AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! I know it's been a little bit, but here is chapter 31 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. What will happen in this exciting Gym Battle between Tristan and Wattson? You'll only find out if you read on! Please do so and review responsibly at your leisure.
TEASER: The time has come for Tristan to battle for his third Hoenn League Gym Badge. But Taz plans to steal all of Mauville City's Voltorb and Magnemite, who are responsible for powering up Mauville City from the power plant at New Mauville! Will our heroes be able to stop Taz? And will Tristan be able to earn his third badge?
Chapter 31: THUNDERING DYNAMO BATTLE!
(Music Cue: Kanto Route 1 (as heard in the Japanese version of "Mewtwo's Counterattack"))
Tristan and Hillary have finally made it to Mauville City. It's here that Tristan hopes to earn his third badge. And knowing Tristan, he won't let a challenging Gym Battle stop him from getting it!
"I can't wait till we get started," said Tristan excitedly as he and Hillary stood outside the Gym.
The walls of the Gym had gigantic lightning bolts on them.
"Knowing this place, I'm sure it will be electrifying," replied Hillary. "But you and Pikachu don't seem nervous at all. Are you sure you're up for this?"
"You bet we are," answered Tristan confidently. "We're winners, not quitters. Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu eagerly agreed with him.
Presently, a white light shot out from one of Tristan's Poké Balls, much to everyone's surprise.
Mudkip happily greeted everyone.
"Hi, Mudkip," smiled Tristan. "Wanna cheer us on in our Gym Battle today?"
Mudkip nodded excitedly.
Suddenly, rumbles of thunder were heard just overhead.
Mudkip, fearful of the noise, leapt into Tristan's arms.
"Poor Mudkip," sighed Hillary. "It's still afraid of storms."
Just then, a big flash of lightning was seen followed by a big clap of thunder. Seconds later, large drops of rain began to fall from the sky.
"Come on, we'd better get inside the Gym before we get soaked," advised Tristan as he and Hillary rushed to the door. But as he started opening the door, it easily fell to the ground inside. "Gee, that was easy."
"Don't know your own strength, do you, big bro?" replied Hillary.
"Nope."
Suddenly, the door, having turned into a platform, levitated and took off like a shot.
(Music Cue: Wandering Togepi (as heard in the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation"))
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, Togepi, and Mudkip all hung on for dear life.
"What is this!?" exclaimed Tristan.
"A roller coaster?!" replied Hillary.
Little did Tristan and Hillary know that they were being watched on a monitor at that very moment by two people; a short chubby old man with white hair that stood up along with a white beard and a smile, and a younger man with brown hair and glasses.
"How do you like that, Watt?" asked the old man. "They're really being taken for a ride now!" And he gave a loud and cheery laugh.
"That's great, but is that how we want to welcome every guest?" replied the younger man, who was a little concerned about Tristan and Hillary's ride.
"But wait," whispered the old man. "Here comes the best part."
(Music Cue: Kanto Title Card)
(Music Cue: Water Pokémon Eyecatch (as heard in the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation"))
Tristan and Hillary, still on the roller coaster ride suddenly found themselves rising slowly up and up.
"Uh, Tristan?" gulped Hillary nervously. "What happens when we get to the top?"
"We get off...and fast...before it goes down." Tristan wasn't thrilled with the ride himself.
"Good idea. I don't wanna lose my breakfast."
But instead of going down at breakneck speed, it stopped right at the top.
"Phew!" sighed Hillary. "That was a close one."
Presently, they heard a big roar up head.
"Guess I spoke too soon," shivered Hillary.
"Yeah, that roar sounded terrifying."
(Music Cue: The Squirtle Squad Appears! (full version))
Presently, they saw a yellow four-legged Pokémon with black lightning bolts on its body and a purple thundercloud on its back.
"Hey, it's a Raikou!" gasped Hillary.
"You don't think it's the same Raikou, do you?" added Tristan.
But far from being the Raikou they were familiar with, it gave another threatening roar.
"Definitely not," said Hillary. "All right then, Raikou, if it's a battle you want, you've got one." She took out a Poké Ball. "All right, Cyndaquil, I choose..."
"Hold on!" interrupted Tristan.
Tristan's shout caused Hillary to fall flat on her stomach without throwing her Poké Ball. "Why'd you stop me, Tristan?!"
"Look." And Tristan showed Hillary his Silver Wing.
Hillary just stood there looking at it. "It's not glowing. Doesn't it usually glow whenever there's a legendary Pokémon in our midst?"
"Yes, it does."
