AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 32 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. This chapter has many similarities and differences to the Pokémon: Advanced Challenge episode: "Candid Camerupt," as the Winstrates will be making their appearances. Vito will not, however, but we'll plan to see him later in the story. At any rate, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: After deciding to go to Falarbor Town, Tristan and Hillary pass out in a hot, dry desert, and pay a visit to the Winstrate Family.
Chapter 32: THE UNITED WINSTRATES
(Music Cue: Arriving at Pokémon Park (as heard at the beginning of "Hour of the Houndour"))
With Tristan's Mauville City Gym Battle victory behind him, and a new Dynamo Badge to add to his collection, our heroes continue on their journey toward their next destination. The question is...what is it?
"So Hillary, where's the next place to get my next Gym Badge?" asked Tristan as he and Hillary walked along the next morning.
"Well, let's see." Hillary checked the map on her PokéNav. "According to this, our next stop is Falarbor Town."
"Hm? That can't be right." Then Tristan checked his. "According to my PokéNav, our next stop is Lavaridge Town. There's a Gym there, and I've been wanting to get my fourth badge."
"But Falarbor Town is so much prettier, and it has all the beautiful leaves of Fall. That's why they call it Falarbor Town."
"My Gym Battle comes first!"
"Falarbor Town!"
"Lavaridge Town!"
"Wait! Time out!" Hillary held up her hand to stop herself and her brother from arguing before it escalated. "Why don't we toss a coin? Heads, we go to Falarbor Town first. Tails, we go to Lavaridge Town first."
"Sounds fair to me." And Tristan took out his coin with a Pikachu head on one side and a Pikachu tail on the other. Then he flipped it in the air and caught it on the back of his right hand. When he lifted his other hand, it showed the Pikachu head face up. He became disappointed.
"So, it's heads. Looks like we're going to Falarbor Town first, and we'll see all the lovely fall colors there," smiled Hillary as she started walking off.
"Okay," sighed Tristan as he slowly began to follow.
"Oh, and did I mention that Falarbor Town has a Second-Chance Pokémon Contest there?"
(Music Cue: Magnemite Eyecatch (as heard in "Hello Pummelo!"))
This cheered Tristan up instantly. "Why didn't you say so? Let's hurry over to Falarbor Town so you can compete in the Contest!" This time, he started off quickly with Hillary and Pikachu following him.
"Wait up, Tristan! Going to Falarbor Town was MY idea!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Title Card)
Moments later, Tristan and Hillary found themselves in a desert. The extreme heat made them very weary, indeed.
"It's so hot out here," groaned Hillary as she wiped the sweat from her brow. "I guess we should've listened to your idea to go to Lavaridge Town instead."
Togepi seemed to trill in agreement; it was feeling just as hot.
"Yeah, but we have to keep going that Contest in Falarbor Town, or you won't be able to get into the Grand Festival," replied Tristan.
"Do you have any water on you?" asked Hillary.
Tristan took out his canteen, but he saw that it was empty. "Sorry, sis."
"I hate being hot!" complained Hillary. "Hasn't Mother Nature learned to keep the temperature where it is?" Then she slowly collapsed to the ground and fainted, weakened from the heat.
(Music Cue: Messenger (full version))
Togepi fell out of her arms and landed on its feet to check on her, but it, too, collapsed from the heat.
"Hillary! Togepi!" gasped Tristan as he and Pikachu ran over. "Are you okay? Say something!"
But there was no response from either of them.
"This is bad," said Tristan. "Hillary and Togepi need help, but I don't know where we can find water." And just as he said that, he, too, collapsed from the heat.
And just as Pikachu was about to check on him, it collapsed as well.
Things had turned hot in a hurry for everyone until an orange quadrupedal Pokémon resembling a Bactrian camel slowly came to the scene. It had two volcanoes on its back and three blue rings on each side. It examined Tristan, Hillary, and the Pokémon, and carefully positioned them on its back. Then it slowly carried them off through the desert.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary regained consciousness to find themselves in an isolated farmhouse.
The Pokémon came to just a few seconds later.
A young woman saw them. "Are you guys okay? You were lucky that Camerupt spotted you and called out for my help."
