Happy Friday! Please leave your thoughts and questions in a review. I appreciate any feedback. I also had this idea where I'd get to know readers a little better so I'll pose a question every week with a chapter. You can also leave your answer in a review.
Question of the Week: "What is your favorite Advanceshipping moment?"
Let me know, have a good weekend fam.
Chapter 10: Believe In Me
Ash, May, and Red made their way to Cianwood City's harbor to find a boat that would take them to the Whirl Islands. However, they discovered that the waterfront was plagued by mayhem. Medical boats and ambulances lined up along the shoreline as medics carried injured water Pokémon in stretchers. "Get these Tentacool to the Pokémon Center, pronto!" a lifeguard helped push a stretcher onto an ambulance.
"These poor Pokémon," May saw a hurt Dewgong put its flipper over an unconscious Seel as they were taken away.
"So many of them," Ash saw dozens of other wounded Pokémon on the sand, waiting to be carried out and cared for.
Red took pity on the people helping, "Too many Pokémon and not enough hands to go around." The trainer walked closer to the shoreline.
"We should check what's going on," May looked at her husband.
"Yeah," Ash agreed. The couple followed Red. "Excuse me, what happened here?" Ash approached one of the Pokémon EMTs.
The EMT noticed Ash, "I'm sorry, I can't talk. We need to tend to these Pokémon." The staff hurried past Ash to help others in need.
May sighed, "We just want to help," but her words were ignored as the emergency teams ignored them while they moved back and forth.
"Sorry, but if you're not part of the relief effort, then we'll have to ask that you remove yourself," a medic noticed them standing there.
"But we're only trying to help," Ash pleaded.
The medic was surprised when he saw him. "Oh, it's the Monarch. Forgive me, but only trained staff are allowed to provide assistance. We appreciate your voluntarism, sir."
"That bites," Red crossed his arms.
"Medic, they're with me. You can let them stay," the words of a commanding tomboy caught their ears.
"Oh, my apologies. As you were then," the man took his leave.
The trio turned around to see Misty in a swimsuit with a bruised Shellder in her arms. "Misty!" her friends were relieved to see her.
"Ash, May, it's great to see you," Misty smiled. She saw the man beside them. "And you must be Red." The gym leader held her hand out. Red raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask, Misty interrupted, "Goh keeps us in the loop."
Ash had a knowing smile. "That Goh."
Red shook her hand. "We've met before in Pallet Town."
"He's the one who saved us with Lucario, remember?" May recalled.
The memory came back to Misty as she shook his hand. Her voice turned soft. "I do. Wow." The gym leader took a step back to digest the news. "I never would've imagined that it was your son from the future who showed up that day," the vivid memory returned to Misty. "You have your mother's eyes," Misty recognized the stare.
"We've been told," Red smirked while May chuckled.
"Misty, we need your assistance!" A lifeguard alerted her.
Misty focused her attention on the task at hand. "Right away!" She hurried with Shellder.
"Misty, wait. What's going on here?" Ash stopped her.
The Water-type trainer addressed them, "Now is not a good time. I'll explain later if you meet me at the Pokémon Center."
"Can we do anything to help here?" May signaled by holding her arms out.
Misty nodded, "Help board some Pokémon onto an ambulance and accompany them to the Pokémon Center. We'll catch each other then."
"You got it!" Ash gave her thumbs up. Misty returned the gesture and ran off.
"You heard the woman," Red approached a Kingdra that lacked a stretcher. The battered Dragon-type Pokémon eyed Red as he wrapped his arms around its neck to drag it to the nearest ambulance.
Ash and May acknowledged the course of action. May saw a Kingler on a stretcher, waiting for someone to take it. "Over there, Ash!" May pointed.
"Let's go," Ash ran to it. Ash stood at the front of the stretcher and kneeled to grab its handles.
May stood at the back to lift from the end. She also kneeled to grab its handles, "On my count. One. Two."
"Three!" the couple shouted when they lifted.
"That's heavy," May felt the burn on her forearms.
Ash gritted his teeth as he walked forward, "That's alright. We've got this. Follow my lead." The trainer led her and Kingler to an ambulance stationed next to the one that boarded the Kingdra.
"We've got room for one more," the medics received Kingler's stretcher.
