NOVEL NEXT Oak's Research
“I can’t believe I’m so stupid. I could have used the phone in Jubilife. I know they had internet service in that big city.” Gary stared at the phone he had been given by the late Trick Master. He put it back into his bag and grabbed the zipper to close it but froze on what was inside and swallowed uncomfortably. Why do I feel like this looking at that book? If anything, maybe I should look into it more. A Pokemon that grants wishes? What does that even mean exactly? It’s a Mythical, the notes said. It doesn’t matter. It’s probably not even real. Then again, he realized, there’s no proof the book I’m looking for holds any factual information, either. Gary closed his bag and got his arms through the straps. “I’m just not ready,” he told himself. “It’s too soon.”
He stared at the water below as he sat on the wooden bridge made of logs. Canalave City is just a little trip away. There’s a blimp, boats, all kinds of ways to reach it. Then, I’ll have my answers. Or something...
Electivire was sitting in the grass eating from a bag of Pokemon food, far away from Gary. June’s bag sat next to him. He chomped and snorted and made a huge commotion, clearly angered by something.
Raichu sat next to Gary, swaying his feet out happily and staring into the water with a big, open grin. “Raaaaaai,” he spoke so relaxed.
What was it even called again? Maybe that book will make good reading material on the trip to Canalave. He stood up and grabbed at his bag straps. “Alright, guys. Let’s get going.” Gary moved along the bridge only a few steps before, still walking, he noticed something bubbling at the surface of the water. His head turned.
A monster burst out of the water, screaming with gaping fangs and a skinny, loose, forked tongue.
Gary screamed, taking a couple of steps back, frightened half to death.
“RAAAAAAAAAAAI!” Raichu also wailed out. “Rai, Rai, Rai...” Raichu was suddenly being strangled by the body of the creature!
A huge snake’s body gripped the poor mouse up to his throat. The head of the attacker was raised over Raichu, hissing angrily at... Gary!
Gary tried to think straight in the sudden situation, glaring at the Arbok. An Arbok, he thought. “Raichu! Thunder!”
Raichu’s cheeks sparked, but he was unable to get the energy to attack! He continued choking, desperately trying to breathe as his face went purple.
“CHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok yelled at Gary.
Gary’s eyes widened. Why is it staring at me? It has Raichu!
Arbok hissed again, never taking its eyes away from the human, and Raichu sounded like he was having the last of his breath squeezed out, his tongue out of his mouth!
“GET OFF OF HIIIIIIM!!!” Gary tore across the bridge for the two.
Electivire was moving at the same time.
Gary got there first, being closer, and he stopped and scooped up a Poke Ball. “Kirlia, go!”
“Kirlia!” Kirlia took his gentle pose.
“Use your Confusion!”
His eyes glowed purple, his entire body also outlined in the same color.
“CHAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok moved with wicked speed, tossing Raichu!
Raichu’s face was shocked, matching Kirlia’s, as he neared the Psychic and Fairy type Pokemon.
“Kirlia?! Kiiiirliaaaa!” Kirlia waved his arms wildly and was taken down by Raichu as the big boy landed on top of him. “Kiiiiiirl...” Kirlia was disoriented, unable to budge under the Raichu still trying to catch his breath.
“CHAAAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok bent a bit on its tail and arched its back like a question mark, hissing and flicking its tongue.
The pattern on Arbok’s body, once a more random set of features, became a more focused visual. The face of an unnatural creature, like that of some horrific monster with swirls of tie-dyed colors on it. The face moved in and out, the eyes getting closer to each other and then separating. The mouth lowering away from the rest of the face just to rise with it again. It was totally surreal, like something computer-generated.
Taking all of this in, Gary found himself unable to move. He just wanted to shout out to his Pokemon. Recall Kirlia. See if Raichu was okay. Get away from Arbok. Anything! But... he couldn’t move! He was completely paralyzed! GARYY! he screamed in his head, panicking. He was losing his mind, his heart tearing itself to pieces in an attempt to make any kind of movement!
“CHAAAAAAAAAAA!!” Arbok lunged for Gary. “Cha-!” Arbok choked out, struggling to breathe! The scary face went away, resorting back to the normal pattern on Arbok.
Now, Gary could not only move, falling down, but he could see something had happened.
Electivire had Arbok by the throat, strangling it! His other huge hand grabbed around his other hand and he shook the snake angrily, growling ferociously.
“Chaa...!” Arbok tried to breathe.
Electivire’s body started to glow white.
“Ch... Ch... Cchhhh...” Arbok’s eyes started to roll up in its head.
“Electivire!” Gary watched on, unsure of what to do. Wondering if he should stop it.
Electivire spun in a circle and then used his Strength, hurling his hands into the air and releasing Arbok.
“CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Arbok flew into the bright sky until vanishing, a bright twinkle replacing it before that too was gone.
