I caught a Pokémon

Chapter 24: Another Encounter with Ash

Exhausted, Xia You arrived at the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.

After handing his Pokémon over to Nurse Joy, he returned to Sakuragi Lab once the treatment was complete.

Chaos was everywhere along the way.

As Dr. Sakuragi had mentioned in his phone call, the explosion at the power plant caused a large-scale power outage near the Sakuragi Research Institute, severely impacting transportation, dining, and work.

He even saw Miss Officer Jenny, standing in the middle of the road directing traffic with her Growlithe.

Fortunately, key buildings like the Sakuragi Lab and the Pokémon Center have their own backup power supplies, so they won't be shut down for the time being.

Upon meeting Professor Sakuragi, Xia You briefly recounted what had happened. When Professor Sakuragi heard that he had encountered Zapdos, he was even more surprised and stood up.

"You actually encountered the legendary Pokémon Zapdos!?"

Seeing Xia You nod, Dr. Sakuragi quickly calmed down and continued, "So it turns out that the frequent power outages at the research institute were caused by it. But now that the explosion has happened, I think that Zapdos won't appear again. As for the power room, I'll call the power company right now and have them send someone to repair and replace the units."

“Actually…” Xia You scratched his head, “I also caught Zapdos while I was at it.”

"What!?" Dr. Sakuragi nearly choked on his own saliva. He coughed twice, his face filled with utter shock. "You captured it!?"

“Yes.” Xia You took out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and waved it in front of Professor Sakuragi to prove that she was telling the truth. “However, to avoid causing unnecessary trouble, please keep this a secret for me, Professor.”

After taking a deep breath, Dr. Sakuragi composed himself and nodded. He knew that this matter should not be publicized: "Don't worry, I will keep quiet until you announce it yourself."

At this moment, Xia You tentatively asked, "Professor, when a trainer carries more than six Pokémon, newly captured Pokémon are sent to the research lab. Is there any way to change this setting?"

Hearing Xia You's words, Professor Sakuragi laughed and said, "What? Aren't six Pokémon enough for you?"

“Under normal circumstances, it’s enough.” Xia You said, gesturing for Professor Sakuragi to look at the Poké Ball in her hand. “But in situations like this, it’s inconvenient to store it elsewhere. It has to be carried with it. Since it takes up an extra space, it will greatly limit normal battles.”

Professor Sakuragi suddenly realized, "You don't want to use Zapdos as a regular battling Pokémon, right?"

“That’s right,” Xia You explained. “For me, Kirlia and Bulbasaur are like open cards, while Zapdos, a legendary Pokémon, is like a hidden card, or a trump card, because it’s too eye-catching. This alternation between open and hidden cards is the only way to truly achieve surprise and be invincible.”

“I see, I understand your idea now. That’s a very prudent one.” Professor Sakuragi said, extending his hand to Xia You. “Here, give me your Pokédex.”

She handed the Pokédex to Professor Sakuragi, who connected it to the computer, fiddled with it for a bit, and then returned it to Xia You.

"Alright, I've changed your permissions. I've increased the maximum number of Poké Balls you can hold from 6 to 12. Now, in addition to the regular six Poké Balls, you won't have to worry about being suddenly teleported away even if you catch some rare Pokémon in the future."

Afternoon, Sakuragi Park.

Xia You opened the Poké Ball and released Zapdos.

Since this place is not yet open to the public, he doesn't need to worry about anyone seeing Zapdos and causing a disturbance.

Zapdos flapped its wings, looking down at Xia You from its high perch.

Xia You smiled and said, "I know you're not happy about being defeated by Pokémon weaker than yourself, especially when you're outnumbered. But it's okay, as time goes by, I think you'll accept me soon!"

Zapdos raised its head, seemingly disdainful.

Xia You didn't mind its attitude at all and said, "It's okay if you don't want to talk to me, but as my Pokémon, you have to be prepared. Since you're so strong, come and be their sparring partner!"

After saying that, Xia You didn't wait for Zapdos's reply or not, and shouted to his Pokémon, "Now, everyone, attack together!"

With a roar, a burst of intense lightning suddenly flashed across Sakuragi Park.

……

After a day of rest, Xia You, carrying a backpack and a few Pokémon, left Sakuragi Lab and was about to head to the next gym city when he suddenly heard someone calling his name from behind.

He turned around and saw that it was Ash, Misty, and Brock!

Is it really fate's arrangement that brought the three of them together on a trip, just like in the anime!

"You guys got to Vermilion City so quickly?" Xia You asked with a smile as they approached. "So, are you going to challenge the Vermilion Gym next?"

