AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 26 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. You may recall the Shiftry from the Pokémon: Advanced episode: "Jump for Joy" where Shiftry kidnapped Nurse Joy to heal an ailing Nuzleaf. Well, this time, it's Shiftry who's ailing. How will Shiftry receive the help it needs if it can't travel? Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

TEASER: Tristan and Hillary find a very sick Shiftry. But Taz wants the powerful Pokémon for himself! Can our heroes protect the defenseless Shiftry from him?

Chapter 26: BARKING UP THE RIGHT SHIFTRY

(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "The Wayward Wobbuffet"))

One morning, in a deep dark forest, a bipedal portly plant Pokémon made of wood was on the run. It had three broad leaves with brown spokes from each of its hands, plus it had a pointy nose and ears and a large shaggy white mane. It was tiring out fast; it had seemingly been flying through the forest for a long time.

A Magmar was chasing it tirelessly with no signs of letting up.

Some Oddish and Seedot saw the Magmar coming and tried to stop it by spitting out a bunch of glowing seeds at it, but to no avail.

Magmar retaliated by firing a Flamethrower attack right at them, but they were forced to dodge and get out of Magmar's way.

A familiar bearded man was following the Magmar closely. Yes, it was that fiend in human form, Taz. "Now, Magmar, Flamethrower!" he ordered.

Magmar unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth, hitting one tree after another, forcing the residing Pokémon to flee.

The Pokémon on the run saw the fire closing in behind it and tried to get away, but just ahead, there was another tree that blocked its path, and the Pokémon soon found itself trapped.

Magmar slowly stepped forward, followed closely by Taz.

"It's over, Shiftry," smirked Taz. "Give yourself up while you're still able. Or else Magmar will use another Flamethrower."

Magmar unleashed a stream of fire from its mouth at Shiftry, scoring a direct hit on it.

Sure enough, Shiftry took the hit and was getting hot fast, but didn't back down. Instead, it spun its fan-like arms around and around, and created a tornado, blasting Taz and Magmar off in one shot.

"Hey!" screamed Taz. "That's not fair!" He and Magmar flew higher and higher into the air until they disappeared.

DING!

(Music Cue: Messenger)

Shiftry, using the last of its strength, managed to jump all the way into the deepest part of a big old tree. Once inside, it panted for air even harder than ever before, and having used up all its strength, found itself getting hotter and hotter, not because of the toll from the flames, but because it had developed a high fever due to exhaustion. And it collapsed on the spot.

A brown bipedal plant Pokémon saw Shiftry lying unconscious a minute later. It felt Shiftry's head, which was extremely hot to the touch. Then it dashed off into the forest to seek help as fast as it could.

(Music Cue: Scheming (as heard in the 4Kids dub 0:11-0:47))

Our heroes have now set off for Mauville City, site of Tristan's third Gym Battle. But suddenly, something stops them dead in their tracks.

Tristan and Hillary were walking along in the deep dark forest when they suddenly sniffed the air.

"Hey, what's that smell?" asked Hillary.

Tristan took a few sniffs and recognized the smell immediately. "Smells like smoke. But where's it coming from?"

"Let's go find out," suggested Hillary.

And so they did while they continued to use their noses to determine the source.

Suddenly, a group of Oddish and Seedot ran past all panicky without slowing down.

"Whoa, a bunch of Grass Pokémon just went by!" exclaimed Hillary. "Does that mean there's some sort of trouble nearby?"

"It sure does, come on!"

(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle (full version))

And he and Pikachu led Hillary and Togepi through the forest to the source of the trouble.

A few moments later, they came to a giant wall of flames.

"It's a fire!" gasped Hillary.

"We've gotta put it out!" put in Tristan as he took out a Poké Ball and threw it. "Mudkip, I choose you!"

Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it.

"Squirtle, you too!" shouted Hillary as she threw her Poké Ball.

Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of hers and awaited instructions.

"Use Water Gun!" commanded Tristan and Hillary together.

Mudkip and Squirtle unleashed powerful blast of water from their mouths at the flames, instantly striking them.

"Hang in there, Mudkip, you're doing great!" encouraged Tristan.

"You too, Squirtle, keep it up!" added Hillary.

Both Pokémon kept up the pressure as best they could, but it soon became evident that firing their Water Guns constantly was taking its toll on them.

"They can't last much longer, Tristan," said Hillary nervously. "What do we do now?"

"We can't give up now, sis," replied Tristan. "We have to keep trying! We have to save this forest!"

