AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 23 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. Do you remember Robert from seasons 6 and 8 of Pokémon? He'll be in this chapter. I also decided to add at least one background music cue that 4Kids Entertainment used during the first eight seasons of Pokémon. They won't be everywhere, but I hope you enjoy this chapter just the same.
TEASER: Hillary is running out of time for the upcoming Second-Chance Contest. But a Coordinator named Robert gives some helpful advice, and Hillary's Pichu has an electrifying surprise!
Chapter 23: CONTEST TRAINING
(Music Cue: Opening 1997-1998 (as heard in "The Evolution Solution)
Our heroes have arrived in Slateport City, site of the first Second-Chance Pokémon Contest. It's here that Hillary hopes to earn her first Contest Ribbon. Right now we find their training already in progress on Slateport Beach. Tristan is training for his next Gym Battle while Hillary tries to come up with a winning technique for the upcoming Pokémon Contest.
"Go, Pikachu, Thunderbolt, now!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Treecko as it awaited Tristan's instructions.
"Treecko, dodge it using Quick Attack!" instructed Tristan.
Treecko leaped high into the air as a white line streaked behind it, easily dodging Pikachu's attack.
"Yeah, that's it, Treecko!" commended Tristan. "You and Pikachu are really looking good." He then turned to Mudkip and Beldum. "All right, you two, you're up next."
Mudkip and Beldum gave nods and faced each other.
"Mudkip, Water Gun! And Beldum, push through it with Take Down!" instructed Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth at Beldum, who gave its best effort to push through it with all its might.
"That's the way, you two, keep it going!" commended Tristan.
"Your team's looking great, Tristan!" smiled Hillary. "Now it's our turn to get things rolling. Okay, Squirtle, shoot your Water Gun high into the air!"
Squirtle unleashed a stream of water from its mouth and aimed it toward the sky.
"Pichu, jump onto the stream and bounce!" instructed Hillary.
Pichu jumped as high as it could, but because of its small size, it fell short and fell headfirst into the sand.
(THUD! Music cut)
"Oh, no! Pichu!" gasped Hillary as she and everyone else rushed over.
"Is Pichu okay?" asked Tristan worriedly.
Pichu managed to poke its head out of the sand and shook it all off.
"I think Pichu could use a little more oomph," replied Hillary. "And we're running out of time, too. I still haven't come up with a winning combination for the Second-Chance Pokémon Contest yet."
"Maybe I could be of some assistance," said a voice.
Tristan and Hillary were surprised to see a friendly man with long blonde hair wearing a dark purple suit.
"Excuse my intrusion," said the man, "but I couldn't help but notice you training hard for the upcoming Second-Chance Contest that's coming up."
"So what if I am?" wondered Hillary.
"My name's Robert, and I'm a Pokémon Coordinator."
"You're a Coordinator?" gasped Tristan and Hillary together.
Pikachu, Pichu, and Togepi were surprised.
(Music Cue: Hope (full version))
"I see," said Robert a few minutes later. "So you just got interested in Pokémon Contests after you saw the Second-Chance Contest in Rustboro City."
"Yes, I did," replied Hillary.
"I'd be more than happy to give you a few pointers and all, if you don't mind."
"Sure," agreed Hillary. "My name's Hillary, and this is my brother Tristan."
"Hello," added Tristan.
Pikachu, Togepi, and all the other Pokémon introduced themselves warmly.
"My, my, those are some very unique and well-trained Pokémon," remarked Robert. "But right now, let's see what we can do to get you ready for the Contest, all right?"
"But aren't you competing?" wondered Tristan.
"No can do, Tristan," replied Robert. "The Second-Chance Contest is for Coordinators who either missed the Contest or lost on their first attempt. But I've got some time to kill before the Grand Festival, and I already have three Ribbons to show for it." And he took out his Ribbon Case and showed Tristan and Hillary his Contest Ribbons.
"Wow," smiled Tristan.
"Those are beautiful," remarked Hillary. "You must've been training hard to earn all three of them."
Robert nodded. "By the way, Tristan, I couldn't help but notice, but isn't that a Silver Wing hanging around your neck?"
"Yes, it is," answered Tristan. "But how'd you know about the Silver Wing?"
"You see, I come from Silver Rock Isle in the Johto region," explained Robert.
"Really? From the Johto region?" Tristan and Hillary were delighted to hear this, for they came from Johto as well.
"I pass by and see a lot of these Silver Wing trinkets in the market," explained Robert. "I've heard those come from the Legendary Pokémon Lugia."
