Chapter Ten
Callie awoke the next day, her eyelids feeling heavy and her movement sluggish. Her skin was covered in a thin layer of sweat, and she felt as if she was going to be sick. Not sure what was happening, Callie very quickly (and clumsily) scrambled out of bed and to the bathroom of her room before throwing up all the contents of her stomach into the toilet. She sat there for several minutes, hurling everything into the porcelain bowl until finally, there as nothing left for her body to eject. She then flushed the toilet and stood very slowly, making her way over to the skin where she splashed some cold water on her face just to feel something refreshing.
Apparently, all of this was quite the commotion too, because the next thing she knew, her bed room door swung open and Wes rushed in.
"Callie!" Wes said panicked. "Are you okay? I heard something like — oh my. You don't look so good."
Callie looked up at her reflection in the mirror and saw that Wes was definitely right — she looked terrible. Her face was glistening from a mixture of sweat and water, and the color of her skin was extremely pale, with a twinge of green to it.
"Well, I don't feel so great," Callie muttered, pushing herself away from the sink.
Wes helped her get back into bed and he frowned as he looked her over.
"I'm guessing this is motion sickness," Wes muttered. "Have you experienced this a lot?"
"Never," Callie said, shaking her head. "I've never been on a boat before."
"Hm. . . . Then this is probably most definitely motion sickness," said Wes, frowning. "Let me go talk to Pop Roxie and see if he has anything for it. Just lay here, I'll be right back."
"O-okay," Callie muttered.
Wes left and minutes later he returned, carrying two small pills and a glass of water. He held the two pills out to Callie and she took them and put them in her mouth before taking the glass of water and chugging half of it to wash it all down.
"That should hopefully help," said Wes.
Callie nodded softly. "So, how close are we to Castelia City?"
"Still quite a ways away," said Wes. "According to Pop Roxie, there were signs of a real bad storm, so he's having to take a detour to try to avoid it."
"Great — more time on this damn thing," Callie muttered.
"Well, you've already slept through most of today," Wes said with a laugh. "Maybe it won't be so bad."
"Slept through most of the day?" Callie repeated. "What time is it?"
"It's almost five o'clock in the evening," said Wes.
"And you didn't wake me up?" Callie snapped.
"Pop Roxie said you probably needed your rest and that it was best not to bother you," said Wes. "So I've been sitting in my room waiting for you to wake up, and that's when I heard you. . . . Well, you know."
"Get sick and empty my entire stomach into the toilet?" said Callie. "Yeah, what a way to wake up."
Wes chuckled lightly and looked her over. "Well, you're getting some color back in your face — how are you feeling?"
"Better, actually," Callie said. "Thanks for the medicine."
"Of course," Wes said with a smile. "So, how about we go to the upper deck and talk to Pop Roxie? Besides, it's almost time for the sun to set — it's probably gorgeous out there."
Callie smiled and nodded, slowly pulling herself out of bed — she was still slightly nauseous, but nothing compared to how she felt earlier. She glanced back to her bed and saw that Celebi was still asleep, but Zoro was wide awake. Callie gently picked up Celebi, who stirred in its sleep and opened its eyes, looking up at her and smiling.
"Oh. . . . Callie," Celebi said with a yawn.
Callie smiled. "Wes and I are heading up to the deck, and I figured you and Zoro would like to come."
"That sounds very nice," Celebi said.
"Zoro!" Zoro said in return, jumping onto Callie's shoulder.
"Why don't we bring all our pokémon?" Wes suggested. "We can let them out so they can enjoy the fresh air — it's been a bit rough on everyone the last few days, I'm sure they could use the vacation."
"Yeah, you're right," Callie said with a smile.
Callie took a few moments and got dressed before she, Wes, Celebi, and Zoro headed to the upper deck. Once they arrived, Callie couldn't believe the scene before her. Just as Wes had predicted, the sun was beginning to set, and it was quite the sight to see. The orange gold rays stretched far and wide across the water, giving their surroundings the color of fire hearths and tangerines. It was the battle cry of the gathering night, the only achievement of darkness was to show starlight all the more clearly.
"It's . . . beautiful," Callie said with wide eyes staring out across the sea.
Wes smiled softly as he looked at the water. "Yeah, I guess you're. . . ," he stopped in the middle of his sentence though as he turned towards Callie and paused, staring at her for a moment.
Callie noticed his hesitance and looked at Wes curiously. However, the moment she turned to meet his gaze, Wes hastily turned away, staring back at the water.
