When one is in a relationship it is expected to celebrate certain holidays with your significant other. One being the time of their one year anniversary where you show the world that your love for each other survived all the doubts they had in the beginning. It's a special time where it's suppose to be just the two of you together, enjoying the day that was meant just for them. Misty had always believed that when it came to anniversaries they should be a time when the happy couple should be together, all alone, without any interruptions from the world. She may not always act like it but she was a romantic at heart and when it came time to her and Gary's one year anniversary she was very excited to spend a whole day just with him.
Sadly her hopes did not come true.
With a long sigh she sent a glance to her boyfriend who was busy working alongside with his grandfather and Professor Rowan, who made a special trip from Sinnoh to Kanto. They were currently at one of the beaches surrounding Cerulean City because the Pokémon living there were beginning to disappear and everyone was worried that someone was stealing them. Misty understood the seriousness of the situation but she wished he would have at least warned her that he would be working and rescheduled, instead of dragging her along for the ride. She was happy that he was thinking of her but with how things had been going so far they hadn't spent a moment alone together. And it wasn't like they could kiss in front of his grandfather. That would be just too weird and awkward. So for most of the day she was forced to just sit and watched as everyone else did work and she observed.
"Oh Gary, you really know what you're doing. It's no wonder uncle wanted you to be part of his team."
Misty all but groaned when she heard the high pitched voiced of Rowan's niece Angeline, making yet another attempt at flirting with her boyfriend. Angeline was a girl no older than her with long brown hair and shining blue eyes that looked like they could capture anyone's attention. She wore a dark pink sundress that looked as expensive as one of her sister's monthly wardrobe shopping spree. The girl clearly came from a family of wealth and was showing it off for the world to see, which annoyed the living daylights out of Misty. It didn't help that Gary was spotting a new outfit, a black shirt and purple pants that looked as expensive as it felt. The outfit she was wearing now all together cost at most fifty dollars but she was sure her boyfriend's new attire cost around triple digits.
It was very obvious from the first moment the two girls met that Angeline didn't approve of Misty being Gary's girlfriend, saying the Oak needed a refined and proper woman by his side. It took all she had, plus some calming words from Tracey, to keep from pounding her into the sand. So while Misty was pushed off to the side so everyone could do their work, she was forced to sit and watch her boyfriend spend their one year anniversary with another woman. "This is so stupid," she sighed, using one finger to make patterns in the hot sand beneath her. "There's no point in getting upset. Gary has his job to do and I can't ask him to stop just because I'm getting annoyed over one stupid girl." in all honestly she should be used to this.
"Azu?" Azurill was standing beside its master, worry written across its baby face. It had been watching Misty all day and it had seen her go from being very happy to not very happy very fast and it upset the small water-type.
Misty could only offer a small smile to her Pokémon and placed it in her lap. After she told Ash and all their friends about their relationship her sisters announced to every magazine, newspaper, and most of the media places in the entire region of their relationship. The two were later attacked in the same night by paparazzi and some Gary's old fan girls, all demanding to know details about their relationship. That night was a long one, after calling Officer Jenny to help get all the news reporters off their property Misty spent most of the night chasing her sisters around the gym, screaming and yelling at them for causing unnecessary problems. Gary seemed quite fond of the media knowing about their relationship and was eager to answer any question they had while Misty had to deal with phone calls from all of her friends, all calling to ask why they weren't informed about her relationship. The media was overjoyed with their new story and whenever the two went out they always managed to end up in some magazine. Gary's old fan club however seemed to act like the world as they knew it was ending and none failed to send her angry glares and flirt with her boyfriend every chance they got.
"Oh Gary, you're just incredible." Misty let out a growl when she heard the annoying girl's voice and destroyed her sand drawings. Just because she should be used to the constant flirting doesn't mean she has to be happy with it. With angry green eyes she looked over to see Angeline practically sitting in her boyfriend's lap as he wrote down some data on his laptop. Releasing another growl Misty got to her feet and walked away from the group, hoping a walk on the beach would help calm her down. Azurill in her arms, held in a tight grip but not enough to hurt the small creature. She just needed to be away from the group, just her and her Pokémon to help clear her head.
"Hmm?" Tracey was the first to notice the sudden departure of their red-haired friend and called out to her. "Hey Misty! Where you going?" he asked, notepad in hand as he helped the researchers with their work.
