Chapter 158. Sea-Crossing Service
"I didn't expect that coming back to Vermilion City would be for something like this."
Inside the Vermilion City Pokémon Center, Misty drooped her head.
She didn't even want to hold up her umbrella and just huddled next to Honora.
"Don't say that, Misty.
It means that even though I lost that day, I still earned recognition!"
Ash Ketchum was as upbeat as ever, still basking in the joy of being invited by Mewtwo.
They all knew the inviter wasn't actually the world's number-one Pokémon Trainer, but everyone had seen that one's strength.
If he could seize the chance to battle them, that would be amazing too.
"I don't think so."
Misty shivered.
"There's been heavy rain these last few days.
Wear more layers," Honora reminded her.
"That's not what I mean."
Misty shook her head.
That strange purple Pokémon had left her with a real psychological shadow.
Its body gave off a very strong "non-living" feeling.
They entered the Vermilion City Pokémon Center and went to the front desk, only to find it wasn't Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy of Vermilion City—I never imagined you'd have a hobby of cosplaying as Officer Jenny!
What did I do to deserve witnessing such a sight?"
Brock felt like he'd arrived in heaven and discovered a new continent.
"What are you talking about?
I'm Vermilion City's Officer Jenny!"
Officer Jenny stared at Brock, baffled.
"Huh?
Then where's Nurse Joy here?"
Ash leaned in, curious.
"Sigh, we want to know that too."
Officer Jenny sighed, clearly troubled.
She pointed to a bulletin nearby.
It was a missing-person notice for Nurse Joy.
"Unforgivable—someone actually dared to kidnap Nurse Joy!"
Brock took one look and was furious.
"Wait, Nurse Joy is missing.
That's important.
Shouldn't you be out searching right away?"
Honora asked, puzzled.
"I know, but a flood of Trainers suddenly showed up."
Looking weary, Officer Jenny led them to the cafeteria area, which was packed.
"All these Trainers claim they received an invitation from the 'world's number-one Pokémon Trainer' to come to Vermilion City to cross the sea…"
"The Pokémon Center is really short-staffed, so we Officers Jenny have to pitch in."
Officer Jenny waved a hand, her tone full of helplessness.
"Ah… so this many people got invitations."
Ash muttered.
After saying goodbye to Officer Jenny, they finally found an empty spot and sat down to rest.
"Oh my—after asking around, every single one of these Trainers has collected eight Badges!"
Brock came over carrying a tray of sandwiches.
"There are still two and a half months until the Indigo Plateau Conference, and just here there are nearly a hundred Trainers with entry qualifications."
"Ash, the pressure might be on," Brock reminded.
"Yeah, yeah.
There's a thunderstorm today, so the ships probably won't sail.
Why don't we head back and continue special training?"
Misty suggested.
As soon as she finished, the Pokémon Center's big screen switched to an employee of the Vermilion City shipping company.
"We apologize to all Trainers waiting at the Pokémon Center.
Due to thunderstorm conditions, ships out of Vermilion City will not sail for the next two days."
"We apologize to all Trainers waiting at the Pokémon Center…"
The announcement played on a loop, and many people began to groan and complain.
"Hmph, called it.
Let's go back!"
Misty planted her hands on her hips, smug.
"No way.
If so many strong Trainers were invited, there must be powerful opponents waiting for me on that island!"
"Pika!"
Ash was fired up, and Pikachu raised its little paw in support.
"Hmph.
Even without ships, I've got a way.
Go, Blastoise!"
One Trainer strode out.
A Blastoise appeared in the surging sea, and he stepped onto its shell and skimmed across the waves.
"Go, Fearow!"
"Go, Gyarados!"
Most people gave up because of the announcement, but several Trainers chose to press on no matter what.
"Awesome!
That's the spirit of charging straight ahead!"
Ash was thrilled—then realized only Misty had Water-type Pokémon that could carry lots of people.
"Everyone, it's dangerous!"
Officer Jenny ran after them, but she still couldn't stop the few Trainers dead set on heading to the island.
"Misty—"
Ash looked at her pleadingly.
"What are you imagining?
Our Water-type Pokémon can't handle carrying people that far."
Misty rolled her eyes.
"I think we should listen to Officer Jenny and head back."
Ash lowered his head.
Did they really have to go back?
"Natsume, what are you doing?"
Ash suddenly noticed that Natsume had been silently staring at his phone this whole time.
When he leaned in, he saw Natsume was using a Rotom Phone app that looked like a ticket-grabbing service.
"No way—someone's willing to sail in a thunderstorm?"
Everyone crowded around, speechless.
"Human ships won't do.
Nobody said Pokémon can't."
Natsume waved it off.
Only then did they see the app's full name:
Petalburg Shipping—Kanto Division.
"What's that?"
Ash was all curiosity.
"The Hoenn region.
A sea-freight company founded by a Gym Leader."
Natsume gave a simple explanation.
"When extreme weather or environments prevent ships from traveling, you can only rely on Pokémon power to get through."
"And if you don't have suitable Pokémon and can only stare helplessly, you can rent them in this Rotom Phone app."
"Oh, that makes sense.
Some sea-dwelling Pokémon really are better than ships at traveling in storms."
Honora nodded.
"Let me guess—it's the Water-type Gym in Hoenn, right?"
Misty spoke, and a thought sprouted in her mind.
This seemed more lucrative than doing water ballet…
"I'm not sure.
This was co-developed by Hoenn and Sinnoh over the past decade."
Natsume didn't know the specifics.
He only knew that when he'd come all the way from Sinnoh to Kanto, this sea-freight Pokémon rental app had helped a lot.
After a short wait, the sea-crossing service Natsume booked arrived quickly.
A Pokémon with a blue body and round, raised knobs on the shell of its back appeared before them.
"This is…"
Ash pulled out the Pokédex.
"Lapras, the Transport Pokémon.
It likes to ferry people across the sea."
"Wow, Lapras!"
Misty's eyes shone.
In some regions, Lapras receive specialized training and are used as sea expresses.
But they weren't available yet in Kanto, making them relatively rare here.
She had dreamed of having one.
Though she'd been the most unwilling in words, Misty was the first to hop onto Lapras's back.
"Ah!"
Once she landed, she realized there were already a few Pokémon on top and was startled.
"Bibarel—"
In an instant, four fluffy heads popped out.
They had a pair of big incisors and chubby, sturdy bodies.
They stood on two feet, and their bodies were covered in short fur.
Most striking of all were their wide, flat tails.
"Bibarel, the Beaver Pokémon.
The evolved form of Bidoof.
It's famous for its industriousness."
Enjoyed the story? Support me and get access to early chapters by joining my Patreon!
Find me at: Patr*eon*.com/Resium
Free members can read 10+ Chapters Ahead of Release
Paid member can read 150+ Chapters Ahead of Release
Stories Available
Honkai? No, This Is Daily Life
Hogwarts Pet Master
Pokémon: Who Let Him Leave Pallet Town!
Scrolling Yu-Gi-Oh! Shorts