Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of an arc I've been looking forward to. While this will have similarities to the movie based around the central Pokémon, but it'll mostly be my own creation. Starting with the big connection to our main aqua storyline. As previous chapters hinted, the main antagonist is also different. Since she hasn't seen our heroes since the Tyranitar arc (at the end of Johto) you have to wonder how it'll turn out. Expect at least one evolution in this three-parter. Into this specific first part, along with setting everything in place, I want to incorporate a 'body swap' sort of storyline. It's a style of FanFiction which has never been my go-to but seeing as I incorporated 'song fics' with the showcases, it seemed fitting. Which brings me to a good point, if you have a specific style of fanfic, you enjoy and want to see my take off, let me know in either review or PM and I'll try to incorporate it in some sort of mini arc like here. I can't promise to do every one of them, but I won't know unless you suggest. I do want to emphasis this chapter comes with a warning since it should justify the max rating thanks to said body swap scenario and this will be the riskiest, I get too. I always give my stories the highest rating because I can get dark but it's appropriate here too. Oh, and so it's not a surprise, this three-parter focuses more on the antagonist than the mythical Pokémon, hence the title name. I know before my months break, I got five chapters a month but I've decided to put it down to four so I can do more work on the league (which has also been updated on the profile) and that one chapter will make a massive difference. Sorry ahead of time. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...
Chapter Sixty-Four: Pokémon Hunter & Prince of the Sea P I
She sat in her chair as it lowered down into the hanger of her ship. Two boats were prepared for release and three squads stood in line. Instead of the usual metallic armour suits which her squad wears, they were dressed in aqua gear.
While not her idea, the client wanted as much representation as possible. Who is she to argue with the one's paying for the job.
Standing up from her chair, a young brunette tasked with caring for her Pokémon and ensuring they were ready for the mission. Being presented with the tray of six devices. Taking the first two, she let the two Pokémon out.
The first being one of her first specimens which she kept for herself. A quadrupedal feline Pokémon. The face had glowing yellow eyes with red marks on the side, covered with shaggy black fur, which also covered the back, torso, and hind legs. With a matching tail swaying behind which ended in a star shape. A well-kept mane framed the head as razor sharp fangs pointed out of the jaw. Luxray was one of the first specimens she acquired for herself, using the electrical discharges to short circuit buildings which held her treasure and when building her tech, even had the science division to adapt his x-ray vision into her goggles. Most missions now-adays don't require his particular expertise since she targets Pokémon more than buildings, but this time is different.
While her second Pokémon was bipedal with a head piece which resembled a crown. It had a spiral shape with two horns near the base. A red gem resided in the centre, over the forehead and two extra pairs of eyes resided on the back of the head-piece. The primary colour was pink with a pale-yellow muzzle and scaled stomach. Each of the hands and feet had a single clawed digit, while the hands also had clawless thumbs. The hands were held behind the back, allowing it to stand tall, like some sort of royalty. Around the neck was a spiny ruff with alternating red and white stripes. She remembered encountering this Slowking when... dismissing another wannabe and while he couldn't match her stands, his Pokémon proved to be useful in a number of situations.
"You two will join infiltration unit." She informed. "Being first to intercept the target, the squad shall raid. It doesn't matter what is gathered from this raid, but everything taken adds a nice little bonus to the job. While you two make your way down to the generator and disarm it."
Taking out a small remote control, she pointed it to the large screen. Loading up screen shots of the brunette-haired girl spotted accompanying the egg from security footage. It was mostly from Lilycove, but the most recent images showed her boarding a boat heading into the eastern waters of Hoenn.
"The trainer, which is accompanying the actual target, however, you just need to chase up to the captains quarters," she continued. Taking the next three devices she released Ariados, Drapion and Salamence. "We'll take control of the top sections of the ship and bring it to a stop. Which is where the containment unit comes in."
Taking the third Pokéball, she released one of the newer additions to the squad. One which she had her breeding squad particularly raise for missions, after facing one on a mission, she knew the skill they could possess. The entire body resembled a long golden sword. While its edge of the steel blade was white and somewhat serrated near the tip. Where the blade meets hilt was a single, purple eye with a white slit-pupil surrounded by black space. Their handle formed a thick, striated spike. Two cloth-like arms emerged from the sides of the hilt. Each of the arms were primarily black and transitioned to a pale purple with a slight swirl pattern at the tip. The sash-like arms split into four tassels at the tips. One of the arms had an ornate shield off to the side. This shield was gold and had three brown rings surrounded by black in the middle. With a brown rim and three lines radiating towards the centre.
"You'll protect the containment unit and help with escorting them back once the target is in hand." She continued. "I'll give the signal once the target is away and both squads can make their retreat. Regardless of the extra's retrieved during the heist, upon my signal both containment and infiltration need to leave."
The largely built blonde man on the containment team raised his hand. Seeing the fear in his eyes caused her to inwardly smirk.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Why only the two teams retreat?" he stuttered.