"I, er, I-I guess you're right," Wes said quickly — Callie couldn't tell, but there was the slightest bit of a blush on his cheeks, which was being concealed by the reflection of the fiery hue of the water onto Wes's face.
"Well, we should make sure everyone else gets to see this, right?" Callie said with a smile. She placed Celebi on a chair nearby and pulled all four of her pokéballs off her belt.
"Everyone, come on out!" Callie exclaimed. With four red flashes, her entire team appeared — Oshawott, Riolu, Growlithe, and the newly acquired Shinx.
Wes then released his pokémon — Pignite, Vulpix, and Rufflet. The three of them appeared, all smiling as they looked around at the boat.
"Well, everyone, look around — isn't it gorgeous?" Callie said with a smile.
Oshawott and Shinx ran to the side, peering eagerly across the water before them. Pignite and Vulpix didn't seem interested in the water, however, and they went to go explore the deck, while Rufflet flew up and rested on the railing of the boat, looking out across the water. Riolu and Growlithe, on the other hand, were glaring at each other, both growling lowly.
"Groooowl. . . ."
"Rioo. . . ."
"You two," Callie groaned as she shook her head, causing the pokémon to look at her. "Please, can you two put this stupid feud you two have aside for at least an hour? Can we just enjoy this?"
Riolu and Growlithe glared at one another for a long moment before begrudgingly nodding. Callie let out a heavy sigh.
"Thank you. . . . That wasn't so hard, was it?" Callie said.
Riolu walked over and stood beside Oshawott, looking out over the water. Growlithe, however, didn't seem as eager to go near the edge of the boat. Instead he lingered there with Callie, frowning slightly as he looked at the water around them.
"I don't think Growlithe likes the water," Wes said with a raised eye brow. "It's only natural — he is a fire-type after all."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Callie said, frowning. "But that's okay — you can stay with me, okay, Growlithe?"
"Growl!" Growlithe said happily, looking up at his trainer.
Wes smiled as he watched the two of them. "So, how'd you catch Growlithe anyway, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I found him at the Virbank Complex," said Callie, crouching down to pet Growlithe. "Apparently he was quite the trouble maker there — stealing lunches, messing up equipment, constantly bothering the men there — when I found him, three workers were battling him with their pokémon."
"A three-on-one battle?" said Wes. "That doesn't sound fair."
Callie nodded. "That's what I said. When I found him, Growlithe was in no shape to fight either, so Riolu and Oshawott tag teamed the battle, and they did really well, but they couldn't beat one of the guy's Elekid. Thankfully, Zoro came to the rescue and knocked it out and sent those guys running."
"You battled three men with only two pokémon?" said Wes curiously before laughing. "You're crazier than I thought."
"Looking back on it, that was a terrible idea, but it was worth it in the end," said Callie with a sheepish grin. "I knew Growlithe needed medical attention, but I couldn't carry him to the Pokémon Center — not fast enough at least. Luckily I had a Heal Ball on me; the shop keeper in Virbank City gave me one as a good luck present. So, I told Growlithe I could use the ball to catch him, but I'd let him stay at the complex, I wouldn't take him with me. Growlithe didn't seem to like it, but he agreed, and I used the Heal Ball to catch Growlithe. After that, I left Growlithe at the Virbank Complex with the Heal Ball and headed back to the Pokémon Center. But this guy decided to follow me," Callie said happily, recalling the memory of Growlithe running to the Pokémon Center.
Growlithe smiled happily and licked Callie's face, and she and Wes both laughed softly.
"That's quite the story," said Wes. "I bet Growlithe was really thankful for you."
Callie nodded. "I think so — actually, that battle I had with Roxie was the first time I had ever battled with Growlithe."
"You decided that a gym battle would be the best time to use Growlithe?" Wes said with a chuckle. "Well, I guess it didn't turn out so bad. . . . You guys are gonna be quite the team someday."
"I think so," Callie said with a smile, scratching Growlithe behind his ear and earning a pleased grunt from him.
"Ah, I see you're up, Callie! You must be feeling better!"
Callie and Wes both paused and looked up, smiling when they saw Pop Roxie standing there, smiling at them. The two trainers straightened up and nodded.
"I'm feeling a lot better, thank you," Callie said with a smile.
"Good, good!" Pop Roxie said with a smile. He then looked around at his ship, watching all the pokémon wander around and explore the deck, and he let out a chuckle. "My, my, my. . . . The ship hasn't been this lively in ages! I love seeing all the pokémon enjoying themselves!"