Just then rumbles of thunder were heard from overhead, followed by the sight of dark clouds closing in. Seconds later, huge drops of rain began pouring down.

"All right, a rainstorm!" said Tristan excitedly. "The rain'll help us put out that fire!"

"Mother Nature at her best!" added Hillary.

Sure enough, the heavy rain turned out to be a huge relief, for Mudkip and Squirtle had gotten a big boost from the weather and increased the power of their Water Gun attacks.

A few minutes later, the fire was successfully put out just before the rain stopped and the skies cleared.

"Phew!" sighed Hillary. "It's a good thing that rain came."

"Well, I may be wet, but I won't complain...this time," replied Tristan as he took out Mudkip's Poké Ball. "Thanks, Mudkip, you were great." And he recalled it for a well-deserved rest.

"Yeah, you too, Squirtle," agreed Hillary as she recalled it back into its Poké Ball.

Just then, a brown bipedal plant Pokémon with a small green leaf made its appearance. It swung from tree to tree and landed on the ground in front of them.

"Tristan, what's that?" asked Hillary nervously.

"Let's find out," replied Tristan as he scanned the Pokémon with his Pokédex.

(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex theme (as heard in the 4Kids dub))

"Nuzleaf, the Wily Pokémon. Nuzleaf can be found living in thick woodlands. The soft melodies they play on their leaf pipes are said to comfort humans."

Nuzleaf seemed to motion something to Tristan and Hillary. Then it darted off.

"I wonder if that Nuzleaf wants us to follow it," said Hillary. "Should we do that?"

"I think we'd better," answered Tristan. "Nuzleaf may be the Wily Pokémon, but I know when a Pokémon needs help."

(Music Cue: Team Rocket Sneaking (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "The Water Flowers of Cerulean City"))

Wasting no time, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi all quickly followed Nuzleaf through the forest.

Meanwhile, just out of sight, Taz saw the commotion. "Fooey! It's those blasted kids again. They must've put out the fire I set. Who would've thought they'd get an escort by that wild Nuzleaf anyway? Well, I'll just let them lead me to wherever Shiftry is. And if that's where those kids are headed, then Shiftry's gotta be there! Now that it's been weakened thanks to Magmar, this'll be a perfect opportunity for me to catch it!" And he sniggered away to follow them.

A few minutes later, Nuzleaf led them to the foot of a very large tree.

"Wonder what's up there," said Tristan.

"Should we climb that thing, Nuzleaf?" asked Hillary.

Nuzleaf gave a nod and started climbing up the tree.

Tristan and Hillary weren't as nimble as Nuzleaf, so they had no choice but to take their time following Nuzleaf up the tree to prevent themselves from getting injured.

"Boy, this is quite the grade," grunted Hillary. "And I thought climbing trees was easy."

"Just hang in there," Tristan assured her. "We're getting close to where Nuzleaf wants us to go."

"Yeah, but where's that?" Hillary was soon to find out, for she and Tristan had made it to the large hole inside the tree where several Seedot, Nuzleaf, and Oddish were all gathered together.

"Whoa, there's more of those Grass Pokémon that we saw!" gasped Tristan. He hadn't seen so many of the same Pokémon in one place before except in the ocean leading to Littleroot Town. He started to walk over, but the Pokémon angrily blocked his path.

Nuzleaf stood in front of Tristan, persuading the Pokémon he and Hillary meant no harm.

"Wow, thanks, Nuzleaf," smiled Tristan.

Nuzleaf gave a happy reply.

"Tristan, look there!" cried Hillary as she pointed out.

Sure enough, there was a big bipedal portly plant Pokémon made of wood with a large shaggy white mane. It lay unconscious as the other Pokémon watched it.

"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.

(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex theme (as heard in the 4Kids dub))

"Shiftry, the Wicked Pokémon. Shiftry is a mysterious creature that lives deep within the forest. They are said to live in the tops of trees that are over a thousand years old."

"So that's a Shiftry," said Tristan as he stood in awe of the mysterious creature.

"Tristan, come here, quick!" shouted Hillary as she motioned him over.

(Music Cue: Sadness 0:00-0:36 (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "Charmander...the Stray Pokémon"))

"What is it?" He then gasped, for he saw Shiftry's face was all red. He then felt Shiftry's face, which was very hot. "Not good. Shiftry's got a fever, and it's a high one."

"Do you have any medical supplies on hand?" asked Hillary.

"I have some, but I don't think they'll be enough to stop Shiftry's fever. I can certainly try to make it more comfortable, however." He dug into his backpack and dug out his water canteen.

