Sam didn't argue with Ash about getting stronger. Instead, he pointed at the raging ocean outside the building and said calmly,
"If we're going to the New Island, we'll have to rely on ourselves. No ship is sailing in waves like that."
Ash immediately panicked.
His only Flying-type Pokémon was Pidgeotto. Flying across a stormy sea with it would be extremely difficult. Charizard wasn't suited to carrying people in heavy rain either. As for Squirtle—there was no way it could ferry someone across the ocean.
Brock and Misty weren't any better off.
Brock's Rock-types were useless in this situation. Misty had Water-types, but most of them were small and unsuited for long-distance sea travel.
With no options left, Ash looked at Sam with pleading eyes. He remembered that Sam had several Pokémon capable of crossing the sea.
Sam shook his head.
"The only Pokémon I brought that can cross the ocean is Lapras. I can't take all of you."
This trip would be dangerous. Sam had only brought the essentials: Tyranitar, Gengar, and Lapras. The rest remained behind.
"Can we transfer Pokémon from the Pokémon Center?" Brock suddenly suggested.
That reignited Ash's hope.
But Sam poured cold water on it immediately.
"Haven't you heard? The Nurse Joy at the Old Coast Pier Pokémon Center is missing."
"What?!" Ash looked devastated.
He had come all this way. If he couldn't reach the New Island, he wouldn't even be able to sleep tonight.
Sam turned to leave. Before stepping away, he glanced back.
"Maybe not going is a good thing."
He didn't try to persuade them further.
He knew Ash well.
Even if the New Island were a mountain of swords and a sea of fire, Ash would still go.
---
The Departure
At the shoreline, Sam released Lapras.
"Lapras!"
Instead of fear, Lapras showed excitement. It hadn't swum freely in the ocean for a long time.
Sam smiled and gently stroked its head.
"Like it?"
"Lapras!"
He climbed onto its back.
"Let's go."
Behind him, other Trainers were also abandoning hope of ships and preparing to cross on their own.
Sam left first to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The waves crashed violently, but riding Lapras felt incredibly stable.
Lapras truly lived up to its reputation as the best sea mount.
After swimming for some time, Lapras suddenly closed its eyes.
Sam didn't rush it.
He waited.
Moments later, energy began flowing from the sea into Lapras' body.
Sam could feel its strength rising.
Water-shaped tails formed behind it—three of them.
Elite high level.
Elite peak.
Gym entry level.
In just minutes, Lapras' power skyrocketed.
If its body could withstand more, it might have gone even further.
"So this is the power of the Three-Tails…"
In the sea, Lapras' combat ability increased dramatically.
Lapras opened its eyes and let out an excited cry.
Though its voice still sounded gentle, the effect was tremendous.
The surrounding ocean instantly calmed.
As it moved forward, the sea stilled around it. Once it passed, the storm resumed.
With Lapras clearing the path, Sam reached the New Island without incident.
---
Arrival
After landing, Sam recalled Lapras.
Deoxys' core began flashing intensely.
Even without telepathy, Sam could sense its excitement.
"Easy, Deoxys. Not yet."
It still lacked the final energy needed for full restoration.
That was another reason Sam had come—perhaps the New Island held the energy Deoxys required.
---
The Castle
Inside the castle, Mewtwo felt their presence.
"They've arrived."
A faint smile appeared on its face.
It turned to the controlled Nurse Joy beside it.
"Go greet our guests."
"Yes, Master."
Under Mewtwo's Psychic control, Nurse Joy moved mechanically.
When Sam approached the castle gates—
They opened automatically.
Creaaak.
Sam took a slow breath.
The castle's owner already knew he was here.
Inside, Nurse Joy waited.
Sam didn't attempt conversation. He knew she was merely a puppet.
He followed her deeper into the castle halls.
Outside—
The storm over the New Island intensified.
---------------Author---------------
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