Chapter Eight: Across the Bay
As Sapph ate breakfast the next day, Ledyba and Mongle were catching up with each other's news from the gym battle they had the previous day.
…so it was all WHAM! POW! SMASH! That Ledian was out like a light! Mongle crowed with a mouth full of Pokémon food.
Ledyba didn't say anything. Sapph figured out what was on his friend's mind and said, "Lighten up, Ledyba! I'll do my best to make you stronger than that Ledian was, I promise!"
Thanks, Sapph! Ledyba chirped.
"Besides," Sapph went on in a low, offhand voice so Ledyba couldn't hear. "You beat two of Cassandra's Pokémon single-handedly…you couldn't have faced Ledian anyway…"
Sorry, Sapph? Ledyba asked apologetically. Did you say something?
"Wha….no, nothing, Ledyba, nothing!" Sapph hastily reassured the Five Star Pokémon, quickly slurping down more of his porridge.
Anyways, you should've seen me Ledyba! I didn't get a single scratch… Mongle went on.
"Yeah, you only got about ten bruises." Sapph supplied slyly.
HEY! Mongle yelled as Ledyba giggled. That wasn't fair!
"Sorry, you just had it coming. I couldn't resist." Sapph chuckled.
"I take it you beat Cassandra," Nurse Joy said coming round to check on Ledyba, who'd begun choking on a piece of Pokémon food from giggling too hard, which went soaring into the local Chansey's face, who'd also come along to check on Ledyba's condition, when Mongle thumped him on the back.
URGH! GROSS! She screamed, the nerve on her temple beginning to pulsate furiously as she rounded on the two team mates who both broke into feverish cold sweats.
His fault. Mongle said quickly, pointing at Ledyba. Ledyba spun around and stared indignantly at his 'partner'.
Well, it was, Mongle said reasonably. WHOA! he yelped as he ducked under Chansey's Karate Chop.
So you're the Mongle the Chansey in EverWood told us about, the Chansey growled. She sounded like a Soviet military training camp personnel who ate steel barbed wire for breakfast. The rude one…
Groovy, a fan! Mongle said, his face lightening up.
And you are his accomplice? The Chansey went on, her eyes flicking to Ledyba, who blushed.
W-where'd you learn that?! Ledyba squealed, his eyes larger than cartwheels as he surveyed the crack in the tile the Chansey had made.
So, it's true, Chansey said, an evil smile lit her face.
Who cares? Run for it! Mongle said, high-tailing it from the room.
"Yep!" Sapph said, ignoring the Pokémon Nurse chase his Pokémon out of the room, Mongle's yells of IT WASN'T ME! echoing down the hallways. His happy bubble deflated slightly as he continued, "But according to the map, the next gym is in Nightspark City across on the other side of the cove, and I haven't a Water or Flying Pokémon strong enough to carry me there," Sapph ended on a slightly worried note.
"Even if you did, there's no way you'd be allowed…you need certain badges before you're allowed to use HM moves like Fly and Surf…" Nurse Joy informed Sapph firmly with her arms crossed though not in an angry manner.
"Then how will I get to Nightspark? I just gotta get there!" Sapph cried, definitely panicky now.
"Relax, Sapph. There's a ferry service that runs between Entover and Nightspark Harbour. They're leaving today, so if you go to the ferry port now, you can easily get a ride." Nurse Joy said cheerfully.
"Wow! Really?" Sapph said, lightening up at once.
"Yes. Just tell the crew I asked you to send these supplies to the Nightspark City Power Plant. We've been having problems with our power supply, and as we need a trainer to get these parts from Azura Port to them, I just wondered…"
"No problemo! I'll take them for you!" Sapph exclaimed, jumping to his feet and grabbing his backpack and putting the parts in it.
"You will? Oh, thank you, Sapph! You really are a hero!" Nurse Joy said happily.
Sapph flushed embarrassedly. "That's a bit much, isn't it?" he said, rubbing the nape of his neck modestly.
"I asked some other trainers to do that for me yesterday, but my request was severely snubbed by an extremely snobbish boy with reddish-blond hair and silver eyes who seemed to think he was in charge…" Nurse Joy went on.
Sapph's face darkened as he realised who Nurse Joy was talking about…
Nurse Joy's voice faltered as she saw the change come over Sapph. "Anything wrong?" she asked worriedly.
