Summer participated in a fishing workshop held by Ariel's dad and met people who were interested in Water-type Pokémon. She and Ariel were able to save the participants from a rampaging Gyarados. Summer got one of Ariel's rods as a token of friendship. Now the S.S. Anne has arrived in Vermillion City, and Summer can't wait to board it and experience the food and upcoming battle tournament. A familiar face interrupts her good time and ridicules her progress. Will this deter Summer from entering the tournament?

Chapter 17: Food Aboard the S.S. Anne!

Lightning and I ran to the harbor and saw a group of Trainers gathering by the dock of the famous S.S. Anne. They were eager to board the ship, some even pushing each other to get a good spot.

Two sailors in white uniforms and sailor hats at the base of the stairs that led to the ship shouted, "We understand everyone's excitement about the S.S. Anne. Unfortunately, only those with gold tickets can enter tonight. All other tickets and the general public will be welcome tomorrow morning."

All of the trainers left disappointed, leaving us the only ones in line to board. I pulled out my shiny S.S. Ticket and thought, The time has finally come!

I eagerly walked to the base of the stairs. As I was about to show my ticket to the sailors, someone pushed me aside. My ticket floated out of my hands, but I was able to catch it before it fell into the sea.

Why are people pushing me today?! I was about to yell at the person when I saw it was him…

"Fancy meeting you here, Summer," Weldon greeted me with a laugh.

"You have a gold ticket too?!"

"Yes. The better question is…how did you get one?"

"I helped someone, and he gave it to me."

"What a coincidence!" he said sarcastically. "I got mine from helping someone too…the Chairman of the Vermillion Pokémon Fan Club!"

"Does it really matter?" I argued.

"Excuse us, kids," one of the sailors interrupted. We look at each other, then him.

"Do you have gold tickets?"

Weldon and I showed our tickets to them. Unexpectedly, they covered their eyes with their hands, as if they were blinded by the golden paper reflecting from the setting sun.

"Ugh…I hate it when they make the special tickets gold! Okay, you two are free to enter the ship. Enjoy your time on the S.S. Anne."

Weldon climbed the stairs by going on every other step while I normally climbed the stairs. I entered the gigantic lobby, and Lightning and I gasped. The room was filled with crystal bright light and red carpets, along with two golden winding staircases and four long red-carpeted corridors leading to other areas of the ship.

"Welcome to the S.S. Anne, miss," a female steward greeted me.

"Hello," I answered. "Can you tell me the benefits of my ticket?"

"Certainly, miss. Your gold ticket allows you to stay aboard the ship tonight, dinner included. You also have unlimited access to the global exhibition tomorrow. The exhibition is a huge event where vendors around the visiting region come to advertise and sell their products. Therefore, you are free to explore the entire exhibition without any restrictions.

The main events at the exhibition are the Pokémon tournaments and contest performances. They are grouped based on a Trainer's badge count or ribbon count."

"How do I sign up for the tournament?"

"Pre-signups for visitors aboard the ship will begin after dinner, then the rest of the signups will be tomorrow for the public."

"How many Pokémon can be with me on the ship?"

"You can keep one Pokémon out in all areas of the ship. In your room and open areas, such as the deck, you are free to let all your Pokémon out. The main rule is that you must supervise them at all times."

"Thank you for the information. One last thing, could you guide me to my room?"

"Of course, miss." She looked at my ticket, then led us to my room along the west corridor. Once we got to a door in the middle of the hallway, she bowed and walked back to the lobby.

I opened the door and was astounded. It was a beautiful spacious cabin with a queen-sized bed with wooden frames and bright white sheets and pillows, a black large-screen TV, an en-suite bathroom with white tiles, and a small refrigerator filled with free drinks. Soft red carpet covered the main floor, and it looked so clean. On a dark wooden desk, there was a towel sculpture of a Horsea and a small videophone. I put my backpack on the bed as Lightning explored the bathroom.

"Look, Summer! There's a TV in here!"

"No way! This room has everything!"

"Can we explore the ship, Summer?"

"We can after I call my parents. They wanted to know if I made it on the ship."

Lightning nodded and jumped onto the desk. I sat down on a chair that matched the wood of the desk and called my parents.

"Hi Summer! Hi Lightning!" my mom greeted once she showed up on the screen.

"Hi Mommy! Is Daddy there?"

"Hold on, dear." She disappeared and dragged my dad into view.

"Hi Summer and Lightning! How's your journey?" my dad eagerly asked.

"It's going well! I'm finally on the cruise ship I told you guys about."

"Ooohh, how is it?" my mom asked.

"It's really fancy in here. And there's a TV in the bathroom! I can't wait to try all the food here!"