"Yes, well, we thought it was only fair they get to enjoy this weather too," said Wes with a smile.
"Hey, Pop Roxie. . . . If you're here chatting with us, then who's steering the ship?" said Callie curiously.
Pop Roxie laughed. "Oh! Well, my Politoed of course! We've been sailing together for ages! He always steers the ship whenever I decide to have a look around the ship. No finer sailing partner, let me tell you!"
Callie nodded. "So, how much longer until we reach Castelia City?"
"I would say two more days — we had to take a bit of a detour. A very large storm is lingering over the sea at the moment, and I'm afraid what it would look like if we were to get caught in. So we're taking the long way around the southern tip of Castelia City, and we'll come up on the east side of the city and dock there."
"Two days, huh?" said Callie frowning softly as she looked over to Celebi — she was worried about the legendary pokémon, but it appeared to be feeling fine as it and Zoro jumped down from the chair and walked over to the side of the ship to look out over the water.
"I'll take that over getting caught in a storm," said Wes with a laugh.
Pop Roxie smiled. "I agree! So, how about we all go get some dinner? I have plenty of food stored in the kitchen below the deck. I'll fix us up something in no time!"
"Will Politoed be okay to steer the ship by himself?" said Callie nervously — she had never been on a boat before, much less one being manned by a pokémon.
Pop Roxie laughed heartily. "Why, of course! There's no need to worry, Callie! Now, come, come!"
With that, they all piled down stairs into the kitchen, which was surprisingly big enough to accommodate all three people and all nine pokémon. Callie and Wes fixed dinner for all of their pokémon while Pop Roxie cooked, and soon enough they were all settled down at the table, Pop Roxie giving them each a bowl of some of the best smelling stew Callie had ever encountered in her life, meanwhile the pokémon all gathered around the bowls on the ground and ate.
"This smells amazing," Callie said, her mouth slightly watering.
"I've been cooking for quite some time," said Pop Roxie. "Every time we're on the ocean, I'm the one who does all the cooking, so I've gotten the hang of it over the years."
"Well, thank you," said Wes. "For dinner — for the ride — everything, really."
Callie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, none of this would have been possible without you agreeing to take us to Castelia City."
Pop Roxie blushed slightly from the praise and waved his hand nonchalantly. "Oh, it's nothing, really. Now, dig in!"
So everyone began to eat, but Callie found herself growing rather nauseous again as the boat rocked and swayed. Carefully she put the spoon down and leaned back some, putting her hands over her stomach.
"Callie, do you feel okay?" said Wes.
She nodded. "I'm alright, just not as hungry as I thought," she said with a shrug.
Wes nodded and continued eating, and Callie decided now was a good a time as any to get some answers about Team Plasma, and more specifically, the man named N that Celebi had mentioned the night before.
"Pop Roxie," she said softly as Wes and Pop Roxie ate. "Do you remember anything from the last time Team Plasma tried to take over Unova?"
Pop Roxie paused, thinking back on it for a moment before nodding, bringing a spoonful of stew to his mouth. "Yes, I suppose I remember a few things — at least what was shared on the news. Why?"
"Well, I was just curious if you ever heard of a man named N?"
"N? Why, yes, I have — I believed they referred to him as the leader of Team Plasma," said Pop Roxie.
"Do you know what happened to him?" said Callie slowly. "Like where he is now?"
Pop Roxie frowned, shaking his head. "No, I'm afraid not. There were some rumors floating around that he flew away on the back of the legendary dragon pokémon, Zekrom. He, along with some girl."
"Some girl?" Callie echoed. "Who?"
"No one is really sure," said Pop Roxie. "All those claims came from former Team Plasma members, so they aren't exactly reliable. They are rumors after all —"
"Did any of them give a name?" said Callie. The boat continued to sway back and forth, and very distantly, Callie could have sworn she heard thunder, but no one else seemed to notice.
"I mean, yes, but as I said, these are rumors started by former members of Team Plasma after all —"
"I don't care — what was the name?"
Pop Roxie frowned. "Well, the name they gave was White."
"White?" said Callie, her eyes widening. She looked across the table to Wes, who was staring at her, his spoon hanging from his mouth.
Wes swallowed the stew in his mouth. "White? Do you think it could be —"
"Cheren and Bianca's friend?" Callie said. Wes nodded and she shook her head. "I don't know — Cheren said that she and Black disappeared after the battle, but he never said what happened to either of them."