Noticing what she was talking about, Sapph quickly rearranged his face into a wide grin and said, "Nothing's wrong. Okay, I'll leave now." Sapph said, finishing off the rest of his breakfast and opening the sliding door as he rose to his feet and looking around for Mongle and Ledyba so he could return them to their pokéballs with a slight frown.
Now where are those two? Sapph wondered as he scanned the room for his companions.
"MONGLE! LEDYBA! Time to go alrea…" He called, stopped dead at the sight of Chansey chasing them down the corridor towards him.
SAPPH, HELP! Mongle made Chansey mad again! Ledyba screamed, flying as fast as he could out of the open door.
RUNAWAY MAD NURSE! Mongle added, racing after the Five Star Pokémon, a seriously ****** off Chansey hot on his heels.
NOT that again?! Sapph moaned inside as he and Nurse Joy watched them go with tiny eyes and large sweat drops on the back of their heads.
"Umm… Thank you again, Sapph. I'll give you directions to the pier…" Nurse Joy said, and within three minutes Sapph was racing off to catch the ferry and stop another Chansey from attempting to kill his best friends with Nurse Joy calling behind him, "…and be careful! I heard some thieves have already tried to lift the package on its way here!"
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A dark cloaked man sat in what looked like a ruby-gilt, oaken throne as he surveyed the holographic map of Corei that spread out before him. The green lines that formed the map glinted brightly, illuminating the man's alert and watchful red eyes and pale cheeks, one of which rested against the back of his gloved hand.
"What's the word with our base in Dragon Cove, Doracus?" he said softly yet deliberately, crossing his platinum-buckled boots as he leaned back with a sigh.
A large, heavily-muscled man in a similar hooded cloaked stepped out from the shadows into the pool of light cast by the overhead, candle-lit chandelier. "Not so well, My Lord," he said in a deep yet refined grunt. "We still require a generator powerful enough to power the electric cages. The untamed beauties keep smashing the iron ones…" he added, a cruel grin splitting his scrubby face and revealing a glint of gold.
"Very well," the man said heavily and the man named Doracus returned to the shadows. His eyes roving away from the spot where Doracus had returned to stare to a point nearly directly in front of him but slightly to his right. "Captain Orion?"
"Yes, my Lord Theologos?" the cheerful voice of Orion piped up as he stepped into the circle of illumination.
"My intelligence tells me that a vital generator part for the Nightspark City Power Plant is en route to Nightspark and is currently at Entover City Pokémon Centre," the man named Lord Theologos went on.
"Am I to lift the package for you?" Orion supplied in his sunny tone of voice.
"No, not personally," Lord Theologos answered, a twisted smile forming on his face at the thought. "Just send a couple of grunts in. A Team Shadow Executive needn't bother with such a petty D-rank mission…and besides, I need you here to manage the other projects."
"I'm honoured, my Lord," Orion said again, bowing his light brown-haired head.
"You have your orders, Captain," Lord Theologos said calmly.
"Yes, sir, my Lord," Orion said, bowing.
"Let them be informed that extreme measures have been approved," Lord Theologos informed the youth calmly, his dark hair falling slowly across his face as he leaned back some more.
"It will be done, my Lord," Orion said, bowing again and turning to leave.
A silence filled the room for a minute or two before Lord Theologos looked to his left. He smiled softly, his eyes closed lightly and asked "You wish to speak, Captain Doracus?"
"My Lord, I heard two Admins botched a C-rank mission in EverWood mission the other day," Doracus interrupted suddenly, a frown on his face as he stared at the spot where Orion had left the room. "And that Captain Orion covered for the said Admins…"
"Yes, I know, Doracus," Lord Theologos said lazily. "I also know that the boy that thwarted them is the same one who has taken the parts into his custody," he added softly, his eyes roving over the map.
"A-and you believe two grunts can stop him?" Captain Doracus spluttered. "I mean, the Admns he overcame…"
"Were in your division, were they not, Doracus?" the man on the throne said idly, his eyes flashing in a quelling way. Captain Doracus's golden yellow eyes met Theologos's ruby red ones and fell silent at once. Then Theologos spoke again.
"Orion's men are much better at these sorts of missions than yours, Doracus. I'd also appreciate you not question the way I choose to have things done. I usually do so in such fashion for a reason. Am I understood, Doracus?" he went on, his voice showing a trace of anger and finality in it.
"Yes, my Lord," Captain Doracus said falteringly.
"You're dismissed, Doracus," Lord Theologos said softly, consulting the map once more. "Meeting adjourned," he added to the four other shadows that lined the walls and left silently after Captain Doracus's retreating back.