"A walk," she called back, not bothering to turn around. "I'll be back in a bit." she knew if she stayed there any longer she was going to do something she wouldn't regret but would probably get her in a lot of trouble with the other.
"Oh ok?" Tracey stared at her retreating figure, a frown on his face as he watched his friend go. He wasn't sure what happened but he had a feeling that something was wrong with her and he was worried. "I hope she'll be ok." He only saw her bring Azurill with her. Her backpack was left with them back, sitting besides the rest of their gear and most of her Pokémon were being used to help them search for any remaining water-types that may be hiding in the ocean. She was a good trainer but if anything happened she may need more than Azurill to help her out.
"I wouldn't worry too much," Professor Oak stood beside him, a small smile on his face. "Misty knows how to take care of herself and if something does happen it's not as if she's alone." he said, looking over at his grandson that was watching his girlfriend leave their researching area. He could see the worry shining in his eyes and the way his hand twitched to his belt that held his Poké Balls, no doubt wanting to send one after her. He could only laugh lightly at his grandson's actions. It was very obvious what Gary really wanted to be doing at this moment but he was conflicted with his duty to his job and his duties as Misty's boyfriend. "Ah love..." Professor Oak could only sigh and laughed once more to himself. He was sure that Gary would understand things better with time.
"Misty..." Gary opened his mouth to call out to her but stopped when he realized that she probably wasn't in the mood to talk. Or rather not talk with him. He was very tempted to send out his Umbreon or another one of his Pokémon to keep an eye on her. He knew Azurill was the only Pokémon she had on her, he knew the little creature was strong, but if she got into trouble he doubted that small thing could do much to defend. He knew that today was their anniversary and what was happening was the ideal way to celebrate it but he had a job to do and he couldn't just jeopardize everything he's done just because he was worried about her wrath. He knew Misty understood, and while not happy about it, seemed ok with spending the day at the beach. It was when Angeline started flirting with him that he could see her mood changed. He didn't blame her, the brunette was annoying him too and if she wasn't his boss's granddaughter he would have screamed at her to shut up by now. Instead he held back all his comments and hoped by the end of this day Misty would still be willing to talk to him. So with a long sigh he shook Angeline off his arm and began to type in the rest of the data. Once he was finished with this he was going to look for Misty and hope that he still had a chance to be able to spend their day together.
~X~
Misty couldn't help but grumble as she walked down the empty beach. Professor Oak and Professor Rowan had Officer Jenny close the beach so they could conduct their research. While it was strange to see the usually popular and overcrowded beach so empty it worked in her benefit. At the moment she didn't want to be bothered by anyone asking why she was all alone instead of being with the others. She didn't want to come off as whiny or too clingy but there were times when she just wished she could just publicly say that she wanted to be alone with her boyfriend without coming off as the paranoid crazy clingy girlfriend. "Is it too much to ask to spend just one day alone together?" she asked, a wishful look in her eyes as she stopped her walk to stare at the ocean view. She really did love Gary and she's happy being with him, but she wanted more. They've only truly been alone together a handful of times. When they first met up after finding the Pidgeotto, during their journey together, and if her sisters or his grandfather aren't in gym or lab. Usually they had someone just a few rooms away or were being followed by reporters, or jealous fan girls.
Although there were a few letters sent to Gary by guys that were interested in Misty and threatened to crush him if he made her cry. He burned the letters right after and merely scoffed at their idiotic behavior.
"Am I being to childish?" she couldn't help but ask, looking down at Azurill with a sad smile.
"Azu?" Azurill jumped onto her shoulder and rubbed its round face against her cheek, telling her that all would be fine and she had no reason to be sad.
Misty giggled at her Pokémon. "Thank you. It's nice to know that you're still with me and not some flaky girl." she set the little one down and watched in amusement as it played in the water. She felt a bit better now. All she needed was some space away from the annoying girl known as Angeline and a perfect chance to be near the water. "What the...?" with every intention of running into the open water Misty stopped when she caught a glimpse of a shimmering blue on her right. With a gasp she stood there standing, mouth wide open as her eyes caught sight of a Vaporeon sitting on a rock, not more than a few feet from her and staring out at the ocean, just like she had been doing moments ago. "Beautiful..."
