AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 14 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey in the Hoenn region. I decided to base this chapter on the Pokémon: Advanced episode: "Brave the Wave." But this time, Wayne is the one who will be impatient enough to try and earn a second badge. We'll see what happens here. In the meantime, please feel free to read and review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: Wayne eagerly challenges Brawly to a Gym Battle, but he'll soon realize that Brawly's a tougher opponent that he expected! Will this Gym Battle cause hard feelings between him, his Pokémon, and his family and friends?
Chapter 14: A TOTAL WIPEOUT
(Music Cue: Training on the Beach (full version))
The next morning, Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa were up early.
Tristan knew that working out and warming up always helped him wake up, so he took Wayne on the beach to work out with him.
"Come on, Wayne, keep up the pace!" called Tristan as he and Pikachu jogged just ahead of Wayne.
"How can I keep up when you two are so much faster than me all the time?" panted Wayne as he tried to catch up.
"I know that jogging helps me warm up before an important Gym Battle like this one," said Tristan, "and I figured you should give it a try too. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu agreed as it ran alongside.
Hillary, Marc, and Lisa watched from a short distance away.
"I must say, Tristan's doing really well," remarked Lisa. "But as for Wayne..."
"Uh, let's just say he has more work to do," put in Marc.
"Nah, I think they're both doing fine," replied Hillary. "Tristan just has a bit more experience, that's all. They'll do great in their Gym Battles."
Togepi trilled in agreement.
"Let's go meet them at the Gym," suggested Marc.
"Good idea," agreed Lisa.
And they all set off as Tristan and Wayne continued to stretch their muscles on the beach.
Today's the big day, for it's nearly time for Tristan's second Gym Battle in the Hoenn region as he and Wayne warm up for the match. But first, Wayne has a chance to earn his second badge. How will he fare against the Dewford Island Gym Leader?
"That was a great workout," said Tristan as he and Wayne arrived at the Gym a few minutes later.
"Yeah," panted Wayne. "Easy...for...you...to...say."
(Music Cue: Goofball Alert (as heard in "The Fortune Hunters"))
"Gosh, Wayne, you seem to be..." Lisa began.
"Are you saying that I'm out of shape?!" Wayne felt insulted.
"No, no, that's not what Lisa meant," replied Marc. "It's just that you're not used to jogging like Tristan is. And besides, you, Lisa, and I haven't been on a journey as long as Tristan and Hillary have."
"Well, guess what? You're not gonna insult me once I get that second badge!" retorted Wayne. He raced to the door of the Gym and began to shout. "Hey! I challenge you to a battle!"
But just then, the door burst open, and it bashed Wayne right in the face.
Some ladies emerged carrying surfboards, followed by a tall, muscular man carrying a surfboard of his own.
"Surf's up!" called the man as he began to follow the ladies out to the beach. Then he turned to Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins. "Oh, sorry, dudes. I totally didn't see you there. You must've had a total wipeout. The name's Brawly, and I'm the Gym Leader. Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm surfing the waves today." And he raced after the ladies.
Wayne moaned in pain as he held his face.
"Oh boy," remarked Tristan. "That's gonna leave a mark."
"Poor guy," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi silently agreed.
Wayne quickly got up, and was instantly upset. "No one hits me in the face and gets away with it!" And he darted after the man and the ladies following him.
"Wayne, wait up!" called Marc as he and the others raced after him.
A moment later, they arrived on the beach.
Sure enough, the man and his ladies were surfing on the waves and having a blast.
"Those people seem to be great at surfing," said Hillary. "I almost wish I could do that."
(Music Cue: No Way, No How! (full version))
"Right now, I've gotta go find me a Gym Battle!" And with that, Wayne took off his clothes and revealed swimming trunks underneath. "Look out, ladies, 'cause Surfer Wayne is here to fight the waves and shoot the curl!" Then he took off into the water after the man and the ladies.
"Wayne's heart is in the right place," remarked Lisa. "It's his head I'm worried about."
"Think he's got a shot?" wondered Marc.