"That's where this Silver Wing came from," said Tristan as he showed Robert his Silver Wing.
"That's a lovely one, indeed," smiled Robert. "Rare ones are given as gifts from Lugia to Trainers with pure hearts who bonded with them since birth, and have magical powers beyond our wildest imagination. Those things are really hard to come by."
This made Tristan reminisce about the many times he and Pikachu played and flew in the sky on Lugia's back. "Lugia and I are really great buddies. We always have fun when we're together. I wonder how it's doing."
"Probably doing well while taking care of Silveena and the new baby back home, I'll bet," replied Hillary.
"I'm curious to know where you two came from," continued Robert. "You must've come a long way to get to Slateport City."
"We came here from New Bark Town."
"Ah, yes, New Bark Town is such a lovely place," smiled Robert. "I stop there quite often and try to find something new and inspirational to perfect my techniques. Speaking of, let's find you one, Hillary. Are you up for it?"
"You bet!" agreed Hillary. "Let's do it!"
A few minutes later, Hillary and Robert faced each other on the beach as Tristan, Pikachu, and Togepi watched.
"We'll start off by having a Contest Battle," explained Robert. "Contest Battles are different than traditional battles because they test your ability to show off your Pokémon while taking away as many points from your opponent as possible. Plus, Contest Battles, as you know all too well, have a five-minute time limit. Do you understand the rules?"
"Yes," replied Hillary.
"Then let's get started. I choose Milotic." And he tossed his Poké Ball into the air.
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight: Decision (full version))
An aquatic serpentine Pokémon with a primarily cream-colored body emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had long pinkish antennae above its eyes and long pink eyebrows extending from above its eyes to over half its body length, plus its lower body was a mixture of blue and pink with the tail consisting of four large blue fins at the tip with pink ovals in the centers that resembled a fan.
Hillary was awestruck at the Pokémon's beauty as she looked it up in her Pokédex.
"Milotic, the Tender Pokémon. Milotic is able to soften human anger and hatred by emitting soothing frequencies from its body."
"Wow. I wish I had one," said Hillary to herself.
"Don't be fooled by Milotic's beauty," reminded Robert. "As they say, looks can be quite deceiving. And this Milotic is extremely strong, too. So I suggest you keep your guard up while battling, okay?"
Hillary nodded. She knew she couldn't get distracted by Milotic's beauty. After all, it was a battle. "All right, ready, Pichu?"
Pichu nodded and charged into battle, ready to face Milotic.
"When it comes to type, Pichu's got the advantage," said Tristan. Then he thought, But when it comes to battling experience, I'd have to give the edge to Milotic. We'll have to see how Hillary handles it."
"Let's begin. Ladies first," smiled Robert.
"All right, Pichu, let's get in there. Thundershock, now!" commanded Hillary.
"Thundershock already?" gasped Tristan.
(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, & Rayquaza Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of AG003: "There's No Place Like Hoenn"))
Pichu's body sparked and unleashed a yellow bolt of electricity, scoring a hit on Milotic.
Milotic seemed pained by the attack, but took every jolt Pichu dished out.
"Yeah, that's it, Pichu!" commended Hillary. It was then that she saw Pichu wobbling around.
Sure enough, Pichu was behaving in a very peculiar manner.
"I forgot that Pichu shocks itself whenever it uses Electric attacks!" groaned Hillary. Unfortunately, she also noticed that Milotic didn't seem fazed at all by Pichu's attack, nor did it have a scratch on it.
"That was a powerful Thundershock, Hillary," said Robert. "But power alone won't help you win Contests. You're going to have to find a way to make your Pokémon's appeal shine through."
"A Pokémon's appeal?" repeated Hillary.
"Now, Milotic, use Twister," instructed Robert.
Milotic spun its tail around and around, until a huge tornado was launched from it, heading straight toward Pichu.
"Run! Get away from it!" yelled Hillary.
Pichu pricked up its ears and listened to Hillary's command, but unfortunately, it couldn't get away from Milotic's Twister fast enough, and was soon caught in the vortex.
"Pichu!" cried Hillary.
Pichu crashed to the ground after being released from Milotic's Twister, but soon got back up on its feet.
"Now let's use Iron Tail," instructed Robert.
On Robert's command, Milotic lit up its tail and used it to strike Pichu with such force that it was sent flying.
"Pichu, no!" exclaimed Hillary.
Pichu fell to the ground with a crash as a cloud of sand surrounded it. However, it refused to give up and slowly struggled back to its feet.
"That Milotic's been well-trained," remarked Tristan. "Robert sure knows how to raise his Pokémon. Hillary's got her work cut out for her."
