Chapter Text

The Flooded Kingdom

Prologue: Part I

Starkeep was known to be the safest and most powerful Kingdom. The Kingdom where the Temple of Light would drive away fear during the darkest nights. No storm or hurricane could ever harm this beautiful city... 

Or so Lyra used to think, until the Rainbow Plate was shattered. It all happened so suddenly, it felt like a dream at first. The holy artifact that brought power to the Kingdom, the object that was prayed to and preserved for countless eons and kept everyone safe, reported to have been broken into pieces two moons ago. 

Lyra remembered her father's outburst upon hearing the news. The Krookodile had leaped from his throne and pinned the messenger down on the floor. She had seen the horror in the poor Swellow's eyes; she had to save him, or she'd never forgive herself. 

"Father, please stop," she had tried to say, "he is not to blame!" 

Despite her begging, the messenger's neck had been snapped within moments. It painted a terrifying image of what was to come — King Aulos was already known for being unforgiving, this could only lead to more pain... 

She could understand his fear; the world outside their kingdom was constantly ravaged by natural disasters. Without the Rainbow Plate's protection, their city was defenseless. Still, this was no reason to kill innocent people — Lyra knew this could only be dealt with through unity, by working together to find a solution, not through violence and turning against each other. 

Though terrified from the thought of what he'd do next, the Krokorok followed him to the Temple that day to see the mess it had turned into. As they reached the ornate gates, a squad of Gabite soldiers bowed to them. They had been tasked with guarding the Plate, and from their mournful faces alone, Lyra could understand their guilt. Empathizing with shame and failure came easy to her — she went through it almost every day, knowing she lacked the qualities she'd need as a future Queen ... knowing she couldn't stand up for her people, even at a time like this. She wanted to be comforting and explain to those Gabite that this mistake did not define them, but couldn't even dream of it while her father was around. No doubt he already had a punishment for them in mind. 

Aulos was silent the whole time as they stepped into the great hallway leading to the artifact, dimly lit by candles on the walls. The Plate was indeed broken, though its pieces still glittered with life on top of their marble pedestal. Lyra thought it could be mended since the damage hadn't affected its colorful glow. 

"W- We might be able to fix it," she advised, trying to take his attention away from the Gabite upon seeing the returning rage in his eyes. The King did not listen to her, however. He ignored her words as he stabbed and slashed each of the Temple's guards with his bare claws. 

Lyra wished she had the courage to grab his arms and pull him away from them ... but her legs had completely frozen in place. All she could do was call out in desperation. 

"Killing our guards will not save us!" 

"They failed to do their job," he replied, "they deserve to be punished. What meaning could the lives of unreliable pests like them have, anyway?" 

Since then, the Krokorok had spent so many hours moping on her sandy bed. Even the feeling of warm specks of sand stuck in her scales did not comfort her. Lyra would only come out of her room to attend dinner, where she'd force herself to smile and show everyone she is keeping herself composed, then go right back to her room and continue weeping. She had witnessed so much blood spilled on holy ground, and hated herself for not standing up to King Aulos at that moment. 

Lyra wished she could change everything. She wanted to talk some sense into her father, to find someone who can fix their broken treasure and to calm everyone down, but it was so difficult to think positively. 

Did she even have enough time to fix it? Now the protective barrier around the Kingdom's walls had been lifted, and they were no longer safe from all the destruction to come. How long would it take for a flood or an earthquake to bring everything down, walls or not? These catastrophes would always come without warning when the gods were not at peace. Even if they were calm now, surely one of them would stir a year-long blizzard or two sooner or later. 

If only I could stop him, she thought sadly, if only I was stronger, more helpful...  

Suddenly, someone knocked on her door, interrupting her thoughts of grief and shame. 

"Your highness?" a soft voice whispered. Lyra's mood was immediately lifted. That angelic voice, the nervous tapping — a smile that always put her at ease was waiting behind her door. She hadn't seen him since her visit to the Temple, and she was so afraid something had happened to him, too. 

Knowing that he's safe made Lyra exhale in relief. She couldn't help but smile as warmth seized her body and brought her closer to the door. Whenever others addressed her formally it sounded forced, but he was the only one who meant it with all his heart. When they weren't in public, he felt just as comfortable to call her by her name. Ideally, that was what she wanted from everyone. She wanted her people to really think of her as a capable Princess and future Queen, but to also see her as their friend, not someone they must bow down to. 

"Chelys?" she whispered, opening the door. Everything felt more stable upon seeing him, as if her fears all began to fade away. Half Squirtle, half Abra, a strange, yet so, so very beautiful hybrid. His kind brown eyes, his cute blue ears, his thin shell, long pointy tail and clawed feet, Lyra liked all his unique features, no matter how weird others thought they were. He had been her best friend for longer than she could remember, and his appearance never bothered her. 

"Lyra, we need to do something," he said with worry, stepping inside so their conversation was more private. "Your dad has gone too far. I wasn't there when he killed our guards, but my father told me everything..." 

"I'm truly sorry," she apologized, "it must have been hard for the priest, of all people, to see that." In truth, King Aulos had always been merciless. Most people feared by him, and so did Lyra, but she never expected him to kill citizens at the steps of their temple. These moods were nothing new; he had a murderous temper whenever he felt upset, but it was hardly ever directed to his own people. With a sigh, she turned away and sat on her bed, covering her black eyes. She could feel tears coming, but she refused to let them out. She had to force a fake smile and pretend that everything was fine inside her mind, the way she'd been taught to do her whole life. 

"Lyra?" Chelys said, taking a step closer. "It's ... it's okay, let it out." 

Of course he'd know how she really felt. She looked toward her window to avoid eye contact, guilty for trying to hide her feelings from him. Chelys was the only one she could open herself up to, but she couldn't bear forcing her insecurities and sob stories on him at a time like this, when he was probably just as pressured. 

She tried to reach for the positive, hopeful Lyra inside her, the one who never gives up. If she couldn't do it for the Kingdom, then she had to do it for him. She'd find a solution, something — anything that would keep him safe. 

"I'm fine, don't worry," she managed to say. "You were right earlier — we need to act. But what should we do? I've been thinking for days, I just don't know what!" 

Some future Queen I am, she thought bitterly. How will I lead my Kingdom when I can't even think of how to save it?  

Chelys tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. "Kings and Queens are meant to have advisors, you know," he pointed out. "Some have councils, too. You shouldn't face this alone." 

Maybe other Kings and Queens do. She crossed her arms and wrinkled her snout. Starkeep did not have councils, and her father never trusted anyone enough to put them in a position of power. He ran their Kingdom entirely on his own ... though left some matters like healthcare and festivals up to Lyra and the Priest. She wanted to oversee education as well, but her father denied her any affiliation with that. 

Stop worrying, she suddenly snapped at herself, focusing on the matter at hand. Think of it this way; if you step up and save Starkeep now, he will have more trust in you. This could be how you really become Queen. Come on, smile. Do it for Chelys — the one person who believes in you, she repeated. 

"You're right," she breathed. "Let's get to work. He ought to calm down if we fix the Plate. So ... any ideas?" 

The hybrid's face loosened upon seeing her change in attitude. "I did some research in the library; I think I found a clue about how it can be put back together. Would you like to come see?" 

The castle's grand library was built with walls of tall bookshelves, reaching far above them. The knowledge preserved here was vast and invaluable. It's how they learnt about the Gift of Longevity within the Kingdom of Skyfort, a special power which her father had proceeded to wage war on them for. This is also where her ancestors had written down how to infuse various seeds with different items and amplify their effects, which made for exceptional weapons. Apparently, they had learnt this skill from Leafnest, a long-forgotten Kingdom that she never saw mention of anywhere else. Although not all of the writings here interested Lyra, she loved spending time with Chelys reading, studying, drawing maps and speculating on the desks, underneath the chandelier's soothing light. Whenever they both had time, they'd spend hours in this room, joking and laughing at all the funny things they learnt. By far Lyra's favorite moments were when Chelys became so adorably focused on books about marine life, she'd joke about how he would thrive even in a world of only oceans. 

Now those happy times seemed tragic. Without the Plate's protection, the Kingdom might really become flooded one day. She sighed calmly, wishing her brother were here. She didn't remember anything about him, but she had heard he was kind and really loved books. He must have spent a lot of time reading here, he'd certainly be helpful. 

"This is it," Chelys said, pointing to an old scroll he had spread on the table. It depicted a blocky Rainbow Plate descending from the clouds to the thankful, worshipping claws of her ancestors, who were desperately surrounded by raging fires. The swirling lines on the clouds were oddly detailed, as if they were depicting faces. Lyra recognized a few — Rayquaza's, Arceus' and Xerneas' among them. 

"We originally received this gift during times of chaos," he explained. "The gods wanted to protect us, so they made this and other powerful objects to keep the world in balance, like the Time Gears." 

Lyra furrowed her brow. "Well, that's great and all," she said skeptically, "but we haven't really spoken with them since those ancient times. I don't think they'll help us now." 

"Maybe," he said, picking up two books he had placed next to the scroll. "But since they made the Plate, wouldn't they also be the ones who can fix it?" 

She stared at the scroll for a moment, huffing quietly. Chelys' assumption made sense, Lyra knew she should be happy to have an answer, but it was not an answer she liked — not a solution that could prove her worth. "I ... guess that adds up," she agreed hesitantly. Receiving help from legendary mons sounded great, though too convenient. She wanted to solve this problem by herself, to take every issue in her own claws and change it, not beg for help from divines. 

"The closest Temple dedicated to the gods depicted here is Rayquaza's, on a hilltop just a few days away from Starkeep — maybe less if I hurry." He unrolled a map on the table, pointing to a little mark of Rayquaza's head. It stood in a valley beyond some woods and mountains near Starkeep. "My dad says there is an ancient ritual for communing with certain legendaries in times of emergency, I could do that and ask him for help!" 

"Ritual?" she breathed, even more skeptical. "What does that entail?" 

"Not all legendaries inhabit the same realm we do," he explained. "However, they are still tied to it through special statues. I'll have to locate one that belongs to Rayquaza, and I bet there will be one in his Temple." He rolled up the map again. "From there, I can get his attention with some verses. He's not guaranteed to respond, but it's worth a shot." 

It turned out Chelys was considering going all the way there on his own without telling his family, because if he did then they'd want to join him, and King Aulos would think it's suspicious if they left right after the Plate was destroyed. To Lyra, that sounded like reasonable thinking; her father was aggravatingly paranoid, even more now that the Plate had been destroyed. This made for a good plan, except for the part where he wanted to go all on his own, despite having no battle experience. 

She could not let him face the wilderness and all its dangers alone. Even though her father would never allow it, she wanted to be with him more than anything and keep him safe... She snuck out of the castle to join him the following night — her Dig technique allowed them to go under the city walls without being noticed. 

They traversed through the woods, fortunately not coming across too much trouble with the wildlife. Lyra was easily able to fight off the occasional feral Poochyena and Taillow — it only took a few claw swipes to scare them away. She knew they weren't sapient, but even so, she could never bring herself to kill her opponents. She wasn't sure whether they had brought enough supplies, but there were enough apple trees around to keep them from going hungry. Much to Lyra's relief, the skies remained clear throughout the whole day; not a single grey cloud, no sudden breeze or ominous echoes of thunder. The outside world was ... a lot more peaceful than she had been told. 

Night drew near by the time the two had reached the mountains, so they quickly set up camp in an opening between some rocks. The growing darkness around them made Lyra shiver, but after gazing at the stars for long enough, she realized there was no immediate danger nearby and felt at ease. The hills and forests and canyons she could see in the distance were more inviting than she had ever considered. Even if they were away from the safety of her Kingdom, the wilderness remained oddly serene and beautiful. 

"We've done well so far, don't you think?" she asked, passing Chelys an apple from her pouch. 

"I wouldn't know," he responded, slicing it with his claws. "My sister is the full-time explorer, not me." 

Lyra dipped her snout after noticing a saddened look in Chelys' eyes. "No one ever talks about her ... I need to know why." 

He shrugged, looking away. "That's because your dad doesn't want his people to know of her existence. I can talk about her as much as I want out here, though." 

He set the apple down, having lost his appetite. "Unlike my mother, Qanun can't hide her ... background as easily. She has marks on her body that associate her with something Aulos has outlawed. So, she rarely visits us." 

"Oh, I'm sorry-" Lyra quickly apologized, understanding how sensitive this topic is. Try to look at the bright side of things, she repeated to herself, what can you say to comfort him?  

"If we succeed in restoring the Plate's power, he will be indebted to you, won't he? That means you can have him pardon Qanun!" 

Chelys' ears shot up, as if he hadn't considered this possibility. 

Did he think I would keep all the credit for myself?   she wondered, grinning at him. Think again, buddy. My father may not be as impressed with me, but we're in this together.  

"That's right!" he said, excitedly swaying his tail from side to side. Lyra could make out a more determined glimmer in his eyes now. "All we need to do is speak to Rayquaza first. He is a forgiving and lawful dragon, once we prove we have good intentions, he will help us for sure!"

A comforting warmth made her own tail swing slightly, just by seeing that he had been cheered up. "You're good at convincing people regardless," she said, taking his claws in hers. "There's no way we'll fail!" 

"Yeah!" He nodded, leaning closer to her. "I'm happy to see you feeling confident, Lyra..." 

...Am I feeling confident?   she abruptly questioned herself, as her tail stopped moving. Or am I just confident in him? I'm not doing much, really ... this is his plan, his journey, and he will be the one who performs the ritual.  

I'm still not useful.  

Lyra let out a sigh, knowing she shouldn't ruin the moment because of these thoughts. "Thank you," she managed to say, though her voice sounded more pensive than before. She lowered her body to the floor and curled her tail around herself. "Let's get some sleep — we have to wake up early tomorrow." 

Chelys nervously scratched his ears, likely having picked up on how she felt worse all of a sudden. He decided to let her have some space though, and lied down as well.  

She'd occasionally glance at the sky as she tried to rest, unable to find the peace of mind to do so. 

She still would have preferred to find a solution that didn't include legendaries, something that she can do for her people on her own ... something that would prove she is worthy of being their next leader. 

Yet there was nothing to do, not even now. Chelys had this covered, and he didn't need a bodyguard after all. He didn't need her help ... and the ones who did, like those poor Gabite, could only be met with disappointment. 

Too meek to speak up against injustice. Too helpless to save them all in their hour of need.  

As she kept thinking, memories rushed back to her. In combat training, regardless of whether she battled with moves or weapons, her teachers always said she was being too forgiving toward her opponents, that a future leader would need to display more force and resolve. 

Whenever she hosted festivals by her favorite mural in the city, or when she attended meetings in the castle, it wouldn't take long for her to notice the scornful glare many people gave her, one that clearly meant to tell her she had done nothing to earn her presence there. 

Then there was Qanun ... Lyra had sent a letter to her years ago, asking her to come back more often to spend some time with Chelys — she hadn't known poor Qanun was outlawed. The reply she had received was incredibly brief, but it cut deeper than if she hadn't messaged back altogether. 

“I don't feel safe with you.”  

She shut her eyes and sighed. They all think I'm useless ... and they're right. Chelys wouldn't want me to think this way, but it's true...  

When she opened her eyes again, Lyra noticed her vision had turned blurry — she could hardly make out the rocks around her. Even if she was tired though, she'd never fall asleep with these thoughts in her head. 

I have to keep going, she amended in an attempt to comfort herself. I'll keep on trying and I'll find some way to prove myself, eventually.  

Tomorrow is another day ... treat it with a smile.  

Gentle nudges on her shoulder stirred her awake in the morning. Chelys sat beside her, his tail curled alongside hers. He insisted that they had to start moving, so Lyra awkwardly pulled her tail back and got up. She had only ever seen the sunrise from the same window in her bedroom her whole life, so watching as the sky turned pink from high up in the mountains gave her chills. 

Letting out a deep breath, she tried to take her eyes away from the pretty sight. She couldn't afford to get used to the beauty of the outside world — only the slightest action from a legendary could turn it all to ruin in the blink of an eye. 

"We will be fine," Chelys said with renewed fire, stepping out of their little cave. "I have a good feeling about today." 

His words were so gentle and comforting that Lyra convinced herself not to think about last night's insecurities, or the potential danger of walking right into a volcanic eruption, or snowstorm, or whatever else could happen out here. There was one thing to focus on now; traversing through these mountains to reach the valley. 

After hours of trekking, climbing and scaring away feral birds, the two had gotten past the mountains, much faster than expected. Around midday, just as the heat was becoming too much for Chelys to bear, they finally laid eyes on a marble structure on top of a distant hilltop. Undoubtedly Rayquaza's Temple, Chelys had pointed out, so they put all of their remaining strength in hurrying over there. 

Regrets started forming in Lyra's mind when they reached it. 

The Temple standing before them looked severely damaged and decayed, with overgrown grass and vines swirling along the pillars. 

"I didn't know it would be abandoned," Chelys muttered. 

Lyra guessed that all of Rayquaza's worshippers had been killed by all the natural disasters that plagued the outside world, if their shrine was all the way out here ... but with how peaceful her journey had been, that possibility didn't seem as likely anymore. Perhaps most of them had fallen in the previous war against Skyfort. 

No — what am I thinking? I can't let my guard down, it's never safe outside the Kingdom's walls.  

If any worshippers survived the war, they must have been killed by the hurricanes that followed.  

...Or maybe they came to Starkeep to seek refuge and never returned here. Yes, that's a nicer alternative, I'll stick with that one. 
 

The inside of the building was even worse. More vines were growing on the walls with faded paintings, most vases and other decorations were smashed, and the layout was oddly maze-like, forming unnecessary rooms, as if the walls had positioned themselves on their own. This place is slowly turning into a Mystery Dungeon, she realized with wide eyes. What if something attacks us? It's too dangerous for Chelys to stay here.  

"A- Are you alright?" Chelys asked with concern, warily stepping closer to her. She looked into his terrified eyes, probably startled to see the Temple in this state. 

"Of course I am," Lyra said. Did my face give me away?   she worried. Smile, everything is fine, you're not afraid, Lyra.  

"Oh, it's just — you seemed anxious." 

"Ugh, yes, I am anxious!" she cried, knowing she couldn't keep the act up. Chelys would always see right through her. How did he do that? "But not for myself. It might be dangerous here, and I know you must be feeling so, so scared. You can go back, tell me how to do the ritual and I'll talk to Rayquaza." 

Chelys shyly shook his head. "I'm sorry," he said, "you're not ... I mean, you wouldn't get through, Rayquaza is — you tend to..." he trailed off, unsure how to express his thoughts. 

"Let others walk over me?" Lyra finished for him, crossing her arms. "Get ignored and never be listened to by anyone?" Of course he doesn't think I could manage talking to Rayquaza. Who would? Who would trust me with anything?  

Chelys lowered his head. "I listen to you," he said. "I'm sorry. I think you're extraordinary the way you are," he apologized again. 

A terrible guilt rapidly spread over her mind for blurting that response. She shouldn't have snapped at him ... but admitting all this was somehow relieving. Even if she wanted to argue, he was right to have second thoughts about her capabilities. Why wouldn't he think I'm weak at diplomacy? What can I do, when I have a father who never listens, when my whole Kingdom doubts I'll ever be a good Queen, when I can't even say “killing is bad” and sound logical!  

He hesitantly moved a claw closer to her shoulder, but she shrugged it off in her frustration and stormed off farther inside. Lyra kicked some rubble as she entered a large prayer room, at the end of which stood a marble statue of Rayquaza. She approached it with caution, slightly tilting her head at it. 

This might do, she thought, desperate to distract herself from her anger. Chelys had mentioned a few details about the ritual's requirements; apparently they needed a “special” sculpture of the deity. Lyra was not certain what makes a statue “special”, but she assumed that if it were in the prayer room of its Temple, it must be important. 

"Look over here," she called him over, pointing her claw to the old sculpture. It was in a ruined state like the rest of the Temple, but the shape of Rayquaza was still recognizable, and two sparkling emeralds were in the place of its eyes. "Can you speak to him through this?" 

"I can — we can," he corrected, giving the statue an analytical gaze before glancing at her again. "Want to try the ritual together?" 

"Huh? Of course!" Lyra answered. "Who wouldn't take up an offer like that," she added with a grin. 

Why would he want me to speak to him too? We've established I can't make anyone hear what I have to say, she wondered, then relief came to her. 

He still believes in me ... That's why.  

She got a few candles ready, as Chelys drew a shape around them; it looked similar to the circles on Rayquaza's body. 

"Won't we need anything else?" she asked, worried. 

"No, this is just to show respect and dedication," he responded, placing a claw on his snout. "Fortunately, he's one of the few deities who don't demand a sacrifice." 

"A what?! " she cried, bewildered. Chelys nervously laughed it off and took out the book he had been carrying. 

"Nevermind that," he said, "let's begin ... Oh, great guardian of the skies..." 

With a deep breath, she joined him in chanting the verses together. "We ask of you to hear our plea in this time of need. We beg of you to share your wisdom, strength and bravery..." 

Lyra shivered from head to tail as they continued to read aloud, anxiously fidgeting her claws until they reached the end. When it was over, she looked around the room and reached out for Chelys' hand. 

"Um, what happens now?" she asked. 

Chelys looked at the statue expectantly. "I'm not sure how he'd speak with us, but I think we'll hear his voice through the statue." 

Just then, Lyra felt rumbling in the ground as a sudden burst of wind came by, and she immediately got up on her feet. 

"It doesn't seem in the mood to talk-" she commented, ready to shield Chelys from any potential threat. The wind became progressively stronger and nearly knocked Chelys off his feet, but Lyra grabbed him and pulled him close. 

Dust and debris swirled around the room wildly. Lyra stood her ground at first, she refused to let go. Is this a whirlwind?   she thought, feeling her heart race. How is it happening in here?  

She clutched Chelys more fiercely and dug the claws of her feet into the floor. If I could just dig a tunnel before it's too late...  

As she lowered her body to reach the ground however, the wind kept pushing her back, until it swept both of them into the air. 

Her vision became a blur. All she could do was continue holding onto Chelys as the violent winds carried them in circles. 

This can't be how it ends... her mind echoed, until she could no longer focus on what was happening around her. 

A gentle breeze trailed through Lyra's scales some time after. She was lying on something ... weirdly soft and fluffy. It felt like sand yet she could tell it was not sand at all. She shook her head and opened her eyes, noticing that Chelys was still in her embrace, withdrawn in his shell. 

They had been taken to ... some kind of tower? It was formed by clouds, surrounded by an endless sky. 

Walking on clouds ... oh no. Are we- are we dead?  

"Chelys," she whispered, tapping his shell. "Come out, please..." 

He slowly poked his head and limbs out of the shell's holes. "What in the world happened?" he asked, terrified and disoriented. He carefully looked around, until he glanced behind Lyra and his jaw dropped. She gritted her teeth and forced out the courage to look there as well. 

It was none other than Rayquaza, hovering calmly in the air. He looked as strong and brave as one would always imagine him, although his impressive size was utterly intimidating. He raised his head upwards, staring down at them. 

"Mortals of Starkeep, what have you called me for?" Rayquaza spoke in a commanding and confident voice, but also caring, exactly how Lyra imagined a leader's voice to be like. 

Her mouth wouldn't move, and the rest of her body had become completely paralyzed too. She couldn't believe she was directly speaking to him, face-to-face. 

"We ... we have traveled from the Kingdom of Starkeep to beg for your help, oh great dragon," Chelys said, quickly kneeling down. 

Lyra's throat had tightened. What could she possibly say to a god, a giant dragon who's ten — no, twenty times her size, when only a few moments ago she was just lighting candles? Why would Rayquaza respond to her plea, of all people, when not even her own father does? 

Settle down, she thought to herself with a deep breath, trying to stop her hands from shaking. She thought she'd only hear his voice in her head back in the temple, not be transported to an entirely different realm! What even is this place? What if he gets angry and doesn't allow us to go back?   she worried, what if he thinks we're unworthy and kills us right here and now? 

The dragon narrowed his eyes at her, making her flinch. Does — does he realize I'm royalty? Will he be madder at me because of it-?  

No, calm down, she repeated in her mind. If you don't want him to hate you, you have to explain yourself.  

"The- the R- Rainbow Plate has been destroyed," she added in a stutter. We're not sure how it happened, but we believe you are capable of restoring its power and we really need it to protect our people." Her heart was beating so fast, she thought her chest wouldn't contain it any longer. Please believe us...  

"The Rainbow Plate ... it protects the surface's inhabitants," Rayquaza pondered. "It would be awful if it were left in this state. I suppose I could assist you," he said thoughtfully, scratching his long neck with his claws. Lyra and Chelys were both beaming. He had already agreed. 

"I shall fix it, on one condition," Rayquaza proposed. 

"O- Of course! Anything! What is your wish?" Chelys said, surprised. 

"I want you to share its protection," he said. "Starkeep has treasured it for a long time to keep itself safe, but that is not what we intended for the Plate. We wanted all mortals to be safe from the disasters that we gods cause in our battles. If it is aiding one Kingdom, it must also aid the others." 

"We understand, great one," Lyra said, unsure if her father would agree with that plan. He would never be willing to share this power with other Kingdoms. He had used the Plate to his advantage in most of their wars. When other Kingdoms were recovering from damages caused by earthquakes and hurricanes, he would see it as an opportunity to attack. 

Besides, there was no chance he would agree to help Skyfort — their enemies from the last war hundreds of years ago. Hopefully Rayquaza will trust them to carry out their promise ... but if her father objects and intervenes, the punishment could be severe. 

"We will see to its power being used for the good of as many living beings as we can," she promised, trying to hide the doubt in her voice. 

Rayquaza nodded, though eyed her for a moment longer. "Perfect. Now, where is it?" he asked, leaning down to get closer to the two. He tilted his head as the two looked at each other with regretful expressions. 

"You don't have it on you?" he asked. 

"N- Not currently," Chelys answered, "you see, her father — the King — he has the Plate's shards under protection back in the castle. He would never allow us to take them outside." 

"Hmm..." Rayquaza's expression turned more thoughtful. "I shall go there and fix it, then. In three days' time, when the sun is setting and the moon rises. Be ready." He carried his stern gaze to Lyra, making her gulp. "A private word with you." 

Before she could respond, another whirlwind came by, trapping a bewildered Chelys inside and sinking below the clouds with him. The Krokorok was left on her own, completely terrified and amazed at the same time. What could Rayquaza possibly want to tell her; the least important person she knew? 

The dragon came even closer to her level, coiling in a circle around her. "You seem ... troubled," he pointed out curiously. 

Oh no, she thought. Of all the times she had to fake-smile, to pretend she was fine, why did she have to fail again now? 

"Do not waste your concern on me." She looked away to avoid eye contact. "I'm just ... frustrated because my father never listens to me. I'm worried that he might not agree to your terms," she admitted. "It's so frustrating when people refuse to understand..." This is it. I'm going to be obliterated right now, and our Kingdom will never be saved because of my father ... because of me.  

"I've felt the same way in the past," Rayquaza said ruefully. Lyra blinked at him, confused. He felt ... empathy? He wasn't mad at her? "You must have heard about how I stop fights between Groudon and Kyogre, haven't you?" 

She nodded slowly. Could her situation really be compared to that? 

"Well," Rayquaza continued, "believe me, I have tried to cease their conflict peacefully. I have tried to be patient, to talk them out of it. But when someone refuses to listen to reason, you need to stand up for what is right." 

"You're saying I need to confront him?" she hesitated, "oh no, I could never..." 

"Aren't you the Princess?" he said, making her heart skip a beat. "If anyone is in a position to confront the King, isn't it you, the next in line?" 

She dipped her snout, clutching her necklace. Rayquaza believes in me ... more than my own people.  

"When nothing else works," he advised, "confrontation is important. We must do everything we can in order to bring peace and hope ... even if it means getting our claws dirty every now and then, unfortunately." 

Lyra nodded at the dragon as he uncoiled. "I think I understand," she said. "It will be — it is — my responsibility to protect what I care for, no matter what it takes." 

Rayquaza nodded back at her, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. He's much friendlier than I expected, she thought. He's more of a person than some actual mortals are.  

Another whirlwind slowly began to form around her. She loosened her body and let it take her. "I will make sure that your conditions are met. Thank you for trusting me." 

"I'll see you soon," Rayquaza said calmly, as the vortex dragged her beneath the clouds, away from his domain. 

Upon reuniting with Chelys, the two instantly agreed to head home. The journey back was an exhausting one for Lyra. She was so nervous, because on the one hand, a god is coming down to help! Great! But on the other hand, the King is going to be super mad that she left the castle... 

Even worse, she had to think about Rayquaza's advice and the inevitable dispute between her and the King the whole time. However, whenever she sighed or looked down, Chelys would always weave his tail with hers and lean on her, reassuring her that everything would be all right. Knowing someone was there for her ... that made their task less daunting. 

The two reached the city ahead of time, sneaking in the same way they had gone out. Instead of going to the castle right away, Chelys suggested visiting one of the plazas first. Lyra had narrowed her eyes at him in confusion, but when they got there, she understood. 

He wanted to stop by the Post Office... Hoping for a letter from Qanun, no doubt, Lyra thought, waiting for him outside. She stood beside the monument at the center of the square, gazing at its inscription to pass the time. 

This was the Sunset Mural. It had been built at the end of the war back when she was a hatchling, to symbolize Starkeep's victory over Skyfort. On the mural, a fading orange line hid in the sky behind vast hills and mountains, while stars lit up the darker skies above, where the fortified peaks of the other Kingdom stood in ruin. 

Huh , she thought ruefully. The end of the war. A crisis that ended. Her tail began to tap on the floor excitedly. Come on Chelys, hurry up. We have a crisis to end, too!  

Some citizens passed by as she waited, but none stopped to look at her — no one recognized who she was, despite having attended so many events and meetings. She dipped her snout and exhaled. They will recognize us after today. She began to tap her claws, wondering why Chelys was taking so long. If anything happens to him- she abruptly worried. 

Just then, her concerns were interrupted as he exited the building, waving at her. "Sorry for the delay!" he called, then hurried over. He's alright, she breathed. He must have been writing to Qanun to tell her what we are up to, that we're planning to lift her ban.  

"Any news from our beloved Wartortle?" she asked with a smile. 

"Um, no," he said, avoiding eye contact with her. 

Oh, right. We can't talk about her here, she remembered. "Uh, hey, look at this mural," she said, hoping its symbolism would help him feel better. "All problems end eventually, and- I'm sure she will be pardoned soon?" 

Chelys rolled his eyes affectionately, putting on a somewhat smug grin. "Your ability to comfort me is impeccable," he commented, then looked at the monument after a solemn pause. "That's not the message I get, looking at it. Many lives were lost in those wars." 

"Yeah," she sighed. "At least we got to live on, without the fear of death crawling to us. I'm glad we won." 

"Won?" Chelys echoed. "Lyra, war never has winners. Everyone loses." He looked around as if to make sure their conversation was private. Being far away from all the stores assured him it was. 

She tilted her head, unsure of what he meant. "Is it because lives are lost on both sides?" she asked. "You're right, that is unfortunate." 

