Once again, thanks for sticking with us! We have a quick announcement for the story; with real life obligations and needs for breaks considered, the story will soon go on a short hiatus. Likely after chapter 68 or 69, we won't be updating for around a month. We can assure you, though, the story will go on! We have plenty planned in store for anyone who's stuck around this long, so bear with us, please!
And check out our another-rxad tumblr, for some brand new art with the story's updated cast!
The straps of his backpack were held tightly in his gloved hands, squeezed in an attempt to mask the pounding of his heart in his chest. Ash's eyes flicked around the room, feeling modest relief when he properly identified the two sitting on the couch as his oldest friends.
"...Oh! Misty, Brock! Good to see you guys, ahahaha!" A very forced show of joy cloaked his reflexive fears, hopefully. His eyes scanned the room again before landing on Delia. "There aren't any more guests, right?"
Dawn frowned, brushing one of her bangs away from her face. He was still acting nervous.
"I can promise that they are," Delia assured, forcing her own smile a bit. "It's just us, dear!"
Ash exhaled, flooded with relief, and Pikachu did the same, loosening his grip on Ash's jacket. "Good stuff… Alright, then! Good to see you guys!" Ash chimed, not quite realizing he was repeating himself as he plopped down on the couch between his mother and Brock with a grin. "What a surprise!"
"You sure caught us off-guard!" Dawn chirped, taking a seat in the armchair opposite Misty. Empoleon leaned on the furniture piece.
"Pikachu-pi~!" Pikachu was predictably quick to pounce into Misty's arms burying his face in her neck. His troubles were quickly forgotten!
Silent, Brock and Misty exchanged a glance. The former huffed, laying a sure hand down on his best friend's shoulder. "You don't have to put on a show around us, Ash. We heard everything."
Ash crossed his arms and legs, turning his eyes towards the ground. "You know, then, huh?"
"You're not exactly hard to read," Misty added. The playfulness in her voice quickly disappeared, her tone becoming gentle, handling the situation with care like a fresh wound to be mended. "But, we're really proud of you and Pikachu for toughing it out." A hand reached to stroke the back Pikachu's head, cradling him in the redhead's lap.
Truthfully, the urge had burned in her gut to snap on them for getting themselves into such terrible danger. But, she'd been sure to get out every "stupid, reckless idiot" before they'd arrived.
"I don't think a whole lot of people can say they're that strong."
"But, even you guys have your limits," Brock added. "So, I'll be monitoring Pikachu for a bit, to help with any possible symptoms. You never know what traumatic situations can do to a Pokémon, or a person."
"I'm no good with all that smart stuff," Misty winked. "But, you can count on me for muscle!"
A clap of Delia's hands quickly grabbed Ash's and Pikachu's attention. "And, that's why your darling friends want to stay with you, Ash, to support you, up through the league!"
"Seriously!?" Ash leaned forward, hands grasping his knees. He was pretty sure his jaw had dropped! "You guys would really do that!?"
The warm, fuzzy feeling in his heart was quickly subdued by reality. "But, hold on. Can you guys really do that? I know you've got the gym to watch, Misty, and Brock, you told me that medical school's kickin' your butt. How're you gonna be away that long?"
"Well, I had a stern talk with Daisy, so she's acting as Gym Leader right now; under my strict guidelines." Mew forbid she started handing out badges again.
"And, school's actually out for the semester!" Brock added. "I'm postponing my search for inter-semester work at Pokémon centers, for now. If I'm going to help anyone in need, it's going to be my best bud."
"What kind of friends would we be if we didn't, right?" Misty winked.
"You guys…" Ash swallowed heavily, clenching a fist tight. He was nearly moved to tears!
"Hey," Brock clapped a hand on his shoulder once again, looking to lighten the mood. "I just remembered! We ought to congratulate both of you! We heard that you won all of your Gym Battles, Ash. Won them for real this time, huh?" Ash was treated to a playful nudge of Brock's elbow.
"Yeah, yeah. They're all legit!" Ash protested.
Brock laughed, turning his attention to the coordinator. "And, Dawn! You won the Wallace Cup again? I saw it in the paper a week or two ago! Talk about a winning streak!"
"It wasn't easy," Dawn assured. "There was some stiff competition. But, I made sure my team really shined!"
"A water themed contest…. I would've killed to see that in person!" Misty clasped her hands together. "It must've been amazing… But, even that's a walk in the park compared to your other victory!"
"Other victory?" Dawn echoed, tilting her head.
"C'mon, don't play dumb," Brock teased, throwing an arm around Ash to ruffle his hair under his hat. "You and Ash, over here. My man's finally growing up!" The eldest friend was sniffing back tears!
"The two of us?" Ash and Dawn spoke in unison, exchanging a glance. Their faces flushed upon reaching an epiphany at once.
Delia giggled. "You didn't think I'd leave that out, did you, honey?
"Like I was saying, getting through Ash's thick skull is a first! You should be proud."
Ash huffed, opening his mouth to argue. But, she wasn't entirely wrong. "Hmph."
"Well, it definitely wasn't easy! He's a charmer, but you have to drag it out of him. I should've gotten a ribbon for even getting him to say he liked me back."
"Let's not even go there," Ash protested. Mentally pleading she wouldn't repeat his words.
"I knew it all along! It was only a matter of time," Brock boasted.
Insulted, Ash scooted away from Brock, giving him a dirty look. "A little advice would've been nice!"
"I'm with Ash," Dawn pouted. "You know I wasn't much better when we traveled together, either."
The imagery made Misty laugh, forcing Pikachu to make room for her to clutch her gut. "I find it hard to imagine that you were just as dense as Ash, aha!"
Dawn had engaged in full-pout at this point. "Hey, at least I made a move."
"Mhm. I'm proud of you too, Dawn." Brock assured, and joy was quickly sapped away. Another thought had dawned on him, and he sulked. "Wait a sec…. That means that Ash got a girlfriend before me!"
Once again smug, Ash threw an arm around his eldest friend's shoulder. "I'll be nice enough to give you some pointers, Brocko!"
