Summer's first Gym battle concluded with a victory as Blaze triumphed over Roxanne's Nosepass. The Gym Leader then asked a favor from Summer and Weldon: to participate in a student panel at the Rustboro City's Trainer School. The two Trainers agreed and headed there the next day. Summer reunited with Professor Birch, and the two then met Mr. Stone, the president of the Devon Corporation, and Scott, a Trainer scout. After the panel, Professor Birch and Mr. Stone gave the young Trainers prototypes of the new Pokémon translation devices, Pokétalk, to test in the field. Summer and Weldon then begin their trip to the next Gym on Dewford Island. However, someone interferes with their passage. Who is it, and will they be able to make it to the island?
Chapter 11- Stormwrecked
Weldon, Lightning and I walked out of the southeast entrance of Petalburg Woods, avoiding the well-known maze of trees.
"Why didn't you tell us about this shortcut earlier, Summer?!" he complained.
I gave him a guilty smile. "Well...this path is only open during commute hours. Plus, everyone needs to experience going through the woods at least once while visiting the region."
Lightning scratched her head. "I was wondering how you and your friends were able to travel to the Trainer School without Pokémon with you."
Weldon chuckled. "It's still so weird to understand you, Lightning."
I shrugged. "Oh, you get used to it. At least your Pokémon don't have accents like Errol."
"True. Anyway, why did you bring us back towards Petalburg City?"
I scanned the glittering blue ocean. "We're going to Dewford Town next, on Dewford Island. It's in between Route 106 and 107, which are ocean routes."
"Huh. So, how do we get there?"
"Well. We can either catch a ferry or surf there on our Pokémon." I looked at the familiar seaside cottage. "Normally, I would ask Mr. Briney, but it seems he's out. We can go into Petalburg City and check the ferry times."
My rival stretched his arms. "Actually, I'd like to surf there."
I raised an eyebrow. "Really? Last time I remembered, you're not a fan of traveling on Pokémon."
"That was because I didn't want to tire them out. But now that I'm on hiatus, it wouldn't hurt, would it?"
He gave me a sly grin, and I laughed. "You're really taking this in stride. All right then. It should take us a couple of hours to get there."
"Then we better get going."
I let out Aurora as Weldon did the same with Gyarados.
"Sorry, Lightning. You're going to have to stay in your ball for a bit."
She yawned. "That's fine with me, Summer. I needed a nap anyway." I returned her and got onto the Dewgong. "You ready, Aurora?"
She gave me a determined smile. "Of course, Summer!"
After adjusting to the cold water entering my shoes, I looked over at Weldon, who was still trying to find a way to climb onto his Water type. "Everything okay?"
"Y-Yeah! I got this!"
Just as Gyarados lowered his head, Weldon jumped forward and splashed into the ocean. I barely held a laugh as he rose to the surface. He was embarrassed, but when he noticed I wasn't teasing him, he climbed onto his Pokémon's back and the Atrocious Pokémon rose towards the sky.
Seeing that he was settled, I shouted, "All right then. To Dewford Town!"
On a shoal resting on Route 106, the black-cloaked stranger spied on the two Trainers on their Pokémon. He sneered, "I can't believe I'm running into them so quickly."
He took out a small black device about the size of a tablet and pressed the center button at the bottom. A light blue hologram of his leader, a man also shrouded in a black cloth, materialized.
{Ah, Hamsetrin. Do you have the target in sight?}
"Yes, Master Rekishi. It appears he and his friend are heading to Dewford Town."
{Excellent. You must intercept them. You must make sure he does not find that cave.}
Hamsetrin looked away. "I'm not one to question you, Master. But why this boy in particular?"
His elder laughed. {You shall learn soon enough. Now, you must hurry before they reach the island.}
"Yes, Master."
The man ended the call and sent out his Manectric. Unlike most of his species, this one wore a metal collar with a yellow stone with red and blue swirls fastened in the center.
"Come, Manectric. It's time for a much needed storm."
As the two hopped nearby shoals to get closer to the Trainers, little did he know he was being spied on as well.
"Wow, we're making great time!" I exclaimed as we powered through the waves.
I turned to Weldon, only to see his face look rather green. Gyarados tried to press on, but his pained face showed he didn't want to get thrown up on.
"Why don't we take a quick break?" I suggested.
"Yes please!" the Atrocious Pokémon pleaded. His Trainer weakly nodded.
Aurora spotted a rectangular sand shoal nearby and swam towards it. Gyarados followed her lead, and we both got off. Well, more like Weldon tumbled off.
"Ugh…" he groaned on all fours. "Those waves were...really rough…"
I cautiously approached him. "They were actually really calm. Maybe it's because you haven't ridden on Gyarados before?"