"And for everything else that is destroyed," he pointed out. Lyra sensed a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Of course, you wouldn't know. You've lived safe behind walls your whole life, when your ancestors doomed innocent lives with the opposite."  

"...Chelys?" She took a step back. He had never been this hostile... "What's wrong?" 

"If you see victory in war then how are you different from your ancestors?" he cried. The two stared at each other in bewilderment — Chelys seemed to have a realization that he had spoken out of line, while Lyra had grasped her snout with her claws in shock. After a long pause, Chelys shakily lifted his hands to his eyes, hiding his face. "I- I apologize, your highness." 

She shook her head and took his claws in hers. "Drop the formalities," she said quietly, "can you explain?" 

He shyly nodded and lowered his voice to a whisper. "The Kingdom of Skyfort is but an abandoned fortress now. Can't you imagine what suffering Aulos put those people through, just to take their treasure?" 

There was a stab of guilt in her heart that made her fall silent. He means The Gift of Longevity, she thought. Countless people died just so we can have an extended lifespan ... how can some more years for us be more valuable than the lives of others? How didn't I realize this?  

He's right ... I shouldn't see it as a victory.  

"The Kingdom of Leafnest," Chelys went on, his voice wavering. "Those people, your family tried to wipe them out and erase them from history. Mentioning them isn't allowed within the city." 

"Leafnest," Lyra echoed. All she had ever known about it is that it used to be a Kingdom in the jungles far away from here, and that they had developed unique methods of using weapons. 

Not allowed within the city, her mind repeated, and suddenly the pieces clicked together. "Qanun..." 

Marks on her body that associate her with something Aulos has outlawed. Can't hide her background...  She's from Leafnest, isn't she? Chelys' family, at least from his mother's side — they have to be from there.  

Seeing him lower his head said it all. She had no idea... 

No wonder Qanun doesn't feel safe with me, Lyra thought. Not because I did something to her ... but because I did nothing for her.  

This changes now.  

"No more wars," she said to Chelys softly. "We'll make this a safe place for her, for everyone." 

"But what about-" 

"I won't let my father keep this up," Lyra assured him. "It won't take long for him to suspect one of the other Kingdoms is behind what happened to the Rainbow Plate, so we'd best deliver the news in time. After that, I'll personally make sure he never harms anyone again." 

Chelys expressed his concerns about whether she'd really be able to convince him, but she had to try. She could no longer stand by and watch him harm innocent lives. It was not just a promise to Rayquaza anymore, or to Chelys for that matter, but to herself. 

Summoning all the courage they had, the two went toward the castle. One of the guards, a female Sandslash, escorted them to the throne room, visibly relieved that the princess had returned and that his majesty could now rest easy. Both Chelys and the Sandslash bowed upon reaching the King. 

"Father, I'm back!" Lyra boldly announced, excited to share the news. "We learned how to fix the Plate!" 

The King stared her down. She recognized that gaze, it was the “I'm enraged but cannot kill you, so I'll have to punish you some other way,” kind of gaze. 

"What were you thinking? " he snapped. "We're already dealing with one disaster; did you have to cause another? Why did you run away? " 

"I was trying to help!" she retorted, "I'm sorry for leaving, I did what I had to." She warily clutched her necklace as her heartbeat sped up. Here she was — finally defending herself from him. The rage in his eyes made her want to drop everything, forget the promise and go shut herself in her room where she'd be safe, but she refused to back down. She would stand her ground this time. 

"You are worthless!" King Aulos shouted, standing up from his throne. "What if something were to happen to you out there? You're the only heir this Kingdom has — you're going to rule one day. If this is how you behave now, what will you do when you're Queen?" 

She had heard that question countless times, and every single one, she had remained quiet, unable to answer him. She always felt so guilty, even more now that Chelys was behind her. Lyra clenched her fists. This time would be different. 

"I'll do what I'm supposed to and protect everyone!" she yelled back at him. "I'll be a good and fair Queen, not a tyrant like you!" 

A long pause followed, as her heart pounded wildly. She knew that she had spoken way out of line. 

"You dare, " he began, lashing his tail. 

"Yes! I dare!" she quickly replied, fighting off the will to stop talking. She wouldn't listen to that overwhelming fear. "You ignore me and treat me like a brainless Magikarp! I'm two hundred years old, father! I am not a child anymore, I know what I'm doing!" 

"Enough!" he exclaimed, making her flinch. He stomped his foot down, kicking up a whirlwind of sand. 

He wouldn't, Lyra instinctively thought, bracing herself. He wouldn't attack his own daughter, not with Sand Tomb, or any move for that matter.  

"Lyra," Chelys whispered, "please tread carefully..." 

She didn't look back at him, but from the anxiety in his voice alone she could tell he was fearing for their lives. She kept her head up, though — she refused to let Aulos do as he pleases. 

Upon seeing she had not backed down, the King roared furiously and blasted the sand in her direction. She was thrown across the room, past Chelys and the Sandslash. She hit her back against the wall and collapsed, as a terrible ache lingered on her spikes. 

"I won't hear any more of this!" King Aulos shouted, restricting her movements with the Sand Tomb. "You will stay in your room until you learn to respect me!" 

The Sandslash quickly came over to Lyra to help her stand up. "I- I'll take her there, your highness!" 

"Good." The sand drifted to the floor as he let go of the move, then shifted his menacing gaze to Chelys. "As for the fool who ran off with her..." 

No, not him, she begged, gasping for air. Please, not my friend.  

"Throw him in the dungeon. He has a lot to answer for once I'm done with our current crisis." 

Lyra cried in her room for what felt like a few eternities, curled up and hopeless. In the end, no one listened to her. She had made everything worse, once again. Looking out the window, she could tell it was sunset. Rayquaza would soon come flying through the orange-blue sky and be met with complete disappointment. Very, very soon. 

I mess everything up, she thought, taking a step closer to the window. Chelys was in prison, Qanun would never be pardoned, the Rainbow Plate would not be fixed, and none of her people would ever truly be safe. All because of her. 

I should just end it all here. I should leave and go die in a mud puddle somewhere, nothing would change. No one will ever have to deal with my disappointing self again, and —  

...What's that?  

Her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed the shape of Rayquaza far, far away in the sky, soaring toward their Kingdom. 

The promise I made, she remembered bitterly. She said she would protect everyone. How could she have been foolish enough to make a promise she can't keep? She couldn't even protect the one person who loved her... 

Don't let the darkness in your mind win, she told herself in the voice of Chelys in her head. Reach deep inside and find that last bit of hope, somewhere in there. Think of happy times. Put on one last smile and make it an honest one.  

Lyra tried to imagine all the different happy futures waiting for her, ones where she lived a long and happy life with Chelys and ruled over the Kingdom with love and protected all her subjects like they were her own family. All the potential futures where she would not be known as the Princess who could never live up to Aulos' expectations, but Queen Lyra, fair and just ruler of Starkeep, who summoned Rayquaza and restored the Rainbow Plate to protect her people. 

If I give up and bury myself now ... those futures will never come.  

Taking a deep breath, she turned to her door and concentrated. There were guards outside, but she had to get through them and stop her father before it was too late. 

This was it. 

Last chance.  

Gathering all her strength, she charged forward and brought the door down. She ran ahead, before the guards could stop her. 

"Wait! Princess, we have been ordered to keep you in your room!" the male guard announced. 

"By whom? That murderer?" Lyra said, looking back at them. They were a Lairon and a Sandslash — the same one who escorted her to the King. "You remember what I said, right? I know of a way to piece the Plate back together. Not through murder and violence, but through love and asking for help. You want that, don't you? To live peacefully, to have the Plate's power help us all again?" 

The guards fell quiet. "Well..." the Sandslash hesitantly began, tapping her claws together. "How do we know you're telling the truth?" she asked. 

"Look outside," Lyra responded, "you'll see a giant dragon flying towards us — Chelys and I summoned him to fix the Rainbow Plate." 

The Sandslash warily looked outside, then gasped. "My Arceus..." 

"I know what to do, just please, please give me one chance. If I do this right, we will all be saved," Lyra said. 

"But ... what if he's coming to attack?" the Lairon asked with a gulp. 

"Well, he might," Lyra admitted. Technically not a lie, in fact she just realized it might be a terrifying possibility, if Aulos attacks him first. "That's why I have to be there to meet him — once he sees me, he will know everything is fine." 

The guards glanced at each other and slowly nodded. "Go, quickly." 

"Thank you, really," Lyra responded, then looked at the equipment they had strapped around their waists. "Give me a weapon — a sword. I might need one." She winced as she said those words. She'd never be able to harm her father with her own claws or teeth or moves, and she wasn't sure if a weapon would be any different ... but it was best to keep one. 

Rayquaza was still far away, he was mostly just a line in the sky when she looked, so she still had some time to save her friend before facing Aulos. She hurried down the steps to the first floor, where more guards were stationed. 

Won't be able to convince all of them as easily, she thought, focusing on the ground beneath her. Without a moment to waste, she burrowed below the floor with Dig. Navigating her way underground wouldn't be easy, but she had lived there long enough to know the layout of the whole castle. It took no time for her to tunnel through a wall in the dungeon and slip inside. 

The old, dusty prison was dimly lit by torches between each cell, illuminating the metal bars. "Chelys? Where are you?" she called. 

"Uh, from the entrance, two turns to the left and then one to the right!" he called back. 

"Halt!" a Rhyhorn guard shouted, running toward her. "Princess, I cannot allow you to meddle down here. Please head back." He tilted his horn to the stairs leading to the exit at the end of the corridor. 

"Yes you can," she replied. "You have not been specifically ordered by the King to stop me, have you? He thought I'd stay in my room ."  

"But ... it's still no place for you to be in, there are dangerous criminals here!" he argued. 

He's concerned about the prisoners?   Lyra thought, confused. Not everything else that's been happening?  

...Does he know what's been happening?  

"Warden," she said slowly, "when did you get this position?" 

"Eh, couple weeks ago," he responded with a sigh. "Been told there's an emergency of some kind up there, so I've had to work full-time here, with no breaks at all. I miss the sunlight..." 

"You don't know what that emergency is?" 

"No, why would I care about all the action when I don't get to be part of it? I'm forced to stay in this cold mess of a dungeon anyway. All I know is his majesty is really mad..." 

A bit too eager to ramble about his problems, she mused, but I can understand this feeling. "Being stuck in one place, unable to help others. It must feel pretty disappointing," she said softly. "But you can help me! Please, give me the key to the hybrid's cell." 

"What?!" he exclaimed, "I'm not gonna do that!" 

"Why not? Your Princess is asking for your help, and it's in your line of duty to assist her, is it not?" 

"Is ... is that how it works?" he groaned, rubbing his horn as he tried to think. "If the King finds out I messed up, it'll be over for me..." 

"Actually, I'm taking that hybrid under my custody, so he would blame me, not you, and if any guards are punished, it'll be the ones who let me out of my room in the first place. Besides, I need this person to solve the crisis upstairs," she explained, though noticed he was still standing his ground. He's just one miserable Rhyhorn. I can take him on...  

She shook her head, dismissing those thoughts. Lyra didn't want this to end in a scuffle, so her best bet was a soft threat. "Keep in mind, your only way to make me leave is to fight me, and ... you can guess what would happen to you for attacking the Princess." 

Despite her continued persuasion attempt, he still seemed puzzled and uncertain, taking a wary step back. Lyra could not afford to stick around and wait for him anymore. She rushed to his side, swiped the keys from the belt hung around his back and ran to the cell. 

"Hey, wait—!" he cried, bewildered. 

"I'll give you a promotion when I'm Queen, no more dungeons for you, promise!" 

"Oh. Go on," he mumbled. 

Thank goodness, she exhaled, I didn't have to fight him. She would never allow herself to harm her own guards. After all, even if they started fighting, or if she even attempted to blind him with sand, he would just roar for backup — she couldn't risk having him raising the alarm. Luckily, he was dense enough to let her through.  

She got to the cell and tried each of the keys. After a few attempts, she unlocked the barred door and threw it open. 

"By the Time Gears, Lyra! Are you crazy?" Chelys came out of the cell, beginning to sob as he wrapped his arms around her. 

"There, there. I know it was scary," she whispered, "and yes, I am crazy, considering what I'm going to do." She hugged him back, possibly for the last time. "Run, Chelys. You need to get away from the Kingdom, now." She grabbed his shoulders and intently stared into his eyes. "If I can't stop my father and he remains King, he will execute you as soon as he gets the chance." 

"B- But," he stammered, unable to hold back his tears. "What about you? Will I ever see you again? Where am I going to go?" 

"I'm ... not sure. Once I'm Queen, you can stay here for as long as you like. But now is the time to either run or fight, and I will not let you stay in harm's way." She held his hand, their claws shakily brushing one another's. His head was dejectedly lowered, so she placed a hand on his chin and lifted it, so he'd meet her gaze again. "As your Princess, let this be my one and only order to you. Go, be safe." 

It won't be exactly “safe” out there, beyond our Kingdom's walls ... but from what we've experienced, maybe it's not that bad after all.  

It's certainly safer than in here.  

They ran out of the dungeon as quickly as they could. Once they reached the ground floor, she noticed many guards were heading upstairs. Must be going to the top of the towers, she realized. They're preparing for battle against a flying opponent ... but Rayquaza is not our enemy! I have to stop my father before he makes them attack.  

"Let's get you out," she said to Chelys, before hurriedly digging another hole. He followed her inside the tunnel, which led them to a small garden on the other side of the wall when they surfaced. 

She looked back at him as he crawled out of the tunnel. He seemed like he was trying to stay strong, but his legs were shaking from fear. Lyra realized hers were, too. "Time for you to leave," she said, holding back the choking feeling in her throat. "Avoid any ferals and keep your ears open for any news on what's going to go down today. I don't want you alone out there — find Qanun. She will take care of you." 

Chelys nodded sadly. "I'll miss you, Lyra. Good luck, with whatever you do. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful Queen," he said with a smile, though tears drooped from his eyes. 

She felt a sharp pain in her heart, telling her to let him stay, but she couldn't think only of herself; she had to consider what's best for him as well. He had to remain safe. "I'll miss you too. Take care of yourself, and don't hide who you are, Chelys. To me, you're perfect this way. Keep being your extraordinary self and don't ever forget how important you are." 

She knew those words were something she needed to hear, too. He was always there to tell her those exact words and remind her that there was something worth fighting for. Now, she hoped she could be the one comforting him. 

"Wow," he said as his smile became more genuine. "You really are impeccable at comforting me." 

"Why thank you, I am honored," she replied with a deep bow. Both of them chuckled affectionately, twining their tails together. Laughing softened the blow of saying goodbye. 

I'm glad I could share a laugh with him for one more time, she thought ruefully. Thinking back to this moment will make me laugh again, rather than cry. That's what friends do, they keep each other happy ... and he's the best friend I've ever known.  

Just a friend ... yeah.  

It was hard for Lyra to fight back the tears after seeing him leave, but she had to stay strong for now. She had to go up and confront her father. If Rayquaza saw that someone like him was in charge of the Kingdom, he would never fix the Plate. She took a deep breath, went back inside, and rushed up the stairs. She assumed the King would be at the central tower, as it is the highest and safest one. 

Poor Rayquaza, she thought, panting. He must expect us to be humble and welcoming, but if I know my father, he will try to attack the moment he gets in range. If Rayquaza fights back, we'll all be wiped out.  

Come on, move faster...  

As she kept going up, she got a glance at the sky from one of the windows. It had gotten dark — sunset was almost over. Lyra dashed through the final set of stairs, finally arriving at the top of the tower. 

The wind was howling fiercely. Probably Rayquaza's doing, Lyra assumed, as she flinched from its force. For a moment, she was glad to not be wearing anything other than her silver bracelets and necklace. Her mother used to want her to wear dresses and grand gowns, but those always felt so uncomfortable, and they'd get all messy in the wind here. 

Mother, her mind echoed. Someone who vanished from her life a long, long time ago, just like her brother had before that. 

Exhausted, Lyra took some breaths, then looked around. Her father stood on the edge of the tower, staring at the dragon as he flew through the sky. Aulos carried a large golden bow, with a quiver of silver arrows strapped on his tail. 

"Father!" she immediately called upon seeing the weapon. "Rayquaza is here to help us! He can fix the Plate. Do not harm him." She kept a firm tone and stance, tapping the sword on her waist. Please don't make me use this.  

"How did you get out?" he snarled, not even looking back at her. "Can none of these idiots do their job?" 

"Do not change the subject. I'm here to tell you what you're obviously about to do is wrong." She glanced at the other towers. Ranged attackers were positioned on them, and flying type warriors were hovering nearby. A troop of Flygon and Corviknight circled above Lyra and Aulos, all anxiously flapping their wings. They're terrified, Lyra realized. I can't let him send these poor people into battle against a legendary.  

"Don't get in my way," the Krookodile spat. "No mortal could have the power to break the Plate. It was the work of a god. Now that he has taken away our protection, he is coming down to kill us all. We have to fight back." 

"No!" she yelled, "Please let me explain! I met him, he agreed to fix the Plate as long as we share its protection with other Kingdoms, too. why won't you ever listen to me?" 

"Because your brain is as rotten as your mother's, " he snapped, glaring at her in fury and bewilderment. "Are you insane?!   Why would you ever want to protect our enemies?" 

"Are they our enemies? Or are they just your victims?" she asked bitterly. "The Rainbow Plate is meant to protect us from natural disasters, not from each other." 

Her father lowered his snout and let out a deep, agonized breath. "That's enough. I've tried so many methods to fix you, yet you continue to share her idiocy." He drew an arrow from his quiver, briefly pointing its tip at Lyra. "This is your last warning. Go back, unless you want to share her fate as well." 

Lyra kept quiet for a second, paralyzed from the threat. She knew she was always hated, but had not figured out her dad thought she was "broken" and needed fixing. Evidently his sentiments were the same for her mother. 

"There's one other method you haven't tried," she said bitterly, still in shock. "Try loving me, I hear that works when it comes to parenting, King Aulos." 

No wonder mother mysteriously vanished.  

He got her out of the way. 

The same probably happened to my brother. Aulos made sure they were both taken care of, for good.  

He kept me alive for this long because I was the only remaining heir. But what is he going to do now? Is he really going to kill me?  

"Nothing is wrong with me," she went on, rubbing tears away from her eyes. "I'm the reasonable one here. By all the Time Gears, could you at least realize I want what's best for our Kingdom too?" 

A long pause followed. Powerful gusts of wind picked up again, as Rayquaza reached the castle's walls and hovered in place, peering at each of the towers. He slowly pulled his head back when he saw all the armed soldiers posted on them. 

"Not our," Aulos responded to Lyra. " My Kingdom. It shall never fall in the claws of a fool like you." He glared at Rayquaza and pointed at him with his hand raised. "Attack!"  

"No—!" she screamed, but it was too late. Countless moves and arrows and blows were being delivered, as flying types swarmed the dragon. He let out a shocked roar, swiping his tail to knock away most of them. 

Lyra needed to act, to somehow stop them from hurting Rayquaza, but she wasn't sure what to do. Just then, she saw Aulos aim with his bow. Upon closer look, she recognized what kind of weapon this was. The arrow was imbued with the power of Vile Seeds, deadly Blast Seeds and Doom Seeds; a Doom Arrow. 

A technique their ancestors had “borrowed” from Leafnest. Those people only used the effects of Sleep Seeds, but of course, her ancestors thought of a way to make it lethal. 

Destroying their home, wiping them out, then stealing their knowledge and using it for war ... we're horrible.

Chelys, Qanun ... I understand if you can't forgive me for what my people did. But if I have anything to say about it ... it will never happen again.  

As Aulos aimed the arrow up at Rayquaza, Lyra found herself instinctively running to him. His scales were tougher than her claws. But she did not have to use them. She drew her sword and thrusted... 

Her arms began to tremble as guilt and terror rushed into her all at once, staring at what she had done. The blade had pierced right through him. 

Blood poured everywhere. She had stabbed him in the heart. As he coughed out, Aulos gave her one final glare, his mouth agape in disbelief. 

"I'm ... sorry." She stepped back, while an eruption of violent roars came from Rayquaza, who was still flailing his tail to fight off their soldiers. "I wish it hadn't come to this." She was not certain whether she really wanted to apologize ... but having brought herself to the point of killing, what she had always been against, made her shiver. 

This is not how it was supposed to go.  

As he gave his final breath and collapsed on the floor, she felt the desire to kick him down from the tower. It was impossible to bring herself to do that, though. Besides, he was already dead, what would there be to gain from hurting him more? 

He would have done the same in her place; she knew she shouldn't feel so guilty. And yet, Lyra knew she would never, ever forget the last betrayed, furious look in his eyes and that it would always haunt her. 

She glanced up at Rayquaza, and to her horror, she saw why the dragon had been screeching so much. The arrow had already been fired and her father had shockingly good accuracy. It had struck Rayquaza right in his eye. 

Several heartbreaking roars of pain ensued, until  Rayquaza soared higher, circling above the castle. A sudden wind knocked all the other flying types off balance, and Lyra herself was blown back. With heavy breaths, Rayquaza coiled himself in the air and viciously hissed at the tower where Lyra stood. With a final wounded roar, he soared away from the castle. 

Lyra knew he could have destroyed their Kingdom easily, but even after all of that, he was kind and gentle enough to have spared their lives, to not have fired a single Hyper Beam or Draco Meteor. However, that last look he gave made it clear his trust had been lost. No matter how much she'd beg, there is no way he would ever help them now. 

"Your majesty!" one of the guards called from the other tower. "Rayquaza is retreating! We have won!" 

Silence followed, filled by ominous, chilling wind. 

"His majesty is no more. I am Queen now," Lyra responded, staring at the dragon as he flew away into the clouds. Their last hope; all gone... 

"The Rainbow Plate has been lost forever. We must fend for ourselves from now on."

Chapter Text

The Flooded Kingdom

Prologue: Part II

Chapter Text

The Flooded Kingdom

Book One: Treasure Within

Part I

Rainstorm was the adventuring type.

Whenever he visited an island, the first thing the Wartortle would do was always search for treasure, or clues that could lead to it. He'd eavesdrop on locals, sneak into libraries, anything he could to obtain information.

His whole life, Rainstorm had been sailing and swimming across the ocean, from one island to the other, exploring remote parts of the sea, as well as more civilized locations if necessary.

Though his adventures had taken him to many wondrous places, from the antarctic region to deep underwater cities, but right now he was in a small town on a place named Eversight Island. Supposedly it had received its name because there was nothing but ocean in sight from every angle, but he found this a pretty stupid reason to name something — being surrounded by the sea applied for practically every part of the world.

It was not always this way ... he had read stories about the continents — the old land beneath the waves. Of all the topics he had researched, it interested him the most. He often dreamed of living in that time, of escaping from his current life...

He couldn't afford to think about that now though, he had other troubles. From merchants and sailors who had visited the bay, Rainstorm had heard rumors of a huge monster at sea that eats traveling swimmers.

He was not afraid of potential danger such as that, but he knew better than to go out at sea alone again, at least until he learned more about it.

His travels could not be postponed, however. He could never stay in one place for too long; not when there's more treasure and knowledge to find, out there. So, as much as he disliked the idea of joining a crew, he'd have to board a ship, one way or another. There was absolutely no chance he'd join a Guild ship or pay to become a passenger, though.

And that's when he saw it.

On the shores of the tropical island was docked a big wooden ship with a blue and yellow flag, as if it were calling his name.

He had learned about the flags of pirate ships:

Sharpedo flags were for those willing to spare lives.

Red Gyarados flags symbolized savage pirates who caused chaos wherever they went.

The yellow and blue Lanturn flags were for explorers who search for treasure and mystery. Rainstorm wasn't sure whether they really deserved the label of “pirates”, but they sounded perfect for him.

Well, having to work alongside other people could never be “perfect” for him, but if he had to, this was his best bet, considering they leaned more on the peaceful side.

He checked his reflection in the water by the port, making sure he was presentable before approaching them. He adjusted his navy blue bandana and the brown bag strapped over his shoulder, with his sword attached to it. The golden earrings on his left ear reflected sunlight brightly, complimenting his emerald green eyes and the dark markings beside his eyes.

Good enough, he breathed. You're perfectly strong-looking and intimidating. Go up to them and make it clear you mean business, he thought to himself, looking away from his wavering reflection. Make them fear you!  he added fiercely to drown out any insecurities that might surface.

Rainstorm confidently made his way to the side of the ship where three people — presumably crew members — were gathered beside some boxes. A Croconaw, a Timburr and a Wingull were chatting among themselves, discussing about a place called Mana Island. The Croconaw sounded excited and annoying, while the Wingull seemed serious and annoying, and the Timburr was a bit quiet, but probably annoying too. Just hearing them made him want to turn around and reconsider his plans.

As Rainstorm inched one foot back, the Croconaw turned his head, noticing the hesitant Wartortle looking at them. His gentle brown eyes looked him up and down, and his snout turned to a big smile.

Rainstorm froze up after making eye contact; maybe he shouldn't have gotten so close. Was this a mistake? Why is he smiling at me like that?

"Ahoy there, buddy," the Croconaw greeted with a friendly tone, "do you need anything?"

Rainstorm blinked in bewilderment a couple times, as he made a daring effort not to reveal the disgust he felt from that “ahoy” greeting. This Croconaw sounded utterly stupid. Whatever. If he ended up joining them, he'd just avoid this guy.

"I want to board your ship," he said, straight to the point.

The Croconaw's face lit up, while the Timburr widened his eyes and shifted his gaze back to the crates.

So, he's a timid one, Rainstorm thought. He had figured out how to tell apart more vulnerable folk by their reaction to his cold voice. He couldn't read the Croconaw though. Why would he look happy?

"Oh, I'm sure we can get something arranged," he said, happily adjusting his red bandana scarf.

"No, we can't," spat the Wingull from atop the bundle of crates. She swooped down and perched on the Croconaw's spikes. Her eyes looked sharp and skeptical, and the way she powerfully flapped her wings sent tiny shivers across Rainstorm's body, but he had to ignore that feeling of fear — it was purely instinct and he should have grown out of it by now.

It's okay, he reassured himself. No need to be afraid of birds anymore... don't let them see through you. Fierce. Fearless. Capable. That's what you are — what you HAVE to be.

"Our ship isn't for pleasure cruises, you got that? We have enough trouble already!"

"Aww, Sailwings, don't be so heartless," the Croconaw said to her, disappointed. He looked back to Rainstorm again, trying to seem friendly and helpful, despite the judgmental bird on top of him. "Can you tell us more about yourself to make this easier? Why did you come to us? Where do you want to go? What's your area of expertise?"

Rainstorm crossed his arms, irritated by all the questions, which he'd respond to one by one. "Name's Rainstorm, you're the only ones who won't try to kill me, anywhere to find treasure, and practically everything."

"Whoa," he breathed, taking a moment to think about those answers. "You must have ... an impressive skillset?"

Rainstorm couldn't tell whether the Croconaw was being sarcastic or if he was actually impressed.

Sailwings' feelings, however, were much easier to read. After adjusting a black feather accessory that contrasted her white wings, she hopped down to the Croconaw's snout, pointing her beak to Rainstorm's direction. "We didn't ask you to lick your own tail," she observed sternly, "quit wasting our time and be more specific — what are you good at?"

"Treasure hunting and crushing skulls," he answered while tapping his foot impatiently. "Also possess a lot of historical and archaeological knowledge. There. Now can I have a word with your captain already?"

The Croconaw carefully picked up Sailwings from his face and set her down on a box beside him, smiling awkwardly. "Fiercetrunk, load the rest of these. Ask someone help you."

The Timburr gave an uncomfortable nod as the Croconaw glanced at Rainstorm again. "Come with me. I'll show you to his quarters. My name is Riptide, by the way. Nice to meet you!"

Riptide?  his mind echoed. That name sounded too cool and powerful for a seemingly cheerful idiot. Whatever, it's not like he's going to be spending much time with him anyway, he doesn't have to care about what Riptide is like.

The two climbed aboard and went to meet the captain, passing by an Abra and a Floatzel on the deck, both of whom stared at Rainstorm for way longer than he would have preferred.

Riptide stopped in front of a door with the emblem of a blue forked spear painted on it. He tapped his claws excitedly, almost bounding from one foot to the other. Rainstorm had to wonder where in Kyogre's ocean he could have found all this energy.

"All right, so, before meeting with Captain Arctic, there are a few things you should know," Riptide said carefully.

"I'll be fine, thanks." Rainstorm shrugged him off and knocked on the door twice. Once a deep “come in” echoed from inside, he entered without hesitation.

The room was relatively small, decorated only by a white-blue rug in the center, while sharp tridents and necklaces of seashells hung on the walls. Several faded maps were spread on two desks across the entrance. On the other side of the desks stood a tall, middle-aged Empoleon. He wore a cyan cloth around his neck, with a white pattern of wavy lines flowing across it. He raised a brow at the sight of Rainstorm, then looked over to Riptide, who had slipped inside and stood next to the Wartortle.

"Who's your new friend?" he asked curiously, but kept a blank expression.

Riptide waved one claw to their guest, still smiling. "Well, this is—"

"I'm not his friend," Rainstorm interrupted. "I need to travel by ship, and I'm also searching for treasure, so I thought we could cooperate."

Arctic raised one flipper to his beak and narrowed his eyes with a thoughtful “Hm...” sound.

"We recently lost a part of our crew in a big storm near the Sea of Mists, so we are in need of more members."

"Cool," Rainstorm said, unmoved. "So, I'm in?"

"That depends," Arctic responded. "Do you know anything about a place named Mana Island?"

"The one to the northeast? Yeah, I've been there." He tried to sound casual, although he couldn't stop his tail from drooping at the mention of it; he was ashamed to be reminded of that island. Strong currents and unnatural phenomena surrounded it, making it impossible for anyone to reach. His previous attempt to explore it had been a complete failure and a very near-death experience.

He wasn't sure if he was able to face this challenge again now...

But at least he would be on a ship this time. Things would be different.

Two weeks had passed since Rainstorm's arrival on the ship, which was apparently called the “Carrier of Hope”. Dumb name, he'd thought, but not as dumb as its crew.

Riptide kept insisting on letting him sleep in the room he shared with Sailwings and Fiercetrunk, and despite the Wartortle's protests, he was forced to bunk with them and tolerate their unbearable conversations every night. He had never slept near anyone before, nor had he been part of a team — he was never meant to. That much had become obvious to him from the first moments of his life.

Thus, Rainstorm tried to avoid his crewmates as he went about doing his own work. He wasn't there to make connections and wear friendship bracelets or whatever the others did all the time.

He thought the rest of the crew must think he's selfish, but he didn't care. He had no reason to form bonds with them anyway. To him, bonds can only be something you lose, so what's the point in having them?

Besides, he was busy with the jobs assigned to him. Usually it was scrubbing the floors, along with the occasional lookout duty.

It was aggravating, a huge waste of time, in his opinion. He was an adventurer — a treasure hunter! Not a servant! He hated having to mop a whole ship from top to bottom so often.

"I'll prove I'm far better than this sooner or later," he muttered as he scrubbed the deck. It was afternoon, the sun was not too harsh and the salty wind felt refreshing. They were in the open sea, sailing to Mana Island, which was still a few days away.

