I bet you were all surprised to get that email saying I updated huh? There are no excuses for why this update took so long. I apologize for those who have been waiting and for those who now have to go back and re-read the previous chapters because they already forgot where the story left off. Chances are this is one of the last the chapters so get ready for this story to come to an end!
So here's chapter twenty one enjoy!
/-/-/-/
"What do you mean?" I ask Gary as he drops down from the mini sub to the deck platform. He then pulls out a small circular thing from his pocket. He then tosses it to me. It's the radar that Annie girl connected to the control console inside the escape pod.
"I detached it from the escape pod before we got off. Good thing too. If I hadn't it would have been blown to bits with the rest of the escape pod." says Gary as he helps Misty off the mini submarine. "I thought we could use it in case Phantom decided to make a run for it. We would then have this to follow him."
I look down at the radar and I see a dot. It's blinking and moving in our direction.
"So let me guess the radar says Phantom is heading this way?" asked May looking down at the dot coming closer and closer to us. The dot looks different than it did before. It used to be a small circle now it's like an oval. Maybe Gary has the thing zoomed in.
"Yes, but not in an escape pod he's bringing his whole submarine." says Misty.
"Huh?" I ask looking back to Misty than the dot. Crap just what we needed. I sigh looking off in the distance and back to the dot.
"He'll be here any minute now at the speed he is going." says May.
"I know that's why we have now to strategize." says Misty.
"So what's the game plan?" asked Gary.
"Other than trying to protect the temple I have no idea." I say looking off in the distance waiting anxiously for Phantom to show himself.
"I think that plan needs more detail." says Misty.
"Looks like we don't have time to think about any other details." says May as she points out into the sea. I look closely to what May sees and I see the water starting to part as a large metal object starts to peak out from underneath it. It rose more and more until I spot Phantom on top holding onto some kind of bars keeping him standing straight on the sub without slipping. There also seems to be some small control panel on it too. It's a little hard to see from the distance but it's definitely Phantom no one can't mistake that ugly face of his.
"Shit he's here." says Gary.
We watch as Phantom smiles wickedly at us with his very disgusting face. I still can't believe Pikachu iron tailed his face. I'm definitely never complaining about getting thunder bolted.
"Hey there kiddies!" he shouted out. The submarine slowed down to an almost stop, away from the temple. I watched as the sides of the submarine protruded out.
"Fucking shit. . ." says Gary eyeing the submarine. "Are those missiles?"
My eyes widen as I look at the protruding edges and sure enough Gary was right. Phantom isn't kidding around anymore. He would rather blow up the temple if he can't have the crown.
"H-How are we supposed to stop missiles?!" shouted Misty.
"He is definitely going all out." says May looking worried. I don't blame her. I'm worried too. How do we stop missiles? Better yet how the heck do we do it without dying?
"I would say it was nice knowing you brats but I'm an honest man!" says Phantom. "I could have had a better life if you kids never existed." He then mashes some buttons on the panel in front of him and I can start to hear the hissing of the missiles coming to life. Steam starts to come out from the sides of the submarine or is it smoke?
The sides of the submarine shift and a missile protrudes out even more. I then feel May's hand latch to my hand tightly. Man, this sucks. May and I are finally together and Phantom is about to kill us. The hiss grows louder and then it's released. I watch as the missile fires at an incredible fast rate. I can't even follow it once it's released.
When my eyes finally catch up to it, I realized it passed us. What? I turn my head to see the missile miss the temple and fly past it blowing up when it was miles away. The explosion sends waves splashing violently shaking even the temple. The force rocks the temple so bad we all almost lose our balance and we have to steady ourselves.
"Did he just miss?" asked May still holding my hand tightly looking at the smoky area miles away from us.
"Yes he did and big time too. . ." I say nodding. I turn back to see Phantom looking confused but also angry. He slams his fist in panel in front of him obviously annoyed. I feel my tug on my lips and crack a smile. "Hey Phantom! Not that it's any of my business! But do you happen to wear glasses!?"
"Ash!" says May tugging on my hand. She's holding back a laughter trying to be serious. "Don't antagonize him!"
Misty nods her hand in agreement also trying to stop from laughing. She's biting her lip. "She's right Ash. Don't provoke the man who has missiles even if he can't aim." she says finally giving in bursting into fits of laughter.
"We almost died guys." I say unable to contain my laughter. Maybe it was from all the stress, or fatigue, or how emotionally worked up we were but I couldn't stop laughing.
"Oh man. . ." says May laughing not trying to hide it even at least a bit. "We almost died and we're laughing… What's wrong with us?"
