Author's Note:
Here it is, the cool down after the Manaphy arc. I want to be clear, while another lab Pokémon appears this chapter and will be present for most of the next portion of Hoenn, don't expect anything crazy from her. The purpose of their return is stated right in the chapter itself and honestly, they are just here because I felt it was fitting. This is also my chance to explore the effects of that three-parter on May since I purposely avoided her interactions in the last chapter. This is also the chapter where we bid Misty goodbye for a short time, but she'll have some stuff to do before we make it there. It also won't be her final appearance in Hoenn either. She's connected to the Aqua, after all. Expect a few evolutions and as the title suggests, it's based on the episode of the same name from the Advance Battle series. I have no idea why, but this filler always stood out to me as a kid, maybe because I was really into science growing up and the research aspect appealed to me so that's why I've tried to link it to the main story. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Evolutionary War
May sat on the edge of the bench on the speed boat. After everyone recuperated on Maisie Island hospital, the G-Men arranged transport off the island for the respective destinations. Leaning on the edge of the boat, she watched the water skimming past at an incredible speed. The image of Manaphy morphed in the reflection of the crystal blue ocean. She would've cried at the longing sting in her heart, but her eyes have long since dried up given the last few days.
Swallowing hard, she tried to ignore the lump which sat right on her throat. Glancing up, she noticed the others were each in their own little groups with Misty sat with her Clamperl on her lap, discussing some stuff with Brock. Max had his Castform out, floating around in the fire form. The couple were off on the other side, Ash was searching through his Pokedex while Serena glanced over the ocean, occasionally turning to face her boyfriend. Closing her eyes, she let out a low breath sigh.
"Hey guys, which island are we heading too again?" she asked no-one imparticular.
"The ABC's," Brock replied.
"What are they?" she asked, pinching her lips together.
"They're a group of islands which act as a small city altogether," Misty interjected, "we're heading for Island A first since it's the only one with a Pokémon centre, but we'll definitely go exploring the others."
"How come?" Ash asked.
"Because they are famous for being the place in Hoenn to evolve your Clamperl," Max boasted with his Pokenav in hand, "Island B has a cave filled with deep-sea-scales and Island C has a cave for deep-sea-tooths. When exposing these to a Clamperl, they'll evolve into a Gorebyss or Huntail, respectively."
"Which is why I wanted to go," Misty added, "you see, I may not have had Clamperl that long, but we've discussed it and he's ready to evolve. While we could theoretically find these items anywhere, it's much simpler to just visit a place where we know they are."
"Evolve Clamperl, huh?" she muttered.
Taking out her own device, she held it in her hand and stared down. The thought of her pure water type sat inside brought a small smile to her face. She remembered seeing the beauty of Gorebyss on the ride from Dewford and it was that which drove her to capture Clamperl in the first place.
"Wai Wai!"
Looking up from the device, she noticed a large dark-blue Pokémon half submerged in water swimming alongside them. Small black eyes sat on the side of their head, and she pulled out her Pokédex to scan the large looking Pokémon:
Wailmer, The Ball Whale Pokémon. Wailmer can store water inside its body to transform itself into a ball for bouncing around on the ground. By filling itself up with more water, this Pokémon can elevate the height of its bounces.
"Cool, Wailmer!" Max beamed. "Since you're a water specialist, I bet you wanna catch 'em, right Misty?"
"Not quite, Max." Misty smiled. "While I'd appreciate the challenge, a happy and healthy Wailmer grows best in the open water. I wouldn't want to put one at risk because of my gym responsibilities. If I were still on the road for the most part, I'd certainly give it a try though."
"Plus, they are known as the Snorlax of the sea," Brock noted.
"Right and after seeing Ash's Snorlax, I know how much trouble it can be to feed one," she added, "so I think I'll pass on this one."
Some chatter drowned out the conversation. Glancing around the open-water she found a bunch of kids riding on seemingly two distinctive Pokémon, one she instantly reconsigned as the pink-beauty Gorebyss and the other had a similar body shape but with more rough edges and a blue colour and orange parts along the top of their body. From watching them compete in some sort of race, she smiled at the thought of her own Clamperl.
She'd be on a contest field and her fifth caught Pokémon would've evolved into the south-sea Pokémon. Leaping out of the water, the bright sun and droplets would give off a sparkling effect which the crowd loves. She could even perform leaps through rings of fire or-
"Aww man, I just can't wait to evolve Clamperl!" She jumped up.
"While I'm glad to see you're feeling better now, May, you might want to sit down unless you wanna risk falling into the water," Misty commented, as she took her seat once more, "have you and Clamperl decided which evolution branch your gonna pick?"
"Gorebyss obviously," she replied, "but I guess since your Clamperl's male then it'll be Huntail?"
"What, no. He wants to be a Gorebyss too," she replied, "right Clamperl?"
"Clam Clamperl!"
"Really?" She blinked in surprise.
"While Clamperl's evolution isn't gender-locked like some species, there is a trend between gender selection and their chosen evolution," Max noted, "its seen that seventy-one-percent of male Clamperl evolve into Gorebyss while Seventy-one-percent of female Clamperl evolve into Huntail."
"Sorry Max but that seems a little backwards," she corrected, "try the other way around."
"It's actually true," Brock replied, "it's because as males, Gorebyss need to look beautiful to attract mates. They're the ones competing to pass on their genetics while the females take a more aggressive stance in protecting the young. It's called natural selection and has effected every species of Pokémon to make them as we know them today. We've even seen it through the regional variants for Pokémon moved to drastically different climates, forcing them to adapt to survive. Of course, there's about a fifthteen-percent of Clamperl who just never evolve but that's doesn't seem effected by gender."