"Yeah, I'd say he does," replied Tristan, feeling half-confident.
Sure enough, Wayne was swimming well, even without a surfboard. Then he approached Brawly. "Hey, Brawly! I challenge you to a Gym Battle!"
"No can do, little dude!" replied Brawly. "I'm having too much fun with nature!"
"Nature?! Just whataya mean by nature?!" Wayne was losing patience. "My nature is you're scared of losing to me! You coward!"
Suddenly, an even bigger wave came up behind them, and blew them into the water, wiping them out instantly.
Wayne and Brawly emerged form the surface, but Wayne was the only one who ended up coughing up water.
"He's toast," sighed Lisa.
"Burnt to a crisp," added Marc.
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to agree.
"Whoa, little dude, you seem to have charged yourself into a damper," remarked Brawly to Wayne.
"Enough of your 'surf' and 'dude' talk!" barked Wayne. "Just accept my challenge already!"
"I hate to say this, little dude, but you're starting to become a real pain."
"Well, I'd love to say this, Brawly, for you're nothing but a spineless coward!"
Tristan, Hillary, and their other cousins rushed between them to stop the fight.
"Wayne, just calm down, man!" implored Marc. "Brawly's gonna battle you soon enough, so just give him some space."
"Yeah, just take it easy, will ya?" added Tristan.
Wayne grumbled. He could see that Marc and Tristan were right, but he was still sore about Brawly's refusal to battle him.
Little did they know that their old nemesis, Taz, was watching them through a pair of binoculars in a small motorboat a short distance away.
"There they are, those stuck-up kids, just waiting to be robbed," whispered Taz evilly. "Wait till they realize they're short one Pikachu."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in Gone Corphishin'"))
And he took out his weapon, locked in on Pikachu, and fired an electromagnetic net, ensnaring it.
Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins were shocked as Pikachu was taken away.
"Pikachu!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Who could've done that?" added Brawly in alarm.
Taz snatched up the net and smiled at his catch. "Welcome aboard, my little rodent."
Pikachu tried to zap Taz with a Thunderbolt, but the net reflected its electricity right back at it, and it got zapped instead.
This caused Taz to laugh profusely. "I just love this net. You're shocked and I ain't. Now it's time to set sail for the Boss man. So ta-ta, kiddies!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "For Cryin' Out Loud!"))
And he started up his motorboat and sailed off.
"Hey, get back here, Taz!" shouted Tristan.
"Go, Taillow, help Pikachu now!" ordered Wayne as he threw his Poké Ball.
Taillow emerged from the white light that shot out of it and flew after Taz, who saw it approach and gasped in surprise.
"Yikes!" cried Taz. "I didn't expect that birdbrain to come after me by air! I'm in deep trouble!" And he was, for Taillow was right on his tail.
"Taillow, hit him with Quick Attack!" commanded Wayne.
Taillow flew at Taz as a white line streaked behind it. Then it rammed into him so hard that it sent him flying, causing him to turn off the engine and lose Pikachu in the process. Then it quickly grabbed the net using its talons.
"Quick, toss it here, Taillow!" called Tristan.
Taillow complied, and using all the strength it had, it threw the net to Tristan.
"Pikachu!" cried Tristan as he caught the net safely in his hands. "You're not hurt, are you, little buddy?"
Pikachu smiled, assuring him that it was all right.
It was then that Taz began to panic. "Uh-oh. I think I'd better get outta here, or I'm sunk!" And he was, for he saw Tristan and Pikachu, ready to counterattack.
"All right, Pikachu, give him a Thunderbolt!" instructed Tristan.
Pikachu leaped up and delivered a powerful yellow bolt of electricity, scoring a direct hit on Taz and creating an explosion that destroyed Taz's boat and sent him skyward.
"Hang ten! I'll remember this for days!" screamed Taz as he blasted off into the sky.
DING!
Brawly was impressed with Tristan and Wayne's teamwork. "That was impressive, little dudes. You sure showed that guy. Kind of reminds me of how Ash battled Team Rocket after they tried to steal his Pikachu."