Tristan saw the woman. "Who are you?"
"Oh, my name's Victoria," she replied. "Would you like some water?"
"Yes, please!" smiled Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu and Togepi were very excited for the drink as well.
Victoria poured some water for each of them.
"Ah, thanks a lot," smiled Tristan as he and Hillary were handed full glasses of water. "My name's Tristan, and this is my sister, Hillary."
Pikachu and Togepi introduced themselves warmly.
"We were really hot out there," added Hillary. "Not to mention that this place has plenty of A-C."
"Actually, we don't get visitors very often, so it's only natural to find them out here when they're traveling through the heat like this," explained Victoria.'
"Hm? Who's 'we?'" wondered Tristan and Hillary curiously.
"Come on in, guys!" called Victoria.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's 7th Change (full version))
The door suddenly swung open, and three other people, a man, a girl, and an elderly woman, suddenly appeared beside Victoria, much to Tristan and Hillary's surprise.
"I'm Victor, a proud father and husband of Victoria," said the man.
"And I'm Vivi, daughter of Victoria and Victor, my mom and dad," added the girl.
"And I'm the matriarch of the whole family, Vicky," finished the elderly woman.
They all struck a pose and declared, "We're the Winstrate Family!"
Tristan and Hillary were shocked.
"Well, that's newsworthy," murmured Hillary to Tristan. "The Winstrate Family must be celebrities or something."
"Indeed," agreed Tristan.
"Since you came all this way, how would you two like to have a battle with us?" suggested Victoria.
"Great," replied Tristan excitedly. "A battle would be a great way for us to warm up for the next Contest and Gym Battle."
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
"And it's the least we can do for your helping us out back there," added Hillary.
"Then let's go out to the battlefield out back," suggested Victoria.
Meanwhile, Taz was busy scheming as usual as he saw Tristan and Hillary follow the Winstrate family. "Now that those kiddies have been forced to stop thanks to this heat, I can take a pause for the cause to celebrate the success of Phase One of my latest plan." And he took a sip from one of his many bottles of water. "It's such a shame when they don't have a drop to sip on like I do. Now I'll just wait for Phase Two." And he sniggered away to follow them.
Everyone proceeded to a battlefield with lights and bleachers.
"This is an awesome battlefield," remarked Tristan. "Did you guys make that?"
"Yep," replied Vivi. "We all pitched in to build it."
"I know there are only two of you," said Vicky to Tristan and Hillary. "But how about we do four one-on-one battles using two of your Pokémon with the both of you taking turns?"
"Sure, I'm all for it," agreed Tristan. "What do you say, sis?"
"Yeah," added Hillary. "This'll be a great warmup for my next Contest. Now, ladies first, if you don't mind." And she confidently stepped forward to one side of the battlefield.
"Since we're the home team, I'll go ahead and battle first," said Victor as he made his way to the other side.
Vicky came to judge the match. "The first battle will be between Victor for the home team versus Hillary for the visitors. Begin!" And she raised her arms to begin the match.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "Having a Wailord of a Time"))
"Zigzagoon, go!" shouted Victor as he threw his Poké Ball.
A Zigzagoon emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"A Zigzagoon, huh?" smiled Hillary. "A good choice. Squirtle, I choose you!" And she threw her Poké Ball.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Yeah, this ought to be a great matchup," remarked Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed with him.
"Zigzagoon, start off with a Tackle attack," instructed Victor.
Zigzagoon charged for Squirtle full-body style.
"Dodge it, Squirtle, now!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle quickly avoided Zigzagoon's Tackle attack.
"Yeah, way to go, Squirtle!" commended Hillary. "When it comes to dodging, you're number one in my book."
Squirtle smiled and gave a happy reply.
"Now, Water Gun!" commanded Hillary.
Squirtle shot a powerful stream of water from its mouth at Zigzagoon.
"We're not gonna fall for that trick," smiled Victor. "Right, Zigzagoon?"
Zigzagoon nodded and nimbly dodged Squirtle's Water Gun before it was able to connect.
"Whoa, that was fast!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Zigzagoon, let's hit 'em with your Thunderbolt," instructed Victor.