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The Litaire from EverWood Forest had followed Sapph through the twisting streets of Entover City to the harbour where it had settled on the mast of a large ferry with a shape that resembled a catamaran. Suddenly a group of four Pelipper appeared with fish in their bills appeared on the same mast, two on each side. One particularly large one said roughly, This 'ere's our rig, li'l missie, in a salty sea dog's voice.
The Litaire closed her eyes and chose to ignore the rude Pokémon's remark.
Didn'cha hear 'im, missie? He said clear orf! Another one half-yelled.
No, he said 'This 'ere's our rig, li'l missie', and rather rudely at that, the Litaire said calmly, her eyes half-opened as she stared straight ahead of her.
Lissen, lady, we don't wanna rumble with a girlie, so jus' leave, will ya? the third Pelipper said in a calm yet reedy voice.
I'm sure you don't, the Litaire said without looking at him.
Listen, lady, the fourth one said shortly. Shove orf, or be shoved orf. Got it?
Sure. Looks like you boys will have to be shoved off then, the Litaire said calmly, still not looking at her assailants.
Alrighty, let's give 'er 'e ol' heave ho! The first Pelipper said and swung a beefy wing at the Litaire only to get his beak knocked crooked by the Litaire's lighting-fast counter. At this the other three Pelipper attacked the Litaire as one.
A quick scuffle erupted on the mast as a cartoon cloud of wings forming fists and clawed talons whirled around. Soon, the four Pelipper flew off haphazardly, sporting black eyes and dislocated beaks, muttering about women and how unreasonable they could get. Whereas the unscathed Litaire settled down on her perch, muttered Amatuerish civilians and closed her eyes to get a better look at her quarry who was explaining something to a sailor clad in a white vest and white slacks.
"Alright, sir. I understand. We need that power here too." The burly sailor told Sapph after he explained the situation for his needing to cross over to Nightspark City. "Besides," he added, his cheeks growing slightly pink as he lowered his voice. "Who wouldn't do that cutie of a nurse a favour?"
"That wasn't quite why I volunteered, but thanks a lot!" Sapph said, blushing faintly as he climbed on board, Mongle and Ledyba muttering about each other behind his back in tow.
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A shady couple skulked in the shadows on the port side of the deck as Sapph stood on the other side of the ferry and waved goodbye to the people who usually saw off the ferry. The woman held a walkie-talkie whilst the man scanned the area for eavesdroppers.
"The boy is wearing a red and white anorak," a sunny voice crackled over the walkie-talkie, "Do try not to fail."
"Yes, captain," the female voice said and the walkie-talkie died in her hand.
The twosome looked at each other as Sapph leaned against the starboard side railing to watch Entover Town disappear behind him.
"So shall we look for our target?" she said in a coldly playful voice.
"Let's" the man rasped, a mean smile curving his thin lips.
The two headed below to begin their search.
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Ten minutes after watching nothing but sea water, Sapph got bored and decided to go explore the ship and find his cabin. The journey's scenery had not done anything to soothe Mongle and Ledyba's tempers anyway, Sapph thought dryly, watching his Pokémon mutter as they trailed after him.
"Er, Excusez-moi, Monsieur," a sniffy waiter hailed Sapph, staring at Mongle and Ledyba.
"Yes?" Sapph asked, turning around, ignoring the huffy noises issuing from his Pokémon.
"Whereas battling eez seemingly allowed in ze cabins and the battle room below, all Pokémon must be kept in their pokéballs at all uzzer times." The sailor explained in a French accent.
"No worries, sir, I'll ensure they behave themselves." Sapph assured him, plastering a large false smile on his face, which fell as they rounded the corner out of sight.
"Do you have to annoy every Chansey you see?" Sapph asked Mongle exasperatedly as they entered the gangway leading to their cabin.
HEY, it's not my fault Chansey nurses have the temperament of a rabid Primeape when they get a little food all over them! Mongle complained as he walked along side Sapph over the threshold of their cabin door inside.
It was fairly roomy inside, with a videophone, computer, desk and chair and a comfortable single bed with blue and white linen sheets. Two small, circular portholes lined the opposite wall. The floors were oak panelled and varnished to give in a golden sheen and the walls and ceiling had been painted a luxuriant blue colour.
Not too shabby, Sapph thought impressively, giving the room a complimentary smile as he put his rucksack and proceeded to the windows.
"Chansey was right… you ARE revolting! Ledyba muttered, fluttering along in behind them as Sapph opened the window to air the cabin.