"Thanks, Brawly," replied Wayne. "So, wanna have that Gym Battle now?"
Brawly considered. "Well, that Pikachu of Tristan's was awesome, and the speed of that Taillow...I must say that it's one of the fastest Pokémon I've seen in the air." He thought for a long time, then said, "All right, little dude. I accept your challenge."
This made Wayne excited. "Well, it's about time! Thanks so much, Brawly."
"So, Brawly finally wants to battle Wayne, huh?" said Hillary. "It sure took guts, and if Taz hadn't shown up, he might not have wanted to in the first place."
Tristan was concerned, but Hillary, Marc, and Lisa noticed this, for he was lost in his own train of thought.
"Tristan? What's wrong?" asked Lisa.
"Yeah, you haven't said a word since Taz blasted off," added Marc. "Do you really think Wayne's gonna lose?"
"Huh? Oh, it's fine, guys, it was nothing." Tristan didn't want to worry them. Then he thought, Why do I get the feeling that this won't end well for Wayne?
That afternoon, Tristan, Hillary, Marc, and Lisa watched as Wayne and Brawly faced each other inside the Dewford Island Gym.
Wayne stretched his arms and legs. "I can't wait to battle and win that badge."
"I don't know about this, sis," whispered Tristan. "Wayne may be confident, but he's never faced the likes of Brawly before. Do you know what type of Pokémon he uses?"
"I wish I knew," replied Hillary.
"Well, Brawly has a knack for using Fighting-type Pokémon," explained Lisa.
"Fighting-types?" This surprised Tristan and Hillary.
"You mean like the ones Chuck uses at the Cianwood Gym?" asked Tristan.
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "Remember that Machoke and Poliwrath he had? They were tough customers."
Wayne overheard them and said, "Then that means I'll use a Pokémon and hit 'em hard with Flying attacks."
One of Brawly's students came to judge the match. He had a surfer dude accent as well. "The match between Brawly the Dewford Gym Leader and the challenger Wayne from Littleroot Town will now begin! Each Trainer will use two Pokémon. Only the challenger is allowed substitutions."
"Excellent!" said Wayne excitedly. "Ready for this, Brawly? Because I am! Taillow, I choose you!" He threw his first Poké Ball.
(Music Cue: Team Aqua & Magma Grunt Battle (full version))
Taillow emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Taillow," said Brawly confidently. "Not a bad choice against Fighting-types. Machop, I choose you!" He then threw his Poké Ball.
A Machop emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"So, a Machop first, huh?" smiled Wayne confidently as he scanned it with his Pokédex.
"Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. Machop have muscles that never tire, no matter how much they exercise. Machop have enough strength to throw 100 average-sized adults."
"Gah! One hundred?!" This made Wayne begin to have second thoughts on battling a Machop.
"Begin!" said the student.
"Okay, Wayne," smiled Brawly. "Let's see what you've got."
Wayne shook himself and quickly regained his composure. "All right, but just remember, you're the one who asked for it. Now I'm gonna show you that you should spend more time battling and less time surfing! All right, Taillow, use Wing Attack now!"
Taillow flew in for the attack as its wings glowed.
"Heads up, Machop!" warned Brawly.
Machop gave a nod as Taillow struck it down to the ground.
"Yeah, good job, Taillow!" commended Wayne. "Now that's showing them some power!"
Machop got back on its feet easily.
"Yeah, get up so we can knock ya back down!" smiled Wayne. "Taillow, use another Wing Attack!"
Taillow charged in for another attack as its wings glowed and struck Machop, sending it rolling; however, Machop rolled in such a way that it landed on its feet without falling to the ground.
"Looks like your Machop's got other plans," chuckled Wayne. "All right, Taillow, we've got it on the run, so let's keep up the pressure! Hit it with a series of Wing Attacks!"
Taillow's wings glowed as it flew in and struck Machop over and over, but each time, Machop seemed to land on its feet without taking damage at all.