"I'm pretty sure we are having some freaky emotionally break down from all that we've been through. . ." says Gary trying to catch his breath. "I guess instead of crying in rejoice for our lives . . . we're laughing it out."
After some controlled breathing we stopped laughing and we fall silent. I looked down at May and stare at our interlocked hands. "We need to think about what we are going to do next." I say as I look at Phantom still fighting the controls on the panel then that all too familiar hissing rung in the air again.
"Oh shit." muttered Gary.
"He's firing again." says Misty.
"You think he'll miss again." I ask. I squeeze May's hand and she squeezes mine back. It was pointless to move because in reality we couldn't out run a missile if we even tried but once again it misses and explodes miles away from us. The waves smashed against the temple. Misty's Submarine rocked to the side hitting the deck platform. For a moment I was worried it would smash it bits but the waves steady. This time no one laughed.
"Alright enough standing around!" shouted May letting go of my hand. "We can't just stand here and wait for him to run out of missiles or God forbid learn to actually shoot! We have to think of something."
I was really trying to listen but all I can think is how much May has changed and how she turned bossy and leader like. It was oddly attractive. I liked it.
So what exactly do we do?" asks Misty.
May then whips around to look at me. "You have the powers of the Sea King still and I know you're still sore and everything but could you possibly go topple him over the top of that submarine."
"Uh. . . Yeah I could do that." I say trying to ready myself for another fight with Phantom. He may be an old man but he sure can throw a punch. I wonder if he still wears that metal exoskeleton suit we caught him wearing before.
"Try to get him as far as possible from that control panel we can't risk him taking another shot at us and his aim getting better." adds Misty.
"Do you think he still has his powers?" asked Gary.
"It's safe to assume he still does." says May.
"Alright," I say trying to psyche myself up but honestly I was tired. "What's the plan after that?" I say looking down at May.
"I haven't thought that far ahead." she says looking a bit flustered.
"I guess we'll wing it." I say right before I kiss May on the lips quick and dive into the water. It felt good diving in the water. I dived in without a barrier of mystical water around and for first time since entering the temple I allowed myself to get wet. I even had to hold my breath. I give myself five seconds. I close my eyes and allow myself to sink. Five seconds of rest.
One…
Two…
Three…
Four…
Five…
I release the breath I was holding and inhale. It's strange. I'm not even entirely sure how these powers work. I don't really think I do anything special to make them work. I make myself think I can breathe underwater and just like that I can. I picture the water moving how I want it to and it does just that. I think about being dry and just like that I'm no longer wet. Not even my hair. I spin so I'm facing the surface. There are rays of light that shine past the water allowing me to make out the sky above.
I'm coming for you Phantom.
I shoot up out of the water. I don't bother to turn to look back at May and the others. They'll come up with a plan while I deal with Phantom I'm sure of it.
Phantom doesn't see me coming. He's too busy yelling and slamming onto the panels in front of him. No doubt he's shouting into some microphone yelling at the people inside the submarine.
"Here we go again." I mutter to myself as I close in on him. I have to avoid as much physical combat as I can. I can barely ignore the pain rising up my leg and head. I can't help but think, thank goodness I have a hard head. I'm sure if it was anyone else their head would have been cracked open by now.
I slow down as I close in on Phantom and quickly raise my hand and swipe it up and then forward. As I do this the water obeys me and smacks right into Phantom sending tumbling over the side of the submarine into the water.
I move to hover over the water where Phantom made contact waiting for him surface. It doesn't take too long. I guess it's too much to hope he would get knocked out. The water erupts like a volcano. I have to fight the gag reflex when I get a clear view of him. His face is blazing red and it's not a pretty color and that scar across his face is making it worse. There is even a yellow gunk oozing out from it. Gross.
I'm definitely never, ever complaining about Pikachu's thunderbolts. I would take one any day if it meant not getting iron tailed especially in the face. What's that white stuff on his face?
"Hey Phantom! You look a bit red! Why don't you take a dip in the sea! It will keep you nice and cool!" I call out to him.
"You insufferable child!" he bellows back at me. He raises his arm and just like a minute ago the water beneath me erupts surprising me. It nails me in the back hard throwing my up high in the air then swallowing me. The water is tight around me like straight jacket. Good thing I can breathe underwater if not I would totally be suffocating about now.
I bring my arms close to my chest then lash out making the water spur from around me. I lock my eyes with Phantom. "I'm a teenager!" I shout before I throw a huge wave in his direction. He dodges it and sends one my way back and so the fight begins again.