"Well, Raikou's a legendary Pokémon, right? So why isn't the Silver Wing glowing?"
Tristan thought for a moment. Then he said, "I have a theory." Then he turned to Raikou and challenged it. "All right, Raikou, see if you can give us a shock!"
But the Raikou just stood there and gave another big roar.
"Why are you provoking it?!" asked Hillary, who was losing her patience. "If that thing hits us with an Electric attack, we're toast!"
And the Raikou gave another loud and threatening roar, but it didn't unleash a single bolt of electricity.
It was then that Tristan stepped off the platform and approached the creature. He felt it all over, but to his surprise, there was no fur. "This isn't a real Raikou! This thing's just made out of ordinary metal!"
"Say what?" Hillary followed Tristan off the platform and felt the Raikou as well. "Hey, you're right, Tristan! This Raikou's nothing but a big fake! And look! There are nuts and bolts attached to it as well, but it doesn't unleash real electric volts! That explains why your Silver Wing didn't glow in response to this Raikou!"
"Well, I guess the secret's out!" said the old man as he and the younger man approached.
Tristan and Hillary turned around in surprise.
"Wait, you're responsible for this fake Raikou?" asked Tristan.
"Yep! It's my pride and joy of the whole Gym! And believe me, it was indeed the best part of the fun ride you just had!" And he gave another loud and cheery laugh.
"Well, I certainly wouldn't call it fun!" grumbled Hillary. "We were scared out of our wits and nearly lost our breakfast on that ride!"
"I'm sorry, young lady. I didn't mean to scare you like I did with that Raikou. But you know what they say, 'you give a good laugh and the whole world laughs with you!'" And he gave yet another loud and cheery laugh.
"Hi, it's nice to meet you," said the old man. "Wattson's the name. I'm the Gym Leader of the Mauville Gym. This is my assistant, Watt."
"Hello," added Watt.
"I'm Hillary, from New Bark Town, and this is my brother, Tristan," replied Hillary.
"Nice to meet you both," added Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi greeted Wattson and Watt warmly.
"Wattson, I'd like to challenge you to a Gym Battle," said Tristan. "I'm going for badge number three."
Pikachu agreed eagerly.
Wattson gave a hearty laugh. "Well, my friend, if you're looking for a fun time, you've come to the right place. I may be getting old, but I've still got the heart to battle!"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Theme (as heard in "Gaining Groudon"))
Meanwhile, just outside, Taz was doing his usual scheming. "So, the kids are having another Gym Battle today. Well, that's just fine with me. Now I'll figure out a way to settle the score wit 'em once and for all." And he skulked off toward a large building in the distance to put his latest plan into effect.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Wattson faced each other on the battlefield as Hillary and Togepi watched.
Watt came to judge the match. "The Mauville Gym Battle between the Mauville Gym Leader, Wattson, and the challenger, Tristan, from New Bark Town will now begin. Each side will use three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when all three of either side's Pokémon are unable to battle. In addition, only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon."
"I may have just caught this Pokémon, but this'll be a good warmup! Electrike, I choose you!" shouted Wattson as he threw his first Poké Ball.
A green canine Pokémon with yellow markings emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a large head crest with angular lightning-like markings on its sides.
"What's that?" wondered Tristan as he scanned the new Pokémon with his Pokédex.
(Music Cue: Johto Trainer Battle (full version))
"Electrike, the Lightning Pokémon. Electrike generates electricity using friction in the atmosphere. In seasons with especially arid air, its entire body blazes with violent showers of sparks."
"So, an Electrike, huh?" smiled Tristan. "And that's your newest Pokémon?"
"Yes," smiled Wattson. "We haven't been together for very long, but it's starting to get the hang of things."
Now it was Tristan's turn to smile as he took out a Poké Ball. "Well, I'm starting to get the hang of things too. Treecko, I choose you!" And he threw the ball.
Treecko emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Smart choice," remarked Hillary. "Treecko's a Grass-type, so it'll be resistant against Electric attacks."
"Electrike versus Treecko...begin!" shouted Watt as he raised both his green and red flags in the air.
"Electrike, Thunder Wave!" ordered Wattson.
Electrike unleashed blue streams of electricity from its body at Treecko.
"Dodge, Treecko, and use Quick Attack!" instructed Tristan.
Treecko nimbly moved from side to side, dodging Electrike's attack; then it charged at Electrike at blinding speed as a white line streaked behind it. Sure enough, Treecko scored a direct hit.
"Yeah, that's it, Treecko!" commended Tristan.