"What?!" gasped Hillary.
Zigzagoon unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity from its body, and it was so fast that Squirtle couldn't dodge it in time.
"Squirtle, no!" cried Hillary.
Squirtle toppled backward and had a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"Squirtle is unable to battle...Zigzagoon wins!" declared Vicky. "One for the home team! Well done. I'm sure Vito would be very proud of his dad."
"Yep," replied Victor as Vivi and Victoria applauded. "The old man still has some tricks."
Tristan was surprised. "That Zigzagoon...can use Thunderbolt?"
Even Pikachu was shocked.
"Yep," answered Vivi. "You see, there aren't any power plants anywhere near here. We taught it that attack to generate electricity for us."
"I must admit, that's a very smart idea," smiled Tristan, "especially with circumstances being what they are."
"Go get 'em, big bro," said Hillary as she despondently made her way to the bleachers.
"I will," promised Tristan as he made his way to the battlefield next.
"The second battle will now begin!" announced Vicky. "Victoria will face off against Tristan. And begin!"
"Roselia, go!" shouted Victoria as she threw her Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of "From Ghost to Ghost" ("Ecruteak Gym! Ghost Battle!")))
A small light green bipedal Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a red rose in its right hand and a blue one in its left. It also had three sharp thorns on the top of its forehead.
"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. Roselia's aroma can bring serenity. but the thorns on its head contain a vicious poison."
I'd better not underestimate that Roselia, thought Tristan. "Beldum, I choose you!" he shouted aloud as he threw his Poké Ball.
Beldum emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"A smart choice," remarked Hillary. "Beldum's Steel-type characteristics should better protect it against Roselia's Grass-type attacks. And since it's immune to poison as well, Tristan should do just fine."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed with her.
"Beldum, start with Take Down!" commanded Tristan.
Beldum flew towards Roselia full-body style and rammed it hard; however, Roselia managed to recover from the impact.
"Roselia, use Magical Leaf!" instructed Victoria.
Roselia fired a flurry of glowing green leaves from its petals at Beldum.
"Dodge it, Beldum!" ordered Tristan.
Beldum nimbly and seemingly dodged the attack by floating higher in the air.
But instead of disappearing, the leaves curved sharply upward, and scored a hit on Beldum.
"What happened?" gasped Hillary. "How did Magical Leaf hit?"
"Magical Leaf's an attack that's a guaranteed hit," explained Victoria. "I'm afraid you can't avoid it by blocking or dodging."
"Smart move, Victoria," smiled Tristan.
"Now, use PoisonPowder!" commanded Victoria.
Victoria unleashed a purple cloud of powder from its petals, enveloping Beldum in it.
However, when the cloud dissipated, Beldum didn't notice any change.
"Huh? What happened?" gasped Victoria.
"Beldum's Steel-type characteristics make it immune to any poison Roselia dishes out," explained Tristan.
"No fair!" groaned Victoria.
"All right, Beldum, hit it again with Take Down!" ordered Tristan.
Beldum charged in for the attack again, and scored another direct hit on Roselia.
"Use Take Down one more time, go!" shouted Tristan.
Beldum charged in again, and scored a third and final direct hit on Roselia, knocking it out instantly.
"Roselia!" cried Victoria. Then she got slightly upset. "Argh! I never win these battles."
"I told her not to use that Pokémon," said Vicky to herself. "Some people never learn." Then she announced out loud, "The victory goes to Tristan."
"Awesome, Beldum, way to go!" commended Tristan.
Beldum gave a happy reply.
"Great job, Tristan!" smiled Hillary. "That's one win for us! Now I'll break the tie."
"Do your best, sis," replied Tristan.
Hillary and Vivi stood on opposite sides of the battlefield.
"You look like you're the same age as me," remarked Vivi to Hillary. "But seeing the way you battled last time, I shouldn't have any trouble defeating someone like you."
"We'll see about that," retorted Hillary.
"But no matter who wins, we'll always be friends, right?"
"Right."
"And now the third battle!" announced Vicky. "Vivi versus Hillary. And begin!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Wild Pokémon Battle (as heard in "All in a Day's Wurmple"))
"Marill, let's go!" shouted Vivi as she threw her Poké Ball.