HEY! Mongle yelled again, rounding on Ledyba. It WAS your fault!
This time, it was partly, yeah! Last time it was yours! Ledyba said, heating up.
Partly?! Whaddya mean, 'partly'? Hey, if you didn't hit my back so hard then… Mongle said, sticking his face up to Ledyba's.
What? You want to go at it, Flea Butt? Ledyba retorted, pushing Mongle back.
WHAT DID YOU CALL ME, BUG EYE?!! Mongle retorted, trying to get around the sole of Sapph's sneaker to get at Ledyba.
BUG EYE?! I ought to… Ledyba yelled, trying to get at the Leaf Squirrel Pokémon from behind Sapph's elbow.
"Guys, chill… save the aggro for the next battle…" Sapph said, trying to keep Mongle and Ledyba from fighting.
You just can't take the fact that girl Pokémon everywhere are crazy about my cool sense of humour rather than your inferiority complex! Mongle yelled.
Sapph froze and sweat dropped.
Crazy about what?! You?! Don't make me throw up! AGAIN! Ledyba yelled back.
Sapph, get outta this! I'm gonna squish you flat, Bug Eye! Mongle yelled, struggling to get a decent shot at Ledyba.
Just try it, you! Ledyba yelled back. I'll pluck that leaf outta your flea-ridden backside! Sapph, stand aside and let me at him! Ledyba countered.
"Guys, calm down!" Sapph pleaded, straining to keep them apart.
The door swivelled open and the stiff waiter poked his head in to give Sapph a chiding stare as he asked rhetorically "No trouble, monsieur?"
Sapph sweat dropped as he smiled broadly back and said airily "Nope, no trouble, garcon. None at all… all under control here…heh, heh."
"Indeed," the waiter said coldly, his watchful eyes wandering to Mongle, whom Sapph was half-squashing under his right sneaker and his Ledyba, who he was currently grasping in a tight half-nelson. Not smiling, he backed out of the room, closing the door with a snap.
Sapph exhaled deeply and loosening his hold on his Pokémon, said exasperatedly "Do you guys seriously want to get me into trouble every where we go?"
Sapph, let me at him! Both Pokémon yelled, staring electric daggers at each other.
"Okay, THAT'S IT! BOTH of you take a time out!" Sapph yelled, returning the squabbling Pokémon to the confines of their pokéballs. Sapph then flopped onto his bed, closing his sapphire blue eyes. An unbidden image of Chanseys, Nidorina and a Kangaskhan chasing Mongle who wore some platinum chains and a mink coat with hearts in their eyes then appeared in his mind.
WE LOVE YOU MONGLE! The Chansey screamed.
MARRY ME MONGLE! The Nidorina yelled.
MEET MONGLE JR.! I NAMED HIM AFTER YOU! The Kangaskhan squealed, holding up her baby.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRR RRRRRRRRRRGH!" Sapph screamed, jolting awake suddenly, his face drenched in sweat.
'Don't make me throw up?' Sapph thought furtively, reaching for his backpack and heading for the door. I think it may be too late for me, Ledyba…urgh, I need air…
Sapph staggered topside, looking faintly green; oblivious to two shady figures skulking in the shadow of the wall behind him.
"He's the one, hunh?" A cold male voice asked.
"Yeah," a female voice answered.
"Then we make our move now." He replied, starting after Sapph.
"Not yet! We can't afford to mess up the boss's plans or we'll catch heck!" the female voice hissed imperiously, beckoning its companion to follow.
"Right," The male voice answered grudgingly, following the female one's lead.
Sapph walked along the deck of the ferry towards the railing where he'd be able to see Nightspark Harbour when it would first roll into view
Damn that Kamren, Sapph thought angrily, quickly getting over his wave of nausea as the cool sea air whipped his face pleasantly, I'll get that jerk if it's the last thing I do! How could he refuse to help all those Pokémon he probably landed in the Centre! Just you wait, Kamren Kent! Just you wait!
"I say, young 'un! What would you say to a quick battle?" Sapph turned to see that the speaker was an elderly man in a neatly pressed brown suit with a cane and bowler hat to match. The man held himself in a highly dignified manner.
"Sure thing! Is one Pokémon each OK with you?" Sapph said cockily. Inwardly though he said I'll need all the training I can get! Mongle and Ledyba need to blow some steam too, anyway!