"How about Octillery?" Red appeared behind them with the Jet Pokémon carried on his back.
The medics appreciated their help, "Great, we'll take them."
"Nice job, Red," Ash noted his efficiency.
"We still don't know why all these water Pokémon are hurt," a concerned May rested her head on her fist.
Ash felt the same way, "We'll know once we meet up with Misty."
"Coming with?" one of the ambulance drivers asked.
"All aboard," Red answered. He grabbed onto a rail to pull himself onto the vehicle. Ash was next and he held his hand out to pull up May.
May grinned as she climbed on, "Thanks, Ash." Her husband gave a soft nod.
The heroes settled themselves in the vehicle before they took off. Kingdra moaned as its eyes remained fixed on Red. The Dragon Pokémon gazed at him as if pleading for help. "It's alright, Kingdra. We'll help you get better soon," Red rubbed its head.
"Oct," Octillery also groaned.
"They're all in so much pain," May lamented when she put her hand on one of Octillery's tentacles.
Ash looked back and forth between Kingdra and Octillery, "Hang in there, you two."
Red kneeled to make eye contact with Kingdra. "Kingdra, show me what happened." The trainer closed his eyes and placed his palm on the dragon's forehead. Ash and May watched with interest when Red's hand started to glow along with Kingdra. Using aura, he experienced blurred visions of Kingdra's memories. He could identify the vast sea with a thriving underwater ecosystem. In the distance, a series of islands rested, but dark clouds hung over the islands. A shriek was heard, and a storm was unleashed. Through Kingdra's eyes, Red saw silver wings among the clouds, and a powerful blast sucked it in almost like a whirlpool. Everything turned black after that. "That's what you saw," Red opened his eyes.
"What did you see?" May questioned.
"I couldn't make it out, but something was flying over it. There were storm clouds and a cry of pain. There were islands, too." Red recollected.
Ash asked, "The Whirl Islands?"
"Most likely," Red assumed. His eyes shifted from Kingdra to a view of the sea from their vehicle. "If all the boats and the shoreline are occupied with the emergency response, then I doubt we'll be able to reach the Whirl Islands from Cianwood City," Red said as their vehicle rode off.
"But we need to get to the other plate," Ash pressured.
"Maybe Misty will know if there's another way to get there. She might know of a spare boat?" May tried to remain optimistic.
Red sighed, "Let's hope. She's our best bet now. Otherwise, we'll be delayed."
"We won't get delayed," Ash gave Red an intense stare. Red saw the spark within him and acknowledged his words. Afterward, Ash spoke to the driver through the grate, "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know where all these wounded water Pokémon came from?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Ketchum. Most of the emergency staff wasn't given an explanation. We were only told that wild Pokémon were hurt and needed assistance. We're the type to fulfill our duties and ask questions later," the driver replied.
"I see," Red respected his devotion.
The driver pulled into the Pokémon Center's garage. "We're here. Let's get moving." The ambulance doors opened, and they started to unload Octillery and Kingdra. The ambulance with Kingler also followed them, and each Pokémon was offloaded one at a time. Ash and Red helped the Kingdra out while May and Nurse Joy carried Kingler away. They made it to the emergency room, where they found more Pokémon in treatment. Some were as small as Horsea, and others were as big as Wailmer.
Ash and May gasped at the sight. "This is terrible. How many more are there?" May felt a tug in her heart.
"Too many. We can't keep up," Misty entered the room. "I'm glad you could make it."
"Misty, please tell us what happened," Ash clenched his fists.
Misty nodded. "Let's talk in the lobby where it's quieter." She walked them out of the emergency room after thanking Nurse Joy and the other staff for their efforts. Nurse Joy also thanked Ash, May, and Red for their help as they left. Once they were in the lobby, the Cerulean Gym Leader had them sit down. "For the past few days, the Cianwood City Coast Guard has discovered wounded Pokémon out at sea or washing up ashore. We don't know why, but there are more and more water Pokémon appearing every day. Cianwood City's Pokémon Center has gotten so overwhelmed that they declared a staff shortage and requested help from volunteers. When I heard about what was happening, I knew I had to come."
"It's good to know that you've been out here lending a hand," May admired her.
