After Summer's fifth Gym battle, Swirls is mysteriously called away to the Whirl Islands. Summer and Errol chase after her, but they got lost in the caves. Through advice from Kitakaze, who was summoned by the Trainer's necklace, the two ventured deeper to find their friend. Meanwhile, Weldon and Yuki try to find help locating Summer on the urban center island. Will Weldon and Yuki find someone who can help, and will Summer and Errol be able to find Swirls before the Royal Summoning?

Chapter 26- Swirling Chaos

Weldon and Yuki arrived at the Whirl Islands' center island. Compared to its surrounding islands, it was well developed, with people bustling around the docks and the main square. The two and Ichigo got off Weldon's Gyarados and looked around.

"I hope Summer's okay," Yuki murmured. "I tried to call her, but it keeps going to voicemail."

"She is," Weldon replied as he returned his Pokémon. "She's been in tougher situations before."

They entered the square, where a large four-tiered marble fountain sprayed water from the Lugia statue perched on top.

"Let's find the Pokémon Center," Yuki suggested. "They have a map we can look at."

"Good idea. I need to heal my Pokémon too."

They walked north down a wide street until they reached the familiar building. Once inside, Weldon went to the reception desk while Yuki perused the bookcases by the waiting area.

Let's see… A History of the Whirl Islands, Tourist Attractions of the Center Whirl Island, Whirl Islands Legends… Ugh, why isn't there a book about the layout of the Whirl Islands?!

"Excuse me, I need to put this back on the shelf."

Yuki turned around, and was shocked. "Samir! What are you doing here?"

The intern and his Pikachu were equally surprised. "Yuki! It's been a while! I have a week off, so I'm studying the Whirl Islands. What about you?"

"Well, we were helping Jasmine the Olivine City Gym Leader, then Summer went to one of the islands and we can't find her."

"Anything we can help with?"

"We?"

A girl shouted, "Hey, Samir!"

The two saw Weldon and a girl with long red hair Yuki hadn't met approach.

Samir was happy to see the boy. "Weldon! I'm surprised to see you here."

The Kanto Trainer grinned. "I could say the same with you and Ariel."

Ariel, who wore a dark blue and white swirled tie-dye T-shirt and olive green jeans, waved at the Sinnoh native. "Hi there! I'm Ariel. I heard you're traveling with Summer. I'm so happy I finally get to meet you!"

Yuki giggled. "Likewise. Summer told me about you and your dream to learn more about Water types." She looked at the blue whirlpool design with a silver feather over the left chest. "Hey, that's the symbol for the Whirl Islands Rescue Center."

"Yup, that's right! I'm volunteering there as part of my journey. I've been helping Pokémon who are injured around the area and rehabilitating them to be released or adopted if they cannot survive on their own."

"Wow! That sounds very rewarding."

Ariel glanced around the lobby. "Where's Summer?"

Yuki gasped. "That's right! We were so focused on introductions. I told Samir we came here to find some help. Summer chased after her Pokémon towards the islands, and now, we can't find her."

Ariel put on her baseball cap, which matched the colors and design of her shirt. "Then we should hurry. The Royal Summoning is today, and we need to find her before something bad happens. I can explain on the way!"

She ran out of the building. As the other three and the Electric types followed, Aaron entered the building.

"Hey," he said. "Why are you in a rush?"

"Sorry, Aaron!" Yuki shouted. "We need to find Summer. She's lost in the Whirl Islands."

"That's terrible! I'll help as soon as I heal my Pokémon." The teen noticed Samir. "Oh, I haven't met you yet. I'm Aaron."

"Hi…" the intern replied with caution. "I'm Samir."

The two shook hands, then Samir followed his friends outside.

As they ran, Cappy asked, "Is something wrong, Samir? You were pretty hesitant to greet him."

Samir frowned. "I can't explain it, but there's a bad aura around him. Let's keep this to ourselves okay? I don't think Weldon and Yuki noticed."