Delia tilted her head, sighing comfortable and contentedly. The atmosphere was much more relaxed. This did exactly what Delia hoped it would do. So, she spoke up. "Hey, kids, why don't you head down to the beach south of town to relax a little? I need to get everyone's beds ready. I'll pack you some sandwiches for lunch so you can celebrate in style."
Ash considered the option, not initially eager. "Hm… Alright," he finally agreed.
Misty jumped up, eager to see the ocean. "Yes! Don't worry about the league, me and Brock'll whip you into shape to make sure you're ready!"
The mother giggled. "Right, right. Well, you kids get changed. Don't forget to bring cover ups! It'll be awkward walking through town without them." With that, she got up, heading into the kitchen to prepare their picnic.
Brock nodded and got up as well. "C'mon, Ash. Why don't you and I get changed in your room? The girls can have the bathroom."
"'Kay," Ash said with a shrug of his shoulders.
Pikachu bounded out of Misty's grasp and onto the now open couch, patting it for Empoleon to sit on with him. He grabbed the remote, switching it to a channel specifically designed for Pokémon to watch. Hearing the channel turn on, Mr. Mime entered the room as well.
Dawn and Misty, meanwhile, had gotten their bags, heading into the bathroom.
"I'll change behind the shower curtain," Misty offered as the two stepped into the tiled room.
"Thanks!" Now, they'd both have their privacy, Dawn realized.
It was quiet in the bathroom, though both girls could hear Ash and Brock yelling about something or other a room over. It was too quiet, in fact. So, Misty spoke up.
"Hey, what's bothering you? You haven't said two peeps since you got here. You alright?"
The response from Dawn was automatic. "No need to worry!"
"Aw, will you cut that crap?!" The gym leader stomped her foot within the shower, tempted to glare at Dawn but leaving the curtain well enough alone.
There was a pause, and then Dawn spoke. "... I feel bad, alright? I couldn't keep my promise to you, the one about keeping Ash safe…"
The mood grew tense and Misty chewed her lip. "I'm not gonna lie, Dawn, that worried me. But, I can't blame you. Keeping Ash out of trouble is pretty much impossible. But, thanks to you, he's here and he's safe. You did everything you could."
Smiling in the mirror as she fixed her hair, Dawn sighed in relief. "Thanks, Misty. I'm dressed, by the way!"
"Cool. I was wondering how long I was going to have to stand in th-"
As she stepped out of the shower, both girls looked over each other, a deadpan expression on each face.
"What the hell is that?" Misty snapped.
The coordinator looked down at her frilly tankini, plucking at the straps of it. "It's my swimsuit."
"It's gonna create drag!" Misty insisted.
Furrowing her brows, Dawn pointed at Misty's swimsuit. "Well, what are you wearing?!"
"It's a one piece! Good for swimming! Efficiently!"
Dawn shook her head, confused. "We're going to the beach!"
Misty threw her hands up. "We're gonna swim!"
Both girls ended up just walking out of the room, letting the subject drop. Still, they couldn't help but think the other's handle on form and function was extreme and the opposite of their own taste.
Kanto's early afternoon sun shone down on the snug, cozy shore that bordered the region's southern seas. The light only reached so far, however, obstructed in part by rocky outcrops that bordered the sand and surf. A tall, grassy hill overlooked the beach, pecked at by Spearow, who settled for seeds and grubs while they scouted for seafood along the shore. A Tangela hung in the bushes quietly, content to avoid being bullied by the pesky flying types.
Those happenings went unknown by Ash and his friends below, who had just settled into the secluded, but comfy enough seaside shore. Misty lounged out of the shade, laying out on a towel to soak in the sun. A pair of shades protected her eyes, but she'd long since abandoned her swim cover. Her one-piece and a cool, refreshing can of pop at her side were enough.
Dawn sat cross-legged under an umbrella, applying SPPF-50 absently to her arms as she flipped through the latest issue of her favored contest magazine. "A full page in Coordinator's Monthly…! I've really made it big, huh?" She put her application on halt, eyes glued to the page that referenced the Wallace Cup.
When she received no answer, she displayed a puffed-up pout. Everyone was too busy minding their own business, right now. She'd boast about it later. At least she knew she was all that.
Brock laid along his own towel closer to the waters, content to watch the tide lazily carry pebbles and shells up and down the shore. He smiled wide, inhaling the salty sea breeze. After months of rigorous studying, he was pretty sure this was the lowest his blood pressure had been in a while. His mind hadn't even drifted to the disappointing absence of beautiful women on the beach!
Okay, he thought of it once, but only once. That was progress.
"C'mon… Stay up already, won't ya? Ash ordered, brows knit as he suspiciously eyed the half of a sand castle he'd assembled closer to the tide. But, one of the towers just wouldn't take shape, no matter how hard he tried! Once again, sand slipped through his fingers, and he dragged an open palm along his forehead. Something he regretted when he had to blink sand out of his eye.
"Dammit."
"Pikapi!"
"Huh? Pikachu?" Ash turned to the call of his favored nickname. Joy returned to his features. "He-hey!" Look what the cavalry brought in!"
Pikachu made a stubborn, steady stride towards his trainer, balancing a small, but loaded sand shovel in his grip, packed with very wet sand. "Pika! Pikachu!"
"Hey, good thinking! That'll be much better for holding things together!" The trainer gratefully took the small shovel, handily slapping the packed sand onto the tower that continued to mock him.
"Pi-Pika!" Of course, Ash knew not to doubt him! He stood up on his tiptoes, firmly patting the substance into a rectangular shape. "Chu~!"
"You got it! That one was all thanks to you, so let's call it… 'The Pika-power Pika Tower!'"
"Pi-Pikachu!" The electric mouse cheered, proudly flashing a victory sign… Before swiftly shaking the seawater out of his fur.
"Hey, c'mon! I was gonna go in, myself, but I didn't wanna get wet just yet," Ash complained, guarding himself with his arm from the spray. "So much for that…"
Oblivious to Ash's plight, Misty sat up, lifting her shades. "Wow, Dawn. The Pokémon are really scarfing down the Poffins you made before you left!" She eyed the gathering of Empoleon, Marill, Rosa, and Marshtomp, who were chowing down on their treat. Toxicroak, an enigma as usual, sat alone atop the grassy hill overlooking them. "I guess it was worth the fifteen minute wait!"