"Because there's an old acquaintance in Hoenn and myself and Salamence felt it was time we caught up. Now any questions concerning the mission?" She waited but none were forthcoming. "Good. We'll set out at nineteen-hundred-hours sharp."
Turning back around, she took the remaining devices and slipped them into her pocket. The thought of her old sparring partner finally facing her in a one-on-one battle brought a certain degree of joy. After the history they shared together, she just couldn't resist.
Serena smiled as she spotted their friends stood on the deck of the boat. She and Ash were walking up to them after dropping their stuff off in the room. All of them stood in a circle and were generally conversing.
"-you're kidding right?" Misty asked.
"Kidding about what?" Ash asked as they walked into the group circle.
"I was just asking about Pikachu and Brock said he and Sylveon are expecting some kids," she replied.
"It's true." Ash nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head. "They're at the lab with the eggs because-"
"They felt it was too dangerous to have eggs on the road." Serena interjected after the words died in his voice. "Which brings this up. We should tell you that Absol sensed something... the thing from before and while we don't have full details... it'll happen on the boat."
"What will happen?" she asked.
"We don't know," Ash replied.
"Absol has an ability to see into the future... specifically disasters but he can't see everything," She clarified. "All we know is that whatever it is, will be on the boat."
"Well, we can't do much until it happens," Max opted, "so why stand around worrying?"
"You got some plans?" she asked down to the younger boy.
"There's some battle fields and I wanna try and get Geico, Ozone and Shade all some experience battling," he replied.
"Count me in!" Ash jumped up.
"Guess I should go to make sure none of you get too hurt then," Brock smiled.
"Come on Brockster, I bet you could show some of that gym leader spirit still," Ash encouraged, "it's been ages since we battled properly."
Not putting up resistance to the departure, she sent Misty a subtle mental message to let them go. She stood beside her female friends as the boys each made their way out of sight. Mentally rolling her eyes, she should've guessed what the boy's would end up doing especially since she told Ash the intentions to split their group up for a girl's day. After incident with Drew, May threw herself into training for the contest and she thought this would be a good opportunity to truly get her to relax and take her mind off it.
"So, I guess this means it's a girl's day." Serena smiled, grabbing the other two's attention. "What do ya both wanna do?"
"I saw there's an onboard pool air on deck," Misty added, "I wouldn't mind a day of relaxation there."
"Hang on, what about food." May chimed in, pulling out a leaflet. "This is a list of the must-eats aboard the ship. I say we start with the seafood buffet special. It's on the bottom level and the restaurant acts as an aquarium to view under the water surface."
"That does sound cool," she admitted, "but maybe we can save it and please both of you."
"What do you mean?" May asked.
"Don't you smell that? There's a barbeque somewhere on board," she explained, giving both of them a chance to sniff, "and if I were to guess, it's somewhere on the outside part of the boat. We can get some great food and enjoy the sun."
"I bet it's the pool-side sizzler!" May chimed in. "I'm fine with it if you both are!"
"Guess that's decided then," Misty smiled.
They set off around the deck with the brunette leading the way. She couldn't help but smile at the way she's been acting since arriving on the boat, it's like the things in Lilycove never happened. Turning to the side, she noticed Misty looking at her.
"So wanna explain?" she asked in a hushed whisper.
"Promise not to bring it up?" she asked, to which the older girl nodded, "she's had a rough time recently. Long story short, relationship trouble. So, I just want to keep her occupied and not upset her."
"Always the peace maker." She smiled whilst shaking her head. "But I get it. Give her time to clear the air so she can think clearly. Count me in then."
"Thanks Mist-"
It didn't take them long to make it too the deck and find three sun-beds for them to sit on. Misty quickly changed into her bikini, having kept it on under her regular outfit but both Serena and May went to the changing rooms available. She found herself taking a little longer than the brunette, but she figured that was due to the food motivation factor. After changing into her bikini, she exited the changing stall and walked around the edge of the pool.
It didn't take her long to find her way back to her friends who each had their own plate from the barbeque. Grabbing some drumsticks and a drink, she made her way back to the sun beds. Taking up the seat, she relaxed in the seat and placed the plate down.
"You didn't tell me Ash had a sister," Misty joked, motioning over to the brunette girl.
May was scoffing down one burger with another one sat on the plate, with a clear spot where a third burger previous sat. She covered her lips to let out a small giggle since she knew his endless stomach was a common joke for Misty to go after.
"Hehehe, why don't we let our Pokémon enjoy the sun as well," she giggled, which only amplified when May pouted with full puffed cheeks. Opening her backpack, she took out the devices one by one.
Her Beedrill came out first and flew up onto the umbrella which covered the head of her sunbed. Relaxing down, she smiled as he seemed to be standing guard over her. Taking out two more devices, she let out her Medicham and Milotic. The former took up a meditative stance, floating off to the corner while Milotic silvered over to the pool, diving in.
"Whoa, I never thought I'd see a Milotic this close," Misty gasped, "I mean... she's beautiful."