If I use Thundershock again, Milotic will just shake it off like it did last time, thought Hillary. And Pichu will take most of the damage. That's it! It isn't power that'll help me win Contest Battles, but the Pokémon's appeal, like Robert said. And I think I know just how to show it off. "All right, Pichu, it's time for something new. Use Charm attack!"
"Charm attack?" Tristan was surprised.
Even Robert was intrigued by the sudden change of pace.
(Music Cue: Come Along (full version))
Pichu ran toward Milotic, held out its arms, and surrounded itself with cute hearts, making an extremely cute face.
Milotic instantly lowered its guard, much to Robert's surprise.
"Follow it up with Sweet Kiss!" commanded Hillary.
Pichu then blew a kiss at Milotic, releasing a pink heart in the process.
The heart hit Milotic, instantly stunning and confusing it.
"My, my," remarked Robert. "Now that's what I call a first-class appeal...an excellent combination."
Sure enough, it was Milotic who was now behaving very oddly.
"I've never seen Pichu use Charm and Sweet Kiss before," said Tristan. He then turned to Pikachu and smiled while winking. "Maybe you could learn something, Pikachu."
Pikachu was taken aback by the comment; it knew Tristan was only teasing, but it crossed its arms in indignation, for it had no interest in charming and kissing.
Togepi couldn't help but chuckle at Pikachu's expense.
"Milotic, try and stay calm," instructed Robert.
But Milotic, still under the effect of Sweet Kiss, was too confused to obey.
I know it's risky, but this is our big chance; we'll have to go for broke, thought Hillary. "All right, Pichu, hit it with Thundershock!" she shouted aloud.
Pichu sparked and unleashed a yellow bolt of electricity at Milotic, scoring a direct hit at close range., much to Robert's shock.
"That's the way it's done, Pichu!" commended Hillary.
Even though Pichu was dazed from using its own Electric attacks, it still managed to give out a happy reply.
But unfortunately, the shock was all it took to snap Milotic out of its confusion.
"Oh, no!" gasped Hillary.
"Use Twister," smiled Robert calmly.
Once again, Milotic spun its tail around and around, unleashing a powerful tornado that enveloped Pichu in it once again, but this time, it was too strong for Pichu to withstand, for it was sent flying through the air and hurtling back down to the ground with a crash that was so impactful that it created a cloud of sand.
"Pichu!" cried Hillary.
When the cloud of sand cleared, Pichu had a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"I guess that's that," said Robert.
Hillary quickly rushed over to Pichu and cradled it in her arms. "Are you okay?"
Pichu nodded and gave a weak reply.
"You were great," commended Hillary.
"And so were you, Hillary," put in Robert. "Using Charm and quickly following it up with Sweet Kiss made for an excellent combination. I think that'll help you do well in the Second-Chance Contest."
"Thanks, Robert, but I don't think we're nearly as good as you are," replied Hillary.
"It's true that you're just getting started," continued Robert, "but you're a lot better than you think. However, don't forget that that combination won't be the only one you'll need to work on as you traverse all over the Hoenn region. You'll need to help all your Pokémon be the best they can be. It's important to brush up on all of your attacks to help you and all your Pokémon's appeals shine throughout the entire Contest, and eventually the Grand Festival. And remember, the most important thing you need to do is to trust your Pokémon."
"I'll remember that, Robert, thanks," smiled Hillary.
"But right now, let's take that Pichu of yours over to the Pokémon Center for a little rest," suggested Robert. "What do you say?"
Hillary nodded in agreement.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot (full version))
Meanwhile, Taz had seen everything and saw how powerful and beautiful Milotic was. "Hey, that's what I call a beauty! After giving it a good zap, then I'll be able to catch it and sell it for a whole heap of money!" And he darted off to put his latest plan into effect.
At the Pokémon Center, Tristan and Hillary were having lunch in the cafeteria with Robert.
"So, Tristan, I understand you do quite a bit of cooking on your travels, yes?" asked Robert.
Tristan nodded. "I get a lot of inspiration from these recipes and try to make them the best they can be in my own way. Brock first taught me the basics of cooking when we started our journey together."
"And Tristan's cooking is so awesome," added Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"With that delicious food, you and Hillary will have your Pokémon looking healthy and strong in no time."
(Music Cue: Recovery 2002-2005)
Presently, the recovery signal rang.
Hillary smiled. She knew her Pichu would be delighed to see her, so she ran over.
Sure enough, Nurse Joy wheeled Pichu out on the stretcher; it was feeling much better and jumped into Hillary's arms.
