Shafts of morning sunlight stream through the window, rousing Shane from sleep. The air is filled with the sound of frantic fluttering as Ozzy chaotically zooms around the room. The Natu chirps loudly, pecking at Shane''s blanket in an attempt to get him up.
"Whoa Ozzy, what''s gotten into you this morning?" Shane mumbles, sitting up groggily.
Ozzy just continues to flutter around chaotically. Shane can sense the pokemon''s agitation. {Urgency} pulses from their bond.
Shane shakes the sleep from his head and focuses on Ozzy''s frantic behavior. "Is something wrong? Are you trying to tell me something?"
Ozzy chirps affirmatively before swooping over to the window.
He pecks at the glass insistently. Shane strides over, peering out at the Dewford streets bathed in morning light.
"Do you want to go outside? Is there something out there?"
Again Ozzy chirps and bounces up and down. He seems desperate to get Shane moving. Shane quickly gets dressed and gathers his things, trusting Ozzy has an important reason for the urgency.
Once ready, Ozzy shoots out of their room down the hall ahead of Shane. The Natu clearly has a destination in mind. Shane hurries after the fluttering green bird, calling for him to slow down before he hurts himself.
But Ozzy remains single-minded, leading Shane through Dewford''s cobbled streets towards the main boulevard. The pokemon weaves expertly through the crowds, never losing momentum. Shane follows helplessly, just trying not to lose sight of his partner.
Before long, the sandy beach gives way to wooden docks stretching out over the shimmering sea. Ozzy skids to a halt by a boat house, perched expectantly on a piling.
Shane catches up to the pokemon, panting. "The docks, Ozzy? What''s so special about this place?"
Ozzy''s gaze bores intensely into the boats, his unblinking eyes laser-focused on the vessels bobbing in their slips. Shane scans the bobbing boats, taking in the forest of masts and maze of rigging.
That''s when he spots a broad, bearded man heaving a heavy crate up a ramp onto the deck of a boat. Shane''s eyes go wide upon following Ozzy’s gaze.
"Robert?!" he exclaims in disbelief.
Somehow, impossibly, his old mentor from Osmer is here. Robert beams broadly at the bewildering but beautiful sight of Shane. Shane stumbles back, steadying himself on a piling. He blinks rapidly, mouth agape, as if trying to wake himself from a dream.
Robert sets the crate down and waves Shane over.
"Well I''ll be damned, Shane! Finally you turned up!" Robert calls in his familiar deep timber.
Shane''s legs carry him swiftly down the dock, his footsteps thudding against the weathered boards. His eyes shine bright with disbelief and elation.
"But...how?" Shane stammers. "I thought...the wave..."
Robert''s smile turns solemn. He grips Shane''s shoulder with one meaty hand.
"It''s quite a tale, my boy. I''ll tell it soon, I promise. But first, thank God you''re alive and safe."
Shane pulls Robert into a hug, tears pricking his eyes. Ozzy watches the reunion from his perch, eyes gleaming knowingly.
Robert is alive, and Shane finally has someone familiar in this strange new world.
Shane steps back from the hug, still stunned. He looks Robert up and down, almost not believing he is real. His heart swells like the tide, overflowing with gratitude at this reunion.
"I can''t believe you''re actually here," Shane says. "After the wave, I thought...I thought I was the only one who made it."
Robert nods solemnly. "I surely would have perished if not for Wartortle here." He gestures to the pokeball on his belt.
"Wartortle?" Shane asks.
"Aye, my pokemon partner," Robert explains. "I''ve had him since he was just a wee Squirtle, given to me by a sailor passing through. He evolved when saving my skin from sharks during a fishing trip."
Robert runs a hand over his beard, his brow furrowed deeply. His voice rumbles low and grave as he begins recounting his tale.
"When the giant wave bore down on us, I knew there was no escape otherwise. After I put you in that boat, I released Wartortle. We dove deep as the water demolished everything above."
He shakes his head sadly. "We barely made it through the currents. But Wartortle, he fought with all his might. He''s the only reason I stand before you now."
Wartortle materializes in a flash of light as Robert releases him. The blue turtle pokemon looks up at Robert with admiration and loyalty.
Shane''s eyes widen, his lips parting in surprise. He runs a hand through his hair as he absorbs this revelation. All this time, Robert has had a pokemon he kept secret from the others. Wartortle has been his salvation.
Ozzy flutters down to greet Wartortle enthusiastically. Ozzy twitterers cheerfully at Wartortle, who responds with a series of clicks and gestures of his own. The two pokemon appear deep in animated conversation.
"Incredible," Shane murmurs. "I never knew you were a trainer, Robert."
Robert gives a small smile. "I tried to respect the old biases people held. But after what happened, none of that matters now."
He places a hand on Shane''s shoulder. "What matters is the future. And why we survived."
Shane listens intently as Robert begins revealing everything he has uncovered about the wave.
Robert nods. "Aye, Wartortle kept me alive out there after the wave. I clung to pieces of debris, following in the direction you had drifted."