"Thanks Mist," she smiled. "Didn't you get a Feebas? I would've thought you'd make a point to seek one."
"Maybe one day but been pretty busy," she sighed, "the guys I've caught were just kinda... there."
Smiling at the suggestion, she took out two more devices. Cacnea and Bagon came out next and she quickly put up a psychic barrier as the grass type gave her a hug. Sweat dropping from his antics, she failed to noticed Bagon making her plate of food her own. With the orange haired girl laughing at the antics.
Once the cactus Pokémon let her relax and he took off to join Milotic in the pool. She took out the last two devices and released both Zangoose and Absol who looked around before making their way over to an open space to practise some close-range combat.
May seemed to finish her burger and had a collection of Pokéballs in front of her. One by one she let out her team. Combusken quickly made his way over to observe the combat training with her two team members. While Minun and Spoink took the opportunity to go and join both Milotic and Cacnea. Her final three Pokémon seemed to take up refuge on the sun bed with her being Lileep, Bulbasaur and Clamperl.
"Cool, you got a Clamperl too!" Misty quickly pulled out a Pokéball of her own. It didn't take long for a similar sized Clamperl to materialise on the sunbed opposite. The two pure water types stared at each other before opening and closing their shells in some sort of rhythmic pattern.
"What're they doing?" May wondered aloud.
"If I were to guess," she mumbled, "they're communicating."
"Well, they usually live on the ocean floor." Misty reasoned. "Even if able to breath in water, sound waves don't travel too well so I bet this how they would normally communicate down there."
"Whoa, I never knew that," May whispered, "so what other Pokémon do you have Misty? You're a water specialist, right?"
"Uh huh," she nodded, taking out two more devices. Holding them over to the water, two more beams shot out. Landing directly in the pool, a vaguely familiar red and blue fish materialised, along with a small blue Pokémon which also seemed familiar. Seeing the fish start challenging the likes of Bagon, she went to stand up and intervene, but Misty's Azumarill ran ahead, breaking up the commotion before it could start.
"You caught a Surskit?" she asked.
"Yep." She nodded. "After parting ways with you guys, I realised I wouldn't get the same exposure to bug types like Beedrill or Ash's Heracross or even Brock's Forretress and Shuckle. So, I took the plunge and caught Surskit... it was the best way to stop myself reverting back into old habits."
"I bet your doing great with bugs now," she encouraged.
"Well, I don't freak out... it's a start," she replied, "but I'm still not over my phobia. Especially when it comes to bugs, I don't know personally."
"So, who else do you have?" she asked, "any more new catches or-"
Her words died in her mouth as she a small round Pokémon materialised on the sun bed. She couldn't help but gush at the adorableness of her newest team member as her Pokédex informed her she was a Spheal. As her final team member materialised, an ear-piercing screech busted her ears.
"Get it away, get it away, get it away!" May climbed over her sun bed, hiding behind the head rest. With a deep sigh, she turned to see Misty and Tentacruel looking with expectant looks.
"May... has a fear of Tentacruel and Tentacool," she explained.
"It's alright May, Tentacruel won't hurt you," she replied, offering the brunette a sympatric smile. She knew how much Misty struggled with her own fear so it's completely understandable she'd offer support in this situation. Even gesturing for the poison water type to join the others in the pool and give May space.
"Easy for you to say." She grumbled, moving back onto her sun bed. "Warn a girl next time you- doesn't matter, just don't do that to me. Okay."
"Okay May, I won't have Tentacruel sneak up on you again," she let out a light laugh.
Quirking an eyebrow up, she noticed the brunette scanning the water as her face morphed into an expression of confusion. "Carvanha... Clamperl... Surskit and a Tentacruel... You was the aqua grunt back at the millennium comet event!"
"Shush, keep your voice down," Misty replied, "but yeah. I was. And like I said before, I can't get into it."
"B-but you-"
"You was never in danger, May, I knew Serena, Ash and Brock could handle themselves, so I battled you to protect you," she replied, "it meant no-one else tried to attack you."
The brunette went to say something else, but the voice died in her mouth as a light shone out of her backpack. She turned to the side and picked up the blue egg from within. It glew brightly a few more times before resting.
"It looks like your egg is ready to hatch," Misty muttered.
"Maybe we should retreat to your guys room," she suggested, "we don't know what Pokémon it'll be or how it'll react in a public space like this."
Both of the girls nodded, and they went about collecting their stuff. Returning the majority of their teams, with only Minun, Absol and Azumarill remaining out, respectively. She wrapped a towel around her waist to provide a little more modesty than her swimsuit allowed, and she noticed the other two do the same.
While they lead the way to their room, she took out her Pokegear and sent the boys a message. Letting them know what was happening and asking for them to meet up at the girls room. After all, it'll be best to get the Pokémon checked out as soon as and Brock knows what to look for. As she reached the girls room, she entered and found May sat on one of the beds with a new Pokémon in her lap.
