The morning sun peeks above the distant horizon, casting its golden glow across the docks of Dewford Town. Shane strides down the weathered pier, the morning chill kissing his face. Ozzy flutters alongside him, invigorated by the salty sea air.
They arrive at the slip where a weathered fishing trawler is moored. Shane greets the captain, a sturdy, bearded man named Hank, who he had worked with previously.
"Mornin' Shane, thanks for joining my crew today," Hank says, shaking Shane's hand firmly. "Should be some good fishing offshore."
Ozzy lands on Shane's shoulder, peering at Hank inquisitively. The captain chuckles. "And good to see you too. Your sharp eyes will help us spot the big schools!"
Soon they are motoring out of the harbor, a brisk wind filling their sails. Shane and Ozzy help the crew prepare nets and lines. Once offshore, the hunt for fish begins.
The sun glitters across the gentle swells as the trawler motors out of Dewford's harbor. Shane takes a deep breath of the salty air, enjoying the calming rocking of the boat. It is a perfect day for fishing.
Ozzy perches on the cabin roof, scanning the shimmering sea for signs of their catch. Shane and the small crew cast lines and lower nets, the monotonous work lulling them into a focused rhythm.
By midday, the holds are brimming with flopping Magikarp and Wailmer. The crew releases smaller pokemon and those with young, keeping only enough catch to fill the market’s demands.
As the boat turns back towards Dewford, dark clouds creep across the sky. Shane glances up uneasily as the wind begins to pick up. Choppy waves toss spray across the deck as the first fat raindrops fall.
The captain barks orders to pull in nets and battens down the hatches. Shane and Ozzy help the crew frantically secure anything loose on deck. As the storm strengthens, the boat heaves and dips wildly.
Crashing waves drench the deck as the crew struggles to keep their footing. Lightning splits the sky, momentarily illuminating the sloshing chaos. The previously calm sea has transformed into a raging beast.
Shane ties down the last corner of a tarp just as a massive swell slams the boat. The force knocks his feet out from under him, sending him careening across the slick planks. He slams into the side of the cabin with a pained grunt.
Dazed, he lifts his head to see another colossal wave looming above them. The wall of water rushes forward, swallowing half the deck in an instant. Shane sees a crewmate desperately clinging to the rail, on the verge of being swept overboard.
In a split second, Ozzy materializes beside the man in a burst of light. The little bird's eyes glow intensely as he focuses his psychic powers. Gripping the sailor's shoulder firmly with his beak, Ozzy teleports them both to the relative safety of the cabin roof.
As quickly as it came, the fury of the storm moves on, like had it been the fury of the sea wanting to test this specific crew.
Shane sags back against the cabin, exhausted but grateful. Ozzy flutters down to him, cheeping proudly about his new skill. Shane smiles and strokes the pokemon's damp head. "You saved him, buddy. I'm so proud of you!". Ozzy calmly twitters, showing slight signs of exhaustion though his becoming pride.
They ride the last swells back to port, eager for the warmth of the Pokemon Center. As the boat docks in Dewford, Shane sinks down onto a crate, weary to his bones. His drenched clothes cling uncomfortably, his muscles ache from wrestling with the storm.
Ozzy flutters onto his lap, equally exhausted. Shane strokes the pokemon's dripping feathers. "We make a great team out there, but what do you say we stick to land for a while?"
Ozzy chirps in fervent agreement. They have endured enough thrashing at sea for the time being.
Hank decides to pay Shane a handsome reward for saving his crewmate, on top of his ordinary salary.
After farewelling the crew, Shane and Ozzy head straight to the Pokemon Center to dry off. They welcome the cozy warmth that greets them through the sliding doors.
As Shane and Ozzy enter the cozy Pokemon Center, grateful to be out of the storm, a news flash on the lobby TV seizes their attention.
The anchor announces that Devon Corporation headquarters in Rustboro City had been breached last night. Some rare prototype goods were stolen by parties unknown.