"Decided. I choose Knuks." The Gentleman said showing and opening a pokéball. Many of the crew on duty stopped their work to watch as white light spilled onto the deck forming a small black rodent-like animal. It looked very similar to Mongle, except it had a stump for a tail and was black with two white stripes running down its back and a white triangular streak running down the middle of its face.
Knuks, the Skunk Pokémon. Knuks are friendly Pokémon except when scared or angry, in which case they cloak themselves with a cloud of pungent fumes.
Sounds like Mongle when he's insulted after he eats a chilli burrito, Sapph thought with a grin.
"Go, Ledyba! Use Tackle now!" Sapph called, straightening his face and throwing Ledyba's ball onto the pitch.
Ledyba appeared and charged into battle in a full force tackle.
"Knuks, Poison Gas!" the gentleman ordered primly.
A whirlwind of poison gas blew up around Knuks which sent Ledyba up and away. Ledyba crashed onto the deck, choking on the gas.
Whoa, that was a strong attack! Sapph thought. How do I beat that?
"Now, Knuks, Scratch attack!" the Gentleman ordered reservedly, pointing his cane at Ledyba, who hovered close to the deck, gagging on the deck.
Knuks ran his clawed paw across Ledyba's forehead, sending the Five Star Pokémon skidding across the deck.
"This battle won't last long." One sailor told another.
"Ay, the poison seems to be taking its toll on Ledyba" his companion agreed.
"Are you sure that you are worthy of that Web Badge on your chest?" the gentleman asked Sapph auspiciously.
Ledyba and Sapph's eyes reduced to slits.
"Ledyba, use Tackle!"
"Knuks, Poison Gas again!"
The whirlwind of gas started up again as Ledyba bore down on Knuks.
"Now, Ledyba hold your breath and ride the winds up!" Sapph ordered.
What the-, the gentleman gasped.
Ledyba spiralled up until he was above the twister.
"Now, dive bomb him with a Tackle!"
"No!"
Ledyba shot down into the middle of the vortex at Knuks; the force of the tackle dispelled the gas and sent Knuks into the ferry's on-deck pool. The crew were in shock after this ploy. It was only after the Gentleman's shout for help that they awoke to their senses.
"Help! Knuks can't swim!" the gentleman whimpered.
"Ledyba, rescue it fast!" Sapph said.
Ledyba tried to rise, but coughed and hit the deck.
"Ledyba!" Sapph cried. Quickly returning Ledyba to his ball, Sapph ran to the pool, shrugging off his backpack and dived in.
"Hey!" One of the sailors cried.
"Hold on, I got you!" Sapph said, reaching the Knuks and placing its bedraggled form onto his head as he swam back onto the deck.
"Are you OK?" asked a crew member, helping Sapph out of the water.
"Yeah. Sorry about…" Sapph began as the gentleman took Knuks back and examined it.
"No, it's OK… he's fine. I'm the one who should be thanking you." The gentleman said, profusely shaking Sapph's hand.
"It's OK, really," Sapph said, rubbing the back of his head embarrassedly.
"I'm also sorry for my jibe on your ability," he continued, "You did earn that badge. You're Knuks's hero!"
"Ours too," said a cold voice.
Everyone turned to see Sapph's rucksack in the hand of a tall, young woman with long dark hair and cold, hazel eyes in a black cat suit. Beside her stood a tall man with short, silver hair and matching eyes in an identical cat suit. Both wore identical navy blue bandannas with black 'S's on them: the man had his on his right arm, the woman wore hers around her neck like a neckerchief.
"Who are you guys? Give me my rucksack back!" Sapph demanded.
And what's with your awful Halloween outfits? Knuks asked, sizing the duo up.
"Tch, tch. So many questions, so little time." The woman said with a smirk.
"And to refer to your rude question and demand, we're Team Shadow…" the man said.
"…and you can have your dirty sack after we take this!" the woman finished, as the man fished out the machine parts.
"Give those back! Entover City and half of Corei need that for their electricity!" Sapph yelled.
"So does our boss…" the woman said.
"…and our boss always gets what he wants, hunh Kayla?" the man smirked, only to receive a great big smack on the head.
"Andre, you idiot! We were supposed to- oops!" the woman's snarl turned to a look of stupidity and humiliation.
"-remain anonymous? Like thieves as asinine as you could even manage that." The gentleman snorted.
"Anyway, give my stuff and those parts back right now, or I'll…" Sapph called
"You'll what?" the woman called Kayla challenged.
"Or I'll make you! Go, Mongle!" Sapph finished, releasing his faithful friend into the fray.
