As they drew closer to the Johto region, the S.S. Anne would arrive at the nearest island for resupply by tomorrow morning. Following Ryuuske's suggestion, today was the perfect time to root out Team Rocket members aboard the ship and rescue the captured Pokémon.
Truthfully, Ryuuske wasn't particularly invested in rescuing the Pokémon or dealing with Team Rocket. He had boarded the S.S. Anne simply to take a break from his exhausting journey. But since he had promised Ash he would help, he wasn't about to go back on his word.
Footsteps echoed on the steel walkway beneath them. Watching Ash's excited expression, Ryuuske could only sigh in resignation. Ash either genuinely hadn't realized they had already been discovered or simply didn't care to think that far ahead. Even though Ash was completely different from the impression Ryuuske had of him, he was still as reckless as ever.
Caitlin, walking beside Ryuuske, still wore her pink dress, but unlike her excitement on the first day, her expression was now dazed, like a sleeping beauty who hadn't fully woken up.
"What's wrong, Caitlin?"
Ryuuske frowned and leaned closer, whispering.
"Huh? N-Nothing, just... thinking about some things."
Startled, Caitlin flustered as she met his gaze.
"Stay focused. We could be in danger at any moment—now's not the time to space out."
"S-Sorry, I'll pay attention."
Caitlin lowered her head apologetically, but judging by her expression, Ryuuske could only sigh in resignation—she was still distracted. He stayed close to her, ready to step in if danger struck.
Over the past two days, the two had been practically inseparable. As the young lady had said, she had nothing but free time, following Ryuuske around like a shadow—even crawling into his bed to sleep beside him at night.
Fortunately, while her behavior was bold, she still had some restraint—at least she hadn't stripped naked and clung to him while sleeping.
If she had, Ryuuske was certain he wouldn't have been able to control himself, teaching this noble young lady what it meant to cry out in maidenly distress.
He was afraid that if that happened, she would have even more reason to cling to him. Right now, Ryuuske wasn't in a position to drag around dead weight.
That said, having an elegant beauty sleeping beside him wasn't something he could just ignore. Through a mix of coaxing and deception, Ryuuske had even guided her hands in exploring the male anatomy. Lying in bed, watching her innocent yet curious, bashful expression as her soft fingers traced and teased—he had to admit, life had been pretty sweet these past few days.
Only a fool would pass up such an opportunity.
Ash led the way while Ryuuske and Caitlin followed behind, though the young lady's mood was far from cheerful.
I finally have a chance to control my psychic powers... and for the first time, I'm taking part in the adventures I've always dreamed of. So why, when these two joys come together, do I feel so miserable?
In the past, Caitlin's emotions had been completely entangled with her psychic powers, making it theoretically impossible for her to ever gain perfect control—a vicious cycle.
But then she met Ryuuske. He sealed away most of her powers, untangling the complicated mess, teaching her how to control her emotions and how to train herself in the finer details of psychic manipulation. With the hardest part solved, all she needed now was time and effort.
Caitlin knew that if she worked hard, within a year or two, she could become completely normal—able to interact with others and live a proper life.
Yet, for some reason, she found herself wishing she could remain as she was—difficult, volatile, and uncontrollable. That way, she would have a reason to keep him by her side.
Just as Caitlin was lost in her thoughts, both Ash and Ryuuske suddenly froze, their expressions shifting. Seeing that Caitlin hadn't noticed and was still walking forward, Ryuuske swiftly wrapped an arm around her slender waist.
"Watch out!!"
Ash and Ryuuske shouted simultaneously. Caitlin finally snapped back to reality, but before she could react, the two had already sprung into action.
"Pikachu!"
"Gabite!"
They released their Pokémon at almost the same instant.
Then—
A terrifying pressure descended from above, accompanied by a suffocating aura of death.
A streak of lightning, like a spear piercing through the sky, shot down with impossible speed. At the same time, a massive shadow loomed over them.
"Iron Tail!"
"Block it!"
In that critical moment, Ryuuske and Ash worked in perfect sync. Ash immediately ordered Pikachu to meet the lightning with Iron Tail, while Ryuuske, protecting Caitlin in his arms, could only have Gabite brace for impact against the shadow.
"CRACK—"
"Pika—!!"
A blinding flash illuminated the entire corridor. Pikachu's Iron Tail clashed with the incoming strike, but in its rushed state, it couldn't withstand the opponent's fully charged attack. With a pained cry, Pikachu was sent flying, slamming into the steel wall hard enough to leave a dent.
However, thanks to Pikachu buying that split second, Ash managed to roll out of the way, narrowly avoiding being impaled.
At the same time, the shadow crashed into Gabite. The sheer momentum of the descending force bent Gabite's legs under the pressure. Gritting its teeth, Gabite held firm—but the steel staircase beneath them couldn't. With an ear-piercing screech, the structure shattered, sending Gabite and Ryuuske plummeting downward.
Below them, the ship's machinery churned out scalding steam. At the last moment, Ryuuske used his psychic powers to stabilize himself, landing safely on Gabite's back. The searing heat was nothing to a Dragon-type like Gabite, who immediately leaped onto another steel platform, carrying Ryuuske and Caitlin to safety.
Ash's Pikachu, though injured, forced itself up and darted back to its Trainer's side, both now facing their attackers.
The source of the lightning strike was a tail—shaped like a jagged bolt, attached to a muscular, ruthless-eyed Pokémon.
A Raichu.
Meanwhile, the shadow that had smashed Gabite down now stood tall, electricity crackling around its body like an ancient beast baring its fangs.
An Electabuzz.
"Raichu and Electabuzz..."
Seeing these two Pokémon, Ryuuske had a good idea of who they were up against.
Only now did Caitlin snap out of her daze, her face pale with shock.
"HAHAHAHA!! Little girl, still daydreaming about love at a time like this? How sweet! But you should learn from these two boys—their reflexes are impressive! I thought I could take you all out in one move!"
Amidst the arrogant laughter, a burly man in a floral shirt stepped forward, standing behind Raichu and Electabuzz.
To be continued…
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