Kanto Chapter 15 - Surfing Pichu
Amber was running full pelt down the boardwalk of the harbour on Route 19. The only ferry running that day for Cinnabar Island was ready to deploy and that was exactly where the teenager was headed for her next gym challenge.
"Noooooooooo"
The ferry began to move away. Amber stopped, panting breathlessly she bent over, putting her hands on her knees. She watched helplessly as the boat moved further and further away from her.
The young red head sunk to her knees. "I've missed it."
It was an exceedingly small port, a fraction of the size of Vermillion City, with little manpower and space to house and run multiple boat trips. The small ferry was due to return to Route 19 harbour in the evening and then go back out to Cinnabar Island the next morning.
Amber glumly sat down on the edge of the wooden platform watching the boat get smaller as it progressed further and further away.
Ughhhh! How can the closest transport to Cinnabar Island, have only one boat trip?! She thought bitterly.
"Oh dear, poor little Red has missed her boat and now she's stranded here. How unfortunate." Shane commented out loud.
The Rocket agent was looking through his binoculars at his teenage target from the duos hidden viewpoint, an overhanging ledge above the beach. He zoomed in more, focusing the lenses so the vision of Ambers face became clear to his eyes.
"Fortunate for us." Thea smiled back at her partner; her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I say we turn the tide on the poor girl's luck and offer her a ride." Shane continued the conversation, his eyes not leaving the binoculars still trained to a close-up of the girl in question.
Thea nodded in agreement. "A ride straight to the bosses and our promotion." She grinned, liking the idea. The blonde tapped her partners shoulder and stood up to leave. "Let's go find a boat to steal."
Shane took one longing last look at the glum girl through the binoculars and sighed. She looked so beaten down. Her usual upbeat confident radiant face and beaming smile that lit up the room, replaced with a sombre frown and downcast eyes.
It bothered him.
But it bothered him more at how much it bothered him. He wanted to be the one to make her smile again … if only for a short-lived time before he played his own role in her ultimate undoing …
Ughhhhh. What am I doing? Why do I feel this way?!
With that he put the binoculars down, stood up and caught up to his teammate, keeping his conflictions bottled up inside himself.
"That's an unhappy face when it's such a beautiful day." A voice spoke out softly.
Amber paused her brooding and looked up at the stranger standing behind her. It was an old man. He wore a Hawaiian print shirt, board shorts and flip flop sandals. His hair had receded completely save a thin long silver ponytail, a souvenir no doubt from his youth. Skin tanned and weathered clearly from being exposed to the glorious sunny weather for long periods of time.
"I missed the boat to Cinnabar, Sir." Amber replied politely. "Now I have to wait a full whole day for the next one, I wanted to challenge the Cinnabar Gym for Volcano badge, but there's nothing I can do; I'm stuck here and all I can do is wait …"
"Ah that's too bad, haven't you got a pokémon that knows Surf?" The old man commented.
"Surf?" Amber's eyebrows raised.
"Yeah, the distance from here to Cinnabar isn't too far, with plenty of small islands to make a pit stop. Most trainers make the journey there from here using a pokémon."
"They do?!"
"Sure. See, there is a surf shack just over there where people can buy or rent surf boards and beach huts to cater for all their beach needs." The man pointed to a wooden shack down on the beach, a row of little huts next to it.
Amber looked out at the ocean bay, sure enough there were quite a few people and pokémon, either splashing around in the water or sunbathing on the white sandy beach. All enjoying the sun and waves.
Surf! Oh no! My Chinchou is with Surge, and the nearest pokémon centre is back in Fuchsia City! I'd lose at least another whole day going back there. Amber frowned at her misfortune. Then an idea struck. I may not have Chinchou but maybe I can teach another pokémon to Surf …
"Can I rent more than one board?" Amber enquired.
"I can't see why not, let's check it out." The old man motioned for her to follow him.
Amber smiled at the man "Thank you Sir!" She stood up and the pair made their way down to the beach.
"You can cut the Sir stuff out, makes me feel like an old man! My name is Victor, I've been surfing these waves here my whole life. All the greatest surfers come to this part of Kanto to train and compete and with the nearby islands, it's a real tourist hot spot."
"A surfing hot spot huh?" Wow I'm surprised Mom never brought us here … Amber thought to herself as she looked around.
The pair continued their small talk till they reached the shack, Victor stepped aside letting Amber enter the small wooden building first to have a good look at the boards on offer.
