AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is Chapter 38 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue through Kanto. I was inspired to write this chapter thanks to an episode of Digimon called "20,000 Digi-Leages Under the Sea," and a boy named Cody makes an appearance in this chapter; however, it is NOT the same Cody from that franchise, which, I believe, is owned by their respective owners. Shinji Miyazaki's music cues and arrangements from the games as well as the episode references are in this chapter. As always, please feel free to read and review, and remember, feedback of any kind is always welcome.
TEASER: Tristan and Hillary meet a little boy named Cody, who is afraid of the ocean. But when Tristan gets swept out to sea, it's up to Cody to summon up all his courage to face his fear and save the day!
Chapter 38: WATER PHOBIA
(Music Cue: Let's Run! (as heard in "Friend and Foe Alike"))
Tristan and Hillary have finally made it back to Fuschia City, but it looks like they're in a big rush! It turns out that there's a ferry that's about to leave for Cinnabar Island, and they only have a few seconds left before it leaves without them!
"Hey, wait for us!" called Tristan as he continued to run.
"Yeah, we're coming!" shouted Hillary.
Pikachu ran right on their heels.
But the ferry's whistle tooted, and it started to leave the harbor.
Tristan and Hillary got to the pier just as the ferry disappeared out of sight. They stopped and sighed in despair.
"This is all your fault, Tristan!" accused Hillary.
"What do you mean it's my fault?" retorted Tristan.
"If you hadn't asked for another big batch of pancakes at the Pokémon Center this morning, we wouldn't have missed the boat!" fumed Hillary.
"Well, if you hadn't taken your sweet time getting ready to go to the pier, we would have just made it, and I would have been ready to challenge the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader!" yelled Tristan.
"I can't stand your stubborn attitude!"
"Gee, I'm heartbroken!"
"Wanna know what your problem is?"
"I already know!"
Just then, a thought crossed Tristan's mind. "Hey, I know. Maybe Lapras can take us to Cinnabar Island!"
"Oh, yeah! I forgot about that!" replied Hillary. "The Silph Company's president said that Lapras was a good swimmer, and I'm sure it'll be more than happy to give us a lift."
"Lapras, I choose you!" shouted Tristan as he threw a Pokéball.
Lapras materialized from the white light that shot out of the ball and appeared next to them in the water.
"Lapras, could you please give us a ride?" asked Tristan.
Lapras cooed with delight.
"Come on, sis, let's go!" said Tristan as he, Hillary, and Pikachu got on Lapras's back. They all departed Fuschia City's dock and set off into the open sea at once.
(Music Cue: Surf (The Sea (orchestra version with the violins)))
"This was a great idea, Tristan," smiled Hillary as she and her friends continued across the sea an hour later. "Now we won't have to worry about catching ferries for awhile. We can just have our big Water Pokémon give us a ride instead, plus we'll stay dry!"
But Tristan didn't give a reply. He felt very sorry for himself.
"Hey, what's gotten into you?" asked Hillary. She now felt concerned.
"About what I said before?" replied Tristan. "I'm really sorry I yelled at you. I guess I was just so excited to get to my next Gym battle that I got carried away. So I asked for the next big batch of pancakes without thinking about the busy schedule that we had."
Hillary now understood why Tristan felt so down. "Actually, I should be apologizing to you, Tristan," she replied. "I spent too much time getting ready for the day that we missed the boat. And I took my anger out on you. It really wasn't fair."
Tristan understood what Hillary told him. "Siblings argue every now and then, and sometimes we don't think as clearly when we do," he said. "Let's try and forget that this ever happened."
"It's a deal," replied Hillary.
She, Tristan, and Pikachu marveled at the open sea and the blue sky.
Lapras looked like it was having a blast carrying them all on its back.
"Are you doing okay, Lapras?" asked Tristan.
Lapras gave a happy response.
Tristan smiled. He knew that caring for Pokémon, big or small, was a big responsibility as a Pokémon trainer. So he knew he had to put his Pokémon's needs ahead of his own.
They soon saw the ferry that they had missed earlier, and swam alongside it.
"This is definitely the way to travel, isn't it, sis?" said Tristan.
"You said it, big bro!" replied Hillary as she waved to the passengers on the ferry.
Pikachu agreed with them.
Three grown-up passengers on the ship's deck saw Tristan and Hillary riding on Lapras as it swam past the ship. They became jealous.