"Hasn't anyone tried to venture out further to see what the cause may be?" Red asked.
The gym leader lowered her head. "They've tried, but there's currently a storm further out that's making it too dangerous for crews to investigate."
"Sounds like what you saw in Kingdra's memories," Ash highlighted to Red.
Misty grew curious. "Come to think of it. What brings the three of you here?"
Ash explained. "We were on our way to the Whirl Islands and hoped to catch a boat from Cianwood City." The trainer nodded sideways. "Doesn't look like any of them are operating for that right now."
Misty put her finger on her chin. "Unfortunately, there aren't any. It's also rare for boats to venture out to the Whirl Islands these days anyway."
"What do you mean?" May tilted her head.
"The Whirl Islands became a nature preserve for Pokémon several years ago. Therefore, any settlements out there were removed, and few people have gone since. Even fewer people know how to sail there given the frequent storms," Misty elaborated.
Red groaned. "Great. Where do we find a sailor who can make the trip then?"
"I hate to tell you, but you probably won't. The Whirl Islands are caught in the eye of the storm and are too dangerous to visit. Even an experienced sailor wouldn't risk it," the gang looked up when they heard a person's footsteps.
"Brock, you're here too!" Ash's face lit up.
May tackled him into a hug. "It's the Pokémon Doctor himself." Brock smiled sheepishly and rubbed the coordinator's back.
Misty smiled, "Brock also came to help when he heard of all the Pokémon that needed treatment. That and the fact that he'd never shy away from working with Nurse Joy." The gym leader narrowed her eyes at him.
"Who says love and duty can't go hand in hand?" Brock argued, placing his fist on his heart. Their oldest friend pointed at Red, "After all, Ash and May's son was born from love and duty, was he not?"
An embarrassed Red pulled down the brim of his hat. "Why did they have to tell everyone," Red whined.
"Oh boy," Ash and May laughed at the hopeless romantic.
An annoyed Misty pulled Brock by the ear, "Enough. You're making them uncomfortable."
Brock complained over the pain until Misty let go. He recomposed himself, and spoke to his friends, "It's a relief to see the three of you here. Misty and I were worried after the incident at the party." The doctor clenched his fists when he remembered the sight of Ash and May emerging from the basement in defeat.
"We're sorry we couldn't get there sooner," Misty grieved.
Ash put his hands on their shoulders, "Don't blame yourselves. You did what you could, and we're doing our best to fix things now."
"What have you learned so far?" Brock sat to listen. Red took the lead. The trainer explained their encounter with Cynthia and the plates connection to Arceus. Additionally, he shared the origins of the android that resembled his sister.
Brock rubbed his chin, "Well, that explains the resemblance."
Red raised his eyebrows, "You fought her as well?"
"Only briefly, but I never imagined that she would be an android based on your sister," Brock got chills.
"There's so much we've learned, yet it feels like we've only scratched the surface," Misty reflected.
May reached for Misty's hand, "I feel ya."
"We know the next plate is in the Whirl Islands. That's why we're in a hurry to get there," Ash added. Brock and Misty were troubled by his news.
"On the way here, Red looked into Kingdra's memories and saw what he believed were the Whirl Islands. He saw the storm, and it seemed something attacked Kingdra before it was found," May recounted.
Misty pondered the details with Brock. The Pokémon Doctor had a stern expression. "Based on what you're saying, it seems that the wave of injured Pokémon have something to do with the Whirl Islands."
"And if there's a plate there, then something fishy is going on," Misty emphasized.
Suddenly, Brock got up. "If that's the case, then we need to get to the Whirl Islands at all costs right away."
"We?" May was surprised by his sudden change of mind.
"We're coming with you. It wouldn't sit right with us to let the three of you go off knowing that there's danger ahead," Misty volunteered.
Ash beamed. "That would be amazing. Thanks, you two."
"Anything for our friends," Brock wrapped his arms around Ash and May's shoulders. The couple looked up to him like the older brother that he was.
"Heading off into danger just like old times," Misty winked. Red admired their camaraderie. The trainer thought of Hugh, Nate, and Rosa when he saw the four of them huddled together.
Then a thought came to May. "But how are we going to get to the Whirl Islands if there isn't anyone available or willing to take us?"