Xiao Zhi rubbed his nose, and with a smug look, unzipped his jacket, showing Xia You the three badges hanging inside.

"Gray badge, blue badge, and orange badge?" Xia You exclaimed in surprise, "You've gotten three badges in just a few days? That's amazing speed!"

"This is nothing!" Ash laughed. "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master, and getting three badges is not difficult at all."

"I can't stand you." Xiaoxia frowned. "That's only because we were kind enough to pity you and let you win the badge by going easy on you in the match."

Xiao Gang agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "That's right, it's always better to be low-key."

Ash was embarrassed when his two companions exposed the truth as soon as he started bragging, but he just smiled and didn't take it to heart.

Xiaoxia then approached Xia You with her hands behind her back and greeted him.

However, perhaps even she herself did not realize that her tone was less willful and more shy and excited than usual.

Xia You smiled brightly and said, "Xiaoxia, you seem to have become even more beautiful than before after just two days."

Beside him, Xiao Gang also extended his right hand to Xia You.

"I haven't formally introduced myself yet. My name is Xiaogang. A few days ago, I quit my job as a gym leader and started traveling with Xiaozhi and Xiaoxia. Now, I'm working hard to become a Pokémon breeder."

"That's a great ambition, but I think becoming a Pokémon doctor is also a good choice." Xia You shook hands with him, then changed the subject and asked, "But if I may be so bold, Xiao Gang, are you really only fifteen years old? You look older than me."

Chapter 25 The Saint Anne

"Ah, well..." Xiao Gang shook his head and smiled wryly. He didn't expect that the first thing the two of them said when they met again would be who looked older! But he also knew that Xia You was joking and it was a way to get closer to her, so he spread his hands and said, "Maybe it's because I have nine younger brothers and sisters to take care of, so I'm overworked."

"By the way," Ash asked, "would you like to come with us to the port now?"

Xia You asked in confusion, "What are you going to the port for?"

“Just now in the city center, someone gave us a ticket to a luxury cruise ship,” Xiaoxia explained. “The person who gave us the ticket said that a lavish trainer banquet is being held there, funded by a big conglomerate. Many people will be attending, it’s going to be a lot of fun, and everything is free!”

"Such a good thing?" Xia You frowned. "It sounds like a scam."

Seeing that Xia You didn't believe him, Xiao Zhi took out a boat ticket from his pocket.

"It's true. Look, these are the tickets for that cruise ship. And we just saw many people heading to the port on our way here."

"Even so..." Looking at the ticket, Xia You couldn't help but ask, "But there's only one ticket. How do you three plan to get on?"

Xiao Zhi opened the ticket and showed Xia You the word 'group' on it.

"Hehe, this is a group ticket, so as many people as you want to go. If you want to go too, come with us."

Xia You looked closely at the ticket. On the front of it was a picture of a luxury cruise ship, and next to it was a line of large characters—Saint Anne.

The St. Anne?

Xia You was stunned. Wasn't this the famous shipwreck from the animation?!

Oblivious to Xia You's hesitation, Xiao Zhi continued excitedly, "Battles and exchanges with trainers from different places, and seeing so many Pokémon I've never seen before, it's amazing!"

"That's right, that's right!" Xiao Gang nodded in agreement, his mind filled with fantasies. "And there must be lots of delicious food there, as well as beautiful older sisters!"

Even Xiaoxia's eyes shone with longing: "A leisurely boat trip, lying on the deck sunbathing, just thinking about it makes me look forward to it."

While the three of them were lost in thought, Xia You was pondering another question.

If I remember correctly, shortly after the St. Anne set sail, it was attacked by Team Rocket and encountered a storm, eventually sinking to the bottom of the sea under the onslaught of huge waves.

Such an expensive cruise ship, sinking like that, must have resulted in at least billions of dollars in property losses…

However, Xia You thought again that even if she kindly reminded it and gave it a warning in advance, she probably wouldn't be able to change its fate.

Since Team Rocket was able to infiltrate the St. Anne, they must have made thorough preparations. Without evidence, intervening rashly will not only fail to attract the captain's attention, but will also alert Team Rocket. If it is too obvious, it may even attract the attention of the host of this banquet, who is Team Rocket's behind-the-scenes boss, Giovanni!

As for that storm...

Although Xia You didn't know much about things at sea, she knew that such a large cruise ship would definitely pay attention to relevant weather information before setting sail.

Since the captain allowed the ship to set sail, it means that either Team Rocket suddenly changed the cruise ship's course, or the huge storm that was powerful enough to capsize the ship was formed suddenly!