"That's no fair!" complained the first one. "How did those kids end up riding a big Pokémon that can swim?"
"Yeah, we're stuck riding ferries across the sea to certain destinations at certain times!" added the second one.
"While they get a free ride whenever and wherever they want to go!" finished the third one.
However, younger kids were awestruck at Lapras swimming by with children on its back. It disappeared from view of the passengers soon after.
Presently, Tristan and Hillary saw an island ahead.
"Land ho, Lapras!" called Tristan.
Lapras replied and swam straight for the island.
"What's up, Tristan?" asked Hillary. "Are we almost to Cinnabar Island?"
"No, but we're going to take a little break on that island," answered Tristan. "Besides, our legs could use a stretch." He turned to Lapras. "Full speed ahead!"
Lapras cooed happily as it continued swimming toward the beach of the island.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Lapras arrived on the island a few minutes later.
"Thanks for the ride, Lapras," said Tristan as he and the others got off of Lapras's back. "Your swimming was excellent. I don't know if you're tired, but I'm going to let you rest for a little while."
Lapras gave a gentle reply as Tristan returned it to its Pokéball.
Tristan took out his map from his backpack and studied it. "According to this map, we must be on Seafoam Island," he said. "It has a really cool beach, like the one we're on now."
"Maybe we should go find some seashells or something," suggested Hillary.
"That's a great idea, right, Pikachu?" replied Tristan.
Pikachu agreed with them as usual.
(Music Cue: Today's Kanto Pokémon Curiosity)
Presently, they saw a little boy in swim trunks running away from the beach to hide from something inside a tent.
"I wonder what that kid's running away from?" said Hillary.
"Maybe we should find out," replied Tristan as he and his friends ran toward the sandy beach.
Meanwhile, a woman was trying to convince the little boy to come out of the tent.
"Oh, come on out, Cody. Water's nothing to be afraid of," said the woman.
"Yes, it is!" protested the boy. "I'm not going in and that's final!"
The woman sighed as Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu approached.
"Excuse us," said Hillary. "Is there a problem?"
"Actually, there is," answered the woman. "My son, Cody, is afraid of the water. He won't go anywhere near it, even though I've told him it's harmless."
"It sounds like he doesn't like ocean very much, does he?" said Tristan.
"Is Cody hiding in that tent?" asked Hillary.
The woman nodded. "Every time we go to the beach, he always runs away from the water. But I don't know why he's afraid of it so much." She suddenly remembered that she hadn't introduced herself yet. "By the way, my name's Desirée."
"Hi, I'm Tristan," said Tristan. "This is my sister, Hillary, and my Pokémon friend, Pikachu."
Pikachu greeted Desirée.
"It's nice to meet you all," replied Desirée. "Would you do me a little favor?"
"Sure, what can we do for you?" asked Hillary.
"Maybe you can befriend Cody and get to know him a little better," suggested Desirée. "I can't get him to tell me why he's so afraid of water."
"We can help out with that," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, just leave it to us," added Hillary.
"Thank you," said Desirée. "You're both very kind. I'm going to go relax on one of the lounge chairs." And she walked away, leaving Tristan and his friends alone to deal with Cody.
Tristan peeked inside the tent where Cody was hiding. "Hi, Cody," whispered Tristan. "Are you okay?"
There was no response from Cody.
"Are you afraid of the water?" asked Tristan in a quiet voice.
Cody slowly turned around and said, "Yes."
Hillary also peeked inside the tent. "We understand that you're afraid, but maybe we can help you. Would you like that?"
Cody thought about it and replied, "Only if you promise not to laugh."
"We won't laugh," said Tristan.
Cody slowly turned around and crawled outside the tent to meet Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu. He began to tell his story.
(Music Cue: The Copy Pokémon Awaken (as heard in "A Shadow of a Drought"))
"It all started about a year ago," explained Cody. "I saw a really scary movie on T.V. late one night. It was about some sailors who were going on a cruise across the sea. It was then that the ship sailed into a nasty storm."
"What happened next?" asked Hillary.
"Multiple Gyarados appeared out of the blue and stirred up a deadly water cyclone," continued Cody. "They were using their Dragon Rage attacks to do it. Gyarados are well known to have vicious tempers, spreading violence and destruction in their wake, and it was no surprise that these Gyarados sent all the sailors spiraling out of control into the cyclone and flying into the raging waters."