A younger man in his 20's stood behind the counter of the rental shack. He donned sandy coloured hair and sun kissed tanned skin. He was wearing bright swimming trunks and in great shape, clearly an avid surfer himself. He greeted Victor, whom he was obviously well acquainted with and then then turned his attention to the new young customer.
"Hey I'm Axle. Do you need any help?"
Amber focused entirely on the surfboards, replied in earnest. "Nope I got this. Hmm let's see … one for me, and … … …"
Victor and Axle sweat dropped as the teenaged girl began stacking surf boards against the counter.
"That's … a lot of boards … you need that many?" The sales assistant asked questioning his latest customer.
Amber smiled and nodded. "Yep. For my pokémon."
"You're pokémon?"
"Um hum."
"You know you need an HM for that right? Not a Surfboard?"
Amber slightly shook her head "There's more than one way to train pokémon."
Victor who had stood to the side silently observing the exchange, raised an eyebrow with interest.
"Well it's your money…" The salesman replied shrugging, clearly unconvinced. They tallied up the cost and Amber handed over some of her hard-earned battling money.
Amber picked up the board she intended to use and then glanced at the remaining stack.
"So now what you planning on doing?" Axle enquired, leaning on his elbows over the counter. A slightly smug expression across his face, looking at the stack of boards.
Amber released Electabuzz, who immediately posed.
Amber giggled at her pokémon. He never failed to lighten her heart. "Electabuzz will you help me carry these down to the sea?"
"Electabuzz!" The striped electric type tensed his bicep showing how strong he was before stacking the surfboards above his head. Amber smiled picking up the board she picked out for herself and following him out the door.
Axle watched the girl and her pokémon leave, looking fairly awkward, making their way down to the sea. He folded his arms and quirked an eyebrow. "I don't think she has a clue what she's doing…" He scoffed.
Victor stayed silent but smiled knowingly. This girl was not to be underestimated.
"WE HAVE WALKED UP AND DOWN THIS STUPID HARBOUR AND NOT FOUND A SINGLE BOAT TO STEAL!" Thea wailed out in frustration.
Team Rocket had walked the lengths of the seafront with 0 luck on finding a suitable transport to carry out their latest plan. The sun was sitting high in the cloudless sky giving off an almost unbearable summer heat and their tensions started to run high.
"Could you say that any louder? I don't think the deaf people heard you!" Shane snapped; he was just as frustrated if not more at the time they were wasting, the last thing they needed was some unwanted attention drawn their way.
Thea merely growled in response and huffed.
Thoughts kept racing through his mind of the girl of his affections, stranded on the water's edge, looking lost and alone… I've just got to get to her before someone else does…
A sailboat pulls up alongside where the red headed girl is. She lifts her head up, her big beautiful chocolate brown eyes look up with curiosity.
Shane reveals himself on the deck.
"Do you need a ride ma' lady?" He asks. His voice smooth and calm.
Amber's whole face lights up, her mouth upturning into a big beaming smile.
Shane holds out his hand and she gratefully accepts; he gently pulls her up on board the vessel and she falls into his embrace.
"Oh, Thank You! I was stranded here all alone, I didn't know what to do." The pretty red head rests her hands on his chest and looks up into his eyes, her brown eyes large and doe eyed.
"Where are you heading? I'll take you anywhere you wish to go." Shane asks, his eyes looking directly into hers, placing his hands on top of hers, clasping them.
"I wish to go, wherever you go." Amber coos back.
He smiles and cups her cheek with his hand and leans his face into hers. Her eyes closing in anticipation, her lips pucker ... Shane closes his eyes
"Forget this! Let's come up with a new plan." Thea wailed out, immediately popping Shane's daydream and bringing him back to harsh reality.
"NO!" Shane bellowed; his face flushed and clearly irritated. "We stick with my plan for once!"
Thea was a little taken back, Shane was usually pretty laid back when it came to Thea taking the lead. Determined to get something her own way if only to keep up the status quo Thea began whining. "Well let's at least get out of these damn uniforms then! It's hot as anything out here and wearing a full uniform is not going to help me get a tan!"
"We don't have time for tanning!"
"Heck we don't! How's it going to look us ambling around on a scorching hot beach in full jet-black Rocket uniforms? And besides, you were the one worrying about us drawing attention to ourselves, we gotta blend in with the other beach bums right? Why not look good doing it?" Thea smirked and winked.
"Fineeeeee" Shane seethed, submitting through gritted teeth as he reluctantly followed his team mate to the changing huts, burning a hole in the back of her death with a vicious death stare.