“Oh, man,” Gary said. “That was like the second Arbok I’ve seen... Hey! Kirlia!” He turned to his Kirlia and Raichu.
Raichu was coughing, getting up and rubbing his throat with both hands.
Kirlia was sat up, looking out of it.
“You guys okay?” Gary ran to them and knelt down on one knee.
“Rai... Raichu,” Raichu croaked out.
“Kirlia.” Kirlia looked to Gary with a bland stare.
“That was pretty crazy, huh? Though not to be unexpected, huh? Get back for now, guys.” He recalled the two and turned to Electivire.
“Vire,” Electivire said with attitude to Gary.
“Thanks,” he nodded solemnly.
Electivire gave Gary his back.
Gary sighed. “Whatever, then,” he muttered, not caring if Electivire heard or not. “I’ve gotta go.” He stared at June’s bag and then frowned. He left all of June’s Pokemon behind and after crossing the bridge, he kept going. He’ll follow or he won’t, Gary decided. I don’t have time for his nonsense. I’m almost there. I’m nearly at Canalave City. Time to see what I can find out. And even if it’s nothing, at least I’ll know. Also, once I’m there, maybe I can finally get my Pokemon back.
His mind focused on his Charizard.
*
Gary stared at the loose piece of paper from the book of Prof. Oak. A map, Gary recognized.
Drawn on the paper was indeed some kind of map, with lines leading around and stopping on an X. This was written over a name that made Gary understand why Robin got so excited when he saw it. It also marked a location found at the edge of Route 210. Gracidea Garden.
*
I released Mew because it belonged free. A Pokemon so valuable and crucial to the foundation of the land all other Pokemon walk on, the water they swim across, the sky they soar through; a Pokemon that is the ancestor to all Pokemon which created these essential systems of our reality. Mew, the staple put in place by the Original One, is of immeasurable value. Far greater than a human like me, or any human for that matter, to so selfishly hold claim over. Not everyone could even understand such a value, and therefore, in undervaluing Mew, would have kept it for themselves. But in fact, I made it leave because I did know what I had, and it left with only minor resistance. It, too, must have understood. Forever my friend, ‘til we meet again. Shall we meet again, perhaps on another chance encounter on Pasio, or elsewhere.
*
This wasn’t meant to become this, but I do believe I warned this could at some point become a diary, Lol out loud. I have ended up a little bit beside myself this beautiful morning in Alola. I know she would have loved to be here to research this Legendary Pokemon known as Lunala. It has so many features of things she enjoyed, and would have a good laugh over. Time is a painful delight. So fragile, and gone fastest when the mind forgets it. Perhaps mine was not misused, but simply misunderstood.
I read these words aloud, Agatha, as I write them, in hopes that if you’re too busy to read over my shoulder, perhaps you’re able to at least hear them. And if that’s not the case, may I relay the message when I’m with you again.
*
Me and Pokemon
My spirit forms around them
For them, I revolve
*
I admit, as time gets closer to this calculated date arriving, I am more nervous than I have ever felt in my entire life. This is different from the excitement that comes with tracking down rare Pokemon. This has nothing to do with it being a Mythical Pokemon, but rather this specific creature, and the miraculous things it is said to be able to do. My nearly illegible handwriting, much unlike my normal penmanship, proves my shaken, physical state. Located northeast of Jubilife, northwest of Oreburgh City, is Alamos Town. But it is outside of the grandiose town that is my destination. My research concludes, without a doubt, that the Mythical Pokemon, Jirachi, is set to appear there. But even if I should really find it, what will I do? Will I really make a wish? Can I really do it?
I have argued with myself about whether life teaches us lessons for a reason, therefore trying to create magic to change things or affect things, is a kind of attack on the laws of nature. But could it be that by changing things if given the chance, that we truly learn about ourselves? Is refusing to change anything, when having the power to do so, the lesson?
Pokemon are manifestations of all aspects of nature. Life, death, water, fire, plants... Even down to attacks, abilities, none of it excludes creation itself. Saying this, then, wish granting must also be a part of the reality of this world, and an allowed feature. Yes. I will seek Jirachi, and I will have just one wish granted if permitted. This cannot allude me again. My time is up.
*
My information isn’t quite as cut and dry as the last time, but it’s strong enough to get me up and traveling. It’s nothing but a myth, and other records dictate that this is not the correct year, but the chances are as good as they are bad, and that’s a good thing as I see it. The Pokemon who grants three wishes to whoever finds it. Unlimited opportunity. To actually verify the existence of this Pokemon confirmed to exist by so many others. Even a younger Ash Ketchum himself has stated the Pokemon to exist, and I certainly trust his youthful, eager word over even scholars who would oppose him. If we could capture this Pokemon, and do due research upon it, the things the science community could learn. Many professors refuse to accept a Pokemon can just grant wishes with no limit, but this is the very problem. We are too closed-minded in a world where such undeniable magic exists! We must be more accepting to the impossible if we are ever to accept the future! I do need more time to get my thoughts together, but realistically, I cannot do such a thing without advancing forward and getting my hands on Jirachi, somehow.