Treecko happily nodded.
"Mighty frenzied attacking, Tristan!" smiled Wattson. "But we're just getting started. Electrike, Bite attack!"
Electrike used its teeth to grab onto Treecko's tail.
"Treecko's in trouble!" exclaimed Hillary.
"All right, Electrike, throw Treecko!" commanded Wattson.
Electrike spun Treecko around and around by the tail and threw it with all its might.
"Hang in there, Treecko!" encouraged Tristan.
Despite spinning and being flung at a high rate of speed, Treecko managed to straighten itself out and used its three digits to land vertically on one of the Gym's walls. Then it somersaulted back onto the battlefield, ready to face Electrike again.
"Hey, that's new!" remarked Watt.
"That was an excellent recovery, Treecko," smiled Tristan.
Treecko gave a happy reply.
"That was awesome!" said Hillary excitedly. "Treecko used its three small claws covered by its three digits on its hands to balance itself on the wall before it crashed into it!"
Togepi happily trilled in agreement.
Wattson gave a hearty laugh. "What a fun surprise that was! I never expected to see a recovery like that one."
"Well, there's plenty more where that came from, Wattson," replied Tristan. "Now, Treecko, use Pound attack!"
Treecko used its tail to attack Electrike and scored a direct hit on it.
"Now, follow it up with Quick Attack!"
Treecko sped toward Electrike as a white line streaked behind it, scoring another direct hit.
"Two direct hits, huh? I'm impressed," smiled Wattson. "Now, Electrike, use Howl!"
Electrike inhaled deeply and let out a loud howl on Wattson's command, forcing everyone to cover their ears.
"What IS that?!" bellowed Tristan.
"Howl is a great attack that increases your Pokémon's attack power," explained Wattson. "Just watch Electrike's Bite attack now!"
And sure enough, Electrike used its teeth to bite onto Treecko's tail, scoring even more damage than when it used Bite the first time.
Treecko yelled out as Electrike fiercely held on.
"Treecko!" cried Tristan.
"Not good," remarked Hillary. "Electrike's Bite attack is a lot more powerful thanks to Howl."
"Now, toss it into the air!" ordered Wattson.
Electrike thrust Treecko into the air with all its might.
Treecko flailed as its upward momentum slowed and stopped; then it flailed as it began to fall.
"Finish it off with Thunder Wave!" instructed Wattson.
(Music Cue: Flying Poké Ball Chaos (as heard in "A Promise is a Promise"))
Electrike prepared to launch blue streams of electricity at Treecko, who was currently unable to dodge any attacks from the current position it was in.
I have to think fast, thought Tristan. Of course! "Quick, Treecko! Use the speed of your fall and use Pound attack!" shouted Tristan aloud.
Treecko struggled and managed to straighten itself out just in time; then it used its tail to score a huge direct hit on Electrike, thus stopping its Thunder Wave before it was launched.
"Now's our chance, Treecko, finish it off with Quick Attack!" commanded Tristan.
Treecko sped toward Electrike faster than ever as a white line streaked behind it. Then it rammed into Electrike before it had a chance to recover from the damage it took from Pound.
Electrike careened past Wattson, crashed into the wall, and collapsed on the ground.
"Electrike!" gasped Wattson.
Electrike had a dazed expression in its eyes; it had been knocked out.
"Electrike is unable to battle...Treecko wins!" declared Watt as he raised his green flag in the air.
"Yeah, way to go, Treecko!" commended Tristan.
Treecko gave a happy reply as Pikachu congratulated it.
"Phew!" sighed Hillary. "I thought Treecko was a goner after that last Bite attack, especially when it couldn't dodge any attacks in midair."
Togepi trilled in agreement.
Wattson returned Electrike to its Poké Ball and held it close. "For your first battle, you did really great." He then looked up. "And so did you, Tristan! Using the speed of Treecko's fall for Pound after it was launched from Electrike's combination attack was a very smart strategy. But remember, the fun is just beginning."
"You're right," agreed Tristan. "I'm having fun already!"
Wattson gave another hearty laugh. "It's that kind of spirit that puts the fun in every Pokémon battle! Now, it's time to move on! Voltorb, let's go!" He threw his second Poké Ball.
His Voltorb emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It looked almost exactly like a Poké Ball.
It was then that Hillary noticed Treecko starting to tire out. "Treecko used up a lot of strength in that last battle. I hope it'll be able to hang in there."
(Music Cue: Team Aqua & Magma Grunt Battle (full version as heard in "Watt's with Wattson?"))
