Hi!
Disclaimer: Shogakukan Comics owns pokemon, Nintendo does, etcetera. This is fanwork non-profit fun, and Shadow only owns her own ideas.
Notes: for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics in case a pokemon talks.
SS2 Megami-sama, and Link Masters. Thank you for your support!
Chapter 6: Swimming Secrets – VS Water team
They headed for Misty's gym, as was expected. After all, why else would people linger in Cerulean? It had no shopping mall and casino to draw visitors like Celadon.
The most prominent building was the Bike Shop.
It was world-famous, as all types of trainers purchased their bicycles there. However, Red didn't want to waste his money.
He had already spent some on more poke balls and potions.
Raichu was more than happy to zap the three swimmers blocking the door. They had very bright hair in flower colors, but didn't talk.
So, onto the gym leader!
Hopefully!
However, when they actually got in the gym doors, it turned out to be much more complicated.
"Please change into these swimming trunks." The lady said politely. "You will have to swim through a maze to reach the gym leader."
"I see…" Ash said.
That did put him in a pickle. He could carry as many pokemon as he wanted, but how was he going to make it through the maze swimming?
Poliwhirl frowned. This is not good…
* I still remember the time when Red was only five and we were playing in the water when a huge wave swept him into the middle of the river. He couldn't swim, and I was a Poliwag, so I couldn't help him. I really wanted to! I swam after him, but he could not breathe underwater. So I didn't know what to do. But then, there was a white fire and then I felt stronger and I saved him. *
Are you still scared of the water?
"No," Ash said. "But I'm afraid I don't have enough endurance to make it through."
This was said in a whisper, as not to attract unwanted attention.
I will come with you. Lapras also.
Lapras nodded. We'll teach you to swim.
Red looked relieved. "Thank you both…"
He then switched to a cocky tone. "This maze won't beat me!"
The lady, who hadn't noticed his whisperings, clicked her tongue. "Don't be so stupid."
Without another word, Red changed and jumped in the water.
Poli and Lapras followed him.
He hung onto Lapras's shell as he kicked his legs up and down.
Now, this is like how goldeen swim. Poli told him. We can try the arms later, but first, your legs have to be strong enough to propel you through the water.
Ash coughed up a mouthful of water and grimly kept kicking.
His legs were rather tired three hours later, but they were still going, as Poliwhirl watched proudly.
The two trainers with Goldeens had been dispatched with Lapras's Thunderbolt move. Ash wondered where she had learned that. It hadn't been his father.
Still, mysteries always made life more interesting.
We're here!
Look, there's the gym leader.
Ash looked up and saw a girl in a black swimsuit with red hair down to her shoulders watching him.
"Wow, I'm surprised you made it here. Most people ignore the small turns and get hopelessly lost, so they use Escape Rope."
Ash took a few breaths, as his muscles made their demand for oxygen known. "Well, I trusted my pokemon."
"Most people don't do that either. Anyways, welcome. I'll let you rest before we battle."
"Thank you, ah…"
"Misty."
"Thanks, Misty."
Ash pulled himself out of the water, as Poliwhirl and Lapras climbed out after him. Drying off with a yellow towel she provided, he dangled his feet off the edge of a platform.
It was certainly not what he had expected.
"Do we have to swim with our pokemon when we battle?"
"Of course." Misty told him. "I hope you still have some energy left."
"I'll be fine."
Half an hour later, the battle began.
"One-shot, two on two match." Misty said. "I choose Starmie and Gyarados!"
"Then I'll use Poli and Lapras."
"BEGIN!" Called a referee.
Gyarados shot what looked at a Hyper Beam at Ash, while Starmie dove underwater, spinning madly.
'Poli, Ice Beam!" Ash said, as the two energy blasts countered.
Lapras jumped as she felt something touch her. Stupid Starmie! I don't want to breed with you! Take this!
A blizzard suddenly froze the pool solid.
Ash was very glad he had been standing on Lapras's shell. "Yes! Now, Lapras, Thunderbolt!"
The attack took Gyarados down, as Poli jumped into the water, breaking the ice. Muffled grunts could be heard from underneath as Misty and Ash waited to see the result of the second battle.
Starmie floated out triumphantly, carrying a fainted Poliwhirl.
"Looks like a tie-." Misty said, but stopped when Poliwhirl landed a dynamic punch right on Starmie's core.
Starmie staggered back, damage done to its most vulnerable spot.
Poliwhirl then slapped it silly with two explosive Doubleslap attacks.
And so, Misty gave Ash the Cascade badge. And some swimming tips…
He spent almost an hour writing them down. But it would be worthwhile in the future.
I'm proud of him. Poli reported that night.
Finally, Ash was not afraid of the water. No, he wasn't hydrophobic, but large bodies of water scared him.
Once, his father had tried to teach him swimming battle techniques. He hadn't been older than the time he almost drowned by much.
He was already worried, but then his father had used the strange pokemon with the big red eyes.
And he couldn't move while the water rose.
Poliwhirl frowned. Don't worry, Ash. We all will protect you. Your father doesn't deserve you as a son.
End Chapter