"Thanks, Misty!" Dawn quickly piped up. Well, that was some form of recognition. "A good coordinator's got to have a good recipe to let their pokemon shine! I'm just glad it's a hit!"
"It's an incredible talent!" Misty insisted, quickly turning her sights on Ash. "You got lucky, Ketchum! Finding someone who can handle filling your bottomless stomach!"
"Well, not everyone's a deadly chef like you, Misty," Ash quipped with a malicious grin.
Misty scoffed, resting her hands on her hips. "Yeah, well, I never saw you cook anything great either!"
"Neither of you two should be talking," Brock butted in with a snide smile. "...since I fed both of you the entire time we traveled together!"
Ash and Misty quietly went quiet.
"I see you looking smug, Dawn," Brock called the smirking bluenette out. "You didn't know any of that when you started hanging around us, either."
"Oh, yeah!?" Dawn huffed, brows furrowed. "Well…"
"Yeah, yeah. Mr. Mom would know, with your aprons and all." Ash quickly butted in.
"It's practical!"
"Then, why wouldn't you just wear a white apron? I never really thought pink was your color." Misty winked.
"It's stylish, as well!" Brock crossed his arms, indignant.
Ash's face scrunched at that notion.
"I don't wanna hear a word from you; Mr. Mom-still-picks-out-my-clothes."
That was the straw that broke the camera's back, and left Misty on her back, hollering with laughter, and left Ash glaring daggers.
Dawn couldn't help but laugh along, holding her gut for a bit more than a moment. As funny as this was, though, she quickly quieted, shrinking into her magazine. 'I'm a bit out of the loop here, huh…' Her eyes flicked to Empoleon, who was furiously digging a hole in the sand, with Rosa's help. She dropped her magazine to approach the pokemon. "You guys're sure working hard! What're you going to do with that, anyway?"
"Empol!" The Emperor Pokemon squawked. He was obviously going to hop in the hole to cool down!
Rosa nodded. The sand actually felt pretty good under her paws when it was wet and she liked playing with it. It was stimulating but not overwhelming. ~It's a little hot today! Iron Island was cooler!~
Thinking about how young Rosa was, Dawn blinked. "Oh… That's right, you've never seen summer before." Dawn grimaced. "You and Empoleon are gonna hang out a lot in the ice, then…"
Misty walked over, looking down with Dawn at the duo. She cooed in pleasure, taking in Empoleon's large, impressive form. "Now, that's a pretty water type if I've ever seen one! He's grown a ton since you were at my gym! I was so focused on Ash earlier I guess I missed him."
Empoleon, basking in Misty's praise, posed, a metallic flipper catching a glint of sunlight. His golden crown, likewise, seemed to gleam.
"Aw, look, he's posing for me!" Misty cried out.
Meanwhile, Brock, having pushed Ash in the middle of horse playing in ankle deep surf, walked over while the trainer was trying to reorient himself. Said raven haired boy was on his hands and knees in the water while Brock headed over to the girls.
"What's goin' on over here? Oh! Yeah. Empoleon's looking good. Congrats on evolving!"
Ash came up, straggling behind Brock as he tried wiping his hands on his shirt. "How am I gonna eat with wet hands?!" Ash whined.
"Oh, speaking of that, let's eat! No need to let Delia's sandwiches go to waste!" Misty enthusiastically replied.
Ash's heart sank. "You're gonna eat my mom's sandwiches in front of me?!"
"Aw, c'mon, Ash, it can't be that bad," Dawn insisted. "It'll just be a little salty!"
"Yeah. Salt's good for ya, if it's just a bit!"
Shoving his fists into his swim trunk pockets, Ash grumbled as he followed his friends over to the picnic basket. He sat quietly while Brock passed out the sandwiches. Begrudgingly, he bit into the sandwich. However, he found to his curious delight that the salt was good. Better than normal salt, actually.
"Hey, this ain't too bad! Sea salt, right?" The boy tore into the rest of his sandwich, devouring it quickly. "I'm only eatin' sea salt from now on!"
He licked his lips and grabbed a bucket before heading out to the water.
Dawn, raising a brow, swallowed before speaking. "Ash, what are you doing?"
"I'm collecting sea salt!"
"Is… that a good idea?"
Misty interrupted, gesturing to herself. "Sea salt is extremely good for you! It's why my skin's so pretty!"
Dawn and Brock caught each other's eye, noses scrunching in frustration. This is why Misty and Ash got along so well. They were the exact same kind of ridiculous.
Ash was mere steps away from the ocean, when a fretting Krabby scuttled out of the water, rushing between Ash's legs onto the shore. "Eh?" Ash bent over, watching the water type scurry from between his legs. "What's up with that dude?"
"That sight's somehow familiar…" Misty mused.
Ash ignored her comment save for a squint, righting himself as he turned his back to the sea. "That's weird."
Oblivious to the occurrences in the ocean behind him, Ash watch in confusion as his friends' faces all went pale, eyes wide and bulging.
"Pi… Pika!"
When Ash turned back around, huge, massive chunks of ice were floating in the sea, easily as large as tug boats. The shallows frothed with foam from multitudes of Pokémon swimming away from the ice floats. The Pokémon that could flee to the land did such, abandoning the freezing sea.
Before Ash could react, Misty rushed past him, already lobbing a Pokéball out.
"Gyarados, let's go!"
Dawn wasn't slow on the up take, either, her and Empoleon wading into the water as the coordinator clung to the starter's back.
Brock, meanwhile, looked at Marshtomp, considering his options. "... I'm gonna hang back here, for support."
Ash nodded. "Hey, can you watch Pikachu and the rest of the Pokémon, then?" He didn't need to look at his partner to know this would be too much for the electric type's delicate psyche right now.
Brock nodded. "Of course."
"Thanks. Hey, Pidgeot!" The trainer whistled. Pidgeot, who had, until now, been in the trees upon the hill, flew down. Ash mounted the bird and quickly flew to catch up with Dawn and Misty.
Misty's brows knit together at the never-ending flow of ice. "This is too strange… Pallet's coast isn't like Cerulean; it almost never freezes over!" She swallowed. "Gyarardos, keep smashing through!"
