Death Island was vast, a complex mosaic of volcanoes, forests, lakes, and snowy peaks. Feng Che was currently only in a corner of the outer forest, but thanks to the heavy flooding, he traveled smoothly toward the lake without any natural obstacles.
The island was dotted with lakes, and this time Feng Che was exploring the one closest to the forest. According to the map left by the previous owner, this lake was rumored to be guarded by a Milotic.
The surface of the lake shimmered under the sun as Goldeen, Magikarp, and Lotad played. They puffed out streams of water, creating rainbows in the mist.
"Rookidee, scout the perimeter. Ditto and I are going under," Feng Che commanded. Ditto took a deep breath and dove headfirst into the lake.
The bottom was lush with vibrant green water plants. Sunlight filtered through the water, casting a brilliant azure glow. Feng Che spotted a cluster of herbs that looked like aquatic gourds.
"So much Water-Spike Grass! We hit the jackpot."
Water-Spike Grass could treat severe burns and had incredible skin-healing properties for both Pokémon and humans—its effects were even more potent than Rawst Berries. Feng Che patted Ditto's head and gestured for a harvest.
Ditto's tail turned silver-white. With a swift flash of Iron Tail, it sliced through a row of the tough stalks with surgical precision. Feng Che gathered the plants and continued swimming deeper.
Not far ahead, a Cloyster was lazily nibbling on seaweed. A silver key hung prominently from its central horn. Beneath the silt near the Cloyster, Feng Che spotted the corner of a silver chest.
Instructor Viper is a sadist, hiding a chest in a spot this obscure, Feng Che thought.
Pokémon: Cloyster Gender: Female Potential: Outstanding (Yellow) Ability: Skill Link Level: 28 Type: Water + Ice Moves: Hydro Pump, Shell Smash, Toxic Spikes, Withdraw, Supersonic, Protect, Aurora Beam, Water Gun, Spike Cannon, Ice Shard Status: Eating Evaluation: A well-developed Cloyster. Worth significant points.
A Level 28 Cloyster with Skill Link. This is a triple win—a high-value catch, a key, and a chest, Feng Che calculated. He gestured a "ball" shape to Ditto.
[Ditto: Trainer wants me to turn into Electrode and blast it?]
Feng Che gave a mental thumbs-up. He finally understands me!
[Ditto: I'll swim closer and use Thunderbolt.]
Feng Che was touched. His slacker was finally growing up. Ditto swam near the Cloyster, transformed into Electrode, and... released a weak Thundershock.
Wait, why just Thundershock?! I should never have trusted him!
The Cloyster, barely tickled by the electricity, turned around with a murderous glare and unleashed a massive Hydro Pump. Panic-stricken, Ditto shifted into Arbok and bolted toward Feng Che.
"Don't lead it to me, you idiot!"
Ditto, trying to be "helpful," coiled its tail around Feng Che and swam toward the center of the lake at top speed.
"Into the center?! You're trying to get us killed!" Feng Che struggled, but Ditto's grip only tightened. Just as Cloyster launched a volley of Spike Cannons, Feng Che spotted a massive blue silhouette resting on the lake bed.
A Gyarados was sleeping soundly, a Golden Key hanging from its crest. Feng Che gestured wildly toward the giant.
CRACK!
Ditto delivered a massive Iron Tail to the Gyarados's forehead. A comical bump instantly swelled on the dragon's head.
Feng Che reached out an "Arthur" hand in despair, but it was too late. Ditto immediately dragged Feng Che down, using its body to camouflage them against the lake floor.
The Gyarados snapped its red eyes open. [Gyarados: PAIN! Who dared?!]
It saw the fleeing Cloyster. [Gyarados: You! You dare disturb my slumber?! You're finished! Taste my Hyper Beam!]
A blinding light turned the lake bed into day. The massive energy beam tore through the water, knocking out every minor Pokémon in its path. Cloyster narrowly dodged by using a Hydro Pump to propel itself away, but the Gyarados was already on its tail.
Once they were gone, Ditto shifted back to Arbok. The lake bed looked like it had been plowed. Feng Che white-eyed the blob, but Ditto just casually hooked the Golden Key with its tail—it had pickpocketed the Gyarados during the strike.
"Big harvest... big harvest," Feng Che grinned. They snatched the Golden Chest and the Cloyster's Silver Chest before making a break for the shore.
Back on the muddy bank, Rookidee flew down with several beautiful red flowers in her beak.
"Gracidea Flowers! Rookidee, where did you find these?"
These were the favorite flowers of the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin. They were incredibly rare and used to treat mental trauma or boost psychic power.
"Chirp!" Rookidee tugged his sleeve to lead the way.
Suddenly, an icicle whistled past Feng Che's cheek and slammed into a tree. He turned to see the Cloyster. It looked terrible—its shell was cracked in several places, and its horn was snapped. It had clearly used Shell Smash to escape the Gyarados and was now looking for someone to blame.
[Cloyster: I was just eating my lunch! I'm going to kill you!]
"Ditto, this is a grudge match. Show me the results of your training!"
Ditto-Arbok hissed, its hood flaring. Cloyster launched a Spike Cannon combined with Ice Shard—a volley of "Ice Missiles."
"Ditto, Iron Tail!"
Ditto smashed the missiles, but an ice block formed on its tail, freezing its scales. It slammed its tail against the ground to shatter the ice.
"Use Glare!"
The terrifying pattern on Arbok's hood paralyzed the Cloyster instantly.
"Now, finish it with Thunder Fang!"
Ditto's fangs crackled with golden lightning as it lunged through the mud toward the defenseless, cracked shell.
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