"Pfft, child's play. Hold on to the parts, Andre, I'll deal with our young friend," Kayla said, pulling out a Pokéball and throwing it onto the deck. "Go, Zubat!"
A small, purple bat-like creature formed in midair from the light that spilled from the pokéball. With two tails, large dart shaped ears and wings which it fluttered constantly to stay up, Zubat had no eyes.
Zubat, the Bat Pokémon. To make up for its zero vision, Zubat's ears allow it to effectively use echolocation in navigating the caves where it lives.
"Sapph! We can't be much help, mate! Our Pokémon are still in the Nightspark City Pokémon Centre!" One of the sailors cried.
"They accidentally got drunk during ze ongoing annual Nightspark Pokémon festival during their last shore leave and fought each uzzer to exhaustion." The sniffy waiter explained, who'd also come topside to see what the ruckus was.
All the other sailors sweat dropped.
"It was an accident!" One sailor yelled.
"AYE!" the rest hollered in unison.
Gee, that's helpful, Sapph thought, rolling his eyes as another unwelcome vision filled his head as he saw several Machop, Horsea, Staryu and Tentacool all with red tinges in their cheeks in a bar late at night.
"No problem," Sapph assured them, staring Kayla down. "After a Gym Leader, these losers are a walk in the park!"
"What an arrogant child...Zubat, Supersonic! On your right!" Kayla ordered.
"Dodge it!" Sapph yelled.
Using its heightened speed, Mongle was able to stay out of the incoming sound waves' way. They hit the deck and shattered a four inch portion of the polished deck.
"Mongle, use Razor Leaf!" Sapph ordered.
"Dodge it! On your right!" Kayla ordered.
Zubat dropped into a tailspin to avoid the stream of leaves Mongle released at it. It flapped its wings rapidly and pulled out of the sharp drop, twirling to face Mongle again.
How'd it do that? Mongle yelled, it's eyes as wide as dinner plates.
"Your little rat just made a big mistake," Kayla smirked. "Zubat, Air Cutter!"
Zubat reared up by flapping its wings faster and dived right at Mongle, hugging the deck and creating a blade of high pressure wind which kept on its course towards the Leaf Squirrel Pokémon even after it pulled away. Mongle jumped aside and rolled across the deck, leaving the attack to create a sizeable gash in the deck. Zubat dipped its wing and swooped around the deck to make another Air Cutter attack connect this time with Mongle's flank, sending him spinning across the deck and crashing into a bucket.
"Mongle!" Sapph yelled.
"We don't need any distractions, Zubat," Kayla said coolly. "Use your Haze technique!"
Thick fog descended onto the deck as Sapph looked on aghast. Soon, he could see nothing in front of his nose, let alone the battle.
What did she mean by 'distractions'? Sapph thought frantically. Zubat can't see, so the only way she could attack in an open space like this is…
"Slow, aren't you?" Kayla's voice taunted as the noise of another failed Air Cutter reached Sapph. "How Cassandra of Entover Gym's Ledian could lose to the likes of you two is beyond me…"
"Of course!" Sapph cried out.
It's SOUND! Mongle thought, completing Sapph's outburst.
"Tsk, you're a noisy brat aren't you?" Kayla scolded. "Now I've gotta get rid of you too. Zubat, Air Cutter the kid off the deck!"
Sapph stood transfixed in terror as he heard the speeding Poison/Flying combination Pokémon wing towards him. Even if the first attack missed, the second wouldn't…
Suddenly, a large wind blew in from above, scattering the Haze created by Zubat. Its strength was such that it even blew the Zubat off course. As it tried to right itself, a second burst of air knocked the Bat Pokémon silly. Fluke or not, Sapph thought, this had to be his only chance to win. Mongle was back on his feet, breathing heavily. A long horizontal cut ran along its side as an identical fire lit in the duo's eyes as they nodded at each other. It was now or never…
"Mongle, Razor Leaf Attack, go!" Sapph yelled, pumping his fist.
"Zubat, Supersonic!" Kayla yelled in retaliation.
Zubat opened its fanged mouth to release a series of sound waves to confuse Mongle once more, but before it could launch its attack, Mongle pummelled the Bat Pokémon's head with a rapid fire strafe of sharp leaves. Zubat was forced to drop several feet only to meet Mongle's tail in an uncommanded Pound attack which sent Zubat smashing into the deck.
"What kind of Flying Pokémon are you?!" Andre screamed as Zubat struggled to gain its wits.
"Another one, Mongle!" Sapph commanded.