It would be better in my hands, than in the hands of more sinister forces. But who am I to judge power in the hands of another? That is to say, who is to say how far power can corrupt? Who is to say my own desires aren’t corrupt? No one’s intentions, even when evil, are the desire of a bad outcome for themselves. And, sadly, no good act is done without harming another.
This sounds so... morbid for Prof. Oak, Gary thought, reading from the man’s notebook. And yet, so much like him, huh? Oh, sir... He sighed, closing his eyes. In the next instant, he looked over at Electivire.
While the child and his Electric Mouse Pokemon friend were sitting at a table, Gary in a white chair with Raichu in his own, Electivire was sitting at a different table alone. His head was in his hand, his elbow on the table, frowning out the window.
The inside of the blimp was nothing like Gary thought it would be. It was exactly like a calm, clean, beautiful restaurant! He had a glass of apple juice he was given for free. He could have afforded it, but he declined the juice and the waitress came by later saying it was on her. He didn’t understand why, and he felt awkward as he took the drink from her, smiling. His discomfort had nothing to do with her.
She was a gorgeous, tall, dark-skinned woman with an outrageous body altogether.
Gary was more unsettled by the past times he remembered loving how a girl looked when in Kanto, and the consequences that usually came with it. In other words, he was thinking of particular moments with Tyrogue, which led to the same behavior when he evolved into Hitmonchan.
He took another sip of juice and sniffled a little. He opened the book of Prof. Oak to try to take his mind off of the image of his Hitmonchan at the League, on his back in the grass, beaten and covered in blood, his chest looking smashed in.
*
Gary gazed at his Pokedex from the side of the ship he had boarded. Almost there, now, he told himself. His heart hurt from how hard it was beating. Once I get off this ship, I’m getting to that library and seeing what I can learn. I can tell all those guys online that I made it and found the book, if it’s still there. This is my only chance. He put away his Pokedex, slipping it into his large black coat he had put on due to the colder transportation, and gazed down into the dark water, the countless stars being reflected in it. There’s so much to look forward to once I reach the Pokemon Center. Charizard. I know he’s better by now! I can also call my mom, though maybe I’ll save that for after I- “HEY!”
There was a BOOOM and people around Gary yelled out with him, everyone stumbling on the rocking ship. Everyone was looking around, frightened.
Electivire made tight fists, growling and looking around.
Raichu was sitting, his ears down and his hands by his cheeks, scared.
“Excuse me, Captain, what was that?” a frightened female voice asked.
Gary looked to see that there was a man in a blue uniform looking up at a tall, fat male. Confused, he looked around some more, but no one else seemed to be in such a special outfit as this one guy.
“We didn’t hit an iceberg or something, did we?”
Gary looked back and squinted at the two again. “Huh?”
“Well, I’m not the captain, but I will certainly ask him and let you all know what that was. Nothing to worry about, though! The captain has over twenty year-”
BOOOOM!
Everyone screamed again, the ship quaking again.
The man in uniform had his arms out, no longer appearing calm, his eyes wide as his head whipped back and forth. He then took off, going inside of the ship.
What was that? Gary knelt down, feeling like he was going to fall.
“Oh no oh nooooo!” the female voice was panicking.
Gary squinted towards who was speaking, but not believing it.
“This is why I didn’t wanna get on no motherfuckin’ BOAT!!” It was the fat guy! This big male had the voice of a dainty woman!
Gary raised an eyebrow, but he ignored this and stood up, looking over the edge of the ship. Something’s going on. Are we gonna need to get off the boat?
BOOOOM!
Everyone screamed and fell over.
Raichu was now trembling, looking up fearfully at Gary.
Electivire maintained his footing and didn’t react much differently.
His eyes on Raichu, Gary said loudly, “I need Raichu’s Poke Ball! He’s scared!”
“Rai?” At those words, Raichu stood up and puffed out his chest, patting it strongly as he closed his eyes. He kept his eyes closed and smiled nonchalantly, giving a quick, easy wave. “Raichu. Rai Rai Rai.”
BOOOOOOM!
“RAAAAAAAIII!!” Raichu screamed with everyone else and he curled up into a ball.
Gary leaned up against the edge of the ship and continued breathing hard. It’s probably just some Pokemon that got in the way or something. Some Tentacruel or something. No biggie. And I’ve got all these Pokemon with me. I can catch me a- Gary’s thoughts came to a stop as something cold hit the top of his head. He swallowed, thinking about how cold and wet it felt, but frightened to confront whatever it was. He slowly gazed upward.
Above him, a long, pink tentacle with white edges was reaching over from outside of the ship!
Gary screamed and hit the deck, tumbling out of the way of the tentacle.
Or so he thought.
The tentacle extended as Gary rolled, and slapped at his body, stopping the boy!