"I'll show them. And if they still won't respect me, then I don't need their respect. I don't need anyone, actually, yeah." Still rambling, he finished cleaning and sat down to rest. His shell leaned against the rails of the deck, and his big tail curled around him. He breathed in, inhaling the calming ocean breeze.

"I wouldn't say that," a familiar voice said from beside him. He turned his head to see the Croconaw approaching him. Certainly the one crew member who spoke to him the most, as much as he tried to push him away.

"I mean, if you're talking to yourself so much, I'm preeeetty sure that's a sign you need someone to hear you out," Riptide said with a slight laugh. Rainstorm rolled his eyes.

Who is he to tell me what I need? I've taken care of myself this long just fine, I certainly don't need him to tell me what to do.

"I don't want your pity," Rainstorm shot back. "And—" he looked at the Croconaw, then back at himself. What could he say to seem superior and sure of himself? He wasn't wearing wristbands like Riptide was, but they both wore bandanas; that could work. "And also my bandana is far better than yours."

Riptide looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"What ... does that have to do with ... anything?" he let out, baffled. "I'm just checking up on you."

"It means ... that ... urgh, whatever!" Rainstorm groaned. "You don't need to check up on me, I'll have you know I'm an extraordinary treasure hunter, and I'm better than you and better than being a darn ... cleaning—" he stopped to take another deep breath. He had to express his frustration somehow, he had to let it out, to scream and punch something until the anger goes away, but he couldn't do that now without getting in trouble.

"Whoa there," Riptide said, placing one claw on his shoulder. "I understand you're worked up from cleaning duty, but don't worry, there's no shame in that."

"Right..." Rainstorm said monotonously.

Riptide let go and scratched his snout thoughtfully, as if to be thinking of what else he could say to patronize him.

"So you're a big deal, huh? What treasure have you found?" he asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Rainstorm did not like that question. What does this idiot want with him? "Are you planning to steal from me? Should I get used to this? Being a pirate and all?"

"What? Uh, no," Riptide simply responded. "I'm just curious. It's fine if it's a secret," he said, then winked. "Or if you haven't found any~"

Rainstorm's face would have gotten red from anger if it could. "Well if you must know," he began with confidence, but then glanced around the deck and lowered his voice to a whisper. "I have found a very awesome amulet."

"Oh wow, that does sound awesome." Riptide nodded, genuinely intrigued. "May I see it?"

Rainstorm stayed silent for a moment. "Well ... no," he finally answered. He couldn't read the Croconaw at all. He sounds honest and friendly, but there's no way he really means it, right? He's probably laughing at me in his head. I can't trust him with a secret like this.

"Personal treasure," he added.

"Oh. Um, okay! Maybe some other time," Riptide responded. "I'll be downstairs if you need me ... I guess?" He turned to walk away, wearing a troubled expression. Was he disappointed? Maybe weirded out?

Rainstorm scoffed. What does he know? I lead my own life, he thought, crossing his arms. He looked down at his bandana, thinking about the amulet he wore underneath it. He had found it on the ocean floor, around some strange ruins. Surely it was priceless, an artifact that had survived from the era of the Flooded Kingdoms, before the Great Flood struck around a thousand and three hundred years ago. He took it out and checked its strange design. Lines and circles were carved on its cyan surface, circling out of the hole on the middle. It almost seemed like art, or perhaps the strangest map in the world. The gear-like shape suggested it could be part of a machine, though... One day, he'd figure out what its origins were.

As he slid it back under his scarf, he heard the Wingull's voice call out to him from above. She was on lookout duty from the crow's nest. "Rainstorm!" she called, "if you're gonna stand around and do nothing, I suggest you go check on the cargo!"

With a growl, the Wartortle stood up and headed down to the cargo hold. He hated being told what to do, so, so much, but it's not like he could turn down tasks assigned to him. What even was there to check? It's just a bunch of barrels and crates; sure, the barrels might not be secured well and roll around, but why did she have to send him?

It was mostly dark down there, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but he did notice a strange light coming from deeper inside, so he walked to it. Looking behind some crates, he realized it was not one of a lantern, rather a Flash technique that took the form of a small ball of light created by an Abra, whom he recognized as one of the crew members. He had white robes and skinny limbs. Rainstorm thought he looked too innocent and weak to be out at sea, especially considering he was not a water type.

"Hey," Rainstorm simply greeted. He didn't want to speak to him, but also didn't want to get away from the light.

The psychic type looked at him and nodded, then calmly sat on top of a crate.

Rainstorm was not sure what to say now. What was he supposed to do? Do I just ... talk to him? How do I ... dunno, start a conversation here?   he wondered, beginning to sweat. No, this is stupid! I'm a mighty and fearless adventurer, I can talk to him just fine! Just find a topic do discuss, anything will do!

"So uh ... crates, huh?" he started, then a long awkward pause followed. "Wonder why they're so ... uh, geometric?"

"Shaped to contain objects," the Abra responded with a simple, quiet voice. He sounded like he was thinking of a thousand different things at once, like his mind was in space. "Practical."

"Uh..." Rainstorm was trying really hard to act normally. If only he knew what that was like. He felt like talking to a wall. "Maybe, but isn't it, y'know, kinda boring? Like, what if they were, I dunno, Gyarados-shaped!"

The Abra looked at him with utter confusion, then turned to check a barrel. He did not even respond.

Rainstorm's tail lowered to the floor, and he found himself clutching his arm nervously, which was dumb! How could he, the great treasure hunter, feel nervous around such a weakling! He refused to allow it! Keep talking, he thought. What was his name? Don't remember. He's probably not important enough, certainly not as much as me, obviously.

"You got a name?" he asked.

"Yes," the Abra responded, curling his tail.

Rainstorm waited for him to continue, but he didn't, so he took initiative. "And that is...?"

"Starseer," he finished.

"Ha!" the Wartortle laughed instantly. "What a funny name! Mine is way better, I mean, Rainstorm sounds powerful and tough, what's “Starseer” supposed to be anyway?" he went on, only to be offended by the fact that the Abra didn't seem bothered.

"A seer who guides stars toward better paths. Who oversees their future and whether they fall or have hope to be saved." He gave Rainstorm a very meaningful look, which caused the Wartortle to blink in quiet confusion.

"Oh, yeah, great destiny you have going for you, saving stars, so poetic, go you," he said without hiding his annoyance.

A long pause followed. Did he say something he shouldn't have?

"It's nice," Starseer finally said. "I think nicer than staying fallen."

"Fallen? What do you mean?" Rainstorm asked, baffled. He probably has no idea what he's talking about. Who goes around spitting random nonsense like this?

"You do," the Abra said, earning a bewildered expression from the Wartortle.

"I ... didn't say that out loud, did you just...?" he trailed off.

"Psychic type," he grinned. "Mind-reading. Emotion-feeling."

Oh, Rainstorm realized with a stab of panic to the heart. That's right, the Abra line can read minds, what creeps! He has been able to hear my thoughts this whole time! "Hey! I didn't say you can do that, stop it! My mind is mine!" he snapped. You don't belong in here! Out! Out! I'm stronger and you should be afraid of me!  he thought desperately, trying to scare Starseer away from his thoughts. His insecurities, his weaknesses, Starseer could figure everything out and Rainstorm hated the idea alone. "Emotion-feeling, what a useless ability! I have no emotions, so take that!"

The Abra tilted his head. His face didn't seem angry or scared — only thoughtful. "False. You're ... afraid. And sad."

"WHAT!?" Rainstorm shouted, "I am NOT! I'm not afraid of anything!"

"Anything is different from anyone. You're like Stingray — afraid of others. And you keep trying to prove otherwise."

Rainstorm knew who that was; a Nidorino in this crew. He knew nothing about him, but how dare he compare them! He was way better than this Stingray person!

"There you go again; you know nothing about others, but that poison in your head convinces you to place yourself above everyone. Do you find comfort in this?"

"I'm leaving," he grumbled, heading back to the ladder. He didn't want to be part of this conversation anymore — he could tell Starseer would just keep speaking nonsense and prevent him from arguing. Of course he found comfort in it, because then he wouldn't have to care about anyone else, and then he wouldn't feel anything when they inevitably leave. And when he'd be feeling lonely, others would want to be with him, genuinely, not out of pity like Riptide's case.

The Abra chuckled at the contradictory mess that was his mind. "Running from fear is a bad approach. It's not an approach at all," Starseer advised, which Rainstorm ignored, because it sounded cryptic and unimportant, and he also didn't need advice. He closed the hatch behind him and went to his room, rubbing his temples in frustration. Why would Sailwings have given him this task when someone else was already there? Did she just want him to get humiliated by that darn psychic type?

He threw open the door, nodding to Riptide, who was reading a book on his hay bed. Rainstorm went over to his own and fell over.

"Aren't you going to ask me what I'm reading?"

"Part of me wishes I cared enough," Rainstorm replied, his voice muffled by the hay. "I had a horrible conversation just now, so I'd rather not go through another one."

"Aw, well I can assure you one with me wouldn't be horrible. Worst case scenario it'd be, like, maybe mediocre." He smirked.

"Ughhh what are you reading?" he groaned, deciding to go along with it.

"It's a thrilling guide called “How to get a grumpy turtle to like me”, really interesting book. Doesn't seem to be working, though!" Riptide laughed.

Rainstorm blinked at him a couple times. "That's ... not really its title, is it?"

"Haha, no. It's actually called “Legends of Starkeep”, written by Whirlpool. She's a Wartortle like you," he answered.

Rainstorm found himself getting up and going over to him to take a closer look. It was an old book, far older than himself. The cover was faded and scratched and the pages seemed torn. "Legends? How did you get this?"

"Some time ago, when we were docked on Revival Island, I came across this underwater cave while swimming. It led to a strange secret base of sorts, where this Whirlpool used to live, though she wasn't there when I found it," he explained. "I've told the Captain and we've been trying to figure it out, but everything other than the title and author name is written in some kind of ... old or secret language, made up of peculiar symbols. Take a look!"

Rainstorm checked the writing. He was right, each letter had a circle on it with a dot in the middle, almost resembling an eye. He did not recognize the language, though. "Know anyone who can translate it?" he asked. "Is this why we're heading to Mana Island?"

Riptide shook his head. "No, we're not sure where to begin other than to look for Whirlpool herself, or someone else who could be as old as her. Wartortle live for a very long time, so she must be ancient," he answered. "We uh ... overheard  from a Guild that there is a legendary treasure on Mana Island, that's why we're going there. Supposedly it's a “Sea fairy nest”, whatever that means..."

"Aren't Phione called sea fairies?" Rainstorm asked.

"They are?" Riptide gasped. "Have you seen a Phione!?"

"No, no! Only read about them."

"Oh, I see," he said. "Maybe I should tell the Captain. It might be important."

"Yeah, go on, get outta here," Rainstorm said, trying to look like he wasn't enjoying that conversation. Riptide was surprisingly not annoying just now, and gave plenty of useful information. He wouldn't mind discussing some theories together... As the Croconaw got up, Rainstorm found himself staring at the book still in Riptide's claws.

"Can I ... could I, uh," he stuttered, trying to avoid eye contact. "I mean — can I see the book? I know I can't read it, but ... I can try, right?"

Riptide smiled. "I dunno, can I see the oh so mysterious and valuable amulet?"

"Um..." Rainstorm looked down. It seemed like a fair deal, but he didn't feel sure about it — he couldn't let anyone near his personal treasure.

"It's okay, I'm only joking. Of course you can read it!" he said happily. A strange, warm and fuzzy feeling came over Rainstorm. Maybe it was comfort? No way, he couldn't feel that, not ever.

"You had a talk with Starseer, didn't you?" Riptide said unexpectedly.
Rainstorm nodded. "How did you know?"

"Your expression is giving you away," he answered sympathetically, "you're clearly making an effort to shield your thoughts, or to hold them back."
He leaned closer to Rainstorm and gave him the book, which sent a shiver along the Wartortle's body. "He means well, don't worry."

"Okay..." Uncomfortable movement began behind him as his concentration loosened.

Riptide's smile grew bigger. "Does your tail always wag when people give you stuff?" he asked, trying to hold back his laugh.

"What? My tail is NOT wagging!" he snapped indignantly.

"Sure, sure. Have fun reading. Or trying to read, anyway," Riptide said as he left the room.

Rainstorm scrolled through the pages, wondering what kind of mysterious things could be written on them. The walls of text stopped at one point, leaving a large portion of the book blank. He wondered what could have happened. Riptide mentioned Whirlpool wasn't in her base when he got the book. Was it abandoned? Or did he steal it from her?
Next to Riptide's bed he found a rolled-up sheet of paper. He decided to check it as well, only to realize it was a wanted poster. It depicted a dangerous-looking Wartortle. He quickly set the paper back where it was, hoping Riptide didn't suspect him just for being the same species as that criminal. Is that why he wants to be around me?  He shivered. So he can keep an eye on me?

So many questions were formed in his head, but they wouldn't be answered by a book written in an unreadable language. He went back to his bed, attempting to decipher it until it was time for dinner. Starkeep was one of the kingdoms of old, when the continents were still around. From the structure of each paragraph and the spaces between each letter, as well as the ... poorly stylized handwriting, Rainstorm could determine this had features of Footprint Runes, one of many old languages from the era of the Flooded Kingdoms. It must have been Whirlpool's primary language, which is why some of its traits were carried over when she wrote this unknown script.

The thought of the author's name made him lift his head in surprise. Whirlpool? That's not how folks named themselves back then ... the trend of nature-related names spread only after the Great Flood. Maybe Riptide made some kind of mistake?

After about two hours of studying, the kitchen bell echoed and Rainstorm had to leave the book and make his way to the dining room. It had a long table and about thirteen seats. Some were not being used anymore since a portion of the ship had been wiped out; something he had not bothered to ask about.
The rest of the crew soon filled the room, but no one dared to eat, patiently waiting for the Captain to join them. Riptide came to sit next to Rainstorm and grinned. Much as he wanted to ignore it, he found himself giving him a smile back.

Across the table, he saw the Nidorino who warily looked at everyone with angry glares. Stingray did not seem to talk much, at least from what he had seen. A Floatzel sat next to him, while Fiercetrunk came to sit at the other side of Riptide.

"Bet you weren't expecting us to have such good table manners when you joined, huh?" Riptide asked.

"I thought you would all eat like a bunch of Pignite, yes," Rainstorm answered, "but I guess you're all afraid ship daddy is gonna get mad at you."

"We're not afraid!" Riptide said defensively. "We're being respectful," he continued in a dignified voice, which quickly broke down. "And for the record, I've never heard anyone call him “ship daddy” before."

"He's got a new title then," Rainstorm said with a shrug.

A Dewgong wearing blue goggles and an icy blue scarf entered the room and sat beside Starseer and a bored Dewott. "Hey guys," she said in a somewhat tired voice, "has anyone seen my goggles? I can't find them anywhere." The rest of the crew looked at her with either disappointed or amused expressions, from what Rainstorm noticed. Except for Riptide, who smiled innocently, and Stingray who looked at her and everyone else suspiciously.

"For Arceus' sake, they're on your head, Reef," Sailwings answered from her perch above the table. "I swear you'd forget your own horn if it wasn't stuck to your skull."

"No! I mean my other goggles! The bigger ones!" she explained.

"Might have left them with the cannon you were repairing," Riptide said in a friendly tone.

"Oh, right. I didn't look there," Reef mumbled, but then her face became puzzled. "Wait, I fixed a cannon today?"

"Okay, how are you even alive?" Rainstorm jumped in the conversation, baffled by her incompetence. "How can a mechanic be so forgetful?"

"Oh. I just — I have a lot on my mind, okay?" she responded.

Stingray narrowed his eyes. "Like what?" he asked. "Are you planning something?"

"You guys, stop being jerks," Riptide interjected. "She didn't do anything wrong. We all have weaknesses, which we have to cover for each other."

"I cover for no one, you can only trust yourself, that's what I always say," Stingray scoffed.

Rainstorm lifted his head in a self-assured manner. "And I have no weaknesses."

Everyone fell silent.

Rainstorm looked around confused, unsure why everyone was speechless. He moved his gaze over to the door, then realized the Captain was here.

The Empoleon stared at him with narrow eyes, tapping his talons.

"What's that about not having weaknesses, Wartortle?"

Rainstorm glanced around, understanding he had gotten in trouble, or rather, might get in trouble. He cleared his throat, trying to keep himself composed. "It's true! From what I can remember, I haven't been defeated before."

"Those who take the easy path are not met with challenge," Arctic said. "A spar between us would prove that."

Rainstorm gulped. Internally, he was getting more and more worried. "I uh..." Well, I can't show weakness here! It can't be that bad. "I accept. To spar, I mean, if that's what you want," he hurriedly added.

"Fine, then. Sunrise tomorrow. We battle." He crossed his blade-sharp flippers and shot a glance at Stingray. "And as for you; covering for no one, you said? Unfortunate, because you're on night watch for now."

Some bewildered and delighted glances were exchanged between the crew, while Stingray looked at him with shock. "Y- You can't do that! It's Sailwings' job!"

The Captain looked at the Wingull. "She shall stay awake too, to keep an eye on you." His gaze then went over to Rainstorm. "And so will he. All three of you are staying up."

A burning rage flared up in Rainstorm's stomach. This was ridiculously unfair — he would not let this injustice be dealt on him. He opened his mouth, having already thought of the insult he wanted to spit. He did not care what the Captain might do to him or what everyone would think.

Just then, a yellow tail covered his mouth. Starseer had teleported next to Rainstorm to silence him.

"As you wish, Captain Arctic," Sailwings said, lowering her head.

"Eat." he nodded to everyone. They all began to chew slowly, as if thinking of what would happen in the duel tomorrow morning. Starseer nodded to Rainstorm before going back to his seat.

Rainstorm's fury prevented him from eating, though. He looked across the table at Stingray, only to notice he was not eating either — he was staring at his food with pure hatred, almost as if he wanted to fry it and turn it into dust with his eyeballs.

"Heyyy, so, I know you might not be in the mood now," Riptide whispered to Rainstorm slowly, "but I reeeeally recommend filling that shell of yours for the night."

Rainstorm made an annoyed face, but he followed his advice and began eating. "No one getsh me," he muttered while chewing.

"I do," Riptide offered. "Well, not really get you, I'm trying to figure you out," he said, giving him a smile.

Likewise, Rainstorm thought. Are you trying to make a fool of me, or be smug and patronizing, or funny and actually nice? But why would you be nice to me? I don't get you at all. He crushed the berry in his hands, frustrated for ... a lot of things, including not being able to understand these people.

Riptide must have noticed this, as he placed a hand on Rainstorm's shell. "Now, now, settle down. Imagine a child is next to you," he said softly, earning a look of confusion from him.

"What are you on about?"

"It's how I comfort myself when I'm upset," Riptide explained. "Nobody can feel mad when they're with one."

Rainstorm shook his head. "I'd argue otherwise."

"Aww, come on," Riptide insisted. "What would you do if there was a newly hatched Squirtle in front of you...?"

"Probably kick it!" he barked a laugh, drowning out all the memories that tried to claw their way into his mind.

"RAINSTORM!" the Croconaw exclaimed.

"What?" he asked, pleased to see the roles were reversed. Now he wore the smug smile, while Riptide had to go through the confusion.
...Although the sadness in his eyes did suck the enjoyment out of it.

"You ... you wouldn't really do that ... would you?" he asked.

"I dunno, depends on how I'm feeling."
He knew deep down he wouldn't really ever do that ... but he would still stay far away from it. He knew the presence of a hatchling would always remind him of that  day, blurry as it was, and he wanted to bury it until there wasn't a trace of it left.

Riptide was quiet for a moment, fiddling with his claws. Rainstorm wanted to feel proud to see him uncomfortable and afraid; finally, someone feared him and felt weaker than him...
Yet he couldn't feel happy for some reason. He felt sad, sorry even for Riptide, and he wasn't sure why. He didn't understand others, but now he was beginning to doubt if he could even figure himself out.

"What if ... I asked you not to harm it? I mean, um..." Riptide trailed off in a struggle to find the right words, and Rainstorm could tell he was worried and he hated how he felt even sorrier.

"Fine, then I wouldn't kick it, I GUESS."

Relief flowed into Riptide, who let out a breath he had been holding. "Phew ... thanks."

"You're, uh, welcome?" Rainstorm couldn't remember how many times he had been thanked in his life. Certainly weren't many, so it was strange whenever it happened.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you? First to bring up the term “ship daddy” and now first person who has offered not to kick a child for me."

"If it means anything, no one had convinced me not to do it, so you get bonus points too," Rainstorm said, eating a large Tamato berry. It tasted spicy, which he loved ... but for some reason, he was suddenly in the mood for something sweet instead, like a Pecha berry.

The dinner went on for a while, until it was nighttime and most of the crew had to go to bed, except for Rainstorm and two others.

The Wartortle had made his way to the deck, where he lazily did his job, trying to see if anything dangerous or interesting was in sight. Sailwings was flying above the ship doing the same thing but with higher spirits, while Stingray stood at the other side of the deck, shooting glares at the two.

The sky was as dark as the sea. The only source of light was the moon, which revealed some ghostly blue creatures to be floating on or hovering above the water. Rainstorm knew they did not pose a threat to vessels, so he did not think twice about them.

"There are Frillish here," Stingray said with a disgusted voice.

"We noticed. Kinda hard to miss," Rainstorm responded mockingly.

"And you said NOTHING," he spat back. "Don't you know how dangerous they are?! Ghost types are nothing to take lightly!"

"What are they gonna do, haunt us?" Rainstorm responded, rolling his eyes.

"YES! That's what ghosts do!"

Sailwings soared down, frowning at the two. The look on her face alone was enough to silence them. "MAYBE you two should focus on doing your job, rather than arguing!"

They both growled and went back to looking at the sea around them, while the Wingull flew to the helm and began steering the ship. They soon came to an area where flashes of red blinked from the depths. "Red lights!" Stingray announced. "They might be aiming at us! Wake everyone up, take cover—"

"Nah, they're nothing to worry about," Rainstorm said.

"They are EVERYTHING to worry about! Anything could be down there!"

"Nope. They're just Staryu and Starmie. They glow like that when they lay under the moonlight. Some might be Tentacool or Tentacruel, but those should ignore ships as long as we don't attack them."

"One day your carelessness is going to bite you back," Stingray murmured, glaring at the lights.

Rainstorm was so tired of his nonsense that he decided to go climb up the mast. He'd have a higher vantage point and he wouldn't have to hear what the Nidorino kept rambling about.
He reached the crow's nest and took a look through the telescope there.

Before he could spot anything, the flapping of wings echoed from behind, startling him to stand in attention. Sailwings came to perch next to Rainstorm, as he adjusted himself, hoping she didn't notice him freeze up. "I see you got tired of him," she said with a furrowed brow. Her white feathers were a stark contrast to the darkness of the night, though the black feather she wore was an exception.

"Not just him," he responded, trying to search for other ships in the distance. I'm nothing like him. Starseer is wrong.

"You appear to be mad at me as well," she said, lightly pecking his shell. "It better not be for the reason I'm thinking of."

"I know better than that," he grumbled. "I can tell the difference between a civilized and a feral Wingull. It doesn't matter to me whether you're a bird, and I couldn't care less if you were to eat any Squirtle," he explained, though felt doubtful after saying that last part. Riptide would have wanted him to care, and the Croconaw was beginning to rub off on Rainstorm. "I'm not mad at you, it's just ... I don't like that commanding tone of yours, got it?"

"Fine," she said with a smug voice. "I'll talk to you as if you are a tiny Growlithe puppy looking for cuddles."

"Now that's a reason to be mad at you," he responded.

She chuckled, then continued. "Seriously though, what tone do you expect me to have? Do you have any idea how much pressure I'm under? And do you think that arrogant, self-centered attitude of yours is helping? You've been treating us like garbage, and you seem convinced that you're better than everyone here."

His jaw dropped at how straightforward she was. Before he could articulate a response, she stretched her wings and kept speaking. "I don't know what you're trying to prove or whatever past experience you want to get over, but you're hurting your crewmates."

Rainstorm buried his face in his hands and sighed. "This is why you had me go see Starseer, isn't it? So he could tell you what's going on in my head?"

"Perhaps." She shrugged. "He's a great listener, and he has certainly helped me out with my issues. Figured he could help you with yours."

Rainstorm scoffed and looked through the telescope again, avoiding eye contact with her. "I have no issues and I don't need help."

"Yeah, yeah, I was the same at some point. You'll learn to open up eventually. Riptide has been trying really hard to help with that."

He silently considered her words for a moment. Riptide ... he seems to be the most approachable, but that doesn't mean much. He can't stand the idea of making himself so vulnerable to someone.

"What kind of issues did you have?" A bit forward perhaps, but he had to change the subject. Thinking about Riptide made everything feel ... surreal.

"Just some family stuff. You know how it is with my species."

The wary look he gave her probably led her to assume the answer was no.

"I'm referring to the civilized members of my species. Don't go associating me with ferals," she clarified. "We're all supposed to become postal workers. So, you can guess how others think of me as a pirate."

He nodded, following along. "Inadequate?" That's familiar. "Like you're not where you belong?"

"Yup. Sometimes I just call myself a Shiny Murkrow. My first real familial connection was with a Honchkrow, after all." She briefly gestured to the black feather on her head. "...Even though the Shiny ones are actually purple, but they're rare enough for folks to assume they're white."

Rainstorm blinked a couple times, mouth agape. "Uh... you lost me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Where? Me being family with a non-water type?"

Yes, but not just there. "What do you mean by ... Shiny?"

"Oh, never heard of them before? They're stupendously rare, so that's no surprise," she mused. "They're regular mons like you and me, but they bear vastly different coloration than other members of their species, along with a natural sparkling layer over their body that makes them look like they're shining. I'd have thought someone as divinely knowledgeable as you would know about them."

With another blow to his pride, Rainstorm sighed and lowered his eye to the telescope again, trying to look past some rocks in the distance. Behind them, he could see what appeared to be ... a ship? It had red circular patterns which branched into lines, while the rest appeared to be blue. It almost resembled Kyogre.

"There's a ship there," he informed her. "Doesn't look damaged, I can't tell if it's safe or not. Its sails aren't raised."

"I'll go steer us away from it. No telling what might happen if we get close," she said, before soaring down.

From that point, Sailwings was constantly swapping between helming the ship and flying up to check the surroundings. Must be a lot of work, Rainstorm realized. So, she keeps ordering people around because of all that stress, and I'm making it worse.
He set down the telescope, crossing his arms. I'd say my problems are none of their business, but ... clearly, they are. So, what, if I solve my issues, I solve theirs, too?

As he looked down at her while she was helming, he noticed a different strange figure appear close to the ship — it was surrounded by faint mist and partly obscured the waves. It was as large as the ship itself and shaped like one too, but it looked like a shadow.

"I see something weird next to us!" he shouted.

"What IS that?!" he heard Stingray cry from down below.

Whatever it was, Rainstorm could see through it, as if it was almost transparent, though it was obviously there and steering closer to them. He quickly began climbing down the ladder, trying to get back to the deck as fast as possible.

"It's a Ghost Ship!" Sailwings announced, as she steered the ship suddenly. Rainstorm's foot slipped and he missed the next step on the ladder. He lost balance and found himself tumbling down.

"Oww!" he cried, his face on the wooden floor.

"Go get Starseer!" Sailwings shouted at the two. "Quick! His Flash technique scares away ghosts!"

Rainstorm staggered up and looked over to Stingray. He appeared to be analyzing the situation, a bit too much, as if he didn't know who to trust and what to do.

Well, I'm not going to do the same, Rainstorm thought fiercely, running downstairs to the crew rooms. It was hard to keep his balance, and he ended up tumbling down the stairs again. Fortunately, it did not hurt much thanks to his shell. While he was on the floor, he sensed someone approaching.

"Arceus, w-what's happening out there?"

He recognized the voice as one of his roommates' — Fiercetrunk. The Timburr offered a hand and helped him up. Rainstorm wondered if he would have done the same. He felt guilty upon realizing he probably wouldn't have, unless someone like Riptide were there to suggest it.

"Thanks, um..." he examined the fighting type in front of him. He appeared to be terribly sick; his face had gotten pale and he held his stomach as if to be covering a deadly wound. It made sense to Rainstorm — he's not a water type, of course he'd feel seasick and dizzy sometimes, especially now with how hard the ship had turned.

...Wait, water types can get dizzy from the ship's movements too. Maybe Fiercetrunk just couldn't handle it the way Rainstorm could. "A Ghost Ship is after us," he finally said. "W- Where is Starseer?"

"He ... should be in his — RUH- RGH!" he gagged and fell on his knees, covering his face.

Rainstorm wanted to help, somehow, for some reason. It was awful to see someone in such a bad condition, but he didn't know how  to help — that was never his area of expertise!

"I- I don't know what to do for you!" he exclaimed, his tail lowered to the floor. I know someone who does, though, he thought, realizing Riptide would be able to handle this situation, probably... "I'll get the others, stay put."

He dashed to the crew rooms. The door to the room he slept in was right next to him, wide open, while the other two rooms were farther down the hall.

He inhaled sharply, and yelled as loud as his voice could go.

"EVERYONE! GET UP!"

Riptide immediately shot up and staggered to Rainstorm. "What's going on? Are you okay?" he asked, checking the wounds Rainstorm had gotten from falling down. "Ah-! You're hurt!"

"Nevermind me! Fiercetrunk needs your help!" He pointed to the Timburr's direction. Riptide blinked in surprise and rushed to him.

The other members came out of their rooms. Rainstorm tried to focus on each of them. A Dewott; the ship's chef. He looked drowsy. A Floatzel named Swordstream was also there, Rainstorm particularly didn't like him because he had a room all to himself. He had a strong build, one missing eye and always carried a sword with him. Even now, he had one on his back as he glared at Rainstorm. Finally, Starseer was there too, with a mostly plain expression.

Rainstorm felt like groaning when he realized Reef must have stayed asleep, but did not bother to spend more time on her. She was as good as doomed along with all the extinct ground types.

"We're under attack by a Ghost Ship," he warned them, "Starseer, we need you to send it away!"

The Abra nodded. "We're going." He tapped his forehead with his long tail, then his eyes glowed white and he used Teleport, which transported all four of them to the deck.

The moment they reappeared, Rainstorm looked around in a hurry to see what was happening. The Captain himself was now helming the ship, while Sailwings was in the air, shouting instructions. Stingray was trying to attack the Ghost Ship with his Thunderbolt move, but it did not seem to have much of an effect.

Starseer hurried to the side of the ship and created a huge ball of blinding light, so strong that everyone had to shut their eyes and look away from it.

After a few moments, he spoke up.

"It is gone."

They all opened their eyes and turned to him. The shadow had vanished.

Stingray ran to the edge and stared at the water very hard, as if he thought it was still there.

The Dewott let out a sigh of relief. "Why would the undead be after us...?"