"Professor Birch is set to write an article on the species in a couple months for Marine monthly," Max added.
"It's important that you and your Pokémon are on the same page otherwise a forced evolution could lead to some serious issues for them," Misty added before her lips curled up in a smirk, "you would know a thing or two about that, right Ash?"
"Venusaur is over it now." He pouted, crossing his arms in an exaggerated fashion.
She frowned at the explanation and turned face the water. The islands with large mountains sticking on top of each within clear view. As she watched the water passby, the image of her own Clamperl. She never really discussed her evolution with her because... well she didn't actually know of the branched evolution but surely her own Pokémon would agree with her on this. How could anyone pick to be a scary Huntail over a beauty like Gorebyss?
She stood off to the side as they walked across the dirt path of Island A. It was very much like a jungle but with a few wooden cabins spread around, some were clearly houses while others had signs showing some sort of business or service. Glancing to the side, she noticed Brock deep in thought.
"What the matter?" she asked.
"It's just that the dock information desk mentioned the next boat to Mossdeep isn't for another week," he explained, "because we're on the chain of islands between Lilycove and Mossdeep, none of the major ferries stop by them so we're gonna be island hopping."
"I wouldn't worry too much," Ash interjected, "I'm sure we can find a way around this."
"What'cha thinking?" the honey-blonde girl asked.
"We did island hopping all the time in the orange archipelago." He flashed them all a toothy grin. "When we get to the centre, I'll make some calls and we'll be able to head off whenever we like."
Shrugging at the clear excitement in his voice, she guessed he'll just call over those large flying types like how they left Petalburg after his gym battle. She didn't particularly mind flying all about, but she'd need to get Altaria on her team once more if so... shaking her head, she noticed a much larger building through the treeline, with the centre symbol over the entrance. While larger than most centres they've been too it was smaller than Lilycove's.
Stepping inside, she noticed the couple heading off to the video phones, based on the signs on the wall. Standing at the front desk, it took a couple minutes until a Chimecho came floating out. With a smiley face they requested rooms for the night and using her psychic capabilities to communicate. Filling out the rota form, they delivered the room keys with telekinesis. Although Brock took the extra one for the couple's room.
Wondering through the centre to find their friends, they noticed them coming out of a room which was labelled 'videophone suite'. With them both adjusting the Pokéballs on their belts, it didn't take a genius to figure it out.
"So, who did you guys get this time?" Max asked, jumping forward.
"Why don't we head outside and ya'll can say hi." Ash smiled as Brock handed Serena the extra key. "It's gonna be great seeing her again."
"Her?" she quirked an eyebrow up, but it mostly went unnoticed.
Following them out to the back, she noticed an array of battlefields with a large open pool behind. Walking straight to the water field, she couldn't help but gasp at the size. Looking across the water, she noticed several of the kids which raced past them sat in some sort of class as multiple Huntail and Gorebyss swam nearby. While their chatter was faint, it was easy enough to ignore as Ash tossed a Pokéball up into the sky.
"Come out and meet everyone!" In a flash of light, she gasped as a large Pokémon splashed down into the water. The head stood tall over Ash as an angelic voice echoed around them. Shaking her head, she stared around them with half open-eyes. "How you been, Lapras? You've gotten so much bigger!"
"That's normally how growing works," Misty snickered off to the side. She pulled out her Pokédex to check out the new Pokémon:
Lapras, The Transport Pokémon. With a calming voice, they travel the world's oceans but are often left alone due to their peaceful nature. It's rare for them to move towards human civilisations. This is one of the gentlest species of Pokémon known to exist on our planet
She let out a loud cry and her eyes glew bright blue. A wave of ESP radiated out and lifted Ash's hat off his head. Floating across the water, it landed on the water ice type's head. Winking towards them, she couldn't help but gush at the beauty of this Pokémon. She's stunning!
"Hey! Give me my hat back Lapras!" Ash jumped up and down... only to be met by her long tongue sticking out in a mocking fashion. "Alright, if that's what you wanna do then-"
He kicked his shoes off and his socks, leaving them on the edge. Running forward, he dived into the water and started swimming to his transport Pokémon.
Blinking. Her mouth hung open at the childish antics as the new Pokémon swam away, clearly taunting her trainer to come and get it.
"It seems Lapras really missed Ash," Brock muttered, "of course, I never really got to know her like I did his other Pokémon."
"I'm not surprised," Serena mused, "she was an infant when they first met and while we all became her friend, she opened up to Ash the quickest. I'm surprised she got psychic down though. I wonder if Alakazam helped her or maybe Delphox or-"
A sprout of water erupted from the pool. The transport Pokémon had Ash on her back, and both were soaking wet.
The two were laughing as Lapras nuzzled her head against his, giving him chance to swipe the hat. They slowly floated back to the shore.
"So Lapras, we're in a bit of a predicament. You see we've gotta do some island hopping but our next boat is a week away," Ash explained, "I thought we could go for old times sakes and swim across the water. Like when we first met."
She frowned, glancing across their entire group. "Laaa, Lapras!"
"Don't worry, I know there's a lot of us, so we came up with a plan." He smiled. "I know your bigger but even so, six people would be pushing it."
"I've got Milotic on hand, and she can easily carry two of us," Serena added.
"And I can ride Tentacruel, so it'll only be three-"
As the conversation drowned out with the water ice type agreeing. She frowned as a thought occurred to her. Closing her eyes, she inwardly sighed, "you know you've been awfully quiet since we walked out here Max."