Shane stood outside a changing hut, tapping his foot against the soft sand of the beach impatiently. He had traded in his black Rocket uniform for some dark boardshorts, a long white vest top and flip flops. A straw hat and sunglasses hid his features as he tried to look inconspicuous waiting for his female counterpart to finish getting beach ready.
For Arceus sake how long does it take … to … get …aaaaaaaaaaah
Shanes frustrated thoughts were soon derailed as a familiar red head emerged from the neighbouring hut.
Amber stepped out on sandy beach. She donned a bold teal bikini halter top and skin-tight bikini shorts, adorned with a little yellow lightning bolt repeating pattern. The bright colour contrasting and complimenting her natural bright hair colour and smooth pale skin tone. The bikini style flattering the teenager's slender athletic figure, long toned slender legs and subtle yet developed curves. Holding a dark blue surfboard from the rental shack, and backpack slung over the left shoulder, she began making her way towards the ocean where her pokémon lay in wait for her. Oblivious to the potential danger standing literally a few feet away from her.
Shane blushed hard at the sight of his infatuation sauntering off away from him wearing very little, but still modest, skin-tight clothing.
"Prepare for trouble." A familiar female voice called out.
"And make it ….. double?" Shane turned to see his counterpart emerge finally from her own changing hut in a very revealing bright red plunge top bikini and tie-side bottoms.
Her full curvaceous figure filling it out nicely in all the right places. Thea struck a pose, putting a hand delicately on her hip and bending her right knee slightly to show off her figure. Shane blushed even harder. There was no denying Thea was a looker.
"WE ARE GETTING A BOAT!" Shane shouted, still red in the face, he turned away embarrassed, stomping down the beach in search of his desired transport.
Thea cocked her eyebrow and tilted her head What is with him today? She shrugged off the thoughts and followed.
Amber meanwhile had made her way down to the water and was knelt on her board in the shallow waves of the ocean shore. The salty water splashing gently against the wooden frame. In front of her Pichu, Electabuzz and Eevee each stood on their own surfboard awaiting the impending surf lesson from their trainer.
Amber smiled as she thought back to her first surfing lesson.
****Flashback****
"That's it Amber, now that you're ahead of the wave, pull up on Starmie using your hands and bring your right knee forwards!"
Little Amber was clinging onto her Mothers trusted Starmie, trying to master the art of surfing. Misty was teaching her how to surf, and although wiping out many times over, Amber remained undeterred to master the art.
"Now push up on your left leg, put the pressure in your heel and slowly stand up, keeping your knees bent and always looking forwards." Misty called out from the lakes bank, a Slowking perched next her created controlled waves in the usually still water using his psychic abilities.
The little girl wobbled as she attempted to surf, she tilted dangerously to the side. Misty held her breath, but the young girl balance herself, legs steadying on Starmie and soon held fast in good posture.
"I'm doing it! I'm doing it! Look! Look! I'm surfing Mamma!" Little Amber squealed out excitedly, as her and Starmie rode atop a modest wave.
"All right sweetie! Surf that wave!" Misty cheered excitedly for her progeny. Her daughter was a natural. Well she is a Waterflower after all. Misty looked on swelling with pride seeing her daughter and pokémon enjoying the makeshift wave pool.
**** End ****
Coming out of her memory Amber surveyed the scene in front of her. Electabuzz was cycling through poses confidently, intimidating the other pokémon. Pichu not one to be outdone was trying but failing miserably to get his surfboard under control and Eevee merely stood ridged in place, not moving at all as the gentle waves rocked the board.
This might be harder than I thought… Amber put her hand to her chin.
"Ok guys now look the direction you want to travel, and let your body follow in that direction to start navigating through the waves, without relying on your bodyweight or moving your feet." Amber instructed demonstrating on her own board.
Electabuzz stopped showing off and tried to ride the board on the waves. His eyes bulged as he realised, he wasn't moving anywhere and instantly fell off the board, hitting the salty water. He emerged to the surface and splashed frantically unable to swim.
Eevee continued to not move at all. Her feet were firmly planted on the surfboard, legs and tail ridged, teeth gritted, eyes wide and fixed forward unmoving as the board rocked on the waves. Terrified of falling off.
"Ow this isn't working." Amber recalled her two pokémon.
Pichu followed his trainer's actions perfectly but his presence on the board just wasn't enough and he started to move rapidly in the opposite direction.
"Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii" he cried out as the wave took him far wide, despite his efforts to go straight forwards.
Amber sighed, internally questioning her idea, but then heard a hearty laugh behind her.
