While fishing lazily, enjoying the sea breeze, Paul's relaxation was broken by an unwelcome sight.
Scowling, Paul watched a man furtively approaching his Squirtle with a fishing net.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing!" Paul shouted. The scruffy looking man flinched and turned to face Paul.
"Charmander, keep him targeted. Use Flamethrower if he tries to run!"
Paul's sharp command froze the man in place, still crouched, holding the net.
Paul recalled his other Pokémon from the beach into their Poké Balls, leaving only Charmander and Prinplup out. He approached the man, a fishing rod slung over his shoulder.
"What's your name?" Paul asked, eyeing the familiar, unpleasant looking man curiously.
* If I remember correctly, this is that swindler who sells Magikarp. Why is he here, trying to steal my Squirtle? * Paul thought.
"Ahem, well now, handsome young man. I'm just an honest fisherman," the man wheezed, adopting a false friendly tone. "Just came to the beach to catch some Magikarp."
To prove his point, he pulled several Poké Balls from his pocket and released four or five flopping Magikarp. "See? The only water type Pokémon that can become a dragon, the amazing Magikarp!"
"Oh, is that so?" Paul cracked his neck. "An 'honest fisherman' with five Magikarp who just happened to be sneaking up on my Pokémon. You're quite bold."
The Magikarp Salesman immediately dropped to the ground, groveling. "I'm sorry! I won't do it again, please don't hurt me!"
Paul stepped closer. "I won't hurt you, but you'll answer to Officer Jenny!"
"I don't think so!" The salesman suddenly threw a handful of sand. Paul jumped back instinctively, shielding his eyes.
"Get lost, kid!"
Paul felt a shove, and then the weight on his belt felt lighter!
"Bastard!" Paul gritted his teeth. He quickly felt his belt. Sure enough, one Poké Ball was missing! * It's Squirtle's! *
"Pidgeot, after him!" Blinking sand from his eyes, Paul threw Pidgeot's Poké Ball and furiously chased the fleeing Magikarp salesman.
Predictably, the salesman scrambled frantically towards the S.S. Anne docked nearby.
"Damn it! Pidgeot, land on the deck!" The ship's horn blew, signaling departure. There was no choice now. Paul hadn't wanted to board the ship, but now he had to!
The moment he stepped onto the ship, Paul felt several hostile stares.
* Tch! Looks like Jessie and James aren't the only problems today. First, get Squirtle back! *
Entering the ship's enormous banquet hall, Paul frowned and scanned the crowd.
* There! * Paul's eyes narrowed. He spotted a booth lined with tanks full of splashing Magikarp. The salesman was nearby, trying to hawk paper fans.
"Paul! You're here too!" Ash's surprised voice cut through the noise.
"Quiet!" Paul quickly pulled Ash aside into a corner, covering his mouth briefly.
"Hey, what gives, Paul!" Ash complained.
"That Magikarp salesman stole my Poké Ball. I'm getting it back now," Paul explained through gritted teeth.
"What?! That's terrible!" Ash, ever righteous, was instantly furious.
"Listen, I'll confront him. You create a diversion, keep people's attention away so we don't cause a panic," Paul whispered.
"No problem, leave it to me!" Ash agreed readily.
"Okay. Let's move!"
The Magikarp Salesman was loudly advertising his wares when he felt his collar yanked and something hard pressed against his lower back.
"Don't move. I can't guarantee what happens if you do," Paul hissed, pressing a banana wrapped in his jacket against the salesman's back.
Cold sweat beaded on the salesman's forehead. "Damn it, you're not just some ordinary trainer!"
He recognized Paul's voice, but the object against his back felt alarmingly like a weapon. * In a world where even police rely on Pokémon, anyone carrying a gun is likely a dangerous criminal! * he thought frantically.
"Quiet. Come with me," Paul threatened quietly, then raised his voice for effect. "Ash, this gentleman and I have some catching up to do. Keep an eye on his booth for him, would you?"
Ash nodded and approached the stall, feigning interest.
Stiff with fear, the salesman reluctantly followed Paul into a narrow corridor.
"Hand it over. Or do I need to persuade you?" Paul's voice was icy.
"Damn it! Don't you know this ship belongs to Team Rocket? Who are you to bring a gun here!" The salesman blurted out, inadvertently confirming his affiliation and selling out Giovanni in his panic.
An idea sparked in Paul's mind. He sneered, "Hunter J sends her regards to Giovanni."
"Hunter J's organization!" The salesman paled, thoroughly terrified. * There was that recent clash at Mt. Moon between them! There's bad blood there! *
"Now!" Paul demanded sharply.
"Alright, alright! Take it!" The salesman fumbled, produced a Poké Ball, and tossed it to Paul.