"I can think of many reasons, Cowrie," Stingray grumbled. "Here's my first guess; one of us killed them and they seek revenge. Here's another; they attack anyone because they want more ghosts to join them, or because they want a new vessel. We could also be on waters they think still belong to them, or we might possess something they want."

"I guess your paranoia can be useful at times!" Sailwings said with fake enthusiasm, "my Arceus, any other crazy speculations?"

"I do have one more," he said, shifting his infuriated gaze to Rainstorm. "Along with a couple hundred more, but THIS one is more likely!"

"Whoa, why am I to blame?" Rainstorm immediately responded defensively.

"You mocked those Frillish earlier!" the Nidorino snapped, "you underestimated ghost types, so they came after you!"

"I did no such thing!" he argued back. "Well — okay, maybe I did underestimate them a bit? They're of no concern to me. But all I said is that they wouldn't bother our vessel, and poked fun at the idea of them haunting us! Do you have sand  in your brain or what?"

"At least it's not as empty as your utterly hollow skull, you arrogant moron!" Stingray argued back.

Rainstorm could shoot all the Water Pulse in the world on that blasted, barnacle-eating face, which he then wanted to punch and spit on and maybe even stab. Stingray was so incredibly hateable, he could just rip that horn off his head and stuff it up his nostrils. At least I actually helped when the Ghost Ship was closing in on us. You've been nothing but a weight the whole time! Sailwings thinks I make things difficult when THIS sorry excuse of a pirate is standing right here?

The aggressive thoughts were interrupted when he felt a tail gently brush his shell. It was Starseer's. "The more hatred you hold, the more your similarities grow. Neither of you is particularly lovable right now," he said quietly.

Rainstorm inhaled deeply and groaned, but spoke no more. There was no point in arguing further, even if he wanted to yell at Stingray. He could sense the crew's glares on the two of them, and he couldn't stand it — more expectations, more judgement, more weight on his shoulders.

Arctic approached the group, scowling. "Swordstream! Take the helm!" he ordered. The Floatzel narrowed his eye at Stingray and Rainstorm and quickly went to take hold of the wheel.

Arctic then gestured to the side of the ship where the Ghost Ship was. "Damages?" he demanded.

"None on our vessel," Sailwings answered, "and none on our crew, unless Stingray wants to cry about the five droplets that fell on him."

Stingray stared at her with a thoroughly angered expression, his mouth open as if he was about to start screaming at her. Captain Arctic put a flipper between them, hushing their upcoming bickering.

"Do you know anything about those ghosts?" he asked Starseer.

"Not on a personal level. You cannot get to it until the time comes. But it will come. Although for whom, I don't know," Starseer said, earning several displeased or perplexed expressions.

"What can you tell us about them?" Arctic tried, his voice the same as before. Rainstorm found it strange how he did not react harsher. Perhaps he knows and accepts that Starseer speaks in peculiar ways sometimes. Rainstorm was not sure if he would be able to get used to it, but then again, he never got used to anyone speaking around him in general.

"I see no past for them. Sensing souls is different from knowing them. Could be anyone's," Starseer finally explained with a shrug.

"Well," Stingray began, "IF anyone wants to hear, I have a few ideas of what they could have been."

Before the rambling could start, Rainstorm heard footsteps coming closer. He turned to see Riptide, supporting a very exhausted-looking Fiercetrunk.

"Here, the fresh air will help you feel better. Deep breaths," he said, letting Fiercetrunk sit down. "Oh, and they were dead pirates. Definitely."

"What?!" Stingray exclaimed. "How could you be sure? They could be from a Guild, or a container ship, or—"

"No, think about it," Riptide said in a calm voice that contrasted Stingray's panic in an almost comedic manner. He gently patted Rainstorm's shoulder as he came closer. The Croconaw gave him a sideways smile, which caused the uncomfortable movement from before to start again.

My tail isn't wagging, it's not, it's not, I am NOT happy to see him, at least not THIS much, I COMMAND you to stop, tail!  Rainstorm thought to himself angrily.

"But you're happy, why deny it?" Starseer asked him, unprompted.

Stop reading my mind! Rainstorm cried internally. He realized that everyone had noticed his tail swaying from side to side, so he promptly sat on it to keep it under control.

"Don't get distracted!" Stingray shouted. "What do you mean “think about it”?"

"I mean that it wouldn't attack us if it were anything else. We have a Lanturn flag. Even if they're dead and have lost some sense, Guild ships wouldn't do anything to us, and container ships or boarding ones wouldn't want to attack at all," Riptide explained. "Other pirate ships are the only ones that would want us dead."

"Well – uh, um, it could have been feral mons!" Stingray offered.

The Croconaw was quick to shoot down that theory. "Those wouldn't bother to haunt a ship in the first place. They'd prefer something natural, not a construct."

"Any other wild suggestions?" Sailwings asked with a smirk.

"Don't encourage him, please," Cowrie said in a sleepy voice.

"What if ... what if they were from the Flooded Kingdoms?" he finally asked. The others looked somewhat startled at the mere mention of it, but Riptide shook his head.

"No way. Those died so long ago, their souls would have found peace by now ... I hope. And even if they haven't, they wouldn't haunt ships," he said thoughtfully. "Back in that age, there were hills and mountains and forests as far as the eye could see, supposedly. They lived on land. They wouldn't want to come here on the sea's surface. They'd either stay on islands or on the ocean floor, where relics of their civilization remain."

Rainstorm thought it was impressive how Riptide could tell how everyone felt; even those who died a thousand years ago. He's so empathetic, he thought, gazing into the Croconaw's eyes. They were so full of love and tenderness, it made Rainstorm feel warm without realizing. I guess that's not such a bad quality to have...

A glimmer of sunlight shined through the dispersing mist. The sun was rising from the sea on the horizon, and everyone turned to the sunrise in relief.

"We can learn more if we encounter them again," Arctic said, narrowing his eyes at the endless ocean. "For now, we must all get to work."

"Work?" Riptide echoed, worried. "But Fiercetrunk is still — oh!" he suddenly paused. "Rainstorm! Weren't you hurt too?"

"He's fine, it was just a little fall." Sailwings shook her wings dismissively.

"Two falls," Rainstorm corrected her, "and they weren't exactly little."

"You'll survive," she rolled her eyes. "But if you really need medical attention, Starseer can—"

"No," Arctic suddenly interrupted. "You agreed to battle."

Everyone looked at him, then to Rainstorm, surprised.

"But I stayed awake all night!" he argued. "And fell! Twice! "

Arctic nodded. "Yes, I am aware. You will also not use your sword, or any other weapons."

Rainstorm had left his sword by his bed, he always had it when he traveled on his own. He was not as good with it as he was at using moves, but carrying a weapon always proved useful. "Why not?!" he asked, bewildered.

"You'll learn in due time. As for the others ... Cowrie, go do your job. Sailwings, you can rest if you wish. Starseer, you look after Fiercetrunk and ... the others can watch."

Rainstorm thought it was extremely unfair to fight under these conditions — Arctic was giving himself a huge advantage. They're all watching ... and if I lose now... He shuddered just by thinking of the humiliation.

"You can do this, Rainstorm," Riptide said in a soft voice and nudged him, before taking some steps back to let them fight.

Rainstorm kept a firm stance and nodded, trying to focus. We're sparring up here, on the deck, he realized. Of course. This is where combat takes place if others attack us.

"Okay! Try not to kill each other and start fighting already!" Sailwings announced. Arctic immediately launched himself forward, slashing swiftly with his steel flippers.

Rainstorm retreated into his shell, feeling both strikes on his back. What to do, need to think, what do I—

As he considered his next action, he heard a spray of water, and suddenly his body was sent flying. He hit what might have been the mast, bounced off it and finally ended up on what felt like the railing.

He poked his head and limbs back out of the shell and stood up, feeling awfully dizzy. Arctic took a deep breath and shot another Hydro Pump towards him.

Rainstorm found himself instinctively shooting back a Water Pulse. The two moves collided, but the Hydro Pump destroyed his attack, causing water to come pouring down everywhere. He still had to duck away from the huge spray that was shot at him.

Rainstorm concentrated energy on his fists, which began to glow with an icy blue light and ran forward for an Ice Punch. The planks were slippery from the water attacks, but he did not lose balance. He reached Arctic and punched him as hard as he could, but the Empoleon simply moved his flipper in front of his torso to block the hit. Startled, Rainstorm realized the attack had not hurt him at all.

Arctic smacked Rainstorm away with the side of his steel-hard flipper, striking with enough force to knock him prone.

"Go ahead. Hide in that shell of yours again," he dared.

This is hopeless, Rainstorm thought, his eyes wavering. He is a water and steel type. None of my moves can do enough damage to him! If only I had my sword...

"Everyone has weaknesses, Rainstorm." He pointed his flipper to the knocked-over Wartortle, whose breathing had sped up tremendously. "What would you do if you lost your sword, had no useful equipment on you, and had to face an opponent your moves are not effective against?"

"I'd..." He lowered his head, uncertain what he'd really choose. Run away? Call for help? Those are options for the weak. If one wants to survive, the only one they can trust is themself, that's what life had taught him. And after what Starseer said, Rainstorm refused to consider running away from anything. He would never run from any foe or challenge — no matter what.

He pushed himself up, staring into Arctic's eyes. A veil of rushing water surrounded his tail as he pounced. "I'd do this!" he shouted, swinging his Aqua Tail with all the force he had.

The attack struck Arctic on the head, pushing him back a couple feet. "I'm not going down easily!" Rainstorm cried out.

"Yes you are," Arctic grumbled, charging forward to attack with Steel Wing. Rainstorm tried to dodge, but Arctic moved too fast and sliced before Rainstorm had a chance to jump out of the attack's reach.

The Wartortle took a few steps back, applying pressure on the ugly bleeding wound that was now on his face. He growled and shot another Water Pulse.

The ball of water landed on Arctic, who did not even flinch. He was concentrating on gathering all his strength. A white glow surrounded him and he charged forward — an attack Rainstorm recognized as Giga Impact.

His mind was screaming at him to withdraw into his shell, to try defending himself. His body however, was frozen, completely unable to move as he saw the incoming attack. He would never admit it, but at that moment, he truly felt scared.

The Empoleon rammed into Rainstom at full force, sending him flying back with enough speed to destroy the barrels he landed on. Rainstorm tried to open his eyes and struggled to move his arms, but his vision was fading rapidly. His whole body was in pain.

Not yet. He lifted his head, unsuccessfully trying to focus on the blurry forms surrounding him. They're all staring. They're judging me, I can feel it. He put his elbow down and tried to push himself to stand, but immediately collapsed on the floor again. Everything went dark.

Unable to get back to his feet, he fell unconscious...

He was all alone, swimming through the dark depths of the middle ocean. He had come across an old castle, one from the era of the Flooded Kingdoms.

Almost like a miracle, Rainstorm immediately found a treasure chest full of gold right at the entrance, then carried it to a populated island.

And as always, the townspeople didn't care. They'd ignore him, or point and laugh at him, or cast a sideways glance, roll their eyes and move on. He argued that he found something awesome and priceless, but everyone kept mocking him for thinking he's special. No matter how much he tried to prove himself, he never met anyone's expectations, not really.

Some attention, from someone, anyone who could fill the void in his heart, it was all he needed back then, but no one came to him. He just wanted someone to recognize him, to tell him he did well and stay with him, for once.

Just when he thought this dream couldn't be worse, he got the extra part that always made him feel empty. After he was left to travel the darkness of the sea alone again, he found a figure swimming ahead. One he had never seen up close, but his mind registered it as one person; his mother.

"Mom!" he called, desperately swimming after her. "You're here?"

"Not for you," the vaguely-Wartortle, vaguely-Blastoise figure spat. "You're as big of a disappointment as I always thought you'd be." She pressed on, leaving Rainstorm to be carried away by the currents.

"Wait!" he cried, "I know! I've tried so hard but I know I'm not enough, I'm sorry!"

"Where are your siblings?" she demanded coldly.

"I ... I'm all alone, mom ... I need you..."

Without turning her head to look at him, she dismissed his begging. "Well I don't need you. You're not worth my time, you never were."

His body felt heavy. He was too paralyzed by sadness to swim properly. "No!" he shouted, only to be pulled farther and farther away from her.

"Don't leave me. Please ... not again..."

Rainstorm woke up on a soft hay bed, in a room he recognized as the ship's medbay. Shelves and closets lined with healing herbs and berries and all sorts of medicine decorated the walls, with white and grey cloths scattered around the room. A few were stained red with blood, but it was old, a sign of previous battles. His own body was wrapped in bandages and a towel.

After slowly lifting his body and rubbing his sore eyes, he noticed two other crew members were in the room with him. Starseer; the medic, and Riptide, who looked at him with the gentle and friendly expression he always wore. Rainstorm was tense, but he began to feel comforted just by seeing that smile.

"You're awake!" Riptide said, coming to wrap his arm around Rainstorm's shell. The Croconaw twined his tail around his, which caused Rainstorm to feel ... something? A strange warmth in his chest that made him panic, but ... in a good way? He wasn't quite sure what it was.
"Goodness, are you alright? Do you feel hurt?" he asked.

"I feel like a shameful pile of dirt, but I'm not hurt," he grumbled. "Thank you," he added quietly.

"Aww, please don't say that. I think you did well!" Riptide tried. That almost gave him hope, but he could not accept it. He lost the duel, after all.

"No, Riptide. I embarrassed myself ... so badly," he said, his anger returning as he remembered the fight. He grabbed the towel that had been wrapped around him and tossed it across the room, huffing. "It was so unfair! He's — I was—"

"Shh ... Deep breaths. Let's count to ten together," Riptide offered, holding him close.

"That WON'T work!" Rainstorm protested.

"One..." he began.
"Two..."

Rainstorm rolled his eyes. Starseer was taking deep breaths as well. Seems like he did not have a choice. He inhaled, holding onto his breath, then let go.
"Three..."

After eventually reaching ten, Riptide rubbed the back of Rainstorm's shell in a therapeutic way. "How do you feel now?"

"That was stupid," he answered in a mumble. "But ... better, I guess." He had to admit, it succeeded in stopping his fit of anger from going too far.

"Please do not hold anger for him," the Croconaw said. "The Captain was only trying to teach you not to be so reckless."

"Yeah? What am I supposed to do? Hide in my shell for all eternity, like Stingray would if he had one?" he shot back.

"No, no, Rain. You're missing the point. I admire your bravery and confidence! It's inspiring and very ... um..."

Starseer chuckled from across the room. "The words he was thinking of were “adorable” and “charming”."

"Hush!" Riptide growled, his face slightly flustered. He turned to Rainstorm again with his arms crossed. "Just — remember, you're part of a team now. We're meant to help each other, even in battle. You need to let us do that. Okay?"

Now there was another strange sensation, bubbling in his stomach and going up to his chest. It wasn't pain, or blood, or anything dangerous, but knowing that Riptide thought he was “adorable and charming” made him want to rip his own heart out and lie in his shell forever. This didn't make sense, but he could already feel his tail wagging and he was so embarrassed and mad and how in the world could he be considered adorable?!

A snicker came from Starseer and Rainstorm wanted to grab another towel and tie it around his mouth so he can never speak again.
"You two will figure it out," the psychic type said calmly.

"Figure what ou— nevermind, don't answer." the Croconaw frowned. "Rain, just so you know, we're stopping by a little place called Pinap Island. It'd be nice to go on a walk and stop by a tavern, if we're not given a job. I mean, if you want to join me. Fiercetrunk agreed to come, too."

"Alright ... when are we docking?" Rainstorm asked. It wasn't his business, but for some reason, he hoped the Timburr was feeling better. Who knows, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to spend some time with these two.

"Right now, actually," Riptide answered.

"Have fun. I've been told to stay here and look after the ship." Starseer waved them off, sitting on another small pile of hay.

"Want us to get you anything?" Riptide offered.

"A Pinap would be nice," he answered thoughtfully.

With Riptide giggling at how deep in thought Starseer looked while talking about Pinaps, the two left the medic's room. They headed for the deck, where everyone had gathered, but not before picking up Rainstorm's sword first. While going up the stairs, Rainstorm's ears twitched, as he thought of something he forgot to mention.
"You called me Rain back there."

"Oh, yes! Short for Rainstorm. Nice nickname, right?" Riptide said happily. "A rainstorm can be devastating, but rain on its own can be sweet and calming," he explained.

Rainstorm fought back the feelings that were starting to rise up from his body again. "Okay. So do I get to call you ... I dunno, Tide?"

The Croconaw placed one claw over his snout and laughed. "I'd love that! Sure."

As they got to the deck, they saw that the ship had just docked on the port and some members were going to town. Rainstorm noticed Arctic talking to Cowrie, handing over a small sack of money.

"Go buy supplies," he instructed. The Dewott joined Reef and they both left together. Arctic's gaze then turned to Riptide and Rainstorm. "Ah, here you are. Have you recovered?"

Rainstorm did not feel like answering. He crossed his arms, huffing as the embarrassment came back.
"He has!" Riptide chimed in.

"Good. Why don't you go to town? You deserve a break," he said with a smile.

"By Groudon's grave, really?" Riptide exclaimed, beaming. He grabbed Rainstorm's arm and dragged him away. "Thank you, d— sir!"

"Uh ... Yeah. Thanks." Rainstorm was surprised to see Arctic with such a friendly manner for a change. This might have been the first time he saw the Empoleon smile.
Is the usual stern expression just a mask?
He shrugged. Whatever, it doesn't matter to me.

As the two stepped onto the port, Riptide stretched his limbs and pointed to the buildings along the shore. "There's got to be a good tavern among those. Now ... where's Fiercetrunk?"

Just as he finished, Rainstorm heard hurried footsteps behind him and stepped away just in time to avoid a running, gagging Fiercetrunk, covering his mouth with both hands. The Timburr fell to his knees on the side of the port, making nauseous-sounding noises.

Rainstorm came closer and reached one claw to his direction, hesitant to speak. "Are you ... uh..."

The Timburr couldn't respond, his body was shaking and he was still pale. Rainstorm closed his eyes and looked away when he began to gasp for air.

"Here, here. Don't worry," Riptide came to sit next to him, patting his back and letting him use a towel. "Starseer said that a nice walk will help you recover."

"Thanks," Fiercetrunk managed to say in a hoarse voice. "Whew, you're a real lifesaver..."

The Croconaw gently wrapped his arms around him, hugging Fiercetrunk carefully. "Of course!" he said, his face gleeful. "Anytime. It's what I do."

At that moment, Rainstorm felt so many different things that he had to look away to analyze them. On the one hand, the way these two cared for each other was heartwarming, but on the other he felt guilty not to be able to help too, somehow. And on the third tail-hand, he felt jealous, despite how much he didn't want to. He wished he could beat himself up for wanting to be the one in that hug; to be comforted by Riptide's supportive voice, yet that desire just couldn't leave his mind, no matter how much he tried to chase it away.
He longed to have that.
Someone to tell him he's going to be okay.

"Can you walk? Here, lean on me," Riptide offered, as he helped Fiercetrunk move.
"There's no n— well — uh, nevermind, thank you," Fiercetrunk said, flustered, which made Rainstorm wonder if the fighting type felt embarrassed to be cared for so much.
It seemed reasonable in his opinion — Riptide was treating him like a hatchling.

They went for a walk down the shore, which helped Fiercetrunk calm down. Some of the townsfolk were out, not intimidated by the peaceful ship. Still, there was not too much activity, so maybe some of them were afraid and stayed in their homes. Rainstorm remained mostly quiet during their walk. He had never been out with other people like this, as friends do, and it was extremely awkward.

"So, have you heard from your parents? Has your mom sent a message through the Pelipper?" Fiercetrunk was in a conversation with Riptide, which Rainstorm had tried to follow the best he could. The mention of Riptide's parents immediately got his attention, though.

"Not yet, but I'm sure I'll get another soon," the Croconaw answered. "Can't go a week without a dramatic essay on how much she misses me."

"You'd better be writing back," Fiercetrunk laughed quietly.
"Of course I am!" Riptide quickly replied, embarrassed. "It just ... takes me a while now that Splash isn't here to help me write."

"Oh," Fiercetrunk sighed, "Riptide, your handwriting is beautiful and I doubt she'd have a problem with it. Don't worry about it."

Rainstorm had a terrible desire to know more. Who's Splash? Why would Riptide's mother miss him? He had never even known his own mother; surely they would all stop caring after one point ... right?
"She writes you letters?" he asked, "that's strange, I mean — it's nice and all, of course, but why? You don't need each other anymore, do you? But you still care?"

Riptide looked at him with a baffled expression, opening and closing his mouth a couple times, trying to put his thoughts into words. "Well — of course we care about each other! Feraligatr are known to be some of the best parents!" he answered. "She's always looking out for me. What kind of parent loses interest in caring for their ... child..." There were pauses between his words, as if he was piecing together a puzzle, figuring out what Rainstorm's relationship with his own parents was.

"It's where he got his sweetness from. She's so gushy," Fiercetrunk said with a smile. This ... began to lift some clouds in Rainstorm's head.
Kindness is something he learnt from his mom? That's why he's so nice all the time?  he thought, arms crossed. That's a lesson I've missed out on...

The three had passed by a couple taverns, but they were closed, perhaps it was too early. However, the third one they came across was open, and there were quite a few customers inside. The tavern was named “Snowball Keep”, the building was painted a navy blue, with the signs and labels and window frames colored an icy blue.

"Whoo! Time to get our tails drunk beyond saving!" Riptide exclaimed with a grin as they entered. "You two ready?"
Rainstorm was not expecting him to be one for those kinds of drinks. He seemed like the soft type who sat in the corner while everyone else fought over Bluk Tonic or Razz Blood.
"Wouldn't you rather have Pecha Juice?" he asked, skeptically raising an eyebrow.

"Hm? Oh wow, that's one of my favorites!" he said, tail tapping the floor. "How did you know?"

"Just thought the sweetest guy would like to have something sweet." Rainstorm shrugged.

"Aww, how thoughtful! I'd rather have something stronger if we're coming all the way here though," Riptide reasoned.

"Yeah, I figured you'd want Chesto Mix to stay awake all night and get on my nerves while I try to rest," Rainstorm said with a smirk, and Riptide gently elbowed his shell, smiling too.

"Look at it this way, I'd have enough energy to read you a bedtime story!"

The other mons inside were sitting on different tables, drinking and enjoying themselves. By far the noisiest were a Poliwhirl and a Machop who were having a card game competition alongside a reptilian mon covered by a dark cloak, making its species inextinguishable. At the corner of the store, a pack of Eevee were eyeing Rainstorm's group warily. He noticed one of the Eevee had abnormal silver-colored fur, which sparkled in the sunlight pouring through the windows. Was she ... one of those Shiny ones Sailwings had been on about? Before he could even get a good look at them, the eldest Eevee, presumably the silver one's parent, stepped in front of her and guided his pack out of the store.

Odd. Rain understood being intimidated by pirates, but this parent was clearly being more protective of the Shiny kid, shielding her with his tail, leaving the other Eevee to just follow behind them. Was it really fair to care about that child's safety so much more, just because of how rare the color of her fur was?

"Good day!" squeaked a voice from behind the counter when they came to sit there. A Spheal with a deep blue headband hopped onto it, greeting them with his bright smile. "How can I h—" he suddenly paused, looking at the three more closely.

Must have realized we're pirates, Rainstorm thought.
"Ahem, pardon me, what are your orders, sirs?" he continued.

"Just water for me," Fiercetrunk said, exhausted.

"Water? Here?" Rain asked, puzzled.

"Best for him not to drink anything else in his state," Riptide agreed. "Say, with this being Pinap Island and all, I assume you've got quality Pinap Juice, yeah?"

"Yes sir!" the Spheal answered as he carefully gave a glass of water to Fiercetrunk. "Even if you prefer more powerful drinks, I definitely recommend this one to all my customers."

"Cool, I'll have that. How about you, Rain?"

The Wartortle was still thinking about the water order and how embarrassing it was. It had brought back an unwanted memory. He remembered when he was younger, about twelve or so. He would enter taverns and bars to speak of his great adventures, but everyone shrugged him off as some orphan kid spitting nonsense for coin and attention. He remembered one time he tried to impress a group of pirates with cool-looking seashells ... Not only was he made fun of by everyone there, but he had also gotten thrown out like a frisbee.
Of course, things had changed since then. He had fought and climbed his way up, all on his own, and now he was a fearsome Wartortle no one would dare mock. At least, he thought he was, until Arctic left his pride in shambles. He couldn't help but want to take out his frustration on this Spheal, to throw him in the same way, to show off his growth and to make everyone respect him.

"Rain...?" Riptide repeated, snapping him back to reality.
The Spheal looked intimidated, he realized. Oh ... poor thing, Rain thought. Like Sailwings, the Spheal was under a lot of pressure, and at least he wasn't freaking out in an irritating manner like Stingray. He's just doing his job. Tide wouldn't want me to do anything crazy. Besides ... he's an ice type. He's most likely from the antarctic region, and having to be so far from home must be hard enough as it is.
"Sorry, I spaced out. I'll have the same."

"Right away," the Spheal said and rolled away.

"Hellooo, what happened in there? Ocean to Rainstorm? Fellow Pinap buddy? Are you in space with the Clefairy?" Riptide teased.

"If you must know," he responded defensively, "I was considering how you would have wanted me to act."

He wouldn't want me to attack for no reason. Would that get me actual respect from others? Or would they just get mad at me?  he thought. The stronger get respect, that's how I thought it works, but if I know Riptide ... he wouldn't want me to hurt someone weaker. He gets respect in other ways ... he's so fascinating, his mind went on, and he realized he was slowly beginning to figure out the Croconaw. His jokes were to lighten the mood and make everyone happy, not to mock or put him down.

"Whoa, you really are full of surprises," Riptide said as they were both given their Pinap Juice. "You wouldn't have joined a peaceful ship like ours if you were plain mean like you seemed at first glance," he observed. "And then I started to see signs of you being nice, and then you helped Fiercetrunk! Putting his safety over yours, that's very heroic!"

"I need to thank you for that. You were pretty selfless back there." Fiercetrunk nodded.
Rainstorm was being given way too many compliments at once to know what to say. Never in his life had someone acknowledged or praised him so much, no matter how hard he tried. And now it happened, not because he had a triumphant victory or made an important discovery, but ... just because he helped someone out?
"You guys are nice too, I guess...?" he tried.

"I'll take that," Riptide said happily. "We are super nice and incredibly cool!"

"Not me," said Fiercetrunk, disappointed. "Not cool."
"Yes you are!" Riptide protested.

"I'm not as brave as you guys," he responded sadly, staring into his reflection in the glass. "I don't want to weigh you down..."

He isn't very happy with himself, Rainstorm noted, trying to convince himself he didn't agree with Fiercetrunk. What should I tell him? What would Riptide say? What would I want to hear?
"You're not a burden," he managed to say gruffly, "I'm sure you're useful somehow."
Hope this is good enough.

A faint smile appeared on the fighting type, and Riptide nodded.

"We can have a talk about it later," the Croconaw offered in his soothing voice, and Rainstorm remembered he should be jealous that Fiercetrunk is getting so much of his attention ... but he let go of that feeling.

He looked into his plain yellow drink, trying to smile too. He had done something good. It made him feel lighter, it cleared out the jealousy somehow.
"So much for getting drunk off our tails," he said, casting a sly glance to his “Pinap buddy”.

"Yeah, I'm — I'm not actually into that," Riptide admitted, flustered. "I just wanted to seem cool like you, but ... I guess there was no need in the end."

"...We look like hatchlings now," Rainstorm said through gritted teeth.
"Let's hope no one kicks us!" Riptide laughed, reminding Rainstorm of their conversation during dinner. He couldn't help but laugh too.

"What do you two think is the treasure of Mana Island?" Riptide asked after a while.

"Gems, artifacts, historical information?" Rainstorm guessed.

"Maybe, or maybe not." Fiercetrunk interjected. "Manaphy, Phione ... they're pure and innocent and sweet, according to folklore and any sources I know of. I think their treasure would be something in that spirit, like a healing rock or a Chinchou statue that guides you through the ocean. Even if they had treasure like rubies and sapphires and golden grails and whatnot, they would have given it away out of kindness by now."

"My goodness! You're right, I'd love to have something like a magic calming bell," Riptide said dreamily. "Although a healing rock sounds really nice too..."

Rainstorm thought that was a reasonable point of view. However, he had his doubts. "I've been near the island, remember? It's why Arctic let me be part of the ship. The currents there are really unpredictable and wild, not to mention the whirlpools and hard-to-avoid rocks everywhere."

If the Manaphy were so sweet and willing to give away their stuff, they would store it somewhere more accessible.

"So it's hard to get to. I see what you're saying, but that doesn't mean there are diamonds there," Fiercetrunk said thoughtfully.

"Maybe, but isn't it strange that the island is so heavily guarded? The currents don't feel natural, it's like someone is controlling them, specifically to keep people out. There must be something awfully important there, something that the Manaphy might want to keep hidden away."

'Fair point..."

"That makes sense!"

They eventually finished their drinks as the conversation went on. Just as they were about to get up and leave, a loud slam echoed from a table behind them. "No! This is unfair, you cheated!" yelled the annoying Poliwhirl.

Everyone in the tavern turned to look at what happened. Both he and the Machop had lost, and the cloaked reptilian figure was standing over them, as if they were expecting something.
"We had an agreement. Tell me what you know," the winner demanded with a stern but calm voice.

"No way, you cheating scum!" the Poliwhirl shouted in frustration as he flipped the table, scattering cards everywhere.
"Whoa there," the Machop backed away.

"You don't have to cause a scene," the cloaked person suggested in a cautionary tone.

In his rage, the water type picked them up by their long throat and threw them across the tavern. Their back hit the wooden wall with a big thud.
Seeing where this was going, the Machop decided it wasn't worth getting in a fight. He quickly ran out of the tavern, along with a few other startled customers.

The Spheal let out a squeal of fear in response to the chaos that had started. "No, not again...!"

"Again?" Riptide echoed, patting him on the head. "Are there fights here often?"

"Almost every day! It's so hard to clean up," he admitted, "b- but don't worry — you're pirates, you shouldn't worry about me, r- really."

"But this is awful! We need to help." He looked at Rainstorm and Fiercetrunk. "Guys ... we're going to help, right?"

"I- I don't know, he seems strong," Fiercetrunk said, his legs trembling. "Of course I want to do something, but..."
"I'll stop him." Rainstorm got up from his seat, glaring at the Poliwhirl. He had been treated similarly to that cloaked person in the past, he knew how it felt to win and still get tossed around by some idiot who thinks he's a big-shot.

Everyone else in the tavern looked in shock, as the Poliwhirl approached the reptile and picked them up again. They struggled to escape his grip.

"Hey!" Rainstorm shouted, walking up to the two from behind. "Leave 'em alone. I won't repeat myself."

The Poliwhirl glanced back and scoffed. "Stay out of this, little turtle."

Rainstorm felt intense anger rising, and just then, Riptide came and stood beside him. "Hey, excuse me, sir?" He tried to maintain his calming voice, despite his worried expression. "I know losing is very upsetting, but it's no reason to resort to violence. We could sort this out peacefully. I'm sure we could reach an agreement."