But just before Tristan could get close to Shiftry, the group of Oddish, Seedot, and Nuzleaf bared his way.

"Okay, take it easy, everyone," said Tristan calmly. "I'm just here to help Shiftry feel better, I promise."

The group of Nuzleaf wouldn't listen and stared angrily at Tristan.

But the one Nuzleaf who led Tristan and Hillary to the tree managed to persuade the other Nuzleaf, the Oddish, and the Seedot into believing him.

Then they all stood aside.

"Wow, thanks, Nuzleaf," smiled Tristan.

Nuzleaf nodded happily.

(Music Cue: Please Recover 0:00-0:24 (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "Charmander...the Stray Pokémon"))

Tristan carefully made his way to Shiftry and gently gave it some of the water from his canteen.

"How is it?" whispered Hillary.

"I think it'll be okay, at least for now," replied Tristan. "But we're gonna need Nurse Joy's help to get Shiftry back to full strength."

"But how?" wondered Hillary. "The Pokémon Center's still far away, and Shiftry's in no shape to get there and back again."

She's right, thought Tristan. It'll take a super-fast Pokémon to help us this time. Of course! Maybe they can help! He then folded his hands over the Silver Wing, which glowed instantly. Then he thought, Latios, Latias, please come find us.

(Music Cue: Mysterious 0:00-0:23 (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "Pokémon Emergency!"))

Two familiar echoing shrills were heard from far away.

"Hey, I know those cries!" gasped Hillary.

The Grass Pokémon were awed as the Silver Wing's light continued to glow.

Seconds later, two familiar Eon Pokémon made their appearance as quick as rockets.

"Latios and Latias! Great idea, Tristan!" commended Hillary. "I think they've grown a little bit since we saw them last."

Pikachu and Togepi were happy to see them again.

"I figured their high speed would come in handy." He turned to Latios and Latias. "Okay, guys, we need your help. Shiftry's in really bad shape, and we've gotta get Nurse Joy over here as fast as we can."

(Music Cue: Tension 0:00-0:25 (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "Charmander...the Stray Pokémon"))

Latios and Latias nodded in agreement.

"Hillary, I'm gonna need you to go with them and get Nurse Joy," continued Tristan.

"I'm on it," agreed Hillary. "Take care of Shiftry until we get back, okay? Let's go, Togepi."

Togepi trilled as it was put safely in Hillary's backpack.

Then Hillary climbed on Latias. "Ready, guys?"

Latios and Latias shrilled excitedly. Then they took off into the air as fast as their wings could carry them.

"Whoa!" cried Hillary as she held on tight.

"Be careful!" called Tristan as they disappeared from sight. Then he carefully checked on Shiftry, who seemed to be comfortable. I just hope I know what I'm doing, he thought.

Suddenly, Shiftry opened its eyes and started sitting up with its teeth bared.

The Pokémon gasped, for they knew Shiftry still hadn't fully recovered.

"Hold on, Shiftry," cautioned Tristan. "You shouldn't try to get up yet."

Shiftry turned to Tristan with its teeth still bared.

"I promise, I just want to help you get better."

Pikachu persuaded with him in agreement.

Shiftry seemed to understand Tristan's intention. Then it closed its eyes in exhaustion and collapsed again.

(Music Cue: The Pokémon Castle (full version))

"Shiftry's out cold," said Tristan to himself. He took some more water out of his canteen and gently gave it to Shiftry.

The Seedot and Nuzleaf were still watching intently.

"I don't think you're a wicked Pokémon, Shiftry," whispered Tristan. "In fact, I could tell that you're a great Pokémon. Those fans shaped like leaves look really strong...strong enough to blow extremely strong and cold gusts of wind. They'd cool me off from a blistering heat wave in no time." He had to let off a small chuckle after that statement. "Don't worry, Shiftry. You'll be strong enough to do that again. But first, you need to rest." And he continued to keep Shiftry comfortable as best he could.

Meanwhile, not too far away, Hillary, Latios, and Latias had just retrieved Nurse Joy from the Pokémon Center.

"Thanks for coming to get me," said Nurse Joy. "But are you sure it was okay to just leave Tristan with a sick Shiftry?"

"Don't worry, Nurse Joy," Hillary assured her. "He knows what he's doing. And he'll give you the information he has so you can finish the job."

They arrived at the place where Tristan was in jigsaw time.