He moaned. "Probably…"
I bit my lip. Should I help him? I know what to do, but I don't want to get any wrong ideas… "I-If you want, I can rub your back. I also have some anti-seasickness medicine you can take."
He groaned again, so I assumed he said yes. I knelt down on his left side and rubbed his back in a slow but firm clockwise movement. His cold body grew warmer with my touch. Once he was able to sit up, I fetched the white bottle of medicine from my backpack. He swallowed two white pills and drank some water from his bag.
He exhaled deeply, his face returning to its normal color. "Thanks, Summer. I'm feeling much better."
"That's good. You're actually doing well for someone who's never surfed on a Pokémon before."
"Really? I thought I was doing really badly."
I chuckled. "It takes a while to get the hang of it. But you adapted really well; though I'm surprised the rubbing and medicine worked so quickly. Usually the recovery takes a couple of hours."
He leaned back and looked at the wispy clouds above. "Huh. That does sound unusual. I guess I really wanted not to be sick anymore."
Weldon rose to his feet and scanned the surroundings. He then stared at something to the west. "Hey, what's that over there?"
I followed his pointed finger but saw nothing. "I don't see anything."
"You don't see it? It looks like a small mountain on an island. Come on, it's sticking out like a Diglett on a plain."
I squinted hard. "No, I don't see anything." Then I felt the wind pick up. Normally it would be pleasant on land, but it was a sign of danger at sea. "That's strange. The forecast said it wouldn't rain today."
A feeling of dread washed over me, something I haven't felt in a long time. I gritted my teeth. "We need to get out of here."
Weldon grew concerned. "Why? What's going on?"
A bolt of lightning answered his question while water droplets pelted us. I immediately returned Aurora, and Weldon followed my lead with Gyarados.
"It's not safe to travel on sea, or even land for that matter," I advised. "We need to find shelter!"
A familiar man's voice shouted louder than the thunder, "I think you should worry about me first."
We turned towards the ocean and saw the stranger from Petalburg Woods, his black cloak blowing in the gust. Next to him was a Manectric, but it looked much different than what I've seen before. He had a larger yellow mane that spread along his back that formed a large lightning bolt shape, spiky blue fur on his haunches, and longer yellow fur on his front paws. But the signature glare of his species remained.
"Y-You!" I gasped, causing the stranger to give a sinister smirk.
Weldon clenched his fist. "You started this storm, didn't you?!"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
My rival pointed to the stranger's Pokémon. "That's the only explanation for this freak thunderstorm: a Mega Manectric."
Another Mega-Evolved Pokémon?
The man laughed. "You're more astute than I thought, kid! Yes, my Manectric created this storm to trap the both of you." He waved his arm forward, "Manectric, Thunder Wave!"
The Discharge Pokémon released two large yellow rings from his body that entrapped me and Weldon.
Weldon tried to take out a Poké Ball, but the electricity restricted his movements.
"Now to make sure I complete my mission," the stranger said amidst the growing storm. "Manectric, throw the girl into the sea!"
"WHAT?!" I screamed. I tried to break free, but the ring remained taut.
The Electric type charged and slammed into my stomach. I flew into the air and crashed into the turbulent water.
I quickly held my breath and attempted to free myself again, but with no avail. I scanned the watery depths and saw a jagged rock on a large coral reef. Thankfully, no Pokémon were around due to the chaos above. Knowing I wouldn't have enough power to get to the surface, I kicked my way to the rock and moved the electric ring close to it. To my relief, the rock absorbed the electricity and grounded it away. I then took off my backpack and fumbled the left side pocket open. My eyes widened with excitement as my breathing device, a black circular mask with two red cylinders for oxygen conversion, floated out.
Thank goodness I remembered to buy one before we left.
Feeling my breath weaken, I put the device on and immediately inhaled a fresh breath of oxygen.
Much better. Now, to get back to the surface.
But after I put my backpack back on, a magenta light engulfed me and slammed my right side into the rocks.
When the light faded, I rubbed my right arm. Wh-Where did that come from?
A Starmie spun from my left, revealing the source of the Psychic-type move.
A Starmie? They're not found here, not even Staryu. What's one doing here?
Its red jewel then sprayed a stream of bubbles at me. I pushed myself to the right, narrowly missing the attack.
Well, no time to wonder about that now! I only have one Pokémon who can help me now. Good thing this device also allows me to talk underwater. "Let's go, Aurora!"
The Dewgong emerged from her ball and swam in front of me. Though she was normally happy being in her element, her focus was to protect me. The Starmie unleashed a large lightning bolt from its jewel heading straight towards Aurora.