"Agree to this, you piece of Grimer spit!" the Poliwhirl tightened his grip and tossed the reptile directly on top of Riptide. They both fell to the wooden floor, and Rainstorm decided that was the last straw.

A Water Pulse or Aqua Tail wouldn't affect him, but a sword would silence him for sure.
"That's enough," Rain grumbled, drawing his sword and charging to the Poliwhirl. He tried to stab him in the stomach, but the toad grabbed his blade and tossed it away with his large hands. It had left bleeding cuts on his gloves, but he did not seem bothered. "Nice knife!" he laughed, before sending a relentless chain of punches.

After being smacked in the face several times, Rainstorm fell to the ground, clutching his hurt cheek. The Poliwhirl took a deep breath, and Rainstorm knew he had to get out of the way immediately. He rolled to the side, just barely avoiding a Bubblebeam attack.
He stood on his feet and went in for an Ice Punch from the side. It froze the Poliwhirl slightly, but hardly damaged him at all.

"Darn," Rain spat, unsure what to do. He was in the same situation as before. No weapons, no effective moves ... What could he do?

"Rainstorm!" Fiercetrunk shouted. He had held onto Rain's sword after it got tossed aside. The Timburr threw an empty glass on the toad's head as a distraction, stunning him temporarily. "Catch!" He flung the sword across the room. It stabbed into the wall, and Rainstorm hastily pulled it out with all his might.

"You rotten, Muk-eating..." the Poliwhirl grumbled, holding his hurt head.

Now was his chance. Rainstorm grasped the sword and went in to stab again. It pierced through his belly, letting blood squirt everywhere. The Poliwhirl collapsed to the floor, leaving a puddle of blood underneath him.

Rainstorm turned to the other people in the tavern, all of whom looked at the body in horror. "Someone take him to a healer," he said, "if you care enough, that is. He still has time." No one stood up to get the body, so he got a picture of what they all thought of him.

He went back to Fiercetrunk and Riptide, both of whom had matching shocked expressions.
"That — you — he's dead!" the Croconaw stammered as he got back on his feet.

"Not yet." Rainstorm shook his head. He was expecting Riptide to be at least somewhat impressed. He just stopped the guy who harmed him and caused a ruckus, what was he so mad about?

Oh well, if Riptide cared so much for that guy, he could take him to a healer and leave Rainstorm out of it. "Are you all okay?" he asked after a confusing pause.

"I'm good," Fiercetrunk answered quietly.

"I'll be fi— oh!" Riptide stopped to check on the cloaked figure, who was still on the ground next to him. He helped them get up. "Hey, are you hurt?"

"No." Once they stood up, they dashed to the Poliwhirl before Riptide could get another word in. They flipped him over and used a claw attack right at the stab wound, pouring more blood everywhere.

"W- What are you doing?!" Riptide exclaimed, covering his snout in shock.

"He knew too much," they answered. "Dangerous information, not for your ears."

"W- Wasn't he just a drunk guy?" Fiercetrunk asked. Rainstorm could see a big difference between him and Stingray. That Nidorino would have thought of all the identities he could have had, ranging from psychotic supervillain to murderous god in disguise, while Fiercetrunk thought of the least extreme possibilities.

"Not your business ... sorry. But thank you for helping me," they said, leaving the body. "I have to get out of here. There's too much attention on me..."

"Wait—!" Riptide went after them and tried to stop them. "We didn't even get your name! I'm Riptide, and um, could you explain what happened?"

There was a long pause, as if that person was trying to think of a name to say. Whatever they'd answer, Rainstorm thought it certainly wasn't their real one.
"Coast," they finally said. "I really need to leave, sorry—" they turned to the door, but as they did, Riptide's claws accidentally got stuck on their cloak.

"Oh, sorry! Sorry!" he apologized and tried to pull them out. He pulled once, twice, but his claws didn't move. He tried a third time with more force, and ended up taking off the whole cloak as he did.

Rainstorm's mouth was left hanging open, and so was Fiercetrunk's, and so were more around the tavern. Riptide's gasp was accompanied by several more. That was no ordinary reptile.

They had brown scales and a pink underbelly, with black stripes crossing their torso and long, spiked tail. Their head ... it was like a Totodile's or Croconaw's, but with big black eyes and many old scars.
Rainstorm had done a lot of research on history, the kingdoms, the old land, and the species that were now extinct. There was no mistaking it.

"Are ... are you a Krokorok!?" he asked, eyes wide. "How are you alive?!"
Not only was it an extinct species, but an important one, too. Most ground types had died out, but he remembered what he studied about those kingdoms. The Royal Family of Starkeep was of that line. The last Queen was a Krokorok, and the monarch before her was a Krookodile, as were most of their ancestors.

Without any further explanation, the ground-dark type ran outside and quickly burrowed deep underground to get out of everyone's sight, using their Dig technique.

It had been a few hours since the events in the tavern. Everyone had gotten back to the ship, which was once again on its route to Mana Island. Rainstorm was glad that their anchor was a living one, so he wouldn't have to help pull it up. It would be awfully tiring work. The Dhelmise was named Steelrow, though he didn't know much else about them.

The three had discussed about what they witnessed and agreed to have Riptide inform the Captain about it.
Rainstorm had noticed that Riptide seems quite attached to him ... and Fiercetrunk. And Reef. And Starseer and — okay maybe he's on good terms with everyone. That's just the kind of person he is. Loves all, loved by all.
Maybe I'm not special, Rainstorm thought with a sigh. What's good about me? Why would he — or anyone really — want me?  he wondered, thinking back to the whole tavern fight. At that moment, Riptide seemed to count on Rain for the battle. Is that why he liked him? Because he could protect and fight for him? Because he was tough and independent? It was possible, but then he remembered what happened before they left.

They were about to leave without paying. Rainstorm had argued that they were pirates and didn't need to give a single coin, but he had seen the sad and fearful look in the Spheal's eyes, and the hopeful one in Riptide's, and he decided to pay after all. The Spheal was entirely innocent and had to clean up so much damage. He couldn't just let the poor guy without any sort of payment. At that moment, Riptide's face was lit up with so much joy, and Rain had felt actually proud of a social interaction for once. The Croconaw had the same expression when he mentioned how pleased he was that Rain helped out Fiercetrunk.

So did he like it when Rain was heroic and strong, or when he was kind and helped others? Could it be both? Is it okay  to be both? Why am I still thinking about this? I saw a member of an extinct species and all I can think about is Riptide? Focus!

So, the Krokorok ... they hardly spoke, but Riptide was nice to them, too.

Agh, enough! he interrupted his thoughts. Quit thinking about Riptide! And his gentle smile ... and his silly jokes... Ugh, great, now my tail is wagging again.

"I don't really deserve him," Rainstorm muttered to himself, withdrawing info his shell while lying on the bed in his room.

He can find someone better. Maybe Fiercetrunk, or Sailwings, he concluded. I've been such a jerk the whole time, it wouldn't be right. Maybe he just wants to help me improve and stay as close crewmates, or maybe this is perfectly normal Croconaw behavior I'm not aware of because I've never had any connections in my life, and BY THE GREAT LUGIA WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

"Heyyy, are you alright in here?" a voice said as the door to the room creaked open. It was Reef's — the Dewgong.
"No — yes. Yes, I'm always good. You can go," he answered.

"Huh. Okay," she said hesitantly. "Starseer said he could feel your worries all the way across the ship, so I thought—"
"He WHAT?" Rainstorm exclaimed and instantly popped out of his shell. "I'm gonna beat the lights out of that Trubbish-eating psychic type! Where is he?!"

"Uh. Our room?" she said, confused. She put one flipper over her head, as if she couldn't figure out why Rainstorm was upset.
Just then, two more crew members came from the hallway into the room. It was Fiercetrunk and Sailwings. "Hi! Um, are we interrupting something?" the Timburr asked nervously.

"Rainstorm is going to beat “the lights” out of Starseer. I didn't know there were lights inside him. How strange. Also he eats Trubbish for some reason?" Reef informed them.

Sailwings rolled her eyes, then looked to Rainstorm with a tired expression. " You need to calm down," she told him. "Thanks Reef, you can go. We need to talk to him."

Reef nodded slowly and made her way out. The Wingull closed the door and perched beside Rainstorm, pecking his shell once. "Starseer is awesome, you'd better not lay a claw on him," she warned. "Also, there are other things to worry about, like a certain Krokorok you found, which is supposed to be extinct. Maybe that hasn't quite sunk in yet. Need me to spell it out in giant letters?"

"Right." Fiercetrunk nodded. "What are we supposed to do about that? Are there more? What have they been doing all this time? Are they mad at everyone for what happened in the past?" he went on.

"Too many questions, too much, no," Sailwings hushed him, "you're sounding like Stingray."

"But not as annoying," Rain amended.

The Timburr gave an embarrassed smile and scratched the back of his head. "Speaking of him, let's not mention all this around him yet. He'd freak out."

"What's new?" Sailwings laughed.

That was good, right? I said something nice. Not too hard, Rain thought. "About the Krokorok, I wish we could have stayed and searched the whole island, but it's not likely we'd find them," he said, crossing his arms. "They could just stay underground until we're gone. Or they could have already left on a boat. You'd be surprised how fast one can travel through Dig."

"But ... how? How could they have lived?" Fiercetrunk asked. "The flood came fast, if what is written is true. Nearly all ground types should have been wiped out."

Rainstorm tried to think back to all the studying he had done. He knew those history books would be useful. "There were groups who knew what was coming ahead of time. From Starkeep, coincidentally. They took refuge in the tallest mountains and most survived. So ... there must have been a Krokorok or Sandile among those."

"Why'd they be marked as extinct though, if others were with them when they escaped?" Sailwings asked.
Rainstorm tried to think, but it didn't make much sense. Perhaps they were alone, or left after they all evacuated together.
Evacuating ... running away. Rainstorm used to think that was for cowards. But now that extinct species were brought up, he couldn't help but think. If those people had stayed in their cities, they would have all died. They needed to be safe, to keep those they cared for safe. In fact, it's possible that those people were braver to keep struggling to live, than to accept their fates and die. Maybe running away is not always an act of cowardice. Maybe his recklessness has kept him blinded.
Maybe ... I've been seeing things wrong, he thought.

There are more layers to everyone. Their actions, and the thoughts behind them.

"This is all messing with my head," Fiercetrunk let out. "Are there any members of the Sandile line that were important?"

"Yes, the Royal Family of Starkeep," Rainstorm answered. "I only remember the last two members; King Aulos, and his daughter who took over the throne after killing him in cold blood, Queen Lyra." He tried his best to remember all the knowledge he had gathered. They had fought in wars in the past, but he wasn't sure who had the throne when they happened ... Still, he did remember one important detail. "Listen, one of the wars they fought ... and won. It was for something known as the Gift of Longevity," he told them.

"Whoa, what does that do?" Fiercetrunk asked, then answered himself. "Dumb question, it's obvious, yes, okay — but what do we know about it?"

Rainstorm scratched his ears thoughtfully. Ultimately he shook his head, unsure. "I can't remember ... sorry."

"Well if it is what we're thinking," Sailwings said, "I think we maaay  have a thousand year old royal figure out on the loose. Possibly the last ruler. Who might be furious and vengeful for losing her kingdom. And is killing random mons who “knew too much”. Yeah, not great."

Rainstorm did not want to admit he was worried. There was no need to. This was just another mystery to solve. Another huge discovery for him to make. He's a treasure hunter, this has  to lead to something really important...

Yet he couldn't help but think about that person's possible past, the anger they must be feeling, and all the reasons for them to hate water types with a passion. What did that Poliwhirl “know too much” about? Were they ever going to meet again, or would that Krokorok hide forever now that their identity has been revealed? Not to mention it wasn't their true identity, Rain was sure. The amount of time it took them to say Coast made it obvious that they made it up on the fly. I have to go see Riptide, he thought anxiously. It had been only a few moments without him by his side, but for some reason he felt uncertain when Riptide was away. Which is annoying, because I SHOULDN'T be feeling this way, but I AM and there is no POINT to it, he thought angrily this time, but the image of Riptide smiling and offering a comforting hug and cracking goofy jokes couldn't get out of his head.

Sweet Lugia, what is wrong with me... he repeated, breathing in as he stepped to the door.

Sailwings squinted at him. "You're really gonna walk out of a discussion like that?"

An awkward pause followed as the three stared at each other for a moment.

"...Yes," he finally blurted to break the silence and left.

Rainstorm hurriedly made his way to the deck, where he hoped he'd find Riptide, but he stopped at the bottom of the stairs when he saw a purple-ish white light in front of him. He rubbed his eyes, as Starseer appeared out of it. The light continued to surround the Abra for a moment, then disappeared.
"How did—" Rain started, then rolled his eyes as he remembered whom he's dealing with. "Oh right, I forgot, teleportation. How wonderful. Look at you, so flashy and cool." He knew psychic types were capable of teleporting — he had seen it earlier, but it was kind of startling to see one appear out of nowhere without warning.

Starseer tilted his head, processing Rain's attempt at mocking him. "I'm not cool," he said, "it's sunny in me at the moment. I want to talk to you."
I don't, Rainstorm thought, then saw the Abra wince. He put on a smug grin. Not my fault you're in my head.

The Abra looked down, with his arms crossed and tail lowered, making Rain feel a stab of guilt. Riptide wouldn't approve of this behavior. Or Sailwings — she wouldn't want this either, she seemed fond of Starseer too, for whatever reason. "Oh, don't look so offended," he tried to imitate Sailwings' cool-but-friendly speech. "It was just a surface thought. What do you want?" he asked, then added "Riptide got your Pinap, go ask him if it's for that."

"Oh," Starseer said, curling his tail. "It's not that. He gave it to me earlier."

"Riiight," Rain said, "is that why you're “sunny inside”? Or is it because the weather is actually sunny?" Good thing it is, he thought. The weather is extremely unpredictable. This sunshine could turn into a rainstorm in a matter of seconds. That could be dangerous for a scrawny non-water type like him.

"I'm actually a good swimmer. Some of my ancestors were water types," Starseer explained in response to the thought, then shook his head. "This is not about me, however."

"Go on," Rain said, hoping this wasn't bad news about the Krokorok.

"Nothing is wrong with you."

Oh, he realized. It's worse.
"And I doubt Lugia is going to answer you," Starseer went on, referring to his previous concerns. "Feeling emotions and thinking about someone you love isn't wrong. From what I can tell, you haven't allowed yourself to feel that for quite some time, but you need to stop being afraid to feel. You will only harm others if you keep everything in and let it become negative."

"I am not afraid and it is NOT LOVE!" Rain cried. "It's — I..." he stammered. We've only known each other for a couple weeks! Quit it!  "I just think he's cool and I care about him, OKAY?"

"Care enough to feel jealousy when he hugs someone other than you?" he noted. If it were anyone else, they'd say it with a raised eyebrow and a mocking manner, but of course, Starseer would ask it like a genuine question. Rain didn't know if that made it less annoying, or more.

"You're so asking to get punched in the face," Rain said through his teeth on impulse.

"No, you wouldn't do that," he said thoughtfully. "Also, there are no literal lights inside me, if you were wondering."

"STARSEER," Rain shouted, desperately grabbing his shoulders. "Can you not? Please?"

A hint of happiness appeared on the Abra's face. "You said the word," he noted. "You said please. You're improving."

Rainstorm rolled his eyes. "I'm not here for life lessons," he grumbled.

"You're going to have them anyway," Starseer informed him with a genuine smile.

"Oh great," Rain mumbled, frowning. "Can't wait for that."

"Let's continue with sharing," Starseer went on. "I sense a strange power coming from your amulet. Perhaps I could learn something, if you let me look at it."

Rain paused and reached for the piece of jewelry under his scarf. He felt its gear-like shape under his claws, remembering how relieved and proud it made him to have treasure of his own. Its beautiful cyan color, the strange lines and circles on its surface, the mystical vibe it emitted...

No. He could never give it away. "It's mine," Rainstorm said firmly. "I'm not letting anyone else take it."

"I'd give it back. Only need to examine it. Please?" Starseer insisted.
It's not selfish of me to want to keep it, right? Fiercetrunk or Riptide would be fine with sharing, but how could I ever give away something as valuable as this?  he wondered. He thought of how he refused to let Riptide see it as well, even though he let him read his book. It was just too hard to see someone else's claws on one of the very few things that belonged to him.

"I can't. Sorry."

"Let me know if you change your mind, then," Starseer said nonchalantly. He uncurled his tail and went to his room.

Rain sighed and went up the stairs to the deck. A cold breeze hit his face. Looking up at the slowly darkening sky, he could see moonlight begin to shine above some clouds.

"Rainstorm approaching!" giggled a cheerful voice from behind him. The Croconaw flung his arms around him. "Sorry I didn't come back down! Cap'n told me to stay on lookout."

"Don't worry. Did it go well?" Rain asked, letting his tail wag. There was no point in trying to fight against it, even if it was irritating.

Riptide shrugged. "He seemed as puzzled as we are," he admitted. "We'll figure out what's going on if we see them again."

"Ah," Rain said. "Is there really a storm? Or was it just ... one of your puns?"

Riptide gave a hearty laugh. "Well, it was INTENDED to be a pun, but I guess there's no way to tell! Sky's already dark, and it's not like we can tell when rain's coming," he answered.

"You know, I've read that back in the days of the Flooded Kingdoms, they could predict the weather," Rain said, leaning against the railing. He was pretty surprised when he learnt about that. Now that Kyogre has been awakened, rain suddenly pops out of seemingly nowhere most of the time, and it happens a lot.

"Whoa, did they have future seers or something? Like, ah, fortune tellers?" Riptide asked, looking out at the horizon.

Rain shook his head. "Not as far as I know. It was obvious, you could tell whether it'd rain from the wind and the color of clouds in the distance," he explained. "Now a cloud can be white as a Snover and turn grey as a Banette within seconds."

Riptide nodded his head. "It is unfortunate. Sometimes I wish I could have lived during that era, just curious to see what it was like..."

Rain couldn't agree more with those words. Nothing was more exciting than imagining life in that time — in that world, which was now far below them.

Riptide suddenly leaned forward, squinting. Rain noticed the Croconaw's eyes were fixed on a silhouette far away.

"Is that a ship?" Rain asked.

"Oi Stingray!" Riptide shouted to the top of the mast. "You see anything to our right?"
Rainstorm knew the Nidorino would overreact somehow, so he tried to check what it was on his own. His eyes were rather sharp, he assumed sharper than Riptide's, maybe.

The shape was surely that of a ship's. As it got closer, Rainstorm recognized it. Huge bright red lines over a blue vessel, with white underneath them.

It was the ship he had spotted with Sailwings. The one that looked like Kyogre. Must have gotten ahead of us when we docked on Pinap Island, Rain thought.

BANG!

It rarely ever happened. But Rainstorm felt it again; fear.

A cannonball was fired, aimed right towards them.

Stingray's shriek echoed across the ship. "WE'RE GONNA DIE!!" he screamed.

"Do we abandon ship?!" Riptide shouted to the crewmate at the helm in a panic.

"No! Do we look like cowards to ya?" Swordstream shouted back, already turning the wheel. "I'm steerin' us away from this! HANG ON!!"
Just like last time when Sailwings was helming, the ship turned very suddenly. Rainstorm stood his ground this time. He couldn't fall, not now. He grabbed on to the railing and wrapped his other arm around Riptide's neck. He couldn't let him get hurt either.

SPLASH!

The cannonball landed in the water just next to the ship as it turned. Things will only get nastier after this, Rain thought. He felt a drop of water hit his snout. Then another on his head. Within moments, it started to rain.

"Where's Stingray?!" Riptide cried, looking up at the mast. "Did — did he fall down?"

"He's still up 'ere, I see purple," Swordstream said in his gruff voice.

Riptide let out a breath he was holding. "The others, we need to warn—"
"They'll come on their own," Rain reassured him. "They'll know to come up here after such a sudden turn. Fiercetrunk will be fine. He's with Sailwings," he explained.

"Oh, that's a relief." Riptide nodded.

"DON'T JUST STAND 'ERE AND CHITCHAT! PREPARE TH' CANNONS!" Swordstream yelled at them.

"A-Aye!" Riptide said quickly. They both scrambled to the closest cannon. Rain lifted a heavy steel ball and loaded it in.

"I've got this," Riptide said. He aimed the shot at the opposing ship, then fired. It looked to be right on target. The impact would damage the ship greatly. However, strange as it seemed, the ball stopped and hovered in the air when it got close to the vessel. After hanging above the water for a few moments, it dropped and fell in the sea, causing a large splash.

"W- what?" Riptide exclaimed in shock. "How did it stop like that?"

"Don't panic," Rainstorm told him. "I think it was Psychic. No object would just freeze in midair that way."

"Well we have a psychic type too, if that's how they want to play!" Riptide cupped his claws around his mouth. "Everyone! Get up here!!"

The rest of the crew soon rushed onto the deck, except for Starseer who just teleported to it.
"What's going on?" the Captain asked.

"Sir!" Swordstream exclaimed. "We be under attack!"

"We narrowly avoided a cannonball! We fired one but it was stopped by psychic effects!" Riptide informed him, his panic rising.

"Reef, Fiercetrunk, be on the ready to repair any damages!" Arctic ordered. The Timburr nodded hastily while Reef only answered with a " ʼkay."

"THEY'RE COMING THIS WAY!" Stingray shrieked from atop of the mast. Rainstorm looked to the Kyogre ship's direction and noticed it had covered a lot of distance.
They're planning to board the Carrier!  he thought. We have to fend them off in this rain ... it's going to be easy to slip and fall. He looked up at the sky. It was now pouring harder and the moon was no longer visible, obscured by the dark clouds.

"For Lugia's sake, get down from there you hopeless Sobble!" Sailwings shouted. She soared up to the mast and tried to help Stingray climb down, with a lot of bickering exchanged between them.

"Weapons ready! Brace for impact!" Arctic shouted the second Stingray got down to floor level.
Everyone held onto their equipment and lowered their stance. Rainstorm realized that his weapon was, in fact, not ready, since he had left it in his room.

"No worries," Starseer chimed in before he panicked. "I got it before I warped up here." He passed the blade to Rain, instantly relieving him.

"Wasn't needed, I'm better at using moves anyway," he huffed, clutching the hilt. "...But thanks anyway." He had to admit it would be useful, and this was the second time someone brought it to him when he couldn't get it himself.

Rainstorm winced as the opposing ship came right next to the Carrier. Strangely enough however, there was no huge crash, no screaming, no falling in the water. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that the ship had stopped and was floating menacingly right next to theirs.
A bridge shot out of the side of the Kygore ship's deck, linking it with theirs. Their crew started boarding the Carrier. All of them bared weapons and wore bandanas with strange symbols that resembled the letter “A”. Rain noted they were all water types and were not charging in to attack.
A Samurott came over last. His helmet was embedded with sapphires, drawing more attention to his handsome face, with sharp eyes and a condescending smirk that made Rain feel inferior just by looking at him. Around his neck was a necklace of seashells, fish bones, and a single pearl in the front, adorning his strong, muscular body.

The opposing pirates stood on the side of the deck, while the Samurott remained on the bridge. Rain shifted his glance to Riptide. The Croconaw's jaw was lowered and eyes glittered slightly, while his tail tapped on the planks.
He then checked the rest of his crew. Fiercetrunk and Stingray were on edge, go figure, Sailwings was ready to engage in combat, Reef and Cowrie stayed cool. Captain Arctic kept a dignified stance as he narrowed his eyes at the Samurott.

"Who are you? State your business!" Arctic demanded. A bolt of lightning struck as he finished.

"Straight to the point, aren't we?" the Samurott commented. His voice sounded just as smooth and charismatic as his appearance suggested it would be. Rainstorm caught a glimpse of Riptide's tail tapping the planks again, this time faster.
"We —" he raised his paw dramatically, "are known as the Alpha Tide. I am Oyster, captain of this ship," the Samurott finished.

Two red lights flickered among the invading crew. They have two Starmie with them. That's how they stopped our cannonball, those are their psychic types.

"I can't say it's a pleasure to meet you," Arctic shot with a scowl. "I told you to state your business."

"And while you're at it," Sailwings chimed in, "do tell us why your ship looks like Kyogre, isn't that offensive? I've heard of Wailord-themed ships, but there's no way anyone is allowed to honor — or dishonor — legendaries in such manner. Especially  the one who killed everyone," she demanded, then with a mocking tone, added "don't tell me you think you're on his level."

"Ah." Oyster smiled. "But kill everyone, he did not. Kyogre only wiped out those who were not needed. Discarded what weighed us down, you could say," he chuckled, shooting a look at Stingray and Starseer, as well as Fiercetrunk, who yelped and hid behind Riptide. Stingray growled at Oyster with alarm, while Starseer tilted his head. The Croconaw's tail tapping warily slowed down.

"ISN'T IT CLEAR, my fellow water types?" he called out. "The will of the gods themselves has brought us here! The great Kyogre has decided that we — dwellers of the sea — must reign as the superior species, the only ones to inhabit a fully flooded world!"
Another bolt of lightning flashed in the sky, much closer to them this time.

"What?" Arctic said in disbelief.

"You can join us, if you wish, after we drown those three." He motioned to the non-water types. "Together, we shall thrive in the world of a truly never-ending sea! Kyogre will bless us in return for serving him. The islands, the Forever Cliff, All land will be gone for good!!"

"Your brains are gone for good," Sailwings spat.

Cowrie nudged Reef's side. "What's this Forever Cliff?" he asked. She threw her flippers in the air in a “how would I know?” gesture.

"You can't be serious," Arctic grumbled disapprovingly. "All of us are equal. The circumstances we live in do not make us special."

"Yeah!" Riptide shouted. "How can you be so horrible? How can you be so blind to the point of coming to a conclusion like this?"

The Samurott cast one long look at Riptide. The Croconaw flinched back, stopping his tail from tapping the floor completely. "Hm. You look familiar," Oyster muttered, then shook his head. "Listen, the only blind ones here are you. Why waste time, resources and your lives for them? You all look rather strong. Certainly you can be of use to us, and to Kyogre. We can make you powerful! Rich! Everything you've ever desired." He continued the attempt to persuade them, though the mean frowns and glares shared by most of the crew members made it clear that they were going to stand their ground.

Rainstorm shifted uncomfortably... This whole offer made him question himself. What did he value, really?
Before he joined this crew, before he had met anyone he cared for, he might have accepted this offer if it meant obtaining power and wealth. At least, he had a feeling he would have, and the thought concerned him.

Rain used to see himself as superior. Not anymore. Well, maybe slightly less than before, at least. But in the past, if he had heard this pirate speak of riches and power from gods, more specifically Kyogre — the titan who flooded the world himself — and this mysterious cliff, and how water types like him are superior to other species...
He shivered at the thought of joining them, of what could have been. No good would come from that.

He looked over to Fiercetrunk and Starseer. He did not know them very well. They were annoying to deal with sometimes, too. But he couldn't leave them to be killed. Not them, or Riptide, or anyone on this ship. The crew here ... they were the closest he had ever had to a family, even if they were not so perfect.

"We're not interested in joining a cult." Arctic said firmly. "Get lost."

The Samurott chuckled ominously. "No, we'd rather stay."
He drew his sword, pointing it toward Rain's crew. "Kill them," he ordered.

All the pirates raised their swords, paws, claws, and charged to attack.
A huge battle began. Rain was prepared to parry the first attack that came from a bloodthirsty Prinplup. After his counter, which managed to disarm her, Rain tried to spin and smack her with Aqua Tail. The penguin, however, hopped over it and came down to strike him with Wing Attack.

Rain quickly withdrew into his shell. It absorbed most of the damage, but he was pushed back — possibly more than he should have, because of the slippery floor. Raindrops pitter-pattered on the top of his shell as he continued to hide in it for a moment, before popping his limbs out.
He could see through the hole in his shell that she was coming to attack again. She thinks I can't move, he guessed. Well, there's a surprise in store for her.

Rain grabbed his sword with one of his hands and used his legs to push the rails behind him. Thanks to the wet floor and the shape of his shell, he slid forward faster than normal.
The Prinplup's eyes widened as he crashed into her with his sword raised. That's right, he thought, relieved. Element of surprise is on my side.
The blade pierced through her chest. She fell to the ground, bleeding.
One down.

Rain whirled around to see how the others were doing.
Riptide was battling against three Tentacruel at once. Fiercetrunk was beside him, trying to help the best he could with a wooden plank. Rainstorm figured Riptide was trying to protect him. Sailwings was doing the same for Starseer, attacking anyone who got close to him.
Reef, Cowrie and Stingray were fighting a horde of pirates at once, though their moves were very uncoordinated. Cowrie was slow, Reef kept stumbling around and almost touching Stingray's poisonous spikes, and Stingray himself seemed to be in a state of total panic as he jabbed his horn everywhere.

Just as Fiercetrunk smacked away a Tentacruel, he was suddenly lifted in the air, hovering above the floor.
"No, wait — RIPTIDE!" he called for help, but the Croconaw couldn't catch his hand in time. Fiercetrunk was flung across the ship, thrown over the rails with psychic power before anyone could help him.
He had fallen in the ocean.

"NO!! FIERCETRUNK!" Riptide cried, reaching to the railing.

"No need for that," Starseer told him, rushing from behind. A Tentacruel tried to grab the psychic type, but Sailwings swooped down and pecked him repeatedly.
Starseer checked the water, trying to spot Fiercetrunk. Rainstorm's sharp eyes found him first, so he pointed to the Timburr, who was desperately splashing and paddling in the raging waves.

Starseer immediately teleported over to him, then reappeared on the deck with the soaking wet fighting type beside him. Riptide hugged him fiercely, his body shaking.

Arctic was fighting three opponents at once, one of them being Oyster. The other three crew members were trying their best to fend off against seven.
"W- what are we going to do?" Riptide burst out with a half-sob. "I can't help — I can't protect everyone!"

Rainstorm knew he needed to act; to say something supportive. He wasn't sure what, but he had a plan. He was grateful his cunning could make up for his lack of emotional intelligence.
With determined eyes, he reached to hold the Croconaw's claws in his. "Riptide!" he said, trying to bring him back to his senses. "We need to take out the Starmie first! Me and you, we can do this."

I'm sure I can take on one of them, no problem, he thought, and if Riptide has a dark type move like Bite or Crunch, they'll be no trouble for him either.
"Sail, the captain needs backup. Starseer, teleport Fiercetrunk down to safety, then come help the others!"

"Sail?" the Wingull said thoughtfully, then nodded and flapped her wings. "Let's do it!"
Rain was glad she went along with the nickname. He didn't think he could call Riptide by his nickname anymore because of the Alpha Tide, though.

The Croconaw stared into Rain's eyes, lifting one arm to wipe his tears. "Yeah! You're right. We can't give up."
The two rushed to the opposite end of the deck, side by side. As they did, Rain slid by a tremendously large Swampert whose muscles were bigger than barrels. Hopefully Arctic could beat that one. Better yet, have Starseer teleport him away.

A pair of Marill in front of them were charging toward Stingray's team. Knowing they can't afford to face more opponents, Rainstorm kicked one like a soccer ball, sending it way out into the water, while Riptide smacked the other one into the sea with his tail. After that fun distraction, they confronted the two Starmie.