Glancing around, she noticed all the others staring at her. She gave the area a quick scan but noticed her bother was no-where to be seen.
"Where'd he go?" she asked.
"He couldn't have gone too far," Misty chimed in.
"Laaa-"
Turning towards the water ice type, she noticed Ash's Pokémon gesturing off to the side with her head. Guessing that she sensed something, possibly her brother, she took the hint and walked over to the shrubbery. She gasped at the sight of her little brother facing a giant Swampert.
"Max!" She practically yelled, bolting over, and stepping front of him, "what're you doing?!"
"Huh?" He blinked. "Sorry May, I just-"
"What if Swampert attacks-" Her voice died in her voice as a familiar looking boy appeared behind the water ground type. "Brendan?!"
"Hey May." He smiled. Placing a hand on his starter's head. "Long time no see."
"What're you doing here?" she asked.
"My dad asked if I could stop by to help with his research project," he replied, "I've already got my eight badges, so I said yes. Max saw Swampert training and came to check him out."
"Oh well, I guess that's alright," she muttered, glancing to the side, "but you wondered off and missed meeting Ash's Lapras."
"He brought Lapras over!" Her brother didn't even hesitate from running off back to their friends.
"Still as energetic as his big sister," Brendan chuckled. It died down and an awkward silence seemed to fill the air between them. He sighed before looking at her. "Look May, I know we've had... issues in the past. But I want to be clear with you. I'm not gonna ask you out or anything. You've made your voice loud and clear and I respect it. I just hope that I haven't ruined our chance at being friends."
"N-no," she muttered, glancing down to her feet which swirled around in the dirt, "of course, not."
She bite down on her inner cheeks, unable to bring her eyes up to meet his. The same string tightening around her heart from Drew and Manaphy tightened harder. Part of her thought that after how her first relationship ended, she could try something with him. The only reason she didn't originally was because she wanted to avoid getting hurt but after experience the pain from the two former situations... she could really use some comfort.
Through the awkward silence around them, they set off back towards the others. She noticed her brother riding on top of Lapras' head as the others seemed to be in a deep conversation. She glanced around, briefly noticing her oldest friend intrigued by the Pokémon in the water.
"It's not common to see a Lapras." He nodded. "And it's even rarer to see one whose happy around humans. Even those with trainer's tend to be subdue."
"Guess it's just that Lapras is special then." Ash smiled. "Hey Brendan."
The group exchanged pleasantries with Misty introducing herself. Getting more into Brendan's project, he revealed that the project he was sent to do was capture footage of two Clamperl evolving. One into a Gorebyss and the other a Huntail. Keeping mostly to herself during the conversation, she couldn't help but notice the orange-haired girl seeming to take particular interest and leading the conversation with her old friend.
"-so, you must have a deep-sea scale if your planning on evolving some Clamperl," Misty commented.
"Sure do." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the item in question. It was a pale pink circular object with a small semi-circle taken out along part of the edge. A longer oblong item which was a pale blue colour was also on show. "And a deep-sea tooth but I've not found any Clamperl, wild or otherwise. Nurse Joy has said she'll spread word over the two islands in case anyone wants to help. We got them on the other islands with Swampert here swimming down to through the cave water to retrieve them."
"Well, I just so happen to have a Clamperl myself." Misty took out her Pokéball and released the pure water type. "And we were going to visit Island B whilst here to evolve him into Gorebyss but if you'd let us use your deep-sea scale then I don't see why you couldn't record it."
"That would be great," he smiled.
Handing the item over to the water type specialist, he took out the video-camera and started recording her Clamperl. Misty kneeled beside her and placed the deep-sea scale beside the pearl head. Standing up and walking back, they each held their breath in anticipation.
"Erm... shouldn't something of happened by now?" Ash asked, "it's not like using a thunder stone or something."
"Maybe it just takes time," Brendan replied, taking a tripod out to rest his camera on as it continued to film the pure water type. "I'll message dad and see what he has to say. Maybe he has an answer as to why it's taking time."
"How about we have a battle once you're done?" Ash asked, "we need to pass the time until the evolution and it'll be good to see what Lapras has learnt."
"Sounds good," he nodded.
While they carried both the bivalve Pokémon and camera, over to the side of the field, she couldn't help but frown. Stood still, she watched the friendly interactions between Brendan and her friends. Blinking. Tears filled her eyes with the image of Manaphy covering the blurry world.
"Hey May." Serena drew her attention. "Are you-"
"I erm, need to do something," she muttered, drying her eyes. Turning on a heel, she took off. "I'll catch you guys later."
Walking along the path, she soon found a large rock which overlooked the ocean. Letting out a low sigh, she walked closer and climbed up. Taking a seat on the slightly damp boulder, she took a deep breath of the sea salt air as she watched the oceans expanding before her eyes.
Tears stung her eyes as the image of Manaphy stood over the blurred sight. Bringing her knees up, she rested down and openly wept. Her hands gripped either side of her legs, the knuckles turned white with rigid tension throughout. Her uneven breath sputtered as her throat felt as though a large lump was trying to choke her. The heat in her cheeks didn't help matters as she started coughing hard.
Leaning forward, she ended up looking directly into the water as her sore eyes cleared slightly. Her face was a flaming mess. Running her hand down her face, the slight water off the rock she touched helped cool her down as she sat back. She reached to her belt, running her hand along the Pokéball's. Taking one of them off the clip, she held it out and released her pure water type, who sat beside her. Staring up with a small smile on the pearl face, "clam?"
