Author's Note:
Here it is, the chapter to fill in between Slateport and Dewford. I'm learning early Hoenn is a string of cities really close together, I had to drag out Dewford to make sure there was distance between gym one and two. This is a pretty basic chapter, get a nice lore story but the real interesting stuff is a new capture and evolution. I will say I've changed the story for the Pokémon of the location from the story it had in the anime but is that really a bad thing? Oh, and we get a glimpse at how I plan to handle detective Pikachu in this series. It's very different to the movie and game. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin.
Chapter eighteen: The Abandonded Ship
May took a deep breath with fresh ocean air filling her nostrils. She looked ahead over the ever-expanding open ocean with a smile on her face.
It was the day after Ash's gym battle with Brawly, after making it back to the town when the storm passed, they called Mr Briney for a lift. As Petalburg was closer, he took Sakura there first and came back for them afterwards. Now they were riding on his boat towards Slateport and her first contest.
She turned around to take in the sights of what everyone was doing. In the water she saw Corphish, Feebas, Lotad and even Mudkip, with the latter riding the part grass types Lilypad. Each enjoying the freedom of the water. Max was on the deck, playing some sort of game of tag with Pikachu, Donphan, Duskull, Sylveon, Cacnea and Dugtrio. While up in the air, Taillow, Murkrow, Dustox and Crobat all spread their wings. Mawile seemed to be enjoying herself, having used attract to create a group of Treecko, Torchic, Poochyena and even Aron around her. Brock sat with his Slakoth against the wall, giving the normal type a long brush. She briefly considered what it would've been if she accepted the little one from her dad, but with how much caring he seemed to require, Brock was definitely the best choice for a trainer. In her own arms laid Silcoon. While Meditite and Hitmontop were off by themselves, the latter impressing his new girlfriend with some shows of strength or new moves.
Finally, she saw both Ash and Serena off near the side of the deck, sunbathing in their swim suits. Shaking her head, she didn't let herself linger on them, while she had a small crush at first, that was nothing more than a simple crush. Although it was weird, this might be the first time she saw Ash not doing anything and just relaxing. Turning her attention back out across the water, something caught her attention. A pink fin barely above the water.
"I wonder what that Pokémon is," May mused to herself as she reached into her pocket. Pulling out her Pokedex, she scanned the pink Pokémon:
Gorebyss, The South Sea Pokémon. A final evolved form of Clampearl. Although Gorebyss is the very picture of elegance and beauty while swimming, it is also cruel. When it spots prey, this Pokémon inserts its thin mouth into the prey's body and drains the prey of its body fluids
The image on the Pokedex gave her a much better sight of the pink serpentine Pokémon. It had a long, thin mouth. A pale pink colour for the scales covering the body, although the image appeared a little darker shade than the wild ones. A long, purple-tipped fin extended from the top of its head, and there was a thin, pointed fin extended from underneath it's head. There were two purple shells on the chest area, which almost resembled a bikini top. The tail had a purple, circular fin at the tip, and two white bands near its base... it was beautiful.
Putting the device away, her eyes hovered, daring to shut as she relaxed against the rail. The image of herself on a contest stage, overlooking a pool of water with a Gorebyss swimming around and a Beautifly overhead filled her mind. A large crowd cheering as all three of them cursyed towards the crowd.
The sound of the constant motor slowing down drew her attention back to the boat. She looked around as she saw the others also seeming unable to answer the source or the reason why the boat was slowing down considerable. Along with the others, she turned to see Mr Briney at the top behind the wheel.
"Sorry about this folks, I guess the engine decided it had enough for today," he apologised, "it does this from time to time after a lot of use."
"Well you did travel from Petalburg to Dewford just to take Sakura back to Petalburg and then came back to pick us up," Brock reasoned, "it's understandable."
"But what should we do now?" Serena asked.
"I know of a nearby island around these parts," Mr Briney explained, "if we can make it there then I can take a look and hopefully get it working."
"We can have our Pokémon pull us," Ash suggested, as his Taillow swooped down to reveal herself. Letting out a series of cries to him, "You think you can pull it yourself?"
"Well we only have one rope, so they'll have to take turns," Brock opted in, tying said rope round the rail near the front of the boat.
"Fine, you can give it ago," Ash sighed, "but if you get tired, don't push yourself to hard. We've got plenty of others who can take over for you."
Taillow rolled her eyes at the comment and took off, grabbing the free end of the boat with her two taloned feet. Pulling as hard as she could, flying just ahead of the boat along with directions from Mr Briney's Wingull, who flew up beside her.
"We should recall the others," Max opted, "it'll take away the weight and make it easier for Taillow."
"Good thinking," Serena noted, and one by one they recalled their entire teams, except for Pikachu and Taillow. Looking out across the water, she saw some shadowy shape in the distance but as they got closer, it revealed itself to be some sort of wrecked ship.
"What's that?" she asked no-one imparticular.
"That is a ship that wreckage on a small island about five years back," Mr Briney explained, "there used to be a ferry that travelled from Petalburg through the self of Hoenn and up to Lilycove. Stopping at the major islands along the way, like Dewford, Slateport and Mossdeep. But one day a fire broke out in the kitchen, no-one's sure why or how but the entire ship became engulfed in flames."
"What happened?" Ash asked.
"Well, they were safely getting the people off into life boats and it was on track, but the captain of the boat knew the ship was sinking," he continued, "had he left to join them on the boat. Some of them wouldn't have made it off before being submerged so he turned the ship to park it on this island he knew about, to prevent its sinking and let everyone off safely."