He screamed louder than ever, trying to break free as the tentacle clung to him and pulled him back.
“RRRRAI-CHUUUUUUUUUU!!!”
“ELECTIVIIIIIIIIIIII!!!”
“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Gary exploded in pain.
There was an unfamiliar scream as the tentacle was, like Gary, struck by a giant lightning bolt.
The tentacle then fled around the outside of the ship.
Everyone was shouting and leaving the outside now, getting back inside the ship.
Gary couldn’t move, in a position to watch as everyone was leaving him behind. Crap... he flinched as his body kept sparking, his teeth clenched uncontrollably. His eyes closed weakly. I got hit by Electivire and Raichu’s move! I’m screwed! I can’t move!
“HEY!! KID!! GET OVER HERE!! GET OFF THE-!!”
CRASH!
BAM!!
SMAAAAASH!!
There were all kinds of crashes and smashing and loud noises going off all over the ship now.
Even hearing the voice of a man and footsteps stomping over, Gary stayed still. He couldn’t look up, trying as hard as he could. He got his eyes open, but even that was an effort. He flinched as steps stopped near him.
“KID, WHAT-? OH!!” The man took steps back as Gary’s body sparked again.
I can’t... I can’t even... speak... Gary groaned silently. His breathing came out heavy. He was in pain, wishing it would stop.
“Hey, Electivire, is this your kid? Your Trainer? Help me, won’t you?” the man in the blue uniform was yelling. “I’m sorry, kid, but I can’t touch you while you’re-WHOA!” The guy jumped at Gary sparking again.
Smaller sounds made their way over to Gary, like little feet jogging over.
“ELECTIVIRE!! VIIIII!! VIIIRE!!”
“Raichu!” Raichu’s voice was close by Gary. “Raaaaichu! Raichu!”
Gary felt his arm being yanked by something weak and small, but it didn’t do much but extend his arm and just hurt the kid. “Aaaaaahhh...” he forced out a groan. He then grunted in pain and scrunched up as his body sparked. “I can’t...” he whispered.
“RAICHUUUUUUUUUU!!” Raichu sent out an Electric attack to the distance.
“Kid, your two Pokemon are attacking all these Jellicent tentacles the best they can, but there’s only two of them! We have to get you all to safety so we can devise a better plan than this! We need a plan of attack!”
“Just leave me...” It was an exercise to inhale again. “I can’t make it...” Gary didn’t really want to get left behind, but he felt using time and energy trying to save him was a waste. He was immobilized for now. That was when he saw the huge, blue tentacles hovering over the man, white edges on it just like the pink tentacle earlier. His eyes widened, and he croaked helplessly.
Electivire and Raichu were yelling out, attacking, but their attacks weren’t for Gary or the uniformed man about to be attacked.
The man’s eyes widened with realization, seeing the fear in Gary’s eyes. His eyebrows then narrowed with determination.
Gary suddenly found his voice, screaming out, as he was grabbed by the man and lifted up!
The man ran, carrying Gary, and tore along the ship. “COME OOOOOON!!” He yelled back at the Pokemon. Once inside, the uniformed man set Gary down on the ground and ran back to the door.
Moments later, Gary found himself smiling on the inside as Raichu appeared in his vision, the Pokemon smiling down gently at him. This warm feeling vanished into nothing at all as Electivire also came into view over Raichu, sneering down at him.
“Okay, kid. Take it easy,” the man in the blue uniform stated. “My name is Chief Mate Arethe. Can you tell me your name, son?”
Gary merely groaned.
“Son, what is your name? Are you here with anyone? Your parents?” Chief Mate Arethe questioned.
His eyes shut tight, Gary’s head moved to one side, but that was all he could manage.
“Are Electivire and Raichu yours, son?”
Gary only moaned and then cringed hard as he sparked. His body then loosened up and he got his eyes to open.
He was looking down a wooden hallway. Down the hall were several doors leading to private cabins. At the end of the hallway was an especially large door where the captain stayed. Crowded in the hall were several adults and kids, along with a number of big Pokemon.
“Alright, there’s no worries, kid. Take it easy.” The man stood up and turned. “Have we got any?”
Two uniformed men, one in light blue, the other in white, stepped up and nodded. They held out an arm to the group of others.
“Come forward, willing Trainers!” the man in light blue commanded.
Several men and a couple of women walked up, leading the Pokemon, and stopped shortly.
“This looks great. I think we can hold off these creatures until we arrive. We’re mere minutes-”
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSHHHH!!!!
The roof and much of the enclosure blew up!
Everyone shrieked out in fright, Pokemon included, as dark balls flew through the air above and blasted through the enclosure they were hiding in. Water pumped outward, and other explosions occurred. Objects slammed into the Pokemon, the Trainers, and other innocent people.
Electivire covered his body around Raichu as Raichu wailed out in fright.