"I hope this works!" Riptide hoped, running forward. He opened his jaw wide and bit down on the one Starmie with what seemed to be kelp strapped around its top spike.
The other Starmie shot a Water Gun at him, but Riptide didn't let go. Rain quickly interrupted the attacking Starmie with an Ice Punch.

"Whoa, UHOH — Rain!" Riptide yelled. He began to float, letting go of the Starmie from his mouth with a huge bite mark.

No!  Rain thought fiercely. I won't let that happen.

He lifted the Starmie he had punched and threw it on top of the other, knocking them both prone. With its concentration broken, Riptide was released from Psychic and landed on the floor.

"Let's finish them, quick!" Rain said, feeling temporary relief flow through him. Before he could attack though, the Starmie he had punched began to spin and flew right to him. It sliced his arms and chest, leaving big cuts on his body.
Trying to resist the pain from the Rapid Spin attack, Rainstorm turned around and smacked it with Aqua Tail, knocking it aside and stopping its movements.
Its red center began to flicker. He knew what that meant; low on power.

Now's my chance.
He thrust his blade into the red gem, shattering it into pieces and killing the water-psychic type instantly.
He looked over to Riptide, who had pinned his opponent down and was biting it again. Its light flickered faintly. It was very wounded.

"Great! Now kill it!" Rainstorm instructed, approaching them.

Riptide pulled his jaw away and pressed down on it hard with his claws. "I don't  kill."

"Now's not the time for moral dilemmas!" Rain argued. "Kill it before it messes everything up!"

Riptide cast a pitiful look on the blinking gem. "No, Rain. I'm sorry, I can't do it. M- maybe we can keep it for interrogation?" he asked, dipping his snout.

"Urgh," Rain grumbled. There was no time for this. "We can't tie it up right now, no! Just kick it into the water or something. It'll survive."

"I can do that," Riptide nodded, tossing the Starmie into the sea. "Maybe it'll find a reef to lay on."

"Look at you, making someone walk the plank. A true pirate," Rain joked.
"There was no plank," Riptide said ruefully. "Or walking, for that matter," he added, then shook his head. "Wait, I forgot! Swordstream!"

"What about him?" Rain asked.

"He's helming!" he exclaimed. "All alone! He might have been — I have to — Rain, can you —?"

"Back him up," Rainstorm finished with a frown. But then I won't be able to keep an eye on you, he thought. I won't be able to protect you if anything happens. Besides, Swordstream is a good fighter, AND has growled at me a few times. Why should I care?  "I dunno, I think he's capable."

"Please?" Riptide begged, quickly shooting a Water Gun at an approaching Tentacruel.

Rain sighed. He shot a Water Pulse at one of Stingray's team's opponents. The Kabutops lost his balance from the attack, giving Cowrie a chance to stab him. That's right. I decided I wouldn't let them die. It's the right thing to do. "If you need anything, howl like a little Growlithe puppy and I'll know it's you."
And please stay away from Oyster and that Swampert. Please, please don't die.

He hurried to the helm, to the sight of Swordstream trying to keep his grip on the wheel while fending off against three opponents at once. A Golduck and two Omanyte.
"Just die already, you pathetic Magikarp!" the Golduck spat, grabbing Swordstream and trying to push him down with his webbed claws.

"Won't happen without a fight, ye damned Goldeen-brain!" he swore, whacking him with his tails and breaking free from his hold.
Swordstream then grappled him, lifted him up and threw him as far as he could. As he hurried to get his paws back on the wheel, the two Onamyte pounced on him with the sharp teeth they hid under their tentacle-like feet.
Rainstorm ran in with Aqua Tail, smacking away one of them, being careful not to hit the Floatzel.

Grunting, Swordsrtream shook the other Omanyte away from his back. "Took ye long enough!" he snarled.

"Hey, at least I came, didn't I?" Rain shot back. "And you better thank Riptide for reminding me," he added. "But that's not important now! We need to finish here, I gotta go back and help the others as fast as I can!"

Swordstream narrowed his eyes at the Golduck, who was getting up on his feet again. "Hm," he said. "S'ppose yer not as bad as I thought ye were."

"How ... bad did  you think I was?" Rain asked.

The Wartortle's whole body was suddenly lifted by Swordstream. "Withdraw," he ordered.

"Uh — what?"
"I said WITHDRAW!" he repeated, stretching his one arm.

Oh. Rain remembered that time he was thrown like a frisbee, way back.
Time to relive that memory.

He popped his head and limbs inside his shell and a second later, Swordstream threw him with all his might. He could feel how powerful that throw was.
Rain landed directly on the Golduck's head, feeling the impact through his whole shell. He could hear the Golduck's skull shattering.

He quickly peeked out of his shell. The Golduck lay dead on the ground, much to his relief. Hitting their heads usually made their psychic powers stronger.
Before he could properly stand up though, one of the Omanyte leaped on Rain's head from behind, grappling him with its Bind attack. It was disgusting.
Fortunately, Swordstream came to his rescue quickly with Ice Punch. The punch was hard enough to shatter its shell and freeze the rest of its body completely.

"Thanks," Rain said, somewhat embarrassed that he had to be saved, but he was still grateful. "Nice teamwork. Hooray for us."

The remaining Omanyte used Mud Shot on Rain, which caused a burning and itchy feeling on the wounds on his chest.
He grunted, washing away the mud from his body the best he could.

Rain saw the icy blue light on Swordstream's fists appear again. They had the same thought.
The two exchanged a smile, as Rain prepared Ice Punch too. They dashed to the Omanyte, hitting it together. It turned into a massive ice sculpture as it got sent flying into the ocean.
Rain felt proud for a moment, looking at the waters the enemy was thrown in. However, as he looked into the sea, he noticed a shape in the distance.

It was hard to make out what it was with all the storm clouds, but there was no doubt in his mind.
Mana Island.
We're almost there.

On the one hand, it was great news to know they're finally here.
On the other hand ... it meant the waters would only get trickier to navigate through from this point on.

"We're reaching the island," he told Swordstream, placing one hand on his back. "I need you to keep your eye sharp."

"Always is," he responded. "And I need ye to go back down and protect th' others."

Rain nodded. Though his words with the Floatzel were few, there was now a sense of trust and respect between them. Without a moment to waste, he turned around, quickly rushing to the other crew members' aid.
Swordstream is going to be fine, he reassured himself. He can do this.

The deck was filled with chaos when he returned.
One good thing is that many enemies had been thrown from the ship, mostly thanks to Starseer's Psychic. The numbers were more even now.
But things weren't looking good for his crew either. Sailwings was knocked out, her wounds being tended to by the psychic type. Cowrie lay unconscious next to an exhausted-looking Stingray and a very injured Reef.
Arctic was still in his fast-paced duel with Oyster, his steel flippers clashing against Oyster's sword-shells. Neither of them was backing down.

With his heart thumping, Rain spotted Riptide.
He was facing off against the Swampert. Alone.

The Croconaw was trying his best to sidestep and roll away from the giant's attacks. His hard punches broke anything they came in contact with, be it barrels or planks on the floor. Riptide already looked badly bruised and was having a hard time staying on his feet.

"R- Rainstorm," a weak voice said near him. It was Fiercetrunk. He had gotten back up on the deck with a bag. "I ... I got these."

Rain didn't need to ask what was inside the bag nor did he have time to scold the Timburr for not staying inside. He was helping in his own courageous way.
Without a second thought, Rain snatched the bag from his hands and ran into the fight.

"Heads up!" He opened the bag of healing berries and threw a large Oran berry at Arctic. He then turned and threw one to Starseer and Sail, then ran farther towards the other group.
Reef is too dense to notice me and Stingray will believe they're poisoned or something. Well, he IS a poison type, so that shouldn't concern him,  he thought. I'll have to trust him to take them. No other choice.

"Stingray! Use these!" he shouted, throwing three more. The Nidorino caught them and stared at him in disbelief.

One left.
"What are you —" he began.
"NO TIME!" Rain snapped, running to Riptide. "JUST TAKE THEM, DANG IT!"

Riptide was exhausted and practically kneeling on the floor when he got there, gasping desperately. The Swampert laughed eerily, in a way that made him seem happy with himself yet disappointed in Riptide.

"Is that all?" he demanded, cracking his knuckles. "I expected more from you."

"W- who ... How do you know me...?" Riptide managed to say, out of breath.

"I'd recognize that face anywhere. Yes ... you look just like him," he chuckled.

"What are you on about?" Riptide said softly.

"Don't play games with me, lad. We both know," he answered, raising his fist. "A real shame you're not as good a fighter as him. How underwhelming. But worry not, I shall put you out of your misery."

You won't, Rainstorm thought, baring his teeth. I won't allow it.

He ran to the Swampert from the side, his tail gleaming with the power of Aqua Tail. He struck with all his might, knocking him several feet away before he could injure Riptide any further. Hitting him was like punching bricks or kicking steel, but Rain had to endure the pain.
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" he shouted fiercely.

"R- Rain...?" Riptide breathed, staggering up. Rain quickly passed him the last Oran berry and he ate it whole. "Thank you..."

The Swampert shook off the minor wound he had received from the hit and glared at the two.
"It's not too late for you, Wartortle. You can join us," the Swampert offered.

Rain instinctively shook his head, though he had to admit he was terrified to provoke him further.
Riptide leaned on his shoulder, trusting him to support his weight. "Rainstorm would never join you, because you're terrible and mean and make no sense, while he's wonderful and heroic and — and kind, so there!"

The Swampert bellowed grimly. "Very well, then," he said. "Suppose I'll get rid of both of you."

Rain clutched Riptide's claws and gently pushed him away. "Go," he said. "It's too dangerous for you. I'll handle this."

He saw a look in Riptide's eyes that said “No, I want to stay here, with you, I belong with you and want to fight alongside you”, but Riptide knew he couldn't keep fighting. He staggered away, looking at Rain with one last hopeful look.

He's going to recover, Rain reassured himself, shifting his gaze over to the Swampert who was glaring at him. As long as he finds a crate or something to hide behind. I'm sure.

His opponent's fists began to glow blue.
Nope. No way. If it were any other opponent, Rain would have countered with an Ice Punch back at them, but not here.
Fear really is an important thing to have, he amended. If I wasn't feeling it now...
The Ice Punch came down to strike him, but Rain jumped away and circled around him.
I'd be dead.

Rain was not going to make physical contact. It was far too risky. He shot a Water Pulse as his opponent turned around. He hoped it would affect him somewhat, hopefully more than his Aqua Tail.
But all the water-ground type did was grin in amusement after being splashed by the attack. He didn't even wince.

"What ... what in the world are you?" Rain let out.

"An old friend," he responded, then tried to attack with Brick Break. Rain swiftly moved out of the way and slid on top of some wet crates.

Old friend; he assumed I meant what his relation to Riptide is, Rain noted. I meant why he's so powerful, but this is interesting, too. They don't seem to know each other that well though...
But then again, Oyster recognized him as well.

What is Riptide hiding from me?

The Swampert charged into the crates, shattering them all to pieces. Rain jumped up just before he became pieces along with them and drew his sword.
He thrusted it downwards as he fell on top of his opponent. If he managed to pierce his head or stab his eye, this beast would no longer be an issue.

The Swampert quickly cocked his head to the side, letting the sword stab his wide shoulder instead. It was wide enough for Rain to stand on in shock, as he realized that it barely hurt him at all.
The Swampert threw his hand up to grab Rainstorm, seizing him without any trouble. He chuckled as he tightened his grip.

Rain felt his body being crushed, and it was getting harder and harder to breathe. He flailed his arms and tried to break free, but that only hurt him more.
"What do you know about that Croconaw's parents, Rainstorm?" he demanded, his eyes narrowed. "Tell me what I want to hear and I'll let you live. I'm not the type to kill without reason."

Rain couldn't turn his head to look back at Riptide, but he didn't need to. He didn't know much about his parents anyway, aside from his mother being awfully sweet and loving him more than the world ... and that they sent letters to each other often.
Even though the information he had was little, he refused to say a word about them. He was not going to betray the nicest person in his life.

"Go shove a Qwilfish up your tail!" Rain said with all the confidence he could.

Glowering, the Swampert squeezed harder, then threw Rainstorm down and took a deep breath. Rain's whole body ached, but he quickly went into his shell before the Hydro Pump hit him. The powerful spray of water sent him all the way to the other side of the deck. Other crew members looked on in horror as he was shot past them. It was far stronger than any water attack he'd ever taken.

Rain's head came out, and so did his limbs, slowly. The pain was unbearable. It felt as if he had been crushed under the weight of whole mountains. His vision was blurry, but his mind was focused on his enemy, who he could tell was drawing near.

Just when his eyes adjusted again, the Swampert pulled the sword out of his shoulder and tossed it right in front of Rain.
"That little knife won't do much," he said. "And neither will you."

Rain grabbed his blade and stabbed it to the floor, using it to help him stand up. He has to have a weakness ... what could it be?

"Who ... are you?" Rain said in a hoarse voice. Maybe he could learn something and connect it to the books he had read.

"Name's Bayou," he answered. "What's it mean to ya?"

Nothing ... darn it, he thought, frustrated. The only information he had about his potential weaknesses was his typing; water and ground, but no one on the crew had grass type moves.

"Listen," Rain began, strapping the sword back on his person. "I'm not sure who you are exactly, or what you want with Riptide ... but I'm not going to let you hurt him if I can help it. Either we settle this some other way, or one of us dies."

Bayou chuckled again. "No, even better; both of you will die."

"Th- that's not how I meant—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Bayou charged toward him. Rain threw his body to the side, narrowly dodging Bayou's fist as it smashed into the floor.

Rain embraced the power of the raindrops on his fluffy tail and swung it around, summoning Aqua Tail again. It hit Bayou's side, but — of course — hardly did any damage.
Before Rain could leap away to put distance between them, Bayou whirled around with a powerful kick, striking Rain in the chest and pushing him way back.

Rain spat and coughed out blood, clutching his chest. Everything was fading.
But he couldn't give up yet.
Last chance.

With his eyes locked on Bayou's, Rain readied Aqua Tail again and charged ahead. Once close, he jumped up and threw his tail down with all the power he had.
Bayou lifted his hand and interjected the attack by grabbing his tail, canceling the move altogether. Rain scrambled to form a Water Pulse to shoot at him, but it was too late. Bayou grabbed his whole body again with just one arm, as if he were a thin little stick that could be snapped in two.

Instead of trying to choke him again however, he clenched his other hand and punched Rainstorm right in the face.
Before Rain could open his eyes, he punched again. He felt like his skull was going to be crushed. His right eye had become swollen and his nose was bleeding wildly, like a waterfall of blood.

Lugia save me...  Rain prayed, as Bayou raised his fist for a third punch.

"WAIT!!" Riptide cried out, running toward them.
Bayou stopped, curiously shooting him a glance.

"Please, please don't kill him. I'll do anything for you, I promise, just please, let him down. Spare him and I'll accept whatever it is you want to do to me!" he begged.

Bayou raised an eyebrow. "What's this? Does it hurt you to see a loved one being ripped apart?" he said mockingly. "Guess what — it hurt me too. But he didn't stop just because I cried like a Sobble."

"Who's this “he” you keep mentioning?!" Riptide exclaimed. "I don't KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Please just—"

"Let him down?"  Bayou finished for him, looking back at Rainstorm. "Don't worry. I will."

The Swampert whirled around and threw Rain's body way up high in the air. It felt like he had gone higher than the top of the sail. Rain hoped Starseer would catch him with Psychic, or that Sailwings would fly up and save him, somehow, but she must be too injured to fly, and Starseer must be occupied helping the others.

Rain couldn't move as he plummeted down. It was hopeless.
Bayou put all his strength into one last punch, smashing Rain like a beach ball once he fell down to his level. He was sent soaring over the rails, far beyond the ship.

As he saw the ship get farther and farther away, he heard the crew's shouts.
"NOOOO!!!" Riptide screamed.
"RAINSTORM!" Arctic yelled.

He crashed into the mighty waves of the sea and sank way, way far down.
His vision fully faded to black...

He heard another splash, from somewhere above him.
He tried and tried to open his eyes, to have courage and use whatever strength he had to swim.
But he couldn't move at all. Only his left eye opened slightly.

It was Riptide, swimming to him. He had jumped off the ship to come after him.

Rain wanted to reach his hand out to him. To show that he was fine. To somehow warn him that his blood would attract vicious Sharpedo.
But he couldn't.

It all turned dark again.
Don't leave me, Riptide. Please. Not like my mother did. I can't ... go through this again...

With all his hope placed on Riptide, the dark void grew deeper. He lost concentration on the sounds around him, and finally, he went unconscious.

Chapter Text

The Flooded Kingdom

Book One: Treasure Within

Part II

Rain wasn't sure how much time had passed. He could feel Riptide's grip on his arm as he was carried through the sea. The currents were strong; stronger than they had been when Bayou threw him overboard.

His eyelids felt heavy, accompanied by a headache. Darkness shrouded his vision as his mind danced on the edge of consciousness. He couldn't think — he didn't know what to think. Everything had happened so fast, and now he was drifting through the waves so slowly, he couldn't focus. After sacrificing himself aboard the ship, everything felt like a blur to him. The fight, Bayou, Riptide...

Riptide. He paused on that thought. The poor Croconaw must have had to carry him around for such a long distance. He ... jumped overboard by himself. For me. He left everything behind just for my sake. I can't force him to keep dragging me around, I have to swim. I have to do this on my own.

An indescribable pain shot through Rain's arms as he tried to move them. He winced and forcibly shut his eyes, for a moment he could almost feel like fainting.

Of course. Of course he is nothing but a weight while Riptide has to brave these dangerous waters alone.

Just drop me, he thought bitterly. I don't deserve this — I don't deserve to be helped. You should go back to your friends, your loving family; people who are worth your time.

Rain paused again at the thought of Riptide's family. That was the reason Bayou had been after the two of them specifically. Riptide. Him and his perfect life, full of people who love and care about him and are nice to him all the time.

No, he deserves this, he suddenly found himself thinking with a burst of anger. I put my life on the line for him, he owes me this. He deserves to feel the pain I felt — he has to realize how good he's had it. It's about time he went through SOME struggle and saw what the world is like.

Another surge of pain flared across his body as Riptide maneuvered around something, presumably a rock. Rain couldn't even lift his hand to clutch his wounds, and yet, here he was, furious at the only person who had ever cared for him.

What am I doing?

He could imagine Starseer, laughing at him for how contradictory his inner thoughts were. Sail, pointing out how ungrateful he was being. Arctic, offering to put him in his place for those thoughts.

I'm sorry, he nearly croaked, still having trouble focusing. This isn't right...

Riptide's grip became tighter. He ... really is not going to abandon me.

Somehow, that realization put him at ease. His injuries still ached, but they didn't sting as much. Maybe I don't deserve his help ... but I'm glad he's here.

Thank you for staying with me.

His muscles were no longer tense. Though everything had felt cold for a moment without him realizing, it was now gone and Rain sensed some peace. A warm feeling of love and comfort seized him, allowing his concentration to fully loosen.

Is this how I die?

No ... I have faith in Riptide. He will get me somewhere safe. I know he will.

Too wounded to move or speak, he slipped back into a dreamless sleep.

The warmth persisted for a while, until his body came in contact with a rough, rocky surface. There was something else keeping him warm now ... but the pain soon returned. Sore and tired, Rain slowly opened his eyes unsure how long he had been passed out.

He was underwater, inside what appeared to be a tiny cave in a rock, a blanket of seaweed covering his injuries. He struggled to pick himself up and slowly swam to the mouth of his hollow. Though his vision remained somewhat blurry, a vast blue greeted him from every direction. Glancing up, he was grateful to see that he wasn't too far underwater ... though it was still a couple ropes' length down.

He risked a glance below him. He couldn't see the bottom of the rock ... in fact, he realized he was inside some kind of natural spire. Hopefully there weren't more holes in it; they could be nests for ferals. Strangely enough, he could make out what appeared to be ... rubble? There were big pieces of marble and flat stones sticking out from the chasm.

A flooded city, he thought, as his excitement immediately spiked. However, Rain ultimately looked away, disappointed. He couldn't investigate it in the state he was in.

Riptide had to be somewhere nearby, but he couldn't see him anywhere.

He's going to come back for me, Rain thought to calm himself, then went back inside the hole.

Could have found a better place to hide me in, he complained in his head, but ... it's probably the best he could find.

Poor Riptide. He must have gone through so much peril to get me here.

He couldn't do much other than lie in there for a while, thinking to himself mournfully. He hoped Starseer and the rest of the crew were safe...

As soon as I recover ... we're going to find them.

Some time later, he glanced out again. To his relief, he saw the Croconaw swimming toward him, holding a dead Remoraid in his claws. Though Riptide had his snout lowered, he perked up the moment his beautiful brown eyes met Rain's.

"Hey, sleeping beauty!" Riptide greeted him in the underwater language, beaming.

Rain was fortunate to know it, despite never having anyone to teach him. It came naturally to water types, especially those who spent time trying to communicate with annoying underwater merchants who insist on selling overpriced Looplets. Body gestures were a big part of the language, so they had to be close to speak.

"Glad to see you too," Rain said back at him. He tried to hide his expression as he went inside. "Thanks. For uh ... saving me. Back there."

You didn't have to come after me, but you still put everything on the line to help me.

I have to make up for this, somehow.

"Hah, no problem," Riptide responded, joining him inside. Now Rainstorm noticed how small the cave really was; the two of them just barely fit inside without touching tails.

"What's with the Remoraid?" Rain asked, eyeing the dead fish. He was grateful not to be able to drool underwater — his stomach was practically crying for food.

"I'm not really a hunter, but I had to get you something to eat," Riptide answered, passing him the fish. "I was certain you'd be starving after everything, and you need whatever energy you can get back," he explained.

"Whatever happened to “I don't kill”?" Rain teased. He hoped Riptide would realize he meant it in a playful manner, like Riptide himself often did.

"Well," he began, "dunno if you've noticed, but berry trees don't exactly grow underwater, and I'd rather not have you dying of hunger right after I hauled your tail across the ocean."

Rain had begun eating the raw fish, spreading its blood around them as he did so. He was too hungry to be careful not to eat any bones, and he was still hungry when he finished, but he felt better than before, at least.

"Across the ocean?" Rain echoed with alarm. "Where are we?"

"Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit — we're like, maybe half an hour of swimming away from Mana Island," Riptide answered.

"So we're close ... where are the others?" Rain asked, knowing the Croconaw likely didn't have the answer.

"I ... I'm not sure..." His expression became grim. Rain could sense desperate sadness behind it, and much, much more. "I haven't seen the ships anywhere. And I don't know how that battle went..." He closed his eyes and turned his head to the side.

Oh no, Rain thought, don't cry. How do I cheer him up? It's true that they might not have won the battle ... Bayou was still on board when we fell. But there's gotta be something I can say.

He reluctantly put his tail tail over Riptide's and took his claws in his.
"Starseer was still on board, remember?" he said, trying to seem calm. "He could have teleported Bayou away if he found an opening."

"Not if he got hurt or had no more psychic energy for it," Riptide said, frowning.

"Well I gave everyone a berry to heal, so they would have had plenty of energy to keep fighting," Rain reminded him, "except for Fiercetrunk who would have gone back to hiding. Probably."

Riptide sighed a burst of bubbles. "Fiercetrunk..." he let out with a mournful, longing expression that Rainstorm couldn't stand. "I hope he's alright ... He must be so, so scared without m — I mean, us."

Worrying about him again, Rain thought, but tried to keep his expression from changing. He hoped the Timburr would be safe, though ... he was one of their attackers' main targets, after all. "He'd be fine. Would have found a good barrel to hide in, and then the Alpha Tide wouldn't be able to find him," he explained, ignoring his jealousy.

Riptide's eyes seemed calmer now. "He is good at hiding..." he agreed ruefully.

Rain peeked out of the hole, looking up at the surface. His injuries hurt, but they would be able to locate the others faster if they went up and looked for them. It would help Riptide feel better. Besides, he can't keep the Croconaw down here forever.

"We're going to search for them." He glanced back at Riptide, who looked hesitant.

"Really? But your wounds..." he trailed off.

"I'll be dandy. It'll take more than that for me to give up and lie down in a cave forever. Come on, you Slowpoke," he said with confidence, swimming away. Was that convincing? Did I sound cool? I hope he thinks I'm cool.

He caught some movement from the corner of his eye and immediately looked below. Was something down there in the chasm? He could have sworn he saw something big...

Oh well, if there really were ferals down there, he couldn't risk picking fights with them.

Riptide swam out to join him and the two went up to surface together. Dawn was here — the sun cast its glorious pink-orange glow on the sea as it slowly rose in the horizon.

A new day. Rain breathed in. Seeing some sunshine after everything that went down — he took that as a sign that everything was going to be all right. Nothing but big waves surrounded them from every direction as far as they could see, except for the lone, small stretch of land that formed Mana Island.

"Where do we go?" Riptide asked, gazing at the sunrise.

"Mana Island," Rain answered, earning a shocked glance.

"What? Us? Alone? But it's dangerous!" he argued.

"True, but there's no other land in sight anywhere," Rain reasoned, "no other place for a ship to dock after suffering damage from that attack. I think Swordstream would have been able to get them there, no problem."

"Fine ... We'll need to be careful though," Riptide told him warily. He ducked his head and went underwater again.

Rainstorm thought it would be better if they stayed closer to the surface, so that they'd see any ship that came into view. He dived after Riptide, trying to catch up to him.
"Where are you going? If you want to find something that floats, don't look on the seafloor, you dork."

Riptide looked at him with a sideway smile. "This dork has an idea, actually." He motioned to schools of fish passing by. "There's gotta be a water type that can travel through water more easily than us. If we can find a feral and maybe tame it, it could take us there."

Getting help from someone, a feral no less, was certainly not something Rain would have thought of. It was a very Riptide-like plan, but it sounded like it could work, provided they could actually approach and befriend the feral. Of course, there was a reason they're called ferals, they can't be that easy to tame, but befriending was Riptide's strong suit, so Rain didn't worry about that.

"I just need to think which is the right species for this ... what would it be?" He searched around, looking through the groups of Magikarp and Finneon and Luvdisc that swam around them.

Rain tried to think of the best species too — maybe he could contribute in this plan. A Lapras would be ideal, but the chances of finding one so far away from the arctic regions were slim...
Then it hit him like a bolt of lightning.

"Mantine," he said. "We could find a Mantine."

"Oh! You're right, they're docile and large enough to ride! How do we find one?" Riptide asked.

Rain's knowledge on the species flew around his head as he tried to remember anything useful.
"Mantine and Remoraid often stay close. Schools of Remoraid hide under a Mantine for protection; it's a symbiotic relationship," he explained.  "Where did you find the Remoraid you gave me earlier? If we can find more of them, maybe we can find a Mantine!"

Riptide nodded quickly. "Sounds like a solid plan! And that's kind of cute — they're just like us! Symbiotic relationship, so happy together," he went on as he paddled ahead to lead the way. "Although neither of us is that much larger than the other. I mean, I guess I can be bigger if you go in your shell, but we have no reason to hide anything in the first place, right?"

You're hiding a lot from me, actually, Rain thought. Better explain why Bayou and Oyster recognized you back on the ship, later.

After swimming for a while, Riptide led him to the coral reef where he had found the Remoraid — it was easy to spot a school of gray fish between all the pink and sunset-orange corals.

They searched the area without making any sudden moves that would upset the Remoraid, until they reached the other side of the reef. Several Mantine glided through the water peacefully, each having their pectoral fins stretched and angled to catch the currents, with many Remoraid swimming underneath them. Despite being ferals, the Mantine had gentle eyes; perfect for Riptide, Rain noted. They seemed to be leaving the reef, but not because of a Wartortle and Croconaw showing up; they must have been in the middle of migrating to another part of the ocean, maybe. They didn't appear to actually mind the two.

Rain caught Riptide casting a sad look at the Remoraid who were still near the reef behind them. He's thinking those were left behind, he guessed. There was no more room for them under the Mantine, so now they have to survive on their own.
Rain felt another stab of pity as he realized Riptide must also be feeling guilty for killing that other defenseless Remoraid.

"Don't worry about them," he tried, "I think they stayed behind because they're going to evolve soon. Octillery don't need protection, and can't swim as fast."

"Oh, that's a relief." Riptide lifted his eyes from them and continued swimming to the Mantine. They both made their way above the closest one, so that the fish underneath it wouldn't attack them.

"What now, master feral-tamer?" Rain asked, wondering how the fish below would react when they took away their cover.

"Now you calm down, aaand let me do everything because you're not the best diplomat around," he responded with a grin, reaching down and gently placing himself on top of the Mantine. It didn't seem bothered.

"I think it would like to see you first," Rain suggested, getting closer.

Riptide wrinkled his snout at him. "Can't do that without being attacked by those fries down there."

"Gotcha. I'll distract them!" Rain offered suddenly, making his friend jump.
"But you're hurt!" Riptide protested, but he refused to listen. He had to pull his weight and do  something, after everything Riptide had done. Rain quickly went below the Mantine and waved his arms to get the school's attention.

He felt relief upon noticing they were only four.

That relief faded when they all started shooting Bubblebeams at him.
The rapid bubbles burst upon impact, reminding him how much pain he's in and how horribly his muscles ache and OH LUGIA EVERYTHING HURTS.

This was going to make the Mantine feel on edge; he had to drive them away so they'd continue attacking him somewhere else.

He swam through the fish as fast as he could, whirling his Aqua Tail wildly. They tried to bite his tail in retaliation, but in the end the four were smacked far away from the safety of the Mantine's fins, and they all quickly scrambled to go hide under another Mantine, where they'd be in larger numbers.

"Wow," Rain scoffed. "How loyal. If we were predators, they would have left you to die, buddy," he said to the Mantine who peacefully ignored his existence (which was quite rude, if you asked him).

Ferals couldn't speak, obviously ... but he had nice memories of trying to talk to them when he was younger, when he was trying to practice social skills. They never judged him as much as civilized folks did.

Fortunately, the Mantine's attention was actually on Riptide, who was swimming next to it.
He was showing he means no harm through careful movements and speaking to it gently. He reached for his bag and took out a small piece of plankton, which the Mantine ate happily.

Rain wondered why he'd been carrying that, and came to the conclusion that Riptide was planning on feeding a feral eventually, anyway. As his bag was open though, Rain caught a glimpse of what looked like paper, so he squinted to peer at it better.

It was the book — the one with the weird symbols. Riptide had kept it with him.

Wonder if the Alpha Tide knows about that, he worried. What if this story about an old Wartortle named Whirlpool is a lie, and the contents are a secret language that both Riptide and the Alpha Tide have been speaking all along?

What if there's a deeper reason for him to have spared that Starmie? More than just not being a killer? Could they be working together?

But then, if they were, why would he risk everything to save me?
His kindness can't be a disguise ... can it?