Paul caught it, immediately released the Pokémon to confirm it was Squirtle, then recalled it and clipped the ball securely to his belt.
"See? No need for conflict between us!" The salesman stammered, still sweating, clearly afraid of the non existent weapon.
"Hmph. Take a nap first." Paul signaled, and Bulbasaur appeared. "Use Sleep Powder!"
Once the potent powder put the salesman to sleep, Paul let out a breath and removed his jacket from the banana.
He casually peeled the banana, handed it to Bulbasaur as a reward, then found a nearby storage closet. He tied the salesman securely and gagged him with a pair of thankfully clean socks he found in his bag.
Changing into fresh socks himself, Paul stepped out. * Now, I need to figure out how to deal with Team Rocket's inevitable plan. Otherwise, this cruise might actually end with a survival challenge underwater. *
Emerging from the corridor, Paul found Ash earnestly trying to promote the Magikarp, using his Pokédex to explain how amazing Gyarados was.
Paul sighed internally. * Who asked you to actually try and sell them? *
He walked over, patted Ash on the shoulder, then opened a storage box behind the booth. Inside lay a row of distinctively golden Poké Balls.
"Just as I thought. He marked the Magikarp ready to evolve using these gold painted balls," Paul noted. He casually pocketed four of them and pulled Ash away.
"Paul, why'd you take the man's Pokémon?" Ash frowned.
"No, these are a gift. An apology," Paul lied smoothly. "I got Squirtle back and agreed not to report him. He was so grateful he told me the Magikarp in these special balls were close to evolving and said I could take my pick."
* They belong to Team Rocket anyway. Might as well put them to better use, * Paul reasoned.
"Let's go find Brock and Misty! They're over by the food!" Ash, easily convinced by Paul's explanation, dragged him towards their friends.
"Hi Paul! It's great you made it too!" Misty ran over cheerfully and gave Paul a quick hug.
Brock nodded, holding a plate piled with food. "The spread here is amazing. You should grab something, Paul."
Paul offered a slight smile, not pulling away from Misty's hug. * Considering I gave her Squirtle, and I'm about to give her a potential Gyarados, a hug seems fair, * he thought wryly.
"Here. Someone gave these to me just now. One for each of us," Paul said, producing the four golden Poké Balls.
"Wow! What are these flashy things?" Misty exclaimed, drawn to the gold color.
"Magikarp," Paul explained. "And apparently, they're all very close to evolving."
"Magikarp evolve into Gyarados!" Misty gasped, her eyes widening. The initial excitement died instantly, replaced by familiar dread. "G-Gyarados?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. She took an involuntary step back, picturing the monstrous Pokémon she feared so much.
Paul watched her reaction, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. * Ah, that's right, * he thought, recalling the details he knew. * I remember now, Misty is supposed to be terrified of Gyarados in the original story. Handing her a Magikarp about to evolve... well, this adds an unexpected complication. Or maybe, a necessary push. *
Brock and Ash, however, oblivious to Misty's internal turmoil or Paul's meta-knowledge, looked at Paul with pure excitement.
"Well, I can't exactly train four Gyarados myself," Paul stated matter of factly, deciding to proceed anyway. "Consider it a token of... teamwork. One for each of you." He held out the golden Poké Balls towards them.
Ash and Brock eagerly took theirs. Misty stared at the offered Poké Ball as if it might bite her. The gold surface seemed to gleam menacingly.
But Paul was offering it... as part of the team. Taking a shaky breath, she forced her hand forward. "O-Okay, Paul. Th-thank you," she stammered, her fingers trembling slightly as they closed around the smooth, cool sphere.
She clutched it tightly, the potential power within feeling both heavy and terrifying.
Paul formally shook hands with Brock and Ash. They both looked genuinely pleased. Misty just stood there, gazing at the golden ball with wide, apprehensive eyes.
"Thanks a lot, Paul," Brock said seriously. * In Brock's world, girls come first, but Paul might just be number two now, * Paul mused.
"Looks like girls really are more important to you," Paul commented dryly.
"Well now, young man," a middle aged man in a fancy suit approached them. His overly slick hair and curled mustache gave Paul an uneasy feeling.
"Oh, it's the Raticate trainer from earlier," Ash recognized him.
"Hello! Enjoying the cruise?" The man leaned in, complimenting Ash on how strong his Butterfree was when it battled the man's Raticate earlier.
"Tch. Flattery like that usually means they want something," Paul muttered quietly to Misty.
Misty nodded in agreement, unconsciously tightening her grip on the golden Poké Ball she still held. She glanced at Brock, who was predictably distracted by the man's sophisticated female companion in an evening gown.