She bite her lower lip when she watched the water type turn in her direction. It's eyes glowing like black pearls that had recently been cleaned and the way the sun hit its body made it seem almost as if it was glowing. With the way it held itself as it stared her down showed Misty that this Pokémon was strong. She has never seen a wild Vaporeon look so magnificent. "Um...hello?" she gave a soft wave, a smile on her face to show that she meant it no harm. She didn't want it running off and disappearing into the water. She wasn't sure if it was just her love for water Pokémon or the fact that there seemed to be something special about this one but her heart was screaming at her to capture it.
It seemed to acknowledge her because it gave a low nod before turning back to stare out at the ocean. "Do you mind if I sit down beside you?" she asked softly, talking slow steady steps towards the blue creature. It neither nodded nor ran when she approached it so she assumed it didn't mind her being there. "It certainly is beautiful out, the perfect day for swimming too," she continued to watch the Pokémon, hoping that if she gained its trust it would let her battle against it and hopefully she could capture it.
However the water type did not seem to notice her speaking, or was ignoring her, all it did was continue to stare out at the ocean. It seemed to be focusing on something, but whatever it was Misty could not see. "It there something out there?" she tried her hardest to see if she could catch even a glimpse of what the Vaporeon was focusing on but she couldn't see a thing. "Are you worried about the water and why all of the Pokémon disappeared?" she wondered if this Pokémon used to live here and knew what was going on.
"Vapor!" suddenly its body tensed, teeth bared and eyes glaring out at the ocean.
"What's wrong?" Misty stood up on her feet to look out at the water and noticed that the current seemed to get rough. The waves forming didn't appear natural and with how the water moved seemed almost forced. "What's going on out there?" now she knew there was something really wrong happening on this beach.
"Azu!" Azurill came running up to her and jumped into her arms, obviously spooked about something. "Azu! Azurill!" it cried, looking out in fear towards the water.
"Vapor!" with a gasp Misty watched as the wild Pokémon ran out into the water and seemed to disappear all together.
"Wait a minute!" she chased after it but knew it was futile to look. Vaporeon's special ability was to melt into the water so no matter how hard she looked she wouldn't find it. But knowing that wasn't going to stop her. "I can't just leave it alone." so without hesitating she raced off down the empty beach, towards the empty sea shack, and took a motor boat and oxygen max from the storage. She would do all she could to help get this beach back to normal so all the Pokémon could return to their home. Setting the boat into the water and making the engine go full speed she took off, heading towards the water that wasn't moving as it should.
~X~
"What on earth?" Professor Oak was the first to notice of his group the sudden noise of a motor boat and upon further inspection found that it was Misty operating the vehicle.
"Professor do you have any idea what Misty is doing?" Tracey asked. He was worried for his friend, they didn't know what caused all the Pokémon to disappear and she could be putting herself in danger by being out in the water.
"I don't know Tracey," He answered honestly, having no idea what Misty could possibly be doing out there. "At any rate we should-"
They were interrupted by the loud wail of Angeline as she came up to them, Gary close at hand. "Just what does that girl think she's doing?" she all but barked out, arms crossed over her chest as she glared at the movie speedboat. "Does that simpleton not realize she's practically ruining all the hard work you and my Uncle have put in," in an instant she looped her arm through Gary's and held on tight. "Gary I don't know what that girl did to make you agree to go out with her but it's obvious that she's not worth it if she doesn't even respect your work." she practically cooed as she snuggled up against him.
Gary glared down at the annoying girl at his side. "You're wrong," he's finally had enough of her. With a deep frown he freed his arm from her grip and moved away from her and closer to the water. "Misty isn't like that, she loves water Pokémon more than anything so if she's out there then it must mean that she's found out why they've all left the beach." he held no doubts about this. He knew Misty and knew that if she was out then she was doing it to help save all the Pokémon that once called this beach their home.
"I agree with Gary," Professor Oak turned to his old friend and fellow Professor. "I've known Misty for a couple of years now and I believe as well that if she's out there then perhaps she did find out what caused all the Pokémon to leave. She may have even found those who are responsible."
Professor Rowan merely nodded. "I've never doubted you before so there's no point in starting now. We should hurry and gather a boat of our own if we don't want to lose her out there."
Gary wasted no time and quickly went off to find them a boat, hopefully Misty didn't have to much of a head start on them.
"Gary!" he could only groan and frown as Angeline called out to him. "Why are you going after that girl? It's obvious we're meant to be together, not you and that simpleton." she tears in her eyes, looking very hurt and seemed very fragile.
