Pokemon: A Fisherman's Tale

On the seventh day of survival on the desert island, a torrential downpour hit.

"Cough, cough, cough—"

Ryan woke up from being submerged in rainwater, almost choking as the water flowed into his mouth. If he hadn't been woken up by it, he might have drowned while sleeping among the tree roots.

He hadn't been struck by lightning or crushed by a falling tree, but nearly drowned by the unexpected rain.

The heavy rain lasted all day and night, and the rising water had already flooded the roots of the tree where he'd slept.

He'd been woken up by the cold multiple times during the night. Without a fire, surviving the night was tough. Every time he closed his eyes, he feared he wouldn't wake up again.

But dawn had finally arrived, even though the sky was still overcast. The worst of the night was over.

The rain and wind had calmed down considerably compared to yesterday, and there was no longer thunder overhead, just the occasional distant rumble—tolerable.

While light rain might have lulled him to sleep, the heavy rain had been sheer torment. Fortunately, he'd managed to get some sleep despite it.

But with the downpour still ongoing, he couldn't do much—except release his Pokémon, Poliwag.

He kept Poliwag's Poké Ball warm, hidden inside his shirt. Reaching for it, he felt the comforting warmth.

Bang—

The Poké Ball opened, and Poliwag was once again outside in the world, taking in the gloomy, rain-soaked sky. It saw Ryan, pale and weak, lips bloodless, but still managing a smile.

"Yo yo, yo yo," Poliwag chirped, immediately leaping into Ryan's arms.

While safely tucked away in its Poké Ball during the storm, Poliwag couldn't imagine how Ryan had managed to survive the previous night. The thunder and rain had terrified it, but nestled against Ryan's body, it had felt his warmth and slept soundly.

Poliwag could feel Ryan shivering, trembling through the night, which worried it greatly.

"Yo yo, yo yo," Poliwag called out, concerned for Ryan's wellbeing.

"I'm fine," Ryan assured, forcing a smile as he held Poliwag close. His hands were trembling, but he still stroked the Pokémon gently.

Seeing Ryan's slow movements, Poliwag nuzzled his cold palms like a kitten seeking warmth.

Though Poliwag had once feared abandonment, it now understood that Ryan's actions the previous night weren't out of anger but a desperate attempt to protect them both.

Suddenly, both Poliwag's and Ryan's stomachs growled, their hunger impossible to ignore.

Despite his exhaustion, Ryan mustered the strength to tell Poliwag, "Let's go find food once the rain lets up a bit."

Poliwag nodded, agreeing with Ryan's plan, and settled beside him to wait for the storm to ease.

Ryan lost track of time as the rain persisted. He drifted in and out of sleep, repeatedly woken by the cold. Eventually, when the sky grew even darker and the downpour became lighter, he knew it was time to move.

"Alright, Poliwag," Ryan said, struggling to untie a rope as his hands trembled. "Let's go now while the rain is easing up..."

Poliwag looked out at the rain, and Ryan, though tired and weak, was ready to brave the storm again. However, when he tried to stand, his legs buckled beneath him, and he sat back down, dizzy from hunger and cold.

He hadn't eaten since yesterday morning, surviving only on a small bottle of water. The storm had sapped all his energy, leaving his limbs stiff and unresponsive.

But despite everything, Ryan knew he was lucky. This was a tropical island—had it been any colder, he would have frozen to death.

As Ryan tried to rise again, Poliwag quickly stepped on his hand to stop him.

"You mean… you want to go alone?" Ryan asked, surprised.

Poliwag nodded, determined to help its trainer.

With a helpless smile, Ryan let Poliwag go. "Alright, just be quick."

Poliwag hesitated briefly, checking on Ryan every few steps as it ventured out into the rain. Once it was sure he wouldn't try to follow, it disappeared into the storm.

Ryan leaned back against the tree, waiting anxiously for Poliwag's return. As the minutes dragged on, worry gnawed at him. The thought of Poliwag facing danger out there, especially with predators lurking, was unsettling.

He had nearly lost Poliwag once already; he couldn't bear the thought of it happening again.

Just as he resolved to get up and go after it, he heard Poliwag's familiar call.

"Yo yo, yo yo!"

Poliwag appeared through the rain, carrying a plastic bottle filled with seaweed and shells—its prize from the sea.

"You're back, Poliwag," Ryan said with a relieved smile, coughing as he spoke.

Poliwag puffed out its chest proudly, feeling accomplished for bringing back food. Ryan gratefully accepted the seaweed, not minding that it had been partially chewed.

The seaweed was salty and a little fishy, but it was edible, which was all that mattered.

Poliwag, however, didn't eat. It showed Ryan its full belly, indicating it had already eaten enough before returning.

After they finished the meal, Ryan sat back with Poliwag at his side. He reached for Poliwag's Poké Ball again.

"Want to go back inside?" he asked.

Poliwag hesitated, not wanting to leave Ryan's side just yet. It playfully blew bubbles from its nostrils, motioning for Ryan to wait a little longer.

Understanding the gesture, Ryan put the Poké Ball away. Poliwag, relieved, snuggled closer to him.

Ryan checked Poliwag's stats through the familiar interface:

Poliwag

Type: Water

Level: 7.01%

Ability: Damp (0.53%) / Hidden Ability: Swift Swim (1.53%)

Move Proficiency: (Hearts eye 0.21%) (Ice Ball 0.31%) (Refresh 0.51%) (Bubble 1.31%) (Hypnosis 0.52%) (Double Slap 2.64%) (Pound 0.51%) (Water Gun 2.52%)

Ryan was pleased to see Poliwag's level had increased. Evolving Poliwag into Poliwhirl would improve their chances of survival, but that would have to wait.

For now, they needed to rest and recover, hoping the rain would finally stop.