"Wow, he sounds like a real hero," Serena interjected.
"Aye, he was," Mr Briney replied, "but his cabin was filling with thick black smoke. By the time they reached the land, he was alone and unable to breath. He sacrificed himself so those on board could live. Now the ship is a refuge for many water types which live the ocean of Hoenn. But there is a legend with it-"
"What's the legend?" Max asked.
"Well it's said that the partner of the deceased captain survived and runs the water Pokémon refuge," he explained, "and challenges all humans who dare trespass on his ship to battles which he's never lost."
"Never... until now," Ash smirked.
"You want to try and find that Pokémon and battle it?" May asked.
"Well you've certainly got time," Mr Briney replied, "it'll take me at least a couple hours to sort this old engine out. But I should warn you, it is just a legend."
"Either way, we gotta explore the ship!" Max cheered, "just imagine how many water types live there even if the captain's partner doesn't any more."
"I'm going to stay outside and work more on the contest," May declared, "it's less than a week before my debut at the Slateport contest, after all."
"And I'll stay to help you, May," Serena added, "but if the boys want to explore the ship, we shouldn't stop them."
With everyone seeming to agree, they turned back towards the main island. The ship looked ripped in half with the back end submerged in the water and puncture marks all over the outer body. A long metal bridge stretched out from the top, down onto the sand where they parked their boat.
Ash smiled as he watched the girls set off to do their own training on the beach. Stretching his arms above his head, enjoying the warm sun, he glanced to the side and saw both Max and Brock waiting for him. With a smile over taking his face, exploring new places like this always got his blood pumping.
"Alright guys, let's go!" he cheered, marching forward.
They quickly stepped through the hole where a door once hung. A giant metal slab slowly rattled to the side with a high squeak. Right in front of them was a collapsing mouldy wall, with the wallpaper mostly gone. To the left held a metal wall with some sort of door blocking the way, while the right held a long corridor for them to travel down. Shrugging, he took off down the right path with both Brock and Max following shortly behind.
"Come on out, Mudkip," Brock called, and with a flash of light, his pure water type appeared in front of him. He reached down and gently picked her up, she still seemed tiny in comparison to him as she looked around with wonder in her beady little eyes, "hey there. No need to be scared."
"Well I'm not surprised she's scared," Max interjected, "this isn't exactly a home away from home for her. Even if a refuge for water types."
"Is that your way to say you're scared, Max?" Ash asked, in a teasing tone.
"Am not!" he called out.
"Well exactly Max, the more I can have Mudkip experience the better growth she'll have as a character," Brock explained, "it's one of the reasons your parents were happy to let you travel around with us, as well, remember. Because of the experience your gathering."
"Right but maybe having some help to explore wouldn't be a bad idea either," Ash agreed, "I choose Duskull and Corphish."
His two Pokémon appeared in front of them, with Duskull floating up to be eye level. Both looked at him expectantly.
"Hey guys, we got stranded on an island with this wrecked ship," Ash explained, "and while Mr Briney tries to fix the engine, we're exploring. He did tell us that this place is now home to many water types and there's even meant to be a super strong one that lives here."
"And we're your choices for his playmates in hope that if we do encounter him, he'll just have his way with us then let us go in peace?" Duskull asked.
"N-no, nothing like that," he shook his head, "I wanted you guys to help us explore. Duskull, you can float through walls and check rooms with ease while Corphish, you can search the water. I'd imagine that a place like this has many flooded areas and locations that connect to the outside ocean."
The two Pokémon seemed to agree with the plan and nodded. They turned around and began setting off ahead of the group. Duskull sneakily floated between the walls, reappearing every few seconds while Corphish... was not nearly as subtle. As soon as they found a water source, behind a hole in the wall which once housed a door, he took off and dived straight in. Continuing down, with the connecting walls to that room mostly destroyed, they found several waters types going about their regular business, such as: Golduck, Psyduck, Quagsire, Wooper, Marill, Azumarill and even some that he hadn't met before
"Man, seeing all these water types makes me think of Misty," Brock sighed, smiling.
"I know what ya mean," Ash agreed, "she would've loved exploring this place. Heh, between Mudkip and Lotad, it's almost like you was trying to replace her as our groups water type specialist."
"I don't think anyone could replace Misty," Brock shook his head, still smiling, "she had such a hugh presence about her. It made her unique."
"Misty was the person you guys travelled with around Kanto and Johto, right?" Max asked, "the water trainer who left to become a gym leader."
"Right," Ash nodded, "but she also travelled with us during the orange archipelago. Although Brock took a break during that time."
"How come?" Max asked.
"Well... I found someone who needed my help a lot more than Ash, Serena and Misty did," Brock explained, "but once they were stable on their feet, I came back to find these guys."
"And now your helping me and May just like you helped that other person!" Max chimed in.
"Well I wouldn't say I'm helping May as much as Serena and Ash are," Brock smiled, "plus I'm studying as well. If I'm going to become a doctor than I need as much first-hand experience as I can get."
"Speaking of first-hand experience, I think when we get to Slateport, I'm gonna take over May's training for a bit," Ash nodded, "Serena needs time to really choreograph her next routine and switching up training partners will help get her prepared for facing all different types of coordinators in contests."