Marill emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a blue round body with a white underbelly. It also had round red ears.
"So, a Marill this time, huh?" said Hillary. "I can handle a Water-type. I choose Ralts!" And she threw her Poké Ball.
Ralts emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"I don't know how well Ralts will do against Vivi's Marill," said Tristan to himself. "Ralts' Psychic-type traits are an even match against Marill's Water-type characteristics. But knowing Ralts, I'm sure it'll do its best in battle."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed with him as they cheered for Hillary and Ralts.
"Marill, Water Gun, now!" instructed Vivi.
Marill unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at Ralts.
"Use Teleport!" ordered Hillary.
Ralts glowed and instantly disappeared before Water Gun had the chance to connect. Then it reappeared behind Marill, much to it and Vivi's surprise.
"Now hit it with Confusion!" commanded Hillary.
Ralts' eyes glowed blue, as did Marill, and used its telekinetic powers to lift Marill high into the air.
Marill struggled helplessly as Confusion did the job.
"Now send it flying!" shouted Hillary.
Ralts thrust its head forward, and as it telekinetically let go of Marill, it sent it flying past Vivi and into a rock.
"Marill!" cried Vivi.
Marill had a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Marill is unable to battle...Ralts is the winner!" declared Vicky as she raised her left arm in the air and in Hillary's direction.
"Nice job, Ralts," commended Hillary.
As Ralts gave a happy reply, it turned to see Vivi rushing to Marill with a worried expression on her face.
"Marill! Marill!" cried Vivi as she ran over to it.
Hillary, seeing Ralts worried, quickly came over to Vivi. "How's Marill? I hope it's okay."
But Vivi was in no mood to listen. "Oh, right! Like you care after what you and that Ralts did! You must've taken lessons from that meanie named Max or something!"
"I didn't mean to overdo it..." Hillary began.
"Go away! I hate you!" yelled Vivi.
This left Hillary shocked and sad. She knelt to the ground and felt like crying.
Hillary may have won the battle, but seems to have lost Vivi's friendship, thought Tristan. Still, Vivi gave it her best shot.
Vicky came to comfort Vivi and Hillary. "Cheer up, Vivi. There'll be other battles. And I'm sure you'll win the next one. Plus, you and Hillary gave it all you've had out there, so there shouldn't be any regrets in that. Now why don't you shake hands and be friends again?"
"Okay," she sniffled as she dried her tears and stood up. "I'm sorry, Hillary. I didn't mean what I said. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course I can," replied Hillary. "Friends again?"
"Yeah."
And they shook hands and made up.
"That's the spirit," smiled Tristan. "Win or lose, Trainers should always be friends. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu gave a happy reply and nodded.
Hillary came over to Tristan. "How about you wrap things up, big bro, while I judge the final match?"
"You bet!" agreed Tristan as he made his way to the battlefield.
Vicky made her way to the other side and put on a white headband. "And now, I, Vicky, matriarch of the Winstrate Family, and grandmother to Vito, wherever he is, will emerge victorious today!"
"And I, Tristan, future Pokémon Master, will be the one to win!" replied Tristan.
"The fourth match between Tristan and Vicky is about to begin!" announced Hillary.
"It's time to start the match! Go, Camerupt!" shouted Vicky as she threw her Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (as heard in "The Grass Route"))
The same Pokémon resembling the Bactrian camel emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"I recognize that Pokémon!" gasped Tristan as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Camerupt, the Eruption Pokémon. Camerupt have volcanoes inside their bodies, which can erupt and spew lava from the humps on their back when angry."
"Camerupt must've been the Pokémon who saved us back there!" put in Hillary.
"Hillary and I are grateful that Camerupt saved us," said Tristan. "However, don't expect me to go easy on you. Mudkip, let's go!" And he threw his Poké Ball.
Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it and readied itself for battle.
"Ready, Mudkip?" asked Tristan. "This'll be a tough one."
Mudkip gave a hard nod; it was willing to face strong opponents so it could get even stronger.
Taz watched the battle from behind some nearby rocks and waited for the right moment for him to pounce.
"Go, Grandma, go!" cheered the other Winstrates.