"What the...? What's the deal?!" gasped Wayne. "Your Machop's taken my Taillow's Wing Attack, but it just keeps recovering! Arrrrrgh! Why won't you go down?!" Wayne was losing patience.
"Oh boy, here we go," sighed Marc. "Wayne's losing his cool again."
"But why is Machop always landing on its feet like that?" wondered Lisa. "Are Taillow's Wing Attacks just missing it?"
"No, they're connecting, all right, but there's something about that Machop that worries me." Tristan was trying to see what it was about Brawly's Machop that concerned him, but he wasn't sure what.
"All right then, since Machop hasn't attacked us yet, this is our big chance to finish it off! All right, Taillow, hit it with Quick Attack, and give it all you've got!" commanded Wayne.
Taillow flew in for one final attack as a line streaked behind it.
"Almost there, Taillow, now full speed ahead!" said Wayne excitedly, thinking he had the battle won.
Taillow kept charging toward Machop as fast as it could.
But this time, Brawly was ready for it. "Machop, Cross Chop, go!" shouted Brawly.
Machop charged in for the attack as it crossed its glowing wrists.
It was then that Tristan realized that Wayne was making his first mistake: the first of many. "Wayne, call off Taillow's attack! Hurry!"
But Tristan's warning came too late, for Machop, without missing a beat, struck Taillow with such force that it was sent flying, much to Wayne's surprise.
"Taillow, no!" cried Wayne.
Taillow crashed into one of the Gym's walls and collapsed in a heap. It had easily been knocked out.
"Taillow is unable to battle...Machop wins!" declared the student as he raised his red flag in the air.
"Great work, Machop!" commended Brawly. "You certainly knew how to keep Taillow off balance!"
Machop gave a happy and strong reply.
"Balance..." Then Tristan gasped in shock. "Of course!"
Everyone turned to Tristan to see what he came up with.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (as heard in "A Goldenrod Opportunity"))
"The way Machop moves in battle is similar to how it uses its legs when it rides the waves on a surfboard, enabling it to absorb the attacks and gain a huge advantage over Wayne and Taillow!"
This made everyone surprised.
"So that's why Taillow's Wing Attack seemed like it didn't do anything to Machop!" exclaimed Marc. "Wayne, listen! You've gotta change your strategy! Charging and striking head-on won't work!"
"No way, Marc, I'm not changing anything!" replied Wayne defiantly. "Taillow started this job, and Makuhita will help me finish it. Makuhita, I choose you!" He threw his second Poké Ball.
Makuhita emerged from the white light that shot out of it and readied itself for battle.
This made Brawly think about something. "Ah, Makuhita. I remember just a few days ago when I faced Ash with my Makuhita," he said to himself. "Let's see what his Makuhita can do against my all-powerful Machop."
"Go, Makuhita, Arm Thrust now!" ordered Wayne.
Makuhita charged in for the attack with its fists.
"Machop, get ready!" advised Wayne.
Machop nodded.
But Wayne had a surprise. "Aim for the legs!"
Makuhita struck Machop's right leg, causing it to lose its balance.
"Looks like Machop's losing its footing!" said Lisa. "Machop's in real big trouble now!"
"Yeah," agreed Hillary. "Machop won't resist taking damage this time."
"True, but..." whispered Tristan. He was still concerned about something.
"What's wrong, Tristan?" asked Hillary worriedly. "Are you worried about Wayne and his Pokémon?"
Tristan said nothing. He knew something was troubling him, but he didn't know what.
Even Pikachu wondered what was going on with Tristan.
"Just look there," said Lisa, trying to reassure him. "Makuhita's really gonna beat that Machop and lead Wayne to victory."
"Now Tackle attack, Makuhita!" ordered Wayne.
Makuhita charged full-body style toward Machop and scored a direct hit on it.
"Now Tackle one more time, Machop, and this time, hit it hard!" commanded Wayne.
Makuhita charged harder and faster.
Seeing how Machop was unable to right itself due to the damage it took, it couldn't avoid being hit by Makuhita, who sent it flying into the wall behind Brawly.