"And Slateport is also home to the oceanic museum!" Max cried, "it's the biggest museum for underwater excavation in the world and has been responsible for most of the big stuff found under the water! We just gotta go!"
"Well calm down, Max," he smiled, "no need to yell. Just like with the Devon corporation. If we're passing by somewhere and it has a place, you'd like to visit then we can make time. This is just as much your journey as it is ours. Right Brock?"
Not receiving a response, he turned around to find the oldest member of their group no-where to be seen.
"Brock?" he repeated, "Brocko, where did ya go?!"
"Mudkip has gone too," Max added.
"I don't like this," he muttered, darting his eyes around. They lingered on the murky-green water source just past the nearest wall. Brock was stood right next to it but he's a strong swimmer. Had he fallen in then he would've had no issue remaining afloat even fully dressed and with his backpack on. Plus, they would've heard it, "Max... get behind me."
The young boy didn't question him and shuffled behind him, as he blocked the whole in the wall. Everything suggested that they went down the corridor so-
A splash sound and spatter of water drew his attention. Turning behind, he found a soaking floor and no-sign of Max. Duskull appeared over his shoulder and Corphish emerged from the pool a few seconds later.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" he asked, "and where did the other's go?"
"Didn't you see a Pokémon and Max just now?" Ash asked.
"Nope," he replied, "but it's not exactly bright under there. And the dirty water just makes every Pokémon look like shadows unless right next to them."
"Come on guys, we can't just wait around now to get picked off," he instructed, taking off down the corridor, further into the ship.
Not wanting to wait another second, he took off down the corridor. Pikachu hung onto his shoulder, sparking his cheeks. Duskull floating ahead but keeping within his sight while Corphish ran by his feet. Whoever was at work here would regret attacking his friends.
May sighed as she looked across the beach they were training on. Serena was helping her prepare for the battle section of a Pokémon contest.
Sylveon was sparring with Poochyena, effortlessly deflecting his head-on attacks with her feelers. Out of all her team, he seems to be the most efficient battler without help and really enjoys it although she knew he wasn't exactly showing off or dazzling with his attacks.
Meditite was trying to battle against Mawile although neither had any contest experience. Her Hitmontop was over watching them and giving advice but it was just basic battling. Her steel fairy type had tried to get out of it by using attract but for whatever reason, it had no effect on the two near her. She just assumed it was because Hitmontop and Meditite seem to have a thing going so they were just being loyal to each other. Not that she knows much about attract as a move so maybe there's another reason it doesn't affect them.
Glancing up to the sky, she saw Serena's Dustox and Murkrow flying around, clearly helping the former learn to battle whilst in the air. The slight brought a smile to her face as she had the image of her Silcoon finally evolving and being able to join them in the air.
While her own Silcoon was sat to the side. Water slowly washing over her body as Serena's Feebas worked on some sort of water performance.
"May focus!" Serena's voice called out.
Her attention was drawn back to the makeshift sand field they were battling on. It was her Torchic against Cacnea. The pure grass type was holding his spiky arms out, launching a series of pin missiles across the field.
"Quick! Dodge!" she cried out.
Torchic attempted to run out of the way with quick attack. The pin missiles struck the ground, exploding. With the force sending her fire starter flying.
"May! You can't lose track of a battle like that! If you panic then so will your Pokémon!" she called out, "and dodge is not good enough!"
"But Ash doesn't tell Pikachu or Taillow much of anything!" she called out, "how is this different?"
"Because of the level of experience," she sighed, "Pikachu has seen every battle that Ash has partook in and has enough battle experience himself to know several ways to dodge. He doesn't need to be told and Taillow... she may not be as experienced but as a flock leader, she's more experienced than others."
"So, what should I have done?" she asked.
"In a battle, the objective is to subdue the opponent but in a contest battle, you need to put on a show," she explained, "countering and deflecting the attacks work a lot better than basic dodging. Maybe use ember to explode them prematurely. That could've also gave Torchic cover to get in close."
May closed her eyes and let her thoughts run back to the Pokémon she saw in the ocean. She only really felt this way when she saw that Beautifly flying overhead. Too bad they couldn't have gotten closer, so she had a chance to catch one but then again, none of her team is exactly built to fight in the water.
"Hey what's that?" Serena voice asked, as she opened her eyes. She looked towards the honey-blonde girl and she put her Pokedex away, "it's a Clampearl."
"Clampearl?" May mused, as she remembered the name from the Gorebyss entry back on the boat.
Looking towards the Pokémon she saw an aquatic Pokémon. A dark blue shell sat open at a ninety-degree angle with a silver rim along the inner edges. With a small pink ball in the centre, with what looked like a face. It quickly snapped shut as it spun to face them. Slowly the shell peaked open and she saw a fragile, light blue body composed of six spherical extensions holding the pink, pearl-like head in the centre. While the eyes appeared to be closed, a small circle across the would-be eyelids indicated some sort of pupil, barely noticeable. There were circular white patches on each cheek.
"So that thing is what evolves into Gorebyss?" she asked no-one imparticular, "interesting."
"You could catch that Clampearl, May, it's always worth building up your team and you seem interested in it," Serena suggested, "and if you conduct it as a contest battle, I'd be better able to give you tips and advice."
"Alright!" May cheered, looking around before stopping on one of her particular Pokémon, "you ready Silcoon?"
"Your using Silcoon?" Serena asked.