"I knew it! You just haven't got a clue!" It was the guy from the Surf Shack, Axle, he paddled over to them on his board.
Amber glared back, growling under the breath.
Axle continued to mock the red headed pokémon trainer.
"Your electric pokémon can't lean Surf! You need a water type. You can't expect a pipsqueak like that to get you across the sea." He pointed to Pichu, currently panicking as the surfboard drifted further off his intended course, showcasing further his lack of ability. "Pichu cannot Surf. It's a fact. Really it's embarrassing watching you try."
Ambers face flushed red. "I'll have you know I'm related to famous Waterflowers of Cerulean City, and I'll show you my Pichu can Surf!" Amber snapped back.
"Whatever. Seems to me the Applin has fallen pretttty far from the Sudowoodo. Make sure you return those boards on time, otherwise you'll get a charge haha get it! Later Electric Girl." He continued to laugh as he paddled away towards the surf.
Amber and Pichu narrowed their eyes. Pichu sparked his cheeks, his determination ignited.
"Pichu."
Pichu continued in his endeavours to surf. The little pokémon wiped out repeatedly on the waves but each time got right back up and tried again with no hesitation. Despite his willingness they were still getting nowhere fast.
Amber sighed Maybe a pichu really can't learn Surf …
"How's it going?" A familiar face rowed over in the gentle waves. It was Victor in a small paddle boat. He had gently waded out to see how the duo were getting on.
Amber gave him a sad smile. "Not so great Victor … I think maybe everyone is right … pichu can't surf."
Victor looked the teenager in the eye.
"Can't? Or can't yet?"
Amber looked back at old man, there was a knowing and wisdom behind his eyes.
"You see that rock and all the flags on there?" Victor pointed to a large pointy rock towering out from the ocean waves. "That's what draws most of the surfers come here, to conquer the top of the rock challenge. See we get some of the world's biggest waves hit here, but the most famous of all is the Humungadunga."
"Humungadunga?"
"Yes, Humungadunga. It's a mammoth wave that hits these parts every 20 years or so. See the two flags on the top? Well one of those was planted by my friend and mentor, a surfer legend named Jan. The other one, well that was me and Puka. Puka was my Pikachu. My surfing pokémon."
"You and your Pikachu?" Ambers eyes widened.
Victor nodded. "I mean it's pretty common knowledge now that Pikachu can surf, especially with the Psychic Surfing Raichu discovered in Alola, but back then it was simply unheard of for a pikachu to surf. No one would have dreamed to partner with a pikachu, but Puka was made for the Surf. He had a special connection with the water and together we conquered the surfs the world and accomplished our dreams. I could never had done any of it without him. He was my rock."
Victor's eyes had a faraway look to them with a hint of sadness as he fondly remembered his former partner.
Amber and Pichu looked to each other and back at the old man.
"Maybe you guys just need a different approach on your technique?" Victor smiled. "I'm a little too old to be getting on a surfboard these days but I'd be happy to show you a few pointers from the side-lines. If of course you'd accept the help of a foolish old man clinging to his youth?"
Amber beamed and nodded eagerly with Pichu.
"Ok then, let's see you Surf."
Amber confidently strode to the surf shack, Electabuzz jogging behind her stacked with Surf Boards. She slammed her ticket down on the counter, purposely gaining the attention of the familiar surf shack attendant.
"I'm returning these, but I'd like an extension on this one." Amber barked out, sharp and loudly.
Axle raised his eyes and then broke out into a smug smile.
"Oh hey it's Electric Girl. What's the matter dudette? Finally realised your wasting your time? You know you still have another …" He emphasised pausing to look at his watch "2 hours of lease time. Maybe you can teach a Geodude to rip curl?" He then burst out laughing.
Amber frowned. "For your information, my Pichu can surf just fine! In fact, that's why I need this board longer, we're going to cross the sea to Cinnabar Island. Right now!"
"Woah chill out, kid, look there is no way you're getting across the sea with a Pichu. I know I tease but I genuinely cannot have your stupidity on my conscious. So listen, how we go out onto the beach and I'll catch you nice Starmie or something? There are plenty of them around here and I'll even get it surfing for you before dinner time, no extra charge. Whadda you say?"
"I don't need your pokémon and to prove it, I challenge you to a surf off – whoever plants the highest flag on the rock wins. If you win, I'll concede that you were right and I was wrong, Pichu aren't made for Surfing, I'll pay you the extra and I won't attempt the journey to Cinnabar. And If I win you take back everything mean you said about my pokémon and admit that Pichu is just as good a surfer as any water type! And refund my board charge."
