Hard Enough

Chapter 129: Interlude - The harmony of water - (2)

Chapter 129: Interlude - The harmony of water - (2)

Misty awoke with a loud yawn and a stretch. She smacked her lips and blinked away the sleep of the night to glance around the room. Forrest was still in the bed across the room from her. Ashs bed was atop Forrest as the top bunk, but despite that Ash was only half in the bed.

Since Pewter City, hed been trying to get into the habit of waking up early to train with his team. It was very hit-and-miss these days. Most of the time, it depended on Forrest.

"Urgh, five more minutes Brock! said Forrest as he turned over in his sleep.

Mum! No! Dont wash those! Theyre collectibles! said Ash in response.

Misty giggled and hopped up. One of the perks of not falling into the boys schedule was that she usually got the first call on the shower. She made sure to place a pillow over Pikachu to muffle the noise before traipsing into the shower, turning it on, and then slamming the door. The lock clicked, and she sighed in contentment.

"Hmmm, it must be time to wash my hair, she said to herself as she heard the boys rouse from their sleep. Ash then promptly tried to get in to use the toilet. Go use the public toilets! she shouted back at him, causing him and Forrest to scamper off.

She relaxed and enjoyed herself.

When she was done, she pointed out that both of the boys needed a shower themselves after all the running around and then told them to meet her at a nearby cafe. Come on Pikachu! she said, scooping the little mouse up with her before she gave him a sniff. Actually maybe you should stay with Ash

Pika! he said in shock.

Misty raised a hand and bowed her head. You did a lot of work yesterday! Im sure! It's just that you need some care as well! She reached into her bag and handed him a small travel-sized shampoo and conditioner bottle. Here use this; my sisters might be the worst, but they have the best beauty products! She winked conspiratorially. I stole it! Use it when youre in the shower.

Pikachu accepted the bottle and scampered after Ash. Misty turned and set off for the cafe shed noticed yesterday, only to notice, on approach, that a familiar face was already there and sipping on what looked like coffee.

Hey! Jessadia! Good morning!

Jessadia looked up blearily. Hmmm? Oh its you, hey Her eyes flickered to the other people with her. There was a blue-haired man in a fedora and heart-shaped sunglasses, and a Meowth. Why was this ringing bells? The Meowth lapped at a mug of milk with an odd smirk but then again, that was the face of most Meowth.

Uhm hello there? Misty said. Remember me, Im Misty? she said to the still-blinking Jessadia.

Jessadia smiled a little more. Sorry kid, I have trouble without at least two coffees in me.

The blue-haired man snorted. Please! You can barely call this coffee! The man glared at the server. I can hear you torturing that poor coffee machine! You arent meant to make the milk scream like that! You kiss it with air, not torture it! He took a sip of his drink, and his lip curled in disgust. "Honestly, Jess, I cant see how you drink that!

Jessadia turned to her friend. Forget him, hes a snob about this. As long as its black and gets me going in the morning, Im fine with it. She then took a large gulp of her black coffee.

Snrk! said the Meowth into his milk, while the blue-haired man giggled loudly.

Jessadia shot them a reproachful look. Oh, do grow up!

You said it, not me! said the man. He then directed a charming smile at Misty. Im Franko, a traveling freelance photographer and cafe pokenet critic.

Oh? Misty tilted her head. Was that an actual job? How do you make money off that?

Oh, advertising mostly, said Franko without missing a beat, only to shudder as Jessadia took another loud slurp of her coffee.

Anything good on the menu? Misty asked to make small talk while she waited for the boys and Pikachu to join them. When they did, Franko somehow grew a moustache Or Misty must not have noticed it when she approached. Yeah, that made more sense.

Pikachu and Meowth got into a strange staring contest for a while before Pikachu flicked his head and a stray breeze rippled through his extremely shiny fur. Meowth had gaped and leaned in to brush his paw through his own fur. It wasnt as glossy. He then returned to staring at how soft and fluffy Pikachu now was. Misty giggled; it was cute watching the pair of them act like that.

When the boys had ordered, Misty sat close to the other group. Ash tilted his head. Howd you two become friends again? he said in that clueless way that let Misty just know that Ash hadnt been listening for the last half an hour.

Misty rubbed her forehead. Urgh, how to describe this in a way Ash would get it? She considered grunting a little and saying something like, Ugh, me misty go beach, clean beach with nice girl, make good chat, catch pokemon together, ugh! Buuuuuut she knew that all Ash would get from that was that theyd each caught a new pokemon.