"Well Torchic is hardly a good type match up, and Mawile doesn't listen to a thing I say," she explained, "plus Poochyena is still training with Sylveon and is probably tired by now. Do you have a reason I should pick one of the others?"
"No, no, just checking. It's always best to run through your available options," Serena reassured, hold her hands up, "actually, now I think of it. Maybe Silcoon would be best. She's clearly the one your closest with so you'll have an easier time adapting with her. Then transferring the skills to any of the others would be a lot easier for you."
"Glad you agree," she smirked, turning towards the makeshift as Silcoon rolled herself in front of May. They faced off against the pure water type, who seemed intrigued by the challenge present, with a small smirk forming on its pearl face, "let's start with electroweb!"
Silcoon nodded and shot out a thick string shot. It stretched out like a web and latched onto the shell as it slammed shut.
Sparks formed at the mouth of her bug type. Shooting down the web, it only reached about half way before fizzling out.
"Aww come on, I thought you would've learnt that move already," May whined.
The shell peaked open and a blast of water shot out, destroying the webbing. It struck her cocoon Pokémon, knocking her back.
"Focus May, you can't force Silcoon to master a move like that. Dustox and Pikachu have been helping her, but it takes time," Serena called out, "right now you need to focus on the battle and not learning a new move."
"Then let's try poison sting!" she declared.
Her pure bug type shook herself dry from the blast and rolled back into a battle stance. A series of small purple stingers shot across the sandy field.
Clampearl slammed her shell shut. It appeared to shimmer under the bright sun as the attack effortlessly bounced off.
A veil of water spewed out from the shell and enveloped the pure water type in a ball of water. A mystical light shining over Clampearl.
"Be careful May, that looks like aqua ring so Clampearl will be constantly healing herself," Serena warned.
"But what can I do?" she asked, "that shell can't be penetrated."
"Can't it? Because from what I can see the is able to make the water out," she hinted, "remember that attacks can be used in several different ways."
Her eyes widened as she realised that the Serena was right, the pearl head was the weak point but also the source of the attacks. If she could use that water to travel through then-
"Poison sting and keep doing it!" May shouted.
Silcoon launched out another barrage of poison stings. They struck the water veil and seemed to dissolve within the sphere.
"Keep going and don't let up!" she encouraged.
After a solid minute of the barrage, the spherical water turned a tint of purple. The water became toxic and slowly the shell opened, revealing the sick pearl-head. With the water veil splattering on the sand beneath the pure water type.
"String shot into tackle!" she hollered.
A thick white string shot out and hit the wild Pokémon, trapping the shell's inside. With a tug, the water type was pulled forward.
Her bug type shot off from her position and smashed into their opponent. With the shell swiftly slamming shut on her cocoon Pokémon.
Silcoon's body glew white and changed shape, throwing the shell open and down onto the ground as she took flight. The glowing faded revealing large blue eyes and black antennae with rounded tips. Her face, underside, and four stubby limbs were grey, while the rest of her body was black. There were black with large, yellow markings, and smaller red and blue markings. The upper pair of wings were larger and had a line of yellow along the top edge, while each of the lower wings had a long, round-tipped extension on the bottom. She pulled out her Pokedex to scan her newly evolved bug:
Beautifly, The Butterfly Pokémon. The final evolved form of Wurmple. Beautifly has a long mouth like a coiled needle, which is very convenient for collecting pollen from flowers. This Pokémon rides the spring winds as it flits around gathering pollen
Type: Bug / Flying
Ability: Swarm
Hidden Ability: Rivalry (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Adamant (Note: This is unlikely to change because this Pokémon is fully evolved)
Move(s): Gust, Absorb, Stun Spore, Morning Sun, Tackle, String Shot, Poison Sting, Harden
"Awesome Beautifly! You finally evolved!" May cheered.
"You still have a battle to conduct!" Serena reminded.
"Right, and we can try some of your knew moves!" May added, "let's start with gust!"
She stopped high in the air and began flapping her wings with a lot of might. A powerful wind blew down, sending sand and Clampearl flying.
A jet of water shot out of the chaos and knocked Beautifly down. She was able to readjust her flight before crashing, as Clampearl landed upside down.
"Remember, in a contest you need to win but in a dazzling style," Serena added, "that sandy gust covered up the show for the spectators."
"Right," she shook her head, "so let's try a combination of string shot and absorb! Take her for a flight!"
Her newly evolved bug flying type gave a small serious nod. Extending her curled up proboscis, a thin white string shot out and hit the shell. Flapping her wings, she took off into the sky with the water type trailing behind her.
Green balls of energy zapped out of Clampearl as they flew around, floating into Beautifly. With a swing overhead, she sent the water type down.
Smashing hard on the ground, Clampearl appeared dazed and poisoned with the shell open. A veil of water forming over the body once more.
"Go Pokéball!" May shouted.
Launching the device across the field, it struck the pure water type and sucked it inside with a red light. Landing on the sand, it began shaking back and forth, although softer than Mawile or Poochyena when she attempted to catch them. She held her breath and clenched her hands together as she focused on the device. After who-knows-how-long, it stopped and dinged. Releasing her breath, she took off and swiped the Pokéball off the ground!
