Chapter 37: The Assault from Scary Sharpedo!
"Look how blue the sky is!" Ash commented, seeing the clear blue sky as he and the others watched to see the sights of the ocean as they continued to move on to head for Dewford Island.
After the group had a big confrontation with Team Aqua in order to save Peeko, Mr. Briney had offered to take the group to Dewford Island so that Ash and Minato could have their second Gym Battle there.
For the former lonely boy, he wanted to battle there to see if he could have another vision regarding about Latios and Latias as he had one back when he won the Rustboro Ribbon at Rustboro Hall while winning the Stone Badge from his Gym Battle against Roxanne.
Ash was just pumped up to win his second Gym Badge as fast as he could so that he could achieve his second Badge in order to be one step closer to entering the Pokémon League of the Hoenn region.
The others were just relaxing at the sight as they all made comments on how beautiful and great the sight was from where they were standing.
"And the water, too...!" Max commented, seeing how clear and blue the ocean water looked.
"It's so peaceful. No one else is around!" Brock pointed out, as May took a gulp of air before exhaling it with a content smile.
"The fresh air out here is amazing!" May commented, causing Pikachu and Minato's Torchic to let out their cries of agreement as they too felt the pleasure from the fresh air that they felt.
"Couldn't be better! The seas are in a good mood today and so I am, too! A perfect day to be out on a boat, huh?" Mr. Briney chuckled with Peeko giving chirps of agreement as the group continued to enjoy the ride.
But while the others were into the boat ride, Minato was still thinking back when he had let the Team Aqua Grunt get away after he and the others tried to chase him down with Mr. Briney's boat.
But thanks to the rocks that made it hard for the chase to continue, the Grunt had gotten away for the second time, the first being when he had escaped from the Devon Corps to steal something from the company.
Luckily, nothing was stolen so the Grunt had to leave empty-handed. But that didn't stop Minato from trying to make chase, only to end up as the loser as he had lost the Grunt again when he had escaped thanks to the organization's submarine.
"If only I was stronger... or if only I had gotten him back when he tried to escape back then... I could've inquired him further about the incident that his organization caused at Littleroot Town..." Minato thought bitterly.
"Minato..."
Korra's voice snapped him out as he looked to see his friend gazing at him with a concerned look.
"Are you still thinking back to when that Team Aqua member had escaped us?" Korra asked, earning a surprised look from Minato before his face turned bitter as he let out a sigh.
"Yeah... I couldn't believe I had let him get away twice when there were chances for me to take him down and question him about his organization..." Minato explained bitterly, feeling annoyed with himself.
"You can't blame yourself for that. That member was quite crafty and sneaky too... But we should be glad that things went out okay as Peeko didn't get taken away, and... we're on our way to continue to head for Dewford Island." Korra explained softly.
Her words began to ring into the former lonely boy's mind, as if a bell had rung to soften his mind and to clear away all the negative thoughts that were popping up in his mind.
"...Yeah. Thanks..." Minato spoke, earning a smile from the girl as Ash turned to the old sailor for the time that was needed to reach their destination.
"How much longer until Dewford Island?" Ash asked, causing the old sailor to think before he explained of how much time it would require to reach the island.
"Not long. If we keep up this speed, we'll easily be there by tonight." Mr. Briney assured, earning a smile from the Kanto Trainer.
"Okay, thanks!" Ash thanked before he turned to his Electric Type partner.
"Hear that, Pikachu? We should be able to battle by tomorrow!" Ash assured, causing the Mouse Pokémon to let out a content "Pika" to show how excited he was when they reached their destination.
May then took out her two Pokéballs, recalling that they weren't the only ones that should be enjoying the boat ride.
"I almost forgot! Torchic, Wurmple! Come on out!" May called out as her two Pokémon appeared together on the boat's deck, allowing the others to realize what the Petalburg girl was trying to do as May explained it to them indirectly.
"You guys shouldn't miss out on the fun! This way, we can all enjoy the boat ride!" May reminded, allowing the others to take out their Pokéballs.
"You're right, May!"
"What a great idea!" Ash and Brock took out their Pokéballs so that their Pokémon friends can enjoy the boat ride as well.