We both caught a Tentacool together.

Oh, said Ash, only to pause and tilt his head. I think Ive heard of that before? Does that make you Tentacool sisters? A server slipped, causing a bunch of glasses to hit the ground, and Franko, Jessadia, Meowth, and Forrest all choked on their drinks.

Jessadia shot Ash a furious scowl. Ugh! No! No, were not that! Franko and Meowth tittered at her reaction. Forrest blushed furiously.

Misty frowned, unsure what was going on but knowing it obviously wasnt good. Forrest wouldnt meet her gaze, and Misty got a sneaking suspicion as to why that was. She flexed her fists just in case her intuition was right.

Ash, now well-trained, sat back and raised his hands, knowing he needed to apologise for something hed done. "Sorry, I just thought it made sense!

Well just dont bring it up again, she said, still not sure what she was reprimanding him for but knowing that she was right to do so.

Jessadia shot her an approving nod.

Before any more conversation could be had, an electronic shriek ran through the cafe.

Everyone grimaced before the speakers returned to a simple drone, indicating they were about to transmit something.

"Attention, people of Porta Vista! My name is Nastina! You know me for my desire to develop our humble little Town into a proper destination of desire like other major cities these days! Sadly, I have faced a large number of setbacks of late! You may not have heard but a swarm of vicious Tentacool have brazenly begun attacking my peaceful construction of the Nastina Grande Aquatic Resort!

There was a moment of silence for people to process this. This is going to affect all of us deeply! Without the new resort, the money wont flow into the community like we all want. For construction to continue, we need to deal with the Tentacool that are menacing our shared dream.

The server chuckled, and a few other locals rolled their eyes.

So! To incentivise the brave citizens and any pokemon trainers of skill and vision! I am going to reward ten thousand pokedollars to those that help me remove the Tentacool menace!

That had everyone in the cafe suddenly giving the loudspeakers in the street much more interest. Misty chewed her lip. It was certainly a lot of money, but surely the Tentacool werent just attacking the construction site. That didnt make much sense to her. Tentacool were typically rather calm pokemon.

Ten thousand pokedollars! If you wish to partake in this, then report to the town square by ten oclock sharp! Remember! Ten thousand pokedollars!

A number of people in the cafe checked their watches and stood to make their way out of the shop, only for the chef to come out and remind those that hadnt paid that they still had to. Ash crossed his arms and frowned. Thats a lot of pokedollars

Franko nodded. Enough to keep everyone in gravy for a year at least, and to a clever individual, some luck with a shares portfolio, and you can coast by on that for even longer.

So what youre saying is that it would last me a month? Jessadia said with a wry smile.

Precisely! said Franko.

Jessadia nodded, stood, and waved a hand in Mistys direction. "Well, I guess that means we need to head to the town square. Later~ she said only for Misty to stand.

You cant honestly be willing to fight all those Tentacool like that, can you?

Jessadia shrugged. Its not going to be too many of them; I imagine Nastina has a lot of trainers coming with an offer like that.

Misty grimaced. That was true. She licked her lips and considered what else she could say. This didnt sit right with her.

She was interrupted by the chef snorting loudly. Youre not going to get ten thousand pokedollars. Not from someone like Nastina. Shes a pokepenny pincher, always has been, always will be. She might give away ten thousand, sure, but shes not giving away ten thousand to each trainer that takes part. Shes merely setting the price and driving up interest.

Frankos love heart sunglasses slid down his nose, and Meowth gaped in shock. Jessadia rounded on the man, You mean to tell me shes swindling us I mean those people?!

The chef snorted. One hundred percent guaranteed swindle.

How dare she! said Jessadia and Franko together. Franko picked Meowth up onto his shoulders and stormed out. Jessadia paused in the doorway. Misty? You coming? Were going to protest that woman!

Misty opened her mouth, only to have no idea what she should say. A dry wheeze escaped her, and she slumped. Sure, she said. It wasnt how she would have wanted to get it, but at the end of the day it was support?

Does anyone else feel like they know those guys? Ash said as they walked along behind Jessadia and Franko.

Never met them before! Forrest said with a shrug as Misty shook her head.

Pikachu facepalmed. Pika!

The group walked their way into the town square only to find it backed up with little room to move with all the people standing around within. More than a few had already released pokemon and Misty found herself watching a few powerful-looking pokemon such as the Machoke, or Poliwrath flexing at each other as their trainers glared. A few more pokemon were released, and Forrest hissed.