The Pikachu nodded. When everyone arrived at the docks, Ariel let out a Lapras while Weldon let out his Gyarados. With the girls on the Ice type and the boys on the Atrocious Pokémon, they surfed to the nearest island.


It felt like hours as Errol and I walked in the tunnel Kitakaze showed us. Eventually, the golden glow from the Suicune's Extrasensory faded.

"I think we should be fine now," I reassured the worried Noctowl.

Instead of feeling relieved, Errol was worried. "Ms. Summer… I fear for Ms. Swirls' safety. I...I have never felt these emotions for Ms. Swirls before..."

With a small smile, I replied, "That means you care about her more than just a friend."

He was shocked. "H-How did you know?!"

"Everyone else told me."

He landed in front of me and glanced at the ground. "Ms. Summer… What if Ms. Swirls is chosen to become the new ruler?"

"Oh...that never really occurred to me." I sat next to him and gave him a sideward hug. "It'll be her decision, Errol. But I know she'll want our opinions too."

He wiped his eyes and whispered, "Perhaps I need more time to consider this."

I stood up. "Then we better hurry. I don't think we have much farther to go."

He nodded and returned to the air. We finally saw some light at the end. Cautiously, we peeked out and saw a Golbat and a Krabby waiting in another large room. A wooden ladder was placed at the far end past the Pokémon.

That must be what Kitakaze was talking about… I hope they'll let us go through.

The Pokémon noticed us and guarded the ladder.

"No humans or outside Pokémon can pass!" The Golbat shrieked.

The Krabby clicked his pincers. "Yes, no trespassers!"

I tried to remain calm. "I'm sorry we're intruding. My Poliwhirl is downstairs and I need to make sure she's okay."

They angrily approached us. "NO TRESPASSERS!"

Errol grew angry. "Ms. Summer! Allow me!"

Before the Pokémon could attack, a Seel waddled in between us.

"Please stop!" She cried. "They're not bad people!"

That voice...could it be?

"Aren't you the Seel we helped at the Seafoam Islands?"

She turned around and beamed. "I'm so happy you remember me, Summer!"

One of the Golbat landed. "Wait, this human is the one you've been talking about?"

Seel clapped her flippers together.

"What are you doing here, Seel?" I asked.

"I'm all grown up now! I'm exploring the world on my own. I came here for a break, but I didn't expect to see you soon!" She looked at the ladder, then back to us. "So...Swirls is downstairs?"

Errol nodded. "We were informed about the Royal Summoning. Is there a possibility of watching the event and not attracting attention?"

Krabby hissed, "We don't go down there. Too much chaos…"

Golbat wrapped himself with his wings, pondering on the possible actions. Then he unfurled himself. "I got it! A Confuse Ray should distract them momentarily, allowing you time to descend and find a hiding place."

I stroked my chin. "How would that work?"

"The cave is where the Sea Guardian rests. It is filled with bright reflective crystals."

Errol smiled. "I understand! The reflectivity of the crystals will amplify the power of the Confuse Ray. Very clever for a Golbat."

The Poison type ignored the insult and flew to the hole. "Do not look at the walls or ceiling. Just find a spot quickly."

I bowed. "Thank you." I turned to Seel, who looked a little sad. "Hey Seel. I may need your help downstairs. Can you join us? You have to be quiet though."

She whispered, "Of course!"

I picked her up, and after Golbat flew down and shot the black orbs of light, we made our way downstairs. It was difficult to avoiding looking at the surroundings, but when we touched the dark sand, we rushed to a large rocky outcrop to the south. After we were comfortable, Golbat flew upstairs, and the scene returned to normal.

We peered over the rocks and saw a beautiful cave with crystal blue walls and dark stalactites and stalagmites. Four openings with ladders, most likely leading to the other islands, crossed the room in an X shape. Near those openings were four small waterfalls, the water feeding the lake in the center. The lake with filled with light blue, almost white, water, supporting a large waterfall that concealed a large hole. At the lake were twenty Poliwag and forty Poliwhirl either playing in the water or talking on land.

