marc.

"And I'm Lisa," added Lisa.

"My name's Wayne," finished Wayne. "That Meditite of yours was really good in our battle."

"Thanks," replied Shauna. "But I'm sure you all know that our training's never done until we're number one. Your Taillow was really good, too."

"Well, thanks," replied Wayne. "I just wished you could've seen old Wayne in action for when I caught that Taillow."

Marc and Lisa slapped their faces in embarrassment as Wayne continued boasting about all the good things that had happened ever since his journey began.

Even Tristan couldn't help feeling embarrassed. Sometimes I wish Wayne would learn not to shoot off his big mouth, he thought. Presently, he heard beeping coming from his backpack. He opened it, took out his PokéNav, and turned it on. "Guys, look at this!" he gasped.

"What's up, big bro?" asked Hillary as she and the others rushed to see what occurred on Tristan's PokéNav.

There, they saw one part of the map was flashing red, indicating something.

It was then Hillary's turn to gasp. "Is that a Second-Chance Pokémon Contest location? It must be Slateport City! And it kicks off in less than two weeks!"

Tristan and Hillary's cousins and Shauna were all very surprised.

Wayne felt sad and truly felt like he was in a dilemma. He wanted his rematch with Brawly, but knew now that thanks to the upcoming Second-Chance Contest, Tristan and Hillary were going to be on a huge time constraint. "Then I guess that means that Tristan will need to get his second badge first."

"What are you saying, Wayne?" asked Tristan.

"I'm saying that I've decided to let you battle Brawly first. It may have been coincidental that we met here together. And I had a lot to think about after my loss against him. But thanks to our training together, I think we both got a lot stronger. And I know the both of us will get that second badge. Remember, we're rivals on the road, but as family, we'll always be friends too."

Everyone was surprised by Wayne's generosity.

"Are you sure, Wayne?" asked Tristan.

"I'm sure," replied Wayne. "You haven't had a chance to battle with Brawly yet, and I have, and, uh, well, you know. So I've decided to let you battle Brawly first and get that second badge before Hillary's Contest. And besides, you've been training hard for this just as much as I have. What do you say?"

"It's a deal, Wayne," agreed Tristan. "We'll be friends and rivals at the same time, testing each other's strength. That way, we'll both be in the best shape we can be when we meet up again at the Hoenn League. Right, Pikachu?"

Pikachu eagerly nodded in agreement as Tristan and Wayne shook hands.

"That's really nice of you, Wayne," said Hillary. "Thanks a lot. And once Tristan has that second badge, we'll be off to Slateport City. Now let's see what we can do to find that Gym."

Meanwhile, not too far away, Taz was already plotting his latest scheme. "So, those kids are planning to have a Gym Battle today, eh? Well, I may have struck out so far, but now's my chance to score a home run. And I know just the plan to do it."

Shauna led Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins to a lone little island in the distance. However, the way over there was covered by water.

"How do we get there?" wondered Lisa.

"Beats me," replied Marc.

Presently, they heard a cheery voice.

"Ah, so youse wanna ride over to that island, right?"

Everyone turned to see a bearded man wearing a fishing outfit approaching them in an old boat.

"Who are you?" asked Hillary.

"Just call me Guru, the best fisherman and boater that has roamed the seven seas," answered the man.

Little did everyone know that it was really Taz in disguise.

"I'd be happy to give you a ride to that remote island," continued the man.

"Sure, but won't that boat fit all of us?" asked Wayne.

"Don't worry, it will," replied the man.

A few minutes later, everyone had settled themselves into the disguised Taz's old boat.

"All set in there?" asked the man.

"All set!" everyone replied.

Tristan saw something attached to the boat and became suspicious. "Hey, I don't like this. What's that plunger for?"

"Oh, that's just a makeshift anchor," answered the man. "There was no real anchor, so I decided to borrow one just as a prop. And now, kiddies...er, I mean, kiddos...it's time to cast off!" And he pulled the plunger off the old boat.

However, as the boat started rowing away from shore, it immediately sprang a leak.

Marc was instantly alarmed by the water. "Guys, look!"

(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, & Rayquaza Battle (full version))

Sure enough, water was coming from that leak and it immediately started to fill up with water.

"We're starting to sink!" gasped Hillary.

"We've been tricked!" put in Shauna.

"That man put us in that boat!" added Wayne. He was very angry.

"And I'll bet we all know who it is," finished Tristan.

And sure enough, Tristan was right, for Taz threw his disguise off and revealed himself.

"I knew it! That's Taz!" everyone exclaimed.

"Ha! You're absolutely right, but you're a Lotad too late," smirked Taz. "And just as that boat sinks, your Pokémon are mine."

"That's what you think! Torchic, Taillow, come on out!" shouted Wayne as he threw his two Poké Balls.