The sea serpent roared in return, bashing frozen slabs apart with his thick skull and his mighty tail. As quick as he smashed a block in half, though, he was crowded with more slush. Tentacool and Goldeen swarmed his long body for shelter, loud with anxious chattering. Irritated, the Pokémon huffed.
"Keep calm, Gyarados!" Misty warned, catching sight of the marooned sea creatures. "They're just scared. Use your tail to clear a path for them!"
The Atrocious Pokémon reluctantly obliged. A whiplash snapped through the ice, clearing a straight, narrow path for the few pokemon who had come close. They swam off frantically.
"I wonder what could've happened so quickly…" Dawn mused. Her stomach churned at the sorry sight of a Magikarp with a frosty fin. "Empoleon, you help break it up, too!"
"Empol!" The penguin cried dutifully, smashing his skull into the ice before and surrounding him. His crown bashed in the edges, sending hairline cracks through ice that split it within seconds. He persisted with furor that cracked through the maze surrounding them with the efficiency of a drill.
"Wow, Empoleon! Who knew you could bash ice up this quickly?" Dawn marveled, clinging tightly to his back. Her teeth were chattering!
"It must be something Empoleon would have to do in the wild!" Misty guessed. "He's built for it! Still… We're not covering much ground, compared to Ash, up in the air… Hey, Ash! You go on ahead and find out what's up! But, wait for back-up, after Empoleon cuts a path for Gyarados! Don't do anything stupid on your own."
"I wasn't gonna," he muttered. But, he nodded, putting his feelings aside. "You got it! We'll meet you up there! You heard 'er, Pidgeot. High-tail it, further out!"
Flapping her feathers, Pidgeot's flight was turbulent to say the least. The hot air above from the sun rocked and whirled with the cold breeze from the sea below. Ash held on tightly as she alternated between falling and flying.
Amidst the chaos, though, an ice float appeared. On it was a single, large, pristine white Dewgong, constantly firing off Ice Beams and using Aqua Tail to stir up the sea.
"That must be who's causing all the problems… Pidgeot, drop me off!"
"Pi?!"
"Just… do it, please?"
"Djo…" The bird tutted, lowering her back enough to allow Ash to safely slide off. When he did so, she cawed to him again. "Pidgoo!" He'd better be careful! He had promised to wait for back-up…
"Yeah, I'll be fine! No need to worry." And, that saying always meant trouble.
"Gong…" Black beady eyes locked on Ash, furrowing at the sight of the human. He threatened Ash with a slap of his tail against the ice.
"Hey, Dewgong…" Ash hesitated, trying to keep his footing.
Blubber and muscle rippling, the Dewgong turned in a quick circle to greet Ash. A growl emitted from its fanged, whiskery mouth. "Dew…"
"Wonder what's got it acting like this," Ash mused aloud. "...Oh, right. I can sense that, can't I? Might as well give it a shot." Dewgong was no close friend, but a Pokémon in need always struck a chord with him, nonetheless. Ash huffed, letting his eyes fall shut. He tried to clear his mind, pushing the fact that his feet were freezing out of his mind.
He was quickly floored by the myriad of stimuli surrounding him, leaving Ash to fall back on his rear. "Holy cow…" The panic hanging around the area, manifested in countless fleeing pokemon practically left Ash with a headache. Among those was Dewgong. "So, you're not angry… You're scared of something."
Testing his luck, the trainer stepped forward, bare feet freezing against the hard ice. He hunched over, trying to make himself less intimidating. "Hey, hey, it's alright… It's alright."
Dawn and Misty would be pissed if they found out what he was doing, but he was now within two body lengths of the enraged Dewgong.
The growling Pokémon's attention was momentarily drawn to another pokemon in the distance: a little Goldeen. However, a harsh Brine pushed the fish out of the water.
"Stop that!" Ash yelled before tackling the white ice type, grappling it. He grunted, trying his hardest to find a secure grip of the slippery blubber that padded the water type.
The Ice Beam that Dewgong had been preparing struck uselessly into the sky, Pidgeot thankful she hadn't been in the way of the attack. Her relief turned into horror as the Dewgong writhed, tossing Ash off of it. An Aqua Tail from the beast knocked him off the ice float and into the freezing waters below.
"Pi!" she screeched, diving to the water but not daring to fly down into it.
She hovered over the surface, flapping frantically to spot the boy. Ash's head bopped above the surface and he reached out like a desperate Meowth to grab the jutting edges of the ice float. However, this garnered Dewgong's attention. Desperate not to have Ash be attacked again, Pidgeot flew at the ice type, her claws out.
"Go!" it roared, turning its attention to the bird harassing it.
Ash, meanwhile, managed to pull himself back onto the ice. His lips were already turning blue, and he was thankful for the sunlight warming his body. Shivering and sneezing, he lifted his shirt over his head, glad to be free of the deathly cold drench of it. He'd dry off and warm up much faster now.
"Ash!"
He winced.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Misty screeched, holding on tight as Gyarados bucked Dewgong, knocking it off of the ice.
"Tryna help!" Ash snapped, shivering. Pidgeot glided down low enough for him to scramble back onto her.
"What's wrong with the Dewgong?" Dawn asked.
Ash shrugged. "It seems scared? And, really angry!"
Dawn pursed her lips. "Well, we can't do anything without Brock! Listen, I'm gonna seal it off! We gotta head back! You're freezing." Looking down at her partner, Dawn gestured before her. "Alright, Empoleon, let's try Ice Beam, too!"
As the waves crashed around Dewgong's ice float, the pokemon scrambled back onto them. Empoleon's Ice Beam hit the waves after, trapping the ice type onto the float with high walls of thick ice.
"There… Now, it can't get away or hurt anyone." She looked around. "Lots of stragglers… Empoleon, use Whirlpool. We can guide them back to safety."
"Empo."
Soon, a soft torrent of water was formed around the bird. As he swam, he collected the tired and fatigued Pokémon, allowing them to rest in his elemental embrace.
"Gyarados, let's make sure they get back safe."
The huge serpent followed the penguin, making sure nothing came to harass the weakened brood. Ash and Pidgeot flew above, with Ash soaking up the sunlight he craved so much. The heat felt great.