Stop, he ordered himself. Don't be like Stingray, that sounds crazy. I ... suppose it wouldn't hurt to be a little suspicious, at least until he tells me everything, he decided, then sighed out bubbles.
That doesn't mean I should push him away, though. He smiled, looking at Riptide again. By now he had gotten to petting the Mantine. After a few moments, he climbed on top of it.

"Okay, I think we're good, Rain!"

Time to ride a feral.
We're absolutely insane.
HE'S absolutely insane, in a nice way.
And I love that.

Moving his arms hurt, the Bubblebeam had left them with a stinging and sore feeling, so he was relieved when he could sit comfortably on top of the friendly Mantine.

"Hold on tight," Riptide told him gently and helped him sit. The Croconaw carefully pulled their ride's skin, so that it knew it should surface.

Rain worried for a moment, wondering if Riptide's claws would dig too far in and hurt it. Hopefully he would stay careful enough not to stab the poor thing.

The other Mantine did not seem to care (or notice) that this one was leaving, which made Rain believe it's too weak in their eyes, or maybe they haven't bonded enough to care, or maybe it's because they're ferals and don't even have feelings and he's reading too much into it. Still, it made him think of his own situation...

Does my crew care at all about how I left?  He thought as they reached the water's surface, letting the sunshine pour on their soaking, shiny bodies.

Would it matter to them if I'm gone? They'd definitely care about Riptide, I'm sure...
But would anyone worry about me?

I didn't want to care about them before ... so why do I feel this way now?

"Come on, let's go!" Riptide sang, pointing to Mana island. "Can you take us there?" he asked the Mantine. It responded with a muffled yelp and began to swim toward it.

We're almost there. What do we do once we get there — IF we can get there? What if we can't get to the others?  Rain thought anxiously.
"I think it's a she," Riptide said unexpectedly, pulling Rain out of his worries. "What could we name her? Hm... Seashell? Kite? You know, she's kind of shaped like a heart. Should we call her Heart?"

I couldn't care less, is what Rain thought of saying, but he couldn't say that to Riptide's face, at least not at that moment. Rain could tell he was very anxious too, and this was a way to distract them from their insecurities. "Could do better," he finally offered, "maybe add something to it."

"Hmm ... well, she's very sweet," he whispered, patting the Mantine. "How about Sweetheart?"

"Of course you'd say that," Rain said affectionately.

A refreshing breeze hit their faces as they sailed across the sea on Sweetheart's back, reinvigorating Rain. It looked to be a surprisingly clear day, after such a big storm.

But as they raced closer and closer to the island...

The clouds grew dark.

It soon began raining again.

"That's  not a good omen," Riptide observed.

"It's going to get worse from here," Rain reminded him. These waters were dangerous — they couldn't forget that.

Luckily he had the brain to turn tail and swim away back when he first attempted to reach the island. He had felt so embarrassed and ashamed, but now he knew what his mistake was; he had tried it on his own.
I hope it goes different this time...

A whirlpool began to form in front of them. Sweetheart shrieked and Riptide quickly pulled her to the right to steer away from it. More and more whirlpools appeared all around them as they kept moving forward.

"Up! Up!" Riptide yelped, pulling Sweetheart's skin again. She dove for a moment, then launched herself over the water's surface, gliding above it.

Rain would have described this moment as magical, had it not been extremely dangerous. Plus, he had to concentrate on not letting go, even though it was hard to keep his grip on a wet surface. They soared over two whirlpools before they came down again with a splash.

Sweetheart continued swimming as fast as she could, until she suddenly twisted around and began lashing her tail.

"Whoa, easy girl! What happened?" Riptide tried to console her, but she didn't stop.

"It's the currents!" Rain pointed out. "They're shifting and confusing her!"

"This is so  unnatural," Riptide said, panicked. "Is something controlling the ocean? Fifty Poké says Kyogre is behind this."

"Kyogre is behind EVERYTHING in the ocean, you coral-for-brains!" Rain cried.

Sweetheart went underwater on her own this time, trying to angle her fins to briefly catch the current before it got to shift again. Once she found balance, she leaped out. Rain's claws almost slipped off her, but he quickly caught her again. Now that they had more time on air, they could avoid the whirlpools and raging currents forming below them. The coast was not too far. Rain guessed they could make it there if Sweetheart had about another minute of air time.

But just as things started to look up, a crashing sound boomed from behind them. Rain and Riptide both exchanged a worried glance, then looked back.

A huge tidal wave was rising from the sea, rapidly catching up to them.

"No way!" Riptide cried. "He really has it out for us!"

"Yeah, obviously!" Rain shouted. "He doesn't want anyone to reach the island, for some reason."
His brain bounced back and forth between possible methods to avoid the wave, but it was hopeless. It was way too big for them to dodge...

Then we won't.

"Got any grand ideas? I can tell your brain is a planning mess right now!" Riptide asked.

If it's Kyogre ... then we might have one way of convincing him not to kill us, Rain thought, growling. But I'm not going to like it.

"We changed our minds!"  Rain shouted to the water and storm clouds, just as thunder echoed nearby. "We're with the Alpha Tide! Really!"
He doubted that opposing Kyogre's worshippers is what really angered the legendary, but saying they were on the same side just might save them.

Riptide seemed confused, but after a nudge to the shoulder, he understood.
"Uh, yeah!" he agreed, nodding his head quickly. "Totally. Alpha Tide, us! We follow you now!"

"We despise that blasted Groudon as much as you do!" Rain went on, "we'll work for you, forever and ever, in a world of only water!" He had to endure spitting all these lies and not using his sharper tongue. He truly hated the idea of a world without any land at all, and he'd always hoped he could have lived at a time when the continents still existed.

The wave slowed down, as if the god of the sea himself stopped to think about it for a moment.

What else can I say to convince him? What enemies does he have, besides a long-dead Groudon?  Rain panicked, reminding himself of the relationships between legendaries. It was hard to say all this when he worshipped Lugia though...

Wait ... Lugia? A flying type ... that's it!

"I have been trying to figure out how to eliminate another obstacle that may appear again, your greatness!" — He desperately tried not to wince at calling him that — "I've been trying to determine whether Rayquaza is alive, and if he can be killed if he is!"

The water stopped completely, but remained as a raised wall. It was incredibly strange to look at it defy gravity this way.
For a moment, Rain wondered if they had made the right choice. Lying to the ocean itself, to the god with a history of wiping out countless innocent lives ... this could have terrible consequences later on.

Sweetheart finally glided down to the water's surface, but it was now calmer than before. They weren't being tossed around in random directions. Geysers of water burst out around them, like raging fountains of pure anger.

He must have very strong feelings about Rayquaza, Rain gulped.

"I- It's why I've been traveling and studying so much! I came to the conclusion that something on this island may help us locate him!" he went on, still lying. The Manaphy and Phione had nothing to do with Rayquaza, but he hoped it was still convincing enough.

"And," Riptide added, "even if there isn't, at least we'll know. That way we can trace our steps back and find some other way!"

Rain remembered how Riptide thought the treasure would be healing magic or something in that spirit. Of course, if it's that, it wouldn't help them kill any deity.
He shuddered, as another realization sent a pulse discomfort through him. What if the reason Kyogre guards this island so well ... is because it's the key to reviving Groudon?

The wall of water finally decided to quit towering over them and slowly came down without hitting them.
They had been spared.

Sweetheart shakily swam the rest of the distance to the shore, while the rain eventually came to an end.

They were here at last. Mana Island.

Rain felt the need to fall down to his knees and kiss the sand, but of course he wouldn't do something so stupid. Besides, Riptide was already doing it in his place.

"How's it taste like?" Rain teased.

Riptide looked back at him with a smirk. "Crunchy," he responded after a pause, then wiped his mouth. "I'd rather get real food though. Let's look for berries."

"...You moved on fast," he observed.

"I want to move on because that—" he pointed to the sea behind them, "—was absolutely terrifying."

Rain nodded and took a few steps forward, only to find himself collapsing to the sand. The throbbing pain throughout his whole body reminded him how he was far too tired to scavenge for berries. It would be embarrassing to admit, but ... he needed to rest again.

Riptide came and helped him sit up. "Right," he said slowly, knowingly. "Don't move, you're very injured."

"Yet I still narrowly escaped from death, once again!" He tried to smile, but only winced from the pain.

"Well, stay here, before you get in another close call," Riptide said in a gentle tone. "Sweetheart can keep you company. I'll be back in less than an hour. Okay?"

Rain wanted to argue, but knew it was better to let Riptide find supplies. Still, he wished they could stay together, and that he could be useful... "Could you give me your book again?" he asked, fiddling with his bandana. Investigating it more thoroughly would help make up for Riptide's time away.

"Sure, didn't you check the whole thing already?" Riptide said curiously. "Wait — did you figure something out? When?!"

"No, no, it's just to ... pass the time."
Rain doubted he needed to be skeptical, but if there were notes about the Alpha Tide in there, it was worth trying to translate.

"Okay..." He took out the book from his pouch and handed it to Rainstorm, then turned to leave. "I'm going. And..." Riptide paused, chuckling to himself as he looked back at the Wartortle. "If you need anything, howl like a little Growlithe puppy and I'll know it's you."

"Urgh," Rain groaned and tossed a pebble at his spikes. It bounced off Riptide, who let out a playful giggle in response. Rain had said the same thing back on the ship, but he didn't think Riptide would use it on him in return. "Will do," he said through his teeth, "now go make out with a coconut or something."

Once Riptide was gone, Rain began flipping through the pages. They were the same; walls of lines in a language unknown to him, and in hasty handwriting. The paper was wet, but not destroyed. He presumed it was made with the more expensive material for paper; leaves, vines and other body parts from grass types rather than ordinary plants, so that it would resist being harmed by water.

Sweetheart sang softly from the shore, trying to get his attention. With a sigh, Rain decided to walk over to her, even if he had to limp. The Mantine's goofy smile lifted his spirits, somewhat. She splashed one fin, sending droplets on his face. Rain grumbled and sat beside her.

"Maybe you can read this," he joked, showing her a random page. "Do you ferals have some secret language you can speak?"

Sweetheart hummed with a puzzled look on her face.

"Thought so." He smiled, then went back to analyzing the symbols. He tried not to rush through them in case he found hidden clues.
Eventually Rain stopped at one page where the gaps between lines were bigger, same for the spaces between some letters in the middle.
Wait a second...

The texts so far were written using twenty six to twenty eight symbols, presumably letters. However, there was a symbol in the center of the page that he hadn't encountered before. It was a (badly drawn) shape that resembled ... a clock? No, that's not it.

His heart skipped a beat after his next thought.

It's a gear.

It resembles his amulet.

"If I had shown my amulet to Riptide..." he whispered to himself, "would he have recognized it? Would it have made a difference?"
Probably not, he assured himself, but this page has notes around it. I really need to translate it somehow, if it explains what it is.

Sweetheart made a low rumbly sound. Rain wondered what she was trying to say for a moment, then his own stomach rumbled too.

"Right ... Riptide hasn't come back yet, sorry," he told her quietly. She whimpered in response.

"Are you hurt? I'm sorry if we pushed you too hard," he said, glancing at his own wounds. "I'm kind of hurt too."

Sweetheart sighed softly. She burrowed her face in the sand, dramatically spreading her fins.
Rain thought she might leave if she doesn't eat anything soon, so he went to the nearest bushes away from the shore to find something.

He pushed leaves and branches and prickly sticks out of his way. He grunted as he stepped on spiny seeds in the mud, but tried to carry on without complaining.
Ignoring the cuts and dripping blood on his foot, he weaved his way though more bushes and avoided the eyes of feral Corphish scuttling about.

After some searching, he noticed specks of blue among the leaves of one of the trees. It was an Oran tree. Some of the berries hadn't fully grown yet, but there were plenty, so he harvested a good amount for the three of them.

Rain went back to the beach and shared some berries with Sweetheart, who seemed much more relaxed afterwards. A voice in Rain's head told him that it was a waste to give healing supplies to this random feral, but she was important to Riptide, plus she helped them a lot, and her eyes were hard to say no to.

The seawater had washed off the dark-blue markings he usually wore near his eyes, so he crushed a couple berries to paint them on again. This habit seemed a little silly to others, but their opinions were not as important to him as the markings' significance.

Most know about the Flooded Kingdoms, about the civilizations that had collapsed because of the Great Flood. Some texts from those had been saved, and some people had a little basic knowledge about kingdoms like Starkeep and Blazehollow. However, no one had even heard about Leafnest, a kingdom that had been destroyed even before the Great Flood. Rain himself hardly knew anything about it, other than what he read in an old scroll once. The kingdom was in a jungle (whatever that is; according to his research they were big swampy forests), and they used to paint blue markings on their bodies. The markings honored each person's strengths depending on where they were placed:
Symbols on the forehead showed unrivaled wisdom and exceptional knowledge. Sharp lines around the eyes signified the limitless courage and bravery of an undying spirit. Lastly, patterns around the arms and legs symbolized the immense strength of one's bones.

As, quite possibly, the only remaining person alive who knew about Leafnest, Rain had chosen to honor them by marking his eyes. He liked the idea of having visible proof for his bravery.

While he was lost in thought, Sweetheart unexpectedly inched closer to him and tried to lick the berry juice off his face, and he had to push her away, although he couldn't help but smile from the feral's adorable antics.

Another hour had passed when Riptide finally returned, carrying berries, apples, bananas, and even coconuts.

"You're back!" Rain stood up, tail wagging gleefully. "What took you so long?"

Riptide threw his arms around him and hugged him tight. Rain tried to keep his tail from moving even faster. "Sorry," Riptide apologized. "Got carried away with all the kissing," he laughed.

"Uh ... the what?"
"Making out," he answered. "With the coconuts. They were completely mesmerized by my irresistible charm."

Rain blinked at him, bewildered. He remembered telling Riptide to go make out with a coconut as a joke. This was most likely a joke too, but he did worry Riptide was the type who could unironically do that...

Not to mention, giving in to his irresistible charm sounded ... a lot like what Rain had been going through.
Well, maybe. He wasn't sure yet, nor was this the time to figure it out.

The three ate for a while, not talking as much as he thought they would. Rain didn't want to stay at the beach — he tried to avoid beaches whenever possible — but if he told Riptide about it, he'd ask why, and the truth would be too embarrassing to admit. Riptide himself still seemed to be his jolly self, though Rain noticed a sad look in his eyes from time to time, and he appeared to be eating slowly too.

Still worried about the crew, he guessed, looking up at the sky. He had hoped they would have found some trace of them, but hadn't noticed anything so far. He could only hope they were safe too, and looking at the same sunset.

Riptide could also be worried about their interaction with Kyogre. Despite the smile and his positive energy, Rain could see nervous twitching or trembling on Riptide's claws and legs.

"We'll be safe," he said to comfort him. "I'm sure Kyogre won't keep his attention on us for too long."
We took a big risk when we lied to him ... but once we get off this island, he will probably forget about us two insignificant mortals. If it comes down to it, I can pretend to do research about Rayquaza for a while.

"I hope so," Riptide breathed. "I've been trying to understand him..."

Rain narrowed his eyes at that. "Understand ... what, exactly? He's a violent god who killed countless people. What else is there?"

Riptide glanced down, swiping his tail across the sand with a thoughtful expression. "He is," he agreed, "but there's got to be more to the story. Why did he do it? Why would he hate Groudon and Rayquaza so much?"

"Um," Rain said, "because they stand for everything that he doesn't? Or, well — stood."

"I don't think that's good enough of a reason." Riptide frowned. "Maybe he's paranoid that everyone else is going to turn against him — he might be afraid of others."

"You're describing Stingray," Rain said dismissively. "Not an ancient god of the ocean."

Riptide sighed and looked up at the stars. "I don't know, Rain ... I've always told myself there's more to everyone, no matter who they are. We can gain so much from trying to understand and reason with them."

"You're saying you'd forgive him for wiping out countless innocents?"

"Of course not. Forgiveness isn't the same as understanding," he said calmly, but a fierce passion burned in his eye. Rain could tell Riptide's philosophy meant much to him ... and he was starting to see his point.
This is why he was willing to put up with me, he thought, despite all the mean things I've said.

Rain remembered the wanted poster of a Wartortle he had found near Riptide's bed. They hadn't spoken about it, but now he was sure Riptide didn't want to stay with him just to “keep an eye on him”. It was hard to describe, but he felt ... safer, somehow.
Safe enough to ask what had been bothering him since they first met Oyster.

"So," he blurted, "you're connected to the Alpha Tide..."

The Croconaw shot him a curious look. "Right, what are we going to do about that now?"

"No, I'm not talking about what we told Kyogre," Rain corrected, holding his snout thoughtfully. "You knew them before this."

"I did NOT!" Riptide cried. "What makes you say that? Just because I want to know more about Kyogre doesn't mean I'm with  them!"

Rain thought back to when the Samurott first spoke, where he had noticed the excited energy in Riptide's body; his gleaming eyes and the way his tail moved. And he couldn't forget the comment from Oyster — he had said Riptide looked familiar. Whatever way one could look at it, it was suspicious.
"You seemed pretty happy when you saw Oyster," he pointed out. "Like ... maybe too happy."

"Hey, he was handsome! " Riptide argued.

Rain's entire thought process collapsed, and he desperately tried to find the right words. "You ... he — what?"

"How could I help it?" he said. "Guy's sharper than a Scyther and bulkier than a Gurdurr!"

"You're in LOVE with HIM???" Rain cried, feeling tears forming all over his heart.

"Wha- no!" Riptide answered. "He's awful, I'd never fall in love with such a bad person!"

"Then what are you talking about?!" Rain exclaimed, clutching his head.

"Attraction is different from love, you dummy. I've never known those idiots, and I'd rather never see them again, and I would certainly never let them near Fiercetrunk again," he explained sharply.

Oh, right. Right. Don't jump to conclusions, Rain thought, remembering how Starseer pointed out his jealousy. Still, this didn't explain how they recognized him...
But there was one connection he could make with the information he had.

"Um ... a- anyway, how are they connected to your father?" Rain asked.

"My father?" Riptide echoed.

"It's obvious they're acquainted," Rain added hurriedly. "Oyster said you seem familiar, Bayou asked for your parents, had a personal issue with you, and asked about a “he”, so clearly, your dad's connected to this..."

Riptide fidgeted with his bandana. He seemed to connect the dots, too. "I guess that makes sense ... I don't know." He lowered his head to the sand again. "Part of me doesn't want to think about Bayou anymore. He was so scary..."

"Yeah," Rain agreed with a shiver. He wouldn't forget how terrifying the whole fight was, and how scary it was to think he could have turned out like them. "I'm glad I met you," he suddenly blurted. "I mean, I'm uh, not ... a great person. I don't know if I'd be fighting them if it weren't for you helping me realize what's right."

Riptide slowly shifted his gaze to Rain, though it was not with the smile he expected, but a betrayed look instead.

"You're saying you'd be with them  if I hadn't told you not to?"

"I don't know!" Rain tossed his hands in the air. Why did that frustrate him? They had been through a similar conversation before — what changed since then? "I uh, hope not?"

"Right. Okay," Riptide said through gritted teeth, turning to face away from Rain. "Goodnight."

"Wait, wait—" Rain tried to say. "What's wrong all of a sudden? I'm doing the right thing now, aren't I?"

"Go to sleep, Rainstorm. I need to think."

Did I say something I shouldn't have?  Rain thought, confused. Everything was perfect just a few moments ago! Why isn't he explaining what upset him?
Can't he tell I'm improving thanks to him?  He withdrew into his shell bitterly. Fine. If he wants to be mad, he can stay that way. Whatever. It doesn't matter to me. At all. No way.

...If only that were true.

Go to sleep, he advised himself. Even though you're on a beach. Don't think about that day. Don't let the memories in.

Yet despite his best efforts, when he fell asleep, they came flooding back.

There was a crack. So far there had only been a quiet void, but now he felt the void had become narrower — smaller.

Another crack.

He felt it in him; it was time. Everything was going to change now. It was awfully tiring, but he kept pushing. It was the first time he could move his body this much, and it took a lot of energy, but it was worth it.

A glimmer of light appeared between the cracks, with little sprinkles of yellow-brown dust pouring in. Just a little more.

The wall eventually broke down. More sand started falling in.
It was time to dig.

He wasn't sure why he knew how to do it — it was like an instinct, and if he didn't struggle and listen to it, he would die.

Besides, another voice beside to his instinct said something was near. Something warm and protective and loving. Something to take care of him once he made it to the surface.

It felt like forever, but after a lot of effort, he made it out. The world outside was all worth it. Just from one look, he could tell the surface was way more beautiful than the dark void of his shell.
A beautiful dark blue sky with hints of orange, speckled with tiny shining lights, and a giant circle that radiated an enchanting glow.

Was this circle what he thought was waiting for him outside? It seemed so ... far away, unreachable.

He looked around the beach, only to see that beyond the sand, there was a giant wavy blanket, blue as the sky, waiting for him.
The waves were crashing onto the sand gently. Reaching for him, then pulling back into the sea. He had to go there.

With one step forward, he realized there were others here. The creatures were emerging from the sand, just like him, same size as him too. They were blue, and had a brown and pale yellow shell. Instantly, he knew they were his brethren. All hundreds of his brothers and sisters, aiming for the sea, just like he was.
They could go together. There wasn't someone bigger to protect them like he'd hoped, but at least they'd have each other.

He followed after them, until he heard shrieks from above. Winged creatures were swooping down from the sky, snatching his brothers and sisters away. The flock wasn't as big as them in numbers — some of them would reach the sea before they got eaten ... but he didn't want that. He wanted all of them to make it.

One of his sisters passed by him, rushing to reach the waves. A winged creature suddenly landed in front of her, beginning to peck her shell.

He couldn't let them take her. He had to do something. If all of them got together, maybe they could save her.

He looked to the others, but realized that no one was paying attention. All of them were hurrying to the sea, without stopping to look at those who were being eaten alive.

Well, he wouldn't be like them.

He threw his body on the white bird with blue stripes,  bumping its side. He opened his mouth and bit down on its talons. It made an irritated caw and smacked him away with its wings.

He had been thrown many paces away, closer to the wet sand. It was too late to do anything now.

The Wingull lunged its head down, smashing his sister's shell, and eating her piece by piece.

He had failed.

To his right, two of his brothers were being dismembered. To his left, another sister was pinned to the sand by an even larger bird. And beyond them, hundreds of his other siblings, not batting one eye to those being killed. They had made it to the water — to safety, where they could not be harmed.

The bird he attacked tilted its head, staring at him. It was done eating his sister.
Its eyes were not even remotely fierce — they were blank. This was completely natural for it. It flapped its wings, inching closer to him.

Something pulled at his heart and shook his brain, so much that all his limbs were shaking. He did not know what this feeling was, but it screamed at him to run away, to find safety, and so he did.

He raced to the water. A wave crashed into his snout and his feet. The Wingull pecked his shell once — he wouldn't last much more, but fortunately he was close to escaping. Once he was deeper, he'd be saved.

It attacked again, but plunged its beak into the water next to him, giving him a chance to slip away, flowing underwater.
He landed on a smooth rock, only imagining what chaos was happening out there, in the rest of the world.

He had only been alive for a few minutes, but he had already learned all there is to know about said world.

It's dangerous. There's no one there to protect him, no one he can trust.

He can't let anyone distract him. The strongest survive, so he had to be strong and survive too.

Some might die ... but that couldn't be his concern. Helping others would only put him in more danger. He couldn't take that risk. He could only look out for himself.

He had to stay alive.

By the time morning came, he could sense Riptide wasn't next to him anymore. He could hear him talking to Sweetheart farther away.

Rain decided not to get up, and instead concentrated on what the Croconaw was saying.

"And I thought he was nice, you know? It was so clear that he is — I thought he's the kind of person who wants to seem all tough on the outside but is sweet and friendly on the inside," he explained to her, as if he knew everything about Rain, and she squeaked back.

Am ... I not that?  Rain thought. He'd never wanted to be sweet ... as his dream had reminded him, his sole objective had always been to survive.
And yet, this way of thinking had changed during his time on the ship. He wanted to protect his new friends, the same way he had wanted to protect his siblings.

"But apparently, it's because of me," Riptide went on. "Because I'm his moral compass, and he wouldn't have the heart or brain not  to kill people if I wasn't there to tell him it's obviously bad? Like with that Starmie he almost made me kill?"

I can HEAR you, you overdramatic, hopeless moron! Rain screamed internally. Every word hurt him more and more, but it was also the truth, in a way. He had made a lot of decisions purely based on what Riptide would want, and to get his attention...
The attention he never had from anyone else.

But it wasn't Riptide who made him worry for Fiercetrunk, or have that heart-to-heart talk with Sailwings. And it wasn't Riptide who made him give Oran berries to Stingray and Starseer.
Why did I do all those things, then?  he wondered. I don't blame him for not knowing what to think of me ... I don't know either.

He slowly got up and looked at Riptide who kept whispering to Sweetheart by the waves. If they couldn't find the crew from here, and if Riptide was going to continue whining, then there's only one way to make things right. At least, he thought so, anyway.

"Good morning," Rain said, trying to force out as much excitement as he could while he approached.

Riptide glanced at him, then went back to rubbing the Mantine's fins. "Hi, Rainstorm." There was a slight twitch in his eyes, and he hesitantly glanced at Rain again. "...Your makeup looks off."

"Oh." You mean my mark of bravery, he corrected in his mind, reaching one hand up to his eyes. He moved to the water to see his reflection.
Riptide was right — it had turned darker and trailed down his face; it almost looked like he had been crying.

Did I cry in my sleep?  Rain wondered. His dream must have left him in an emotional state. No, it can't be — I don't cry.
Oh well, he sighed. It's not like I'm worthy of this mark anymore. Maybe I never was. He wiped it off, averting his gaze from his reflection. He couldn't bring himself to look at it ... at least not until he earned that mark again.

With a deep breath, Rain promptly took Riptide's claws in his and began marching off to the woods.

"What are you doing?" Riptide asked, pulling his hand back to place it on his hip.

"Finding the treasure of Mana Island," he answered brightly. "You're coming with me, and you're keeping it!"

"Mhm. And where are you planning to find it?"

"Somewhere!" Rain said in a panicked response, tossing his palms upwards. "Just come. Please."

"Right ... well, I found a river that way, yesterday." Riptide pointed beyond the tree line with his snout, keeping his arms crossed. "If we follow it, it should take us to the plateau in the center of the island, and Sweetheart can follow us there."

"Great idea!" Rain responded, immediately turning to the direction of the river. "You're so clever!"
He hoped compliments could make him feel better; it had worked on Rain, so why wouldn't it do the same to Riptide?

The Mantine flew out of the seawater and they helped carry her to the river, which wasn't too far away. It might have been tiring for her to swim upstream, but apparently she had no trouble at all, and she remained full of pep the whole time.

The way up was long and quiet, until they came across the waterfall leading to the plateau above. Sweetheart was able to go over it by soaring through the falling water — a clever use of her Bounce move — while Rain and Riptide had to climb up the rock surface. Rain's hands were trembling the whole time as he scaled the wall, and not because of fatigue from the physical exercise. It was from being so high up; it reminded him of the fight against Bayou — for a moment he could feel the pain crackling through his body again, and the hopelessness of being tossed around so effortlessly remained in his mind.

He took a deep breath and focused on climbing. If they were lucky, they'd never have to fight him again. No need to be afraid, just keep going.

Once they made it to the top, they discovered a big lake almost overflowing the plateau. It reflected the sky's clear blue color and its ripples sparkled gleefully.

"Let's dive in," Rain said, then hesitated. "I mean, if you want to."

Riptide nodded. "Sure, it's worth checking out." He jumped in together with Sweetheart. Rain followed them and they began searching.

The underwater vegetation seemed mostly normal, although Rain noted how the lake was suspiciously shaped like a perfect bowl. It had to be artificial, or maybe it had been formed this way directly by a legendary.
He went to the bottom of the lake, where he found a perfectly circular tunnel that went down from there. Riptide was watching Sweetheart eat some of the plants, but Rain waved to get their attention and they both came closer.

"What's down there?" Riptide asked. He poked his snout closer to the tunnel, squinting his eyes to see the bottom.

"One way to find out. Want me to go first?"

With a nod from Riptide, Rain began swimming down. Sweetheart could fit if she kept her fins folded, so she followed him in.

That wasn't rude, was it?  Rain wondered. It wouldn't be right to let him go first. That would have been like saying “Hey, you can TOTALLY go down there and be the one to activate the first trap or be eaten first by the giant Sharpedo waiting for us! No pressure!”

To his surprise, the tunnel didn't keep going straight down. It spiraled around what felt like the whole plateau. Rain thought a secret tunnel certainly meant they were on the right path to uncover the secret of the island ... but it also meant things could get more dangerous.
It eventually opened up at a level that Rain assumed to be slightly below the island's surface, where they were dropped in a small pool with an echoing splash.

They looked at their surroundings in shock. A glorious marble chamber greeted them, with carvings of seashells on the walls and ancient statues of Phione along a path that led to a giant gate studded with sapphires. It was half-submerged in water, meaning Sweetheart could follow them in. Seawater came in from a huge cavern to their right, and Rain felt a shiver run through his shell as he looked at it.

A ship was docked here, by the edge of the marble pathway ... but it wasn't their ship.

It had a red Gyarados flag.

"Oh no," Riptide whispered.

"At least it's not the Alpha Tide," Rain said, trying to find hope. "The ship looks normal, as in, un-Kyogre-ish."

"It's a red Gyarados ship!" Riptide cried as quietly as he could. "We're dead the moment they see us..." he trailed off, but suddenly lifted his head hopefully. "Unless it's abandoned?"

Rain's eyes scanned the ship from mast to anchor. He sighed, shaking his head. "It isn't," he concluded. "If it were abandoned, it would have been in worse condition."

"Oh, perfect." Riptide wrinkled his snout. "Why couldn't we have found the ship we wanted?" He sighed too, then his head snapped up again, as if an idea had struck him like lightning.
"Wait ... maybe we did?"

"I don't like that smile," Rain whispered.

"I'm not smiling," he said, fixing his expression to a more stoic one. "Anyway, what if we took that ship and left while its crew is down there?" He pointed to the gate leading further down.

"Without any treasure?" Rain argued.

"This is hardly the time to think about treasure!" he shot back. "I know we'd be stranding these guys, but ... we could send a Guild ship to pick them up."

"I know, I know..." You want to find the others, as fast as you can. The safest way you can. But this is not an option right now. "Sorry, that idea is too dangerous. Besides, we don't know if the entire crew is down there, maybe some are still on board. I wouldn't want to face them."

Riptide closed his eyes and sighed softly one more time. "Guess you're right. What can we do?"

"Enter the ruins," Rain suggested. "Find something useful, stay out of their way, then craft a boat or ride Sweetheart away from here and look for our crew," he went on, "we find them, everyone's happy, won at life."

Riptide winced. "I doubt it's going to be that simple."
"Rmm," Sweetheart agreed, gently resting her head on Riptide.

"We'll be fine, you'll see," Rain said dismissively. "I'll protect you. Come on." He pulled himself out of the pool, then slowly made his way to the seawater carefully. It would be too obvious and risky to walk on the main path to the gate, so they had to go around the ship. Riptide and Sweetheart followed.