This isnt good. Misty shot him a look and he elaborated. Brock was always saying stuff like packing too many pokemon trainers into any area is a recipe for disaster. With the surge, he has had to increase the patrols for Pewter. Im not sure whos supposed to be looking after this region but they need Nastina to send out this crowd or deal with a lot of fights breaking out. Or worse

Worse how? Franko said, glancing over at them.

Im not sure. Something about people finding their own trouble Forrest glanced aside sheepishly. Misty considered that it sounded right, and if Forrest was quoting Brock, it must have been from experience.

Doesnt that mean if we get Nastina to hold off while we investigate, there will be further issues? Jessadia pointed out.

Misty stiffened. But! No! We still need to see whats causing the Tentacool to act this way!

Maybe we can organise a pokemon tournament to stop them while we investigate? Ash rubbed his chin and nodded sagely.

Misty shot him a look and opened her mouth to shoot him down, only for Forrest, Franko, and Jessadia to nod. That could work. Misty snapped her jaw shut and turned away. Alright, so Ash could be right occasionally.

Lets get through to Nastina! she said pointing to the stage which had a bunch of men in speedos standing around with small fans waving them in the face of a woman.

Misty led the group through the throng of people. On the way, she had to squirm, squeeze, and slip through the press of bodies. She kept her eyes straight ahead on the podium throughout it all. She really didnt want to know what she touched on the way through. Thered been soft bits and hard bits and just she shuddered and checked on Ash and Forrest, who had green expressions, while Pikachu patted Ash on the head.

Alright, she really didnt want to know what shed pushed through now. Franko emerged, leading an outraged-looking Jessadia.

Hirsute doesnt cover it! That man was a Slaking in disguise, I swear! she said with a growl.

Ash and Forrest shuddered, and Misty discreetly wiped some black hair off her shoulders. She did not want to know.

Alright, we're here! Misty said, marching around the side of the podium to find a rather short, old woman with pigtail hair being fanned by yet more men in speedos.

Eh? What gives? You trainers that cant wait for the order to move out, eh? I like your enthusiasm!

Misty bowed hurriedly and adopted an apologetic tone. Im terribly sorry, but actually Im a water type specialist, and I happen to know a thing or two about Tentacool having grown up around the waters of Cerulean, you see?

Nastina raised a dubious, unwaxed eyebrow, And?

Well, Tentcool wouldnt act like this, you see? Not unless something of theirs was being threatened? The hotel must have disturbed something in its construction!

The hotel disturbed nothing! I purchased that land and have been developing it for my purse! Nastina said only to twitch, I mean! For the purpose of developing Porta Vista! she said. Franko and Jessadia shot her flat looks, while Misty continued to smile apologetically.

But perhaps we can talk with them instead of attacking them?

No! This has been going on for months now! I might have been willing to entertain them back then, but this ends now! Nastina stood and shoved her cane in Mistys face. And no environmentalist is going to get in my way!

But

NO BUTS! snapped Nastina. She glared at the others. Are you all a bunch of environmentalists looking to get in the way of progress? Eh?! she said with a jerk of her chin.

Misty swallowed and was about to open her mouth when Jessadia stepped forward. Actually, were professional exterminators, you could say! She stepped forward, and Misty felt her heart lurch in betrayal.

Franko followed Jessadia with a smooth step. Indeed! You see, this isnt just a problem, but an opportunity! Youre only clearing out a troublesome group of pokemon when you could be doing so much more!

Misty couldnt believe them! She gaped and clenched her fists as Nastina considered Jessadia and Franko. She nodded her head. You you are someone I can work with; come talk with me. She gestured for them to follow her into a tent around the side as the men wearing speedos began to push Misty, Forrest, and Ash away.

Hey! Watch where youre touching! Misty said, glaring at the pair as they walked away with Nastina.

As Jessadia entered the tent, the older woman turned and locked eyes with Misty. She winked, and Misty stiffened. What did that mean? Was Jessadia just playing with her all this time, like her sisters sometimes would?

Urgh! It just goes to show that you should never trust older women!

They always disappointed her!

Misty broke away from the insistently pushing men and growled. Alright! Were going! she said marching to the edge of the crowd. Well, that didnt go so well, she admitted, slumping her shoulders.

