Cry of the Ocean

A fresh breeze swept through the Rustboro Port bringing a mixture of seaweed and sand into the mix as ocean met land. Tourists flashed their cameras in all directions, taking pictures of random local monuments and the beautiful scenery of the Hoenn Oceans. In the distance, Mt. Chimney smouldered with ash flying in all directions within the densely black smoke forming above. Combined with the nearby skyscrapers of Rustboro's City Centre, the imagery was rather beautiful and the unique architecture had artists drawing and selling artwork on the street corners. Children ran around in the late summer warmth, but these were all sights Rod had become too accustomed to seeing in Hoenn. From a young age he was always told about the wonders of Hoenn and its luxurious homes and resorts compared to what they had in Kanto, but Rustboro Port was generally quite new. Once abandoned, the Devon Corporation had put millions of dollars into recreating the area into an active access point for transport. Rod and Forrest would travel from here in the late afternoon to Dewford Island, home of the next Pokemon Gym but also famous for its island based culture and beach. Letting his legs hang from the stone port, towering over the glistening blue water below him, Rod stretched backwards and relaxed with Forrest next to him reading a book.

Starly and Fletchling screeched at each other from above, racing each other playfully, as the rest of his Pokemon lazily grazed nearby under the shade of a tree. Although the Port was fully concreted and made of stone, patches of fresh grass were available with trees for natural shade. Perfect places to relax, and Rod was already feeling so comfortable that leaving on a three day boat journey seemed tedious. Forrest continued to read as Rod glanced at his shining Stone Badge again, memories of the battle a day ago flashing in his mind. Finally his road to become a Pokemon Master had begun, and this badge would lead to much greater things in the future. Confidence flooded through him as he smiled and adjusted his headband.

Forrest looked over, chuckling at his smile and commented, "You do know it gets harder from here onwards right?"

Shaking his head sarcastically, Rod replied, "I don't think anyone can beat me now! Did you see how amazing my Pokemon were in that battle?"

"Everyone saw your talent, but the Dewford Gym is a whole new challenge."

Rod understood what he meant, and agreed completely. The Leader of the Dewford Gym was a surfer and environmental activist known as Brawley, and he was known to be one of the worlds best Fighting Type trainers. Rejecting an Elite Four place several times in the past, he decided to continue working on Dewford Island with a focus on keeping it clean and beautiful. However, his battling prowess hadn't decreased at all, and he had a win streak extending a few months already. Rod would have to be at his best before taking on the Gym, but still confidence continued to flow through him.

Forrest's Shellos crept from around its trainer, looking at the sleeping Ivysaur and Shinx before quickly running back again. Forrest shook his head and picked it up, cradling the Sea Slug Pokemon in his arms, "Those are Rod's Pokemon, Shellos. They are all really friendly!"

Rod waved, gesturing for it to come over as he replied with a smile, "Come have a rest in the shade, Shellos. It's really cool and relaxing!"

Its whole body seemed to fade in colour suddenly, shock and fear taking over, as it began to cry loudly. Echoing around, Ivysaur awoke with a shock as it accidentally shoved Nidoran aside. The Poison Pin Pokemon rolled out into the sunlight, shivering in the sudden wake up before charging towards Rod angrily. Ivysaur growled and pushed it aside with Shinx innocently sleeping despite the chaos that had ensued around. As his Pokemon collided once again, Rod called, "Calm it down! It was an accident, and you both know it!"

Ignoring his plea for calm, Ivysaur and Nidoran charged his direction and clambered hard into his chest. Yelling in shock, Rod rolled off the port and hit the water with an almighty splash as Forrest burst out in laughter. Shinx snored loudly to capitalise on the humility with Fletchling and Starly landing back on the grass to peer awkwardly at their soaking wet trainer in the water below. Clambering out of the freezing water, Rod crawled onto the warm rocky port with random passer-byers glancing over confused. Coughing, and flopping onto his back, Rod commented with a weak smile, "That really hurt!"