"So, what did you think of my Raticate?" the gentleman asked Ash, sensing the moment was right.
"Your Raticate is really strong too," Ash replied politely, assuming it was just friendly battle banter.
"Then, how about we trade Pokémon?" the man revealed his true motive. "It's common sense for trainers to trade when they admire each other's Pokémon."
Ash looked bewildered. "Is that common sense?"
Paul shook his head slightly and stepped forward. "No, that's not common sense at all."
"And who might you be?" the man asked, turning his attention to Paul.
"Sir," Paul began coolly. "Firstly, trading is sometimes necessary for Pokémon that evolve through trade. That's its primary legitimate purpose. Secondly, trainers might trade Pokémon that don't suit their style for ones that do, aiming to improve overall team synergy."
* This guy is trying to scam Ash. Not on my watch. * Paul thought, speaking clearly.
"Finally," Paul continued, "trainers might trade to diversify their team types. Ash has raised his Butterfree carefully for a long time. If I'm not mistaken, however, that Raticate of yours is newly acquired, likely from another trade, and you barely know how to use it."
The gentleman's face fell. Paul had described the situation perfectly.
Ash's expression hardened. * If that's true, he'd probably trade Butterfree away again soon! Someone like that doesn't deserve a Pokémon I raised! *
Paul smirked slightly. "Using flattery, deception, and trying to guilt trip someone into trading away a stronger Pokémon just so you can benefit... That's a shameful way to build strength."
"Damn you! You'll regret this!" Seeing his ploy exposed, the man dropped all pretense of politeness, shot Paul a glare, and hurried away.
"Paul, thanks. I almost fell for that," Ash said sheepishly.
"You're too trusting, Ash," Paul sighed. "Don't treat people like that with respect next time." * He still has a lot to learn. *
Just then, BANG!
The doors to the banquet hall slammed shut. Around the room, waiters ripped off their uniforms, revealing black Team Rocket combat suits underneath.
Several grunts carrying large, vacuum like devices emerged from hidden spots.
"What's going on?!" trainers in the hall cried out in alarm. Misty instinctively clutched her golden Poké Ball even tighter, her fear of Team Rocket momentarily warring with the unsettling weight of the Magikarp's potential.
* Right on schedule, * Paul thought grimly. He quickly moved the Poké Balls from his belt into a zippered pocket, leaving only Prinplup's readily accessible.
"Everyone, watch out! It's Team Rocket!" Paul yelled. A wave of nervousness spread through the trainers. Team Rocket's reputation as Kanto's most notorious criminal organization was well known.
Slap! A spotlight hit the center stage. * Oh great, these two clowns are here too, * Paul muttered as Jessie and James struck their poses.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double!"
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
* It's strange, but seeing those two actually makes this less stressful, * Paul sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Ash agreed. Having dealt with their antics countless times, he was almost unfazed.
"Let's get started!" Jessie commanded. The grunts activated the machines on their backs, creating a powerful suction.
Poké Balls flew from trainers' belts across the hall, sucked into the collection tanks. Misty gasped and shielded her Poké Balls, the golden one feeling particularly vulnerable.
Meanwhile, grunts without machines started directly threatening trainers.
"Hey, you kids! Hand over your Poké Balls!" one grunt sneered, approaching Ash's group arrogantly.
Paul glanced at Ash. "Are you going to stand for that?"
"No way!" Ash declared passionately. "We have to fight back! Everyone, let's battle together! We won't let Team Rocket steal our Pokémon!"
"Pikachu!!!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, instantly shocking the approaching grunt into submission.
Paul shook his head slightly. * Trying to intimidate Ash? Bad move. Doesn't he know Ash thrives on these confrontations? *
"Alright! Let's go!" Ash released his Pokémon. Inspired, other trainers in the hall did the same, forming a united front against Team Rocket and quickly turning the tables.
Charmanders unleashed Flamethrowers, Squirtles fired powerful Water Guns, and Pidgeot whipped up Gust attacks.
* Why don't these grunts carry their own Pokémon for defense? Going out to steal Pokémon without any backup? Idiots. Giovanni might have a plan, but his foot soldiers are incompetent. * Paul wondered briefly.
Amidst the chaos, Paul maneuvered through the crowd, using Prinplup for protection, and reached a wall phone.
He picked it up. No signal.
Just as the trainers started overwhelming the Team Rocket grunts, the ship lurched violently. Outside, a fierce storm had brewed suddenly.
Huge waves tossed the S.S. Anne helplessly.
Trainers forced open the banquet hall doors to find chaos on deck. The captain and crew had apparently abandoned ship, taking the lifeboats.