"But to go two years without contacting anyone?" said Wes, shaking his head in disbelief. "That just doesn't seem possible."
"I know, but. . . . If we can find her, we can figure out a way to stop Team Plasma. . . . And we could find out what happened to Black," Callie countered.
Pop Roxie, who had been looking back and forth between the two trainers, obviously confused, interjected. "I-I'm sorry, but did you say stop Team Plasma?"
Callie nodded and Pop Roxie frowned. "There's no way you can do that! You two are just children!"
"We're not children," Callie said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Pop Roxie waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, you may not be children, per say, but still, you're too young to be trying to take on an entire organization by yourselves!"
"Well, we aren't by ourselves, now are we?" said Wes. "I mean, we have our pokémon with us, and we're bound to catch more. And . . . and we have each other." Wes smiled across the table to Callie, who returned the gesture.
"That's right," said Callie with a determined smile. "With our pokémon, I think the two of us will be just fine."
Pop Roxie shook his head in disbelief. "You two are going to get yourself into trouble if you aren't careful."
"Considering we've already had four run-ins with Team Plasma, I think trouble is a bit of a given," said Wes.
Callie chuckled lightly and opened her mouth to say something, but it was then that the boat lurched violently, sending all three of them flying from their chairs at the table, their bowls hitting the ground and shattering. Outside thunder roared, shaking the inside of the kitchen, and they could hear the wind howling outside, clear as day.
"What's happening?" Callie groaned, checking on her pokémon to make sure they were okay.
"A storm," muttered Pop Roxie. "And a bad one at that."
Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open and a green, frog-like pokémon came running in.
"Poli! Poli! Politoed!" it exclaimed, running to Pop Roxie and grabbing his arm, hoisting him to his feet.
"What is it, Politoed?" Pop Roxie said, rolling his shoulder.
"Poli! Politoed! Poli! Poli! Toed!" Politoed exclaimed, waving his hands over his head.
"This isn't good. . . . Okay, let's go," Pop Roxie said, his face growing very serious. He then turned back to look at Callie and Wes, who were still laying on the floor.
"You two — put all your pokémon back in their pokéballs, now! Stay below the deck!"
Pop Roxie and Politoed headed for the door, but Callie stopped him.
"Pop Roxie, what's happening?" Callie said, her eyes widening.
Pop Roxie paused and looked back at her — Callie could have sworn she saw panic in his eyes. "We're sailing straight towards a hurricane."
"Hurricane?!" Callie and Wes both exclaimed.
However, Pop Roxie said nothing and he and Politoed left the kitchen, closing the door behind them. Lightning struck outside, and the boat lurched again, sending Callie, Wes, and all their pokémon toppling to one side of the kitchen.
"We've . . . gotta return our pokémon," Wes grunted. Callie nodded and reached for the pokéballs on her belt. One by one, she returned her pokémon — Oshawott, Riolu, Growlithe, and Shinx. Wes also returned his three pokémon, and soon it was just Celebi and Zoro that were sitting with them.
"We should stay put in here," said Wes. "It's too dangerous to try to go out there."
"But what about Pop Roxie?" said Callie. "I'm worried about him."
"Don't be," said Wes, trying to offer her a reassuring smile. "I'm sure he's done this before."
"But, Wes, didn't you see his face before he went out there?" said Callie. "He's scared."
"We're sailing into a hurricane, Callie," Wes snapped. "Why wouldn't he be scared?"
Callie frowned, clenching her fists. Then, without any warning, she stood up and opened the door, looking back at Wes. "You stay here with Celebi and Zoro — keep them safe!"
"Where are you going?" Wes exclaimed.
"I have to go help Pop Roxie!" Callie said, running down the hallway.
Wes reached for her, trying to grab her before she could disappear, but Callie was too quick and she managed to escape his grasp. Then, Zoro looked between Celebi and the open door, then back to Celebi, obviously contemplating his options.
"It's okay," said Celebi. "I'll be okay here."
Zoro nodded and took off, darting down the hallway after Callie.
"Zoro, no!" Wes called out, trying to stop the pokémon. However, it proved to be useless, and Zoro disappeared up the stairs.
"Damn it!" Wes growled in frustration. He then looked to Celebi and picked it up, cradling it gently in his arms.
"Where are we going?" said Celebi curiously.
"I can't let Callie go out there by herself," Wes muttered. "She'll get herself killed."
And with that, he took off after Callie and Zoro.