Forrest patted her back. Dont worry, with this many trainers, it most likely will just have the Tentacool fading back. Thats what Geodude and Onix do when too many trainers gather together.

Misty sighed and shot Forrest a halfhearted smile. Forrest, Tentacool arent like Geodudes and Onix. That might have been the case if this were a swarm of Goldeen or even Starmie. Tentacool are known as gangsters of the sea, and theyre not going to back down. It will be a fight.

Guess it will depend on how many trainers there are and how many Tentacool there are, Ash said with a nod.

If people get in danger, I can call Surge. Forrest raised his transceiver.

If people get in danger!? Misty bristled. People are the ones causing this problem!

Forrest raised his hands. I just meant people that werent involved Youre right! This is something that people like Nastina are stirring up.

Not like! This is Nastina herself! Misty slammed a fist into her palm. We need to find a way to stop her! Maybe we can see if she did anything illegal!

Forrest rubbed his chin. I think I remember something about when Brock was building the Gym about lodging a complaint to the league if the facility impacted local pokemon But thats only possible to be addressed before the building is completed. Once it's done the League is a lot less bothered What if she was trying to force this through before the building inspectors were due to come?

Mist danced on the spot. That will work! Do you know anyone in the League? We can call them Sadly, whatever plan Misty was coming up with was disrupted by Nastina herself stepping up onto the stage with Jessadia, Franko, and her gaggle of fit men in speedos.

Thank you, thank you! No need to cheer! Thank you! said the horrid little woman. Thank you for gathering so quickly! For those of you asking, I have the money available once the job is complete!

She shot them all a smirk before coughing. Now! I expect to see the waters around my hotel clear of the Tentacool menace so construction can finish! She waved a hand towards a group of builders who looked annoyed and were standing around with Machoke.

Misty grinned. Forrest had been right; she was trying to force it through before the League got involved. She leaned over to him. Forrest! We need to call a League official!

Forrest coughed. Yeah, about that? I dont know anyone! I know Brock, Sabrina and Surge. And from what I remember, the League arent quick to assign people. If were going to do something, we need to stall for time!

if that fails! We have a backup option! Nastina said with an evil smirk. She swept her hand to the side, and her boy toys swept aside a sheet that had been trundled out while Misty was talking with Forrest to reveal a lot of barrels with toxic symbols all over them.

Misty blinked when a Meowth was revealed along with the barrels. It had something in its mouth with lots of Ss all over it.

Well poison them out with this! Nastina crowed.

Tentacool are water-poison types, you idiot! screamed Misty, only for the crowd to shout and clamour their approval at taking on less risk.

Nastina grinned and swept a hand toward the distant water hotel. With that said! Get to it! Pay will be distributed at the end of the day!

The crowd roared their approval once more and leapt into action, charging towards the beach, where a number of different pokemon were released to dive down or bombard the water. In more than a few cases, friendly fire broke out, and the trainers got into squabbles.

Misty growled as the water line became a white, frothy mess as water pokemon were dragged to the top of the water. We need to do something! she said through clenched teeth.

We already did something, said a silky voice that had Misty whirling about and glaring at its owner.

You! Youre a traitor! she spat out towards Jessadia.

Jessadia reeled back for a moment before shaking her head. I am no traitor! I was just going undercover and gaining Nastinas trust.

Along with learning where she kept her cash, muttered Franko. Jessadia punched him into silence, but Misty continued to glare.

Yeah? So what? And what are you going to do with that knowledge?

Franko opened his mouth again, only for Jessadia to smother it. What were going to do, Misty, she said tightly. Is sabotage her poison barrels with an agent that will make it so that she doesnt kill off all the non-poison type pokemon around. She raised an empty canister that read Super Secret Stun Sauce along the sides. This will knock them out instead of killing them.

Misty raised a finger and blinked. She hadnt thought about them She blinked in surprise. Oh, good idea.

Jessadia huffed. Were not eco-terrorists after all.

Franko nodded and said something about Magma and Aqua but Misty ignored him, choosing to swallow the suddenly overwhelming feeling of relief that Jessadia hadnt turned out like Misty coughed once before speaking, We worked out what we can do to help stop this, but we need to get the League involved.

I dont think we even have time for that, Ash said, looking out to the ocean.

The group, as one, turned their heads only to see a sea filled with red gems and more were rising up by the moment. The trainers that had started to fight with the various types of water pokemon on the beach and the people out on the water suddenly found themselves in a much more precarious position.