Minato and Korra smiled together before they did the same as they all sent their Pokémon out to enjoy the sea breeze and the ride that would take them to their next destination.
"Here we go! Come on out!"
"Alright, Forretress! Lotad! Come out!"
"Enjoy the boat ride, guys! Let's go!"
"All of you, come on out."
The Treecko duo, Taillow, Lotad, Zigzagoon, Swablu, the two Poochyena, Forretress, Houndour, and Bagon all came out, greeting their Trainers and friends the moment they were all sent out.
"Let's relax and have some fun before they get there!" Ash called out, earning approved cries from their Pokémon friends.
As Minato watched, he looked to see Korra smiling at her Pokémon agreeing to relax before they arrived at Dewford Island, causing the former lonely boy to slowly regain his smile before he realized the point of the relaxation.
"I guess... maybe some relaxing won't hurt. No good in getting too much stressed over what had happened yesterday..." Minato thought as he turned back to the seas to enjoy the breeze and the air that the ocean had to give.
[Opening] Pokémon AG: Advance Adventure Opening (English Subbed)
(Minato, Ash and Pikachu all watch the sunrise together, as the two boys smiled)
Full of courage, full of energy
(Ash summons Treecko, Minato summons Mudkip)
So interesting, so triumphant
(The two boys with their two Pokémon were ready to fight, facing Vigoroth and Pelliper)
With the PokéNav, we're ready to go!
(The four Pokémon charges at each other, Treecko defeats Vigoroth, Mudkip defeats Pelliper)
Sure of win if I go first, unpreparedness is one's worst enemy
(Ash and Minato sends Pikachu and Torchic out, facing Mightyena and Houndoom)
(Pikachu and Torchic were bashed away by the two, before they used Thunderbolt and Flamethrower to defeat them)
Willingness, mutual understanding
(An explosion occurs as both Mightyena and Houndoom were defeated)
Far away, beyond the sea
(May smiles as she turns; Torchic and Beautifly runs along)
(Brock tastes his stew; Mudkip and Lotad splashes out of the lake)
(Korra grooms Poochyena, with Houndour at her side)
The setting sun in Lilycove City
(Max holds the PokéNav, as he, Ash, Minato, Korra, May, and Brock see Lilycove City in the sunset)
A Double Battle burns tomorrow
(The group runs from the collapsing bridge as lava flows into the ocean)
Advancing faster with Mach Bike!
(Shadows of Team Magma and Groudon appears)
(Shadows of Team Aqua and Kyogre appears)
I want to be excited
(Minato opens his eyes to see his five friends smiling at him above as he smiles back)
(The group rides on the raft, seeing Water Type Pokémon; The group witnesses forest Pokémon)
Our dreams won't sleep
(The group were walking in a dark cave)
In a new town, flourishing friends
We'll search for them
(In a battlefield, Ash faces Minato as the two sees Latios and Latias flying above them)
(An Absol leaps into the air, unleashing double Razor Wind attacks)
Full of courage, full of energy
So interesting, so triumphant!
(Ash, Minato, Korra, May, Brock, and Max stand together with Ash's Pikachu and Treecko, Minato's Torchic, May's Torchic, and Brock's Mudkip)
(The Japanese opening title shows)
[Opening ends]
May's Wurmple was enjoying a can of Pokémon food that was placed in front of her as she hastily munched onto it, and enjoyed the taste of it. And right after that, it fell asleep to have a little nap after a good meal.
The Treecko duo watched the seas together while the Poochyena duo and Forretress relaxed together on the deck with Zigzagoon.
As for Lotad, he shot out a little Water Gun to sprinkle some water to give Pikachu and the Torchic duo some fun! But while Pikachu and Minato's Torchic seemed to be okay with it, May's Torchic was a different story.
The little Fire Type warbled in complaint, not liking the water that she was being sprayed with.
Swablu and Taillow flew with Peeko to enjoy having a little exercise in the air. While their Pokémon were doing their own activities of relaxation, May and Max watched the seas before the older sister stretched for a bit.
"The sun feels so great...!" commented May before an idea came to her little brother's mind.
"I know...! What do you think about going swimming with me?" Max offered, much to his sister's content as she was immediately into the idea of some fun in the water.