"Machop!" exclaimed Brawly.
Machop struggled to get up again, but was unable to, as a dazed expression came to its face. It had been knocked out.
"Machop's unable to battle...Makuhita wins!" declared the student as he raised his green flag in the air.
"Yeah, that's it, Makuhita, great job!" commended Wayne.
Makuhita gave a happy reply, but then began to pant.
"Yeah, that's it, Wayne!" said Lisa excitedly. "One more, and you'll win the match!"
Tristan had his doubts. "Don't start celebrating yet. Take a good look at Makuhita."
Sure enough, Makuhita had used up a lot of its energy after its last battle with Machop, and was breathing hard.
"Looks like Makuhita's really getting tired," remarked Marc. "Wayne better not mess this up."
Brawly recalled his Machop. "Good work, Machop." Then he turned to Wayne. "Looks like your Makuhita's been raised well. Let's see how you handle this one! Hariyama, I choose you!" He threw his second Poké Ball.
A large bulky Pokémon with giant orange hands emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a short triangular crest on its head and blue hairs over its eyes,
"Hold on, did you say Hubba-Wubba?" Wayne was confused.
"A Hariyama," repeated Brawly.
"I don't know about this," said Tristan nervously as he scanned the new Pokémon with his Pokédex.
"Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokémon. Hariyama is the evolved form of Makuhita. While tensing its body, its muscles become hard as stone."
"The evolved form of...Makuhita?" Wayne was beginning to get a little nervous himself after overhearing the Pokédex entry.
"Be careful, Wayne!" warned Marc. "That Hariyama's one tough opponent, and Makuhita's really exhausted!"
"If you lose this battle, you lose the match!" added Hillary.
"Fat chance! I'll show that oversized Pokémon who's stronger! After all, I got something to prove here!" Wayne was beginning to regain his composure. "All right, Makuhita, Arm Thrust!"
(Music Cue: Radio Tower Takeover (full version))
Makuhita charged toward Hariyama as it tried to hit it with its fists.
But Hariyama blocked the attack using its giant-sized hands, nullifying the damage.
"No way!" exclaimed Wayne.
"Come on, little dude, do you really think that an Arm Thrust like that can damage my Hariyama?" smiled Brawly. "I'm afraid you're only kidding yourself. Hariyama, let's show them a real Arm Thrust."
Hariyama used its giant hands to attack Makuhita, who was slammed into the ground.
"Whoa!" gasped Hillary. "That Arm Thrust attack has real destructive power!"
Sure enough, Hariyama's Arm Thrust was keeping poor Makuhita from making any moves as it kept getting pummeled.
"Makuhita can't keep this up much longer," said Marc worriedly. "It's getting pulverized."
"I don't know if there's much Wayne can do," added Lisa.
Oh, no! thought Tristan. If Arm Thrust is keeping Makuhita from moving, Makuhita's going to be in major trouble! "Wayne, listen! Makuhita's gonna get badly hurt! Hariyama's attacks are way too strong!" he shouted aloud. "Forfeit the match!"
"What?! Forfeit?!" Wayne could scarcely believe his ears.
"He's right!" added Hillary. "I think Makuhita's reached its limit! You should concede!"
"No way! I came to win, not to quit! And my Makuhita won't let me down!"
Makuhita was trying to give a nod, but Hariyama's continuous Arm Thrust attacks wouldn't let it.
"You know, Wayne, those kids on the bleachers are right," said Brawly with concern.
This made Wayne even more surprised. "You too, Brawly?"
"It's supposed to be your responsibility to judge whether a Pokémon can continue battling. You're down to your last Pokémon, and right now, your Makuhita's nearing its limit. So I'd suggest you take their advice and surrender before it's too late."
Wayne considered, but then he replied defiantly. "No."
This surprised everyone, especially Tristan.
"Wayne doesn't quit, especially when he has something to prove."
"Are you crazy, Wayne?!" exclaimed Tristan. "Can't you see that Makuhita can't defend itself from Hariyama's attacks, let alone move?!"