Oh dear Misty said.

Moments later, the trainers responded by releasing every pokemon they had on them. Misty could only watch as the beach became a chaotic mess where trainers scrabbled to send out more and more pokemon and call out orders.

For each pokemon that got off an attack, twenty Tentacool returned the attacks.

Oh no, Misty said as trainers began to fight each other, and the beach became a frantic bustle to gain room that saw trainers and pokemon spilling over into each other and fouling each other up. All while the Tentacool emerged and began to counterattack, having been stirred into action.

Misty felt her heart clench. So many trainers and pokemon were being hurt.

Shit! Alright, boys! Fire off the poison! Nastina shouted as her boys loaded up a barrel of poison into what looked like a catapult that a trio of Machoke had hurriedly made up. Misty could see other Machoke quickly making more even as she locked onto Nastina.

Misty ran up and spread her arms out wide. Stop this! Cant you see that youre just causing more problems by fighting them like this!

Never! Im not giving up my payday! Thats the most important thing in life! Taking whats yours! Learn well, girl! Good girls never end up first! She chopped her hand, and a barrel was launched. Load up and fire another! screamed Nastina.

Misty released her Starmie and pointed. Blast it Starmie! Starmie fired a powerful Water Gun straight into the catapult causing it to shatter.

Hey! Nastina cried, whirling about to face Misty. You little brat! Youre going to pay for that!

Misty glared at the woman. First or last doesnt matter when you drag everyone around you down to a level of horrible that is worse than we were before! Starmie stood tall and Misty prepared herself to fight, only for Ash, Pikachu, Forrest, Franko, and Jessadia to step up beside her.

Feh! Nastina said, pointing to the barrel still falling to the ocean. One catapult destroyed isnt going to be enough! And no punks or pokemon are going to stop me!

Just as she finished speaking the barrel disappeared behind the crowd near the beach. It went unnoticed by all.

What happened next was noticed by all, however, as an explosion of light erupted from the ocean, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and look.

They could do nothing but look as the light grew, up, and up, and up.

And then, when it stopped, a giant was revealed.

Misty felt her mouth go dry and her heart hitch as she stared at the titanic figure. Shed thought that some of the pokemon shed seen at Brocks Gym were big, and to be fair his Onix was huge but this was taking it to another level.

The Tentacruel screeched, and Misty clenched her hands to her ears as pain swept through her. The trainers closer to it on the beach collapsed as blood poured from their ears. The pokemon, seeing their trainers injured, reacted in one of two ways.

The first way was to grab their trainer and sprint away from the danger.

The second was to turn and unleash anything and everything they had towards the pokemon that had injured their trainer.

The Tentacruel responded to this by summoning a gigantic wave of water, easily the largest Surf shed ever witnessed in her life, to absorb the attacks.

Misty watched as some of the pokemon dug deeper. Suddenly, Hyper Beams and powerful Electrical attacks arced forward to blast into the Tentacruel only for it to raise a tentacle and a ribbon of water to form up around its body.

Aqua Ring. Misty gaped at the powerful pokemon regenerating in front of her eyes as the pokemon that had attacked it struggled to regather their energy.

It was then that the pokemon were reminded that it wasnt just the lone titanic Tentacruel attacking them, as the Tentacool swarmed forward. They rose on another wave that rose with a gesture of the Tenacruels tentacle.

It seemed like the pokemon were now fighting against nature itself.

Some of the trainers regathered themselves enough to scream for their pokemon to get out. Pokeballs came out and recalled them.

Some of them did so.

Other trainers staggered in the face of the onrushing wave, still too dazed or injured to understand what was going on as the wave crashed onto them.

Gigantimax Forrest said dazedly.

Misty glanced at him. What?

Forrest licked his lips. Thats thats a Gigantimax I thought Brock was kidding when he told us stories of pokemon being able to grow so much larger and more powerful though

Jessadia surged forward and shook Forrest. You knew about this?

It was just stories! I thought it was Brock telling fanciful stories to Suzie, Bobby, Billy, and Tilly!

Jessadia tsked. Well, it looks like he wasnt joking. Any way to stop it?

Knock it out? Forrest said uncertainly. Only for another wave to rise and sweep into the town proper. Look out! he shouted, releasing his Onix. PROTECT! he shouted as his pokemon curled around them and formed a gigantic protective barrier.

The wave crashed into the barrier and was absorbed, taking the danger away from the group but others were still swept up. Misty could see a number of buildings break in the face of the powerful wave.