"Ash, Misty, Brock, we need to leave!" Paul yelled urgently, pulling out the golden Poké Ball he'd kept.
The four rushed towards the bridge, but the last lifeboat was already launching. The S.S. Anne was listing badly, starting to take on water.
"Damn it. This is a long shot," Paul muttered. He released his Magikarp and yelled to the others, "Release the Magikarp now!"
Four Magikarp appeared on the tilting deck, splashing uselessly, looking blankly at their new trainers.
"It's hopeless!" Misty wailed, her face pale as she stared at the flopping fish. "Paul, they'll become... Gyarados! We can't escape on them! They're too scary!" Her voice trembled violently with panic, her deep-seated fear overwhelming her in the face of disaster.
Paul glanced at Misty's panicked state. "Misty," he said, his voice steady and cutting through the noise of the storm. "Panic won't help us. That's your Pokémon now. It needs its trainer's belief to reach its potential. Focus on it, not the fear."
Paul knelt beside his Magikarp, gently holding it still. "I know this is sudden, but you're my Pokémon now," he said calmly but intensely.
The Magikarp just looked at Paul. "Karp, Karp?" It didn't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation.
"We're caught in a storm. Only you have the potential to save us! You need to surpass your limits, right now, and become Gyarados," Paul stared firmly at the Magikarp. "If you can't, we might not make it."
"He's right!" Ash picked up his own Magikarp. "Come on, Magikarp, you can do it!"
The Magikarp began splashing more frantically. They weren't smart, but they could sense the danger and the desperation of these trainers they'd just met. The pressure was immense.
"Karp! Karp!" Paul's Magikarp thrashed wildly, as if trying desperately to leap over some invisible barrier and protect its new trainer.
"Magikarp!" Paul placed a hand gently on its head crest. "Don't panic. I believe you have the strength inside you to get us through this. No pressure, but don't give up until the very last second. I'm counting on you!"
Misty watched, still terrified, but seeing the determination on Paul's and Ash's faces, and the vast, angry ocean swirling below, she knew there was no other choice. Brock placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Taking another shuddering breath, Misty knelt beside her own splashing Magikarp. "M-Magikarp..." she began, her voice thick with tears and fear. "I know... I know what you become is scary... really scary... but please! We need you! You have to evolve! Please, help us!"
Brock, regaining his composure, placed his hand on his own Magikarp, offering firm words of encouragement. "Come on!"
The ship tilted further. Paul and the others clung to their Magikarp as they slid across the deck towards the stern, the churning, cold sea rushing up to meet them. Misty squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, bracing for impact while still whispering desperate pleas to the fish Pokémon.
Finally, the S.S. Anne succumbed and capsized, plunging Paul, Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Magikarp into the raging ocean.
From a nearby lifeboat, horrified onlookers watched them disappear beneath the waves.
"MAGIKARP!!!" As he hit the water, Paul's eyes blazed with determination, and he yelled the name one last time.
"GWYAAAAAR!"
A deafening roar echoed across the water, the sound vibrating through the waves. Misty heard it even underwater and let out a muffled scream of pure terror, instinctively clamping her hands over her ears despite the situation.
Boom! Four immense beams of draconic energy erupted from the sea, shattering the remains of the S.S. Anne. Four majestic, serpentine Pokémon burst from the waves, their roars mixing with the storm's fury.
As the colossal blue form surged upwards directly beneath her, Misty instinctively tried to recoil, flinching violently even as the powerful Gyarados lifted her clear of the churning water. A choked cry escaped her lips.
Magikarp were never meant to remain meek; they were dragons waiting for the storm!
In that moment, amidst the tempest, four Gyarados rode the wind and waves!
Despite the crashing waves and driving rain, Ash and Brock looked at each other, newfound relief and determination etched on their faces. They were safer now, riding atop their powerful new partners.
Paul steadied himself on his own Gyarados, its power thrumming beneath him, then glance towards Misty. She was deathly pale, clinging white-knuckled to the scales of the immense Pokémon beneath her, trembling uncontrollably despite the newfound safety.
* Just as I remembered from the story, * Paul thought, recalling his earlier realization about her fear. * Utterly terrified. But she's still on it. Facing her worst fear head-on because survival demands it. This might be the most brutal form of exposure therapy imaginable. *
He noted the complex mix of overwhelming fear and the dawning, grudging realization in her wide eyes that this terrifying creature was their only salvation.
"Alright! Let's go! Towards the next city!" Paul pulled out a waterproof poncho, quickly put it on, and pointed towards a faint coastline visible in the distance, shouting over the storm.
With four Gyarados carrying them, they navigated the storm waves. They were safer now, heading towards land, though one trainer was battling a storm of fear deep inside her.