116. Storm

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"My name is Portia, and I'm the administrator of Vermilion Port."

The blue-haired woman stepped forward. Perhaps due to her years managing the port and dealing with unruly crowds, her demeanour carried a hint of impatience as she addressed the gathering.

"If you want to understand the sea, listen to the waves," she said curtly, crossing her arms. "Even though I've lived by the ocean all my life, I've never seen a storm this intense!"

"Is it really that bad?" someone asked sceptically.

Portia nodded coldly. "The centre of this storm is directly over New Island the destination of your so-called gathering. In this weather, I absolutely refuse to open the port or allow any ships to sail."

Her resolute tone silenced the crowd briefly. Then, a slightly overweight trainer stepped forward, his voice dismissive. "That's fine. My Pokémon are excellent swimmers. If the boats won't go, I'll cross the sea with my Pokémon!"

Though his confidence drew murmurs of agreement, most trainers looked uncertain about following suit.

"No one should risk crossing the sea recklessly!" Officer Jenny interjected urgently. "This isn't just about the storm it's also about your Pokémon's safety. If your Pokémon are injured out there, the Pokémon Center won't be able to treat them."

"Why not?" another trainer demanded.

Jenny sighed and gestured toward a missing-person notice pinned nearby. "The local Nurse Joy has been missing for over a week. Despite our best efforts, we've found no trace of her. Without her, the Pokémon Center can't operate at full capacity."

This revelation caused a wave of unease among the crowd, and several trainers began reconsidering their plans.

"Maybe it's better to wait for the storm to pass..." someone murmured.

While the majority hesitated, neither Kai nor Ash showed any signs of backing down.

Kai pulled out his phone and checked the coordinates for New Island. From his research, he knew it was a remote island in the middle of the sea, once abandoned but now transformed into Mewtwo's domain. The journey there was both time-consuming and perilous.

Under normal circumstances, trainers would sail to a nearby location and use their Pokémon to complete the journey.

But with no ships available, everything would have to be handled on their own.

At that moment, several trainers, including the overweight one, decided to brave the storm.

Some summoned flying Pokémon like Pidgeot and Fearow to risk the lightning-filled skies, while others relied on water-type Pokémon like Dewgong to cross the turbulent sea.

Officer Jenny rushed after them, shouting warnings, but it was already too late many had left.

Inside the hall, Kai, Ash, Misty, and Brock exchanged determined glances before nodding in unison. Together, they ran out into the storm.

Outside, the scene was apocalyptic. The sky was pitch-black, save for the occasional flash of lightning, and the torrential rain made it almost impossible to see.

The sea churned violently, with waves towering higher than ever before.

"What should we do?" Brock asked, squinting against the rain. "None of us have Pokémon strong enough to handle these waters."

"My Charizard can fly," Ash said hesitantly, "but it's too stubborn to carry us in this weather."

Kai was about to release his Gyarados when a small wooden boat approached from the distance.

A man and a woman dressed as Vikings were aboard, their faces obscured by masks.

The boat's figurehead, shaped like a girl wearing a helmet, was particularly striking.

"You look like you're in trouble," the female crew member said with a sly smile, her voice almost mocking. "We're offering free rides for special cases. Interested?"

"Really? Thanks a lot!" Ash exclaimed, hopping onto the boat without a second thought. Misty and Brock followed, equally unsuspecting.

Kai, however, recognized the disguised duo immediately it was Team Rocket! Though he didn't know their motive, he decided not to expose them. After all, conserving his Gyarados's strength might prove useful later.

As Jessie and James rowed, the boat lurched precariously in the violent waves. Despite its apparent fragility, the two manoeuvred with surprising skill, keeping it afloat even as it seemed ready to fall apart.

Just when it seemed they might make it to New Island safely, a massive wave surged toward them.

"Hold on!" Kai shouted, gripping the side of the boat tightly as the wave engulfed them.

Moments later, when the water receded, they found themselves miraculously still aboard but drenched.

The wave had also washed away Team Rocket's disguises, revealing their true identities.

"It's you!" Brock exclaimed, glaring. "Why are you always following us?"

Jessie and James struck their usual poses.

"Since you asked the question sincerely..."

"We'll answer with grace and clarity..."

Before they could finish their motto, another colossal wave bore down on them.

"Ahhh!" Jessie screamed as the wave crashed into the boat, shattering it completely.

Thrown into the sea, Kai felt himself sinking before Misty grabbed his arm. Summoning her Starmie, she brought them both to the surface. Meanwhile, Ash and Brock resurfaced with the help of Squirtle.

Looking around, Kai noticed that Team Rocket was nowhere to be seen. But there was no time to dwell on them now.

"Everyone, climb on!" Kai called, releasing his Gyarados.

As they scrambled onto its back, Kai added, "Whatever happens, don't let go this time no matter how big the waves get!"

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