Chapter 25:

Ducklett Dynasty

Location: Route 5

A crowd had gathered to watch the Driftveil Drawbridge lower the path. All the tests had been done, and it was safe to do so. This would open my path to Driftveil City, the sight of Gym Battle five.

We heard the (admittedly irritating) siren alerting that everything was being lowered. Slowly, the two steel parts of the bridge descended before finally meeting one another and forming a complete bridge. Everyone applauded as the gates opened allowing for passage.

"Thanks for this," I told the Security Guard at the bridge. He gave me a salute. I was the only person crossing at that moment.

I turned to face the bridge path when I noticed a sign. It was yellow and in the shape of a square. There was a silhouette of a Pokémon. Underneath it said, "Beware of the Ducklett."

"Just double check your pockets," the Security Guard said. "Those pesky things are thieves."

Well, only one way to find out.


Location: Driftveil Drawbridge

I crossed over the bright blue. I saw some smaller ships and water taxis sail underneath as the steel red pillars towered over me. Every step I took made a loud CLANG noise underneath. You could make a tune out of it.

I checked around my pockets and my Bag. Nothing was stolen, thank goodness. Nothing to worry about, I continued to walk.

Just then, I saw a wing slowly float down. These special feathers can help raise a stat of a Pokémon. Depending on the colour, they will raise a different one. I went over and knelt down. Alas, it was colourless. It was a Pretty Feather, so it doesn't raise anything.

As I knelt, I felt something fly behind me. Quickly, I turned around to see a feathery blue Pokémon with a yellow beak and a relatively long neck.


Ducklett (コアルヒー)

086

Water/Flying Type

Water Bird Pokémon

1'08" (0.5 m)

12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)

These bird Pokémon are excellent divers. They swim around in the water eating their favourite food – peat moss.


It turned its head sideways, then waddled off. As it did, a Revive fell out of its wing. Concerned, I looked in my bag.

All my Revives were gone.

"HEY!" I yelled, dropping my Bag. "Those are mine! Drilbur, come out!" I was so angry I forgot about the Type disadvantage. But that didn't matter, because Drilbur was learning a new move! It was Slash! Drilbur swiped Ducklett for a Critical Hit, knocking it out in one. All my Revives fell out its wing and I swiftly gathered them all up.

"I hope you learned your lesson!" I told the Ducklett. However, when I turned back to my Bag, I saw a bunch of Ducklett foraging through it.

"Get out of there!" I shouted, as they all flew off with individual pieces. Food, Potions and worst of all, my Badges. My Pokéballs were fine though. "No!" I shouted as they all flew up to one of the steel beams. "How am I going to get up there?" I sent out Tranquill. "Fly up and get my stuff back!" Tranquill swooped up to go to the beam the Ducklett were on.

A solid five minutes later, I saw all the Ducklett bring back all my stuff. (Well, except my food. That was all gone).

"Listen Ducklett, stealing is not nice. I need these Badges and everything else to go on my journey. If you steal, no one will like you. That's why there is a sign telling people to beware of you."

Two of the Ducklett flew off to the top of the beam. Then, they brought down a nest with Ducklett babies inside, chirping like mad. In the nest were things like Revives that were stolen.

"You're trying to feed your young. I can understand, but this isn't the way to do things." All the Ducklett sighed. "Well, there is something I could do…"


Location: Route 5

"Donate your spare food!" I shouted as I came round with a bowl donated by the Baker from the trailer. "Feed the Ducklett so they'll leave you alone!" From berries to buns donated by the Baker, everyone put in their donations.

"Marvellous idea!" the Baker said. "If we keep this up, the Ducklett won't need to steal anything anymore! They'll also know what's food and what's not!"

Soon, the bowl was filled, and I returned to the Ducklett. I promised the Chef I would return it and that he would make this a scheme.


Location: Driftveil Drawbridge

"There you go, dig in!" All the Ducklett went into the bowl and took a piece of food each, then flew back up to their respective beams. "Promise you won't do this again?" The Ducklett all quacked in agreement, then they both took the bowl and flew back over to Route 5. Nothing like doing a job for me!

With that interruption out the way, I crossed the bridge.


Location: Driftveil City

The bricked orange roofed buildings of Driftveil City glowed in the setting sun in the distance as ships from other regions came with goods from all around the world. I had arrived.

The first part of the City was an islet with a gold statue on it. It was an artistic piece of what the inside of a Pokéball would look like. After that, it was a stone bridge over the sea to the housing estate.

"Hilbert!" Cheren yelled. "Funny, you're usually first to the City. Get caught up with the Ducklett?"

I nodded and told him that I would sightsee the next day. Why? Because I had crossed a bridge. Thrilling progress, I know.

"Well, mind if I come with? Also, Bianca said she would like to go first tomorrow. I'm not arguing too much, but we could do with some extra training."

I adjusted my hat. "Sounds like a great idea. There might not be an amusement park here, but we can still have fun!"

Who knew crossing a bridge would become a big adventure? Anyway, I have arrived at my next big destination. The opposite of Nimbasa City, this isn't really the place you would take your kids for getting good grades at School. But it is the place for another Gym battle!