He gestures to the pokeball on his belt. "He would dive down and snatch fish to a start, and later on, Magikarp. We survived on the food he caught. And though drinking that water he produces leaves me thirsty quickly, it keeps me hydrated."
Robert''s expression turns grim. "It was a merciless few days. But we made it here to Dewford, guided by Wartortle''s keen senses."
"When we arrived on shore, I saw the boat being stranded there. But you were already gone."
Shane lowers his head guiltily. "I''m sorry, if I had waited-"
"No lad," Robert interrupts kindly. "I''m glad you went to find help. And fortune led you safely here too."
Robert glances around before continuing. "After I landed work at the shipyard, I started hearing whispers. Rumors of something called Kyogre out at sea, creating giant waves."
"The sailors, they say it caused smaller tsunamis that hit parts of the world. But based on seismic readings, no normal earthquake triggered the massive wave that struck Osmer."
Robert''s eyes are grave. "I believe our home''s fate, and our survival, is tied to that legendary beast of the ocean for reasons unknown."
Shane''s mind is reeling. Robert''s tale has given them the first solid lead about the cause of the devastation, his tale lifts the veil on the wave''s mysteries.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
This Kyogre...could it hold the key to why they live while their home perished?
Ozzy peers up at Shane, determination in the pokemon’s gaze. He can sense the revelations are leading them towards their intertwined destiny.
Shane''s mind races as he tries to process everything Robert has told him. The fact that the legendary beast Kyogre is somehow behind the devastating wave that destroyed their home island of Osmer is a lot to take in.
"But why?" Shane murmurs aloud. "Why would a Pokémon as powerful as Kyogre target our home? Osmer was just a small, remote island group. We never have anything to do with legends or interfering with Pokémon."
Robert strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Aye, that is the question, isn''t it lad? The motives of legendary Pokémon are beyond typical reasoning. But there may be clues we haven''t unearthed yet."
The two sit down on some crates at the dock, while Ozzy and Wartortle play in the water nearby.
"Tell me, does anything unusual occur on Osmer in the time before the wave hit?" Robert asks. "Any newcomers stirring up trouble? Signs or omens that seem peculiar?"
Shane wracks his brain, trying to remember if there have been any red flags. "I do hear some murmurs before I leave...something about a rebellion brewing. My mother is tangled up in island politics so I try to avoid it all."
"Hmm, interesting," Robert murmurs. "Power struggles amongst humans could potentially disturb the balance of nature enough to provoke Kyogre''s ire..."
"You really think political squabbles could make a legendary that angry?" Shane asks skeptically.
"Hard to say for sure lad, but the actions of men have probably disrupted the harmony between human and pokemon before." Robert leans back pensively.
“Anyhow,” Robert’s thundering voice says, “you seem more energetic now. I was worried back on the island, you know. You seemed more and more withdrawn lately. From the little I''ve seen of you now, you seem much more full of life”.
Shane rubs the back of his neck, looking down sheepishly. "Yeah, you notice that huh? I guess I was in a pretty dark place before coming here."
He skips a pebble across the water, contemplating his words. "Life on the island could be suffocating. After my friends rejected me as a kid, I kinda just kept to myself. Felt like I didn’t belong."
Shane looks up at Robert sincerely. "But you were always there for me. Gave me purpose at the shipyard. If it wasn''t for you, I don''t know if I would''ve made it through those years."
Robert smiles warmly and pats Shane on the back. "You''re a good lad. I know you have potential, just need the right opportunity. Seems this crazy world of Pokémon is giving you that spark."
Shane nods, glancing at Ozzy playing in the surf. "Being with Pokémon, bonding with Ozzy... it''s giving me a connection I didn’t have back home. A chance to get out of my shell and be someone new."
He meets Robert''s gaze. "So thank you, for looking out for me and giving me direction when I needed it. I''ll make sure to live up to the potential you see in me, here in this new chapter of life."
Robert grins and pulls Shane into a hearty half-hug. "You already are, my boy. You already are." He steps back and grips Shane''s shoulder. "You''re ready to stand on your own now, lad."
Shane smiles, though he feels a pang of sadness. He knows it''s time for the next step in his journey alone.
After a heartfelt goodbye, Shane turns towards town, Robert watching proudly behind him. Shane takes a deep breath, fully aware this is the start of his independence in this new world.
With Ozzy at his side, he heads to the Pokémon Center, reflecting on his motivations. He needs to stop relying on Robert''s guidance and make his own way now. He figures the Center''s bulletin boards are a prime spot for posts seeking help from capable trainers.
His prospects plotted out, Shane sets off into the island interior, Ozzy''s wings whisking him onward.
Upon entering the Pokemon Center, Shane makes a beeline for the boards near the front desk. There are numerous flyers tacked up advertising items for sale, rooms for rent, and events happening around town. But nestled among them, he spots a few job postings.
Scanning through, some catch his eye:
Help Needed Patrolling Routes - Trainer with sturdy team sought for guard duty.
Farm Hand Needed - Trainer with strength to assist with chores. Pokemon welcome.
Fishing Boat Crew Wanted - Seeking trainers to work on fishing vessels. Sea experience a plus.