Sat there was a small, blue Pokémon with stubby feet and club-like arms which were longer than the actual body, crossed over her body. There was a red gem on the chest and a yellow dot below, which resembled the egg marking from before. The head was onion shaped and had a pair of long blue antennae, which had small spheres on the ends. Looking into the eyes, she saw the irises were dark blue with yellow sclerae, and there were two yellow dots of 'eyelash' markings extending from the eyes. Lying in her arms. She blinked in surprise as she pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the new arrival:
Manaphy, The Seafaring Pokémon. This is a legendary Pokémon. Known as the prince of the sea, it's believed that this Pokémon can switch the hearts and minds of two or more beings to help resolve conflicts. Legend has it that whoever controls this Pokémon, controls the sea's themselves
As she put the device down, the water type started crying. Misty stood up to approach, but May quickly stood and started bouncing her around whilst whispering soothing words. "There, there, sweetie. Don't cry. Don't cry. Everything is gonna be alright."
"You kinda like Manaphy's mother," Misty smirked.
"Huh?" she blinked.
"Pokémon tend to imprint upon the first being they see after hatching," Serena explained, "depending on the Pokémon it can take time to break the reality but there's always that special sort of connection. It was the same with my Pupitar and Ash's Togetic."
"Or even me and Azumarill here," Misty added, "now I don't want to disturb Manaphy so I'm gonna get dressed."
"Mind if I use your bathroom once you're done?" she asked.
"Course."
It didn't take long for the water type specialist to finish changing out of her swimsuit and for Serena to enter the room. Moving as quickly as she could, she heard the arrival of their other friends. Once finished she exited to find Brock and Chimecho beside May and Manaphy while both Ash and Max stood by the door. Smiling, she slipped over to the far side room and greeted her boyfriend with a peck on the cheek.
"Alright, well the good thing is Manaphy is completely fine," Brock stood up. "And it looks like he's going to be sleeping for some time too."
"That's a relief," May sighed, lying the water type down on the bed. "Now I'm gonna go change myself."
The brunette quickly made her way into the bathroom. A light chatter filled the room but before she could join in, a red light shot off her belt and her disaster Pokémon materialised in front of them. "Sol." Closing her eyes, she touched his forehead and connected their minds once more.
"What's the matter, Absol?" she asked.
"I seek permission to stand by the prince," he explained, "our deal in travelling together focused on his protection and I'm best served at his side."
"Of course... but isn't it a little crowded in here?" she asked, glancing around the room.
"Maybe but its best to have a strong base to defend," he replied. Turning around he moved across the room and broke the connection. While distance doesn't normally affect her abilities, it's different with dark types due to needing miracle eye. She watched him approach the prince of the sea, "Ab-Absol."
Blinking awake. The water type tilted his head to the side.
"Guardian?" a meke male voice asked.
"Manaphy can talk?" Misty blinked in surprise.
"Really?" Ash asked with bewilderment... she could only assume he thought it was normal due to his natural ability.
"Sol. Absol."
"Guardie." He smiled.
"Well, Manaphy seems fine with Absol." Brock noted.
"From what Absol said, it's because they're known protectors and certain bloodlines focus on legendary Pokémon. His being one of them," Ash explained, "so it's his bloodline which Manaphy reconsigned."
"How could he reconsign anything if he just hatched?" Max asked.
"Because legendary Pokémon aren't like regular beings." She kneeled down to the boy's height. "You see, they play an important role in the world and instead of going through life and death, they have a sort of regeneration process. Reborn in a new body with the old memories locked away. Accessible but not at the forefront. If I were to guess, part of Manaphy's life and regeneration involves the egg portion of his life."
"Well, it seems like Manaphy doesn't have an issue with Absol staying." Ash wrapped an arm around her as she stood back up.
"What do you say, Misty, mind having Absol stay in here?" she asked, "I'll leave his Pokéball to help with the space issue."
"I'm fine if May and Manaphy are," she shrugged.
"Mana!" The water type cried, leaping out of the bed.
She froze seeing the glowing ends of his antenna's glow. Before anything could be done, one touched her forehead and the other touched Ash's. A bright light flashed, and she must've stumbled as the room moved to the side slightly.
"What was-" She froze. While they were definitely her words... that was not her voice.
"Hey Ash, you feeling alright?" Max asked. She glanced down and found him looking up to her.
"Why did you call me Ash?" she asked, reaching forward but stopped as she noticed the glove-covered hands. Stumbling backwards, she glanced around and found herself looking in the mirror on the wall. Her reflection made every cell of her body freeze as the face looking back at her was none other than Ash.
"Something going on with you two?" Brock asked, drawing her attention.
She noticed her arm... or Ash's arm was around her body but the truly concerning part was the fact she could see her own body stood next to her.
"I think we're in trouble," she muttered.