"Let the battle begin!" shouted Hillary as she raised both arms in the air.
"Mudkip, start out with a Water Gun attack!" commanded Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth at Camerupt, scoring a direct hit on it.
"Yeah, that's it!" smiled Tristan confidently.
"A very smart choice of attacks, Tristan," said Vicky. "But don't expect it to be an easy win. Hit it with Take Down, Camerupt!"
Camerupt broke through Mudkip's Water Gun and charged straight for it.
"Dodge it, and use Water Gun again, Mudkip, go!" ordered Tristan.
Mudkip nimbly dodged Camerupt's Take Down and launched another powerful stream of water from its mouth at it, scoring another direct hit.
Camerupt seemed to fall to the ground.
"Come on, Camerupt, you can do it!" encouraged Vicky.
"Hang in there, Camerupt! Good luck, Grandma!" cheered the other Winstrates.
Camerupt struggled back onto its feet and was ready for more.
"Now that's more like the fighting spirit of our Vito," commended Vicky. "He would be so proud to see you in action. Sandstorm attack, Camerupt!"
Camerupt unleashed a powerful sandstorm from its nostrils, enveloping the entire battlefield, causing Tristan, Pikachu, Togepi, and Mudkip to shield their faces.
"Hurry, Mudkip, use Water Gun to wash Camerupt's Sandstorm away!" commanded Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful stream of water all over the battlefield, and managed to eliminate Camerupt's Sandstorm.
"All right, now that Camerupt's Sandstorm has subsided, now's our chance to strike. Mudkip, hit it with Tackle attack!" shouted Tristan.
Mudkip charged at Camerupt full-body style and scored a direct hit on its face, much to the Winstrates' horror.
"Not right in the face!" exclaimed Vivi.
This surprised Tristan and Hillary.
"There's no rule against that, is there?" wondered Hillary.
It was then that Victoria, Victor, and Vivi put on their hard hats.
"Well, better start running!" advised Victoria. "Things are about to get really hot around here, kids!"
"What do they mean by 'hot?'" wondered Tristan.
He was soon to find out, for he and Mudkip saw Camerupt's face grow redder and redder, and as it did, Camerupt got madder and madder.
"It's a nasty habit a lot of Camerupt have," explained Vicky. "For some reason, getting hit in the face tends to make them uncontrollably angry. And after that, it's Eruption time." And she put on her hard hat as well.
"Eruption?" gasped Tristan.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "Two Hits and a Miss"))
And that's exactly what Camerupt used, for its two volcanoes erupted violently, spewing hot lava everywhere.
"Run for it!" cried Tristan as he tried to dodge the attack.
"Yikes!" screamed Hillary as she scooped up Togepi and scurried for cover.
Pikachu followed close behind.
Unfortunately for Taz, he was directly in the line of fire, and he was struck by one of the hot rocks that had erupted out of Camerupt's volcanoes. "Ouch! Hey, watch it, that's hot! That's it! I'm outta here!" And he beat a hasty retreat.
Mudkip cried out in terror and made a run for it as well, but no matter how fast it ran, Camerupt was right on its tail, attacking and erupting relentlessly.
Tristan tried to shield his face from the incoming hot rocks as best he could. "What's going on here? This isn't my idea of a battle!"
"I know, but that's my Camerupt," replied Vicky. "Once it starts, you can't make it stop."
"Well, we'll find a way to make it stop, right, Mudkip?" grunted Tristan.
But Mudkip was too terrified to even listen to Tristan, for it kept running as fast as its little legs would carry it to avoid getting trampled by Camerupt's giant hooves. Suddenly, it tripped on the edge of the battlefield, and Camerupt's hooves barely missed it as it began to run off into the distance.
Tristan quickly rushed over to Mudkip. "That was a close one. Are you okay?"
Mudkip sighed and gave a nod, embracing Tristan.
However, there were still big problems, for Camerupt had left the battlefield and was headed straight for the Winstrates' crops.
"At this rate, our crops'll be wiped out for sure!" cried Victor. But the stress of the situation caused him to faint while the other Winstrates caught him in their arms.