Forrest continued to laugh along with Shellos as Rod rushed over to Ivysaur and pushed him into the water along with Nidoran. Fletchling tweeted happily as Rod failed to catch it, flying high above out of reach along with Starly. Ivysaur roared happily and unleashed its powerful Vines into the water as heavy splashes hit its trainer constantly. Rod dived in again, splashing back as Nidoran joined in happily. Children began to stop walking and laughing at them all with Starly screeching from above, diving in to peck their trainers. Shellos continued to laugh as it jumped out of Forrest's hands and jumped into the water with Rod splashing it. He felt completely soaked, but in the heat it was incredibly refreshing!

Shellos laughed and dived amongst the waves before it glowed a dark blue suddenly with Forrest now jumping to his feet in shock. Knowing what was coming, he called with warning, "Rod, look out!"

"Wha...?"

Not managing to finish a single word of his cry of shock, Shellos' unleashed a powerful water based attack that flooded the entire port where they were sitting. Shinx was instantly drowned in the oncoming waves as it floated, still sleeping, to one side as Rod washed up on the port yelling in fear with his Pokemon holding on tight to him. Forrest followed before they all rammed straight into one of the trees, hitting their heads hard on the bark before sliding back to the ground in pain. Forrest gasped, before leaning back with a heavy bruise on his head, "That was some Water Pulse..."

Shellos appeared back on the now sodden port looking scared and upset that everyone's fun was ruined. Glancing at the ground, it started to cry again before slowly moving towards its trainer with tears flooding down from its eyes. Rod smiled and called, "You are one powerful Pokemon, Shellos!"

Ivysaur raised a vine agreeing before collapsing, exhausted onto the wet grass before Rod returned his Pokemon safely away. Forrest raised Shellos into the air before commenting, "Didn't you have fun with Rod's Pokemon? We're all here for you!"

It still continued to cry as Forrest shrugged and returned away to its Pokeball before turning to Rod and laughing at his dripping wet headband. Gazing up, Rod smirked and replied, "You ain't looking so good yourself!"

Their laughter continued throughout the Rustboro Port area as Wingull above screeched loudly dipping in and out of the water along with Goldeen and other sea based Pokemon. A girl had been watching them from afar, following their every step but afraid to make contact just yet with goosebumps flooding her body at the very thought. She had finally thrown away her Devon Coroporation laboratory coat and bought some new travelling gear including a red beanie, brown track pants and matching shirt and jacket. Emma glanced down at the notes she had taken on both of the individuals, and they would be boarding a small cruise ship to Dewford Island soon. She had purchased a ticket as well, but the questions poised as when she would finally talk. Sipping a warm hot chocolate from the cafe, her two Pokeballs rolling around on the table, anxiety began to well up within. Rod and Forrest, still damp from the fiasco earlier, returned the rest of their Pokemon and began to walk up the port as the sun beat down. Drowning the rest of the hot beverage, Emma stood up and followed with the masses of tourists completely disguising her from view. The boat would be leaving in a couple of hours, but it had already arrived and allowed people to board. Gulping loudly, Emma knew the time was coming when she had to stand up and tell them what she wanted. But what did she really want?

Rod could finally feel his toes again, his waterlogged shoes still squishing slightly in the ground as Forrest continued to laugh. Weaving through the crowd of people, all talking excitedly about Rustboro City, a large cruise ship appeared in front of them, anchored next to the stone port. Raising the, luckily still dry, ticket from his bag, Forrest gestured and commented, "I present to you, Rod, the S.S. Tidal! It runs from here all the way to Slateport and Lilycove Cities!"

It was much larger than Rod had expected, pumping white smoke high into the air and full of cabins and lights, they had been lucky to get the tickets so quickly. However, there was a single sign that drew his attention immediately, hanging down from the side of the ship it read:

POKEMON COMPETITION ON BOARD. DON'T MISS OUT!

With the Dewford Gym in mind, this would be a terrific opportunity to continue training against some tough local trainers. Rod responded, punching the air, "I say we go find our cabin early and get settled! I want to register for the competition!"

Waving his finger back with a determined expression, Forrest smiled, "Don't get too excited! I'll be entering as well!"