Gary curled up helplessly as debris and wood and other things unrecognized bounced about.
“Pikachu, Thunderbolt!” one seemingly male voice yelled.
“Marshtomp, Hydro Pump!!” what sounded like a woman ordered.
More moves were yelled out, but some were interrupted by screams and panic and running.
Gary closed his eyes, unable to do a thing to help. But, I’ve got to! Gary knew. I’m all alone here. If I don’t get up, I’ll die here! Gary’s eyes popped open suddenly as he felt a strong movement, but there was no one touching him. The ground! Gary realized.
People were now screaming at the top of their lungs, and Pokemon were even being called back.
“SCREW THIS SHIT!” one man ran and leaped right off the ship!
Another man followed almost immediately after!
Everyone else watched this and then turned to each other, unsure of what to do.
What’s going on here?? Gary grit his teeth and struggled with all his might just to sit up a bit. He leaned over, his head almost touching the floor, and his body sparked. He breathed in and out, in and out, each inhale painful, each exhale stressful. His body trembled. It feels like the floor - it is! The floor is tilting!! “Whoa!”
Everyone was screaming out again, crying, pleading, begging.
“WHERE IS THE CAPTAIN?!”
“WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE SHIP???”
“THE SHIP IS SINKING!!!”
One of Gary’s hands slammed to the floor as he slid against his will to the ship seeming to lean over! Trying to stop himself, he managed to look over to the side of the ship, and his heart stopped.
On the deck of the ship were several creatures, some pink , and others blue, but they looked so similar despite that. The tentacled creatures! The Jellicent that had been spoken about!
Shiny Pokemon? Gary wondered about the color differences.
The commotion and attacks that had been going on came to a stop, but several tentacles were gripping the floor of the ship, reaching from the outside of it, and seemed to be pulling the ship over!
People were still losing their minds over the footing they were losing.
“The scourges of the sea, Jellicent! I didn’t even know they were so populated in this region. You rarely see a Unova Pokemon out this far!”
Gary saw Chief Mate Arethe staring fearfully at the Jellicent.
Screams from outside of the ship were heard suddenly. The pleas and shouts from people were coming from the water!
The guys who jumped off! Gary remembered.
The Jellicent on the ship leaped off and into the water.
As the ship started tilting further, it became impossible to stand. Slowly, people started sliding over, crying, shouting, and complaining.
“Ugh!” Gary groaned as he finally slid to wall and stayed still, unable to move. “Electivire!”
Electivire was holding Raichu in his arms. He was able to use his full strength, all that he could to fight gravity and stay grounded and not slide over.
Raichu was crying openly in Electivire’s arms.
“Damn it,” Gary groaned angrily. “Why did I leave everything in my room?” He stared at the two Pokemon desperately. I could have at least saved these two from this. Gary struggled to get up, but gasped with horror as something wrapped around his body and he was swiftly taken into the air! He shrieked like a young girl over a roach. Or, perhaps like he himself would have over a bug. Gary was now in the grasp of a pink tentacle holding him several feet high over the ship.
Over the water.
Over everything!
Gary let out another terrified wail.
Electivire leered from far below.
“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIII!!” Raichu called out, reaching up for Gary. His cheeks started to spark.
“DON’T DO IIIIT!!” Gary pleaded. Tears started to fall out of his eyes quickly. “ALL I HAVE LEFT IS WHAT LITTLE ENERGY I’VE GOT!! ZAP ME AND I MIGHT DROWN!!”
“Rai?” Raichu’s cheeks stopped sparking.
“YOU GUYS!!” He stopped, unsure of what to order them.
The two stared back at him.
SPLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!!
The ship was now starting to sink, the side hitting the water first!!
Even Electivire could no longer keep his balancing act up and fell, sliding into the side of the ship.
“YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!” one woman shrieked as she fell over, out of the ship and into the ocean.
Gary was being brought down into the waters, crying. “My Pokemon!” My arms! Gary struggled to move his wrist to get his hand to grasp a Poke Ball. Any Poke Ball! But it was no use. He was getting closer and closer to another phobia of his. The water. He let out his fears, crying and breathing out sadly in defeat. This is it, Gary. Say your prayers, for real! Gary swung his eyes around, looking for any way out.
It was clear, from the ship starting to go under, the bodies, Pokemon and human alike falling out of the ship, and everyone begging and pleading for a way out, that there was no way to freedom.
Electivire did his best, Punching tentacle after tentacle with different elemental moves, but more would just rise up again to grasp the side of the ship and keep it going down. Soon, Electivire, up to his neck in water, was holding Raichu up high to keep him safe.
Raichu was weeping like a baby.
Gary actually found himself smiling as his feet hit the water and he kept going down. Look at you, Electivire, he thought. Keeping Raichu safe. You ain’t- Gary gasped as cold water got in his sneakers, and up his ankles. This is it! he understood as his jeans got soaked.
The ship was about a quarter down in the water now, almost entirely on its side.