Tristan ran over to Hillary and Pikachu. "Come on, we've gotta stop Camerupt before it's too late!"
"Right!" agreed Hillary as she and Pikachu followed Tristan as fast as she could.
"Mudkip, use your Water Gun attack!" ordered Tristan.
Mudkip leaped out of Tristan's arms and unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth at Camerupt.
But Camerupt's powerful legs made it go too fast for Water Gun to work, and it seemed as though the Winstrates' crops would be doomed.
"We're not gonna make it!" panted Tristan as he desperately tried to keep up with it.
Fortunately, the sky darkened up, and big drops of rain started to fall.
"What's going on?" wondered Hillary. "Someone's not using Rain Dance, are they?"
"Nope," answered Victoria. "That's a natural rainstorm. The forecast said there'd be a chance for showers today."
Everyone hoped that the rain would be enough to slow and calm Camerupt down, and fortunately, it was, for the fire inside Camerupt was put out, and as it was, it, too, calmed down, slowing down in the process, and came to a complete stop, just before it was able to land one hoof on any of the Winstrates' crops.
"Look, Tristan, Camerupt stopped!" said Hillary.
"The rain must've calmed it down and put out its fire!" added Tristan.
The Winstrates sighed with relief as the rain continued to fall, giving the crops a much needed drink.
A little while later, the sky cleared up and the sun shone once again.
"That was close," remarked Victor. "We got that little rainstorm just in time."
Vicky came to Tristan. "Although we didn't finish, I'll concede the battle to you, Tristan."
"That's okay," replied Tristan. "I shouldn't have used Iron Tail on Camerupt's face like that. Still, I'm just glad that your house and crops are safe."
"Me, too," added Hillary.
"Don't worry about that at all," Vicky assured them. "There is no rule against your Pokémon striking its opponent in the face, and even though Camerupt hates getting hit in the face, it's learning to overcome it one day at a time."
Just above them, Taz was cruising along in his Electabuzz-head balloon. "Well, that storm may have cleared up, but it's time for another one to blow in! And my target this time...the Camerupt!" And he pressed a button on his remote control.
A hatch opened from the bottom of the balloon, and a giant hand swooped down and scooped Camerupt!
"Hey!" exclaimed Vicky. "That's my Camerupt!"
"Oh, no, not him again!" gasped Hillary.
"It is! Hello, kiddies!" cackled Taz. "It's a pleasure to see you again."
"What do YOU want?!" exclaimed Tristan disdainfully.
"Give back Grandma's Camerupt!" demanded Vivi.
"Yeah, what'd it ever do to you?!" added Victor.
"You know exactly what it did to me!" retorted Taz. "I was hit with that stupid good-for-nothing Eruption attack! So I decided to take my revenge on it by taking it away and giving it to my Boss as a present!"
"You can't steal Camerupt like that!" shouted Victoria.
"Oh, yeah? Just watch!" smirked Taz as he pushed another button on his remote control.
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "The Fortune Hunters"))
The flame on his balloon increased in power, causing the balloon to rise higher and higher with Camerupt dangling right below it.
"We've gotta do something!" cried Hillary.
"Hurry, Mudkip, shoot the balloon down with Water Gun!" shouted Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the balloon, but it was too high for it to work.
"No good," grunted Tristan.
"Taz's balloon's too far out of reach!" added Hillary. "There has to be something we can do to stop him!"
"Aww, what's the matter?" taunted Taz. "Too tired to play with Uncle Tazzy anymore? Well then, I guess I'll be going. Buh-bye!" And he started taking off.
"Quick, Camerupt, Eruption!" ordered Vicky.
"No, not that!" cried the other Winstrates.
Camerupt's two volcanoes erupted again, but this time, the Eruption attack was aimed straight up at the balloon, and it scored a direct hit on it, releasing Camerupt from its restraints and landing hard, but safely on its hooves.
Taz and the balloon were sent crashing to the ground.
CRASH!
"That was great!" smiled Tristan. "By using Eruption and aiming it straight up, Camerupt was able to control its power and ruin Taz's plans at the same time!"
Taz picked himself up from the rumpled balloon and growled angrily. "Now youse done it. Go, Electabuzz!" And he threw his Poké Ball.
Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"We can handle this one," said Tristan. "Ready, Pikachu?"
Pikachu gave a hard nod and readied itself.
"Hold on!" called Vicky as she raised her right hand.
"What's up?" wondered Tristan.
"Let Camerupt and me battle this goon. It's the least we can do after the trouble we caused you."
"All right then, it's all yours, Vicky," agreed Tristan. "Show Taz what you're made of."
Vicky nodded. "My grandson Vito may not be here, but you're gonna wish you battled him instead of me!"
"Oh, please, old lady," grumbled Taz. "How can you defeat me in your old age?"
"You'll learn soon enough," replied Taz. "Now hit Electabuzz with Take Down, Camerupt!"
(Music Cue: S.S. Aqua (as heard in "The Fire-ing Squad"))
Camerupt charged at Electabuzz as fast as it could and scored a direct hit on it.
Taz was seething with impatience. "Why you! All right then, Electabuzz, give it a Thunderbolt!"
Electabuzz unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity from its body at Camerupt, seemingly scoring a hit on it.
"Camerupt's in trouble!" exclaimed Hillary.
"No, it's not, look!" replied Tristan as he pointed out.
Sure enough, Tristan's sharp eyes spotted Camerupt just standing there, as if nothing was happening.
Camerupt shook it off and was ready for more, much to Taz's surprise. "But...how? Why didn't that woik?"
"I get it now!" said Hillary excitedly. "Camerupt's part Ground-type, which means Electric attacks are useless against it!"
"Now you're getting the picture!" commended Vicky.
Taz groaned. "That's no fair!"
"Guess we should've warned you, Taz," smiled Victoria. "Our Grandma Winstrate's a really great Trainer, too, just like Vito and the rest of us."
"Now that you've seen what we can do," said Vicky, "I think it's time to wrap things up. Sandstorm attack, Camerupt!"
Camerupt unleashed a powerful sandstorm from its nostrils and scored a direct hit on Taz and Electabuzz.
"Hey! I can't see!" grunted Taz as he and Electabuzz tried to shield their faces.
"Let's do this one more time, Camerupt! Eruption attack!" commanded Vicky.
Camerupt's two volcanoes erupted, sending hot lava everywhere, but this time, it was all aimed at Taz and Electabuzz, and it scored a direct hit on them, sending them spiraling into the sky.
"We won't forget this!" yelled Taz as he and Electabuzz disappeared.
DING!
Everyone was most impressed.
"That was awesome," remarked Hillary.
"What a powerful Eruption attack," added Tristan.
"You know, I think we're getting better at this, aren't we Camerupt?" smiled Vicky as she stroked it.
Camerupt nodded in agreement.
That evening, Tristan and Hillary prepared to say their goodbyes to the Winstrates.
"Before you two go, we, the Winstrate Family have a present for you," smiled Vicky. And she handed them what appeared to be two pairs of goggles.
"What are these?" wondered Tristan.
"Those are special goggles called Go-Goggles," answered Victoria. "They'll help you see through sandstorms in deserts like this one."
"We get plenty of sandstorms around here," added Victor. "But we figured we have enough pairs of Go-Goggles to help us traverse through our property and take care of any passing visitors who happen to come our way."
"And they'll be helpful in the desert just north of here," put in Vivi.
"It's the least we can do after the trouble we caused you," finished Vicky.
"Don't be silly, we had a great time staying here with you," replied Hillary.
"And we got to learn about Camerupt too," added Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"Now that we got that straightened out, why don't we give you a proper sendoff?" suggested Vicky. "Camerupt, let's have a proper goodbye, shall we? Eruption!"
Camerupt nodded and prepared to erupt its volcanoes.
(Music Cue: Exeggutor & Oddish Eyecatch (as heard at the end of "Type Casting"))
Tristan and Hillary knew what that meant. "No, not again!" they cried, and hurried away as fast as they could, but they didn't realize that the Winstrates were only joking.
And so, after visiting the Winstrate Family and accepting the gift of two pairs of Go-Goggles, our heroes quickly leave for the desert and its sandstorms, along with their next destination, Falarbor Town!
TO BE CONTINUED...