"Do either of you see Swirls?" I asked.

Seel and Errol looked around. Then, he hissed, "There, Ms. Summer! By that outcropping. It appears she is in the company of others."

We inched a little to the right, trying to get a get a view.

Two Poliwhirl, who were taller and looked older, were with Swirls. One of them was scolding her.

"You must participate, child!" the scolding Poliwhirl shouted. She strangely had a British accent similar to Errol's.

Swirls crossed her arms. "No way, Ma! Ya can't make me!"

Her mom puffed her chest. "How dare you speak that way to me! My dear husband, say something!"

He just shrugged. "Dear, she is old enough to make her own decisions. Besides, her accent is quite fun!"

"It is NOT 'fun'! Do you remember how many days we spent teaching her our accent?"

"And yet, she either never understood or never cared. After all, she was able to evolve on her own."

"Actually, Pa," Swirls interjected. "I got a Trainer."

His eyes grew wide. "How intriguing! I would very much like to meet her."

Her mom retorted, "I prefer not. Daughter, you must participate in the Royal Summoning. It is tradition for all Poliwhirl who have evolved since the last event."

Swirls sighed. "Ma… I don't wanna. I wanna keep cruisin' the world. Being a ruler's so...not cool!"

"It may be 'not cool,' but you have no choice. And you know the rules."

Swirls, remembering a possible past event relating to the breaking of the rules, reluctantly nodded. "Fine… I'll do it."

Her dad smiled. "Do not worry, daughter. If you lose, then you are not meant to be the Ruler."

"Thanks, Pa."

The older Poliwhirl then joined a group lounging by the lake. Swirls shed a tear and kicked a stone at our location. We panicked and ducked behind the rocks, the stone narrowly missing me.

"Dudette?" the Water type whispered as she approached the outcropping. "And Errol dude and Seel dudette! Whatcha all doing here?"

I answered, "Errol was worried about you when you went off in a trance, and now we ended up here."

Her cheeks turned red. "Really, Errol dude?"

He turned red as well. "Y-Yes… It is uncharacteristic of you." He cleared his throat. "But I am surprised that your family has such proper accents!"

"Yeah…it's 'cause I'm from a line of one of the Rulers," she lamented. "I never liked any of the fancy stuff they were teaching me… I'd rather be free, surf the waves on my own time…"

Errol solemnly nodded. "I completely understand. But what is the reason you cannot forgo this ritual?"

"'If a Poliwhirl refuses the Royal Summoning or fails any challenge on purpose, they will incur the wrath of the Sea Guardian.' That's what Ma always kept squawking at me. But it's so whack! No one wants to be the Ruler; it's mondo boring. The Ruler doesn't do much for us. That's why I left the coop."

I crossed my arms. "Actually, Swirls. Maybe it is a good idea to do the Royal Summoning."

She was stunned. "Dudette!"

Errol slapped his wing over my head. "What are you implying, Ms. Summer?! Ms. Swirls is indignant about this ritual."

"And I completely understand. But...maybe there's a reason why no one wants to be the Ruler. If you do the trials, maybe you'll learn why."

The Poliwhirl rubbed the back of her hand. "Never thought about that… Guess it wouldn't hurt. You guys'll still be around right?"

Errol bowed. "Of course, Ms. Swirls. But we must remain hidden."

"Yeah. It's supposed to be secret after all."

A loud bellow echoed from the center of the lake. A medium sized green frog-like Pokémon with yellow hands and feet, one black curled hair, small red cheeks, and a yellow belly with a green swirl inside.

I muted my Pokédex and looked up the vastly different looking Pokémon. [Politoed, the Frog Pokémon and one of the evolved forms of Poliwhirl. The curled hair on its head proves its status as a king. It is said that the longer and curlier the hair, the more respect it earns from its peers.]