Fortunately, Tristan noticed there was something wrong. "Thanks, Treecko. You'd better rest for a while in your Poké Ball." And he recalled it back inside. I can't risk Treecko taking any more damage right now. I have to go with somebody fresh with nerves of steel. Steel. That's it! "Beldum, I choose you!" he shouted aloud as he threw his next Poké Ball.
Beldum emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Hillary was left surprised. "Why did he choose Beldum? Wouldn't it have been better for Tristan to go with an Electric-type like Pikachu?"
"Interesting choice," remarked Wattson. "I never knew you had a Beldum with you. But let's see how it'll do. Now, Voltorb, use Screech attack!"
Voltorb's body glowed blue and unleashed sound waves that distorted the air around it. It was so loud that everyone was forced to cover their ears.
"I haven't seen a Screech this loud since I first trained Larvitar!" bellowed Tristan.
"No kidding!" agreed Hillary.
Pikachu and Togepi did their best to cover their ears from the awful sound.
But surprisingly enough, the only thing that wasn't bothered by Voltorb's Screech was Beldum, for it kept floating without making a move.
When the Screeching stopped, Tristan uncovered his ears and looked at Beldum. "Are you okay, Beldum?"
Beldum turned around and nodded.
Hillary was confused. "I don't get it. Why wasn't Beldum affected by Screech?"
Even Wattson and Watt were left baffled.
It was then that Tristan remembered something. "Of course! It's Beldum's Clear Body ability!"
"Clear Body ability?" repeated Hillary.
"That's right!" smiled Wattson. "Clear Body prevents defensive attacks like Screech from lowering a Pokémon's stats!"
"Of course!" gasped Hillary. "So that's why Tristan sent out Beldum. He must've known that Voltorb would know Screech, so he used Beldum's Clear Body ability to prevent its stats from being lowered in battle!"
"I checked out my Beldum's special ability just last night while I was at the Pokémon Center," explained Tristan. "And I also learned that every Pokémon has an ability that's different. Plus no two Pokémon have abilities that are exactly the same."
Wattson was surprised at first. Then he gave another hearty laugh. "Now that is a momentous thing you discovered! And I'm so happy that someone as young as you was able to figure it out in just a short amount of time. But don't expect it to help you win a badge all that easily, for there's still a Gym battle that must be done first."
"Then bring it on, Wattson, and may the best Trainer win!" agreed Tristan.
"Now, Voltorb, it's time to bring the fun factor to the max!" said Wattson excitedly. "Use Self-Destruct, now!"
"Self-Destruct?!" gasped Watt.
"Already?!" exclaimed Hillary. "Wattson ought to know that using Self-Destruct will cause Voltorb to faint, right?"
True, thought Tristan, but Self-Destruct will cause heavy damage to any opposing Pokémon. "Be careful, Beldum!" he warned aloud.
Voltorb glowed in a bright white light that grew brighter and brighter. Then suddenly, it exploded, creating a huge black cloud of smoke.
BOOM!
Everyone shielded their faces from the after-effects of the explosion.
When the smoke cleared, sure enough, Voltorb had been knocked out from using Self-Destruct.
However, Beldum emerged, seemingly unhurt.
"Voltorb is unable to battle...Beldum wins!" declared Watt as he raised his green flag in the air.
"Of course!" gasped Hillary. "Beldum's Steel-type characteristics made it resistant to Normal-type attacks like Self-Destruct! Tristan keeps surprising and amazing me every time."
"Way to hang in there, Beldum," commended Tristan.
Beldum nodded and gave a happy reply.
Wattson recalled his Voltorb and held his Poké Ball close. "Voltorb, you did great. I had a real blast." He turned to Tristan. "Way to think ahead! Your Beldum's Steel-type characteristics prevented it from taking too much damage from Voltorb's Self-Destruct. And its Clear Body ability took me by surprise as well. I hadn't been this excited for a long time. But now's the time to reveal my best Pokémon! Magneton, let's go!" And he threw his third Poké Ball.
His Magneton emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It looked like three Magnemite attached together.
"This is it," said Tristan to himself. "My true test will now begin."
Meanwhile, Taz had come to the large building on a remote island just outside the city limits. "Hmm, what's this?" He read a nearby sign. "'New Mauvile. Trespassers keep out, or you will be electrocuted. Seriously, this means you.' Well, I ain't never let a stupid sign stop me before, and I ain't gonna stop now!" And he opened the door to the building.
Inside was a power plant that powered up the entire city.