"Alright! I caught a Clampearl!" she cheered, reaching into her pocket, and pulling out her Pokedex:
Clampearl, The Bivalve Pokémon. Clamperl's sturdy shell is not only good for protection, it is also used for clamping and catching prey. A fully grown Clamperl's shell will be scored with nicks and scratches all over. They live at the bottom of the ocean for most of their life, rarely travelling around until they evolve
Type: Water
Ability: Shell Armor
Hidden Ability: Rattled (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Serious (Note: This could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Clamp, Water Gun, Iron Defence, Aqua Ring, Refresh, Mud Sport, Super Sonic
"Nicely done, May, and that wasn't a bad combination of moves either," Serena praised, as she put the device away. Rolling her Pokéball around in her hand whilst turning to face her, "but you seemed to lose focus. As long as you keep reminding yourself about the point of contest battles, you'll get it."
"Thanks Serena," she smiled, "so what should we do now?"
"Well I know Silcoon was your plan for the appeals performance, but you might need to re-choreograph the routine for her new form," Serena explained, "plus you'd be best to decide on who to use for the battle stage."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"You can switch Pokémon between rounds and it's best that you do so," she explained, "not only is it unlikely that one Pokémon can excel in both stages since they are very different formats but you'd be at a disadvantage because your competition would've seen what Beautifly is capable of in the first round."
While she didn't say anything, her eyes lingered over the other members of her team. What Serena said made perfect sense, "thanks Serena. Oh, and could you help me with healing up Clampearl? I want to make sure she's alright and use that mind power you have to get to know her."
"Of course," she smiled as they made their way across the beach. Taking out a towel, they laid it down and sat on it as Beautifly took off towards the other flying types, clearly enjoying her first flight. She smiled at the sight and took out the Pokéball containing her Clampearl... hopefully she'll evolve just as quick.
Ash continued to search the abandonded ship whilst looking for his male companions. Originally, he felt like Max was just pulling a prank on him and Brock went along with it to keep him safe but the longer he searched, the less likely that seemed to be. Duskull was effortlessly floating through the walls, checking each room as Corphish took the water that had seeped in. Pikachu was perched in his usual spot on his shoulder. He cupped his hands around his mouth and took a deep breath.
"Hey! Brock! Max!" he called out, "can you hear me?!"
"If they could hear you, I think we would've had an answer by now," Pikachu sighed.
"So, what would you suggest?" Ash asked.
"Ah, I'm glad you asked because-" his starter paused, unzipping his backpack, and pulling something out. With a swish, he placed it on top of his head and pulled out another item. It took a second to realise it was some sort of old fashioned, brown, hat, on the electric types head, with a magnifying glass, "it's time that detective Pikachu was on the case. And as for what happened, well, it's elementary, my dear Wattson."
"Whose Wattson?" he asked.
"The spunky side kick to the detached detective who explains my genius deductions," Pikachu explained, "just like in the show."
"You watch to many shows," he sighed, "but humour me, what have you deducted?"
"Well, when you eliminate the impossible, whatever is left, no matter how improbably, must be the truth," Pikachu mused, "so with this case... if they didn't run off to pull a prank on you then they must've been taken!"
"That's all you've got?" he deadpanned.
"Hardly," Pikachu shook his head, "no, no. The next question is, if someone else is here then who would it be?"
"Another human stranded because their boat broke?" Duskull asked.
"But we didn't see another boat on the inside and the waters to the north are Sharpedo territory so they couldn't have survived coming from that direction, remember our original boat ride between Petalburg and Dewford?" he explained, "so if it's not a human then it must be a Pokémon!"
"Remember that Mr Briney told us this place had become a refuge for water types on the ride over," Ash opted.
"Leave the deducing to the experts, shall we," Pikachu interjected, "so if it's a Pokémon that considers this place home. Then it's territorial."
"How do you know it's just the one?" Duskull asked, seeming genuinely interested in Pikachu's little charade.
"I'm glad you asked," he smirked, "you see, this place isn't a normal home like a forest or cave where groups of the same species live together. No. As a made refuge, one Pokémon has likely taken up role of protector for themselves. Remember when we met Venusaur back at the hidden village?"
"Okay, I'll give you that one," Ash sighed, "but how does it help us find them?"
"Think of it like a battle. Taillow and her flock had the numbers, so they attacked us before her capture," Pikachu continued, "but if this is a one-mon-show then we have the numbers. He's picking us off, one by one. Max and Brock only had Mudkip to protect them and she's... not exactly intimidating."
Corphish popped back out of the water and looked up, "but you're not intimidating either."
"Am too," he sneered down at the water type. His eye was through the magnifying glass and looked triple the size.
"Actually, I'm kinda with Corphish on this one," Ash admitted, "at least, when you have that hat on. It just looks a little cute rather than intimidating. Anyway, did you find anything in the water?"
"I found some small water types but nothing intimidating or big enough to the largest human without a sound," he sighed, "but one of the young ones did mention a Kappin who keeps the place ship shape. I'm guessing this kappin is the Pokémon we're after."
"Ah, perfect," he smirked.
"How is this perfect," Ash asked, "we're still no closer to find them or this Kappin."
"But he knows how to find you," he smirked, "so recall these two and I'll hide in the backpack. Without the muscle around, he'll take you captive too then I'll let myself out and snap the bad guys neck and save the day."
"What was that last part?" he asked.
"You don't know about Ryan George either?" Pikachu exaggerated his sigh, "and you think your qualified to be a trainer or teenage boy for that matter."
Deciding not to argue with them right now, he reached to his belt and pulled off two Pokéballs, quickly recalling his ghost and his water types. Attaching them back to his waist, Pikachu used the opportunity to jump into the bag and zip it back up. Sighing, he took off around the ship, just waiting for this Kappin.