"Okay!" May exclaimed before Mr. Briney suggested a place where a swim would be nice.
"If you kids want to cool off with a swim, then I know just the place!" Mr. Briney offered, making the siblings interested before Ash frowned, trying to get them all back on board on reaching Dewford Island.
"Aw, come on. We can't get sidetracked! If we waste time with swimming and stuff, we'll be too late with our Gym Battle at Dewford! Right, Pikachu?" Ash protested before he noticed to see his team all relaxing to listen.
The Kanto Trainer tensed at the sight before turning to the former lonely boy.
"What do you say, Minato?" Ash asked, only to get a shrug from his Hoenn friend.
"I don't really have an opinion... but... Although I want to get to Dewford to win my second Badge, I don't want to spend all my time worrying about the battles, as we had some trouble before yesterday." Minato explained.
That caught Ash off guard as the former lonely boy continued on.
"After what happened yesterday, I just want to take my mind off of it and take it easy for a bit before we reach the island... as much as I want to go there as soon as we can..." Minato explained, as he scratched the back of his head.
"...I guess that means you're into swimming, too?" Ash asked, earning another shrug from the former lonely boy.
"Well, take a look at Pikachu and the others, Ash. They deserve some down time too..." Korra reminded, with Brock agreeing.
"You know... I think both Minato and Korra could be onto something here..." Brock agreed, much to the Kanto Trainer's disappointment as he tried to bring up an argument, only to come up with "Yeah, but..."
"It's probably for the best! You and Minato just won your battles at Rustboro City! And being the great Trainer that the two of you are, you shouldn't have to push yourselves so hard, like how Minato is!" Max explained.
The group recalled of how hard Ash and Minato have fought when they battled against Roxanne, despite of Roxanne having the type advantage as Ash fought with Pikachu to win against both Geodude and Nosepass.
Minato on the other hand, had to use Torchic to fight Nosepass despite of the disadvantage the Fire Type had against the Rock Type.
Brock, May, and Korra nodded together in agreement with what the Petalburg boy was saying while Minato just watched his Pokémon relax, causing the Kanto Trainer to slowly submit to the idea of relaxing.
"Well... I suppose..."
"It'll take more than a little swimming to stop you from becoming a Pokémon Master!" Max added, causing Ash to slowly jump into the idea of swimming for the day and continuing the trip tomorrow.
"I guess you're right... Haha... One little swim sounds okay." Ash agreed, causing May and Max to cheer together.
"Hooray!"
But deep down, Max smirked to himself, feeling the success of convincing Ash to drop the plans for his Gym Battle temporarily.
"My plan worked perfectly...!" Max thought to himself, as Minato noticed the look the Petalburg boy had on his face. Yet, he remained silent, as he turned back to watching his Pokémon friends relax in the boat.
"Sounds like it's been decided, then! Preparing to change course! Hard to port!" Mr. Briney called out as he steered the boat to head to another island to stop for the day as everyone started to get a little excited for some relaxation.
As everyone waited for the island to be seen, all of the Pokémon were resting too until the old sailor noticed an island coming up from not too far.
"It's coming into view!" Mr. Briney's voice woke both Pikachu and Minato's Torchic up as the two walked over to their Trainer as the Electric Type got onto Ash's shoulder while Torchic chirped to get the former lonely boy's attention.
Minato looked down before taking the little Fire Type in his arms as he let Torchic see what they were heading for.
"Hey, did you have a good nap? Look! We're gonna take a break and go swimming on that island." Ash pointed out, pointing to where there was an island that seemed rather large for some exploring, and even a campout if the group needed to.
"That'll be fun... right, pal?"
"Pikachu!" Ash questioned his Electric Type partner, which Pikachu quickly agreed on. Torchic chirped in amazement from how big it looked as Minato smiled, as he began to feel rather... excited for what might occur once they arrive there.
But what he and the others were oblivious about was that today was going to be anything but fun.
No one noticed a shadow in the water following after them before it sunk deeper into the water, as if it was planning something regarding to the ones that were heading towards the island.
As for the group, they were getting closer to the island as Korra smiled at the sight of it.
"It looks so peaceful... it must be some sort of secret location..." Korra guessed as Brock took out a guidebook that would tell him about the island.