On the deck, Callie stood there, frozen in fear. There had been no warning, total darkness simply prevailed as clouds thickened and the sky was stricken, blotting out the once orange, fiery sky. The wind arose to push the still waters to choppy, which morphed into mountains of angry waves. Never had she wished so much for land, to feel the sweet paved streets of home. For on this sea she felt the rage within as if the ocean was countless tears ready to pound at the feet of man. It was a gale that screamed under dark and serious clouds. Yet the boat sailed over the water fists, the sea rising as great mountains, anger in the form of water, turbulent and unforgiving.
"I have to get to Pop Roxie," Callie said to herself, though the words were lost to the screaming wind. "I have to make sure he's okay."
Grasping the railing of the boat, Callie slowly walked, fighting against the wind, which blew erratically against her skin like it would when driving too fast on the highway with the windows rolled down. The rain was like bullets, each one stinging her as it splattered against her arms, legs, and face, and the noise, oh Arceus, the noise; it screamed more than howled. But Callie forced herself forward — she wanted to make sure Pop Roxie was okay.
She forced her eyes open, which she had been keeping shut to protect against the rain that still managed to get past her glasses, and looked for the captains cockpit. Through the rain and water-covered lenses she wore, she caught a glimpse of it, and she could make out the figures of Pop Roxie and Politoed, thanks to the light in the cockpit.
"Perfect," Callie muttered. "Not too much further. . . ."
Then, the boat suddenly lurched again, almost throwing Callie over the side of the boat, but she held onto the railing for dear life and managed to stay planted. The boat quickly leveled itself out again, but Callie's heart was still racing.
"That was too close. . . ," Callie said, her eyes widening. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and tightened her grip on the railing before setting off towards the cockpit once again.
"Zooorooo!"
Callie paused — she heard something that could have been the wind howling, but something told her that that wasn't the case. So, still holding on to the railing of the ship, Callie turned, but she saw nothing.
"I thought I heard Zoro," she said quietly to herself. "But I guess not. . . ."
She was just about to turn back around when she heard it again.
"Zooorooo!"
Callie knew she heard Zoro that time.
"Zoro?" Callie called out over the wind. "Zoro, where are you?"
"Zoro!"
Callie took a few steps in the direction from which she came, trying to keep her eyes peeled for Zoro.
"Where are you, Zoro!"
She took a few more steps before Zoro let out another cry.
"Zor! Zor! Zoro! Zorua!"
These cries sounded much closer — Callie knew Zoro had to be right by her feet. However, he wasn't in front of her. She quickly glanced around, and for a moment, she couldn't see him, but then she spotted a pair of large, blue eyes staring at her, and she froze — there, hanging on for dear life to the side of the boat, was Zoro. He must have almost slid off the boat when it almost threw her overboard.
"Zoro!" Callie exclaimed, immediately dropping to her knees. "What are you doing out here?"
"Zor!" Zoro grunted, his paws beginning to slip.
"I got you, Zoro!" Callie shouted, reaching forward and snagging the small pokémon by his paw and dragging him towards her.
She quickly took the pokémon in her arms, holding him close to her chest.
"You dummy," Callie muttered, tears in her eyes. "I could have lost you."
"Zor, zor," Zoro muttered, nuzzling into the crook of her neck.
Slowly, Callie stood, cradling Zoro in one arm and gently stroking his wet fur with her free hand.
"It's okay, I've got you now," Callie whispered. "I've got you."
Crack!
Lightning struck at the precise moment that a large wave came crashing into the side of the ship. Both Callie and Zoro let out a yelp, and as the wave smashed against the side of the ship, Callie felt herself falling backwards towards the side of the ship. She clung desperately to Zoro with one arm and used her other arm to flail around helpless for the railing. She felt her fingers graze the cold metal railing, and for a second, she thought she could grab hold of it. However, another mountainous wave slammed against the ship, knocking Callie off balance and sending her and Zorua overboard, crashing into the water.
The water was cold. Too cold. The waves crashed over her and Zoro, but she refused to let the pokémon go — she had to protect Zoro. She opened her eyes underwater and saw nothing but an eternity of black abyss in every direction she looked. Callie kicked her feet with all her might, her lungs screaming for air. She broke the surface, gasping for air as freezing rain poured down on her.
"Zoro!" Callie choked out. "Zoro, you've gotta transform into something — anything that can save us!"
However, Zoro didn't respond. Zoro didn't move. Callie looked down and saw Zoro had fallen unconscious — it must have been the panic of falling overboard that caused him to faint. Whatever it was though, it wasn't good for Callie; with only the use of one arm, it was very difficult to stay above the water.