Axle sat back and looked the girl in front of him up and down. Her resolve unwavering. "Hmm, well I do love being told I'm right. Ok Electric Girl you're on." Axle grinned.
The two shook hands, sealing the bet.
"Grrrrrrrrr who is that guy?!" Shane growled with jealousy as he stared at the exchange between Amber and the random buff surfer guy through his binoculars. Zooming in on the firm handshake and then going between the smiles.
"Who cares so long as they don't start hanging out, that could make our job 10x harder with some buff beach bum loitering about." Thea replied casually filing her finger nails, enjoying the sun.
Shane paled at the thought of his crush with the chiselled guy. He felt himself melt into a puddle.
"Oooh, what if they start dating and he's always around? Wouldn't that be a kick in the teeth." Thea continued, holding her hand out giving her nails a once over.
Shane tugged at his hair. "WE GET A BOAT NOW!"
Thea watched wide eyed as Shane stomped down the harbour in his flip flops. What is with him?
Amber and Axle stood at the oceans edge, the waves splashing at their feet playfully and inviting. Surf boards in hand and their respective pokémon partners by their sides. Amber stood with Pichu. Axle his Poliwhirl.
A small crowd had gathered to watch the bet, whispers circulating of the red headed girls impending loss and what was she thinking using a mere Pichu to fend against such waves? Pichu can't surf, can they?
Victor watched with invested interest from atop a ledge overlooking the beach, his eyesight still keen as ever despite his advancing years.
A woman stepped forwards to referee. "Ok. The one who plants their flag highest into the rock wins. You get one try each and one time only. Surfers, are you ready?"
Amber and Axle got into running stances, both focused, neither wanting to lose face.
"On your marks. Get set. … GO!"
The duo and their pokémon sprinted into the water, both diving onto their boards with ease and paddling with their hands furiously. Pichu pounced onto the board, but just missed his intended landing spot, hanging on the side, he struggled to take position the nose, but Amber plucked him up and placed him on point.
Axle caught the performance out the corner of his eye. Ha, what was this girl thinking? This will be too easy …
Poliwhirl had no trouble at all taking his place on his master's surfboard. Showing his vast experience on the water he began using his core strength to guide them. The experienced surfers pulled ahead with ease.
The competing teams paddled out, each catching small waves, but waiting for that all important "Big One."
Then it came.
The wave rose up from the horizon, coming closer and closer, looking bigger and bigger, almost blotting out the sunlight. The bystanders on the beach shielded their eyes. This was definitely it.
"Alright this is it! Let's go Poliwhirl!" Axle called out.
"Poliwhirl!"
Axle and Poliwhirl navigated through the curl with expert ease. Glancing around using his peripheral vision, the experienced surfer didn't see his competition anywhere.
So much for all her big girl talk, looks like she backed out after all. It's for the best really.
"Pichu go!" "Pichuuuuuuu"
"Huh?"
Amber and Pichu appeared adjacent to them.
"Hey not bad Electric Girl. Seems I underestimated you pair. But it won't matter, you're still about to lose to me and Poliwhirl! Poliwhirl gooooo!"
The duo pulled up and out of the curl, getting on top of the wave and expertly planting their flag into the side of the giant rock. It was of course not the top, but a decent effort all the same.
"Ha, good look reaching that Electric Girl!" Axle shouted back, as he and his pokémon rode the lowering waves back to shore. Cheers from the spectators filling his ears.
Amber not losing sight of her goal, called out to her pokémon. "Pichu, use Splishy Splash!"
"Pichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Pichu pulled back on the board, sparks flying from his cheeks, projecting them up.
"Splishy Splash?!" Axle looked on bemused.
Amber and Pichu flew from the top of the large billowing wave, there board silhouetting against the bright afternoon sun. Amber got her flag ready and smashed it into the rock a few inches above Axle and Poliwhirls.
The small crowd on the beach couldn't believe their eyes! They all cheered louder and celebrated. Jumping up and down at the spectacle they had just witnessed.
"Whaaaat?!" Axle freaked out, losing his balance completely, bailed into the water. The force of which caused his Poliwhirl to follow suit and join his trainer in the ocean water. Axle then Poliwhirl emerged from the water, the surfer grabbing his board to keep him afloat, hair flattened down over his eyes by the water.
Amber and Pichu rode the waves down and pulled up alongside their waterlogged competitors.