Brock had kept a steady eye on the sea, though, short of a few errant ice beams, he'd seen few new developments. He breathed a sigh of relief when his two female companions came into view. "Dawn! Misty!" He waved his arms, gesturing them to come closer. "I found a tide pool that's still just a bit warm. If you can lead the Pokémon here, they'll be better off." He gestured to a lone span of water that bordered the hills closing off the beach.
"Thanks, Brock. I've got it under control!" Misty assured, pointing to the tide. "Gyarados, heat it up with Flamethrower!"
A ferocious cry answered Misty, and red hot flames barraged the water. The stream continued until the water began to steam.
"I think that's enough. Good job, Gyarados," Misty praised.
"Great. Now, Empoleon! Do us a favor, and let all those Pokémon off in the warm water."
"Pol!" Empoleon acknowledged his trainer, guiding the Whirlpool with a swing of his wing.
The gentle twist carried into the warm waters, garnering a few exasperated sighs of relief. Goldeen were content to float around the gentle waters, and Magikarp splashed their fins clean of frost.
"Wonderful. Now, come over here, guys! We'll make sure you're good as new, in no time." Brock crouched, gently gesturing to the water types. "Misty, it'd help if you could stand guard with us. Dawn, could you lead Marshtomp back to Ash? He's had some trouble with the icy waters."
"Marsh…" The amphibian muttered apologetically, head sinking halfway into the water in shame.
"You can count on us!" Dawn assured, gesturing for the Pokémon to follow. "No need to worry, Marshtomp. If you hang with us, you'll make it through to help in no time!"
"Marsh… Tomp!" It cheered, feeling just a bit more optimistic. It swam after Empoleon's retreating form.
"Great. Now, how about you guys help me with taking care of these Pokémon?" Brock turned to the other gathered Pokémon. "Marill, you can swim; can you check them for any injuries I might miss?"
"Mar! Marill!" Misty's Pokémon chirped, bouncing into the water. He began scouting the small swarm.
"Pikachu, could you grab the berries from my bag? I could use some help with handing out Aspear Berries to keep these guys from coming down with hypothermia."
"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu cried enthusiastically, crawling into the doctor's large bag, tail wiggling as he sniffed around for the suited fruit. If he couldn't aid in the mayhem, he'd certainly do his best to help on the shore! Now, what did Aspear Berries look like again…?
"Great," Brock replied, inspecting a Tentacool's tentacles with care. "Now, take it easy… I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered. He frowned. "A few of them are bruised… All that stray ice can't be good for you."
"Cool…" The Pokémon whined. Just floating over here left her sore!
"Rosa, could you check the right pocket of my bag? There should be some Super Potions in there."
~Uh-huh!~ Rosa chirped, starting over before stopping in her tracks. ~Uh, what do they look like~?
"They're orange, with a cherry-red base. They shouldn't be hard to find."
~Gotcha!~ The Lucario sprinted over to search beside Pikachu, struggling before undoing the button keeping the pocket shut. ~I think I see 'em… Ah-ha!~ She sing-songed, tugging the spray bottles free. She whined, irritated when the other potions fell out of place. A bit of fiddling left them neat and sorted again. ~I got 'em!~
"Thanks," Brock offered the Pokémon a grateful smile, taking one in his hand. "Now, press the nozzle to use the spray, and help me out with this Tentacool. She's getting a little fussy."
"Here comes another! To the left!" Ash warned, holding on tight as Pidgeot rolled out of the way of yet another Ice Beam. He could feel the bird's heavy breathing from below. "Dodging all those attacks must be taking a toll on ya, huh... "
"Pidgeo," the flying type huffed. She was the toughest of her flock! She was embarrassed, frankly.
"Hey, anyone would get worn out dodging that many attacks. You're holding out great! Now, if we could just get some back-up…"
"Marsh! Marshtomp!"
"Huh?" A desperate plea from outside the ice caught Ash's attention. "Pidgeot, pull back!"
"Ash!" Dawn called out from below. "We're here! Well, me and Empoleon. Misty stayed to help the others, with Brock. Whatever you need, we'll have your back!"
"I know," Ash nodded, but he cocked a brow at the pleading amphibian. "But, uh, what's up with Marshtomp?"
"I think he wants to help," Dawn ventured to guess. He was standing on his hind legs…
"Oh! Maybe he wants to get up and help! Is that it, Marshtomp?"
The water type nodded enthusiastically to Dawn.
"Well, then, let's get him up here! We could use all the help we can get." Ash gestured with a turn of his head for Pidgeot to draw closer. She hovered above the ice.
"Empol!" Empoleon squawked, climbing onto a raft of ice. He grabbed the Mud Fish Pokémon between his wings.
"Empoleon!? What're you up to, now?" Dawn furrowed her brows at her starter, gaining a steady footing atop the ice. "You almost dropped me into the water, too, you know."
"Pol, Empol!" He was terribly sorry about that, but first they had a mission! He hoisted Marshtomp high, tossing him into the air!
"Oh, I see!" Ash leaned to the side, holding his arms outward. "Hang on, Marshtomp!"
Startled, the Pokémon flailed. Empoleon should have known that he wasn't a flying type!
But, surprisingly, gravity didn't get its cruel grasp on Marshtomp. Instead, when he stopped flailing, he found himself in Ash's secure, comforting grip. The trainer smiled down at Marshtomp, pulling him safely into his chest.
"Hey, you're fine now, see? Nothing to worry about!" The trainer pat the Pokémon's head fin; Marshtomp was sure he could feel Ash shiver a little; and turned his attention back to the center of today's disaster. "Alright. Pidgeot, think you can drop us off again?"
"Pi? Pidgoo!" Was Ash nuts!?
"Just trust me, alright? I know what I'm doing, this time."
The bird hummed her doubts, but lowered to the ice, nonetheless.
Ash hopped off, and Marshtomp with him. "Alright, Dewgong… I've got a friend with me, now. If you want, you can talk to him, and tell 'im what's wrong, alright?" He crouched again, making himself less imposing to the other.
