Chapter 40: Departure

Chapter 40: Departure

The next day.

Morning mist shrouded the small town, and the sky was still dim with the first light of dawn. Fully equipped and carrying large backpacks, Ah Zhe and Xiao Zhu, disguised as travelers, left the hotel together.

Taking a deep breath of the fresh air unique to this seaside town, tinged with a faint salty breeze, Ah Zhe tightened the belt that held his Poké Balls at his waist, determination gleaming in his eyes.

After walking for more than ten minutes, the two arrived at the harbor of Windy Shores Town. Though it was early morning, the pier was already bustling with noise: the clatter of wood, the shouts of fishermen, the crashing of waves against the shore, and the calls of unknown seabirds from afar—all blending into a vivid scene brimming with the pulse of daily life.

Ah Zhe had long since made preparations. The two moved skillfully to a secluded spot on the dock. Moored on the water, a plain white speedboat waited in silence.

Its streamlined silhouette and white metal hull glimmered faintly in the early sunlight. A few light blue arcs swept across the vessel’s sides—casual and graceful.

The engine roared to life. Crystal-clear spray leapt and danced at the boat’s sides as, amid the harbor’s uproar, the inconspicuous white speedboat slipped quietly away.

***

By noon, the blazing sun beamed down with abandon, casting dazzling flashes across the vast blue sea.

A white speedboat sliced swiftly over the waves like a marlin, trailing a frothing wake of ivory foam.

On deck, Xiao Zhu, shirtless and legs crossed, lounged carelessly with his eyes closed. Nearby, his heavy backpack and clothes lay scattered in a heap.

“Ah Zhe—how much longer until we get there?” His lazy voice drifted into the cockpit behind him.

Ah Zhe, at that moment, was poring over an ancient yellowed map spread out on the table before him.

“It’ll be a while yet!” he called back, a trace of resignation curling at his lips.

He lowered his head again, rubbing the rough stubble on his chin as he studied the old map, thoughtfulness flickering in his gaze.

The sea was like a capricious maiden—gentle and nurturing in her calm, but when angered, she could conjure wild winds and towering waves, indifferent to anything in her path. One moment, the sun blazed and the waters lay tranquil; the next, black clouds could gather and a tempest descend.

The wind picked up, growing more forceful on deck. Xiao Zhu’s nose twitched and his brow furrowed; he quickly got up.

“Ah Zhe, Ah Zhe! The weather’s turning.”

“Mm.”

Inside the cockpit, Ah Zhe nodded calmly and motioned for Xiao Zhu to stow their gear in the cabin.

Suddenly, a deep, strange rumble rose from beneath the sea, reverberating through the air. Ah Zhe felt his eardrums tremble, a faint dizziness washing over his mind.

Raising his hands to massage his throbbing temples, Ah Zhe frowned and muttered to himself, “Can’t believe I forgot about this—it’s mating season again, isn’t it?”

Xiao Zhu, as if understanding, exchanged a glance with him. Seeing Ah Zhe nod, he eagerly grabbed his Poké Ball and dashed outside.

On deck, Xiao Zhu’s face lit with excitement. His hair whipped wildly in the fierce wind. After scanning the water for a moment, he pinpointed the direction of the sound.

He tossed the red-and-white ball lightly into the air. “Come out, Mega Yanma!”

A piercing insect cry, accompanied by the high-frequency buzz of beating wings, rang out overhead.

A massive Pokémon with the form of a dragonfly appeared above the waves. Its deep green, armored carapace radiated an ancient aura. Circular crimson spots dotted its shell, glimmering faintly. Four black ridged spines jutted from its back and tail, now vibrating gently. At its sides, two pairs of transparent wings blurred with rapid motion, stirring waves across the sea’s surface with their power. Its head, topped with scarlet compound eyes, swept the scene with a ruthless glare.

Unlike its lively trainer, Mega Yanma appeared cold and aloof.

“Mega Yanma, use Bug Buzz on that patch of sea!” Xiao Zhu shouted, his command carrying over the roaring wind.

The Pokémon obeyed, its wings vibrating even faster like a helicopter’s rotors, whipping up mighty swells below. Semi-transparent ripples, sharp and shrill, surged downward beneath the surface.

It was as if an invisible force had struck—white spray exploded high into the air.

From below, the deep rumbling grew louder, now tinged with agitation, like a lion enraged by an intruder violating its territory.

Gradually, a long, menacing black shadow materialized beneath the waves.

The sea split as the creature surfaced, revealing its true form: a colossal Pokémon with sleek, ocean-blue skin, water streaming over its body. Its enormous jaws gaped, exposing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its vivid red eyes blazed with fury.

With a furious roar, the Gyarados let loose a tempest, its bellow sending waves rippling across the surface.

On deck, Xiao Zhu covered his ears. Gone was his usual playful demeanor; in battle, he became someone else—feverish, wild.

“Noisy!” he shouted. “Mega Yanma, shut it up!”

A shrill insect scream split the air as Mega Yanma’s wings beat frenetically, unleashing a barrage of invisible blades.

“Air Slash!”

Sharp blades cut into the Gyarados in the water, tracing bloody lines across its massive body. Yet the beast seemed unfazed; only the fury in its eyes deepened.

A massive orb of water swiftly gathered in its open maw.

“Hydro Pump!”

A torrent of water erupted from Gyarados’s mouth, spraying sparkling droplets through the air.

Xiao Zhu’s eyes flashed with scorn. “Still just a wild Pokémon. A Hydro Pump with that low compression will never hit my Mega Yanma.”

“Dodge it and use Ancient Power.”

Mega Yanma’s wings blurred, leaving only an afterimage as it easily evaded the Hydro Pump. Then, focusing intently, it sensed the rock-type energy in the air.

Brown-black energy gathered, and in the blink of an eye, several enormous boulders formed out of nothing.

“Ancient Power!”

The rocks, crackling with energy, hurtled toward Gyarados.

They struck hard against the beast’s massive form, dealing double damage thanks to the type advantage. Gyarados writhed in pain.

Vicious as ever, Gyarados was no fool. Realizing its opponent was far beyond its abilities, it quickly decided to retreat.

With a final, blustering roar, it dove beneath the waves and disappeared into the depths.

“Tch...” Xiao Zhu cast a disdainful glance at the fleeing Gyarados, recalled Mega Yanma into its Poké Ball, and ran back into the cabin.