"Pichu's fully charged, free of charge," said Nurse Joy.
"Great, thanks, Nurse Joy," replied Hillary.
It was then that Pichu said something to Hillary; it was very determined for some reason.
"It sounds to me that Pichu wants to do some more practice," said Robert.
"Whoa, Pichu, is that true?" asked Hillary nervously.
Pichu gave a hard nod.
"But why?" wondered Tristan. "Won't Pichu get exhausted by shocking itself again?"
"Pichu might get dazed from using its Electric attacks," said Robert. "But I think it wants to prove that it won't let a minor mishap like that beat it."
Pichu shouted with determination.
This convinced Hillary. "All right then. Let's do it, Pichu!"
Pichu gave a happy reply.
"Right after lunch, that is."
Pichu groaned while everyone else laughed.
Later, Hillary and Pichu were facing Robert and Milotic on the beach once again.
"We'll have a five-minute time limit on this practice Contest Battle just like before, agreed?" said Robert.
"Agreed," replied Hillary. "Bring it on, Robert."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "The Bug Stops Here"))
But suddenly, two mechanical claws came from above and snatched Pichu and Milotic!
"Pichu!" cried Hillary.
"Dear Milotic! What's the meaning of this?" demanded Robert.
Presently, a loud cackle was heard from above. Sure enough, it was Taz in his Electabuzz-shaped balloon. "Thanks for the Pokémon, kiddies!"
"It's Taz!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Who's Taz?" wondered Robert.
"He's a criminal from Team Rocket who follows us everywhere we go, stealing Pokémon along the way," explained Tristan.
"Give back Pichu and Milotic!" ordered Hillary.
"Sorry, no can do," smirked Taz. "These two Pokémon are coming with me straight to the Boss as a present." As he spoke, he dropped Pichu and Milotic into a large cage just below the balloon.
Instantly, Pichu tried to break open the cage using its Thundershock, but both it and Milotic were in for a shocking surprise, for it turned out to be an anti-electric cage, causing them both to be zapped instead.
"No! Pichu, stop!" yelled Hillary.
Pichu stopped its attack and briefly felt dazed, but soon saw the zapped Milotic and tried to comfort it.
(Music Cue: They Got Us (as heard in "Here Comes the Squirtle Squad"))
Taz laughed and said, "Don't be shocked, but that cage is electricity-proof. And don't bother trying to zap your way out, either, for as you probably noticed, it'll send whatever bolts you dish out right back where they came from."
Sure enough, Pichu and Milotic looked miserable inside the cage.
"You won't get away with it, Taz!" shouted Tristan.
"Well, I'd love to stay and see you losers cry, but I'll just kiss ya goodbye." smiled Taz. "So love ya, buh-bye!" And he started rising higher and higher in his balloon.
"Pichu!" exclaimed Hillary. Then she thought about the advice Robert gave her earlier.
"Power alone won't help you win contests. You're going to have to find a way to make your Pokémon's appeal shine through. And remember, the most important thing you need to do is to trust your Pokémon."
"All right, Taz, if you want a kiss, I'll give you a kiss," said Hillary. "But we'll warm up first by turning on the charm. Pichu, use your Charm attack!"
(Music Cue: Hoenn Elite Four Battle (full version))
Pichu spread out its arms and surrounded itself with cute hearts, making an extremely cute face.
Milotic was astounded by Pichu's Charm, and even though Taz seemed unfazed at first, the hearts did eventually reach Taz through the bars of the cage.
"Follow it up with Sweet Kiss!" instructed Hillary.
Pichu blew a kiss, sending out a big heart through the bars of the cage right at Taz, who still was under the influence of Pichu's Charm.
Sure enough, Taz was struck by the power of the heart, and he soon became confused.
"All right, it's working!" said Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi agreed.
"Now that's what I call a first-class sweet and charming appeal," remarked Robert.
Taz, who was dazed and confused, walked all over the balloon, which was slowly falling toward the ground slowly enough for Tristan and Hillary to act.
"Beldum, Treecko, I choose you!" shouted Tristan.
"Cyndaquil, Squirtle, you go, too!" added Hillary.
All four Pokémon emerged from the white lights that shot out of them and awaited their Trainers' directions.
"Milotic, Pichu, try to stay calm and move to the back of the cage!" instructed Robert.
Milotic and Pichu did as told.
"Cyndaquil, hit the cage with Flamethrower!" commanded Hillary.
Cyndaquil ignited the flame on its back and unleashed a powerful stream of fire from its mouth at the bars, instantly heating them up.