As he walked, his mind thought back to Pikachu's little costume, namely where he got it from. He never brought him any of those things, nor had he seen them before. Then again, it would be easy for him to hide stuff in the backpack. Afterall, he never really empties it out just to put everything back in. When he needs something out, he takes it out but puts it straight back in... maybe he should check to see if his buddy is hiding anything else in ther-
Everything went dark as it became different to breath. Something damp, cold, and scaly covered his face as he felt his feet drag against the ground. He could feel his eye dart around as he attempted to break free but to no avail. His heart thumped against his chest as whatever held him moved the face covering slightly. A single bright light blinded him but more importantly, he could breath. Heavy pants in and out as his body panicked with fear.
It was only a couple of minutes, but he soon felt a push. Landing on a cold metal floor, he peaked up, dazed from the blow. Above he saw Brock and Max strapped against the wall with what appeared to be a bug types string shot. While an Ariados sat between them on a string, dangling from the ceiling.
"Guys," he muttered, slowly pushing himself up. The room was spinning as he moved but a second Pokémon came into focus.
A Swampert stood tall. On all fours, he looked less than pleased at him... and a lot larger than either of the Swampert they saw at the breeding grounds.
"Surprise mother-Swampert?!" Pikachu cried as he burst out of the bag, landing on all fours with a perplexed look on his face, "I wasn't expecting a Swampert. Maybe a Tentacruel or Sharpedo but not Swampert."
"Worry about that later," he coughed as he climbed back onto his feet.
Swampert seemed to get the idea and charged forward. Raising a fist above his head, it clenched tight and became covered in ice.
Pikachu leaped up and spun, his tail coating in metal. The two attacks collided and Swampert stumbled backwards as Pikachu landed on all fours.
As they went in for another attack, Ash used the opportunity to dodge to the side. He hit the wall right next to Max and Brock and pulled out his camping knife, quickly using it to cut them free from the webbing.
"What is up with that Swampert?" Max asked.
"Don't know," Ash replied, "didn't get around to exchanging life stories."
"Well let's just get out of here," Brock suggested.
Having mostly recovered from the blow, the three boys made their way over to the only exit in the room. Well the only one not covered by water. As they reached it, he turned back to the battle to see Pikachu running around the water ground type in a taunting manner. He also saw the Ariados, who sat still on the thread. While part of him wondered why it didn't try to stop them, he was more concerned with actually escaping.
"Quick Pikachu, we gotta get going!" he called out.
Landing in the corner of the room, Swampert loomed over him, blocking his escape. Pikachu crouched low and shot between his legs with a quick attack.
Turning on a heel, they took off out of the door but almost instantly stopped. A metal door hung open just a little bit down the corridor with bright sun light beaming through. Ash quickly recognised it as the entrance they originally passed through and he couldn't help but wonder why hold them so close to the-
A loud roar reminded him of Swampert's constant presence, and he decided to question it later. Pikachu shot between his legs, leading the way as the three boys took off to the exit. Feeling the after shakes of the ever-present beast chasing them, they made a b-line for the exit. With both himself and Brock holding Max's hands to ensure he wasn't left behind.
Making it outside, they ran across the metal ridge towards Mr Briney's boat. The old man stood up with a smile on his face and Peecko perched on his shoulder. As he glanced to the side, he saw both Serena and May on the sandy beach with all their Pokémon, having turned towards the commotion. Reaching the boat, he turned around just in time to see Swampert emerge from the exit in a menacing slow walk with narrowed eyes and a smirk on his face.
"Ah, so you found the beast of the abandonded ship," Mr Briney smiled, "hey ole Swampert, how yar be?"
The water ground type stood tall, let out a roar of reply. Blinking in surprise, he turned to look at the ship owner then back at the fully evolved Pokémon.
"Wait! You know this Swampert?!" he cried out.
"Of course," he laughed, "I'm good friends with the old guy. I even knew his trainer," Mr Briney explained, "you see, that story I told you about the fire breaking out and the captain sacrificing himself to save the others on board was all true and Swampert here was his most trusted partner... but to save him, he recalled him during the chaos and tossed it out of a smashed window. Despite Swampert's best efforts, he couldn't make it back in time to save his trainer."
Watching the fully evolved mud fish Pokémon, he hung his head low.
"So, he decided to take refuge on the remains of this ship. Slowly, other Pokémon came and made it their home and he cared for them like his trainer of old would've," he continued, "I stop by every now and then, check how he's doing. He's quite the battler so if I happen to be helping some tough trainers travel these waters, I pull the old, failed engine trick so we have a reason to stop. Maybe give him a chance to prove he's still got the stuff."
"But why not just ask us if we'd stop?" Max cried out, as the girl's made it up to them.
"Because it's all a part of the fun," he laughed, "you see, Ariados, who I assume you met, is his lieutenant. He's quiet the trickster. So, we pull this haunted ship show so he can get his kicks too. Sorry for deceiving ya, lads."
"I guess it's alright. After all, none of us were really hurt," Brock sighed, "but how did an Ariados of all Pokémon end up here?"
"I believe he belonged to a trainer on the ship as well but during the commotion, his Pokéball got separated from his trainer," Mr Briney shrugged, "so Ash, since were here. Would you do the honour of battling Swampert?"
"Of course," he smiled, already reaching to his belt for a Pokéball.