Misty placed her arms behind her back. "Well, we said there were no boats or sailors available to take you."
"But we never said anything about Pokémon," Brock smirked. Ash, May, and Red became enthusiastic at the suggestion.
"What are we waiting for then? What Pokémon are we taking?!" Ash couldn't control his excitement.
Misty teased him, "Oh, you'll see."
"Just follow us," Brock waved at them.
"Huh?" the trio wondered why they acted strange.
Brock and Misty led them out to the shore near the Pokémon Center, but there was no sign of anything there. "Is the Pokémon hiding?" Red wondered.
"It just takes a call," Brock mentioned. Misty whistled loudly enough for it to hear. They stood there waiting until they saw a herd in the distance. As they swam closer, it got easier to identify them. Once they were in view, Ash's eyes glistened.
May's eyes widened, "Wait, is that?" She never thought she'd get the chance to meet her.
"It's Lapras!" Ash dashed into the water to meet his friend. He swam as far as he could to meet up with her.
"Ash and Lapras hadn't seen each other since after Ash won the World Coronation Series, but their friendship is as strong as ever," Misty noted.
Lapras cried with joy when Ash tackled and hugged her around the neck. There were tears in the corner of his eyes as he laughed and got on the Transport Pokémon. Red watched in awe, "Even in my timeline, I never got to meet Lapras." Ash's son entered the water to get a closer look at them.
Ash petted Lapras as she led the herd closer to the shore. "You're even bigger than last time," Lapras cooed over the compliment. She enjoyed having Ash ride her again.
"How did you find Ash's Lapras? It could've been anywhere in the ocean," May tried to guess.
Brock crossed his arms. "The storm coming from the Whirl Islands affected their migration pattern, so they were forced to take a detour. Fortunately, the Lapras also discovered injured Pokémon along the way and brought them to shore so we could care for them. That's when we reunited with her."
Misty giggled. "It's almost as if fate brought all of us together again."
"Who would've thought," May smiled. She heard Ash call her to come and join him on Lapras once they were close enough. "Coming!" the coordinator yelled and ran into the water. Ash and Lapras swam near May to give a lift.
Ash introduced the pair. "Lapras, this is my wife, May. May, meet Lapras."
"It's so wonderful to meet you, Lapras. Ash has told me so much about you," May caressed the Water-type Pokémon's neck. Lapras let out an enthusiastic squeal when the coordinator spoke to her. Lapras's attention turned to the other trainer nearing them. She sniffed him with curiosity.
Red placed his hand on Lapras. "Hi, there."
"And Lapras, this is Red. He's my…son from the future," Ash never thought he'd say that.
Lapras moaned when she eyed Red. She could see Ash and May through his eyes. He had their warmth and determination. "Good girl," Red chuckled when Lapras playfully nudged him.
"So, are we ready?" Misty held her waist.
"The plate is waiting," Brock laughed.
Ash and May nodded. "Of course, get on!" Ash invited them. The couple pulled Red, Brock, and Misty on. Before they took off, Lapras noticed one party member was missing and moaned in dismay.
"She knows about Pikachu," Red sensed her feelings.
"Amazing, can aura tell you that?" Misty presumed.
Red gave a slight nod, "Just like Ash's other Pokémon, Lapras can feel and discern things related to him. The bond between a trainer and Pokémon is more profound than we will ever fathom, but that's what makes our friendships with them so special."
"Now you really sound like your dad," May teased him, prompting laughter from Misty and Brock while Red rubbed his head.
Ash rested his head on Lapras, "Lapras, we need your help by taking us to the Whirl Islands. The people that Pikachu tried to stop are trying to do bad things with a plate that's there. Will you take us there?" Lapras raised its head and wailed, expressing its willingness to help in any way that it could. "Thank you," Ash appreciated her.
Ash's Lapras separated from the herd as it headed in the direction of the Whirl Islands. "What are the other Lapras going to do without their leader?" May looked back at them.
"They'll keep bringing other Pokémon to us until Lapras returns. It's a team effort, and we owe a lot to them," Misty admired them.
"We'll be back, and we will get to the bottom of this," Brock assured his friends. With their sights set on the Whirl Islands, Ash, May, and Red enjoyed the calm before the storm.