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Shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight, Lucy burst out of Diglett's Cave without breaking stride. Her Squirtle, Flirk, bounded behind her.
“Come on, we're almost there!”
“Squir, Squirtle!”
The pair raced along Route 11. The crashing waves drowned out the slap of their footsteps
As she ran, Lucy tapped the Old Amber in her satchel. Not long now. I can't wait to find out what Scientist Steve makes of this! I wonder if his experimental machine will work?
Sun glinted from tiled orange roofs as they emerged in Vermilion City. Hopping from foot to foot, Flirk’s eyes were bright. Lucy smiled.
“We'll soon be back at Cinnabar Lab buddy.”
But she stopped short, facing the harbour. It was empty. Surely we haven't missed the ferry?
The two of them rushed down the pier, approaching the Sailor.
“The Seagallop’s not here?”
“Sorry love, haven't you heard? There's a localised storm off The Seafoam Islands, it's had to turn back.”
Oh no… “Do you know how long it will be?”
The Sailor checked his watch. “It’s looking like a 90 minute wait. Why don't you head over to the Pokémon Fan Club? I think there's an event today?”
90 minutes? We ran all the way here from Pewter City for nothing?
Flirk leaned against Lucy's ankles and she glanced up. The Sailor was waiting for an answer.
“Sure, thanks.”
Dazed, she trudged back along the pier. There's so much paperwork to do to record the Old Amber. We don't even know if the genetic material inside can be recovered or –
A gentle tug on her cargo pants drew Lucy out of her thoughts. Flirk danced on the spot, pointing towards the sea.
“Go ahead. I don't fancy going to the event anyway. I need some peace and quiet to think.”
“Squirrrrtle!” Jumping into the air, Flirk dived into the water.
Lucy sat down on the pier, her mind racing. The soles of her trainers hovered above the waves, and she placed a hand on the warmth of the Old Amber.
What type of Pokémon could I be holding? Maybe a Bug Type? They do like tree habitats?
Slosh.
A freezing cold wave crashed over the top of Lucy's shoes, soaking her feet.
“Flirk,” she said without taking her eyes off the Old Amber, “please be careful. I'm trying to think.”
Splash.
Another wave, this time up to her ankles.
“Flirk! Please!”
“Squirrrr!” He grumbled and Lucy whirled round. He was on the pier? Then what the heck?
Petting Flirk on the head and scratching his shell, Lucy apologised. “I wasn't paying attention. I shouldn't have presumed it was you, but if it wasn't, what was it?”
She tucked the Old Amber back in to her satchel and gazed at the water. But it remained still, undisturbed.
A small group had gathered behind Lucy and her Squirtle, gazing out at the blue expanse, whispering in excited clusters.
“Come on Flirk, let's go somewhere quieter.”
Despite her wet feet, Lucy's thoughts still revolved around the treasure in her satchel, and what they may discover. She barely looked up, plodding along behind Flirk, passing a trainer with their Bulbasaur onto Route 6.
But then to her surprise, the path ended. Instead, a lake spread out in front of them and Flirk chirruped.
For a moment, Lucy's mind cleared. The sun sparkled on the water and the tall grass. Duckweed drifted on the surface. A flock of Pidgey called overhead.
Flirk plunged into the lake, before spraying water that glistened like a thousand rainbows.
Lucy laughed. This is beautiful. Flirk is having such a good time. This trip hasn't exactly been fun for him: The Pewter City Museum and a mad dash through Diglett's Cave. We didn't even stop to battle. This is his chance to relax. He deserves it.
Slipping off her wet trainers and socks, and placing them in the sun to dry, Lucy took a seat, watching Flirk diving and leaping in the water. The grass tickled her bare feet. She reached a hand into the cool water and pushed a gentle wave towards Flirk.
“Squir, Squirtle!”
He sprayed water back at her and Lucy laughed.
Sploosh!
Flirk jumped backwards as a group of Poliwag launched out from beneath some duckweed, vegetation draped over their blue heads.
Laughing, Lucy said, “It's ok I think they just want to play.”
As Flirk and the Poliwags chased each other in and out of the lake, taking turns to slosh water at one another, Lucy leaned back into the soft grass. The sun warmed her face and tension leaked from her shoulders.
This is the most peaceful I've felt in weeks. I didn't think I'd be grateful for the hold up, but this is magical.
*
The pair arrived back in Vermilion City. Lucy's shoes had dried and she had a new spring in her step.
“Hello, any sign of the Seagallop Ferry yet?” Lucy asked the nearest woman she could find.
“You’ve good timing. It's due in about five minutes.” The woman pointed towards the pier, “Shame you weren't here before. A Gyarados was leaping around.”
“A Gyarados? Where?”
“Just off the pier. A rare opportunity I'm afraid.” The woman patted Lucy's arm with kindness.
Lucy turned to Flirk. “So it was Gyarados who soaked me earlier? No wonder you got out of the water!”
Flirk gave Lucy a sideways glance and she laughed.
“Yes, yes, I know.”
“Squir, Squirtle!”
Nuzzling against Lucy's legs, Flirk pushed her towards the pier and the incoming Ferry. Lucy grinned.
Finally some answers. But first, a relaxing journey.