Taillow and Torchic emerged from the white lights that shot out of them and awaited Wayne's directions.

"All right, you guys, stop him with your Peck attacks!" ordered Wayne.

Torchic and Taillow flew at Taz and used their beaks to peck Taz on the head over and over.

"Ow! Stop it!" barked Taz. "Knock it off, youse guys! That insidious pecking is gonna give me a migraine!"

"Now's our chance to get to shore while Taz is distracted," said Tristan. "We just need to figure out a way to get there."

"Leave that to me," replied Hillary as she took out a Poké Ball. "Okay, Ralts, let's go!"

Ralts emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Hillary's directions.

"Hurry, Ralts, use Confusion to get us back to shore!" commanded Hillary.

Wasting no time, Ralts telekinetically lifted Tristan, Hillary, their cousins, and Shauna off the sinking boat toward the safety of dry land while Torchic and Taillow mercilessly kept pecking at Taz.

"All right, that does it!" growled Taz as he furiously grabbed them by their legs. "Away youse...go!" And he threw them to the ground hard, but he turned just in time to see Tristan, Hillary, their cousins, and Shauna confronting him.

"You're finished, Taz!" declared Tristan.

"How dare you deceive us with a flimsy boat!" scolded Shauna.

"The only things that are flimsy are all of youse! Electabuzz, go get those losers!" shouted Taz as he threw his Poké Ball.

Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of them. But just as it appeared, it suddenly found itself being pushed away by a big Pokémon with huge orange hands.

"Electabuzz!" exclaimed Taz.

Sure enough, Electabuzz had been knocked out in just one attack.

"Whoa, it's a Hariyama!" gasped Wayne.

Shauna was surprised as everyone else was. "There's only one person I know with a Hariyama that big and strong."

"You got that right," replied a voice.

Everyone turned to see Brawly arriving on the scene just in time.

"Hey, it's Brawly!" said Tristan excitedly.

"Listen up, dude," said Brawly to Taz calmly, "it's time you catch a wave on outta here."

"The only thing that's caught a wave outta here is my patience with youse and that surfer talk!" retorted Taz. "Now you'll pay!" And he charged straight toward Brawly with a vengeance.

"Brawly, look out!" everyone cried.

"Use Arm Thrust attack!" commanded Brawly.

Quickly, Hariyama ran in front of him and immediately used its hands to strike Taz and Electabuzz, sending them skyward.

"We won't forget this!" screamed Taz as he and Electabuzz disappeared into the sky.

DING!

"Goodbye!" said Wayne, Marc, and Lisa.

"And good riddance!" added Shauna.

"He'll be back before long," shrugged Hillary. "He never learns."

"Thanks for helping us out, Brawly," said Tristan.

"No problem at all, little dude," replied Brawly. "Although I am a little surprised that you all thought an old boat like that would take you to that little island over there."

This made Tristan a little embarrassed.

"Aw, don't worry about it," chuckled Brawly. "I was just pulling your leg, that's all. So I understand you and Wayne have been training for the past few days. How's that been going?"

"We've had some ups and downs, but I know we're getting better by playing with nature," answered Tristan.

"And thanks to Tristan, I feel like I'm getting better at controlling my temper and practicing my patience," added Wayne.

"Well, it's a good thing you weren't like that Taz fellow we battled just a moment ago," smiled Brawly. "He sure doesn't seem like the patient type."

"Hey, Brawly, I'd like to challenge you to a Gym Battle," requested Tristan. "Won't you please accept my challenge?"

"Of course, Tristan, I'd be happy to battle you," replied Brawly.

"Wow, thanks so much!"

Pikachu was extremely excited.

"But..." continued Brawly.

"But what?" wondered Lisa.

"Instead of battling at my regular Gym, how about we battle using my practice field on that island? We'll use nature with every part of that field."

This made Tristan even more excited. "I'd love to!"

"But I still don't know how we're gonna get to that island," said Hillary.

"Oh, don't worry, you will," smiled Shauna confidently.

"Just look over there," added Brawly as he pointed out.

(Music Cue: Movie Title 2002 (Japanese version))

And as everyone watched in amazement, the waters slowly began to part, creating a stone pathway toward the island.

"Look at that!" gasped Wayne.

"I've never seen anything like it!" added Marc.

"Awesome!" put in Lisa.

"It's incredible!" finished Hillary.

"I've decided that this area would be the perfect place for our Gym match," explained Brawly. "What do you say, Tristan?"

"Yeah!" replied Tristan. "I'm ready to go out there and win that Knuckle Badge!"

Pikachu eagerly agreed.

And so, Tristan prepares to face off against Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader. Will he be victorious and earn that coveted second badge he seeks? Stay tuned to find out!"

TO BE CONTINUED...