"Well, taking over this place is gonna be easy," smirked Taz as he stepped inside.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot (full version as heard in "A Scare in the Air"))
But no sooner did he do that than dozens of Voltorb and Magnemite came to threaten him with sparks crackling from their bodies.
Taz instantly cringed in fear and bolted out of the plant, slamming the door behind him. "I ain't in no mood to get zapped by those things. Well, looks like I have two choices: either open the door and get zapped, or...I just walk away! So that's that. I'll walk away...nah!" And he threw his Poké Ball.
Electabuzz emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Taz's orders.
"Go and show those Pokémon who's boss!" ordered Taz.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "As Clear as Crystal"))
And Electabuzz used Thunder Punch on the door, breaking it down.
Instantly, all the Voltorb and Magnemite trembled in fear before Electabuzz as it struck them with Thunder Punch one by one.
"Hope you like surfing the net!" smirked Taz as he launched a strong net over the defeated Voltorb and Magnemite, who were too weak to dodge it.
At that very moment, everyone heard the commotion from inside the Gym.
"What's that sound?" wondered Tristan.
"It's coming from New Mauville!" replied Watt in alarm.
"We'd better take a quick pause on this battle," advised Wattson as he quickly recalled his Magneton and dashed out of the Gym posthaste followed by Watt.
"Come on, let's follow them," advised Hillary as she, Pikachu, and Togepi went after them.
"Right," agreed Tristan. "Beldum, return!" And he quickly recalled Beldum and joined the others.
Meanwhile, Taz had gleefully captured many of the Voltorb and Magnemite that he and his Electabuzz attacked inside a suspended net hanging just below his Electabuzz-shaped balloon.
Even though the other Voltorb and Magnemite bravely tried to fight back, they were no match for Electabuzz's powerful attacks.
"This is almost too easy," smiled Taz gleefully. "Now nobody will stop me from taking this base over!" Suddenly, he felt a powerful stream of water spraying on his face, causing him to babble out in surprise. "Hey! Who did that?!" He turned to see Hillary, Tristan, Wattson, and Watt confronting him.
"It's Taz!" exclaimed Hillary disdainfully.
"Taz?" repeated Wattson and Watt together.
"Oh, great, not youse again," grumbled Taz.
"We should've known it was you all along!" said Tristan.
"Hey, look there!" shouted Hillary as she pointed up.
Sure enough, everyone saw the captured Voltorb and Magnemite in Taz's net.
"Stop this!" ordered Watt. "Mauville City and its residents depend on the Pokémon to supply them with electricity!"
"Yeah, leave the Pokémon alone!" added Hillary.
"No can do, 'cause the electricity they generate is gonna make me filthy stinkin' rich," smirked Taz.
"Squirtle, Water Gun!" commanded Hillary.
Squirtle unleashed another powerful stream of water at Taz.
But Taz was ready for it. "All right, Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!"
Electabuzz made a fist as electricity crackled from it, and it not only negated Squirtle's Water Gun attack, but it also scored a direct hit on poor Squirtle, too, causing it to be sent flying.
Fortunately, Hillary was quick enough to catch it safely in her hands. "Squirtle! Are you okay?"
Squirtle gave a weak reply.
"You need a good rest." And Hillary recalled her Squirtle into her Poké Ball.
"Hey, you! Just who do you think you are?!" demanded Wattson.
"I'm just someone who's about to make money, that's all," replied Taz. "Now if you'll excuse me..." He pressed a button on his remote, and he and Electabuzz jumped into the balloon. "Later, losers!"
"Oh, no you don't! Ampharos, let's go!" shouted Watt as he threw his Poké Ball.
A yellow bipedal Pokémon with a white belly emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It had a red orb at the tip of its tail.
"Wow, an Ampharos!" said Hillary excitedly as she opened her Pokédex to scan it. "I haven't seen one of those in a while."
(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex (as heard in the 4Kids dub))
"Ampharos, the Light Pokémon. Ampharos has the power to illuminate the tip of its tail. This special ability is used to guide the lost to safety."
"Quick, Ampharos, cut the net using Iron Tail!" instructed Watt.
(Music Cue: OK! (Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in "Can't Beat the Heat")))
Ampharos' tail glowed in a white light and it struck the net directly, but the attack proved to be futile, as the net remained intact.
"Nice try," smirked Taz. "This time I went for the best net money can buy. So there's no way you'll ever break it."
"We'll see about that!" retorted Watt.
Just then, Tristan's sharp eyes spotted something above the net. "Hey, look up there!"
Everyone looked up, and sure enough, there was a rope attached to the net, but it didn't look as strong as the net itself.