My parents chuckled. "Don't go overboard, Summer." My dad cautioned. "Eat in moderation."

I signed. "Yes, Daddy."

"All right, end of lecture, Summer. Now go have fun!"

"Okay, I'll talk to you guys later!"

My parents and I waved goodbye, and I hung up.

"Now, ready to explore, Lightning?"

"I've been ready!" she eagerly exclaimed.

I took out a brass key from the doorknob of the cabin door. We left the room and I locked it, making sure to put the key into my wallet.

After getting a little lost, we finally found the main deck and saw the gorgeous sunset. There was a long rectangular pool split in two for people and Pokémon, a mini golf course featuring Pokémon from around the world, a 20-foot rock-climbing wall, and a service bar that served cocktails, drinks and appetizers.

"Okay, everyone. You know the rules!" I called as I let them out.

"Don't worry, Summer," Blaze said as the representative of the team. "We'll stay close by."

We walked around the pool and lounged on some white and red beach recliners. Blaze, Swirls, and Errol sat on one recliner while Flower, Lightning, and I sat on another.

A male steward walked over to us with a tray in his right hand. He politely said, "Excuse me, miss. Please enjoy this complimentary appetizer and a free drink coupon for the service bar."

He then handed me the coupon and a plate of six TinyMushrooms stuffed with MooMoo mozzarella and pork. I thanked him and gave him 1 Pokédollar for tip.

I saw my Pokémon salivating over the food but I said, "Hey! Wait till I get my drink first! Then we can dig in."

"Okay…" they moaned.

I walked over to the service bar, and after much debate, I ordered a Pecha Lemonade with Pinap Berry puree. It was a pretty pink and yellow-swirled drink in a tall iced glass.

"Okay, I'm back! All of you just get one."

"Yay!" they cheered.

Everyone took one and really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed it, though I had to wonder where the pork came from. A bell rang, signaling the start of the dinner service. I returned my Pokémon except Lightning and walked back into the ship.

After wandering throughout the ship looking for the dining hall, I followed the lines of people walking towards the middle of the ship. Once the line disappeared after going through a set of double doors, I saw the fanciest dining room I've ever seen. A giant crystal chandelier bathed its rainbow light over 50 dark wooden tables covered with bright white tablecloths. A well-dressed hostess guided me and Lightning to a small table with a porthole overlooking Vermillion City. I looked at the one-page menu on my table as Lightning stared through the porthole.

A tall lightly tanned man in a black vest, white shirt, and dark grey pants walked over to my table.

"Hello, miss," he warmly greeted me. "My name is David, and I will be your waiter tonight."

"Hi David," I responded with a bow. "My name's Summer, and this is my friend, Lightning."

I could tell he enjoyed Pokémon when he bowed to Lightning. She happily bowed back.

"All of the meals tonight on the S.S. Anne are made from local ingredients here in the Kanto Region," he said with a proper buy friendly tone. "We also receive fresh meats from a faraway location."

"Oh, where does the meat come from? Where I'm from, meat is not as common."

David didn't seem surprise at the question. "The regions in this world make trades with another world where some creatures are raised for meat."

Interesting…I wonder what we trade in exchange…

"Now, for tonight's meal," David pointed on the menu, "I recommend the salad with fresh greens and Pecha Berries, the Tamato soup with a Persim Berry puree and buttery crouton, and the chicken fettuccine in a MooMoo alfredo sauce with fresh Kanto vegetables and a baked MooMoo mozzarella crust."

I salivated during his suggestions, but I quickly snapped out of it to avoid embarrassment. In a proper tone, I said, "I accept your recommendations. Thank you, David."

David chuckled as he wrote the dishes down into his notepad. "Would like anything to drink, Ms. Summer?"

I looked at the list of drinks on the menu. "I would like a glass of Sitrus Berry juice, please."

"All right. I will get your drink right away." He then left and returned after a few minutes, my deep yellow drink and a woven basket filled with four warm rolls in hand. I thanked David again and he went to help the other guests.

I looked out at the lights of Vermillion City, which sparkled on the ocean. Lightning and I then ate a few of the light, delicious rolls. I sipped the slightly tart juice and ate some of the diced Sitrus Berries mixed in with the drink.

After ten minutes, David came back with my salad and soup and placed them on the table. The perfectly arranged salad came with a side of ranch dressing on a china plate. The red and pink soup was in deep china bowl. The crouton gently floated on top of the hot liquid. After David left, I remembered the etiquette lessons I learned from my parents.

Okay, it's outer silverware then inner…I think… They never give good indications on the order to use them!