"Hey," she uttered, offering the same small gesture but her smile faded after a second. Her head turned to look out over the water. "You know... when I first because a trainer, all I wanted was views like this. I would've been happy going from place to place, seeing the sights and tasting the food."
"Pearl clamperl."
"Did I ever tell you about the day we met? I mean what happened before?" she asked. Not needing to look towards her bivalve Pokémon. "We had just left Dewford, and we were looking at all the water types in the ocean. Some Wingull were flying overhead and schools of Magikarp coloured different patches. It wasn't too exciting, Max loved it but in the moment I couldn't care. We were heading off to Slateport and I was too excited for my first contest."
"Clam-clamperl."
"Anyway, Max made some comment, and we went too look. I noticed one of the most beautiful Pokémon I've ever seen leaping out of the water." Leaning back to stare at the sky, she let her lips flick back up into a smile. "With the water droplets sparkling under the sun, I was mesmerised. We learnt they were Gorebyss, and I knew I just had to have one. The thought of us competing in a contest together was something I couldn't get over."
"Perl."
"Well Mr Briney, whose boat we were using, broke... or we thought it did and we came across the abandonded ship. Turns out he had us on so his old friend, a Swampert could get in a visit." She chuckled slightly. "And that's where I found you. You can imagine my excitement learning what you evolve into but... I didn't really notice that you could evolve into Huntail. I was just too excited."
"Clam."
"I-I'm sorry Clamperl." She stuttered/ Taking a deep breath to calm herself once again. "We never talked about it... your evolution but Max did try to warn me a few times that your branched. I... I just assumed that like Beautifly you'd agree with me on the path. Never once considering the alternative."
"Clamperl."
"Recently... I've been wondering if it's all worth it. Being a travelling coordinator," she muttered, "I mean... I really messed up with Serena and the others before we reached Fortree. Then there was everything with Drew a-and... and now this with Manaphy. I barely knew him a day b-but..."
A slight cough drew her attention. Picking up the pure water type, she turned to see another person stood in the path behind the boulder.
"May?"
Standing with her arms behind her back and head tilted down but her eyes straight ahead to look directly into her's, with a seemingly sparkle of tears. The ghost of a smile covered her lips as she slowly walked closer. Seeming to take caution with each step she took.
"Please Serena." She sighed, turning away. "Just leave me be."
"I can't do that, May," she replied, climbing up to take a seat on the rock, "I can't just leave a friend in need."
"I'm not in need," she mumbled, glancing down to face the water type in her lap.
"You can't really believe that, can you?" she asked, a hand landing on her shoulder. "It's okay to admit things are getting to you. They do everyone and it's in moments like this that you need your friends more than ever. Which is why I'm here for you."
Closing her eyes, she turned her head away. Feeling the tears fight to escape once more. "Clamperl?"
"She makes a good point." Serena continued. "After everything you've been through recently, I'd be more concerned if you really were fine. You lost a Pokémon and... and it doesn't matter if he only hatched that day. You had been carrying his egg since Fortree. You don't think that time together mattered?"
"-perl."
"When close to hatching, Pokémon are able to sense everything through the egg... I mean they can throughout the entire process, but they retain the information the closer to hatching they are." She continued. "Every night you spent cuddling the egg, or every time you washed it with a cloth or carried it and showed the road, we travelled along... it all gave Manaphy the courage to hatch and explore this world."
Clenching her fist, the tears broke through. Her teeth clenched together with eyes narrowing. Her head shot to the side. "But he's still gone!"
"I know and it's horrible..." she sighed. "It sucks and is horrible and there's nothing we can do about it. I know how your feeling May, filled with anger and pain, wanting to unleash it all on J for causing this... but you know the second you encounter her again... the outcome won't change."
"H-how-"
"She took my Furret... a Pokémon I met during Johto and raised from a little Sentret," she explained, "at the time we snuck aboard her ship and had a plan to take her down b-but... we underestimated her. Furret was my only Pokémon, and she took her just because she could. When I learnt it was J attacking the ship, my mind was solely focused on Furret, and we all paid because of it. Even after Ash's dad warned me of the danger, I used my psychic powers just because I wanted to take away the power so expelled over us... over me. If I hadn't-"
"We weren't any match for J..." she muttered, "not even Lance could best her in battle and he's an elite four member... and a G-Men inspector."
"When I confronted her about Furret... she didn't know what I was talking about," she muttered, "like it was just any other day. Nothing significant stood out to her. It was the day she ruined part of my life and for her... it was just another Tuesday."
"J's a bitch," she uttered.
"No argument here." She nodded. "But my point stands that we can't let it define us... if we do then she wins... not just the battle but the entire war."
"Thanks Serena." She leaned over slightly and pulled the cerulean-eye girl into a hug which she returned. "Hey erm... think you could do me a favour?"
"Anything." She slowly pulled back from the show of affection.
"Could you set up one of those mind thing's with Clamperl?" she asked.
"Of course." She smiled. "But I'll need to be a part of it... I'm not sure how to set it up between anyone whilst excluding myself."
"That's fine." She reached down and petted her water type's head.
Watching the honey-blonde girl, her powers burst through the eye-sockets as they floated around. Creating a sort of mystic mist around them, she blinked several times as the world around them fade. Appearing in a dark... room? She noticed Clamperl still on her lap and Serena beside her.
"Where are we?" she asked, hearing her voice echo.
"We're in my mind," Serena replied, "anything we say we can all understand, and it won't be out loud, but I wouldn't try to move."
"Why not?" she asked.
"Physically, we're still on the rocks. If we move, then our physical selves will move and-" She trailed off. "Yeah. Probably best we don't tempt fate."