Ash, for his part, couldn't say he was taking the circumstances much better. Serena took up the job of explaining the entire switch to their friends, but he couldn't exactly focus on her words. Moving around, he felt some restrictive movements around his upper body. It was like the time he tightened his belt too tight. Continuing to try and wiggle into a comfortable position, he couldn't believe Serena was able to put up with this constantly.
"You got something you'd rather be doing, Ash?" May's voice cut through his thought process.
"Erm, no but," he muttered, continuing to twist and turn, "sorry. Something is just..."
His words died in his mouth as he glanced to the side, he saw himself... or Serena, trying to cover her face whilst looking away. She shuffled backwards, as if trying to disappear from view. He froze and eyes widened as it clicked exactly what was causing the restrictive movements.
"Things with you two certain don't get old," Misty chuckled, drawing his attention, "welcome to the world of womanhood, Ash."
"But why did it switch you both?" Max asked, "I thought the dex mentioned enemies."
"Well love and hate are close together," Brock muttered, "and he just hatched... maybe Manaphy got confused."
"Just switch us back then!" He declared, staring directly at the water type.
"Mana!" The seafaring Pokémon cried as May started to rock him back and forth. Humming a soft tune.
"Way to go boy-wonder." Misty rolled her eyes.
"I wouldn't be so quick to let Manaphy try the heart swap again," Brock chimed in, "he already confused it once. Are you sure you wanna try again? What if he swaps you and Misty or May or even brings in our Pokémon?"
"Brock's right," Serena spoke up... with his own voice. "The best thing to do would be to wait and hope and it runs out... maybe we should call your dad."
"How come?" he blinked.
"He seems to know a lot about legendries and myths," she shrugged, "maybe he's got info on heart swap."
"Your right!" He brightened up.
Bidding goodbye to their friends, Serena got him to place Absol's Pokéball with Misty since the dark type wished to stick by the prince of the sea. Making their way back across the ship towards their room for privacy, a thought occurred to him. Running ahead he jumped into the air and pushed his arms down... but he ended up stumbling forward as he landed. Standing back up, he tried to jump some more but to the same effect.
"Any reason your jumping around?" She paused. Her eyes widening. "Please tell me you didn't just want the image of my chest bouncing or something?"
"Wha-no!" His eyes widened in horror. Cheeking burning red hot. "I was trying to levitate myself... but I can't get the ESP to work."
"So, we switch bodies, and you think of this as your opportunity to fly?" she asked with a hint of disbelief. She continued to mostly whisper to herself, "this is so embarrassing."
An arm grabbed his and started dragging him across the boat. Easily keeping up, it didn't take them long to reach their room. Sitting down on the bed, he pulled out the Pokegear only to realise he didn't know-wait... a thought occurred to him and putting the pass in, the phone unlocked.
"How did you unlock it?" Serena asked.
"I dunno... the password just kinda came to me," he shrugged. Scrolling through the device contacts, "my dad's number isn't in here."
"Here." She tossed him his own Pokegear. Putting her's down, he tried to unlock it, but no-password seemed to work. Sighing, she took the device back and unlocked it for him. "What's going on, you know my password but not your own."
"Well... do you know your password?" he asked. She went to reply but stopped herself, "exactly. I guess we've also got each other's memories. They're stored in the brain and even if our minds switched, our brains didn't."
"Great, so that means you can access my memories" she sighed.
"You can access mine as well." He retorted.
"Well let's just call your dad and hope he's got some answers on how to reverse this," she sighed.
Nodding in agreement, he turned to the device and scrolled through the contact list. It didn't take him long to find the number and dial away. A ring jingle played as the image of a phone filled the black screen. It soon lightened up to a face shot of his dad.
"Hey As-" His dad stopped mid-sentence. "Serena? What's wrong? Is Ash alright?"
"It's me dad," he replied.
"Did I miss something because I don't remember having a daughter," he replied, pausing, he scratched his chin, "unless Celebi-"
"No dad, it's me. " He clarified. "Ash."
His dad's face morphed from one of confusion to one which he couldn't only explain as pure laughter. His cheeks dimpled as he struggled to keep the chuckles within his lips. His eyes even murkrow-feet with the wrinkles to the side.
"Daaad," he whined, seeing the cheeks of Serena burn bright red in the screen's reflection.
"S-sorry son." He ran a hand down his face, clearly trying to let the giggles past. "Did you rediscover Jirachi and wish really hard? What's going on here?"
"Not funny," he pouted, puffing his cheeks out.
"Come on, it is... a little bit-" He held his fingers close together to emphasis "-wanna tell me how you ended up... like this?"
"Well... we found a Manaphy egg and-"
"Manaphy?!" His dad cut him off. "Okay, where's Serena? Is she in your body or-"
"Well, yeah," he replied, glancing over to... his own body. Gesturing to her, she moved into frame of the screen.
"Hello." She gave a small wave.
"This is very important, Serena, do not use your powers." His dad instructed. "Under no circumstance should you use your ESP."
"Sorry?" she asked.
"Your psychic abilities, you can't use them," he replied, "not even for a second."