"Huh? Xia You, what are you thinking about?" Xiaoxia asked when she saw Xia You remain silent for a while. "So, do you want to come with us?"

Xia You nodded: "Of course we'll go together. I've been wanting to see it for myself."

The group arrived at the port of Kuye City. As soon as they stepped in, they saw many ships of different sizes moored along the shore, but the largest and most luxurious of them all was the Saint Anne.

With its height of over ten stories, this behemoth has become the most dazzling presence in the port.

The Saint Anne is a world-renowned luxury cruiser. It is said that it docks in Vermilion City once a year before sailing off to other places for a world cruise.

As Ash just said, there are indeed many trainers with their Pokémon at the dock, checking tickets and boarding the ship.

The closer you get, the more awe-inspiring this cruise ship becomes.

"Wow, it's huge!" Xiaoxia looked up and exclaimed in surprise. "Are we going to take this ship out to sea?"

However, just as Xiaozhi and his friends were about to board the ship, Xia You called them back.

"Wait a minute, I need to buy something first."

As he spoke, he walked to a nearby diving equipment store, spent a long time browsing, and finally bought a diving mask and a simple breathing apparatus.

That's so expensive...

After buying these two items, he had only a small portion left of the savings he had accumulated through part-time jobs.

Seeing Xia You pay and then pack the items into her backpack with a heavy expression, Xiao Zhi asked curiously, "Why are you buying these things?"

"I'm not a very good swimmer, so I might need these things someday."

Xia You did not choose to tell Xiao Zhi and the others the truth, since it was still something that had not happened yet. Moreover, considering various factors, these people were all blessed with good fortune and would always be able to turn danger into safety. Even if the Saint Anne really sank, they would definitely have a way to escape.

Queue up, get your tickets checked, and board the ship.

As Xia You and the others climbed the gangway and crossed the deck, they arrived at a magnificent hall.

The hall is tall and wide, with a huge space. Under the golden decorations and the light of countless crystal chandeliers, it can be seen that it is already full of all kinds of tourists. On the red carpet, there are long tables with a variety of food on them, which can be enjoyed at any time.

Xia You walked into the crowd and looked around.

Whether they were acquaintances or meeting for the first time, people chatted enthusiastically, sharing their travel stories and discussing their Pokémon. Everyone's face was beaming with smiles, indicating that they were all very satisfied with the cruise ship.

On both sides of the hall, there were vendors selling various goods.

From small earrings and studs to medium-sized figurines and large Pokémon plush toys, everything was available. The sounds of conversation, shouts, and bargaining filled the air, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

However, the most attention-grabbing event was undoubtedly the Pokémon battle taking place in the center of the hall, surrounded by onlookers.

This battle was organized by the travelers themselves. The two trainers were a middle-aged man in a suit and a boy in a green shirt.

Their Pokémon is a Rattata, battling Starmie.

Chapter 26 Buying Magikarp

Xia You stared intently and realized that the man in the suit looked very familiar. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that it was the man he had fought on the ship when he arrived in the Kanto region!

What a coincidence!

However, the purple rat Rattata that battled Kirlia at that time had already evolved into the brown rat Rattata.

"Rada, use a flying kick!"

"Gemstone Starfish, use impact!"

The two Pokémon collided, seemingly evenly matched, but in reality, Rattata had the upper hand. After they separated, the man in the suit commanded again, "Rattata, attack with KOF!"

With a sprint, Rada rushed to the starfish and bit down hard on its body with its strong front teeth. As it continued to exert force, the gem in the center of the starfish suddenly shattered, and its entire body fell backward to the ground.

A burst of applause erupted from the crowd, cheering enthusiastically for the victor.

Seeing the boy hug his Pokémon, the man in the suit, despite winning the match, still maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and said, "This was just a small battle. It can only be said that the goddess of victory was a bit biased towards me. In any case, you should train your Starmie to be even stronger in the future."

A woman in a red strapless dress walked over and took the arm of the man in the suit.

He's successful on the battlefield and successful in love; it's clear this man is enjoying this kind of life.

"Alright, is there any other trainer who wants to challenge my Rattata?"

Before Xia You could react, he had just finished speaking when he saw a figure flash beside him, and Xiao Zhi had already rushed in front of the man in the suit.

"I'm ablaze! Let my Butterfree be your opponent!"

Shaking her head, Xia You greeted Xiaoxia and Xiaogang, choosing not to watch the battle, and instead led Kirlia away to another location.

Before boarding the ship, worried about the crowds and noise, he put away all his other Pokémon, leaving only Kirlia to accompany him.

As Xia You walked past the stalls, she suddenly saw a young man dressed as a waiter chatting with an uncle selling carp.