Running ahead towards the massive wooden staircase erected from the ship, one of the staff members saw them approach and raised a hand. Slowly down, the individual spoke loudly, "I am sorry but nobody is allowed to board the ship until the Guest of Honor has arrived."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Rod asked, glancing at what seemed to be a pristine cruise ship, "Guest of Honor? Who is travelling with us on the S.S. Tidal?"

A smile cracked on the man's face, his white uniform shaking in the wind as he pointed behind them both, "I think she has just arrived!"

Turning around, Rod and Forrest's body seemed to complete melt into the ground at the utter beauty of the woman walking towards them. Her long brown hair flickered through the wind as a tall man followed her, his dark shirt and muscular body revealing he was probably a body guard, but her blue eyes matched the ocean along with the pink flowers attached to her hair. She wore a flowing blue dress to match, revealing her tanned arms and legs and extremely fit body. Easily being a model, many heads were turning on the Rustboro Port now as Rod and Forrest seemed to float aside in her presence. Eyes fixed on her, Rod had no idea who she was, but with the bodyguard and how the staff member from the cruise treated her, she must have some presence in the Region.

Walking up the wooden staircase, her dress flowing in the wind and bodyguard following her, Forrest turned to Rod and breathed, "You do know...she's an Elite Four member right?"

"Elite Four?" Rod's mind returned to reality as he breathed again, his heart pumping once more as he tried to process the information. The Elite Four were four of the strongest trainers in each select Regions and chosen based on their experience and battling style. Along with being physically difficult to beat, they also had unique styles to challenge opponents with. But even having a battle against one took many years of training and numerous wins in Regional Tournaments and at the much higher levels as well. "What is her name?"

Stroking his chin, Forrest opened up is Hoenn Guide Booklet from his bag and flicked through a couple pages before explaining, "Her name is Phoebe, and she is the master of Ghost Type Pokemon. She has the power to communicate with them telepathically, and is one of the strongest trainers known to Hoenn."

"But why would she be coming on a cruise ship to Dewford Island?"

"No idea..."

Shrugging at each other, Rod and Forrest finally made their way onto the S.S. Tidal and were directed to their cabin. Glancing around at the white painted steel around them, they soon arrived at their small cabin with a couple of single beds crammed on each corner of the room. Placing their heavy bags down at last, Rod noticed a sheet of paper on the wooden desk under the circular window peering onto the busy port. Combined with a map of the ship, it revealed the location of the large battlefield towards the back of the boat and where to register for the event. Locking the cabin, the two trainers made their way to the registration site knowing that in a few short hours the Tournament would begin. Confidence filled Rod's body as he couldn't wait to get started, but his mind still thought about Phoebe and why she would travel this way. Was there an ulterior purpose, or just a normal holiday? He hoped answers would appear soon, but not everyday would they be travelling with an Elite Four member amongst them.

…

The S.S. Tidal left in the early afternoon with many of the passengers on board waving goodbye to their loved ones on the port. It felt like those scenes in the movies where individuals would wave handkerchiefs, but in a much more modern sense. Throughout Hoenn, the use of boats was still the main mode of transportation as they were cheaper than owning a car or taking an airplane. The Region was based on water with over 70% of it covered in deep seat and half of it based as large islands, but nobody complained. It made it a perfect holiday destination and Dewford Island was one of those hotspots. Men and Woman were already sunbathing on the main dock with drinks being served, but the large battlefield remained untouched with children gazing at it excitedly with the tournament starting soon. Emma leaned against the side barrier, glancing at the ocean as Staryu could be seen glowing from the bottom before disappearing into the darkness down below. She had also signed up for the tournament knowing Rod would be battling, but what if their paths did cross? Would he recognise her as the trainer he beat back at Devon Corporation, or was that incident just another random day for him but yet so special for her. She wanted him to understand, but it would take time.

A siren appeared on the ship as the crowds talking quieted down instantly, the P.A system ringing into life, "The S.S. Tidal Battle Tournament will begin shortly. 16 trainers have applied and consists of a knock-out stage format. If you manage to win 4 matches in a row, you will be crowned Champion. These battles are all one on one, and will be officiated by an official referee and a Special Guest."