More people were trying their luck with just jumping off the ship, but those who had tried that earlier were in the grasps of other Jellicent tentacles!
Gary was up to his chest now and sinking fast, soon after, up to his chin. He took a last glance at the ship as it sank further, Electivire and Raichu going under. The last thing he saw before taking in his last breath before water poured into his mouth, was something bursting out of the water from right next to him! Riolu?! were his last thoughts. Gary went under and shut his eyes.
Underwater, things were noisy, yet somehow silent. It was like an audibly-obstructed party. You couldn’t hear anything clearly, but you knew “it” was there.
His breath running out.
His time nearing its end.
Gary’s nose started burning as water filled it, and he decided to exhale. He prepared to take in his painful, suffocating, last breath underwater.
The water seemed to EXPLODE!!
Gary’s body was freed from the Jellicent’s grasp now! But he was forced under even deeper from the sudden blast, his body helpless against the pressure. His arms and legs were spread wide apart as his body moved backwards. Around him, he could hear things dropping and splashing. He kept his eyes shut out of fear of having water in them and tried to reach up and get to the surface, his arms and legs flailing frantically.
It was when Gary was smacked by something that he had to combat the urge to open his eyes by closing them tighter. His breath came out and he inhaled in surprise, choking out instantly. Shit!! No!! Gary panicked. This is really it!! His body going berserk from desperation to inhale air but instead taking in water, he did his best to stop breathing entirely and grabbed onto the subject for dear life. To his surprise, he felt himself ascending! He held tight onto whatever he had come across and he kept rising, his chest burning for air. Out of desperation to do something, his left arm and leg released whatever he was holding and flapped around on its own, his body going completely out of control and trying to survive! He swallowed and then choked out a final shout, his nostrils and lungs burning. Don’t inhale Gary!! he begged desperately, his life depending on it! DOOOON’T!!
He tried to just freeze his entire body, but in the effort to do just that, his body loosened, releasing whatever was taking him to the surface. He was unable to control this act. And then, against his will, he inhaled again! His last breath came out in anguish and pain, wailing and choking out, and to his surprise, he then took in air! His eyes popped open in shock! He could breathe! He had made it out! Choking his very life out of his throat until it was burning raw, he blinked repeatedly, trying to free his vision from the water. While he was out of the water, his breathing was as desperate and painful as if he were still drowning! He could have thrown up from how sick he felt, traumatized and shaky. His eyes widened at what he saw before him!
Multiple Riolu were standing atop the upright ship! Perhaps ten or so Riolu all stood in a line, their bodies outlined in red.
In front of the pack were Electivire and Raichu, dripping wet!
Raichu called out happily to Gary, his ears high.
Electivire leered at all the Riolu. With a grunt, he stared at Raichu for just a second and then turned to face the dark waters.
Raichu’s ears fell as he stared with wide, innocent eyes at Electivire.
There were Jellicent both in the water and atop the ship, facing against the Pokemon.
The water was littered with pieces of wood that seemed to have come from broken parts of the ship.
Along with that, all the passengers also seemed to be in the water with Gary, crying and trying to keep afloat, many gripping pieces of wood. A baby could even be heard screaming its head off.
Gary stared at the huge piece of wood he was holding and then gave his attention back to the Pokemon on the ship. They let go? The Jellicent don’t seem too happy. Where did all the Riolu come from? Is one of them mine?
Electivire formed fists and his horns sparked. “ELECTIVIIIIIIIIRE!!!” He tried to blast the Jellicent, but his Electric move moved over to Raichu instead!
Raichu closed his eyes momentarily while the attack lasted. He gave a shake when the attack was over.
“The Lightning Rod Ability!” Gary mentioned, still coughing out hard and trying to breathe properly.
“ELECTIVIRE!!” Electivire’s eyes glowed blue and instead, he took down a number of the Jellicent with Psychic instead, several of them falling back into the water.
“Riiiiiii!!” Collectively, all of the Riolu moved at once, their bodies coated in blue light. The same right eye twinkled, and their eyes glowed blue. With another shout, they blasted at the remaining Jellicent with blue energy!
“Did they just do Psychic attack??” Gary was confused, speaking with a beaten throat.
“The Riolu are using Copycat!” someone shouted.
Gary turned behind him and saw another man in a uniform!
His was red and black, and he even had a sailor’s cap to match it. “I saw it all myself,” he said in such a gruff growl of a voice with a frown that went along with it. “I swear it. The Riolu used Double Team. Then, when Electivire was puttin’ up a fight against the dastardly scourge that are the Jellicent, raising little Raichu high above himself, Electivire used his free arm to mistakenly use the Normal type move, Strength, against the eeeeevil Ghooooosts...”
Is this guy telling a sea tale or what? Gary questioned silently, frowning.