"Whatever you say, little dude," sighed Brawly. "I gave you a chance to give up, but I'm afraid I have no choice. Maybe losing this battle will teach you a lesson you won't soon forget. Hariyama! Knock Off attack!"
Hariyama lifted its huge hand and slapped Makuhita with it, sending it spinning backwards and crashing hard into the wall.
"Makuhita!" cried Wayne.
"Oh, no!" cried Tristan, Hillary, Marc, and Lisa together.
Makuhita fell face first to the ground as it lay badly bruised and beaten. Then it started struggling back onto its feet.
Brawly seemed a little surprised, but maintained his focus as he saw Makuhita continue to rise up.
But the damage from Hariyama's Arm Thrust and Knock Off attacks was too much for Makuhita to take, and it fell to the ground once again, but this time, unable to get back up. Makuhita had been knocked out.
"Makuhita is unable to battle...Hariyama is the winner!" declared the student. "The winner of this match is Brawly!" He raised his red flag in the air and in Brawly's direction.
Wayne stood in shock as Brawly's victory was made official.
"Well, that's that." said Brawly. "You'd better take Makuhita to the Pokémon Center right now." And he and Hariyama walked out of the Gym.
Wayne seethed in anger as he tried to figure out what went wrong during the match.
That evening, everyone was at the Pokémon Center as they thought about Wayne's Gym battle.
"Nurse Joy, how's Makuhita?" asked Wayne worriedly.
"Makuhita's going to need a lot of rest, but forcing it to keep fighting the way you did is one thing I don't like at all," replied Nurse Joy firmly. "I remember Ash made the same mistake, but you've been worse. I'm afraid Makuhita's used up a lot of its stamina in that battle. Now I suggest you let it rest until it fully recovers." And so saying, she departed.
Lisa came to Wayne. "I think you should've taken Tristan's advice and quit when you were still able."
This only upset Wayne. "Who asked you? We were so close to beating that Brawly! I just know I would've won if Brawly would realize that battling's much more important than surfing! I ought to teach him a lesson or two!"
"Whoa, take it easy, Wayne," cautioned Hillary.
"I won't take it easy!" shouted Wayne. "I can be as mad as I wanna be, especially since that surfer dude unrightfully stole my win!"
"Please, Wayne, just give it a rest!" implored Tristan.
"You shut up!" snapped Wayne.
(Music Cue: OK! Piano Ballad (full version))
This shocked Tristan to the core, for he had never been treated by anyone in such a harsh way, especially by family.
"I don't give a Hoothoot about what you or anyone else says!" And Wayne stormed out of the Pokémon Center.
Everyone just stood there, wondering what just happened while Tristan just stood there, about ready to break down.
Pikachu watched him with concern.
Finally, Marc spoke. "That was so uncalled for. I mean, losing a battle is no fun, even if you do get carried away, but that's no excuse to take your anger out on someone. It isn't fair."
Tristan felt tears coming to his eyes, yet he didn't want anyone else to see him crying, so he ran as fast as he could to the bedroom.
"Hey wait, Tristan, please!" cried Lisa.
"Come back, big bro!" added Hillary.
"Wayne didn't mean it!" called Marc.
But it was too late, for Tristan slammed the door behind him and Pikachu.
Everyone gave sad sighs, for they knew how much Tristan's feelings meant to them, and to have them hurt in such a bad way made them feel helpless.
Even Togepi couldn't help feeling sad.
"What do we do now?" wondered Lisa worriedly.
Hillary stared at the bedroom door. "I think he needs to be alone for a while. I'm sure Wayne could use some alone time, too. You know, to clear his thoughts."
"Yeah, but first, a certain someone needs to be taught a lesson in manners." And Marc led Hillary and Lisa out of the Pokémon Center.
Meanwhile, Wayne was walking alone on the beach. He was still feeling very sore about losing to Brawly. Stupid surfer dude, he thought. What does he know about battling that I don't anyway? And Tristan telling me to forfeit? He should know I never give up. Then he saw Brawly and his Hariyama surfing in the waves.