"He seems to like doing three rounds consecutively,"
"Three rounds, back to back?" Serena asked, "are you sure he could handle it?"
"Oh, I didn't tell yar, did I," he laughed, "not only was his trainer the Captain of this ship but he used to be the Hoenn champion. He took over running this ship after the current champion, Steven Stone, took his place. And Swampert was his ace. So yar, I do think he'll be just fine."
"Well three rounds sounds fine with me," he smiled, "but maybe we should move it down to the beach."
As if to answer him, the mud fish Pokémon leaped over the ledge and landed square on the sand. He stalked across the sand and turned to face him with a challenging smirk spread across his face. Feeling his blood pump with excitement, he swiftly made his way across to the makeshift field. While he knew what his best option would be, he quickly eliminated the idea of going straight for Treecko. He also decided against Pikachu, if only to really test some of the new team members that he caught in Hoenn... and out of the four he caught in this region, one of them really doesn't need to test her strength right now.
"Alright, then I'll start with you, Corphish!" he shouted, tossing the Pokéball high into the air. In a flash of light, his newest team member appeared on the sand. Snapping his claws, he was clearly threatening the larger water type.
Swampert made the first move. Leaping forward, he raised his fist as ice coated it once more.
"Quick! Counter it with your Crabhammer!" Ash shouted.
Corphish leaped forward but was still underneath the mud fish Pokémon. Both his claws glew white as water spewed out around them.
Landing on the ground, he raised both up. Just as the ice punch came down, breaking through both of them. His eyes widened at the sheer strength.
"Use the sand and create some distance!" he called out.
His ruffian Pokémon quickly buried underground. Not to different from how they first met. Narrowing avoiding a second ice punch which smashed down.
The fully evolved water ground type looked up and locked eyes with him, smirking. Raising one of his hind-legs up, he slammed it down.
He felt the entire island shake from the earthquake as he fell onto his behind. Out in the water he saw the waves turn violent and back on the field, his newest team member leaped out of the sand, seeming dazed from the attack.
Their opponent wasted no time reaching out and grabbing him in one hand.
"Bubble beam!" he called out.
Struggling against his opponent's grip, Corphish was able to aim one of his claws. Opening it, he launched out a barrage of bubble beams direct to the face.
Swampert seemed to chuckle as he raised his head, letting the attack hit where his neck and chest met. Raised the first holding his Pokémon high, it glew a bright white and seemed to engulf his Pokémon completely.
Ash was helpless but to watch as he sent the ruffian Pokémon flying with a dynamic punch. His pure water type smashed into the metal wall of the ship and landed flat on his back with swirls in his eyes.
Unable to say anything, he held the device out and silently recall his water type. While he knew that he'd lose the first match up, he felt that they could've done a lot more than what they did. At least he was able to confirm that Corphish was willing to listen to him, which proved his theory right, the little guy wasn't a bad Pokémon like how his actions might make one believe. He just likes to have fun and sometimes takes it too far.
"Thanks, Corphish. Not bad for our first official battle together as trainer and Pokémon," he whispered, putting the device back on his belt. He watched the water ground type closely and hovered his hand over the two Pokéballs that he decided on for this match. As soon as he made his decision, he picked the device off his belt and tossed it into the air, "I choose you, Duskull."
In a flash of light, his pure ghost type appeared hovering above the ground, floating around. He stopped to the side as his singular red eye darted between the mud fish Pokémon and Ash himself. It was almost cartoon-ish how his expression looked.
"Worst... wing man... ever," he sighed, floating in between Ash and the water ground type, "alright. Let's do this thing. Just nothing kinky and we'll be good."
Swampert growled and crouched low. He was clearly signally for them to attack first.
"Use will-o-wisp and burn him!" he called.
Duskull started floating around in a circle, with balls of fire creating rings around him. He gave off a small cry as he sent them flying.
The fully evolved starter let out a loud roar and turned his head. A powerful hydro pump shot out and engulfed all the fire balls.
His pure ghost type made a dive into the floor, creating a large black shadow. Narrowly avoiding the attack as he shot forward, leaving a black streak in the ground. Leaping out of the earth, he smashed into Swampert's face, cancelling the hydro pump. Floating around onto the water ground types back.
"Hey hot stuff," he winked, forming a fire ball in hand. Smashing it down onto him, both burst into flames.
Swampert began raging around, stomping around as he the flames died down. Duskull riding his back like it was some sort of rodeo.
"Reverse cowgirl is not as fun as it sounds!" Duskull cried out.
"You can float!" Ash reminded, "just get out of there before-!"
It was too late. Despite his ghost types attempt to escape, Swampert formed several rings of rocks around him. With a flex of his strength and using his arm for direction, the sharp stone edge went flying. He tried to avoid them, but the speed and number proved too big of a challenge.
As he was pelted by the rock type move, Duskull fell back down towards the ground. Landing on the floor, their opponent stalked closer and loomed over.
Both his fists glew white as ice covered them and Ash smirked, "disable!"
His requiem Pokémon looked up and his eye glew a bright red. A red outline surrounded Swampert as his fists returned to normal.
A black wall of dark type energy formed in front of him and he winced. Stepping backwards, he lost his intimidating stature. With the payback fading, the pure ghost type was no-where left to be seen. Ash looked around to try and find him, as their opponent did the same thing.
He caught sight of a glimmer from behind Swampert as his Duskull remerged. Launching a pair of nightshades out of his eyes straight for the mud fish.