"That's a pretty scary situation," said Tristan. "Did the sailors make it out alive?"
"All the sailors survived, but seeing them get tossed around by that water cyclone has given me nightmares about it," replied Cody. "Every night, I'd dream that those Gyarados would stir up a water cyclone and trap me at the bottom of the ocean with no way out. I always woke up afterwards, but I've been too scared to go anywhere near the water ever since." Tears began to form in his eyes. "I'm even too scared to go to sleep." He buried his face in his arms and began to sob.
"We understand your fear," said Hillary, comforting him. "It was just a movie, but we totally get why you're scared. We think the reason is the ocean is something you never had the chance to see and experience for yourself. Isn't that right?"
Cody nodded in embarrassment.
"Some things about the water can be dangerous," added Tristan, "but there are things above and below the water that'll make you feel great."
"And if you want, we'll help you learn to deal with the water gradually," said Hillary. "What do you say?"
Cody stopped crying long enough to wipe his tears away. "All right," he said. "I'm ready to try and face my fear."
"That's the spirit!" said Tristan excitedly. "And we'll be here as long as it takes to help you out."
"Thanks, guys," replied Cody. Then, he thought to himself, I just hope it's the right thing to do.
Tristan and Hillary switched into their swimming gear and met up with Pikachu and Cody, who were waiting for them.
"All right, Cody," said Tristan, "the first thing that we're going to do is to put our feet in the water."
"B-but..." shivered Cody.
"Relax, Cody," Hillary assured him. "It's like we said. We're just going to do this gradually. And we'll be here as long as it takes to help you."
"Right," replied Tristan. We'll start by putting our toes in the water first." He slowly put his toes into the water. He started to shiver himself. "Boy, that's cold."
"It looks pretty scary," gulped Cody. "But I'll try it." He slowly proceeded to the water's edge and put his toes in. Once they got wet, he immediately got them out. But he never stopped trying. He put his toes in over and over again, keeping them in longer and longer each time.
"Great, Cody!" commended Tristan.
"Ready to go a little further?" asked Hillary.
"Okay," replied Cody.
"Then let's put our feet in," suggested Hillary.
Cody walked even further into the water until his feet were submerged.
"That's the way, Cody!" said Tristan excitedly. "Now let's go even further."
But before he could, a red pincer came and pinched Cody's big toe, making him yell out in pain. "Ow! Ow! Ow!" he cried as he ran from the water, trying to shake the culprit off.
(Music Cue: Wreakin' Havoc! (as heard in "The Totodile Duel"))
"Cody, come back!" shouted Hillary. "It's just water!"
"Get this thing off of me!" yelled Cody.
Tristan and Hillary soon discovered that the pincer belonged to a crustacean Pokémon with two small spikes facing upwards. Its upper body was red.
Tristan quickly scanned the Pokémon on his Pokédex.
"Krabby: The River Crab Pokémon," identified Dexter. "This Pokémon lives on beaches and seashores. If a pincer falls off, a new, stronger pincer grows back in its place."
"So, it was Krabby who disrupted our swimming lesson," said Tristan. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu charged toward Krabby with a white line trailing behind it. It successfully scored a direct hit on Krabby, prying it loose from Cody's toe and sending it back into the water.
Tristan and Hillary quickly rushed to Cody's aid.
"Are you okay, Cody?" asked Hillary.
"My toe hurts," moaned Cody.
"This is bad," said Hillary. "Quick, Tristan, get your first aid kit!"
"I'm on it," replied Tristan as he ran off like a shot. In no time, he returned with his first aid kit in hand.
Tristan and Hillary quickly put a waterproof bandage on Cody's injured toe.
"How's that feel, Cody?" asked Hillary.
"It feels a little weird, but I feel a lot better," answered Cody. "I sure didn't expect a Krabby to give my toe a crabby attitude."
"That's for sure," agreed Tristan. "Are you ready to get back in the water?"
"I think so," replied Cody. "Let's do it!"
A few minutes later, everyone was able to continue where they left off.
"Now remember, Cody," said Hillary. "Let's take it nice and slow."
"Okay," replied Cody. He was still a little uncertain about his experience with the water, but he slowly and carefully moved further into the water. He was now up to his knees.
"That's excellent, Cody!" commended Hillary.
"I think I'm starting to..." began Cody, but a sudden burst of water splashed onto him, making him shout out in surprise.