"I've got an idea, Watt," suggested Tristan. "Let's have Pikachu and Ampharos team up using Iron Tail to break the rope attaching the net."
"Yeah!" Watt nodded and agreed to the idea. "All right, Ampharos, use your Iron Tail to cut through that rope!"
"You use Iron Tail, too, Pikachu!" added Tristan.
Pikachu and Ampharos' tails lit up, and struck the rope that held the net in place, and using their combined strength, they easily broke through, setting the captured Voltorb and Magnemite free.
Everyone was relieved to see them mostly unhurt.
But Taz was most upset. "Hey, that was a hard-oined catch!"
"Great thinking, Tristan!" commended Wattson. "I think my Electrike has recovered enough from our earlier battle, so I think I'll have it join us."
"Are you sure, Wattson?" asked Tristan.
"Oh, yes, it recovers fast. Go, Electrike!" Wattson threw his Poké Ball.
Electrike emerged from the white light that shot out of it. It did seem a little tired, but not too tired to deal with Taz.
"Hillary, wanna help us?" suggested Tristan.
"You bet!" replied Hillary as she took out a Poké Ball. "Let's do it, Pichu!"
Pichu emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Electrike, Thunder Wave!" commanded Wattson.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" ordered Tristan.
"Thundershock, Ampharos!" added Watt.
"Use your Thundershock attack, too, Pichu!" put in Hillary.
All four Pokémon unleashed their powerful Electric attacks at Taz and Electabuzz in the balloon, scoring a huge direct hit.
"Aaah!" screamed Taz. "This is really a shocking experience!"
And indeed it was, for the balloon was enveloped in a powerful zap. An instant later, there was a tremendous explosion followed by a cloud of black smoke that sent Taz and Electabuzz skyward.
BOOM!
"We'll remember this!" screamed Taz as he and Electabuzz disappeared.
DING!
A few minutes later, Wattson and Watt checked on all the Voltorb and Magnemite.
"They may have taken a little damage, but they'll all be just fine," said Wattson.
"That's a relief," smiled Hillary.
All the Pokémon agreed.
"Now they'll all be able to get back to guarding the power plant at New Mauville," added Tristan.
"Precisely," agreed Watt.
"So, Tristan, what do you say we continue our battle out here?" suggested Wattson. "I'm sure the Voltorb and Magnemite will be energized by the electricity in the air after that experience with Taz."
"Oooh, a battle out here?" Hillary was starting to get really excited. "Please, Tristan, could you do a battle out here? Please?"
Tristan thought for a moment. At last, he said, "It's a deal, Wattson. Out here it is. But won't we bother the Voltorb and Magnemite?"
"Not if we take precautions and battle away from the power plant," replied Watt. "That way we won't disturb them, and they'll get charged up by the action. What do you think?"
Tristan and Wattson agreed to the idea.
A few minutes later, Tristan and Wattson readied themselves with Beldum and Magneton, respectively, as Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi watched.
Watt came to continue officiating the match. "We will now continue the Mauville Gym Battle from where it left off," he announced. "Restart now!"
(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, & Rayquaza Battle (full version))
"Magneton, use Tackle attack!" instructed Wattson.
Magneton flew in for the attack, full-body style.
"Beldum, counter with Take Down!" ordered Tristan.
Beldum charged in to take Magneton down with all its might.
Both Pokémon rammed into each other over and over again without giving an inch.
Hillary then started to become a little nervous. "I know Beldum and Magneton are both Steel-type Pokémon, but I'm afraid Magneton's Electric-type characteristics give it the edge. Beldum's gonna have a rough go at this the way things are going."
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to agree.
Sure enough, both Pokémon were still going at it without letting up. Then one time, both rammed into each other so hard, electricity crackled between them.
The Voltorb and Magnemite, who were watching from a safe distance, were, indeed, getting excited from the hotly contested battle.
Wattson gave another loud and hearty laugh. "You sure know how to make battling fun, Tristan! But now, it's time to turn it up to 11! All right, Magneton, use Zap Cannon!"
Magneton drew backward and unleashed a powerful electric orb of energy that headed straight for Beldum!
"Dodge it, Beldum, and use Take Down!" shouted Tristan.
Beldum flew up and managed to avoid Zap Cannon, as the orb fell to the ground and exploded on contact. Then it rammed into Magneton full-body style, scoring a direct hit in the process.
"Yeah, that's it, Beldum!" commended Tristan.
"Yes, 'that's it' is right," replied Wattson. "All right, Magneton, use Lock-On!"