Swampert turned on a heel and raised his arm. Taking the blow with ease, fire erupted around him from the previous will-o-wisp.
Taking a deep breath, he launched out a powerful hydro pump. It intercepted the nightshade and effortlessly pushed it back. Striking Duskull head on.
Ending his attack, Swampert stood still as ran towards his ghost. His first Pokémon caught in Hoenn laid flat on the ground, soaking wet-
"Giggidy," he muttered in his barely conscious state. - with swirls slowly replacing his red eye behind the skull.
"Return Duskull, and rest up," he sighed, "you did a good job. That burn will help us a lot."
"Both of your Pokémon have done well," Swampert interjected, "this is the most fun I've had battling in a while. Ghosts can really be tricky, especially after not having faced one in a few years. I look forward to see who my last opponent shall be."
"Not gonna lie, Ash, I kinda want to finish what was started back on the boat," Pikachu pipped up.
"An electric type," Swampert mused, "normally not the best match up but I can see it in your eyes. You'd provide a more than adequate challenge."
"I know you do, buddy but I've got someone else in mind," he informed, standing, and walking back to his original battle position. Attaching Duskull's device back to his belt, he quickly grabbed the one next to it and smirked, "I choose you, Treecko!"
In a flash of light, his pure grass type appeared on the sandy field. His eyes narrowed and he watched Swampert closely as the flames died down around him, the twig from his home still swirling around in his mouth. Smirking at the challenge, he spat the twig out, impaling it onto the ground next to Ash's feet.
"Ah, a Treecko. My old trainer's main rival at the time had a Sceptile," Swampert mused, "I feel like this will provide a nostalgic experience for me."
Swampert decided to start and took a deep breath. Launching out a powerful hydro pump, which quickly covered the field.
His grass type didn't need instructs and zipped to the side with a quick attack. He ran along the jet of water, every few seconds blinking between sides.
The mud fish tightened a fist as it glew with fighting type energy. Slamming it down where Treecko was meant to appear next, ending the hydro pump.
Ash's wood gekko Pokémon stopped and used the momentum to enter a handstand. Pounding his tail down on the fist, he used it to launch into the air.
Spinning around, he launched down a barrage of bullet seeds direct onto the fully evolved opponent. They hit the thick arm and appeared harmless as he landed a little bit a way, ending his own attack.
"Clever, you knew ice punch was most effective against which is why you had your ghost use disable on it," he noted, "and your quite the acrobat."
Swampert burst into flames once more but hardly appeared phased. Raising his arms up, several rings of sharp rocks formed, orbiting around him.
"So, let's see how you dodge these," he smirked.
Throwing his arms forward, the rocks followed suit. Treecko dodged to the side, running around the edge of the field. Although the rocks followed him.
Ash couldn't help but think that it was Paul's Torterra all over again... but this time he had a plan and was ready.
"Use quick attack and get close but don't stop them!" he called out, "you aren't big enough to stop them."
The pure grass type gave a small nod with narrowed eyes, clearly having received the message.
Stopping in his tracks, he turned around and ran back towards the oncoming barrage. Leaping towards them, he somersaulted over them and landed behind, but they quickly began circling around, locking back on their target.
Smirking, he took off once more straight for Swampert. While the mud fish seemed to registrar what was going on, he couldn't stop it.
Treecko aimed a second bullet seed barrage direct into his face. Raising his arms to block it, his wood gekko performed a power slide beneath his legs.
Turning on a heel, he leaped up and delivered a pound to the back of his head. Knocking the mud fish forward, he stumbled and ended up taking the stone edge fully in the chest. Quickly pushing himself up, he smirked.
"Very clever," he praised, "quiet literal example of using an opponent's strength against themselves. I have very much enjoyed this battle but I'm afraid it must end."
Ash's eyes widened but he couldn't react in time. The fully evolved starter had his eyes cloud over as a pile of sand erupted behind him.
Struggling best he could, Treecko was trapped and helpless to escape. As their opponent turned towards him, he closed his eyes, seeming having accepted his fate-
"Leafage!" he called out.
His eyes burst open with green grass energy burning within them. Several glowing leaves formed around him, cutting through the sand, and helping escape.
The wood gekko broke free and dived for Swampert. Bouncing off his fist, he leaped over head, launching out another barrage of bullet seeds.
Coming down the other side, he was met by Swampert's second hand. Being squeezed tight by it, he attempted to break out but to no-avail. The mud fish tightened his grip as the hand glew with fighting type energy. Just like a pitcher in a baseball game, he sent the wood gekko flying.
Treecko smashed into the boat wall and landed flat on his back. Ash ran to his side as his eyes were revealed to have swirls, with a heavy sigh, he held the device out and recalled him in a red light, "thank you, Treecko. You did a great job. I couldn't have asked for more from you."
"All your team did a great job," Swampert nodded, "this is the closest I've come to losing a battle in a long time. Thank you for the challenge."
"Your welcome, Swampert and thank you as well," he replied, "this has taught all of my team a lot too."
"Would you like me to give you a check over, Swampert?" Brock asked, "I've got plenty of medical supplies."
"Thank you but no thanks," he shook his head, "we've got more than enough supplies of our own on the ship. That will suffice."
Ash translated for his friend and they all climbed back onto Mr Briney's boat. Setting back off across the water, they waved by to the mud fish Pokémon as the abandonded ship disappeared from sight. Next stop, Slateport city.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...