I quietly ate the crisp salad and drank the now slightly hot soup. As I finished the crunchy crouton, I thought the meal couldn't get any better. David then took away the used dishes and placed my entrée on the table. After putting the dishes away, he calmly refilled my drink. I thanked him rather quickly; the aroma coming from the plate made me ravenous.

I happily ate the al dente fettuccine, moist chicken, and crisp vegetables. The broiled cheese and thick alfredo sauce brought everything together. Whatever I didn't finish, Lightning happily ate it for me.

David gathered my second set dishes and asked, "How was your meal, Ms. Summer?"

"It was wonderful, David. Thank you for asking."

David bowed deeply. "Would you like any dessert this evening? I recommend the baked Alaska and the chocolate mousse."

"Hmm… I would like the baked Alaska. Is it possible for me to have six servings?"

"Six servings, Ms. Summer? Surely you are not going to eat them in one sitting."

I sheepishly giggled. "I just want to treat my Pokémon for working hard during our journey."

David smiled sincerely. "I will see what I can do, Ms. Summer."

I thanked him, and he went to the kitchen.

"I hope we get something, Summer," Lightning said excitedly. "I want to try that fancy-sounding dessert!"

"Me too!" I wonder what an Alaska is…

A few minutes later, David came out with a large white takeout box.

David smiled and said, "I hope this will suffice. We do not have many guests eating baked Alaska tonight."

"Thank you, David. I hope if wasn't too much trouble."

David gave a small laugh. "It was no trouble. I'm just glad I can help a Trainer who cares deeply for her Pokémon."

I blushed and thanked him again. Lightning and I left the dining room, dessert in hand, and headed to the deck.

As I walked there with Lightning on my shoulder, a brown-haired woman with a clipboard stopped me.

"Excuse me," she said in a peppy voice. "Will you be participating in any of the exhibition tournaments tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'm interested in the battle tournaments."

"I see. May I ask for your name, and how many badges do you currently have?"

"Umm…My name's Summer Scorcher, and I have two badges."

"Okay…" she muttered as she rapidly scribbled onto her clipboard. "All right, you're all set for the 2-3 Badge Tournament tomorrow. Just go to the tournament registration booth, tell them your name, and they'll help you from there. Good luck!" She then walked away with a bounce in her step.

"So, you're going to be in the same tournament as me…"

I turned around and saw Weldon leaning against the right wall of the hallway. His smirk displayed his confidence but hurt mine.

"It shouldn't surprise anyone that I'll win tomorrow. You have no experience battling in tournaments. And only one of your Pokémon evolved?! You've still got a long way to go."

Lightning's cheeks started to angrily spark, but she didn't attack him. I sighed, trying to hide my doubts. "Look, Weldon. All that matters to me is the bonds between me and my Pokémon. I want to see our progress by battling in this tournament."

"Ha! You know what matters in a tournament?! Winning! That's how you get any recognition in this region!"

I was surprised by his outburst, but I didn't respond.

He sensed my silent demeanor and looked away. "We'll settle this in the tournament tomorrow. You better be prepared."

Weldon slowly walked away, saying I would need help against the Pokémon he had.

I sadly continued my walk to the deck. Luckily, the pool area was empty, so I could freely talk to my Pokémon.

"Are you okay, Summer?" Lightning worriedly asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just don't get it! Weldon's cocky one moment, then the next, he's angry! Who knew rivals would be like that?!"

Suddenly, the rest of my Pokémon popped out of their Pokéballs.

"Ms. Summer," Errol lectured. "You cannot force others to behave how you want them to. You must rely on yourself."

"Errol's right, Summer," Blaze added. "Let's prove him wrong tomorrow!"

Swirls, Lightning, and Flower nodded in agreement.

I smiled softly. "Thanks, everyone. We'll battle hard and prove him wrong tomorrow!"

"Yeah!" everyone cheered.

"Oh, the dessert!" I opened the takeout box and saw a large square cake with Neapolitan ice cream and a torched meringue on top. David also provided a knife, forks, and plates on top of the box lid. I eagerly cut the cake into six pieces and shared it with my Pokémon. After we finished, I threw the used materials away.

This dessert made the evening so much better! The cold, the soft, the crunch! What a perfect combination!

The P.A. system turned on. "Your attention please. For our special guests, we will be having a special 10pm chocolate tasting event at the dining hall. Chocolate treats, drinks, and other delights from around the world await you. We hope to see you there!"

You can't beat chocolate! Might as well stay for an hour.

I returned everyone except Lightning and went to the dining hall to cheer myself up with tasty chocolates.

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwag, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Bubble, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pichu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thundershock, Charm, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder

Questions for the Chapter:

What food would you order if you were on the S.S. Anne?

What's up with Weldon's outbursts lately?