"Marsh… Marshtomp!" The Mud Fish crawled forward, keeping a non-aggressive posture constant. He'd learned this from Brock's internships. "Marsh." Whatever was wrong, he could help. Dewgong could tell him!
"Dew…" The seal huffed, panting heavily. The closer Marshtomp came, the lower his head went, bearing its horn. He hissed. "Goooong!" Get back, it said! Get back, or he'd… Or, he'd…
Marshtomp watched ice type with his guard raised, never hearing a full threat. Tried as it may to posture, its head was hanging, and it panted heavily. It seemed… Tired, even?
Even more strange was that it had started lapping at the ice that he stood upon. He was too busy licking to even pay attention… "Marsh!" The Pokemon's tiny eyes went wide. That was it!
He'd watched Brock address a similar case before, he was certain. All of the symptoms… Dewgong had to be overheated! "Marsh! Marshtomp!" He pleaded for permission to help, drawing closer.
Ash stood still, carefully watching the two.
Dewgong promptly fired another Ice Beam, his aim just a bit off in his fatigue.
"Oh, crap…!"
Petrified, Ash shielded himself with his arms, but the bitter cold never came.
"Huh…? Marshtomp!"
The Mud Fish had leapt in the attack's path, stubbornly pushing on against the frost that began to restrict his form. "Tomp…!" He squealed, bearing the cold. He wanted to help!
If that stupid Dewgong would just let him…!
"Hey… Check it out!"
Hearing Ash's voice from outside the barrier, Dawn shouted. "Ash!? What's happening!?"
Ash watched, open-mouthed, as a brilliant glow blinded him. "I think he's evolving!"
Marshtomp's tiny form shone bright, slowly growing larger in defiance of Dewgong's Ice Beam. One narrow head fin split into two mighty horns, a puny body grew into a huge, bulky mass, and narrow legs laid onto all fours, testing the ice with their weight. The light faded, and ice shattered with it.
"Swamp!" The newly evolved Pokémon roared, his deep voice rattling the ice.
"Check it out… You evolved into Swampert!" Ash let down his guard, fear washed out by joy. "Maybe we have a chance of getting through to it, now! Whaddya say; wanna give it another try?"
The fully evolved pokemon turned his attention to Ash. "Swampert!"
Swampert turned, however, throwing his burly body at the icy cage, shattering the wall with ease. A mighty splash rocked the waters. "Swamp! Swampert!"
"You must want Brock here… Alright, I'll go with you!" Ash announced, making a running jump before landing atop the large Pokémon's back. "Pidgeot, you've gotta be tired… Come back with me! Dawn, you man the fort, and make sure Dewgong doesn't get away, or cause any more trouble!"
"Amazing!" Dawn clasped her hands together at the sight of Brock's companion. After a moment of admiration, she nodded to Ash. "You can count on us! Besides, you shouldn't be anywhere near the water, right now." She glared at her boyfriend. She'd told him to wait up.
Ash flinched; he knew that look. "Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry, alright? I'm heading back for a reason, y'know… Let's go, Swampert!"
He wasn't looking for anymore scolding. Even though Dawn was in the right.
"Pert!" Already growing impatient, Swampert sped off through the waters. His new, bulky form plowed through slush like it was little more than a mud puddle!
"There, there… Hold on, I'll get to you, too!" Brock assured frantically, wiping sweat from his brow. He'd really underestimated the amount of Pokémon taking refuge, here. "Your fins are a bit too delicate for me to scrub," the doctor explained to a Goldeen. "So, you'll just have to wade around a bit in the warm waters, here."
"Gold, Goldeen," the Pokémon acknowledged. Though, she huffed, showing little enthusiasm.
"You do seem tired… Pikachu? Could you bring this Goldeen an Oran Berry for me, please? And cut it up to bite size pieces?"
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu agreed, walking over to the man and the fish. The sooner these pokemon ceased to suffer, the better. He hoped for their best, but he was selfishly trying to avoid any parallels with the sights he'd seen just over a week ago.
Thankfully, things were starting to look better! He lightly tossed a plump, blue berry into the air, slicing it with several swift strikes of Iron Tail. "Chu! Chu! Chu!"
"Goldeen… Goldeen!" The water type sing-songed, gratefully accepting the fruit slice Pikachu offered her, chewing on the morsel. Her strength slowly started to return.
Rosa sat on the shore, eyes shut tight. Meditation was her refuge when the anxious swarm became just too much stimulus for her to bear. Gentle breaths kept her soothed, though, she felt a bit guilty only doing so much to help.
That thought was pushed out of her mind when a familiar energy drew near. Her spirits jumped, and her eyes shot open. ~Papa! Aunt Pidgeot! Yer back!~ The Lucario chattered, sprinting over to where the two docked at the shore. But, what was this!? A new Pokémon! "Rio!"
"Brock!" Ash called, stepping down, patting Swampert in a show of gratitude. "We need you!"
"Ash?" The man looked over, shock quickly taking over his features "Marsh… Swampert!? You evolved!?"
"Swamp!" The Mud Fish Pokémon nodded, turning his head to beckon his trainer over.
"Oh, he's gorgeous~!" Misty cooed, while gently scrubbing a Starmie's leg with a damp towel.
"He evolved while trying to help out the culprit. I think he wants you to check Dewgong out! He's acting like he knows what the problem is."
"Hm," Brock acknowledged, a prideful smile on his lips for just a moment. But, this was no time to rest easy. "Let's go, Swampert." He carefully boarded the bulky Pokémon's back. He turned to Ash. "These guys could use your help, Ash. Everyone's done great," he looked to the Pokémon, some who were still whining, others simply waiting for the crisis to pass. "But, it's a bit chaotic, so the more hands free to keep everyone calm, the better."
"You can count on me!" Ash assured, sitting down beside Pikachu and Misty. "We're counting on you, Brock! You too, Swampert!"
Brock nodded to his younger friend, turning towards the sea. "Full speed ahead!"
With that, Swampert swam off.
With Misty and Ash left behind on the shore, tending to the chilled and injured, Brock held on tight to the large, wide body of his newly evolved water type. As the ice flecked sea whooshed past him, he eventually returned to the scene of the action. There, he saw Dawn likewise clinging to Empoleon, dodging the temper tantrum attacks of Dewgong while returning purely defensive fire.