Gary only snorted. He's seen that look hundreds of times from girls who used their tears as a way to get what they wanted. "I'm going after her because she is my girlfriend. Now I don't know who put in your head that we would be together but forget the idea because once this over I'll be spending the rest of the day with Misty, not you." he took off running with that. He didn't care if Professor Rowan saw him telling his niece off. She needed to understand that he only cared for one girl and she was not her. He didn't regret his words because he would make them come true. Once he got to Misty, he would help her in whatever way he can to stop whoever was causing this mess and then use the rest of this day to be together.
~X~
Misty was aware that what she was doing could possibly endanger her life as well as Azurill but at this point in time she didn't dare think of the 'what ifs' or any repercussions that could come with following the wild Pokémon. All she knew that she had to help this Vaporeon do whatever it needed to do and hope for the best. Stopping the boat just a few feet away from the section of the ocean that was behaving strangely she surveyed the area and found it even weirder up close. "It's only this part of the ocean that's acting this way." she's been around water her whole life and never did she ever see only certain parts acting differently. The ocean moved as one entire being and for only a certain part to move differently from the rest of the ocean meant something was going on. "There must be something going on at the bottom of the ocean." she leaned forward to see if she could catch of glimpse but all she saw was her reflection in the water.
"Azu!" Azurill hopped onto the edge of the boat and pointed with its tail to one spot on the water.
"What is it?" Misty quickly moved to look and nearly screamed when she saw something coming up. She sighed in relief. Thankfully it was only the wild Vaporeon and not some sea creature like she feared. "You're hurt." she gasped, seeing the wound on its right paw. The Vaporeon looked down at its paw, as if just releasing that it was hurt, and closed its eyes letting the water heal its wound. It a matter of seconds the wound was gone and it looked a lot healthier. "Incredible," she gasped once more. "I've never see a Vaporeon heal itself with its special ability so fast before." She couldn't help but have a look of pride in her eyes as she watched this water type. She was so impressed with its skills and now she wanted more than ever to catch it. "I want you to know that once this is over I want us to battle and catch you. I just love water Pokémon and I would love it if you could be part of my team," she told it her plans to battle and capture it. She wasn't sure what it was but there was something special about this Vaporeon and she would do everything in her power to capture it.
It seemed to accept her words and with a light call it seemed to agree with her plans. It accepted her challenge to battle. "Did you find the cause of all this?" she asked and smiled when it nodded. "Well what are we waiting for," without any hesitation she grabbed her oxygen mask and jumped into the water. "Cerulean City is my home as well and I won't stand for anyone who wants to destroy it, especially if it involves the water." With that said all three dove into the water and with Vaporeon leading the way, swam towards the root of their problems.
Misty has gone swimming many times in her life, this beach happened to be one of her favorites and not once has she ever seen the ocean so empty. She couldn't see any signs of the Pokémon living here, it looked deserted and it scared her. Despite the creepy feeling she got swimming in an empty ocean she swam on with the two water types, keeping her eyes sharp for any signs of what could be causing this damage. "If the Pokémon don't return soon then who knows what'll happen to the ocean." she thought with a hint of fear. The Pokémon living here were a part of nature and they helped take of the ocean just like how humans take care of their homes. If they left then the ocean would suffer and she didn't want to think of the possible outcomes if the ocean was ruined.
"Vapor!" Suddenly the Vaporeon picked up in speed and she and Azurill had to put some effort in keeping up.
"What in the world..." she stopped short when she saw what in front of her. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Why is there a hotel under water!" she exclaimed, utterly shocked at the sight.
"So I see the little sea snake has brought along some friends."
Misty gasped when she heard the familiar scratchy voice and glared at the evil face behind her. "Nastina, I should of known you were behind this." she pointed an accusing finger at the old woman that was in a bright red diving suit with diamond encrusted scuba gear, all four of the male servants were right alongside her like last in time matching blue diving suits.
Nastina could only laugh. "I must admit that I wasn't expecting to see your little face but I suppose it makes perfect sense for you to be here. After all you were so opposed to my great and magnificent hotel idea and now here you are again for my greatest idea ever." she all but cackled out, making Misty groan and the two water Pokémon stare at her like she had three heads.