"It's a kind of place where pirates would want to come here and bury all of their treasures in the sand!" Max exclaimed, before Brock turned to the old sailor to know the name of their current destination.
"Excuse me? What's the name of this island that we're heading towards?" Brock questioned, allowing Mr. Briney to explain.
"This island has no name and you won't find it on any map. I found it by chance long ago when I was just a young sailor out on my own for the first time. I sneak out here every now and again just for fun! But would you believe that when I'm not at sea, I forget about this place entirely!" Mr. Briney explained with a chuckle.
"Ta-da!"
Everyone turned to see Max coming out with her new swimsuit, one that seemed new and different to the others as Max was the first to question his sister.
"Hey! Where did you get that swimsuit, May?" Max asked, causing the Petalburg girl to explain with a proud smile.
"I bought it at Rustboro City because I'm planning better than you guys!" May giggled before she got onto the edge of the boat to get ready to dive in.
"Guess I'll go in first!" May called out before she dove into the water before she quickly surfaced, feeling the coolness of the ocean water as she called out to the others to join in and have some swim.
"Come on in, you guys!" May called as Max smirked, having already changed into his swim trunks before he was ready to jump in.
"Coming through!" Max called as he jumped into the water while holding his breath. And by the time he surfaced, the brother and sister were splashing each other with water, as they laughed together, enjoying their swim.
"They look like they're having fun over there..." Minato commented as Torchic watched while in his arms.
The Fire Type was tempted to join in, but shook his head, remembering that he was a Fire Type and he wouldn't be comfortable in the water no matter how much fun it looked to his eyes.
"Why don't we go in? We can't let them have all the fun." Korra suggested, earning nods from the guys.
"Sounds good..." Minato spoke, as it had been a while since he took a swim. The last time he had taken a dip was back when they had learned about the berries from the three sisters, which was the same day Brock caught Lotad.
"So who's up for going swimming?" Ash asked, turning to their Pokémon friends. Some were agreeing, but the two Torchic and Houndour shook their heads, signaling that they didn't want to get wet.
"Oh, Torchic..." Ash chuckled, while Brock gave a sheepish smile.
"Being a Fire Pokémon... I guess it wants to stay in the boat." Brock chuckled, before May and Max let out screams of fright, alarming the others!
As they rushed over, they all gasped as did the old sailor and Peeko, as both May and Max were surrounded by a group of shark-like Pokémon that looked intimidating and angry!
"Ah! Sharpedo!? Where did they come from!?" Mr. Briney exclaimed in shock while Peeko chirped in surprise.
"HELP! Mr. Briney!" The siblings wailed as the old sailor quickly got into action by calling for his flying friend.
"Go, Peeko!" Mr. Briney called out as the Wingull flew over to save the two as the old sailor called to the two to hold onto his friend.
"Stay calm and each grab ahold of Peeko's legs!" Mr. Briney called out as they did so. And with the two of them weighing it down, Peeko found it difficult to fly properly as it struggled to fly up high!
But as Peeko struggled to do the best that it could, the Sharpedo all lunged at the two siblings, causing them to yell and scream in fear for what might happen if they get caught by one of them.
"Taillow, help them out!"
"Swablu, give them a hand!"
With the boys' orders, the two Flying Types swooped down to lend their assistance to the siblings and to Peeko as they both struck the Sharpedo diving up to try and attack the siblings and Peeko!
But while the Flying Types were doing their best, they failed to stop one of the Sharpedo from diving up and scraping Max's legs, causing him to scream out in pain!
"AHHH!" Max screamed as he felt tears welling up in his eyes from the pain that he felt from the attack that Sharpedo has done to his legs.
"Be careful! Sharpedo has a unique trait they could use called Rough Skin!" Mr. Briney warned, causing the Petalburg boy to smile weakly while wincing, realizing that he experienced how Rough Skin felt now.
"O-Oh... So this is Sharpedo's Rough Skin, huh...? It kinda feels like sandpaper and works pretty good... Hurts... Ugh..." Max grunted, wincing in pain as he tried his best not to cry out anymore.
"Alright, Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted out as Pikachu did so, stunning the Sharpedo group with the super effective attack!