"Help!" Callie cried out, but she knew it was useless — who would be able to hear her over the sound of the storm. "Wes! Pop Roxie! Anyone — help!"
Another wave crashed down over Callie, pushing her several feet under the surface. Once again, Callie had to fight to reach the surface. With super human effort, she breeched the surface again, gulping at the air, trying to fill her lungs.
"Help!" Callie shouted as loud as she could. "Please, anyone — help me, please!"
Then, with barely a splash, she was under again, this time sinking faster. Panic was setting in, her heart hammering again her ribs. No matter how hard she kicked, Callie couldn't seem to get any closer to the surface. This was it. Her and Zoro were going to sink to the bottom of the ocean, and there was no one there to try and save her.
Suddenly, Callie saw a red flash of light, and there, beside her in the water, was Oshawott. The small otter-pokémon took one look at his trainer before grabbing her free arm and swimming to the surface of the water, breaking the surface.
"O-oshawott!" Callie exclaimed, her eyes widening as she gasped for air. "I-I didn't know you could come out on your own."
"Osh," Oshawott grunted, still holding onto her arm, trying to keep her and Zoro above the water.
Callie could see the boat — they were quite a ways away from it now, but she was close enough that she could see Wes walking along the deck with Celebi —
Wait. What?
"Wes!" Callie shouted. "Wes, what are you doing? Get back down under the deck!"
Of course, her words were lost to the roar of the sea. Oshawott narrowed his eyes, obviously not pleased with this, and he took a deep breath, appearing to be concentrating very hard. Then, a blue aura surrounded Oshawott, and he launched a powerful Water Gun attack that was also surrounded by the same blue aura — he was using Focus Energy! Due to the extra kick of power from Oshawott's Focus Energy, Oshawott's Water Gun was able to cover the distance from where they were to the boat, and he hit Wes right in the head, startling the trainer. Wes froze and turned towards them, and Callie saw him narrow his eyes as he looked out at the violent sea.
"Wes!" Callie exclaimed, trying to project her voice as loudly as she could. "Please, Wes! Help us!"
Wes stared in their direction for a few more moments, unmoving.
"It's pointless," Callie muttered. "He can't see us — Oshawott, we have to start trying to make it to the boat, that'll be our best — Wes, no!"
Suddenly, Wes dove over the side of the boat, Celebi still in his arms. Without any direction, Oshawott began swimming in the direction of Wes and Celebi, already knowing what Callie was thinking. His trainer attempted to aid him the best she could, kicking her legs to help move them along. It was a lot of work to fight the waves, and Callie was amazed how well Oshawott was able to swim against the current. Callie spotted Wes, who was swimming towards them quickly, Celebi clinging to his shoulder.
"Wes!" Callie shouted. "What are you doing?"
"I saw you out here," Wes explained as they got closer. "I knew I had to help. What are you doing out here?"
"A wave knocked me and Zoro overboard!" Callie exclaimed. "Oshawott saved us!"
Finally, they were within arms length of each other. Wes reached out with one hand and grabbed onto Callie, pulling her, Zoro, and Oshawott close.
"I got you," Wes panted, obviously relieved. "I was so worried."
"I'm fine," Callie said. "But we've got to get back to the boat — Oshawott can't keep this up too much longer."
Wes nodded and they began their trek back towards the boat, which wasn't an easy feat. Celebi continued to cling to Wes, and Oshawott pulled Callie along, Zoro still in her arm. After much effort from everyone, they all made it to the boat, which was rocking very unsteadily from side to side in the water.
"How do we get back on the boat?" Callie shouted over the storm as they stared up at the side of the ship.
"I'm not sure," Wes muttered, looking doubtful.
They both looked around for some way to get back up, but there didn't appear to be a ladder hanging off the side of the boat — how were they going to get back on board?
"What are you all doing in there?" a voice shouted from above.
Wes and Callie looked up and saw Pop Roxie and Politoed standing at the side of the ship, staring down at them.
"Are you mad? You're going to get yourselves killed!" Pop Roxie shouted.
"Poli!" Politoed shouted in agreement.
"We know!" Wes shouted. "Help us back up before another big wave comes! We can't keep this up!"
Pop Roxie nodded and Politoed ran off before quickly returning with an orange flotation device. The water-type pokémon threw it over the side of the ship, he and Pop Roxie holding tightly onto the rope, and Wes urged Callie forward.
"You get in it," Wes said, pulling the orange ring over her. "Celebi will go with you — hurry now."