"Didn't you learn last time that what you're doing is wrong and the Pokémon will stop you." she clenched her hands into fist. She would pound the lesson into the old woman's head if she needed too.
Nastina laughed at her once more. "Actually I did girlie. I learned that if I get those nasty little sea urchins out of my way it's so much easier to build my productions."
Misty all but growled. "What did you do to the Pokémon you old hag!" she cried. How could someone hurt an entire ocean and the creatures living there just to make a profit? It was a question she didn't care to learn the answer too.
"O-Old hag?" Nastina nearly fell over at the word. "I'll have you know I'm just as young and beautiful as I was in my youth!" she cried, having to be held back by the four males to keep her from knocking misty out with her cane.
"Yeah right," Misty could only roll her eyes at the comment, the two Pokémon with her doing the same.
Nastina finally realizing that she was acting crazy stopped to compose herself. "Anyways, I'll have you know that all of the Pokémon living in this ocean are still well. In fact they've all been very generous and promised to be the main attraction to my new underwater hotel/theme park galore!" she cackled once more.
Misty glared at the old woman. "You can't do that. Those Pokémon don't belong in your stupid hotel. They belong out here in the ocean, swimming freely like they always have been."
Nastina only snorted. "Try and stop me girlie." with a snap of her finger the four males surrounding her had stepped in front of Misty, net and torpedo launchers in their hands. "Now say bye-bye little girl." with another snap of her fingers the four fired at the three heroes.
"Run!" Misty cried, just barely dodging a net that was aimed at her. Her and Azurill swam behind to take cover behind the rocks but Vaporeon swam towards their attackers. "Vaporeon!" she was worried for the creature. No matter how strong it was there was no way it could stand up to get attacked by torpedoes. With its Quick Attack it easily took out two of Nastina's goons but the other two were trying to do everything possible to stop it. Vaporeon quickly used its ability to melt into the water just as a torpedo was aimed its way, the weapon hit into the rocks surrounding them. Debris flying all around them, the rocks hitting Vaporeon and causing it reveal its self. "Oh no." Misty swam towards the injured Pokémon, quickly grabbing it out of harm's way but her legs were captured by a net, making her fall to the ocean floor with a loud thud.
"Now finish them off. I want to finish up all the details of my hotel." Nastina commanded and like robots the remaining two servants listened.
"Azu!" Azurill wouldn't allow this, It stood in front of its master and fellow water type and glared at the group that dared to harm its friends. Suddenly its body started to glow and in a flash it evolved into a Marill.
"Azurill evolved into Marill," Misty couldn't have been prouder of her Pokémon. It evolved to save them and looked ready for a fight, just like she was. "Marill, use BubbleBeam!" she commanded and a powerful attacked come from that of her newly evolved Marill. Knocking out the last remaining two goons that belonged to Nastina. With another BubbleBeam attack Marill freed her from the nets grip, and with an injured Vaporeon in her arms, swam up to the surface. She needed to get to officer Jenny and quickly before Nastina had a chance to escape.
"No! I refuse to let that little brat beat me again!" Nastina cried, kicking and screaming in the empty ocean. "I refuse! I won't let her...oops." in her tantrum she kicked one of her torpedo launcher. Two torpedoes went flying out, one hitting her hotel and destroying it in a matter of seconds and the other hitting the ocean floor and causing a whirlpool to be formed. "No, no, no, no!" she cried out as she was sucked into the vortex.
Misty could feel the current change and with a look behind her saw the Whirlpool. Putting all her energy in her legs to swim faster and get away but the current was too strong. Already she could feel her body start to get pulled in. Marill seeing its master in danger tried to pull her away but the current was much strong and within seconds Misty and Vaporeon were sucked inside. Her oxygen masked was thrown off and she had to hold back the urge to scream. She held tight to the Vaporeon in her arms as they were twirled round and round inside the vortex, the current was strong and was starting to put pressure on her body but she refused to let go."I won't let you go. I promise I'm going to protect you." she made the silent vow inside her head, keeping the Vaporeon close to her body in hopes to protect it from the pressure.
In this situation she couldn't help but think back to her Togepi and how she had let it go when they were thrown away. She always wondered if she just held on tighter than maybe her Togepi wouldn't have gotten so hurt and could have defended against Hansen better and she would still be with her beloved baby Pokémon. She didn't feel as depressed but that didn't mean she didn't miss her precious Togepi that was now a beautiful and powerful Togetic. "I wasn't able to hold onto Togepi but I refuse to let go of you." no matter what happened to her she would not let go of Vaporeon.