Magneton's magnets glowed and combined to launch a red ring at Beldum.
The ring then hit it and became smaller, even though it didn't do any damage.
"What's that ring on Beldum?" wondered Tristan.
"You'll find out what that is in a moment," replied Wattson. "All right, Magneton, let's do this one more time! Use Zap Cannon!"
Magneton once again drew backward and unleashed a powerful electric orb of energy that headed straight for Beldum.
"You can dodge it again, Beldum, let's go!" shouted Tristan.
Beldum nimbly avoided the attack again just like it did before; however, instead of crashing to the ground, it quickly curved upward and headed straight for Beldum from below!
"Look out, Beldum!" cried Tristan.
But it was no good, for thanks to Lock-On, Zap Cannon followed it like glue, and sure enough, it scored a huge direct hit on Beldum, creating a tremendous explosion.
Pikachu and Togepi gasped in horror as the attack connected with a vengeance.
"Yikes! That was a bullseye!" gasped Hillary.
When the smoke cleared, Beldum was still floating, but the after-effects of Zap Cannon left it seemingly immobile as sparks coursed around its body.
"Are you okay, Beldum?" asked Tristan.
Beldum struggled and strained, but couldn't seem to move.
"Zap Cannon must've paralyzed it," said Hillary. "But how could it have connected so easily?"
It was then that Tristan realized something. "Of course! By using Lock-On and then following it up with Zap Cannon, Wattson must've known that the next attack would be a guaranteed hit, no matter how much I try and dodge it!"
Wattson gave his heartiest laugh yet. "So you figured it out. I'm impressed. Lock-On and Zap Cannon are two powerful attacks that should never be taken lightly. But there's always more to battling than just powerful combinations. You'll want to make sure you have fun battling no matter how much pressure you find yourself in."
I have to figure out a way to beat that Magneton and that combination attack once and for all. But how? It was then that Tristan began to think about what Wattson just said. He slowly began to smile, and it grew wider and wider. "You know, you're absolutely right, Wattson. Battling can be fun. And I know just what to do. All right, Beldum, return!" He recalled Beldum safely back into its Poké Ball and turned to Pikachu, who was sitting next to Hillary. "Are you ready back there, Pikachu?"
Pikachu gave a hard nod and leaped in front of Tristan, readying itself for battle against Magneton as sparks crackled from its cheeks.
(Music Cue: Johto Rival Theme (full version))
"So, your Pikachu's up now, huh?" remarked Wattson. "Reminds me of Ash and his Pikachu who stopped by and battled us not too long before you did, showing great teamwork against Team Rocket along the way."
Tristan nodded. "And we'll show great teamwork together, too, and we'll earn that badge for sure, just like he did! Right, pal?"
Pikachu eagerly agreed.
"I hope Tristan knows what he's doing," said Hillary to herself. "If Pikachu gets hit with Lock-On again, there's no way it'll be able to avoid getting hit with Zap Cannon."
Togepi trilled nervously in agreement.
"All right, Magneton, use Lock-On again!" instructed Wattson.
Magneton's magnets glowed again and combined to launch a red ring at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack, now!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu nimbly dodged Lock-On as a white line sped behind it. Then it scored a direct hit on Magneton before it knew what hit it.
"That's really fast!" remarked Wattson. "Using Quick Attack to dodge and for your next attack? I'm impressed."
"That's one of the things we've been working on during our journey together," explained Tristan. "But we're just getting started. Now, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Magneton, scoring another direct hit on it; however it didn't do much damage since Magneton was also an Electric-type.
"Now, follow it up with Iron Tail!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu's tail began to glow, and it used it to strike Magneton hard.
"Now that was a great combination too," smiled Wattson. "Now let's see how well ours does! All right, Magneton, use Lock-On!"
Magneton's magnets glowed and combined to launch a red ring at Pikachu again. This time, the ring was able to hit it as it grew smaller.
The ring was clearly visible on Pikachu's body.
"Now hit it with Zap Cannon at full power!" shouted Wattson.
Magneton prepared to launch its attack on Wattson's command as it strained and struggled to charge it up.
"No, not again!" groaned Hillary. "Even if Pikachu's an Electric-type, if Zap Cannon hits now, it's gonna do a lot of damage!"
Sure enough, Magneton continued to charge up energy for its attack.
Hillary's right, thought Tristan. I have to figure out a way to beat that combination attack once and for all. As fast as Pikachu is, it can't outrun Zap Cannon since it was hit with Lock-On. Or can it?