"We got here as fast as we could, Tristan!" called Hillary as she and Nurse Joy dismounted with medical supplies in hand.

"Shh!" whispered Tristan. "Shiftry's asleep."

Sure enough, Shiftry was out like a light.

"I can take over from here, Tristan," smiled Nurse Joy.

"Great, thanks," replied Tristan. "I gave it some water to try and help keep its fever down, but I didn't have enough supplies to fully treat it."

"That's what nurses like me are for."

Two hours later, Nurse Joy managed to break Shiftry's fever. "Shiftry's gonna be just fine," she said.

The Seedot and Nuzleaf were so pleased to hear this that they all jumped for joy.

The messenger Nuzleaf came to thank Tristan and Hillary.

"You're welcome, Nuzleaf," replied Tristan. "I'm just glad we could help."

"And we're also happy for you and your friends," added Hillary.

Everyone watched as the Seedot and Nuzleaf celebrated Shiftry's soon-to-be full recovery.

Suddenly, the tree began to rumble quite violently.

"What's going on?" gasped Tristan.

Presently, there was loud cackling that echoed from close by. "I've found you, my kiddies. And your little Shiftry too!"

"I know that voice!" exclaimed Tristan as he, Hillary, and Nurse Joy looked out.

(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon (full version as heard in "The Underground Round-Up"))

There, they saw a gigantic mechanical Shiftry peering in through the hole.

"It's a giant Shiftry!" gasped Nurse Joy.

"Guess who?" smirked Taz.

"It's Taz!" exclaimed Hillary. "What do you want?"

"Hand over that Shiftry!" ordered Taz. "Or else, you're gonna have hot roots and feet!"

"I get it now!" said Tristan suspiciously. "So you set the forest on fire earlier!"

"Smart boy," smiled Taz. "I made plans to capture that Shiftry by drawing it out with fire. Well, it's been real, but I've got some acorns and leaves to pluck...with my grand prize as the best part! Ready or not, here I come!" And he pushed a button.

Two mechanical arms appeared from the machine and proceeded to reach inside.

Tristan, Hillary, Nurse Joy, Pikachu, Latios, and Latias all managed to evade them just in time, but the Seedot and Nuzleaf weren't so lucky, for Taz began to snatch them up one by one and deposited them into a nearby cage behind the machine.

"We have to stop Taz before he takes all the Pokémon!" exclaimed Nurse Joy.

"Don't worry, we'll stop him!" Hillary assured her as she took out two Poké Balls. "Squirtle, Cyndaquil, let's go!"

Squirtle and Cyndaquil emerged from the white lights that shot out of them.

"Cyndaquil, Flamethrower! Squirtle, Water Gun!" ordered Hillary.

Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and shot a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at the giant Shiftry while Squirtle unleashed a powerful blast of water.

Both attacks combined, but surprisingly, the machine turned out to be fireproof and waterproof.

"No way!" exclaimed Hillary. "How could both attacks do nothing?!"

"Let me handle this," said Tristan. "Go, Pikachu, Iron Tail attack!"

Pikachu charged in as its tail lit up and proceeded to strike the machine down with it.

Unfortunately, Taz was ready for it. "Outta my way, rodent!" And he used his mechanical arm to deliver a hard punch, sending Pikachu careening backward.

"Pikachu!" cried Tristan as he managed to catch it safely in his hands. "Are you okay?"

Pikachu gave a nod. It seemed a little shaken, but mostly unhurt.

"Not even Pikachu could stop it," said Hillary nervously.

"And now, your friends won't, either!" put in Taz as he used his other mechanical arm to deliver an even harder punch to Squirtle and Cyndaquil, who were sent flying.

"No, they've both been hit!" cried Tristan.

"Squirtle, Cyndaquil, return now!" shouted Hillary as she recalled them safely back into their Poké Balls.

"What next, kiddies?" asked Taz. "I can take on any attack you dish out. But if that's the best you can do, then stand aside!" And he continued his onslaught by capturing every Seedot and Nuzleaf in sight.

"Now what?" grunted Hillary. "If we don't find a way to stop Taz, he's gonna capture all the Pokémon."

"There's gotta be a way to defeat him," added Tristan. "We just have to think of it."

Latios and Latias wanted to help too, but couldn't figure out what to do.

Pretty soon, Taz had captured all the Seedot and Nuzleaf except the Nuzleaf that Tristan and Hillary befriended earlier.

"Just one more Nuzleaf left, and then I can claim my Shiftry!" smiled Taz as he proceeded to use his mechanical arm to try and capture the final Nuzleaf.