The lack of air was making her lungs burn and her vision was starting to get fuzzy but she held tight to Vaporeon. She made a vow to protect it and nothing was going to make her break her promise. The water type seemed to notice her condition, soft cries could be heard from it. It seemed to be telling her to worry more about herself but she couldn't do that. She cared for this Pokémon. So she fought against the darkness that was quickly overcoming her and tried to stay awake. "I can't just give up...I can't..." she could feel her eyes begin to shut and her mind seemed to shut down. She couldn't feel her body anymore, only the feel of the water around her and big bulky arms circling her body.
With hazy eyes she looked to see a familiar Blastoise pulling her and Vaporeon out of the whirlpool and in a matter of seconds they were at the surface. Air filling up in her burning lungs as she gasped for air. All she could hear were her own coughs as she got rid of the water that invaded her lungs and took in the sweet delicious air that she had missed. "Misty!" she heard a splash but she didn't have the energy to turn her head and see who or what jumped into the water with her. But she knew instantly who it was when she felt their arms wrap around her body and hold her close. "Gary..." she looked up at his face and smiled. She was happy to see him. She looked around and saw that Professor Oak, Tracey, Professor Rowan, and Gary's Umbreon were all sitting in a boat only a few feet away from them, each one of them looking relieved to see her.
Gary placed her head against his shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around her body. He had been so worried about her and he was just glad that he made it in time. "Misty, thank god you're safe." his hot breath made her shiver as he whispered his words in her ear. His head was buried in her soaking wet head and his arms were shaking. He had been so scared for her and she could feel it in how he held her.
"It's a good thing we found Marill or who knows what might have happened." Tracy said as her held her Marill in his arms. "By the way, congrats on evolving it." he added with a wide grin, her Marill cheering in his arms.
Professor Oak nodded. "Yes, indeed. If Gary hadn't spotted it than who knows what might have happened." he said with a gentle smile. He had watched during their whole trip how nervous his grandson was and when a frantic Marill appeared with a whirlpool forming behind it didn't help. Gary hadn't hesitated to release his Blastoise and he had never been more impressed with how well his grandson trained his Pokémon.
"But what in the world could have caused all of this?" Professor Rowan questioned, his well trained eyes looking out at the ocean for any signs of what caused all of this.
No sooner did he ask did Nastina and her four goons pop up out of the water, two of the boys holding their mistress, whose eyes were swirling from the sudden spin she took. "If you think I'll let you stop me you've got another thing coming." Nastina tried to threaten them but her words were slurred and she sounded like she had paper in her mouth. "Go get 'em boys!" she slurred and the remaining two made a jump at the group.
"Umbreon use Shadow Ball!" Gray commanded and without missing a beat his loyal Pokémon fired perfectly, knocking all five villains out and allowing the Tracey and the two Professor to rope them in.
"Professor look!" Tracey exclaimed in excitement as hundreds of different water types appeared above the surface, each one looking angry. "All of the Pokémon have returned."
"Yes, but they don't look to happy." Professor Oak couldn't help but gulp when he saw the mean looks they were all giving up.
Misty couldn't blame them. "It's Nastina's fault. She locked them all up so she could build a hotel underwater and use them as sort of entertainment."
"She did what?!" Professor Oak nearly glowered when he heard this. "What kind of woman are you? How can you treat Pokémon in such a way? It's just despicable!" he scoffed.
"I'm sure Officer Jenny will feel the same way." Professor Rowan added in, a deep frown on his face as he stared down Nastina, who didn't seem to hear him. She was too busy trying to get her head to stop spinning.
"Let's head back. I'm sure after all of this we could all use a good rest." Professor Oak said as he and Tracey relied Nastina in and tied her up. Once they reached the shore they would call Officer Jenny and have her escort their culprit off to prison where she belonged.
Misty couldn't help smile back. "I couldn't agree with you more." this whole event had tired her out and it felt as if all of her energy had been used up. She didn't argue, or complain, when Gary lifted her up onto the back of his Blastoise's shell and they all swam back to shore. His arm around her the entire time, letting her rest against his chest. She had wanted to spend the day with him, and while it wasn't the way she pictured it, she was happy all the same.