Callie nodded and once she, Zoro, Oshawott, and Celebi were all situated, Pop Roxie and Politoed hoisted them up, quickly getting them all out of the water. After Callie and the three pokémon were safely on board, Pop Roxie and Politoed then turned their attention Wes, throwing the flotation device back into the water and snagging him. They worked quickly and soon enough, Wes was sitting on the deck next to Callie, panting heavily.
"Th-thank you," Callie panted. "For saving us."
"Yes, but why in the world was it necessary?" Pop Roxie shouted over the sound of the storm.
"I fell overboard!" Callie said. "But Wes came to save me!"
"I told you both to stay below the deck!" Pop Roxie growled.
"Guys," Wes said, finally finding the energy for words. "Stop fighting. We need to move."
"Why?" Pop Roxie said.
Callie looked towards Wes and watched as he stared off towards the side of the ship, his face alarmingly pale. Wes couldn't find any words, he could only point very shakily to whatever had him so startled. Callie and Pop Roxie both looked in the direction he motioned, and the both froze. There, towering over them and heading straight towards the boat, was the biggest wave Callie had ever seen — bigger than she could have ever imagined. It was easily over fifty feet, and as it swelled higher and higher, threatening to topple over at any second, Pop Roxie's small boat climbing up the side of the wave.
"That's not any normal storm wave," Pop Roxie growled, a solemn look on his face. "That's a rogue wave!"
"A rogue wave?" echoed Callie. "What's that?"
"It doesn't matter!" Wes shouted. "It's about to kill us!"
As much as Callie hated to admit it, there really didn't seem to be another outcome. The boat they were in was far too small to conquer a wave of that stature.
"Politoed," Pop Roxie muttered, gazing up at the rogue wave that had grown another ten feet in height. "I think this is it, old friend."
"Poli. . . ," Politoed said solemnly, putting his hand on Pop Roxie's leg.
"Well, this is better than dying to Team Plasma," Wes said with a dry smile. "Not by much, but slightly."
Zoro, who had come back to his senses, grabbed onto Callie. "Zor-zor!"
"Osha!" Oshawott cried, clinging tightly to Callie.
"It's okay," Callie whispered, patting his head. She then looked to Celebi, who was sitting in Callie's arms, looking very worried. "Celebi, I know you haven't fully recovered, but please — you've got to save us."
"But, Callie," Celebi said quietly. "Team Plasma will find me again."
"And I'll keep you safe! So will Wes!" said Callie. "We've done it so far! Please, Celebi — we need your help!"
"Here it comes!" Pop Roxie shouted. "Brace yourselves!"
Wes grabbed Callie's hand, and Zoro and Oshawott clung desperately to her leg. Callie looked up at the wave and saw it was falling down on itself, tumbling straight towards them.
"Celebi!" Callie cried out, shutting her eyes. She took Celebi, Zoro, and Oshawott in her free arm. "Please! Save us!"
Then it happened.
A beautiful, yet startling cry erupted from seemingly no where. Callie opened her eyes and saw that the noise was coming from Celebi. Waves of blue and white began pulsating from Celebi, engulfing the ship, the waves, everything — it was exactly like when Celebi brought Callie here.
"What's going on?" Wes shouted over the cries of Celebi and the sounds of the storm.
"Celebi is trying to save us!" Callie exclaimed.
Then it happened, all at once — all of Callie's senses were cut off. She couldn't feel her pokémon in her arms, or Wes's hand clasped tightly to hers. The sound of the storm ceased so suddenly, it was startling. Then, just as quickly as it happened, all of Callie's senses hit at once. She felt her pokémon and Wes clinging desperately to her, and the boat rocking very gently. There was no more rain, no more thunder, howling wind or lightning — it was over. She could hear the sound of waves lapping up against the side of the ship, and pokémon chirping happily nearby. Opening her eyes, she saw it was very dark outside, obviously very late at night. She could see a bright light in the distance though, and she realized it was a lighthouse.
"We're alive," Wes muttered, letting go of Callie as he looked around.
"But. . . . Where are we?" said Callie.
"Liberty Garden," said Pop Roxie suddenly as he and Politoed looked around. He then turned to Callie and Celebi. "Celebi. . . . Thank you."
"You're . . . very welcome," Celebi panted weakly in Callie's arms.
Callie looked down at Celebi and saw it had paled in color, but still looked much better than when they had first arrived in Aspertia City weeks ago.
"How are you feeling, Celebi?" Callie said softly.