"Okay." She nodded, turning to the water type on her lap. "So... Clamperl. You've already heard what I had to say about your evolution but... I thought this way you'd be able to give me your thoughts. The islands we're on are famous for evolving your species so whichever you pick we can do... even if you're not ready, we can still find either a scale or tooth so when you are-" she paused. "I'm rambling."
"It's quite alright, dear." Her voice was soft, gentle... it reminded her of her own mother, actually. "I won't deny, I've considered my evolution for a long time and even before we met. You see, my parents were quite typical. Mother a Huntail and father a Gorebyss. Raised with the traditional values of what our species line should look like. I know not everyone's the same, but I've always liked the idea of being a mother... which would mean I'd evolve into a Huntail."
"Right," she muttered, closing her eyes. A familiar pull on her chest.
"But in a lot of ways, May." Clamperl continued. "You've given me the privilege of seeing what having a daughter is like. You and the other members of our family. And as your surrogate mother, I'd never want to upset you. If you truly want a Gorebyss then-"
"No!" She was louder than she would've liked. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her arms around the bivalve Pokémon. "Sorry. I just... I know it's not my decision. If you want to be a Huntail then you'll become a Huntail. After going through so much pain recently... From losing Manaphy to being manipulated by... I don't even want to say his name. I couldn't put someone else through it. I don't want to force you into an uncomfortable position like o-or take away a part of you. As long as your happy with the evolution t-then I'll be happy too."
"In that case..." Clamperl paused, locking eyes with the brunette coordinator. "I pick Huntail. That's how I want to evolve."
A wide smile took over her face as she picked up the water type, embracing her in a full hug. Squeezing her eyes shut, she savoured the moment between them as a familiar tingle washed over them. Blinking. She found the real world having returned around her once more.
Turning to the side, she noticed Serena wiping her eyes, "you, okay?"
"Yeah... just a little overwhelmed." She blinked, as if regaining her own composure. "After the stuff with Ash's aura, it's like my powers are more potent. It's a little overwhelming at times but I'm fine. Are you?"
"I'm the best I've felt for a while now." She smiled. Turning around, she lept of the boulder. "Come on!"
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" she asked, following suit.
"You heard, Clamperl wants to evolve into a Huntail," she replied, "I bet Brendan will be willing to give us his deep-sea tooth if he gets to witness her evolution. Why should she have to wait any longer than she already has?"
"Clam-clamperl."
Without waiting for a response, she took off. Taking care to keep her grip around the bivalve Pokémon as she took off through the jungle-like environment. With each step, she felt her heart pump harder, and a feeling of pure bliss spread. Even in the darkest of times, a light can shine through, it seems.
May slowed her pace as the shilluette of the centre came into view through the shrubbery. Sounds echoed of both Ash and Brendan calling out commands in a battle. Serena appeared by her side. As the centre's pool came into view, she noticed the school seemed to have moved back inside. Lapras and Swampert were locked in a battle, but she couldn't be sure which one was winning. While Misty stood off to the side where one might expect the referee to stand. Her brother and Brock stood off to the side, observing the water-based battle.
Getting closer, she frowned at the sight of Brock's Lombre. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed him rummaging through Misty's backpack which laid beside her. He came out and stood up, holding something blue in his hand. She barely got to look at it as his entire body glew bright. The shine seemed to grab everyone's attention as his body grew, even bringing a stop to the battle between the duel water types.
The glowing stopped and she took in the newly evolved Pokémon's appearance. Still bipedal, he resembled a pinap berry but not completely. A large green sombrero-like head-piece covered the top of his head. While the top looked similar to a lilypad with a short brown stem with a yellow spiky upper portion. He had black-eyes surrounded by a patch of green and his body was covered by shaggy yellow fur which had several zigzagged brown stripes. His mouth was an orange bill and he started dancing around, letting the now dull rock drop down. Walking closer, she pulled out her Pokédex:
Ludicolo, The Carefree Pokémon. The final evolved form of Lotad. Upon hearing an upbeat and cheerful rhythm, the cells in Ludicolo's body become very energetic and active. Even in battle, this Pokémon will exhibit an amazing amount of power
"I'm so sorry, Misty." She put the device down to see Brock running over. "Lombr-I mean Ludicolo! What do you have to say for yourself?!"
"Colo!" He grabbed Brock by one hand and Misty by the other. Joyfully singing a tune, he spun around with both of them in some sort of dance. "Ludicolo!"
Misty seemed to break free from the dance and stood with her arms crossed. Her brows pulled together, creating waves of wrinkles over her forehead. Little parts of her face twitched as she seemed to stare straight into Brock's self as he struggled to get out of his newly evolved Pokémon's embrace.
He seemed to shrink in place at her intimidating stare. Almost quivering under her glare, she could've sworn she heard a pin drop.
Waiting with bated breath, none of them dared to move with the ever-thickening atmosphere. Her eyes fixated on the orange-haired girl... who broke her anger-filled demeanour with a wide smile. She saw the visible relief wash over the doctor-in-training as she walked forward.
"It's alright, I bet Lombre just felt the water stones presence," she shrugged, "curiosity gets the better of all of us. I didn't exactly have plans to use it now anyway so it might as well help a friend evolve."
"Colololo!" He thrusted both fists into the air.
"Hey guys!" She called out, deciding to make their presence known. Approaching the two older trainer's, she noticed the others walking closer to them, even the two previously battling water types approached from the water side.
"You seem in a better mood, May," Misty smiled.
"We are!" She held her bivalve Pokémon up for emphasis. "By the way Brendan, you still got a deep-sea tooth?"