"How did you know I didn't have them?" he asked his dad. "I mean, I can't understand Pokémon either so-"
"It's because aura users and psychics are completely different. One is a bloodline gift given through the original one themselve," he replied, "while the other was created by man, as a way to fight aura. If you active your powers and the aura senses, it then a battle will break out between the opposing forces. It'll tear your... or Ash's... body apart as well as anything else in the vicinity. Everyone will be at risk. Arceus knows how much damage will be caused until the aura finally subdues your own powers."
"But why did she get both powers and-" he asked.
"Psychic powers are sourced from the mind. Her mind moved into your body but it's still the same mind activating them," he replied, "the brain is just house for the mind to thrive. While the aura is linked to your body. They stuck with your body... it's just one of the differences they share."
"I'm able to control my ESP," Serena interjected.
"I don't doubt it. It's far more user friendly but that won't help if the aura starts attacking from the inside," he replied, "best prevention is just don't use the powers. Don't hint to the supernatural force that the intruder is there. There's a reason there's never been a natural aura and psychic user in one body."
"Intruder?" he frowned, "dad... do you have an issue with psychics?"
"Hate the sin... not the sinner," he muttered. Taking a deep breath, he looked back up to them, "I've got nothing against Serena or any other psychic. They just happened to have the right chemical makeup to allow the powers to thrive. But that doesn't change the fact of what psychics were for."
"What are they for?" Serena asked.
"After the Kalosian-Orre war and the display of pure unadulterated power from Sir Aaron... mankind feared the guardians." He closed his eyes. "And in that fear, they started messing with things they couldn't hope to understand. It's how psychic-humans came into reality but through their ignorance, they failed to properly create a system in which the powers pass on. It's random luck who gets them, which makes them all the more dangerous."
"Dad," he whispered with a frowned, feeling like he just insulted Serena directly. He couldn't even bring himself to glance at her... or him, right now.
"Sorry son but you met Sabrina, remember," he replied, "you might not like hearing it but without regulation, psychics are dangerous and given they're specifically designed to counter aura users... what if the likes of Giovanni got the luck of the draw? Imagine the untold destruction-"
He shut the phone off and tossed it away. Standing up, he turned to see his body as Serena shuffled into the corner. Her lips tried to smile through the tight structure. With a lowered brow, the entire head was lowered down to look at the floor. Approaching her, he place a hand on the shoulder and pulled her in... only to realise he couldn't do the usual comforting embrace by completely wrapping his arms around. His face now planted right into his chest.
"Sorry about that, Serena," he whispered.
"It's okay... we knew the powers had a... difficult history," she mumbled, "but I'd like to know how we switch back."
"Well, Manaphy didn't seem quick to help..." He paused, biting the inner cheek. "I hate to say it but maybe we should just wait and hopefully we'll switch back eventually. Or we'll figure something else out."
"I guess... we should let our Pokémon know and switch them up," Serena shrugged, "I mean, they deserve to know what's going on."
Nodding, they set out from the room to the battlefields since that place would be the best place to let everyone out at once. As they walked down the corridor, he frowned at the male which they passed by. While his eyes would lock onto their own, each one not-so-subtle look away. Tightening his fist as he realised exactly what they were doing, his eyes widened. Is this something Serena deals with all the time?
Before he could contemplate further, he felt something rough grab his hand. Glancing to the side, he realised it was his own hand and Serena offered a small smile as he kept up. Luckily, it seemed that he got a lot less attention on the journey down the boat but surely a girl shouldn't need to hold a guys hand just to walk down a corridor without the unwanted attention. Swallowing hard, he looked to her, "is this what it's always like for you?"
"It got worse the older I got and public places are even worst," she replied, "but you get used to it."
"You shouldn't have too," he muttered.
The rest of the journey down to the battlefield was in silence but nothing eventful really happened. Luckily, most of the fields were empty, only a couple of trainers were around, and they were far more invested in their own battle. After switching over Pokéballs, dex's and gears, they sent out their respective teams and stood in front of the crowd of Pokémon. Giving them the overall scenario, the results were mixed. From perplexed, to surprisingly
"Duskull."
"I'm not even gonna ask what he said." He shook Serena's head. "But erm, what should we do now?"
"I don't really want to repeat it either." She cringed with a full body shiver. "We can still enjoy the cruise... but... maybe we should have some ground rules given the... situation."
"Couldn't agree more," he nodded.
They quietly moved into the corner of the large battle room to discuss the sensitive subject of the do's and don'ts given their... circumstances.
Serena walked down the hall of the ship after parting ways with Ash. Given the situation, they agreed to stick to their own things since neither wanted the constant second-hand embarrassment from the circumstances. Her mind tried to think of what she could do to pass the time.
Although everything she thought off fell through in one way or another. Swimming or just being by the pool would require her to change and that was one of the first things they agreed not to do. Then she thought of a beauty day, she's even been considering having her ears pierced but even if she did do it, they wouldn't be her ears and she can't imagine Ash being happy about his ears being pierced. He's never been that into fashion or style.