/-/-/-/
"He's going to be okay." says Misty. "This Ash we are talking about. He's been up against worse odds and somehow always comes out on top."
"At least we now know he doesn't survive by sheer dumb luck." says Gary positively?
"I guess your right but that doesn't make up the fact we don't have a plan." I mutter to myself. Come on May think, think!
"Maybe we could call out Blastoise or something to attack the submarine." says Gary.
"No, that won't do any good. We are going to need an army of Pokémon to even make a dent in that huge submarine." says Misty.
"Mana. . ."
I turn around and see Manaphy trying to get out the hatch of the submarine. I feel a bit guilty now. I nearly had forgotten about Manaphy. I run over and climb back on the submarine and help Manaphy out. He looks horrible. He had cuts and bruises everywhere. His skin color has even paled further.
It fuels my anger even more. How could Phantom do this to Manaphy. Then my mind drifts off to Manaphy's family. No, he didn't only do this to Manaphy but his family as well.
"Mama"
"Yeah Manaphy Mama is here. She's here now." I say cradling him. His voice was shallow and low.
"We need to sink that submarine."
I freeze. I whip around to look at Gary and Misty who are just staring at me. "Did either of you two say something?"
"We didn't say anything." says Misty.
"Mama the submarine must sink. It is the only way to guarantee the protection of the Sea Temple."
I look down at Manaphy as he places an antenna on my cheek stroking it softly. "No way. . ." I say finally realizing what's happening. I look right at Manapy who smiled weakly. "This isn't happening. I must've hit my head and now I'm hearing things."
"It's our gift to you."
"Gift?"
"As Queen of the Sea you are granted the ability to speak with us."
"Speak with you? S-Since when have I've been Queen of the Sea?" I question out loud.
"Since you proved yourself worthy by saving the Sea Temple, that's when you became Queen."
"So in return for saving the temple, I get the power to talk to Pokémon. Okay this is a bit weird. . ." I mumble. "Well not really. I mean Meowth talks so I shouldn't be too surprised about talking Pokémon."
"Chu Pika Chu." muttered Pikachu as he too finally came out from the submarine. He must've latched onto every step pulling his way up till he reached the hatch and jumped out.
"Pikachu?" I say crouching down. "How are you feeling?"
"Pika Pika Chu."
"Huh? Why are you still talking Pokémon talk?" I ask him. He just looks at me questioningly tilting his head to the side. Oh fantastic I'm really going insane now.
"The power is to only speak with water type Pokémon. You won't be able to understand any other type."
"Oh so the gift has limitations." I say.
"Are you feeling okay?"
I look down and see Misty and Gary are looking at me like I've grown an extra head. Wait of course they think you are crazy they just watched you talk to Pokémon as if they were real live people. "They don't understand you do they?" I ask Manaphy.
"Nope it's your gift alone. Papa doesn't even have this ability."
"Papa? Wait you mean Ash?" I say looking off in the distant and see Ash and Phantom duking it out in the water. "He's papa?"
"Yes."
I can feel my face heat up. Okay this is weird but my life isn't exactly normal. I've never heard Manaphy call Ash, papa though. Maybe he can't say that. I look back to Ash who I see attacks Phantom sending me back on the task at hand. "So you're saying we have to sink the submarine?"
"Yes, it's the only way to stop him."
"Alright." I say. I look to Misty and Gary who just keep staring at me. "Okay I know this may seem a bit odd and you may not believe what I am about to say. I just talk to Manaphy, and he says we have to sink the submarine that, that's the only way to stop Phantom and keep the temple safe."
"So you can talk to Pokémon now?" asked Gary pointing at me.
"No, I can't talk to Pikachu." I say pointing at him. "It only works with water Pokémon."
"I'm sure it does." says Gary.
"What is with you and Ash getting all the cool powers!" yells Misty. "Geez! When do Gary and I get powers?"
"Wait a second so you believe me?" I questioned.
"Yeah of course why wouldn't we?" asked Misty. "I mean we've both seen enough crazy and a strange in our life to believe just about anything isn't that right Gary?"
"Yeah of course I'm willing to believe anything is possible if Ash can get a girlfriend." says Gary shrugging as Misty just face palms at Gary's inappropriate timing humor. For a moment I can picture them a couple. Misty seems like the type of girl who can keep Gary in line. I watch for a second as Misty screams at Gary to stop being a jerk and jealous that Ash has a girlfriend while he doesn't.
I sigh while blushing. Hey as long as they don't think I'm going crazy I real don't care at the moment if they talk about my relationship.