Amber laughed. "So we're ready for our apology now." She smiled smugly.
The crowds behind them still cheering loudly.
Axle merely coughed up salt water in response.
Amber laughed more and looked up at the cliff edge where a certain old man was watching. She smiled. Thank You Victor.
Victor from his look out point simply smiled to himself. Well done kid, you may not have hit the top of the rock, but you reached your own top.
Amber and Axle waded in the shallow waters, the water coming up to Ambers midriff. The afternoon sun now sitting low in the sky, casting a beautiful shimmer on the crystal blue sea.
"Well. You guys win. I concede … I … I was wrong." Axle looked Amber in the eye, she smiled in response.
"Amber, I take it all back you are a great electric pokémon trainer and more than worthy of the Waterflower name. You taught me an important lesson, one I'm not likely to forget in a hurry." Axle looked down at the little yellow mouse sat atop the floating surfboard. "And Pichu, you're a great little surfer dude. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Poliwhirl clapped in response.
"Pi pi pichu" The little pokémon beamed.
"Well I better head back to the shack. The board, it suits you, keep it."
Amber beamed "Really?"
Axle laughed. "I guess ... you deserve it. Later surfer dudes!"
And with that the man and his Poliwhirl waded off towards the beach.
Amber looked up at the cliff edge where Victors house resided, she knew the old man had been watching and she smiled with gratitude.
Thank you Victor. We pulled it off.
"Pi pi chuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Pichu flopped on the surfboard.
"Arrr! Pichu are you OK?"
"Pi pi piii"
"Oh, you're tired out from all the surfing."
"Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii"
Amber scooped up the little pokémon and cuddled him.
"Pichu you've done so much today, I'm really proud of you. Just rest now."
"Pi chuu."
"Guess we'll end up waiting for the morning ferry after all Pichu" Amber sweat dropped holding her pokémon in her arms, she chuckled at the irony of the situation.
"Pi pi pipichu" Pichu smiled weakly appreciating the humour in the situation.
"We can take you."
Amber turned around as a small sailboat approached her and Pichu.
An oddly familiar looking teenage couple poked their heads out and smiled.
"Take me?" Amber tilted her head.
Thea and Shane sweat dropped.
"No, not take you." Shane stuttered, shaking his hands.
"He means yes! We can take you. To Cinnabar. We, we, we overheard you earlier! Yes! We overheard you wanted to go the Cinnabar Island. We are heading there now." Thea interjected.
"And we'd be happy to give you a lift miss." Shane gave her the widest cheesy grin he could muster.
"You're going to Cinnabar Island?" Amber enquired. "Isn't it a little late now? The sun will be setting."
The duo looked to each other. "Ehhhhhhhhh"
"Ah haha no we'll be fine, we do this all time." Thea lied through her teeth, smiling and waving her hand.
"Hmm. I think I'll pass. Thanks anyways." Amber began to turn away from the pair.
"Guess the morning ferry that won't be leaving till tomorrow morning is a good shout." Shane commented. He noted Amber turning her face slightly towards him. He had her attention again. "With all the cool tourist stops and visit to Seafoam Island, you'll easily be there by this time tomorrow." His green eyes flickered.
Amber paused If I don't reach the Island till this time tomorrow, I still won't have a chance to challenge the Gym Leader, I'll have lost another full day …
Amber turned around. "You're going straight to Cinnabar Island? Right now?"
"Um hum, um hum." Thea and Shane nodded eagerly in unison.
Amber looked down at her tired pokémon, and back up at the mysterious couple. There was something about them she just couldn't quite put her finger on … but she had to get to Cinnabar Island.
"... Well ok then. Thank you very much for the ride." Amber recalled her tired Pichu for a rest and climbed aboard the sailboat, bringing the surfboard along. The older teenaged guy offered her a hand, helping her on board. Amber looked into his brilliant green eyes as he offered a warm smile. There's something so familiar about those eyes …
"Um is there anywhere I could get changed out my beachwear?" Amber pointed to her backpack.
Beetroot red travelled up Shane's face, but Thea stepped in coolly. "Sure babe, the boat has an inside cabin. Right this way." Thea lead the red headed trainer down into the boat, closing the door behind her for some privacy.
She turned to her still rather spaced out partner in crime. Her eyes glinted and her smirk grew.
"We've got her."
A low feint rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.
Authors note: Sorry for the long long delay in updating. I've had a lot going on and I really personally really struggled to write this chapter. I think now the story will pick up pace, to where I really want to write - less padding and filler ;-)