"Oh, no!" cried Nurse Joy. "That Nuzleaf's gonna get captured!"

And so it seemed, for the mechanical arms closed in rapidly.

"Look out, Nuzleaf!" shouted Tristan and Hillary.

Pikachu also cried out in alarm.

Just then, a strong cold gust of wind resembling a tornado blew through, instantly destroying the mechanical arms.

Everyone shielded their faces from the intense gust; when it subsided, they turned to see Shiftry standing proudly behind them as it approached.

(Music Cue: Advance Adventure (Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in the 4Kids dub of "Taming of the Shroomish"))

"Look, it's Shiftry!" said Tristan excitedly.

"And it's back to full strength!" added Nurse Joy.

"You little," growled Taz. "I'll show you how to break my arms." And he proceeded to charge inside the tree.

But Shiftry dodged the attack and unleashed a powerful barrage of glowing seeds from its mouth directly at the cage.

"What's that?" asked Hillary.

"It's Shiftry's Bullet Seed!" answered Nurse Joy excitedly.

"Bullet Seed," repeated Tristan. He was suddenly filled with inspiration. "I've gotta teach Treecko that attack sometime."

Sure enough, Shiftry's Bullet Seed was doing the job, for it had broken the cage open, allowing the Seedot and Nuzleaf to jump out of there in droves and land at the foot of the thousand-year-old tree.

"Hey! That's my merchandise!" wailed Taz. And he hurried his machine over to the foot of the tree. "Just a Poké-picking minute! You ain't going nowhere! I'll capture every one of you, even if I have to do it all with my bare hands!"

"He's going after them again!" gasped Nurse Joy.

But Shiftry wouldn't have any of it, for it leaped out of the hole and proceeded to twirl its leafy hands, creating a really strong gust of wind that enveloped the giant Shiftry machine in it.

Taz screamed as the machine was hit.

"What a powerful Whirlwind attack!" remarked Tristan.

In just a few seconds later, the machine blew up after taking severe damage from Shiftry's attack, causing Taz to be blasted sky-high.

"You windbag!" screamed Taz. "I'll remember this!"

DING!

(Music Cue: The Journey Continues (as heard at the end of "Mystery at the Lighthouse"))

All the Seedot and Nuzleaf celebrated as they proudly looked at the newly rejuvenated Shiftry.

Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Nurse Joy all climbed down from the tree while Latios and Latias hovered from above.

"You were awesome, Shiftry," commended Tristan.

"Yeah, your attacks were really powerful," added Hillary.

Shiftry nodded approvingly at Tristan, Hillary, and Nurse Joy; it didn't seem angry anymore, especially after being helped by humans.

(Music Cue: To the Hopeful Sky (full version))

"Wait, you remember this Shiftry, Nurse Joy?" asked Tristan later that evening.

"Yes," answered Nurse Joy. "This Shiftry is the same one that took me to this thousand-year-old tree to help an ailing Nuzleaf. It had a fever just like Shiftry did, and Shiftry was the one who helped me get the supplies I needed in no time at all."

"Wow, Shiftry, I never knew you were not only kind, but fast, too," remarked Hillary.

Shiftry nodded.

"And I wouldn't have been able to help if it hadn't been for Latios and Latias up there," continued Nurse Joy.

Latios and Latias gave quiet shrills as they nodded.

"Well, I need to get back to the Pokémon Center," said Nurse Joy. "But I don't know the quickest way to get back there. Hey, I know! Shiftry, would you be willing to take me back to the Pokémon Center?"

Shiftry gave a nod, willing to oblige, so it carried Nurse Joy carefully in its arms. Then it started jumping quickly from tree to tree as a big gust of wind trailed behind it.

Nurse Joy gave an excited scream as Shiftry went.

"Bye, Nurse Joy! Bye, Shiftry!" called Tristan and Hillary as Shiftry disappeared from sight.

Pikachu gave a wave just as Togepi emerged from Hillary's backpack.

Tristan and Hillary turned to Latios and Latias.

"Thanks, guys. We couldn't have done this without you," said Tristan.

Latios and Latias gave nods. Then they took off into the air and quickly disappeared from sight.

"Well, what do you say we hit the road?" suggested Tristan.

"Yeah," agreed Hillary.

Shiftry may be known as the Wicked Pokémon, but it proved to be willing to accept help and give help to people and Pokémon alike when it's needed. And so, with that lesson in their memories, our heroes continue their journey to Mauville City.

TO BE CONTINUED...