"You help too, Knuks! Use Faint Attack to get the parcel back!" The gentleman whispered to Knuks who nodded his assent and vanished in a wisp of darkness.
Mongle launched another round, this time at Andre's wrist, which, upon connecting caused him to drop the package, which was quickly caught by Knuks, who then slammed Andre into Kayla and Zubat.
"Give that here, you little rat!" Kayla demanded. "Zubat, attack it with Bite! And get off me, Andre! What kind of grip have you got?"
"Oh, SHUT UP!" Andre retorted, scrambling off his team mate on to his feet.
"Knuks, Poison Gas!" its trainer called as Zubat zoomed in on it.
Knuks complied by closing its eyes and releasing a focussed gas attack at Team Shadow, who were instantly immobilised by the stink for ten whole seconds before screaming in protest and pain.
"What an unearthly stench!" Kayla shrieked, trying and failing to clear the gas by waving her hand while her other one clutched her throat.
"MY NOSE! I can't feel my nose!" Andre bellowed his hand over his face.
"Thanks for the assist, sir! Now Pound them away, Mongle!" Sapph called.
Mongle began to run at such a terrific speed, he suddenly disappeared from view, reappearing only as he made contact with the troublesome trio, who dropped Sapph's bag as they flew beyond the horizon.
"My word! That was no doubt a Quick Attack!" the Gentleman remarked.
Thanks for the assistance, Knuks… Knuks? Mongle said hesitantly as Knuks doubled over in seeming pain. A split second later, Knuks began to glow with white light as he began to change form.
HEY! You OK, Knuks? Mongle asked again.
"Is my little Knuks…" the Gentleman said, startled.
"…evolving." A sailor said in hushed tones.
Everyone looked on in awe as Knuks's body grew longer. His hind paws grew bigger as his forelimbs and claws elongated and thickened. At last, the light died down. Knuks new form rose onto its stumpy hind legs as it raised its thickened forelimbs as it examined its powerful new claws. It then wobbled a little and fell on all fours again where it looked itself over. The stripes on its back were the same, only longer, but the mark on its forehead had split into two and seemed to have shifted to its eyebrows. Its ears and eyes remained the same, although its nose had doubled in size.
"Wow… I wonder what that is…" Sapph said aloud.
His Pokédex replied: Skink, the Skunk Pokémon. Skink's new powerful claws can easily shatter steel. However, due to their weight, Skink often has to move them in a wide arc while in battle.
"LAND HO!" the lookout called as the last of Zubat's Haze cleared away to reveal the evening twilight's arrival.
"Nightspark Harbour, finally!" Sapph exclaimed, watching as a large city ablaze with light came into view.
"Skink, return!" The gentleman said, returning his newly evolved Pokémon in a flash of white light. "Bravo, Sapph! Even watching you battle was a great honour!"
"Gee, thanks. Mongle, return!" Sapph replied, copying the gentleman's actions as the ferry slowed to a stop at the pier.
"The festival is still on 'til the end of the week… I hear there's an event for trainers on the last day. Maybe you'd want to check it out…" one of the sailors on shore told Sapph as he wended his way through the crowd at the pier asking for directions the local Pokémon Centre.
"Sounds good," Sapph agreed, "Thanks for the info!"
Okay, first things first… Sapph thought as he walked down the brightly lit streets, admiring the displays, parades and performers, I've got to get Mongle and Ledyba to the Pokémon Centre. While they're being treated, I'll head for the Power Plant…
After getting directions to the Power Plant from the local Nurse Joy (who happened to be the Olville Town Nurse Joy's first cousin twice removed), Sapph proceeded to the station to finish his errand.
The engineer he met was nothing short of thrilled.
"We can't thank you enough for your help," the engineer said gratefully after Sapph told him his tale. "Now all of Southeast Corei can get uninterrupted power and we engineers can get a bit of a break from our chief engineer…" he added with a sly grin.
"What was that?" a sharp voice said behind the man, who suddenly broke out into a cold sweat.
Sapph looked over his shoulder to see an extremely pretty lady with straight black hair in a blue and yellow jumpsuit heading towards them. Her sparkling green eyes were presently narrowed in suspicion.
"Errrr… nothing, nothing!" The man said hastily.
"And who do we have here?" she said, her eyes fixing on Sapph.
"I-erm, I-I-I'm Sapph." Sapph stammered, mainly out of nerves.
"He just brought us the needed generator parts from Entover City." The man cut in.