"Sure do," he nodded, "I guess you want to evolve your own Clamperl into a Huntail then?"
"No... it's what we both want," she smiled. "We just talked it over. So, if you'll let us use it then you can record her evolution like with Misty's."
"Fine by me," he shrugged.
"Except Misty's Clamperl still hasn't evolved," Ash noted, gesturing over to the water type who was being filmed by the camera.
"I've got a theory about that," Max chimed in, "most evolutions take place in the heat of battle. Blood pumping and hearts racing. Even those that don't, like Ludicolo, have a massive power surge from an outside source like the water stone. So, if we wanna get Clamperl to evolve then-"
"We should get them into a battle?" Ash asked, "it makes sense to me. Remember when we traded Haunter and Kadabra in Eckruteak? We had to continue our battle to give her the final push to an evolution."
"I'd hardly use Gengar for a matrix of a 'normal' evolution." Serena sighed. "But it does make sense."
"So, what do you say, May, wanna have a battle of the Clamperl?" Misty asked.
"As thrilling as the battle of Magikarp or even Metapod," Brendan interjected, "sorry but if we want to get their blood pumping then I think they'll need a bit of a tougher opponent."
"Then how about we test out Ludicolo's new strength?" Brock suggested. "Since we used your water stone, helping your Clamperl evolve is the least we could do. It could be us verses the two of you and then once you've both evolved, we can transition into a Gorebyss and Huntail battle."
"Ludi-colo!"
With everyone in agreement, they moved into place. Setting up the deep-sea tooth with her own water type, she and Misty placed them both on a floating platform in the middle of the pool. Taking up the same side of field, she noticed Brendan setting up his camera to record the ongoing battle. While the other side of the field stood both Brock and Ludicolo. The former stood with his arms crossed and a hardened glare across the field.
While she knew him as the caring and kind older-brother for the group. She also knew he held a gym leader position for many years, and she doubted his skill in that area faded. Not only that but once they evolve, she'll be facing Misty who is the Cerulean gym leader. This will be the first challenge like this she's took.
"Begin!"
Leaping forward, the water grass type landed on another platform. Spinning upon landing, a flurry of razor-sharp leaves shot out and crossed the field.
"Iron defence!" Misty voice echoed, "then into the water!"
Luckily her own Clamperl seemed to follow the first instruction. Both slammed their shells shut but the male one rolled off into the water. The leaves scrapped over the shell as her partner disappeared from sight. She pinched her lips together as she watched the leaves fly past.
"Aqua ring!" She shouted.
A ball of water formed around her; the razor leaves slowly being pushed back before stopping. A mystic glow covered her entire shell.
The pool began swirling around, both platforms went swirling around as a whirlpool formed. Her water type flew off, disappearing into the water.
Ludicolo dropped onto his stomach, clutching the edge of the float. She stepped back as water splashed the platform, but Misty stood tall.
"The water's not going to hurt you, May," she laughed, "now Clamperl!"
Shooting out of the water came one of the bivalve Pokémon. Clamping down on to the carefree Pokémon's head. He cried as he slid off into the pool.
"Those who control the field, control the flow of battle," Misty explained, "and as with rivers and ocean. The flow is the most important part of a battle."
While the whirlpool slowed, it hadn't completely stopped. Ludicolo treaded water but he was clearly trying to through the pure water type off. The two of them disappeared under the water and she held her breath as she noticed the harden expression on both Misty and Brock's faces.
Shooting up out of the water, he spun and landed headfirst the platform. Sending Clamperl flying in one direction, psychic powers radiated out.
Scrapping onto the second platform, Misty's Clamperl looked dazed with the shell flapping up and down. While Ludicolo stood back up.
Balls of green energy flew out of her bivalve Pokémon and into the carefree Pokémon. He started to dance around on the platform, energised by giga drain.
She gasped as the pure water type glew white. His body changed shape and the giga drain stopped. As the glowing faded, she took in the sight of the newly evolved Pokémon on the platform while Brock's Pokémon jumped back to his side.
"Guess this is now between you and me," Misty smirked.
Taking off around the pool to Brock's trainer's box gave her time to study the Pokémon. A pink serpent Pokémon with a long, thin mouth. Most of his body was pink. A long, purple-tipped fin extended from the top of his head, and there was a thin, pointed fin extending beneath his head. As he slivered into the water, she noticed two purple shells which almost resembled a bikini top. The tail had a purple, circular fin at the tip, and two white bands near the base.
Sighing heavily, she let the fact she won't have this particular species for herself wash over head. With a heavy thump against her chest, she reopened her eyes and smiled. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned her new opponent as she saw Misty take Brock's spot opposite:
Gorebyss, The South Sea Pokémon. A final evolved form of Clamperl. 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
"I hope you're ready, May, because a trainer with your experience should have at least five or six badges," Misty called out, "so that's the sort of challenge I'll give! Although full disclosure, none of my Hoenn Pokémon have been assessed yet for a badge ranking."
"We're not having a gym battle!" she cried, putting the device away.
"Aren't we?!" Misty asked with a smirk. "Gorebyss, let's get this going and get Clamperl out of the water!"
Moments passed until the pink-sea-serpent lept out of the water. Her own Clamperl clamped down on her thin mouth as they soared over everyone.
The newly evolved Pokémon's face seemed to bloat up. A powerful jet of water shot down and pushed her Clamperl onto one of the platforms.
Spinning in the air, Gorebyss landed back in the water like a diver. She ran to the edge and found her bivalve Pokémon dazed like Misty's was previously.
