Chapter 16: Trouble In The Sea

Julian, unaware of recent events at the Pokémon Mansion, continued to train his Pokémon on the beach. Kabuto had mastered the art of swimming, rapidly gaining control and understanding of its powers. Pidgey, after tirelessly practicing its Wind Cutter move for over five hours, had finally achieved mastery. While it still needed some fine-tuning, the attack was undeniably powerful. Pidgey had also reached the necessary level for evolution; all it required was the perfect moment.

As Julian wrapped up his training session for the day, a strange sound echoed in his mind.

"Ding The system is ready for an update and is seeking your permission to initiate the update process," the message said.

Julian asked, "What are the benefits of this update?"

The System replied, "The update will allow the system to store an infinite amount of information, and it will grant the ability to display comprehensive information about scanned Pokémon."

Julian said, "Then go ahead and enter the update state."

The System responded with a 'ding' to indicate it had received permission. "Entering update state. The system will be offline for the next two days."

Julian sighed. "Two days, huh? Well, I was considering leaving the island to continue my journey. Let's wrap things up here first."

After completing everyone's training, Julian recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls and headed to the Pokémon Center to have them fully healed. Once he'd left them there, he checked for any ships or ferries leaving the island today, but to his disappointment, all departures were scheduled for tomorrow. Deciding to take a break, he explored some tourist attractions. After a day of enjoyment, he returned to the Pokémon Center to retrieve his Pokémon. Since Kabuto still didn't have its own Poké Ball, it clung to Julian's head and fell asleep directly.

As the day passed, Julian made his way to the port the next morning. He purchased tickets for a rather expensive luxury ship, one that would take him directly to Vermilion City. He had a specific goal in mind—to challenge Lt. Surge for his next gym battle. Thanks to his winnings from defeating Blaine, he didn't hesitate much when it came to the cost of the ticket. However, he was aware that it would be quite a lengthy journey, spanning eight days in total.

Upon boarding the ship, Julian was greeted by a diverse crowd of people and Pokémon. The ship seemed to cater to all kinds of travelers, with amenities like a spacious play area for Pokémon, a dedicated space for battles, and even indoor entertainment options. Inside, he discovered movie theaters, a bowling alley, billiards and pool areas, and the presence of many charming ladies.

Julian mused, "Looks like this return journey is shaping up to be quite enjoyable." It wasn't just Julian checking out the women; there were also single and beautiful women eyeing him. Thanks to his reputation as a high-level chick magnet, he was already being approached by many young and attractive women. Being a true gentleman, he couldn't refuse their company, and he enjoyed some drinks with several of them. Despite the indulgence, he remained sober due to his extraordinarily high alcohol tolerance—a gift from the heavens. Some of the ladies even expressed interest in inviting him to their cabins later in the evening, but given the number of women already conversing with him, they simply sighed and hoped he'd remember their interest.

Deciding to call it a night, Julian recalled Kabuto, who didn't offer any resistance and willingly entered its Poké Ball.

As the ship sailed steadily through the calm waters, Julian found himself in the corner of a movie theater, seated beside a striking woman with flowing blonde hair. Her dress hugged her figure tightly, drawing the attention of everyone in the theater. They were engrossed in the film playing on the screen before them. The other women who harbored feelings for Julian would surely grow envious if they caught sight of Alice, the captivating blonde by his side.

Fortunately, fate intervened. One of the women from the group happened to spot Alice just as their cozy moment was interrupted by a sudden explosion outside.

Julian sighed as he said, "Baby, it looks like we'll have to stop here."

Alice pouted, disappointment evident in her voice. "But we were just getting to the good part."

Julian reassured her with a mischievous grin, "Don't worry, after we check out what's happening outside, we'll find a room and pick up right where we left off."

Alice simply nodded, then took a moment to tidy her dress and apply a fresh coat of lipstick and perfume. Julian, too, quickly straightened himself out, wiped off his pants with a tissue, and applied a hint of deodorant. Together, they left the theater, only to be met with a scene of chaos as people panicked and scattered in all directions.

Alice's worry grew, but she decided to trust Julian's instincts. As he headed toward the source of the commotion, she followed closely behind him.

As Julian and Alice stepped outside, their eyes fell upon the ship's captain, who wore a worried expression and observed a cluster of people gathered around him. Julian walked over to the captain, his curiosity tinged with concern.

"Captain, who are these people?" Julian inquired, aware that they were somehow connected to the explosion but uncertain of their intentions.

The captain sighed, his face etched with worry. "I regret to inform you, esteemed guests, that we find ourselves encircled by a fleet of pirate ships, and they've taken a number of our passengers hostage."

Julian's eyes widened in disbelief. "How did they manage to do that?"

The captain explained, his voice heavy with regret, "Earlier during our voyage, we came to the rescue of a group whose boat had suffered damage. Little did we know it was a well-orchestrated ploy to infiltrate and seize control of our vessel."

Julian nodded grimly. "I see. Alice, come with me," he said, leading the way back into the ship.

Alice furrowed her brow in confusion. "Aren't you going to help those people?" she asked, uncertain about his intentions.

Julian turned to her with determination in his eyes. "Of course, I'm going to help," he replied. He ascended to the ship's upper deck and called forth his trusted Pidgey.

"Pidgey, do you see those people up there?" Julian pointed towards the pirates in the sky. "Fly high and stay out of their sight. Then, use Wind Cutter to attack them swiftly and free the hostages they've tied up."