“I’ll tell ya, he was never more shocked, using the last of his breath tah try tah knock off the Jellicent, but instead going right through the demons. All hope was gone in his face. They were done for. They would be in Jaimie Stone’s Locker. Minutes from sleeping with the Finneon. Twenty-five thousand leagues under-”
“Okay, Captain! We get it!” a new voice yelled.
Gary turned and there was Chief Mate Arethe! Soaked through and through, he frowned at the captain. “Electivire’s Strength may have failed, but Riolu used Copycat at just the right time to mimic the move. The collective Strength of the Riolu was used to level the ship back. But the fight’s not over.”
The three turned to the Jellicent in the water.
Gary noticed that a couple of the Jellicent had slightly larger crowns atop their heads than the others.
“Electivire can’t shock them or he’ll hurt us all,” Gary stated, his chest heaving hard, but he could feel himself breathing better. “Oh, and Raichu’s Lightning Rod just makes it impossible either way.”
“Riolu’s doing a great job, but the copies will only attack the same target at once. It’s not as reliable to attack so many different opponents,” Chief Mate Arethe stated. “Riolu has done a great job, though. It’s well raised.”
Gary eyed the man quietly and then turned back to Riolu, nodding. Yeah... he thought.
“Ri! Ri!” the copies all urged Electivire.
Electivire didn’t speak, looking back at Riolu. After a little while, he turned to Gary and his eyes glowed blue.
Gary felt his body being gripped as it was coated in blue energy, and he was lifted out of the water! The child cried out, uncomfortable as he soared through the air and hovered over the ship. He was finally released and yelled out in pain as he was dropped hard. “You coulda done that a lot nicer,” he complained to Electivire.
“Electivire,” the Pokemon sneered.
“Thanks,” Gary grumbled and stood, rubbing his end. He smiled at Riolu and started rubbing his sore throat. “Thanks. You two are really working together. I can’t imagine how you got this guy to help me out of there, but thanks.” Making fists and narrowing his eyebrows, he turned back to the waters where the Jellicent remained.
Yelling angrily, they reached out again for the ship and latched on, tilting the ship all over again!
Gary stumbled, holding out his arms. “Damn it,” he croaked out and then coughed a little. “This again. We’ve gotta get rid of them.” He looked to Electivire and the pack of Riolu.
The Riolu were starting to disappear as the ship rocked, all of them moving around to the same rhythm to keep balanced.
Electivire was also trying to keep his ground.
How do we stop them all? I’ve gotta think. I’ve got to lead!
There was only the real Riolu left now, the clones all gone.
“Riolu! Use...” He pulled out his Pokedex and checked Riolu’s moves. Nothing looked too useful. In desperation, he looked to the three Pokemon. “Crap!” He fell over and started sliding down the tipping ship again.
“RI!” Riolu leaped after her Trainer. She landed beside him, holding onto him to give assistance as Gary got to his knees.
“Rai!” Raichu ran over to join Riolu.
“You guys...” Gary smiled, holding onto each Pokemon.
Some Jellicent were starting to slip over onto the ship and approach.
“Riolu! Jump into the air and use Double Team!” Gary decided, not having one clue of where he was going with this.
“Ri?” Riolu looked surprised.
He pointed ahead. “Goooo!” he insisted and then flinched from his aching throat.
Riolu got a determined face and leaped away from him, splitting into several different Riolu, glaring down at the Jellicent.
The Jellicent sent out multiple attacks, some being a water blasting move, others the more recognizable Shadow Ball.
A few of the Riolu clones vanished.
“Double Team! Keep going!” And then what?? Gary yelled at himself, knowing he was just trying to buy time. Am I the only one with Pokemon or what??
Before he could further question this, something leaped from the waters and landed on the ship. It was carrying another slug-ish animal in its arms and set it down. The two yelled out at the Jellicent.
Gary had trouble focusing on the new creatures, not knowing if they were friend or foe as he tried to order his Riolu into combat.
The two creatures then started attacking the Jellicent!
One leaped atop one and opened its huge jaws and snapped glowing fangs onto it!
The Jellicent screamed out and was then tossed by the jaws of the big animal, back into the water, before the creature lunged at another Jellicent!
The other creature was using a wide spray of something like brown dirt to knock back the Jellicent.
Gary pulled out his Pokedex.
Feraligatr. The Big Jaw Pokemon. The final stage of the Johto Starter, Totodile, and a Water type Pokemon. While its weight makes it unsteady at times and it can often be seen traveling on all fours to move better, its hind legs make it quick and agile for hunting prey and battling enemies. Once its jaws have clamped down on an opponent, it will never let go until the foe is defeated.
Gastrodon. The Sea Slug Pokemon and Shellos’ evolved stage. It is Water type and Ground type. Related closely to Shellder and the evolved form, Cloyster, it can be seen living on land, but does better in water as it can dehydrate very easily.
The two Pokemon were sending out attacks, keeping back the Jellicent and forcing them off the ship!
Rocking roughly, the ship straightened out again.