"Squirtle, Water Gun!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle unleashed a powerful blast of water from its mouth at the heated bars, causing it to rust up.
"Your turn, Tristan," said Hillary.
"Right!" agreed Tristan. "Beldum, Take Down! Treecko, Pound attack!"
Treecko got on Beldum as it flew toward the cage.
Beldum flew full-body style toward the rusted cage. As it got within striking distance, Treecko jumped off and used its tail to slam into it while Beldum rammed into it hard.
The force of the combined attacks was enough to break the cage, freeing both Pichu and Milotic.
Pichu leaped out into Hillary's arms.
"Oh, Pichu, are you okay?" asked Hillary. "I was so worried about you."
Pichu gave a smile and nodded as it embraced her and Togepi.
Milotic slithered back to Robert.
"Dear Milotic, how are you doing?" asked Robert.
Milotic gave a nod, assuring him it was okay.
Just as the balloon landed on the ground, Taz snapped out of his confusion. "Who? What? Where?" He gasped, for he saw that the cage was broken. "What happened?!" he yelled.
"Looking for something?" asked Hillary.
Sure enough, Taz saw that Milotic and Pichu were back with their Trainers, who both confronted him.
"Nobody messes with my little Pichu and gets away with it!"
"And I'd suggest you get out of here on the double," said Robert calmly, "because according to what Tristan told me, his sister doesn't take kindly to thieves like you."
"Nincada, get out here!" shouted Taz as he threw a Poké Ball.
Nincada emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Use Twister," instructed Robert.
Milotic spun its tail around and around.
Instantly, a huge tornado formed, and it enveloped Nincada with such force that it was sent flying into Taz, knocking it out.
"All right, Pichu, it's your turn!" commanded Hillary.
Pichu rushed forward without waiting for Hillary's command, much to her surprise. But what surprised her even more was when it ran faster and faster, golden electricity surrounded it.
Everyone was taken aback by the powerful display, including Robert.
But Pichu kept running full speed, and, still electrified, tackled both Taz and Nincada, causing an explosion that sent them flying.
BOOM!
"Well, that was shockingly new," grumbled Taz. Then he saw that he wasn't on the ground. "We won't forget this!" And he and Nincada disappeared into the sky.
DING!
(Music Cue: Victory!/Celebrate (as heard close to the end of "The Path to the Pokémon League"))
Pichu stood proudly as yellow sparks of electricity surrounded it. Then it fell backwards to the ground.
"Pichu!" cried Hillary as she rushed over to it. "Pichu, are you okay? Say something!"
Pichu opened its eyes and gave a happy reply.
Hillary sighed with relief and embraced Pichu. "That was awesome, Pichu. You were awesome." She then turned to Robert. "What move was that?"
"That move Pichu just used was Volt Tackle," answered Robert. "It's a very powerful Electric attack that only Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu can learn. But you need to be extremely careful while using it because it deals recoil damage after it's used."
"Right," agreed Hillary. "Wow, Pichu, that Volt Tackle was pretty cool."
"I'd say you're just about ready for the Contest, sis," smiled Tristan. "What do you think?"
Hillary nodded in agreement.
"Hillary, let's get over to the Contest Hall so you can get registered," suggested Robert. "That way you don't have to be in such a rush on the day of the Contest."
And so saying, Robert led Tristan and Hillary to the Contest Hall.
(Music Cue: We'll Meet Again (as heard at the end of "The Path to the Pokémon League"))
A few minutes later, Tristan and Hillary stood with Robert inside the lobby.
"Glad that's out of the way," said Hillary.
"Me, too," agreed Tristan. "Are you gonna stay for the Contest?"
"Well, I have some training of my own to take care of," replied Robert. "I hope you do well in the Second-Chance Contest, Hillary."
"Thanks, Robert," smiled Hillary. "I'll remember everything you taught me today."
"Take care, my friends, and good luck on your journey." And with that, Robert waved to Tristan and Hillary and left the Contest Hall.
"I bet you and Robert are gonna meet again at the Grand Festival," said Tristan.
"You're right," agreed Hillary. "And the next time we meet, I'm gonna be a whole lot better and know what I'm doing too. But right now, I wanna focus on my upcoming Contest. I'm gonna do some last-minute preparations first thing tomorrow before the Contest starts. You wanna help me?"
"You bet," replied Tristan.
Pikachu eagerly nodded.
With a few pointers from Robert along with a brand new Volt Tackle from Pichu, Hillary feels confident in her chances for success in the upcoming Second-Chance Pokémon Contest. Stay tuned for the excitement!
TO BE CONTINUED...