"Okay! Hurry, you three!" Korra called as Taillow and Swablu helped Peeko get the two back onto the boat, which they did. And by the time they got back, the two siblings were breathing heavily from the big event that they were forced to go through.
"That was close..." Max panted as the others came over to check on them as the old sailor called to them.
"Are you two gonna be okay?" Mr. Briney asked with Peeko chirping out its concern, too.
"Sure... Anyone else up for a swim- HUH!?" May started weakly before she looked down to see her new swimsuit damaged, possibly from the Rough Skin ability or the lunges that the Sharpedo group tried to make at her!
Fuming with anger, the Petalburg girl snapped at the Sharpedo group for ruining her new swimsuit.
"Hey, you! This swimsuit was very new and very expensive! How dare you put a rip in it-"
But before she could finish snapping at them, one of the Sharpedo glared and jumped up, scaring the life out of the Petalburg girl as she flailed her arms in shock before running off to get away.
Brock checked on Max, who frowned at the little scratches that were on his legs and a little on his swim trunks.
"It's still kinda tingly..." Max commented, as Brock inspected it for a bit before speaking.
"You know, when a Sharpedo uses Rough Skin in a battle, it can be pretty damaging to most opponents that attack it, so it looks like you just might've gotten off easy at this case." Brock explained, causing Minato to narrow his eyes.
"Well, at least it's better than getting permanent scars..." Minato commented before he scanned the group with his Pokédex.
"Sharpedo, the Brutal Pokémon. Sharpedo can shoot out a jet of water, allowing it to swim at 80 miles per hour. Due to their sharp fangs, they're highly feared and known as 'The Gangs of the Sea'." Minato's Pokédex explained.
"Since the Sharpedo have come here, I think we should get going- Whoa!?"
Before the old sailor could finish speaking, the boat began to rock back and forth! The group and their Pokémon friends yelled in surprise as they took notice of the Sharpedo attacking the boat this time!
The big one with the scars on its fin called out to its comrades, causing the entire group to start attacking to topple down the big Wingull boat!
"Hold onto something, Ash! Minato!" Brock called out as the former lonely boy glared at the group before calling out to Torchic while Ash did the same for Pikachu!
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt again!"
"Torchic, stun them with Fire Spin!"
The two starters jumped up and attacked together, causing the flames to stun the Sharpedo before the Thunderbolt paralyzed them all from moving, giving Mr. Briney the chance that they needed to move the boat!
"Great! Let's move!"
With that said, the group managed to reach the island shores in time, as the Sharpedo couldn't follow them once they got onto the land.
That night...
After the troubling day they had because of the Gangs of the Sea, the group decided to have a peaceful supper together with their Pokémon friends enjoying the Pokémon food that Brock has made for them.
"Superb! This food tastes like it's come from some of the top restaurants I've been through in my sailing adventures!" Mr. Briney praised, causing the Kanto Trainer to smile, knowing how right that was.
"Yeah! Brock's the best when it comes to cooking!" Ash explained with a smile, as all of the group's Pokémon friends agreed as they made their cries to agree, earning a smile from the Kanto Breeder.
"Glad you all like it! So, eat up! There's plenty to go around! And... if anyone wants to drink some tea, I've preferred a special herbal bland!" Brock explained, taking out some sort of a teapot to show that there was tea for everyone to have.
For May, she was having some sliced fruits with Korra as the girls marveled at the sweet taste of the sliced fruits.
"This fruit is my favorite! It's so good!" May complimented, causing Max to smirk proudly.
"You know why? 'Cause it was me who picked it off the tree!" Max declared as Minato raised a brow at the younger brother.
"Didn't you had Brock help you out with the fruits picking?" Minato asked, causing the Petalburg boy to give a sheepish smile as the Kanto Trainer looked at the old sailor.
"I never thought that camping out on a deserted island could be so much fun!" Ash commented, earning a smile from the old sailor before he frowned, looking back at the Sharpedo group that was still near the island as they were swimming around the water.
"It'd be more fun... if it wasn't for them." Mr. Briney spoke, causing everyone to look to see the fins of the Sharpedo, only to see that there were few, not many of them around.
"Looks like they're just waiting to see if we'll come back out... They must be the lookouts." Korra commented as the former lonely boy narrowed his eyes.