"So how exactly do we sink the submarine? I already had that in mind but we don't exactly have the power to do that. You think Ash could do it?" asked Misty after dealing with Gary?
"Uh. . . Hold onto that thought." I look at Manaphy who looks about ready to pass out. "Manaphy I need some more advice. How exactly do we manage to sink the submarine? I doubt Ash has enough power to do any real damage to it."
"You also have to think about the fact the damn thing was built to sink." says Gary.
"Yeah good point." I say nodding. "How do we sink something that was design to sink and go into the furthest depths of the sea?"
"The same way you get a boat to sink. You make a hole in it."
"Make a hole in it?"
"It's going to be a pretty damn big hole." says Gary scratching his head.
"Call to them May. If you call for them they will come to you."
"Call to whom? Who will come to me?" I asked. Manaphy then looked at me in the eyes then toward the water. Duh of course he means water Pokémon. I grab Pikachu and walk toward the edge of the submarine and hand Pikachu and Manaphy to Misty while Gary helps me off the submarine. Misty then hands me back Manaphy
"Wait what about Manaphy's family in the submarine?" asked Gary.
"They're resting. Phantom drained us of our power back in the temple stealing powers of the temple and our strength. It was the only way he was able to acquire the same abilities only papa should have. They weren't conscious when I woke up. They shouldn't be brought into this confrontation any further."
"What did Manaphy say?" asked Misty while still holding him?
"He said that we should let them rest. Phantom drained them of their power back in the temple robbing them of their strength also taking the abilities only the Sea King should have. Manaphy doesn't want to involve his family into any further battles."
"Sound good to me, but how did Phantom even know about that room in the Temple? That's my question." asked Gary. "It looked like some old ancient ritual. How would I guy like Phantom even know about it?"
"Believe it or not but Phantom is a descendent of the People of the Water. It was the only way he learned about the Sea Temple."
"You're kidding right?" I asked Manaphy.
"I wish."
I look up from Manaphy to Gary. "Manaphy says Phantom is a descendent of the People of the Water. That's how he knows all this information about the Sea Temple and the People of the Water."
"What the fuck." says Gary?
"My thoughts exactly." says Misty.
"Not all people are pure as you all are. Doesn't matter where you come from you can always change who you are even if it isn't for the better."
"I don't understand." I say looking off in the distance. "How can he do this? If what you say is true its Phantom's duty to protect the temple! Not destroy it by robbing the Sea Crown!"
I can feel myself grow angrier by the second. How can people as cruel and ruthless as Phantom even exists? I don't understand. I just don't. How can Phantom betray the People of the Water if he's one of them? Does he have no morals? Does he even have any remorse for all he's done? He attacked the Water Festival at the Orange Islands. He ambushed us like the coward he is! There were people there, children were there! He didn't care who was there as long as he got what he wanted and he did get it!
He captured me. Used me like bait and was going to do away with me after my usefulness was no longer required. He's a monster. An absolute monster that doesn't deserve to get anything he wants!
"I swear to you Manaphy. We'll stop Phantom. Ash, Gary, Misty and I are going to do everything in our power possible to stop him. He won't get away with this. Not again. I will do anything to stop him. I promise."
"I know you will May. I believe in you."
Manaphy then closes his eyes and passes out from exhaustion. I stand there and cradle him for a few seconds before I ask Gary if he could take him from me.
"Yeah sure I can take him." says Gary. Gary carefully takes Manaphy from my arms and holds him close to his chest protectively as if he was holding a small child. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to do what Manaphy told me too."
"How exactly do you plan on making a hole in the submarine?" asked Misty. "Its walls are meters thick, made of steel. We're going to need explosives to even make a dent in it."
"It's not going to be easy to make a hole if we're going through steel. Our Pokémon alone won't be able to do any real damage especially since the Pokémon who could battle in this water battle field are tired beyond tired."
"You're right we are going to need help." I say approaching the edge of the docking port passing Misty's mini submarine.
"And we're we getting help from?" asked Gary.
"The water Pokémon."
"So are you just going to call them to come fight and hope they answer?" asked Misty.
"Yeah, pretty much." I answer honestly. "Manaphy didn't exactly give me a tutorial of how to call the water Pokémon. " I say turning around to look at Misty while shrugging my shoulders.
"Let's hope they answer because I don't know how much more Ash can take from Phantom. Our boy is really going at it over there." says Gary.
Again I look over at Ash who continues to fight Phantom with all he's got. I have to be able to summon the water Pokémon this has to work. If not, I have no clue how I am going to sink the submarine. I hope Manaphy is right and they come to our aid.
Call to them they will come to you.
Here goes nothing.