Running a free hand up her arms, she stopping in place. Raising her arm, she realised just how hairy her boyfriend had gotten. It wasn't a thought which occurred to her often, but a cold shiver travelled over her as she realised how unhygienic it was. With her mind made up, she made a b-line for the collection of onboard shops to buy everything which she needed.
Part of her felt the cashier silently questioning her with the glances but did her best to ignore it. As she walked away from the shop, the reason why dawned on her... she just brought the stuff she'd normally use for her morning routine and seeing Ash instead of her must've been confusing for her.
As she walked down the corridor, the smell of a hot-growlithe vendor catching her nose. Her stomach growled loudly as her mouth watered. Part of her wondered how she could still be hungry after the pool-side sizzler... but that was her body which ate, not Ash. Inwardly sighing, she made the detour and picked up one bun to satisfy her hunger. Taking a seat by the vendor, she quickly realised another issue.
Her legs were held together but she felt incredibly uncomfortable. Like a part of her was being crushed. Sliding around in the seat, it only seemed to make the situation worse. Her hand reached to adjust the issue but froze before reaching the destination.
Standing back up, she grabbed the stuff and made a b-line straight for their room. She would always berate Ash for sitting with his legs open and taking up extra space but feeling the uncomfortable positioning made her realise just why guys do it. She even went to adjust the discomfort but luckily, she stopped herself, that would've definitely gone against their self-made rules.
Biting her inner cheek, she remembered the countless times she teased Ash over his sitting position or even his attempts to readjust. She always thought he just had other things on his mind but given she's now experienced the feeling... she just felt guilty over berating him. It's no different to her adjusting her bra but given the stereotypes around guys and girls, it's like one is accepted and the other isn't.
Reaching their room, she did her best to make herself comfortable whilst sitting on the bed. Quickly finishing the hot-growlithe, she wondered why her stomach growled even once finished. Guess it's not just Ash being a snorlax when he has the extra helpings during meals.
Shaking her head, she turned to the items she just brought. Kicking off her shoes and socks, she recoiled at the unkept nails. Taking the clippers out, she quickly fixed the nail issue on both hands and feet. Although the hair on said feet made her realise, she'd have far more work to do then imagined. Rolling her trousers up to over the knee, she moved onto shaving them and then the arms.
As she tore the pad off, the door opened. Turning to the source, she found herself... or Ash, walking in with wide eyes. He froze as his eyes examined what was going on. His bottom lip seemed to tremble, but he bit into it as a wave of cold sweat streamed down her forehead.
"What're you doing?" he asked.
"Shaving. I couldn't stand being so... hairy." Shivering to emphasis the last word. "Why, what's got you so freaked out?"
"We've got another issue," he replied.
"Oh boy." She rolled the eyes. "What now? How could this possibly get any worse? Aqua or magma on board? Maybe Lugia's been corrupted and is stealing the ship"
"I need the toilet," he replied, cheeks burning bright red.
She went to say something but paused. The voice in her throat died as she tried to come up with some sort of answer. She couldn't say hold it, it could make either of them incredibly ill but... well they also couldn't let them... Urg, why did Manaphy have to switch them around right now?
"Right... maybe..." she stammered. "You just keep your eyes closed and when it comes to cleaning I-"
"We don't keep the memories remember," he replied, "and I don't particularly want you to have the memory of... that... when we switch back. And just imagine if the reverse happens."
Her mind wondered over to the possibility of her needing the restroom in this predicament. His body getting up close and personal with her neither regions was not what she
"Well... if we don't keep the memories then-" she lost track of her own thought with the next words "-maybe we should just bite the bullet."
"You're not suggesting..." His voice trailed off.
"Why not?" she asked. "It's not ideal but we really don't have any good options and I don't want either of us to have to hold it and make ourselves ill. As long as we just use it for such situations then I think this is our only option... and think about it, we won't bring the memories of it with us... let's just make do until this whole thing is done and we can pretend like it never happened."
He went to reply but no words came out. Giving a small nod, he turned to the on-suite bathroom. Swallowing hard at the sound of the door closing, she tried not to think of Ash in there. Turning back to the shopping she brought, she pulled out the next item and moved over to the mirror on the wall. Squeezing some out into the hands, she ran the gel through the hair, giving her chance to style it to her liking.
Part of her was tempted to go to the hair-salon on board but that might've been too much. She wouldn't like it if he decided to complete restyle her hair and cut it so she'd have months before getting it back but at least she can make it more to her style whilst in this situation.
The chain from the bathroom flushed and a pit pooled at the bottom of her stomach. While the decision they made was for the best, the idea of actually going through with it is something else entirely. As the door opened and Ash walked out, she turned away unable to look him in the eye knowing what he must've seen during the event. She's never been more embarrassed and that is truly saying something. It wasn't even like she wanted to do the same just to get back at Ash since it's not his fault. She's actually terrified of the moment her need to use the restroom arises.