Tristan chuckled as Hillary looked at him disdainfully.
"Tristan, that wasn't very nice!" scolded Hillary. "You should know better than to splash someone like that!"
"Sorry, Hillary," said Tristan, "but when you have friends, sometimes you just can't resist a water fight! So I figured I should splash someone just to show how fun it was!"
(Music Cue: Come Along (as heard in Pokémon Food Fight"))
"Oh yeah? How about I splash you!?" retorted Hillary as she splashed water onto Tristan, making him jump in surprise.
Even Pikachu joined in on the fun and splashed the both of them.
Cody looked at Tristan and Hillary's water fight from a distance. "That does look like fun," he said. He walked into the water to try and sneak up on Hillary to splash her, little realizing that he was getting deeper into the water. He sneaked up behind Hillary and started splashing her, making her jump.
"Hey!" she shouted playfully. "What was that for, Cody!?" Then she saw that Cody was three feet deep in water. "Hey, Tristan, look at this!"
"Look at what?" asked Tristan. Then he saw Cody, too. "Cody, look at you! You're conquering the fear of water all by yourself!"
"Well, I saw you two having fun in that water fight, so I figured I should join in," replied Cody.
"That's great, Cody," said Tristan.
They continued to splash each other for what seemed like hours until Tristan had another idea. "I'll be right back," he said as he dashed out of the water.
A moment later, he reappeared with a Pokéball in hand.
"What are you doing, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
"I think Cody would love to meet this Pokémon," answered Tristan as he tossed a Pokéball into the air.
The Pokéball opened and Lapras appeared out of the white light that shot out of it.
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
Cody hid behind Tristan at first. He wasn't used to seeing anything so big. "This Pokémon won't hurt me, will it?" he asked.
"Don't be silly, Cody," replied Tristan. "Lapras is very gentle."
"You know, Cody," said Hillary, "I bet Lapras would be more than happy to give you a ride."
"You really think so?" asked Cody.
"Sure," replied Hillary. "Go ahead."
Little did they know of the danger that approached, for just then, a big wave was headed straight for them.
"Okay," said Cody. "I'll try it." Suddenly, Cody stopped.
"What's wrong, Cody?" asked Hillary.
"I'm not sure," replied Cody. He paused for a second. "Something doesn't feel quite right."
"What do you mean?" asked Tristan.
"Just take a look at these waters," said Cody as he pointed to the water below.
Sure enough, the water started showing signs of foam and unusual color, and was beginning to drag them further and further into the ocean.
"When the water behaves like this, it can only mean one thing," said Cody. He then realized that they were all in great danger. "There's a big wave approaching us! I think we'd better make a run for it before it's too late!"
Hillary, Pikachu, Lapras, and Cody managed to get away and make it to shore, but Tristan was caught in the big wave and was headed out to sea alone!
"Where's Tristan?" asked Hillary as she frantically searched for him.
Pikachu pointed out to sea.
"He's out there!" gasped Cody as he pointed, too.
(Music Cue: Cross the Stormy Sea)
Tristan was so far out at sea they could barely see him. He tried swimming toward shore, but the waves wouldn't let him. He waved his arms and bravely called for help, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of the waves.
"Hold on, Tristan! I'll go and get Blastoise for you!" shouted Hillary. She turned to Cody. "Make sure you keep an eye on Tristan, Cody!" And she raced off with Pikachu to try and find Blastoise's Pokéball.
Cody stood there, petrified that Tristan could drown in the waves, but Lapras gently tapped on his back to snap him out of it and to boost his confidence. "Thanks, Lapras," he said. "I needed that. I'm going to need your help, though. Tristan's in trouble and he needs help. Will you let me get on?"
Lapras happily replied as Cody quickly got on its back.
"Let's go get Tristan! Hurry!" commanded Cody.
Lapras quickly made its way to the ocean and swam to get Tristan as fast as its flippers would carry it.
Tristan, on the other hand, was having trouble navigating through the rough waters. I sure hope somebody sees me soon, he thought.
Suddenly, he heard a welcoming voice. "Don't worry, Tristan! We're here to help you!"
Tristan turned to see Cody riding on Lapras's back without fear.
"Lapras! Cody!" cried Tristan excitedly.
"We have to figure out a way to help Tristan!" he said frantically. Just then he saw a big wave headed their way. "Lapras, do you think you can ride that wave to get to Tristan?"