"My fellow Poliwag and Poliwhirl!" The Ruler shouted in a deep almost croaky voice. "It is once again time for the Royal Summoning. One worthy Poliwhirl will inherit my crown, and I can go on my merry way!" The audience groaned, causing him to clear his throat. "All eligible Poliwhirl must undergo this event. Those who pass the first two trial, diving and running, will proceed to the final trial, speech. The last trial will be judged by me and the Sea Guardian, who is resting behind the waterfall."

A pair of large eyes glowed behind the cascading water. The shape of those eyes… That has to be Lugia! But I wonder why it hasn't kicked us out yet…

"We shall start with the diving challenge! Gather a Big Pearl from the depths of the lake."

"Too bad we can't see it," I mumbled.

"Should I try to get a closer look?" Seel asked.

"I think we should wait here. Be safe."

The Sea Lion Pokémon nodded. "Okay."

We saw twenty Poliwhirl dive into the lake, facing the unknown challenge in the depths.


The four Trainers and the two Electric types descended towards the bottom floor from the northeast cave. Ariel led the way with a flashlight, with Weldon close by. Samir and Yuki were a little ways back while their Pokémon walked in between the group.

The intern asked, "So Yuki, how's your Contest journey going?"

She softly smiled. "Okay… I got one Ribbon, but so didn't do well in my last Contest."

"I see. Are you going to do the one in Olivine City? It should be coming up soon."

"Yes. That Contest only allows one Pokémon per Coordinator. I'm planning to use Kiui, my Hoppip. It'll be her first Contest."

"That's pretty exciting. I hope you two do well." He then glanced at her satchel. "I know it sounds weird, but do you have an Egg in your bag?"

She was surprised. "Yes, I do. How do you know?"

"Well… I don't like to talk about it much, but I can sense the Aura of Eggs."

"Like the Aura Lucario has?"

"Kind of. I can not only sense what Pokémon it is, but also where it was hatched, how they feel, and what their potential is after they hatch."

"That is quite amazing!" Yuki took out her Egg incubator. She was a little sad. "I've had this Egg for quite some time. I'm worried it's not warm enough."

"Huh. Do you mind if I touch it?"

"Not at all."

They stopped for a moment to let Yuki open the incubator. When he touched it, a soft blue glow emanated from his hands.

"I see." He returned the Egg and waited for Yuki to put it away. Then they continued walking. "Your Egg is fine. But I can feel something is holding it back from hatching."

The Sinnoh native's eyes grew wide. "What's holding it back?"

"From what I gathered, two things. One, being left behind at the nursery. And two, your anxiety."

"I can understand the first one. The person who gave it to me said so. But I don't know about the second."

"It was about to hatch, but it stopped maybe about a few weeks ago?"

She paused. "That was...about the time I lost my Contest… But what can I do to help it hatch?"

The intern smiled. "I think you need to show it you're not afraid to overcome your fears."

"I guess so. I'll try. Thank you for the reading, Samir. Though I'm surprised you decided to become an archaeologist. You have an amazing gift!"

To her surprise, he looked away. "That's the first time in a while I heard that said so sincerely. I know you met my grandparents, and I'm sure they told you and Summer about my potential as a breeder. But… I'd rather not talk about it anymore."

Suddenly, they bumped into Weldon and Ariel.

"Why did you stop?" Yuki asked. Then she gasped.

Master Thief A blocked their path.


The diving trial was still underway. We still couldn't see what was going on, but the strong ripples meant something was going on.

After a few minutes, ten Poliwhirl, including Swirls, rose with a large beautiful creamy-colored pearl in each of their hands. They and the other Poliwhirl emerged from the water, all of them covered in cuts. The ones who didn't have the pearls looked much worse.