She just hoped that this entire switch-aroo thing ended soon. She couldn't be sure how long she could survive in his body.
May smiled as she sat at the table in the shopping mall. A bowl of mashed nanab berries in the bowl, a little suggestion from Misty. Manaphy sat in the child's highchair in front of her. Using the spoon, she fed the pure water type whilst making some aeroplane movements and sounds with the spoon.
"Your pulling faces, ya know." Misty commented.
"N-no I'm not," she stuttered. Turning back to the water type, he seemed to laugh joyfully at the situation. While she felt embarrassment from being called out, she couldn't help but smile at the seafaring Pokémon. Glancing to the side, she saw Serena's Absol lying beside them. His eyes glancing around the floor.
"Are too," she smirked, "but hey, I did the same with Azurill. And Ash with Togepi... You should've seen him."
"I never took him for the fatherly type," she muttered.
"He dotted on the little fairy type, that's for sure." She smiled. "I think it's just part of raising a baby Pokémon. Or any Pokémon from an egg, really."
"I can't help it," she replied, "seeing Manaphy... I dunno... just makes me feel happy. Like the last week never happened."
"Hap-phy."
"Huh?" she blinked turning to the seafaring Pokémon.
"Happy." Manaphy repeated in a clearer tone.
"Did he just say happy?" Misty asked.
"Uh huh," she nodded, placing the bowl down, "can you say it again, Manaphy?"
"Happy. You make Manaphy Happy."
She felt her heart ready to explode from pure joy as the cute little water type smiled widely. His beady little eyes seemed to shimmer under the ceiling lights and the long arms slapped together as if to applaud himself. Reaching out she tickled her finger under his chin.
"I love you!"
"Mana?" He tilted his head to the side.
"Can you say love you?" she asked.
"Love?" Manaphy repeated, "Manaphy happy, Manaphy love you."
"You two sure are close," Misty commented.
"Yep!" She beamed, picking the seafaring Pokémon up out of the chair, "you specialise in water types, right?"
"Sure do." She nodded.
"Why?" she asked, "why did you pick a type? My dad specialises in normal types, but I could never speak to him about Pokémon stuff."
"Well... my family have always had a special connection with water," she explained, "my mum claimed she came from something called the people of the water. And my dad was the Cerulean leader for longer than any of the current Kantonian gym leaders."
"Oh," she muttered, "sorry but I thought your parents-"
"They did pass when I was a toddler." She nodded. "But this is what my sister's told me about them. I guess, along with it being a part of our family, I also wanted to conquer what took them from me. A way to control the seemingly uncontrollable."
"Is that why you decided to travel with Ash?" she laughed.
"That's more Serena's role," she laughed, "but what about you? You're a coordinator, right?"
"Yeah," she sighed, "honestly... when I first started out on my journey, it was just a reason to explore. See the world. Moving from Unova to Hoenn was the most exciting thing I can remember. I didn't even really like Pokémon."
"Really?" she blinked.
"It was always more Max's thing and he and dad..." She shook her head. "Anyway, it wasn't until I met Combusken, Beautifly and the others that I really understood the reasons why people dedicate their life to Pokémon... and now I couldn't imagine being without them. Any of them."
"They tend to have that effect on people," she smiled.
The general conversation continued as she returned to feeding the newly hatched water type. May couldn't help but smile wider with every passing moment, while time passed by seeminglessly endlessly. They even had a good laugh about the predicament of the couple and the bizarre situation in general.
"Sol."
Serena's pure dark type stood up, staring out of a nearby window. Looking the same direction, they noticed nothing other than the starry night sky glistening over the crystal blue ocean surface and a few passer-by's walking around.
"What's up with him?" she wondered aloud.
"Don't know." Misty pinched her lips together. "But it's getting late anyway. Maybe it's for the best if we retreat to our cabin for the night."
"Okay," she nodded.
Standing up, they picked up their equipment and started making their way back across the ship. The general rustle of passengers and the crashing of waves against the ship created the obedience but seeing the way Absol continued to look around made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. It didn't take them long to reach the cabin and settle down, even turning on the small the television which decorated the room.
"This is Gabby Mari of Hoenn's Hot Topic coming to you live from outside Hoenn's maximum security detention centre." She saw a thirty-something women with medium length brown hair dressed in a light green sleeveless shirt and turquoise blue sleeveless jacket over top on the screen. "In the last hour it's been reported by security staff that the accused terrorist Shelly of Team Aqua has died. Being found at the bottom of a staircase, she was being held without bail whilst awaiting trial. She was arrested by the G-Men squad, led by Lance of Kanto's elite four who are continuing the on-going investigation against both organisations known as aqua and magma. Speculation has already begun with people claiming magma members also held in the facility are responsible."
The television turned off and she turned to see Misty holding the remote. She started to walk to the exit with some device in her hand, "where are you going?"
"I've got a call to make," Misty muttered, "I won't be more than a few minutes."
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