Lapras nodded.
"All right, let's go for it and shoot the curl!" he shouted as he hung on to Lapras.
Lapras turned at an angle and rode the wave with water rushing over their heads, but they showed no signs of fear. Slowly, but surely, they reached Tristan.
"Quick, Tristan, grab my hand!" strained Cody as he reached his hand out.
It was a quite a struggle for Tristan to reach Cody's hand, but the two hands connected, and he was lifted safely on board Lapras's back.
"Let's try and get back to shore!" said Tristan.
"Right!" replied Cody.
"Ahoy!" called a voice.
Tristan and Cody turned to see Hillary and Pikachu riding on Blastoise's back.
"Perfect timing!" said Tristan.
Blastoise assisted everyone out of the waves and they all headed straight to shore.
(Music Cue: A Future Hope)
Everyone was trying to catch their breath even after the excitement was over.
"Is everyone okay?" asked Cody.
"I'm fine now, thanks to you, Cody," replied Tristan.
"You were awesome, Cody," added Hillary. "How did you know that a big wave was coming?"
"I've lived here on Seafoam Island for most of my life," answered Cody. "When the water starts getting foamy and discolored, that's a pretty good indication that a rip current is forming. Those things can be dangerous, and can sweep you out to sea if you're not careful. However, only one or even none of those signs can surface at any time."
"You and Lapras were brave enough to go out and rescue me," said Tristan. "I'm very proud of you for conquering your fear of the water."
"Well, I had to face this sooner or later," replied Cody.
Tristan turned to Hillary. "You should be proud, too, sis," he said. "You had Blastoise come and get me, too, in case Lapras and Cody couldn't do it on their own. I should thank you as well.
"Aw, don't mention it," replied Hillary. "You're just fortunate that you trained two very strong Water Pokémon."
"Cody!" called a voice. "Cody!"
Everyone turned to see Cody's mother, Desirée, coming to meet him.
"Hi, Mom!" said Cody as he ran to his mother and hugged her.
"Did you have a good time with the kids?" asked Desirée.
"Yes, Mom, I did," replied Cody, "and they helped me conquer my fear of the water, even though I'm still scared of it sometimes. I even helped rescue my friend, Tristan, who was swept out to sea."
Desirée was surprised, but then smiled. "You may be braver than you think," she said. "I've never been more proud of you." She turned to Tristan and his friends. "I owe you a big thank you for helping my son today."
"We were just glad we could help, ma'am," replied Hillary.
"Can we come back to the beach tomorrow, Mom?" asked Cody.
"Of course we can, but for right now, we have to get back home," replied Desirée. "The sun is starting to set."
Sure enough, the sunset painted the skies and the sea in a golden color as everyone looked on.
"I have to go now, but thanks for everything, guys!" called Cody as he waved goodbye to Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu. "I'll see you later!"
"Bye, Cody!" called Tristan and Hillary as they waved goodbye.
Pikachu waved goodbye, also.
(Music Cue: To Be Continued)
Night fell as Tristan and Hillary walked on the beach in their regular clothes.
"I'm sure glad that I have a wonderful sister like you, Hillary," said Tristan.
"I am, too," replied Hillary. "Of course, life wouldn't be the same without you."
"Wasn't it fun when we went swimming on the beach?" said Tristan.
"I certainly had fun today," replied Hillary, "except when I almost lost you to those waves."
"Let's just be glad that I'm still here, thanks you you and Cody," said Tristan.
"Don't forget Lapras and Blastoise, too," reminded Hillary. "They were the ones that helped do the work."
"Anyway, let's go see if we can find a Pokémon Center," suggested Tristan.
"Good idea," replied Hillary. "I'm ready for a good meal and a great night's sleep."
"I was kind of hoping we could get to Cinnabar Island today," said Tristan. "But I'm just glad we were able to help Cody face his fear of the ocean."
"You said it, Tristan," smiled Hillary.
"I'll race you to the Pokémon Center!" called Tristan as he started running off.
"No fair! Wait up!" called Hillary as she ran after him.
Thanks to Tristan and Hillary's help, Cody was able to conquer his fear of the ocean, and save Tristan in the process. Now it's on to the Pokémon Center to rest for the night as they think about Tristan's seventh Gym battle on Cinnabar Island.
TO BE CONTINUED...