Authors Note
This is my first side story in a while. Most of my chapters are loosely connected, but the next couple will be telling one larger story, similar to what I did in Trap Ash with things like the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. Anyways, onto the story!
"I'm telling you, we're not lost." Ash said, looking at his Pokenav.
"We're at a huge port. How are we not lost?" Brendan questioned.
"Ahh, are you two lost?" A man said.
"Yes." Brendan said plainly.
"No." Ash said at the same time.
"Well then, perhaps I can interest you in something a bit different in the meantime." The man said. "The name is Butler, and you two seem to be capable trainers if I do say so myself."
"Weird introduction, but this is Brendan, and my name's Ashton." Ash said.
"Well then Ashton, and Brendan. How would you like a trip?" Butler asked.
"What kind of trip?" Brendan asked.
"The best kind. A free one!" Butler said. "All I ask is you come along to make sure my equipment isn't taken by anyone on our way there, and you'll be free to enjoy the festival."
"The festival? Also we have no idea what's going on." Ash said.
"Ah yes, let me explain. I am on my way with my lovely assistant Diane to Forina City to do our magic show. While I have a Pokemon, I'm not much of a battler myself, and the waters getting there have a bit of a bad reputation." Butler explained.
"So you want us to tag along as extra muscle for a one night show?" Brendan asked, a bit annoyed at the offer.
"Oh, no no no no no no." Butler said, wagging his finger. "Not one night, seven."
"A week long magic show!" Ash said, thoroughly impressed.
"No, I only have a few shows during the week, but there is a festival going on, and you'll be more than welcome to go and experience it. I'll even give you a ride back here once it's done." Butler offered.
"What do you say Ash?" Brendan asked. "Gym battles aren't on a schedule, but contests are."
"No upcoming contests that we could get to in time that I know of." Ash said.
"A coordinator?" A woman said walking up. "I'm Diane by the way, and if you're looking for a contest, an official one is held during the Millenium Festival every year."
"Come on, what do we have to lose? Besides, they said they'd bring us back here, and then we can find our way to Mauville." Brendan urged.
"Mauville? Well, I can do you one better, that's where we're heading afterwards. I'll take you there myself!" Butler said.
"Okay, okay. You convinced me a while back." Ash said with a laugh, getting on the boat after everyone else.
The first few hours of the trip was mostly uneventful, until a large horn was heard off in the distance.
"Ashton, Brendan, it's time." Butler said, worridley.
Ash looked into the water to see a group of three Pokemon heading for them.
"Who's those Pokemon?" Ash asked, pulling out his Pokédex.
'Carvanha, the savage Pokemon, a Water and Dark type. Carvanha attack ship in swarms, making them sink. Although it is said to be a very vicious Pokemon, it timidly flees as soon as it finds itself alone.' Ash's Pokédex said.
'Sharpedo, the Brutal Pokemon, and the evolved form of Carvanha. The vicious and sly gangster of the sea. Its skin is specially textured to minimize drag in water. Its speed tops out at over 75 miles per hour.' Brendan's Pokédex said.
"Alright Mudkip, Taillow, lets go!"
"Surskit, Feebas, you help out too."
The four Pokemon sped off towards the three fast approaching water types.
"Will. They be enough?" Diane asked worriedly.
"They'll have to be." Brendan said. "Mudkip use Water Gun! Taillow use Wing Attack!"
"Surskit use Bubble Beam! Feebas use Tackle!"
The four attacks managed to send both Carvanha rushing back to their owners' boat, but the Sharpedo rammed straight through the the small Pokemon, heading on course for Butler's boat.
"Nuzleaf can't get that far out." Brendan said.
"Neither can Treecko, and I don't think Aron can swim." Ash said. "Alright Pikachu, you're up!"
Pikachu leapt from Ash's shoulder, sending a bolt of electricity out at the Sharpedo, stopping it in a single attack.
"Return!" Both trainers said, recalling their out to sea Pokemon, as Mudkip brought Pikachu back to the boat.
"Great work boys." Diane said, gratefully.
"Any idea who they were?" Brendan asked.
"Probably Team Aqua." Ash commented. "I've faced them a few times without you, I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to control some port areas."
"Still, we're glad the two of you agreed to tag along." Diane said. "Butler's Pokemon are mostly for the act, even if they are naturally strong, it's hard to say if they could hold their own in battle."
"Not a problem, besides you're giving us a lift to this Millenium Festival right?" Brendan double checked.
"That's correct, it happens only once every thousand years as a meteor flies just miles over the city." Diane said.
"So cool!" Ash said excitedly.
"It's even said, if you make a wish upon it, your deepest desire will come true." Butler said from the steering wheel.
"Something that amazing, and we get to be there for it, this is going to be great." Brendan said excitedly.
A few hours later
"Boys, you might want to come up here." Diane said.
Ash and Brendan rushed onto the deck, looking for who was attacking them now, only to see many other boats heading into the same direction.
"Ashton, Brendan, welcome to Forina City." Butler said with a wide smile.
Ahead of them was a bustling city, music could be heard in the distance.
"Here, as thanks for helping us." Diane said, holding out two passes. "These will get you into our show, along with many other activities throughout the festival."
"Thank you very much." Ash and Brendan said in sync.
"We'll let you two go. A team should be here to help unload our things shortly." Butler said. "Get some rest, I doubt you'll have much time for that starting tomorrow."