Huh, I never knew Electric type moves are centralized under water. "Aurora, block the Thunderbolt with Water Pulse!"
She nodded and quickly formed the water orb by using the seawater. Then, she threw it at the lightning bolt, causing the super effective move to enter into the orb and shower the surroundings with sparks. I endured the pain along with Aurora and Starmie.
I need to take out that Starmie, but none of Aurora's moves can really hurt it! I just need to do enough so we can escape.
Aurora sensed what I was thinking. "Summer, should I make a distraction?"
"We can definitely try."
"NO ONE CAN ESCAPE!" the Starmie shouted in a monotone voice. "I MUST SUCCEED FOR HAMSETRIN!"
Hamsetrin? Is that the cloaked man's name? No time for pondering this. "Aurora, use Aqua Tail!"
She summoned the seawater around her tail and thrust it at our attacker. While it was distracted, she allowed me onto her back, and we swam towards the surface. However, the Mysterious Pokémon countered with a swirling water attack of his own. The whirlpool canceled the power of the Aqua Tail, allowing the Starmie to chase after us.
"Don't give up, Aurora!" I cheered. "We're almost there!"
But our excitement turned to fear when we were surrounded by a magenta energy. The Dewgong attempted to break free, but the power was too strong. I forced a backwards glance and saw Starmie wave its arms towards a large group of rocks. As we hurtled towards them, I braced for impact, knowing I would hit the rocks first. But when the light around us faded as we got closer, Aurora spun herself around and slammed into the underwater structure instead.
"Aurora!" I cried as she floated listlessly. It looks like I don't have much of a choice. "Thanks, Aurora. Get some rest."
"Summer...no…" she moaned.
But I ignored her plea. Once she returned to her ball, I faced the aggressive Starmie alone.
"FALL TO HAMSETRIN'S MIGHT!" it shouted as it shot another stream of bubbles at me.
I pushed myself away, but it only cornered me within the rocky outcropping. I hid myself from view as the Starmie swam around.
Come on! There must be something I can do! I can't let it hurt me or anyone else anymore!
Suddenly, I felt the beryl stone on my necklace vibrate. My surroundings then froze, as if time stopped.
A female voice echoed in my mind. "Are you forgetting someone, Summer?"
"Or multiple someones?" a sharp male voice followed as the citrine stone shook.
Those voices! Kitakaze, Sandā, is that you?
"Yes, but we do not have much time," the Suicune warned. "I used my powers to temporarily pause your environment. I know of a Pokémon who can aid you, but it will take me time to track him. Sandā, are you able to assist our Guardian?"
"Of course! Kazan is useless underwater, so I will gladly come to Summer's aid."
"Excellent. Good luck, you two." A burst of aqua blue light shot out of her designated stone and jetted away.
Time slowly returned to normal. The Raikou said, "Summer, give me a move command, and I shall perform it."
Um...what moves do you have, besides, Roar?
He mused, "I believe I have Discharge, Thunder Fang, and Shadow Ball this time."
Okay. You'll unleash the attacks from your stone, right?
"Correct."
All right. Let's see how this goes. I made sure the Starmie didn't notice me as I swam out of the structure. But once it did, I shouted, "Sandā, Shadow Ball!"
A large black orb shot out of the citrine stone, surprising our pursuer. However, it spun upward to dodge and thrust a small whirlpool towards my feet.
I felt its suction and tried to paddle away. But after a few seconds with losing momentum, I turned and pointed at the swirling water. "Sandā, Discharge!"
Blue sparks coursed through the salt water and collided with the whirlpool. The water exploded with smaller blue sparks, striking me and Hamsetrin's Starmie. Yellow sparks then appeared on the Mysterious Pokémon, but it was undaunted. I protected my body as the Water type continued its assault with a Bubblebeam.
My body began to lose feeling, and my limbs drooped. The Starmie then gleefully controlled my body with its psychic energy.
I tried to resist the constraints, but it was no use. I couldn't even utter any more commands for Sandā. I...I don't know if I can last any longer.
"Don't give up, Summer!" Sandā pleaded. "Kitakaze should be back with her companion soon."
I know...but I can feel less oxygen in the breathing device…
My eyelids fluttered as I tried to maintain consciousness. My breathing became slower, and my vision grew blurry.
No… I...I can't die here…
Suddenly, something green and blue slammed into the purple starfish-like Pokémon's red jewel. The Starmie plummeted towards the ocean floor, releasing me from its mental grip. But I lacked the energy to return to the surface. A blue, roundish object with yellow and red swam towards me, but before I could distinguish it, my eyes closed shut.
?
"Are you sure she's okay?"