Leaping out of the water like a bullet-train straight for her Pokémon. The tail had water swirling around like some sort of dress. She whacked her pure water type in the side, causing her to spin slightly on the puddled platform. Repeating this a couple times.
Clenching her fist, she started counting between Gorebyss disappearing and re-emerging from the water. Tapping her foot to get the rhythm of her opponent.
"Clamp!"
Snapping her shell shut as the south sea Pokémon passed. His tail ended up caught in the shell and he dragged her along into the pool.
"I see you heard me when I mentioned the flow of battle." Misty commented. "Well guess we need to turn it up, Gorebyss!"
Every so often the pink Pokémon would leap out the water. Spinning and turning in an attempt to knock her own Pokémon off... but to no-avail.
As this continued, she couldn't help but smirk at the sight. Ice started to travel up over her tail.
"Cleaver," Misty clapped, "but not enough. Step it up a notch, Gorebyss!"
The pink Pokémon's eyes glew blue and a wave of psychic energy surround the duo. Forcing Clamperl to open her shell once more, she was raised up into the air. Completely breaking the ice which started to cover his tail. Gasping as she watched her Pokémon struggle, she tried to think of a way to escape.
Her entire body started glowing just like Misty's had previously. Changing shape, the glowing stop and she got a glimpse of her before diving into the pool.
Just like Gorebyss, she was now a sea-serpent but with a light-blue colour over most of her body. Orange, semi-circular fins ran along the back and there were two additional fins on the underside of her lower jaw. A large, fan-like fin projects from the top of her head. White spots which were surrounded by orange rights, resembling her eyes, dots on her body. Her large mouth featured sharp teeth. She pulled out her Pokédex once again:
Huntail, The Deep Sea Pokémon. A final evolved form of Clamperl. Huntail's tail is shaped like a fish. It uses the tail to attract prey, then swallows the prey whole with its large, gaping mouth. This Pokémon swims by wiggling its slender body, earning the name the Seviper of the sea
Type: Water
Ability: Swift Swim
Hidden Ability: Water Veil (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Rash (Note: This could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Icy Wind, Water Gun, Iron Defence, Aqua Ring, Refresh, Mud Sport, Super Sonic, Shell Smash, Whirlpool, Bite, Screech, Scary Face, Water Pulse
"I don't know about you, May," Misty called out as she put the device back down, "but I don't like leaving things unfinished. How about we let our newly evolved Pokémon finish their battle?"
"If Huntail wants to then it's fine with me!" she smiled. Her newly evolved water type lept out the water, performing a spin with a snap of her jaw for emphasis. "I guess that's her answer then! Ready when you are!"
May stood at the docks with her friends. It was the day after her Clamperl evolved, early in the morning, around nine. Misty was facing them, off to the side with some sort of speed boat waiting behind and some serious looking guy in a traditional suit.
"You really gotta go?" Ash asked.
"Sorry guys but duty calls," she shrugged. Serena moved in and embraced the orange haired-girl in a hug. Feeling her own lip tremble, she walked closer and joined in the embrace. "Hey now, you two need to promise me something."
"What?" She quirked an eyebrow up.
"Keep those lot in line," she whispered with a smirk, gesturing over to the three guys.
"Hehehe, sure thing Mist." Serena giggled as the embrace ended.
She could only watch as the water type specialist moved over to them and first greeted Ash with a firm handshake. Pulling each other in, they gave a half hug and patted each other on the back. A quick goodbye uttered from them both. She moved onto Brock and gave him more of a full hug, like what you'd expect from a little sister to her big brother. As the embrace ended, she held a fist out for her own brother to bump with his.
With one more group goodbye, she climbed onto the boat and the security guard took up the driver's seat. Speeding out into the open water they waved her off until out of sight. With a heavy sigh, they all agreed to start making their own journey and set off across the island.
Her mind began to wonder back to the time she spent with Misty. While she never expected it, she was truly thankful for meeting her. Not only did she help with her Clamperl's evolution and teach her a lot about Pokémon, but she also helped her grow. Without Misty's intervene she likely would've fell to even more of J's henchmen losing more than just Manaphy and her newly evolved Pokémon might've ended up being completely different too.
"You seem happy."
She turned to see Serena walking next to her and smiled. The boys were slightly ahead so only they were conversing, "I am. It's weird, I didn't know what to think when Misty first arrived. I mean, I know you, Ash and Brock spoke of her but-"
"It's one thing to hear about someone but another to meet them," she nodded, "I get that. No amount of words could do a true person justice."
"Right." She beamed. After a moment pause, she sunk her teeth into her lower lip. "Hey Serena... can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"How did you and Ash get... well... such a strong relationship?" she asked, her eyes drifting down to her feet.
"If you wanna know why we work... I guess I can only say it's because we're friends," she replied, "I think the best relationships grow out of strong friendships and he's my best friend. We were friends for years before anything close to what we are now."
"Right," she nodded, her mind wondering over her previous relationship.
She and Drew weren't exactly friends like she's describing and while she certainly felt the excitement when they were together. She couldn't help but wonder how much was down to their chemistry and how much just came from the excitement of having someone to call a boyfriend?
"Can I ask you something, May?" She turned to see Serena looking at her with a tilted head.
"What?" she muttered.
"Is this about Drew?" she asked. Dropping her head, she couldn't help but nod slightly. A hand landed on her shoulder. "Then you should remember this, May, you can't blame yourself for how that turned out. What Drew did was horrible, and I don't think any relationship would survive after that."
"How do I stop it happening again?" she asked.