"Oh! Why, thank you Sapph! This is wonderful!" the chief engineer said, her face breaking into a dazzling smile.
Sapph felt himself reddening for the second time in two days. What was wrong with my face? He asked himself furiously.
"No problemo, now I can go challenge the gym for my second league badge!" Sapph said rearranging his face.
"Oh! Sapph, I'm sorry, but the gym's closed for the day!" she apologized, a sad smile on her face.
"WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" Sapph yelled in disbelief as he face-faulted.
"Oh, don't worry, Sapph. I know the leader, Arlene, and I'm sure she'll see you tomorrow!" the chief engineer reassured Sapph.
This proposition had the effect of cheering Sapph up loads.
"Really? I mean, it won't be a bother?" Sapph asked joyously.
"Sure, I'm positive she'll be thrilled. Don't worry about a thing," the chief engineer said with a wink.
"Oh-kay! Well, I guess I'll stay in town 'til tomorrow then!" Sapph said.
"Sure, enjoy the festival during your stay!" the chief engineer said cheerfully.
"You bet!" Sapph said, his voice packed with pep.
"What spark! I like you already!" the chief engineer said again, flashing another dazzling smile.
Stop blushing already! Sapph ordered himself, reddening as he told himself so.
"Well, come on Carson, we have to get that generator running… maybe we'll get a little rest after that! Bye!" She said as she turned to leave.
Sapph and Carson exchanged a bewildered look. Sapph wished he could stop blushing. He threw an askance look at Carson and saw that he wished he could stop sweating as much as he wanted to stop looking like a Charmeleon with sunburn.
"Got to go… oh, and one more thing. Take this TM as my thanks. Its technique is a little archaic, but it may come in handy." The engineer called Carson said, giving Sapph a yellow disc.
"Wow, thanks! But, won't you need it?" Sapph asked, placing the disc in his TM case (another artefact he had acquired brand new from the Cherrygrove Odds and Ends Store.)
"Don't worry; I've got a friend in Kanto who has copies. Just don't let my boss know where you got it, OK? Bye!" Carson replied, turning to go.
"OK, bye!" Sapph said as Carson left.
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As he made his way back to the Centre, Sapph's thoughts finally returned to Team Shadow. And it was only after passing the message that he'd successfully delivered the parts over the videophone to the Nurse Joy stationed in Entover City, did he voice his thoughts to a fully healed Mongle and Ledyba.
Now what, Sapph? You don't miss Joy that much already, do ya? Mongle said slyly, opening his cinnamon sprinkle ice cream Sapph had bought him at the fair on his way back to the centre.
"Shut up, Mongle," Sapph said warningly. "Don't forget, that cost me a bit…"
My silence shall never be bought! Sapph-y and Joy-ey, sittin' in a tree… Mongle sang out in a voice full of cheer.
What is wrong then, Sapph? Ledyba asked curiously, graciously accepting the large bag of honey-coated popcorn Sapph had got him and popping a few into his mouth chewing softly.
"They seemed to know an awful lot about my movements in Corei, that Team Shadow. It's as if they're stalking me, though that's not possible," Sapph said slowly.
Don't worry about them, Sapph. They must be long gone by now! Ledyba said soothingly.
If they worry you so much, why not ask Prof. Yew or Mrs. Kent about them? Mongle asked reasonably.
"I would, but it's not like I'm at war with them or anything. I don't want to get mixed up in anything messy…" Sapph demurred.
Yeah, you worry way too much. It doesn't suit you at all, Mongle chuckled.
Anyway, out of sight, out of mind. You have other things to worry about than those guys, Sapph. Ledyba agreed.
"Like what?"
Your gym battle tomorrow morning! the two Pokémon chorused.
"Speaking of which, we'll have a training session before that tomorrow, so get some rest, OK?" Sapph said, reaching for their Pokéballs.
OK, good night. Ledyba said disappearing into his ball.
I just wonder where Bubbles, Haley, Burner and Kamren are. Mongle wondered, dodging the beam of light to hear Sapph's comments.
"Dunno, Mongle. Frankly, in Kamren and Burner's case, I couldn't really care less." Sapph said, stifling a yawn.
Yeah, like Ledyba said, 'Out of sight, out of mind.' Mongle replied, finally returning to the confines of his pokéball.
Good point, Sapph thought as he rolled over on his side and drifted off to sleep the hustle and bustle of the Nightspark City carnival lulling him on to dream world.
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Don't forget to criticize where it's needed! ?. Okay, Later!
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