But how do we get rid of them? They’ll just jump back in! Gary looked to his multiple Riolu that were looking up at him, awaiting orders. He shook his head, no idea of what to do, and his eyes started to water. No... His head shaking got more determined. Canalave City! No! He could feel his heart beating more rapidly, pumping his veins with power, his mind with focus, and his brain with resolve. “We’re going to Canalave City, damn it!” He cleared his throat. “Come on, guys!!” And then, his eyes widened as his mouth dropped open in shock. Okay, if battling isn’t gonna do it, then we can do the next best thing!
Gary stood up and grabbed onto the edge of the ship, looking out at everyone below. He inhaled and grabbed a brand new Poke Ball from his pocket. Ready for the pain from his sore throat, he shouted, “EVERYONE!! HEEEEY!! IF WE CAN’T BEAT ‘EM!! CATCH ‘EM!!! HAAAAAAAA!!” With rage, Gary threw a Poke Ball at a pink Jellicent in the water.
The Jellicent cried out in shock as it was pulled in the ball, and the ball hit the water, going under.
There was silence as everyone, Pokemon and human alike, watched where the Poke Ball had vanished from.
It was moments later before, “YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” Every human in the water that was able to, started hurling Poke Balls like mad!
Gary watched in amazement as Jellicent after Jellicent were being forced into a Poke Ball! Just like the Raticate and Rattata, Gary remembered from the Jubilife Condominiums. He scooped up another Poke Ball, throwing it over the ship.
It hit another Jellicent and pulled it in before sinking.
Jellicent aren’t popping up, either! We’re really catching them! Gary realized.
At that thought, two beings in glowing white lights popped up out of the water. One blue Jellicent and a pink one. They had been unsuccessful catches!
“FERALIGATRRRR!!” Feraligatr yelled, and it jumped into the water!
The two Jellicent screamed out and fled!
The remaining Jellicent were also trying to get away, going underwater or swimming out into the distance.
Feraligatr didn’t go too far, snapping at the closest Jellicent before letting them escape.
Soon, everyone was cheering and clapping, glad it was all over.
Gary smiled down at everyone and turned to his Pokemon. “Hey, thanks, everyone. It looked a little hopeless out there, and I didn’t do my best on how to make things work, but, Riolu, you sure did! All on your own! With Strength, and working with Electivire. That was incredible! You saved us all!”
“Riii!” All of the Riolu looked up at Gary adoringly and then surrounded him. One by one, they vanished until only one remained, rubbing her head against Gary’s knee.
Gary knelt down and rubbed her head before staring to Electivire. “And you. You kept Raichu safe. You’re a real friend.”
“Eeeeel...” Electivire growled at Gary and turned from him.
“Raichu! Raichu!” Raichu called out to him.
Electivire seemed to spit out at his side, disregarding Raichu’s friendliness.
Raichu’s ears drooped, but he kept his smile, a sympathetic look in his eyes. “Rai Raichu.”
“HEY!” Gary realized something. “Lightning Rod! When I was zapped by you two. I couldn’t have been! So that blast I took that paralyzed me was just from you, Raichu?”
Raichu’s ears had perked up at Gary’s cry, but fell back down at Gary’s accusation and he rubbed the back of his head, smiling nervously. “Raichu... Rai...” He pointed at Electivire, shaking his head.
Gary squinted at Raichu, trying to put the pieces together. “Lightning Rod boosts your Special Attack, right? Or your Electric moves, when hit with electricity?”
Raichu’s ears perked up again and interest came over his face.
“I’ve really gotta look this up,” Gary admitted. He tightened his fists as he looked out to the sea, giving his surroundings a hardened look. June. We’re coming for you. I believe that in Canalave City is where all of our answers will be. Or at least enough of them. Enough to help you. Enough to find you. Enough to save you.
And if not, Gary continued on in his mind as flashing lights went off in the distance, sirens getting louder as they slowly got closer. If not, June. We have a final plan, don’t we? We have one more idea that might just put an immediate end to all of this for good. If it’s true...
“HEY! KID! I KNOW THE RESCUE BOATS ARE HERE BUT YOU COULD MAYBE USE SOME OF THAT PSYCHIC POWER TO PULL SOME OF US OUT OF THE WATER, TOO!!” a voice barked from the water. “IT’S COLD!! THERE’S A BABY OUT HERE FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!!”
Gary was ripped from his thoughts and shook his head. “OH! I’M SORRY!! Electivire, please!”
Electivire was sitting in the distance, his back to everyone.
Gary sighed and his head fell. Hearing the complaints and aggravation from the people in the water, Gary somehow was able to smile slightly at Electivire. He’s not so bad, you know, Gary told himself. And I guess, deep down, I always knew that.
At least, I first knew that, when I finally started to understand his relationship with Tyrogue...
The flashing lights were closer than ever, nearing the victims in the water, the sirens from the police boats blaring.