The announcement ended there as murmurs filled the entire cruise ship with everyone guessing who the special guest was. Emma had already known it was Phoebe from the Elite Four, she had seen her walk onto the boat with Rod and Forrest looking on dumbfounded. However, it was very curious that she would be here despite being invited as a guest, was there something wrong at Dewford Island? Letting it play on her mind, Emma walked over to the battlefield to see the opening trainers enter from the crowd to a round of applause. Leaning against the iron fence built up around, she noticed the large electrical board above flicker into life revealing the names of the trainers. Forrest would open the battles on this cruise as a short description of his background appeared against a local trainer from Rustboro City, named Gavin, as they shook hands.

Forrest took a Pokeball out of his pocket, and gazed up at the crowd to pick out Rod as he waved. They had made a pact to meet in the final, and so he would have to win the early battles. Knowing how intense Rod got with battles, it was time to bring some of that adrenaline into the duel. The referee appeared along with Phoebe, her brown hair still flowing in the wind as the crowd clapped at her appearance. Still saying nothing, she sat down on the single chair behind the battlefield and watched on with a slight smile.

The time had finally come, and Forrest chucked his Pokeball high into the air calling, "Geodude! I choose you!"

The Rock Pokemon appeared, floating just above the battlefield as it prepared to battle. Gavin looked on with a smile and did the same, throwing a Lure Ball from his hand, "Mudkip! Let's go!"

A Hoenn Starter appeared, the Mud Fish Pokemon playfully jumping up and down as the type advantage went the opponents way. The referee gestured to both trainers before giving Forrest the first move, and he cried loudly to the applause of the crowd, "Geodude, use Rock Polish!"

It glowed white as large slashes appeared on its body, revealing a shining Geodude seconds later. Gavin called, brushing his black hair to one side, "Mudkip, use Water Gun!"

"Dodge it and use Mega Punch!"

Dodging the jet of water with significant pace, the crowd gasping at how the Rock Polish attack had worked so well, Geodude quickly closed in on Mudkip and landed a powerful punch to the face. Rolling to one side, a large bruise appearing on its face, Gavin tried to respond with another Water Gun, but the attack went wayward, spiralling off the edge of the ship with Geodude difficult to hit. Forrest already sense victory and continued, punching the air, "Finish this! Stone Edge!"

Geodude roared loudly as it jumped high above the battlefield and spun in a riveting circle as heavy rocks appeared from its body and showered down. Mudkip avoided the first couple, but eventually it succumbed to an very quick defeat with Stone Edge making powerful contact. Gavin fell to his knees, obviously as a rookie trainer it was unlucky he had to face a former Gym Leader, but Forrest was the first to clap as the crowd applauded his efforts. Emma watched on in awe, seeing how powerful even Forrest was at battling and that Gavin had lost before even landing a single attack. Looking more closely at Phoebe, her facial expression now a lot more serious and in thought, but her eyes seemed to be away from the battle as they focussed on the crowd, moving side to side. Following her gaze, Phoebe froze suddenly, face turning towards the back of ship, blocked by the cabins and infrastructure. However, a section of the crowd was there as Emma looked across before her heart pounded louder with Rod appearing in view clapping his friend on.

Phoebe continued to gaze at him, fixed and unmoving, but Rod didn't notice at all as he gave a victorious Forrest a hi-five. As Gavin backed away into the crowd, the field now being prepared for the next battle in succession, the audio of the world disappeared to Emma's ears. All sounds vanished completely into white noise before she shuddered in shock. A voice spoke, female but very robotic as she shivered and leaned against the iron gate more with nobody noticing her discomfort.

Rod is in danger. Forrest is in danger. You are in danger.

We are all in danger.

The voice vanished as quickly as it appeared, but Emma was left standing there in completely confusion as her legs shivered and buckled slightly. What sort of danger, and whose voice was that? The world seemed colder now with the next battle already beginning down below, but anxiety kicked in and she wondered...what did the future really have in store for them?