Jessadia swallowed. I really hope Meowth is alright

Hell land on his feet, plus he knows how to stay dry, Jess, dont worry! Franko said, putting a hand on her shoulder as the pair stared into the churning water.

Ash blinked. Oh! You had Meowth tamper with the poison, didnt you! he said as Pikachu facepalmed.

Forrest hurriedly started playing with his transceiver. Damn it, we need help! What can we Brock! Hell know what to do!

The transceiver barely had a chance to ring before it connected. Hi! This is Brocks message bank! Im busy right now! If you have a me

Damn it Brock! screamed Forrest as he tried to call again only for it not to go through again. Damn it! How can you not answer right now of all times! Forrest shouted at his transceiver and the image of Brock that was displayed.

Jessadia coughed delicately. With how quickly it timed out I dont think hes in service range right now that or his transceiver might be disconnected for some reason.

Forrest clapped his hands together and inhaled quickly as, around them, the water from the wave began to recede. Alright! Youre right no point freaking out! I know Ill call Sabrina! Shed come quicker anyway!

He toggled another number, only to get a short. Leave a message, said a girls voice with a flat monotone.

Jessadia hummed. Same problem.

Ash tilted his head. Its impressive that you know what it means, when the call doesnt go through like that. Jessadia coughed at that while Franko sniggered something about being a telemarketer once.

Misty ignored them, instead her eyes were turned towards the gigantic Tentacruel that was raging at the various pokemon still putting up a fight on what used to be the beach as trainers tried to rescue people and pokemon and get out.

She could feel something there. Something that shed felt once or twice at Brocks Gym.

Not not in the same way, this felt more right.

It seemed more like it clicked with her specifically. It didnt feel hard and unmovable, but rather like it was cool and flowing. Like it was the force that connected the world.

Misty put a hand to her heart as certainty filled her and the protect shell vanished.

Misty stepped forward, clutching at the feeling within her chest. This was just like yesterday with Tentacool. She needed to reach out, connect, and ease the pain. To let the storm calm.

She stepped forward as she heard Forrests transceiver finally connect.

Surge! Its Forrest; we need your help right now! he shouted.

Misty didnt listen to what was being said. She just knew she needed to act, or shed regret this moment for the rest of her life.

And so she ran forward, towards the fighting. She moved through the water and even though there were hundreds, if not thousands, of places her foot would sink or slip, she knew where she could walk due some strange feeling of rightness

She got to the beach in time to hear Forrest scream of fear chase after her as she leapt into the water. It churned around her but Misty wasnt afraid. Not of the water. She kicked hard with her legs and twisted her whole body to propel herself through the water. She saw a number of trainers and pokemon still in the water.

She broke through the water and scrambled onto a broken pier that was still poking out of the water line. With a flick of her hands, she released all of her pokemon and gestured back at the water. Save them, she said simply to her team.

All of her team, bar Squirtle leapt into the water. Squirtle stared from her to the titanic Tentacruel with huge eyes. Squirt!

Misty knelt and put a hand on the little water types face. The feeling in her heart grew at the touch, and somehow Misty knew what she needed to do after this would come easier. Thanks for being worried Squirtle, but Im going to be fine. Those people and pokemon arent. Please, save them. And trust me once again.

Squirtle nodded slowly and stared from her to the Tentacruel. Squirtle toddled into the water, looking back as he did so. Misty turned back to the Tentacruel, that even now was about to step over and enter the city.

She knew she had to stop it, if it entered the town proper, there would be no solution that wouldnt be bloody.

With the knowledge of what failure would entail, Misty shoved the idea of defeat out of her mind and put her hands to her heart, drawing forth the feeling within.

She felt herself connect with the ocean in a way shed only ever experienced as a dream.

She felt the waves, the salt and water. The coral reefs. And the pokemon. Around her, the armada of Tentacool and lone Tentacruel stilled.

They all turned their eyes towards her. Misty swallowed her fear and began to speak.

PLEASE! STOP THE FIGHTING!

She barely remembered what happened next, it seemed to pass her by in a blur. The pokemon in front of and around her stopped, though. They felt her and her intentions. They spoke not through their words but through their energy.

Misty spoke to them, and they listened, when they spoke to her, she listened in turn. Both sides of the equation communicated in a way that was more than just talking.