Suddenly, Hariyama was starting to lose its balance.
"Whoa, Hariyama!" cried Brawly. "You're not gonna right yourself in time! Abandon ship!"
Hariyama, taking the advice leaped off its surfboard and into the water as the waves overtook it. Hariyama came up for air seconds later.
"How are you doing, Hariyama?" asked Brawly.
Hariyama gave an approving nod, indicating it was okay.
"You knew when it was pointless to go on. If a wave gets too big to manage, just forget about it."
Hariyama nodded in agreement.
This surprised Wayne. "Why did they decide to quit? I don't remember them being allowed to do it before."
"At least someone knows when to quit," said a voice sternly.
Wayne turned to see Lisa along with Marc and Hillary confronting him. "What do you three want?"
"Why did you have to be so rude?" asked Lisa.
Wayne considered. "If only I did that to Brawly. Then he'd be sorry."
"Well, it looks like you're gonna be sorry now, buster!" retorted Marc. "You went and upset Tristan! I hope you're happy."
"But...b-but I...I only wanted him to stop talking. I didn't realize I was gonna hurt his feelings. Where is he?"
"Inside, alone," replied Lisa.
Hillary faced him. "I'm very disappointed in you, Wayne. You've got a lot to think about." And she, Marc, and Lisa turned their backs on him and started to leave.
"Wait, guys! Come back!" called Wayne.
But they just kept going and went back inside the Pokémon Center, leaving Wayne alone to collect his thoughts.
Wayne sighed. "I guess I let Tristan and everybody else down, didn't I?"
That night, Tristan and Pikachu were still in the bedroom alone, but they had fallen fast asleep.
Suddenly, his Silver Wing started to give a faint glow, which began to get brighter and brighter.
Meanwhile, inside the cafeteria, Marc, Lisa, and Hillary saw that the bedroom door was still closed.
"I'm really worried," said Lisa. "Tristan's been inside that bedroom for three hours now, and he won't say a word."
"Yeah, this is very troubling," agreed Hillary. "I haven't seen him feeling this bad since he lost to Blue in the Trainer House Stadium in Viridian City two years ago. He's even sleeping through dinner."
"There must be some way to help him," said Marc.
"Yeah, but what?" wondered Lisa.
"Well, maybe they're just sleeping," suggested Hillary. "After a tough day like that, I'd want to sleep too."
"Guys, look!" exclaimed Marc as he pointed to the door.
Sure enough, they could see a glow coming from the bedroom.
"No! Tristan and Pikachu are in there!" gasped Hillary. And she ran toward the bedroom as fast as she could with Marc and Lisa close behind. She burst the door open and saw the bright light coming from Tristan's Silver Wing.
(Music Cue: Movie Title 2000 (as heard in the Japanese version of "Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei"))
Pikachu was instantly startled by the commotion and tried to wake Tristan up, but to no avail.
"What's going on?" asked Lisa worriedly.
"The light! It's blinding!" grunted Marc as he and the others covered their eyes.
Hillary managed to find her way to Tristan's bed. "I'm coming, Tristan!"
"Hillary, no! It's too dangerous!" warned Lisa.
But Hillary touched Tristan's Silver Wing, which enveloped her, Togepi, Tristan, and Pikachu in an even brighter light until suddenly, they all disappeared, Silver Wing and all.
Marc and Lisa gasped in horror, for they'd never seen Tristan and Hillary disappear into thin air before.
"Where'd they go?" asked Marc worriedly. "I can't see them anywhere!"
"We've gotta find Wayne and have him help us search for Tristan right away!" replied Lisa urgently as she and Marc quickly made their way outside the Pokémon Center to find him.
After a tough day for Wayne where his Gym Battle against Brawly ends in defeat, Tristan and Hillary have suddenly vanished without a trace! Who or what has taken them and where did they go? Stay tuned and find out as our heroes' journey through the Hoenn region continues!
TO BE CONTINUED...