"Is this island water a part of their territory or something? I'm sure they have a reason as to why they attacked us all of a sudden..." Minato questioned with narrowed eyes, causing the old sailor to explain.
"Perhaps... as for the others, they must be resting someplace not far from here..." Mr. Briney responded, leaving the Kanto Trainer to be impressed.
"Whoa... Sharpedo look like they're smart Pokémon..." Ash complimented, with Brock agreeing.
"They are... But there was something unusual about how those Sharpedo were behaving..." Brock commented, catching the others' attention as the Kanto Trainer was the first to express his curiosity of what Brock said.
"Like what?" Ash asked, causing the Kanto Breeder to explain.
"Well, Sharpedo usually operate pretty independently... I've never heard of them forming schools like that before!" Brock explained, causing the others to be concerned by the facts.
"Yes, I thought that was strange as well! And judging from what we saw this afternoon, it almost feels like the Sharpedo are working together to trap us!" Mr. Briney hypothesized, causing Minato to look back.
"So they're supposed to be acting independently, yet they're acting like a school to trap us? But what did we ever do to them?" Minato thought as he narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Well, I have to get off this island to buy a new swimsuit!" May snapped, still miffed for what they did against her new swimsuit.
"Hey, all it's gonna take is a Pokémon battle with them-"
"Against the whole school? That's not smart. Don't forget about their Rough Skin ability, Ash." Korra reminded, stopping him from saying anything further. Ash could only sigh in disappointment, realizing that Korra was right.
"There might be a way to stop them from trapping us..." Minato started, catching everyone's attention.
"The big one with the scars on its fin... I can only guess that one was the leader, as it was giving the other Sharpedo orders to attack us so they could knock us over. Am I wrong?" Minato explained seriously.
"No, you're right. That one was bigger than the others, so if we could beat it in a one on one battle, I think the others might starting orders from us instead." Brock explained, causing the others to be supportive of the idea.
"That's a good theory, Brock... and I believe it's got to be worth us giving it a shot." Mr. Briney agreed, with Minato and Korra nodding together.
"Better than doing nothing..."
"Yeah..."
The former lonely boy looked back at the Sharpedo that were acting as lookouts as he narrowed his eyes before remembering the bitter feelings as someone from the incident at Littleroot Town five years ago had a Sharpedo... just like the ones that had attacked him and his friends somehow.
But he knew one thing...
"The Pokémon isn't to blame..." Minato whispered, catching Korra's attention.
"What was that, Minato?" Korra asked, only to get a shaking head from the boy.
"It's nothing..." responded Minato, leaving the girl to be curious and puzzled, yet she didn't question her friend to bother him.
To be continued...
Minato's Team:
Torchic: (M): (Fire Spin, Peck, Focus Energy, Quick Attack)
Poochyena: (M): (Bite, Tackle, Howl, Dig)
Zigzagoon: (M): (Iron Tail, Hidden Power, Sand-Attack, Headbutt)
Treecko: (M): (Dig, Quick Attack, Absorb, Pound)
Swablu: (F): (Peck, Sing, Safeguard, Fury Attack)
Next Chapters:
Chapter 38: Cure the Poison! Save Sharpedo!
Chapter 39: Ride the Waves, Dude! The Dewford Gym!
Chapter 40: A Rift by Recklessness! Minato VS Ash!
Chapter 41: A Meeting Between Two New Friends
Chapter 42: A Battle to Make You Smile!
Next chapter preview:
Minato: As long as those Sharpedo are around, we won't be able to move and continue our way to Dewford Island... Should we strike the leader?
Max: That sounds like a good idea, but look! That Sharpedo looks like it's already weakened from just one attack from both Swablu and Lotad!
Brock: It must be poisoned... Looks like the poison it was inflicted with is just starting to take effect now...
Minato: Now that I think about it... I don't know why, but... I get the weird feeling that Sharpedo isn't as bad as we think of it right now.
Ash: How come? You saw it call its friends and attack us, right? I mean, what makes you think it's not that bad...?
Minato: I don't know how to explain it. I just know it... It's just a strange feeling I have for the big guy here.
Events that occurred:
- The group and Mr. Briney encounters a school of Sharpedo