When it was done the Tentacruel swiped a tentacle through the water line, and Misty knew that no more construction would be tolerated beyond that point. That the humans had taken enough.

She conveyed her own agreement, and the pokemon nodded before turning and leading the swarm of more than a thousand Tentacool back into the water.

The Tentacruel wadded deeper and deeper into the water, but just before its eyes went below the water line, it turned and locked eyes with Misty.

It didnt say anything, but Misty knew what it meant.

She nodded her head. Well remember this as well Dont worry. Ill make sure they remember.

The Tentacruel nodded once more and slowly disappeared into the water.

Misty watched it go. Then she swallowed. Her mouth suddenly seemed dry. She turned, only to find a crowd watching her in stunned silence. She could see Forrest staring at her like hed never seen her before. Ash, Jessadia, and Franko were all gaping at her. In Jessadias hands a bedraggled Meowth was shivering, a suitcase held in his hands firmly. Misty could see other trainers that had been in the town square.

She blinked in surprise, only for Ash to raise his hands and wave at her.

MISTY! THAT WAS INCREDIBLE! he shouted.

That broke the silence, and before Misty could realise what was happening, she had an entire crowd of people shouting and applauding her name. She smiled widely and waved.

Then she heard something heavy hit the pier, and Misty staggered. She turned to see what had hit it only to find a giant of a man standing over her. He had gelled-up blond hair and a megawatt grin. His skin was tan, but with how close he was, Misty could see a number of scars all over his arms.

Lt Surge grinned down at her. Little Miss, Ive seen some crazy things in my time, and that just now? Easily top three. He put a hand on her shoulder. I used to think water-type specialists were all weak woo-woo types. Then he rubbed his chin. Well apart from your gramps that is he shook his head and chuckled.

Misty felt her eyebrow twitch. What was a woo-woo type? Youre not very good at complimenting people are you?

Surge chuckled. Im a pro, he said, winking at Jessadia, who was standing on the beach and who blinked in surprise. She then looked over her shoulder as though Surge would be hitting on someone else. Misty sighed and shook her head.

Surge rolled his shoulders, But seriously, I aint never seen someone calm down a rampaging pokemon like that. Never like that. That was impressive as all shit. He stepped back and adopted a serious pose, his heels clicking together and his back going ramrod straight. He swept his hand up into a salute, and Misty stared. Shed never had anyone salute her before.

Youre a credit to Kanto young Miss! he said before relaxing. You seriously impressed me, ask me a favour and Ill think about granting it. He then leaned down and gained a more serious look. But Im also going to need a debrief to find out what happened here.

Misty swallowed. She got the impression that wasnt going to be an easy process. She glanced to where her pokemon were at work saving people.

Maybe after we save everyone in danger first? she said hesitantly.

Surge glanced at the water and nodded. Right you are!

He stood and inhaled before shouting in a voice that swept over the entire beach. What are all of you yuppies looking at! A hero?! Damn straight, but there are people in danger! I want people with water pokemon on rescue! I want people with flying types doing search and rescue! Only got pokemon that can walk or crawl? There are wrecked buildings! Get searching!

Misty stared, as Surge took control in what she could only call a drill sergeants voice. It brooked no dissent, and Surge had people running within moments. Only, they didnt run into each other and somehow formed lines and orderly ranks at his urging.

Misty found herself caught up in the action of helping out. Surge however, for all his bluster and size, didnt forget about her.

Surge swept in a few times over the next few minutes to check in on her as he made sure others were working in certain sectors of the beach. With her water pokemon she dove down to rescue more whoever she could. Lanturn surprised her by being faster than her a few times to reach people, but then again, Surge probably trained his pokemon to be that fast.

During a small break where she was floating in the water and regathering her breath, she heard a small trill come from next to her. She turned and found the tiny Horsea from yesterday.

Hey there, little one! The small Horsea lifted its head and tapped into her before looking down at her pokeballs. Yoooou, want to go with me?

Horsea nodded and Misty blushed. It was strange to be this popular; shed caught two pokemon in as many days, which was crazy. She raised a pokeball and Horsea lunged into it to take the first spot.

She giggled to herself, only to shake her head when Squirtle brought up a bedraggled-looking Arbok. She could celebrate later, she needed to focus.

An hour later, once things had settled and as many people were out of danger as they could be, Surge returned. He set out a few seats for Misty and her friends, then grabbed another and sat reverse in it. Then he pointed right at her.

Alright, now, talk, he commanded.

And talk she did.