"You can't... not completely," she shrugged, "you just need to trust that the person you open yourself up to will do the right thing. For a while I had jealousy issues with Ash and other girls, but he showed me time and again that he wasn't that sort of person. He even had the same thing happen with me."
Nodding at her words, she heard the distant echo of a familiar voice. Telling the older girl, she'll catch them up in a bit, she took off in the direction of the voice. Just as suspected, she found Brendan with his Pokémon out. His Swampert was locked in a physical strength wrestling match with his Hariyama. While his Manectric seemed to be in a race against his Linoone. His Shiftry was avoiding a series of sharp-pointed rocks curtsy of his Armaldo. Remembering Roxanne's from her gym battle against Ash. Walking out into the open, he smiled as their eyes locked and he closed the distance.
"Hey..." He greeted. "I thought you and your friends would've left already."
"Misty had to split off so we saw her off first-" she explained, her eyes darting around his face. She originally turned him down because she didn't want to ruin their friendship but that almost happened anyway. Serena even said the best relationships come from strong friendships and considering how head over heels he was for her. Well, it would make sense he wouldn't... "-so I guess I wanted to say..."
"Goodbye. I get it," he nodded, "I'm glad that you came out of your way, but your friends must be waiting."
Taking a deep breath, she glanced up to notice his slightly reddening cheeks. Biting down on her inner cheeks, she tightened her fists as she ran the words through her head. While it should be easy since he's made his own feelings no secret, putting her feelings into words wasn't her speciality.
"Look May," he started, "I know it can be kinda awkward... with how I acted towards your friends, especially Ash, after we became trainer's, but I really appreciate you letting us give being friends another chance. I won't ruin it this time. You've made your feelings loud and clear, and I'll respect them. I'll try to make it for the grand festival when you compete but for now... I'm returning to Littleroot."
"Huh?" Her eyes burst open at the declaration. What? She was ready to actually accept his previous proposal?!
"I've earnt all eight badges, May, I really need to knuckle down and get the team into shape for the league," he replied, "but like I said. When you compete, I'll be sure to cheer you on. Just like a friend would! But... well I guess I also need to get going. My dad arranged a boat back to the mainland when I told him about the events yesterday and the video of both evolutions and your subsequent battle with Misty."
"R-right," she stuttered.
With him bidding her goodbye, she watched him recall his team and set off. Feeling a familiar sting in her eyes, she turned and made her way towards the beach where her friends waited. Wiping them clear, she let the situation wash over her. It's too soon after Drew and besides, he's basing it off what happened in the past. Right now, they need to focus on the league and Grand festival respectively but once they're over... it'll all work out.
She took a deep breath of the sea-salt air as she stood atop of the small sandy beach. Her friends were seemingly waiting on her as Ash and Max sat on Lapras' back while Serena and Brock were still on the beach. Her Milotic loomed over them as she made her way down.
The doctor-in-training took the cue and climbed onto Lapras' back with the other boys. Milotic lowered her head and Serena climbed on her back, as she reached them, she joined the honey-blonde girl as the sea-serpent slivered into the water. Soon all of them were surfing the waves.
"Come and join the fun, Huntail!" She held her device out. In a flash of light, her newly evolved Pokémon swam alongside them. Smiling at the sight, she truly took in the happy and energetic Pokémon which came from her once docile Clamperl. No matter how beautiful a species Gorebyss is, seeing her water type like this makes her more beautiful than any Gorebyss for that matter. "Hey Serena... Milotic..."
"What's up, May?" she asked.
"I just... wanted to apologise... for what I said before Milotic evolved," she muttered.
"You already apologised after the Fortree contest, remember?" she asked.
"Maybe," she sighed. "But I felt like it needed saying again. No matter what I thought at the time, what I said was just plain wrong. True beauty comes from the inside and... I was pretty ugly that day."
"Miiiii!"
"Milotic says apology accepted," Serena informed.
"Thank you," she muttered.
"I've gotta say, I really like this new version of you, May," Serena commented, "you're really growing up... I bet you would've done great raising Manaphy."
"Possible..." she mumbled, "but now we'll never know."
"We do know that J gave him to team Aqua for whatever reason," she replied, "and thanks to Absol, we know we'll encounter them again."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well... when we were in the hospital, I offered him the chance to go since he only said he'll stay until the incident was over," she replied, "long story short, he decided to stick because he foresaw another encounter with them. So, if we get the chance to get you Manaphy back then I promise, May, we'll do everything within our power to help reunite you two."
"Whoa," she uttered, her mind racing with ideas for the next time they encounter them, "why would you take this so..."
"Seriously?" she slightly turned to look at her. "Not only are you our friend but J took one of my Pokémon once before. I know how hard it is so if we can stop that then... I guess in some way it'll be worth it."
"You're the best," she whispered. Wrapping her arms around the cerulean-eyed girl from behind.
"Don't mention it," she replied, "but if I was you, I'd hold on tighter than that, May."
"How come?" she asked, shuffling slightly into a more fixed position.
"Because we can't let the boys beat us, right Milotic?" she asked, more to her water type, who let out a loud cry.
With array of droplets sprinkling over them, the sea-serpent quickly picked up speed and overtook both her own pure water type as well as the boys. She chanced a glance back to see Ash standing up and holding onto his Lapras' neck.
"You're not gonna beat us!" He declared. "Full speed ahead, Lapras!"
Hearing Serena's joyous giggle from the fun event, she couldn't help but relax despite the ongoing race. Letting the warm sun tickling her skin, she couldn't the simple joy of being in this situation. After everything which has happened recently, things finally seem to be looking up and she can honestly say she's looking forward to the next step of her journey towards Hoenn's Grand Festival.
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...