Pidgey let out a resolute cry, "Peeeee," as it soared into the sky. The tiny Pokémon moved swiftly behind the oblivious pirates who had boarded the luxury ship, threatening the captain to surrender all the valuables. Focused on their ill-gotten gains, the pirates had completely overlooked the need to keep an eye on their surroundings. Similarly, the pirate ships encircling the luxury vessel failed to notice the unassuming Pidgey, dismissing it as inconsequential.

Amidst the intense standoff between the pirates and the captain, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Numerous Wind Cutters were launched from Pidgey's wings, catching the pirates off guard. The forceful gusts sent them tumbling through the air, their cries of surprise and pain echoing across the deck. A second wave of Wind Cutters followed suit, precisely targeting the ropes that bound the helpless hostages. Freed from their restraints, the captives wasted no time fleeing to the safety of the ship's interior.

The disoriented pirates struggled to their feet, bewildered by the sudden onslaught. When they finally turned around, they were met with the sight of a defiant Pidgey hovering behind them.

Pirate 1's frustration boiled over as he shouted, "Who's that blasted scoundrel who dared to attack me?" His demand echoed across the deck, but there was no immediate response.

Julian, recognizing the need to regroup, swiftly called out, "Pidgey, return!" However, this action only confirmed the pirate's suspicions as he realized it was Julian who had orchestrated the surprise assault.

Pirate 2, seething with anger, barked orders, "You insolent brat! Do you have a death wish? Tentacruel, unleash your acid attack on that scallywag!"

Julian, determined to protect himself and his Pokémon, wasted no time. "Ivysaur, come out! Dodge that acid attack!" As Ivysaur emerged onto the battlefield, it skillfully sidestepped the incoming acid assault. With a resolute focus, Julian continued, "Now, use Leech Seed!"

Ivysaur's Grass-type prowess shone as it unleashed the Leech Seed attack. The vines entwined around Tentacruel, draining its strength and leaving it in a state of paralysis. Julian seized the opportunity. "Finish it with Energy Ball!"

The energy within Ivysaur surged, and a brilliantly powerful Energy Ball formed between its leaves. Years of diligent practice had honed this move to perfection. The potent sphere hurtled toward Tentacruel, striking it with incredible force and sending the water-type Pokémon flying. It landed with a splash in the sea, defeated.

As the pirate watched his strongest Pokémon effortlessly dispatched, fear crept into his heart. His disbelief was mirrored by his remaining crewmates, yet they refused to yield.

Pirate 2, though shaken, taunted Julian, "Your Pokémon may be strong, brat, but you're surrounded on all sides, with no way to escape."

Julian couldn't help but chuckle at the pirate's bravado. "You're talking about those four ships?" Julian's laughter filled the air, a stark contrast to the pirates' bravado.

Pirate 3, growing frustrated, demanded, "Hey, why are you laughing?"

In an instant, Julian's demeanor shifted. His expression turned icy, and he fixed a chilling stare on the pirate, sending shivers down their spines.

"You know," Julian began, his voice low and menacing, "I really don't appreciate it when people call me a brat." He took a deliberate pause, letting the tension mount. "Gyarados, it's your turn."

With a powerful call, Julian summoned his formidable Gyarados, which descended onto the sea's surface with a resounding crash. The sight of Gyarados alone was enough to make the pirates pale, but this Gyarados was unlike any they had ever seen. It was a massive, crimson behemoth, casting an imposing shadow over the water.

The pirates, faced with the colossal red Gyarados, found themselves frozen in terror, unable to even catch their breath. The sheer size and power of this legendary Pokémon left them petrified.

Julian's command resonated with power. "Gyarados, use Hyper Beam and obliterate those four ships!"

Gyarados responded to its trainer's call with a mighty roar, inflating its chest as it gathered an immense amount of energy. In a breathtaking display of power, Gyarados unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam that streaked from one ship to another, creating a continuous chain of destruction. The sheer force of the attack triggered a colossal explosion, accompanied by a towering wall of water that surged from the sea.

The pirates aboard the targeted ships were seized by terror. Panic swept over them, and they scrambled frantically to escape the impending disaster. In their desperation, they abandoned their attempts to confront Julian's group, caring only about putting as much distance as possible between themselves and Gyarados's destructive onslaught. The pirates' fear was palpable, and some even soiled themselves in their haste to escape.

The passengers on the luxury ship, along with the pirates who remained behind, stood in stunned silence, awestruck by the overwhelming display of power.

With the threat neutralized, Julian turned his attention to the trembling pirates who had now knelt in fear. He efficiently bound them with ropes, ensuring they could no longer pose a danger.

After securing the pirates, Julian recalled Gyarados, its colossal presence diminishing as it returned to its Poké Ball. He then walked over to Alice, who remained in a trance-like state after witnessing the harrowing events unfold before her.

Julian extended a hand to Alice, his focus now on ensuring her safety. "Alice, come on, let's go," he urged.

Alice snapped out of her trance and swiftly followed Julian, her hand wrapping around his. She gazed up at him, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Sir Julian, you were so incredibly cool and strong," she remarked with a flirtatious tone.

As the days passed aboard the ship, Julian's whirlwind of adventure and exploration continued, leaving in his wake a trail of memories and whispered tales. The luxury liner sailed through calm seas, carrying with it secrets and newfound desires.

Amidst the tranquil backdrop of the ocean, Julian and Alice shared moments of passion and newfound connection, their lives forever changed by the adventures they embarked upon together. They found solace in each other's embrace, cherishing the intimacy they had discovered.

As the eighth day came to a close, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a gentle orange glow upon the water. Exhausted yet content, Julian and Alice drifted into a peaceful slumber, wrapped in each other's arms.