Courier/Delivery Person - Need trainers to safely transport goods between cities.
Camp Cook Wanted - Chef with trail cooking skills needed for hiker camp.
Nursery Help Needed - Caring trainers sought to nurture young pokemon.
Mining Operation Assistant - Trainers needed underground at ore excavation sites.
The options all seem good for gaining experience and funds. Shane jots down the contact info, eager to get started. This will let him pull his own weight instead of relying on handouts and Robert''s help.
As he turns to leave the board, Nurse Joy calls out to him. "Find any good prospects?" She must notice the determined look on his face. Shane smiles and gives her a thumbs up, and heads for the phones.
After a brief phone call, followed by a meeting at the town hall, they head out into the surrounding trails.
The noon island air is thick with moisture as Shane treks along the rocky Dewford coastline, his loyal Natu perched attentively on his shoulder. The pair has been hired by the town''s venerable elder to patrol its outskirts after reports of a suspicious drifter possibly casing the area.
Though Shane and Ozzy lack battle experience, the elder has assurance in their unique bond. Ozzy''s psychic intuition will pick up on any ill intent, while Shane''s openness to the pokemon''s impressions can decode the signals.
And so they vigilantly guard Dewford''s borders.
As midday approaches, hunger grumbles in Shane''s stomach.
He settles beneath a palm tree and breaks out the simple lunch he has packed - dried fruit, salted jerky, and a skin of fresh water. As he eats, a trio of sunburnt fishermen trek up the beach, nets slung over their shoulders laden with flopping pokemon.
Shane waves in greeting and they amble over, grateful for the shade.
The fishermen gratefully accept some of Shane''s provisions and converse about the day''s catch and weather conditions. Shane casually turns the topic to any odd happenings around the island lately.
One fisherman remarks he has seen an unfamiliar man wandering near the tidepools early one morning, but the stranger disappears before he can approach. Shane makes note of the details as Ozzy peers intently at the man, picking up faint traces of deceit still lingering in his aura.
After bidding the fishermen farewell, Shane continues his patrol down the beach. The repetitive shush of waves is occasionally punctuated by Ozzy''s subtle trills as he psychically investigates each person they pass - a lone swimmer, a pair of teenagers combing the sand for shells, an old woman foraging for wild berries.
Their energies all seem aligned with the island''s harmony, bringing Ozzy no cause for deeper concern.
As the afternoon sun dips towards the horizon, Ozzy''s senses prickle - there is a disruption in the island''s aura nearby. With an urgent trill, he guides Shane up a brambled path to a secluded cove tucked behind Dewford''s northern bluffs.
Moving stealthily through the bushes, they spot a furtive figure on the shoreline maneuvering a dinghy into the water. He constantly glances around, as if afraid of being caught.
Shane signals Ozzy to hang back in case the situation turns dangerous. He emerges from the bushes and calls out sharply, "Hey, this is private property! What do you think you''re doing?"
The man whips around, eyes wide for a moment before narrowing. "Just taking what I need," he replies coolly. "Nothing wrong with that."
Sensing the underlying desperation and moral conflict in the man''s energy, Shane tries to connect with him. "Look, I get it. You''re in a tight spot and need help. But stealing isn''t the answer..."
After some tense negotiation, the drifter finally acquiesces and surrenders the boat. Shane escorts the man down to the village, where the elder arranges for him to make amends through community service. Grateful crisis has been averted, the locals congratulate Shane on a job well done.
With his patrol duties complete, Shane collects his payment from the elder. Though it isn''t much money, the experience has been invaluable.
The success has proven he and Ozzy can handle greater challenges to come.
The days fall into a meditative rhythm for Shane and Ozzy as they take on modest jobs across Dewford.
The Pokemon Center offers free lodging in one of their spare rooms, allowing the pair a humble but comfortable abode between tasks.
Mornings often find them down at the docks, Shane''s familiarity with rigging from his shipyard days proving useful for loading and unloading vessels. Ozzy''s psychic senses guide them to any frayed ropes needing repair. The sea air fills their lungs and braces their spirits for the day ahead.
Afternoons bring berry harvesting in the island''s fertile orchards and groves.
Shane forages through prickly brambles while Ozzy''s keen eye spots ripe fruits high up in the trees. Their baskets overflow with sweet, tart and spicy varieties to share with others.
At dusk, they assist an aging fisherman by spotting schools of fish for him to net, Ozzy''s perception sharpened from hours of mental exercises with Shane.
They sup on the day''s bountiful catch together as the sun dips below the horizon.
In between jobs, Shane and Ozzy remain diligent in training their skills for future trials.
Along the shoreline, they practice calling upon Ozzy''s growing psychic and flying abilities in mock battles. Meditation and visualizations deepen their empathetic bond and mental acuity.
Come nightfall, Shane gazes out their window at the moon-kissed sea, reflecting on each day''s lessons.
This humble island existence is but preparation for the greater calling ahead.
When the tides of fate sweep them away from Dewford, they will depart with spirits fortified and connection tightly woven.