But, the Dewgong was distracted. That was all Brock needed. Carefully, the doctor motioned for the ground type to inch closer to the ice. However, it was no sooner than Brock had helped Swampert back onto the ice than Dewgong had noticed them.
The white furred pokemon snarled. "Dewww!"
"Pert!"
"Dew!"
Yet another Ice Beam was fired off. This time, Swampert blocked it with ease, deflecting it with his massive fin-paws.
"Dewgong," Brock said, his voice sure and steady, "you have to calm down."
Brock's very tone resonated with the creature and it paused, looking at him with dark eyes. The doctor-in-training took a step forward, watched by his nervous yet trusting water type. Slowly but surely, the man stepped forward.
"Hey, hey, you're a big guy, aren't you? I know you're tough, you don't have to growl at me."
Only bearing his tusks, but not attacking any more, the Dewgong remained calm. His taut muscles flinched under Brock's touch when the doctor pressed a hand to his side.
"Here. You like Oran berries, right?"
Regardless of whether he did or not, the Dewgong hungrily ate the berry out of the doctor's hand. Brock silently thanked his intensive classes in bedside manner. This could have been very ugly. As he touched over the Pokémon, he found it feverishly hot. Yet, there was no swelling or any discernible bruising or bleeding. And, judging by the way the brute licked its own ice and panted, it seemed to be a case of heat stroke.
"Alright, buddy. Listen, I can help you cool down, if you can follow me. Can you do that?"
"Dew," he answered serenely, as if he had not just attacked dozens of creatures.
"Good boy."
Dawn watched in quiet awe as Brock slipped into the water before climbing aboard Swampert. Dewgong kept at Swampert's side, swimming slowly and laboriously. She and Empoleon followed them all at a distance, not wanting to set off Dewgong's temper again.
Misty wiped her brow, watching as the last Goldeen swam off.
"Well, that wasn't too bad."
Ash nodded. "We ran through a lot of Sitrus berries, but it was totally worth it! They're all better now!"
Indeed, the earlier victims of the Dewgong's rampage had recovered. Rosa sat on the beach, watching the shoreline with anticipation, while Pikachu sat on Ash's shoulder. Misty's Gyarados had been returned.
Soon, Rosa stood. ~They're back!~
"Everyone, step back please!" Brock asked as he arrived with his ward. "Dawn, could you have Empoleon freeze the tide pools? Dewgong needs to cool off."
"Hm? Yeah!"
Walking back on the sandy shore, Empoleon blasted the pools. They turned to slush, an inviting mix in the eyes of the Dewgong. Without prompting, he slid into them, resting comfortably.
Brock nodded. "Good job. Now, I'll need to give you a blindfold so you can rest easy while I give you a quick check-up. Okay?" He reached into his bag, poking around for the gear.
"Gong?" Dewgong tilted his head. What was a 'blindfold,' exactly?
"Ah-ha." Brock drew out the small cloth, gently approaching Dewgong. "Now, I'm going to cover your eyes with this. Don't worry… If you get upset, I'll take them off, alright?"
The Pokémon eyed the cloth, slowly nodding. He stayed still as the band was tied gently around his head. He was no longer greeted with the sight of a foreign beach and a blinding sun, but with a blanket of pitch black. Dewgong exhaled, leaning into the icy water, belly-up.
Swampert settled at the bare minimum of a safe distance, watching his trainer intently.
"I think it's asleep." Ash crouched nearby, watching with interest.
"So quickly!?" Dawn blurted, gawking at the surprisingly serene sea-dweller.
"Well, even water Pokémon get tired swimming," Misty explained.
"Plus, he's been putting out a lot of energy to keep his body temperature low," Brock added. "All of the Ice Beams it put out, on top of the stress and heat-exhaustion… It's a bit of a double whammy." The doctor in training reached into the water, grabbing a handful of ice. He cradled Dewgong with his opposite arm, gently rubbing the ice over its throat, and then its stomach.
"Gong…" The Pokémon cooed in his sleep.
"Now, Misty, can you fetch me my berry bag? It should have a hand juicer in it."
Misty nodded. "I'm impressed, Brock! I thought I'd be the one to care for a water type Pokémon," she remarked, grabbing the small bag inside his larger knapsack. "But, you've got it all figured out! You even got Dewgong to come along quietly."
"Well, he is working on being a Pokémon doctor," Dawn added.
"Burying his head in those books paid off," Ash tagged on, though he couldn't help but make a disgusted face when those words came out of his mouth.
"Ahaha," Brock chuckled, losing enthusiasm at Ash's remark. "I should hope so… It is my dream to help care for Pokémon wherever I go. As for Dewgong, that required a lot of training. Dealing with hostile Pokémon is a very dangerous business, as I'm sure we all know."
The aspiring man took the bag, gratefully, grabbing a berry before squeezing its juice into the small bowl.
"It takes a great understanding of Pokémon, and how they feel! That's what's most important," Ash decided, petting Pikachu's head as he did so. He winked at his companion.
Pikachu rubbed his head, a bit embarrassed. But, he couldn't disagree. "Pikachu."
Brock did the same. "Please, guys. You're exaggerating! I'm just doing what's required of my field." With the juice gathered and mixed, he gently tugged the blindfold above Dewgong's eyes. "Wake up for a sec, okay? I've got something that'll restore your strength."
The Pokémon stirred, lazily blinking his eyes. He yawned. The faint scent of berries lingered, though, and he opened his mouth just slightly, allowing Brock to feed him the concoction with a tilt of the mixer.
"Dewgong~!" The Pokémon licked his lips. That was delicious!
"Good," Brock praised. "Now, I'm going to put the blindfold back on. You get some rest, alright?" He waited for Dewgong to voice his approval, slipping the blindfold over his eyes.
In short order, the water type drifted back off to dreamland.
Brock sat back down, breathing a heavy sigh. He wiped sweat from his brow. "It's fine for now. We'll let it rest for a bit, but someone's going to have to take it back to the Seafoam Islands, where it belongs."
"Professor Oak probably knows who could get 'im there," Ash supposed. "Pidgeot, you feeling good enough for one more quick ride? We could check with him, quick!"