"Positive. Her breathing's shallow, but the airway's pretty clear. Good thing Kiara found her before it was too late."
A soft male voice, and a forceful female voice...I don't recognize them…
Something prodded my left arm.
"Loki! I told you to leave her be!"
My eyes fluttered open then quickly shut from the bright sunlight. I shifted to my right side and coughed out some seawater. I then sat up and saw a young woman with a black ponytail and her Togepi.
As I rubbed my head, the Normal type cheered, "I did it, Trin!"
His Trainer groaned. "You and your crazy antics." She knelt down to my right and asked, "How do you feel?"
"I'm fine…"
She handed me an open bottle of water, and I gulped down the salt-free water. Once I regained most of my senses, I checked my surroundings. We were on another atoll but at a different location closer to a large island. I looked at my belt and was relieved to see all of my Poké Balls still attached. My backpack, which was surprisingly unscratched, lay to my left, drying in the heat.
I looked at my rescuer. She was unusually dressed for the hot and humid Hoenn climate: a black tank top dress, maroon leggings, and black sneakers accented with red shoelaces. Her red lipstick and silver eyeshadow were also eye-catching, along with her double diamond studded earrings and silver crescent moon charm on her black choker. In the center of the charm was a small round object, which I recognized as a Key Stone.
I cleared my throat and said, "Thank you… Um…"
"Trinity. Friends call me Trin. This is my partner, Loki."
I smiled. "It's nice to meet you both."
She smirked. "Likewise, Summer."
I raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?"
"Of course. After all, you're the Guardian of the Legendary Beasts, correct?"
I gave her a wary glance. "How do you know about my Guardian status?"
She just smiled. "Don't worry. My intentions don't align with the forces against you."
"Um… I'm not sure what that means, but okay." After a few more deep breaths, I squeezed my damp hair. "Did you save me?"
She shook her head. "You were saved by someone else. I sent my Dratini, Kiara, to save you, but she told me you were surrounded in a protective water bubble."
"Oh." It must be that blue object I saw before I blacked out. "Wait…" I looked at her ears. "You don't have a translation device. How do you know what your Pokémon said?"
She was confused until she saw my earpiece. "Oh, that. I'm able to talk to Pokémon who I have a very close bond to, that's all."
"Sure, Trin…" Loki replied with a chuckle.
"Shut up, Loki. Anyway, I wanted to ask you some questions. Are you able to answer them?"
"Depends on the questions."
"A very analytical response, you're pretty sharp. All right then, I'll make them blunt. Are you traveling with Weldon Leland and has he done anything unusual?"
Wow, they really are blunt. "Uh...yes to the first part, and I'm not sure to the second part."
"Hm…. Why do you say that?"
I hesitated. Should I really be giving her all of this information? She doesn't seem bad, but what if she's lying?
She reassured, "I know this seems uncomfortable, but I really need to know." Her blue-grey eyes gave off a firm but concerned gaze.
I nodded. "Just earlier, Weldon told me he saw a mountain on this route. But I couldn't see it, and I know there shouldn't be any here."
"Interesting," she muttered. "His powers must be in its fledgling stages."
Powers? What's she talking about?
Then she realized I heard her monologue. "Oh, sorry. I tend to talk to myself on occasion. Thanks for answering my questions. Once Munin comes back, I must take my leave." A flying Charizard approached us from the east, landing in front of Trinity. "Ah, speak of the Houndoom. Good work, Munin."
The Flame Pokémon whispered something into his Trainer's ears.
"I see," she acknowledged. She turned to me. "That old sailor, Mr. Briney, was it? He's going to come pick you up. Munin gave him the coordinates, so it shouldn't take too long."
"Oh, thanks, Trinity."
She and Loki got on the Fire type's back. "Oh, and Summer? Don't tell Weldon you met me. At least, not now. I want to make the introduction myself."
"Sure, but why are you so interested in Weldon?"
She softly smiled. "I would like to tell you, but I'm afraid I can't just yet. It's...well...a little complicated. When we meet in the future, I'll tell you when the timing's right."
I felt the sincerity in her voice and smiled. "All right. Thanks again, Trinity."
The woman nodded. "Until next time, Summer."
They took off and flew north towards the mainland. I mused over her words as I heard a boat coming towards my direction. If what Trinity said was true, then that mountain must be really important. I wonder what secrets it holds…
Summer's Pokémon:
Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut
Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash
Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Aqua Ring
Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch
Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail
Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Growl, Absorb
Weldon's Pokémon:
Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip
Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace
Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge
Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall
Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast
Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave
Questions for the Chapter:
What do you think of Summer's underwater battle?
What do you think about Trinity?
Why is Trinity interested in Weldon?