The Ruler bellowed, "Excellent! Those who have a Big Pearl may place them by the spectators and walk to the edge of the room. Those who do not can join the other spectators." Once the Poliwhirl did as they were told, he continued, "Now, for the running trial. You ten Poliwhirl must run around the room two times. The first two to cross will move on to the final trial."

Only two times? That shouldn't be so hard. But they look nervous…

The Ruler joined the crowd and hoisted a Big Pearl in his hand. "To make it difficult, the rest of us will hurl these Big Pearls to impede your progress. You may dodge them or fling them back; the choice is up to you. Now, let the running trial commence!"

As soon as he finished those words, the spectating Poliwhirl threw the ten Big Pearls at the runners with their Water Guns. Ten of them swam to the corners of the lake, most likely to keep the Big Pearls in the air. The ten Poliwhirl ran towards the northeast corner, trying to avoid the falling objects. During their run, half of them hit the orbs back with their hands and feet while the others dodged. Swirls was one of the Pokémon who dodged, taking advantage of her slimy body. This brought oohs and ahs from the crowd.

"Swirls is doing really well," I noted.

However, Errol was more concerned about one of the Poliwhirl who was hitting the Big Pearls back. "Ms. Summer. That Poliwhirl is quite brutal with this trial. It appears he is aiming for the one who hurled the Big Pearl at him."

He pointed to a larger Poliwhirl that could've looked like a Poliwrath. His eyes were not as friendly as the others, and he did throw the Big Pearls back with malicious intent. The Poliwhirl who threw the orbs were forced to dodge or protect themselves.

"That's not very sportsmanlike," Seel said. "I don't want him to be the Ruler."

I nodded. "Me neither. It looks like they're on the last lap."

As they neared the finish line, Swirls was in third while the large Poliwhirl was in first. A Big Pearl hurled towards him, but instead of hitting it back to the thrower, he redirected it to the Poliwhirl in second place before crossing the line. The orb slammed into the second Poliwhirl's stomach, knocking him back. Swirls' eyes narrowed and she used the last of her strength to finish.

The rest of the runners stopped, with some checking on the injured Pokémon. Swirls joined them to see how the Poliwhirl was doing.

"Can you hear anything?" I asked the Pokémon.

Errol flicked his ear tufts. "I can hear Ms. Swirls inquiring about the Poliwhirl's health."

"Hey look," Seel hissed. "Swirls and that big Poliwhirl are arguing."

The Owl Pokémon continued, "They appear to be quarreling about the large Poliwhirl's actions. The large Poliwhirl said, 'I will do everything it takes to become the Ruler. Our tribe needs to be more ambitious.'

But Ms. Swirls argued, 'But messin' them up?! That ain't cool!'

'What ISN'T cool is that you abandoned our clan. How dare you give me any advice!'"

The larger Poliwhirl slapped my Pokémon with his left hand. Seel and I struggled to keep Errol from charging at him and exposing our hiding spot. Swirls, on the other hand, just rubbed her cheek and refused to retaliate.

The Ruler called, "All right, that is enough. We have our three finalists for the final trial. Those who passed the running trial, please enter the lake."

The Poliwhirl who threw the Big Pearls helped the injured Poliwhirl back to the main watching area while the remaining participants followed them. But before the three Poliwhirl entered the lake, two voices shouted from above.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"And make that double!"

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Psychic, Ice Punch

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Slide, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Yuki's Pokémon:

Momo (Wartortle, male): Quiet Nature, moves: Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Blizzard, Aqua Tail

Ume (Swellow, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Roost, Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Swift

Ichigo (Minun, male): Sassy Nature, moves: Discharge, Hidden Power, Helping Hand, Spark

Kiui (Hoppip, female): Jolly Nature, moves: Bullet Seed, Synthesis, Tackle, Sleep Powder

Questions for the Chapter:

Is Samir right to not trust Aaron?

Will Yuki be able to help her Egg hatch?

What do you think of the Royal Summoning trials?

Who are the owners of the two voices at the end?