"Now, Magneton, fire!" cried Wattson.
Magneton, having fully charged up Zap Cannon, launched it at Pikachu with the ring as its target.
"All right, Pikachu, this is it!" shouted Tristan. "Dodge it and run as fast as you can toward Magneton!"
Pikachu avoided the attack and sped toward Magneton on all fours as quickly as it could.
However, the attack quickly made a U-turn and followed closely behind it.
"Tristan ought to know he can't dodge now that Pikachu's been hit with Lock-On," said Hillary nervously. "So what's he planning?"
"Now, do a somersault and grab onto Magneton!" commanded Tristan.
Pikachu leaped high into the air and flipped over and over and over again. Then when it was close enough, it grabbed onto Magneton and held on for all it was worth just as Zap Cannon began to rapidly close in on the both of them.
Wattson was clearly surprised. "What's this?" Then he saw what was going on. "Magneton, quick! Try and shake Pikachu off before that Zap Cannon hits!"
Magneton tried, but Pikachu's grip was too tight and it wouldn't let go as the attack came closer and closer.
"All right, Pikachu, use Thunder attack!" shouted Tristan.
Electricity crackled from Pikachu's cheeks. Then Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Magneton at such close range that it was unable to resist the attack.
"Magneton, no!" yelled Wattson.
Seconds later, Zap Cannon closed in and connected with Pikachu, creating a tremendous explosion; however since it had hung on to Magneton while using Thunder, it, too, suffered serious damage from the attack.
BOOM!
"Magneton!" cried Wattson.
"Pikachu!" added Tristan.
Everyone shielded their faces from the smoke that followed from the explosion.
When the smoke cleared, both Pikachu and Magneton both had electric sparks coursing through their bodies from the after-effects of Zap Cannon, making them both seemingly immobile.
However, since Magneton had taken on so much damage from Pikachu's Thunder, it was the first to fall to the ground with a dazed expression in its eyes. It had been knocked out.
"Magneton's unable to battle...Pikachu wins!" declared Watt as he raised his green flag in the air and in Tristan's direction. "The winner of this match is Tristan from New Bark Town!"
(Music Cue: I Got a Victory Badge! (full version as heard in "Don't Touch That 'dile"))
"All right, Pikachu!" cheered Tristan as he ran to congratulate it.
Pikachu ran toward him in return to celebrate the victory.
"Wow, what a comeback!" remarked Hillary. "Knowing that Tristan couldn't completely avoid Magneton's Zap Cannon, he had Pikachu hang on to Magneton and use Thunder at close range in order to prevent it from escaping its own attack. And once Zap Cannon connected and hit them both, it had given Magneton just enough damage to beat it."
"Wow, Pikachu, that was great. You were awesome!" commended Tristan as he and Pikachu embraced.
But the sparks from Pikachu's exposure to Zap Cannon transferred the sparks to Tristan, causing him to feel the shock instead. "Well, you sure know how to absorb electricity...shocking, but...true..." He fell to the ground stunned as Pikachu scratched his head.
Wattson just smiled.
That evening, everyone stood outside the Mauville Gym.
"Well, Tristan, I haven't had this much fun in a long time," said Wattson. "After I lost to Ash in that battle, I thought my career was over, and even though he helped me restore my spirit and helped me gain that confidence back, you gave me quite a fun battle, especially toward the end when you were able to use my own combination attack against me. Take this...the Dynamo Badge...proof of your victory here at the Mauville Gym." And he handed him a yellow badge that looked like a long line with a big circle in the middle.
Tristan happily accepted it. "Thanks a lot, Wattson. I had fun in our battle today, and I can't wait for another one." And he raised his new badge in the air and proudly proclaimed, "Oh, yeah! We won...a Dynamo Badge!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu as it did a victory pose alongside Tristan, Beldum, and Treecko.
"Congratulations, Tristan," smiled Hillary. "That makes three badges so far. You should really be proud of the way you and your Pokémon battled today."
"Thanks a lot, Hillary," replied Tristan. "And I can't wait for the other five to be added to my collection, too."
"Hey, Tristan, maybe when my Electrike has grown up a little more, maybe you and Hillary could come back and give us a rematch."
"Great! I'm excited about that!"
"And maybe you could battle my Ampharos sometime, too, Hillary," suggested Watt.
"Awesome! You're on, Watt!" agreed Hillary.
And so, after an electrifying Gym Battle, Tristan emerges victorious with a new Dynamo Badge. Now he and Hillary can set out for new adventures as the journey continues!
TO BE CONTINUED...