"Oh, no, you don't!" Misty scolded. "I'll do it. You know it's not a good idea for you to be running around on your own, right now."
"You sound like Mom," Ash exhaled. "But, I guess you're right."
"Definitely right," Dawn agreed, leaning against her boyfriend in a slump. She was exhausted. "Knowing you, it'll take all three of us to keep you out of trouble!"
"Yeah, yeah, pile it on, why don't ya."
Dawn stuck her tongue out. "But, you did hold your own out there. Even if you did the opposite of what we told you." Ash was met with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Well, the real MVP here is Swampert!" Ash quickly deflected, eager to shift attention away from himself. He looked to the Mud Fish. "He was the one who figured out what was wrong with Dewgong, and even evolved to get Brock out there! You did great, today."
"Swamp," the Pokémon replied sheepishly, pulling his attention away from the sleeping Dewgong. He raised a fin. He was just doing the right thing!
"The modest type, huh?" Misty chuckled. "Precious!"
"Like trainer, like Pokémon!" Brock rubbed one of his head fins. "I'm really proud of you."
"Swampert!" He nuzzled his head into Brock's shoulder.
"What a swimmer, too!" Dawn praised.
"Lucky for us, at least one of us was supposed to be in the water!"
"Yeah, yeah. I get the point already!" Ash protested. "Besides, I'm all warmed up n… uh, Misty?" Ash cocked a brow. She was just blankly staring at him! "Is there something in my teeth?"
"Your what?" The redhead hissed, fingers clutching in futility at the sand. "Try everything else! Were you put through a blender, or something!? Look at you!" Misty pointed at Ash's torso. She'd gone blue in the face, a chill running down her face in a classic case of fridge horror. "What the hell happened to you!?"
"Huh? What the heck's your proble-" Ash looked down, reality quickly dawning on him. "Ohhhh. That." His scars!
"I… I hadn't even noticed until now!" Brock gawked, unease hanging in his tone. "You look like a case out of one of my textbooks… And those wounds aren't fresh." In fact, they appeared to be fully healed!
"It sure caught me by surprise," Dawn whistled. She recalled the first time she'd seen what Ash had endured; the day she asked him out. Now that she wasn't preoccupied… How many were there!? There were those parallel claw marks on each of his forearms, a slash from the right side of his torso, that red mark spanning his right shoulder…
"Why don't ya take a picture? It'll last longer," Ash deadpanned.
Dawn was suddenly beet red. "I-I was just counting! Besides, they make you look distinguished! Like the stripes of an Arcanine!"
"Don't encourage him," Misty pleaded. "He's done enough!"
"For once, I'm gonna agree with you," Ash dropped in. He'd suffered quite enough for one journey. That didn't stop him from draping an arm over Dawn's shoulder, however. "But, you can't knock 'er for having good taste!"
"I have worked as a Pokestylist," Dawn boasted, winking at Ash. "My taste can only be the best!"
"Well, they have one thing in common; they both have big heads." A sweat drop rolled down Misty's forehead.
A quiet nod was Brock's answer.
"But, oh, you'll have to tell me about that sometime!" Misty cooed. "I'd love to see your designs~!"
"You can count on it!" Dawn winked. "I've already done a few for my own Pokémon!"
"Someone's got to ask," the doctor-in-training interrupted. "What even happened to you?" His eyes were turned towards Ash.
"Well, the truth is, they're from Mount Silver," he explained, rubbing the back of his head.
"That place!?" Misty blanched. "Ash Ketchum, that place is supposed to be completely off-limits! What were you doing there!?"
"Professor Oak got me permission, but… You remember Harrison's Sneasel that gave us so much trouble?"
Brock and Misty nodded without comment.
"Imagine being around hundreds of wild pokemon as strong as that; or even stronger!"
Brock and Misty shook their heads, and the latter averted her attention to something that wouldn't give her gray hairs at 16 years old. "By the way, Dawn! You and Empoleon were spectacular! I hadn't seen you battle before now, but you really held your own! Oh, and that Whirlpool… I can see what Ash sees in you!"
"Aw, c'mon," Dawn waved her hand with a bashful smile, cheeks flushing once more. "He's known Whirlpool since he was a Piplup, but it's only gotten more incredible!"
"Pol, Empol!" The Emperor Pokemon posed, eager to bask in the praise, unlike his trainer.
"Really! Between the four of us, I'd say we make a damn good team!"
Dawn could feel a smile spanning to the corners of her cheeks, a hand held to her chest. So much for being out of the loop! "Yeah… Thanks, Misty!"
Ash mirrored her smile, leaning back on his hands. It was nice to see Dawn fitting right in! "Hm? Hey, I think Dewgong's waking up!"
"Gong~" The Pokémon yawned, shrugging off his blindfold.
"Aw, isn't he just precious?" Misty cooed, making her way over to the Pokémon.
"Now that he's not trying to freeze us," Dawn added, joining her older friend in front of Dewgong. "Poor guy… He's got such a nice coat! It reminds me of a Dewgong I saw at the Wallace Cup!"
"There was one there, too!?" Misty bowed her head in a dramatic slump. "I can't believe I missed it…"
"Dew, gong!" Their current guest complained, side eyeing both of the girls. What was he, chopped liver?
"Oh, sorry… We didn't forget you, sweetie!" Misty pet the side of his head.
"You'll just have to let me polish your horn before you go~!" Dawn chimed.
"Empol…" Ignored, and utterly dejected, Dawn's starter sulked in the background.
Ash, meanwhile, sneezed, rubbing his nose with a low whine. "Maybe gettin' dunked wasn't such a great idea."
A friendly, paternal pat on the shoulder came from Brock. "They do say hindsight is 20-20!"
"Yeah, well… Ahh… Ahhh…! Achoo!" Ash huffed. "I wouldn't mind learning Foresight, myself."
"I think everyone would benefit from that one, Ash."
"Pika-Pika," Pikachu agreed, arms folded.
"Don't tell me you're ganging up on me, too!"
"Pikachu!"
The warm breeze of dwindling spring daylight caressed the shore, sparing only Dewgong, himself.
Somehow, for this odd group of friends, this felt like an ordinary day.