"This better be worth it," Riptide warned, as they swam closer.
They moved quietly, finally reaching the marble platform near the gate. "Let's go in, hurry." Rain said in a hushed voice.

They rushed inside before they were noticed — he hoped. The water reached up to Rain's waist, but it got progressively deeper as they went farther into the tunnel, allowing Sweetheart to swim comfortably. The ruins around them seemed to get more and more covered with moss. It was hard to tell what it used to be; whether it had once been a great hall, or was always a tunnel. The water eventually got deep enough that it almost touched the ceiling. From here on they'd have to swim.

Rain and Riptide plunged their heads into the water and sank down, following what remained of the broken marble floor.

They followed it until they reached another chamber — this one was fully underwater.  An intricate circular pattern was carved on the floor, depicting a school of Phione swimming around a gear.
Oh. Rain's heart began to beat faster. It's connected to my amulet, somehow.

Thick pillars were built into the walls, with three gaps along them, forming three separate paths.

"No way," Rain blurted. "We're in a labyrinth ... of sorts."

"Oh, one of those ... Mystery Dungeons?" Riptide guessed.

"Maybe," Rain said. "Or maybe not. Either way, we can't tell which is the right path, so..."

"We take a wild guess. Awesome." Riptide finished, swimming ahead.

Rain and Sweetheart followed after him, not taking long to catch up. The Mantine swam above the two, shielding them with her fins.

"Aw, that's cute," Riptide chuckled. "She sees us as a school of Remoraid."

"Cool!" Rain exclaimed, blowing bubbles around him. Totally great! Definitely not agreeing with you for any other reason!  "I always wanted to be part of a school, I mean — to be a Remoraid — I mean, uh..."

Riptide swatted him with his tail, in what seemed to be a friendly way, but Rain felt it might not have been entirely so. "Maybe you do need to go to a school," he agreed. "A real one."

"That's a huge waste of my tremendous brain power," Rain scoffed. "I've put it to much better use on my own, thank you."

"Brain power aside, it teaches you to act civilized."

Rain rolled his eyes, gritting his teeth. "Well, I'm sorry I didn't have the privilege to attend one." I was too busy having to fend for myself out in the wild, unlike you. School isn't what would have gotten me my next meal, and it wouldn't have taught me how to fight or kept me safe. You had a family to do all that for you though, of course you wouldn't understand.

"Mbbr?" Sweetheart mumbled doubtfully as they reached a split in the path. She looked at Rain with shining, confused eyes.

"Let's go right again," he said. "Turn right every time, so that we don't get lost."

Riptide nodded, and the three  continued, turning right whenever the paths separated and staying straight whenever there was only a left turn.
They swam and paddled for what felt like half an hour, always careful at every corner so they wouldn't get attacked out of nowhere. After many turns, they reached another room. This one was much smaller than the others, and the walls were more rock and aquatic plant than marble. Boulders littered the room, and so did old parts of the temple, columns and vases and bowls and other objects all broken into pieces and scattered all across.

A damaged staircase spiraled down from one end of the room, leading to a dark abyss below. Another corridor was to their right.

Rain touched his snout thoughtfully. They had agreed to always turn right, but there were stairs here. It could be wise to investigate where they lead.

"Should we split up?" Riptide suggested, glancing into the corridor.

"No," Rain said. "Bad idea." Don't leave me — why do you want to leave me?

"I can tell you want to go down there," Riptide said while drifting to the corridor. "But look at the walls here!"

Rain got closer and bubbles flew out of his mouth when he almost gasped. There were frames and lines of text, written in the same symbols as Riptide's book.

"I have to copy all this! Right?" Riptide reasoned, taking out his book. Rain had given it back to him last night, shortly after he came back.

"Yeah ... you should," Rain agreed, turning back to the room, where Sweetheart was poking around at the broken vases and urns. "I'll be waiting here."
He remembered Riptide felt embarrassed about his handwriting, and now that he had to scratch it out instead of using a pen, it'd probably be worse, so he decided to give him some space.

Riptide went deeper into the corridor to write everything down. While Rain waited, the Mantine floated above him and nibbled his ear.

"Urgh- hey, what do you want!?" he pushed himself away. "Decided you're not a herbivore anymore?"

"Brrrrm," the Mantine sang, circling around him, then went to hover over an old stone box.

That's right,  Rain thought. There might be something under all this rubble!  He quickly swam over and took off the lid of the box. Seaweed came floating out, and Sweetheart began nibbling at it.

"Ah. Of course. Just food for you," Rain said grumpily. Still, it was a good idea to check everything. He began to examine the columns. Some of them were built as Phione at the top, so that it would look like the Phione are holding up the roof with their heads. Sadly, their arms and heads and faces were all broken and Rain saw no value in them.

He then turned his attention to the pieces of a vase. Something among the pieces gleamed in a way that Rain couldn't resist. Gold? Diamonds? Sapphires?

He tossed aside some vase fragments and discovered what it was. A glorious piece of opal, colored like the rainbow. His claws were shaking.

It was all his. A real piece of opal; one of the rarest things he could find. Only the extremely wealthy had their hands on such rock, at least that was what he had heard.

Rain reached out to it, but the opal got flung to the side as he accidentally grabbed a vase piece instead. It pierced his palm, but he ignored the blood for the time being. He swam after the opal piece, which kept being dragged around and stumbling towards the stairs. It moved in an unnatural way that Rain couldn't fathom, but it was of no concern. Not right now.

He tried to grab it again, but the sparkling ore drifted away from him, even closer to the stairs.
"Oh no," he let out. He couldn't let it fall — it might be lost forever if it falls down.

Just then, he heard Sweetheart smack her head on an old stone container. She had gotten stuck; probably trying to eat more plankton or whatever.
No matter, Rain thought decisively, I can help her later. Just need to get ... this ... opal...

The piece slipped away from his hand again, and began drifting down the wide, seemingly bottomless hole.

"SON OF A GROUDON!" He roared a huge spray of ferocious bubbles. He was NOT going to lose this!

"Did you ear some ring?"

Rain's ears perked up, as he glanced behind him. He could have sworn he heard someone speak in the underwater language ... although it was always difficult to tell what others were saying when they weren't right next to you. Ear some ring? That can't be right...
Hear. Hear something. That makes more sense.

Who else is in here? The other pirates, he immediately answered himself.

A Seismitoad and two Huntail entered the room, talking among themselves. The two Huntail wore matching tail bands the color of blood, and the Seismitoad had red armbands. They looked grumpy, and from the snappy movements of their tails and restless vibrations of the Seismitoad's bumps, Rain guessed they were very impatient and probably irritated. They did not seem to notice him though, as there was a lot of rubble in the way between him and them.

He risked looking below at the downward spiraling staircase. The opal still shined as it kept drifting down, slowly, as if to be mocking and challenging him to go get it.

"That be one of 'em?" the Seismitoad croaked.

Rain's heart skipped a beat, thinking he had been spotted. But there were no eyes on him; instead the three were looking at Sweetheart.

"Oi think it's a feral," the Huntail said with a huge grin.

"Great!" the other one burst out, "I'm starving! When we're done, we can have a FEAST!" she said, putting on a worrying grin too. "A WHOLE Mantine! Imagine!"

The opal still glimmered from below.
That or her.

He couldn't fight three of them, his body still ached from the previous fight...

No, I can, he thought, baring his teeth. I wouldn't ever lose to them!  Just the thought of them beating him filled him with anger. It made him want to swim over there and rip their eyes off.

But the opal, his mind screamed.

But Sweetheart, his heart argued.

RIPTIDE, another part of him cut in.

What would he do?

He clenched his hands. No, he doesn't want me to think that way, apparently.

He could smell blood. They had already started attacking her.

The opal was down there, waiting. Last chance, it glistened at him.

Rain could feel his heart sink, much like the opal. He felt sorry. He was reluctant to go after it...

But he made his decision. He couldn't hold back.

He quickly followed after the precious ore piece. He could snatch it and then maybe he'd be fast enough to come back and save her.

Rain swam down, trying not to think of the pain in his heart. He could hear burbled cries and strong vibrations in the water.

Both he and the ore finally reached a chamber filled with a vibrant greenish-blue light. Rain was not sure what its source was, but now was not the time to find out.

He reached both hands to get the opal. It was about to get away from him again, but he whirled his body around so that it would float right into his tail. He quickly took it, stuffed it in his bag, and swam with all his strength back to the top.

"Rain!" Riptide's voice cried as soon as he entered the room. It was the same as before, but neither Sweetheart nor the pirates were in sight.

After a pause, Rain nodded. "Riptide."

What have I done?

"I heard screams! And you weren't here! What happened?"

Rain looked down to the floor, unable to meet the Croconaw's eyes.

"Rain? Where's Sweetheart?" he asked, his anxiety rising.

"I ... I left her. I saw this opal down there and I tried to come back but it was too late—"

"RAINSTORM!" Riptide cried.

"SORRY! I'm sorry!" he apologized desperately.

"You're sorry?!" Riptide exclaimed. "You couldn't wait for five minutes until I was done?" His voice twisted from angry to worried to guilty, constantly alternating between them, as if he couldn't decide how he should be feeling.

Rain felt the same.

"No, I clearly couldn't!" Rain said, frustration welling up inside him. "Keep being mad at me if you want, you SEEM TO ENJOY IT QUITE A LOT."

Riptide pulled his head back, and Rain noticed the betrayal and heartbreak behind his eyes. "Maybe I have a good reason to!" he cried. "How could I know whether you'd let me die for a diamond? Or if you'd kill my friends for an emerald or two?"

"That's insane," Rain answered. "Emeralds aren't nearly as valuable."

But ... That's what I did,  he thought, glancing at his bag with a sting in his heart. I did abandon his friend for wealth.

Riptide crossed his arms and lowered his snout. "I thought ... I was sure you're not bad, but..."

"But what?" Rain demanded. "Say it. Am I that horrible? Do I need proof that I'm not? Do I need to sign a contract that says “Rainstorm is innocent”?"

"Maybe you wouldn't if you weren't SO SELFISH!" Riptide snapped, his tail lashing like leaves in a hurricane. "You're always thinking only about yourself!"

"That's absolutely not true!" Rain roared, sending bubbles into Riptide's face. "I saved you from Bayou, didn't I? I helped Swordstream! I gave everyone medicine to keep fighting!"

The Croconaw hesitated, but kept his upset expression up. "I remember it took a lot of persuading for you to help Swordstream." He crossed his arms defensively again. "Do I have to be there to make you a good person?" he demanded, but didn't give him a chance to respond. "No, Rainstorm. It's not my  responsibility to convince you not to kill or let others be killed! It's not my job to remind you that the world doesn't revolve around you! I shouldn't have to tell you it's bad to leave your friend for a piece of JEWELRY."

Fury flared along every scale on his shell and reached through his skin, all the way up to his drooping ears. He couldn't stand listening to this anymore.
"Well maybe I CAN'T be perfect like you!" Rain shouted. "You  grew up with a family who loved you, who cared for you, who still  treat you like a hatchling! I never had that!"

Riptide flinched back, but Rain kept going. "You think it's so easy for me?" the Wartortle spat. "I was never given a single thing in my life! I've had to survive on my own from the moment I hatched! I watched hundreds of my brothers and sisters get eaten alive by Wingull on that beach and there was nothing I could do about it! Face it; we can only keep ourselves alive if we don't do anything STUPID that gets us killed — I couldn't risk everything for her!"

His heart was beating wildly as his anger turned into sadness and grief, and he couldn't stop shouting. "I've only gotten this far by looking out for myself, I never had parents who told me what to to do — I don't even know who they are and they obviously never cared about me, no one ever cared, no one was there to protect me, so stop expecting me to do the unreasonable!"

Riptide opened his mouth, ready to say something, but closed it and kept it shut.

"Go ahead. What do you want to tell me?" Rain pressed. He felt as if a weight heavier than the whole dungeon was about to collapse on him.

The Croconaw turned away, his sorrowful gaze meeting the corridor from where they had first entered the room.
"It's nothing," he answered. "I'm sorry for all that. I guess it is unreasonable." His voice sounded as tragic as the look on his face while he swam away.

Rain went after him. "Where are you going?" He wanted to feel sympathy for Riptide, he really did.
But he couldn't. Not right now. His rage was not gone.

Riptide flicked his tail in front of Rain's face when he got close. "No," he said in a choked voice. "I want to look for Sweetheart. Alone."

"Fine," Rain groaned. "Go be lonely. See if I care."

"I know you don't," Riptide responded bitterly as he left the room.

Everything suddenly began to sink in once he moved away. Rain did  care. He should have said something comforting — should have apologized again.

Why didn't I?
He thought about that question as Riptide went farther and farther away, as he got swallowed by the seaweed and marble walls, until he was no longer visible.

He remained motionless in that room, waiting for a long moment to let his heart stop beating so fast. Yet, even after it calmed down, it still hurt.

If I can't follow after him, there's only one other place to go, he thought bitterly. Down the hole again. This time he could investigate the light. He swam down the tunnel, his one true friend left behind, possibly forever.

When he entered the chamber at the end, a tentacle reached out to him, and he narrowly avoided it. It was from a feral Tentacool. There were a few of them aimlessly wandering around the room, though none looked hostile; as long as he kept his distance.

Rain swam away from the one that had tried to grab him and it decided to let him go, as if it was too bored to bother attacking him. The light, it turned out, was coming from farther into the room, where the floor was marked with an ornate outline. From the columns built around the outline in a circle, Rain guessed this was a shrine, or something of the sort. It could have been a small spring or fountain, but that didn't matter, since it was all underwater now.

One thing that immediately caught his attention, however ... was the beauty in the center of the shrine.

A cyan gear imperially stood in place, radiating life to the room around it. Sharp lines crossed around the gear's center, pointing to its glistening teeth. It almost looked like a clock. The most beautiful clock one could ever lay their eyes upon.

Ethereal green marks glowed in a circle around it, two of them being thinner and sharper, crossing through the gear, resembling clock hands.

He felt for the amulet under his scarf. They were the same shape and had the same pattern ... although his was never surrounded by green lines and didn't glow nearly as much, but both were clearly the object depicted in Whirlpool's book.

A strange feeling pulsed through him. If Riptide were still here, he could have taken the gear, and they could have had matching amulets.

What am I thinking?!  he snapped at himself. No, I found it; it's mine.

He got closer and reached for the gear...

And just when he was about to grab it, his claws stopped moving. He hesitated, wondering whether it would matter.

He cast a mournful look at his bag in shame. He had lost Riptide, and Sweetheart, and most likely his life with the rest of the crew, for what? A piece of opal? And a treasure similar to one he already has?

Would more treasure really help him in any meaningful way?

Would it help more than the only people in the world who have actually cared for him?

He sank to the ground below the glowing shape, its light being reflected in his shell and earrings. It looked beautiful. Too beautiful to be in the hands of someone like him.

Rain's guilt had been rapidly welling up inside him, but now it reached its peak.

I won't cry, he thought to himself fiercely.

I DON'T cry, he thought again.

But the sob came out, and he couldn't stop it. It had been ages since he last cried, and even though the tears would be lost in the water, his feelings wouldn't.
He went back into his shell, letting his half-choked sobs echo in his mind. He cried, and kept crying, letting everything out, for once.

On the one hand, he was glad no one was there to see him.
On the other, he wished he had someone to lean on.

Long, painful moments passed, until his heartbeat slowed down again. Images of his old life came to him. Traveling around the ocean, avoiding ferals and scavenging for food on his own. Searching through sunken ruins, breaking into libraries and reading through as much as he could in the borrowed time he had, living off whatever he could make from selling items he found.

Was he ready to go back to that life?

It had only been a few weeks, which didn't start off well, but he felt as though the Carrier was a home to him. The first home he had ever had.

"How sad, how sad," a voice said, unmistakably close to him. "You poor little Sobble. It was fun at first, but now I'm just getting bored."

Rain poked his head out. He rubbed his eyes, even though there weren't tears on them. The room was the same as before; the Tentacool were all still lazily floating near the walls. He couldn't tell where the voice had come from.

He warily turned his head toward all directions, but there was nobody in sight. "Awesome," he muttered. "Now I'm hearing voices."

A blue head with large fins suddenly appeared in front of him, grinning. Rain stumbled back, startled.

"You mean my voice." A wave of cyan and deep blue skin formed under the head, revealing the rest of the quadruped creature. She was a Vaporeon.

Rain gulped, his uneasiness building. Vaporeon had the ability to turn completely invisible in the water — or become liquid. Either way, they were some of the trickiest, most dangerous creatures around. According to history books, there's a myth that Eevee can evolve into many different things, but for the past thousand years, he doubted there have been any who chose to be anything else over Vaporeon.

"What's with the sinister smile?" he asked in an attempt to stay calm.

"What's with the crippling sadness?" she asked back. "Hmm, oh! Let me guess — your friends left you? Or did you  leave them?" She exhaled some bubbles in a smug manner, then looked back to him. "No wait, it's both! Oh, howww tragic."

Rain was not a fan of what this implied. For how long had she been stalking them?

"Who are you?" he asked. "What do you want?"

"Opal," she answered nonchalantly. "Nothing much. Just need to knock you out, get my gem back, take you to my captain, interrogate you, and then most likely brutally murder you," she explained, then casually added "the usual stuff."

"Opal," he breathed, each piece of the puzzle sliding in place inside his head. Of course. The opal was a trick — she was moving it away from him while invisible, that's why it was so hard to get ahold of.

"Why would you want that?" he asked, unsure how he could possibly fight someone who can make herself completely invulnerable by transforming into water. "We — we're really nothing special..."

"Oh, but you are!" she argued. "Making it to this island, plus knowing how to instantly find the Time Gear — surely you know something we don't." She waved her tail, narrowing her eyes at Rain. "Not to mention, you look ... familiar. Strange."

"I didn't know!" he protested, "I just decided it would be a good strategy to always turn right and ... wait, Time Gear?" his heart raced with excitement. They knew what it was! If he could just get more answers...

Opal bared her teeth, not up for a chat anymore, or an explanation, no less.

Oh, right.  His hopes immediately sank. We're fighting. I have to get through this.

The Vaporeon launched herself forward, pinning him to the floor with her paws before he could move away. She sank her teeth on his face, as both of their tails lashed in their struggle.

Rain kicked her underbelly once, twice, but she didn't pull away, keeping her sharp teeth firmly piercing his skin. He tried to push her aside, but she wouldn't budge.

His blood was now beginning to form a cloud around their faces. Slowly, he reached for the sword on his back, and as soon as he felt it, Rain swung it to stab her side.

Opal flinched and threw herself off him, holding her wound. It was not lethal, but Rain knew it hurt a lot.

"Hah, you think you can put up a fight?" she snapped, as her body began to disappear. "Then how's this?"

Rain staggered back in panic. She had now vanished completely.
I can't win here, he swam away from the Time Gear, aiming to get out of the room — and the whole underwater dungeon — just to give himself a fighting chance. Before he could reach the exit however, he suddenly felt pressure around his whole body, climbing up to his head.

He instantly shut his mouth and eyes and covered his nose and ears. She could easily slip in through there as liquid, then destroy him from the inside out. How easy would it be for her to go poke around at his heart? Or to kick his lungs until everything is broken?

He whirled around, spinning as fast as he could. He had forgotten how to use the move Rapid Spin, but he could still imitate its movement. The pressure eased up, until it was finally lifted, sent into the spiraling waves he had caused around him.

I wish someone were here to help, he found himself thinking, pouncing on the opportunity to run away. He hurriedly swam forward again, avoiding the drifting Tentacool in his path. They were disturbed from the fighting, but did not move much.

Wait, maybe there IS someone, Rain's mind raced, the ferals — like how Sweetheart helped Riptide. Could they save me? Would they?

He felt pressure on his tail. Opal was climbing up his body again. With all his energy, Rain hurled himself forward to the nearest Tentacool, then whirled around so that his back would come alarmingly close to it.

Now provoked, the Tentacool tried to jab him with its poisonous tentacle. It struck him on the shell, but no poison got through its toughness.

Rain distanced himself from it and waited for a few horrifying seconds, until the pressure on his body loosened again.

Did it work?

Opal's physical body formed in front of him, bewildered and twitching and furious. "WHAT DID YOU DO?" she roared.

"Poison," Rain answered, still feeling adrenaline even though the fear began to lift from his mind. "It worked. The poison didn't get through me, but it got you, because—"

"I'M GOING TO TEAR YOU APART!" she screamed, starting towards him. He instinctively swam away as fast as he could, going up the tunnel to the rest of the dungeon.

She won't become liquid again, he reassured himself, that would make the poison spread through her faster. I'm safe now. She'll be dead before she finds a way to cure it.

He looked around the ruined room where he and Riptide had argued. How would he possibly find Riptide now? How could he warn him? Those pirates must have already found the poor guy...

His heart sank further.

Could he be dead?

Is it possible that my stupidity got him killed?  he thought anxiously, swimming faster and faster through the corridors. Lugia please, please let him be safe, I'll do anything to keep him safe, please don't let him be dead.

Fear rushed back in, much faster than it had gone out. Not knowing how to prevent something, being aware that time was running out, it made him even more scared than Opal did.

Opal ... what did she say she'd do to me?

Hope suddenly sparked in his chest. They wanted to interrogate us first — they wouldn't have killed him yet!

That ... means he'll be at the ship. Which is awfully dangerous. No doubt with a terribly powerful crew. Maybe as strong as Bayou...

His body shivered at the thought of the Swampert. This was a horrible idea. He wouldn't ever, ever want to board a ship with a red Gyarados flag; especially not to rescue someone. But he could not leave Riptide behind, not after everything they had been through. A sense of respect, pity and duty filled his aching heart and he accepted it for what may be the first time in his life, because he knew he couldn't ignore those feelings anymore.

He had spent so long pushing others away, pushing this emotional side of himself away, but now his Croconaw had probably been captured and it was all because of this obsession with never allowing himself to feel anything. This poison that he had beaten into himself, one that he had blamed the world for beating into him, forcing the idea that he can never be vulnerable, that he shouldn't open himself up to others or care about them.

On his own. This is where this poison had led him. Again.

Well, screw being alone. Screw that way of thinking. Screw forcing myself not to do anything.

My siblings needed help, and no one was there to give it. Riptide needs help now, and if I don't do anything for him, no one will. I won't let that happen again. I'm going to be someone he can rely on. Someone I can rely on.

He cared, and for once, he let himself feel it. He couldn't stand the thought of going back to being the distant nobody he used to be. With or without fame and fortune, that self was still a nobody — a lone traveler who never spoke to anyone, waiting to get recognition from people who'd never give it. He refused to remain as that.

More than anything, he wanted to be helpful.

The pirate ship was still there when he reached the gate, docked and daunting. Rain could hear voices coming from its deck. He was unsure who was up there or how many they were or if they had Riptide and Sweetheart, but there was no time to waste.

He stealthily swam closer to the ship, careful not to make the slightest splash. He reached the anchor and climbed up the links. Rain hated how slowly he had to move; anything could happen within the next second, yet he had to be cautious and quiet. At least this ship didn't have a Dhelmise for an anchor like the Carrier did.

Once he was high enough, Rain jumped and grabbed onto the side of the ship's bow. He stretched his head just enough to see what was taking place on the deck.

He spotted the Seismitoad from before, along with an Azumarill and a Weavile, both of whom wore red scarves. Near the Weavile was perched a Chatot who wouldn't stop twitching his eyes and scratching himself. But beyond the group...

He was there. Riptide, sat down and tied on the mast with a sturdy-looking rope. How do I get him out of this?

"Don't look so lonely now," the Azumarill said, grinning at Riptide. "Your friend will be here soon. Opal should have him restrained by now."

Riptide's tragic face made Rain want to march over there, punch all four of them and tell Riptide that yes, he shouldn't feel lonely ever again, because he will always have him.

If he forgives me, that is, he thought, holding back a sigh.

"Don't count on it," Riptide said to her, with what Rain hoped was loyalty in his voice. Then again, maybe he was imagining it. "He has survived several catastrophes."

"Oh, avast ye!" the Seismitoad croaked. "Opal be the sharpest lassie there is. Yer matey hardly stands a chance 'gainst her, if he fights like ye."

It was amusing to know that the Vaporeon he spoke of was now rotting somewhere in the dungeon. He hated this Seismitoad as much as the rest of the crew, but at the very least he called Rain Riptide's "matey", so that made him the tiniest bit more likeable.

"He doesn't," Riptide responded. "He's a lot more brutal. And smart too ... although I've begun to question the latter."

So have I, Rain agreed sadly.

"Urgh, shut his trap, will ya?" the Weavile snapped. "I don't want to hear sentimental tales about two idiots who think they're important." He approached Riptide and raised his sharp claws at him.

"Do not hurt him yet, Razor," the Chatot sqwaked. "The captain needs to see him! Wait until she's back."

The Azumarill flicked her tail to the ship hold. "You can take him to the other prisoner if you want. They can keep each other company, along with the cargo."

Razor jabbed one claw at Riptide, glaring at him with a cold expression. "Don't do anything funny," he warned.

"Or I'll walk the plank?" Riptide teased while the Weavile untied him from the mast.

The Seismitoad laughed, but Razor only hissed at him. "No, worse." He loosened the rope, removed it from the mast, then grabbed Riptide before he got the chance to move. Razor tied his hands again and started leading him to the cargo hold.

How could Rain sneak in there? He wanted to wait for the best moment to rescue Riptide, but if they took him down there, it would only make it harder. He had to act now.

With a deep breath, Rain jumped onto the deck and ran toward the group. He shot a Water Pulse at the Weavile, then immediately drew his sword.

Razor flinched, but shook off the damage from the Water Pulse as if it was only a slight inconvenience.

"Rain?" Riptide breathed at the same moment the Azumarill said "Captain?"
She shook herself afterward, embarrassed. "Oh, shame. You look just like her. I would be all in to see captain beating up Razor."

"Let him go," Rain demanded, ignoring her. "We don't have to fight."

The Seismitoad and Weavile exchanged a confused glance, then stared back at Rain. "You have a lot of guts, runt. I'll give you that," Razor said, knocking Riptide down and stepping on his stomach. "Unlike this gutless coward."

"He has guts!" Rain retorted. "Plenty, in fact!" Enough to stand up to me ... and for me.

"Really?" the Azumarill said, patting Razor on the back. "Let's see them for ourselves then! Cut him open."

"Gladly," he answered, stabbing his claw through Riptide's scales. The Croconaw screamed in pain, wailing his tail.

Rain ran toward him, sword raised and teeth bared. Razor swiftly raised his other set of claws and they clashed with Rain's blade in a flurry of sparks.

The Weavile pushed Rain's sword aside and slashed at him, leaving a long wound over the front of his shell. Rain was ready to turn around and use Aqua Tail, but he was suddenly seized by the Seismitoad's big, sticky arms.

"LET ME DOWN," Rain roared, struggling to move.

"We will," the Azumarill said, pointing to the cargo hold. "Once you've lost an eye or two first."

"You can't do that!" the Chatot said, his feathers ruffled. "We need them alive."

"They won't die," she shrugged. "Besides, this is sure to make them talk. Mudwater, tie up our hero." She threw a thick rope at him, and the Seismitoad began to wrap it around Rainstorm, leaving only a few exposed parts of his shell.

"This is gonna be fun," the Weavile grinned, sticking his claws at the front of Rain's shell.

Lugia have mercy...

He inched his arm back, then thrust it into Rain's stomach with formidable force.
But it didn't get through.

Rain still felt the pain, but the result was more of a punch than the stab Razor was expecting. After a cough, Rain nodded. "Yeah, it is  fun. Brilliant idea; stabbing through a shell. Have you thought of becoming a scholar?"

Razor snarled. He narrowed his eyes at Rain, then turned to Riptide. "Fine, have fun watching then!"

"Wait—" Rain blurted, realizing what he was about to do. "NO! Stop! Hurt me! Please don't cut him, he's — he's already gone through enough!"

He saw what might have been a hint of a smile in Riptide's terrified and worried face, and for a moment he thought he might be forgiven after all.

However, Razor did not seem persuaded.

He stabbed Riptide again, in the same spot, digging his claw a sickening distance deep into his side.

The cries and roars of pain that came from the Croconaw echoed through the caves so strongly that Rain thought they could awaken long-dead Groudon just from the sound alone.

With a grin, Razor removed his claw from Riptide and drew a scar over the Croconaw's snout, letting a thin line of blood trickle down to join the larger pool that was leaking on the floor.

Riptide screamed and screamed some more, until finally the pain was too much to bear and his voice grew quiet, finally passing out.

"RIPTIDE!" Rain cried, furious and heartbroken at the same time. He threw himself forward, but Mudwater pulled him back.

"Great," the Chatot sighed. "What if he bleeds to death before the captain gets back?"

"That witch down there will keep him alive," Razor waved his claws airily, as the Azumarill dragged Riptide to the hold.

"Hag is a better word for her," she added thoughtfully, throwing Riptide inside. "Stuck-up old sea hag."

"She be a nasty one," Mudwater agreed, dragging Rain to her. They removed his sword, then threw him inside as well. The Chatot flew in right after, presumably to keep an eye on them.

Rain had been so horrified he couldn't stay focused on what was happening, until the trapdoor over him slam shut. The room was so dark it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. After a couple blinks, he saw Riptide's unconscious body in front of him. Rain went closer and gently shook him with his foot, since his arms were tied up, but he didn't respond.

Riptide ... please, please wake up...

"If you don't want the same fate as him," the Chatot warned, "I'd suggest not doing anything stupid. Go lie down in a corner and wait."

Rain nodded shakily. The bird flew up to a tall crate and pulled out a small book he had in a pouch and began reading.

The room was filled with crates and barrels and grey sacks, lit only by the wavering light of a torch. It reminded Rain of the storage on their ship, only this time Starseer was not here to make him question life.

Another figure stood against the wall at the end of the room. Rain squinted at her — she seemed to resemble a Wartortle.

"Hello?" he said warily. "Are you the, um..." Don't say hag don't say hag,  "the other prisoner?"

Her expression was unreadable in the dark, especially from that distance. The Chatot mumbled something to himself from his perch.

"I need your help," he begged. "Could you see my friend? Please?" he added, as Starseer's kindness lesson suddenly flashed in his mind.

After a moment, she motioned him closer with her tail. "Bring him here," she growled.

"I- I can't," he said, worried. "He's really, really wounded. I shouldn't move him."

The stranger groaned heavily and moved toward him. She walked without energy or motivation, as if she needed a stick to support her.

Once she was closer, Rain could see her features more clearly. Tired brown eyes stared at him coldly. A grey bandana coiled around her neck, while her left leg had a disturbing scar running across it. Rain thought the pirates must have tortured her as well.
Another surprising aspect about her he instantly noticed however, were the sharp blue markings crossing her arms, her head, and even her eyes.

How ... how did she know of those markings?
What did she know about Leafnest?

Her eyes met his gaze, and she realized he noticed, but firmly kept her mouth shut and didn't mention anything. Instead, she kneeled down to inspect Riptide.
"Huh," she grumbled, a pitiful look resting on her face. "He's not looking good."

"Can ... can you save him?"