"Tired. . . . Very tired," Celebi said. "I just . . . need some . . . rest."
Callie nodded. "Right — let's get you in bed."
Oshawott and Zoro got off of Callie as she stood, still holding Celebi. Wes also stood.
"We just have to worry about Team Plasma now," Callie muttered quietly.
"Don't worry about that — I'm gonna clean up, and then I'll stay up and watch for Team Plasma," Wes said with a smile.
"I'll keep watch as well," said Pop Roxie. "I suspect we took some damage from the storm — I'll see what Politoed and I can find, but I won't be able to do anything until morning."
"How far are we from Castelia City?" said Wes.
"Well, once we get the boat fixed up, we should be able to make it to Castelia City in a few hours from here — Liberty Garden isn't too far from Castelia City, and now that we're away from the storm, it should be smooth sailing from here on out," said Pop Roxie. "But let's not worry about that too much. We'll focus on that tomorrow."
Callie nodded and she, Wes, and the rest of her pokémon headed below the deck. Callie and Celebi went to her room, Oshawott and Zoro following behind her. She laid Celebi on the bed, and Zoro hopped up beside his friend, looking at Celebi with big eyes, obviously concerned.
"What a day. . . ," Callie sighed, leaning against the wall, her clothes still damp.
"Osh, osha!" Oshawott said with a smile, staring up at her. She smiled softly and picked him up in her arms.
"I owe you a big thank you, Oshawott," Callie said. "You saved my life out there."
"Osha-oshawott!" Oshawott said proudly, blushing ever so slightly.
"You'd better get out of those wet clothes; you're gonna get sick."
Callie and Oshawott both looked up and saw Wes standing in the doorway, smiling lightly, still wearing his wet clothes.
"Says you," Callie said with a laugh. "You still haven't changed."
"I just wanted to check in on you," said Wes. "Y'know, make sure you're feeling okay. You really had me worried."
Callie smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm just fine — I was actually just thanking Oshawott."
"Osha!" Oshawott said proudly.
Wes chuckled softly and nodded. "Well, I'm glad Oshawott was there. But you should probably clean up and be getting to bed soon — I think we should explore Liberty Garden tomorrow!"
"That actually sounds like fun, doesn't it, Oshawott?" said Callie with a smile.
"Osha!"
"That would . . . be nice," said Celebi weakly from the bed. "I hope I feel better."
"Don't worry, Celebi, I'm sure you'll feel better after some rest," said Callie. "Thank you again. I know you risked a lot to save us."
Celebi smiled weakly and nodded, saying nothing. It settled back down into bed, Zoro laying with it. Callie looked to Wes, smiling.
"Well, I guess it's decided — we'll all tour Liberty Garden tomorrow," said Callie. "I guess I'd best take a shower — you should do the same if you're gonna try to stay up all night."
"I told you I would keep watch," said Wes. "I'll see you in the morning. Good night."
"Good night, Wes," Callie called after his as he left, closing the door behind him.
So, after a long shower, Callie and Oshawott settled into bed with Celebi and Zoro, getting under the warm covered.
"Well, you guys, I think it's safe to say that, once we get to Castelia City, I'm never getting on a boat again," Callie muttered.
Oshawott giggled, and Zoro sniggered softly. Celebi, however, was fast asleep, worn out from using so much of its power today. Callie stroked the top of Oshawott's head, smiling softly.
"At least we're all okay, right?" said Callie happily. "And tomorrow we're going to explore Liberty Garden. I wonder if there's anything about Liberty Garden in the town map. . . ."
Callie pulled out her town map from her bag and opened it, the screen flickering to life. She zoomed in on their location, which was marked by a red blinking dot. Callie tapped on the highlighted island labeled Liberty Garden, and a small text box appeared which Callie read aloud.
"Liberty Garden is an island symbol of hope for a world where human and Pokémon live free," Callie said. The text continued. "It is rumored that the legendary pokémon Victini resides on the island, bringing victory to any trainer it befriends."
Callie paused, shaking her head. "Victini. . . . Wouldn't it be cool to meet it, Oshawott?"
However, when she looked to Oshawott, she saw that he was asleep, no doubt exhausted from his heroic actions from earlier. She then decided to turn to Zoro and see what his thoughts were, but when she looked to Zoro, she found that he was also asleep. So, smiling to herself, Callie closed her town map, tucked it back into her bag, and settled down under the sheets.
It had been a long day, and, unknown to Callie, she had an even longer day ahead of her.