Authorities suspect remnants of the infamous Team Aqua may be responsible, as they had targeted Devon's research in the past. However, Aqua had disbanded last year after their previous leader Archie disappeared without a trace, following the catastrophe including the awakening of Groudon and Kyogre.
Shane watches the report with growing unease. Why would the defunct Team Aqua risk resurfacing now to rob Devon Corp? Were they seeking weapons to harness Kyogre's fearsome power again?
Shane shakes his head as he ponders the news report on the lobby TV. "Investigating a robbery in Rustboro seems beyond us right now," he mutters. He glances down at Ozzy. "Why don't we focus on developing your skills for the time being? Let's check if you've learned any new moves."
Ozzy trills approvingly at the idea. Shane places the Pokéball containing his partner onto the table. In a flash of red light, Ozzy is drawn back inside the capture device. Though Shane has witnessed this many times now, the technology still astounds him.
He inserts Ozzy's Pokéball into the computer's analyzer slot. The machine whirs to life, scanning and compiling data on the Natu within. After a few moments, Ozzy materializes from the ball in a burst of white light, appearing on the table and ruffling his feathers.
"Look at this, you can use Confuse Ray now!" Shane says, pointing at the screen. "That could really help in battles by disorienting opponents. What do you think?"
Ozzy examines the information intently, then bobs his head in agreement, chirping happily about his new technique.
"Have you started reading on your own at all?" Shane inquires. The small green bird slowly shakes his head back and forth - the full extent of his literacy remains unclear.
"Well, why don't we test out Confuse Ray first, then we can work on reading skills after," Shane suggests enthusiastically. "I saw some good training spots on the outskirts of town we can use."
Eager to try out Confuse Ray, the duo waste no time in heading out to the forested areas around Dewford's borders. The shaded trails provide ample opportunities to encounter wild Pokémon to practice on.
Soon enough, they stumble upon a lone Taillow pecking at the ground. "Alright Ozzy, let's see Confuse Ray in action on that Taillow!" Shane says. Ozzy's eyes begin to faintly glow as he launches oscillating rays towards the unaware Taillow.
The rays make contact and the Taillow starts stumbling around in clear confusion, bumping into trees and rocks.
Shane cheers Ozzy on, congratulating him on successfully deploying his new move. But he also feels a bit guilty seeing the wild Pokémon so visibly disoriented.
They resolve to only use the minimum needed for practice.
Further down the trail, a Nincada burrows out from underground.
This time, Ozzy exercises more precision with his Confuse Ray, just enough to bewilder the Nincada slightly without fully incapacitating it. Shane again praises his partner's growing mastery over the move.
After an hour or so of practice, Ozzy seems exhausted. Shane affectionately pats the Natu's feathered head. "I think that's enough training for now. Let's rest up back at the Center." Ozzy chirps his agreement, perching wearily on Shane's shoulder.
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Back in their room, Shane grabs a beginner book on psychic pokemon and pages through it with Ozzy. Though slow going at first, Ozzy shows progress in his confidence with the texts. With patient guidance from Shane, the Natu's early literacy skills begin blossoming.
Shane smiles proudly at his partner. "We'll get your reading fluency up to speed in no time if we keep this up." He playfully ruffles Ozzy's velvety green feathers.
Shane glances over at Ozzy, who is intently focused on the page in front of him. The Natu's brow is furrowed in concentration as he tries to mentally transmit the words he's reading.
Shane feels Ozzy's psychic tendrils gently probing his mind, conveying indistinct impressions of letters and sounds.
He can perceive the emotions behind Ozzy's telepathic messages - curiosity, frustration, joy - but the precise words escape him.
Ozzy pauses on a tricky sentence, radiating intense focus. Shane scoots closer, laying a hand on Ozzy's back. He clears his mind and feels Ozzy's psychic wavelengths ripple through him.
The meaning comes through - not quite discernible words, but Shane now grasps the gist of the elusive sentence.
Ozzy chirps happily that the concept clicked. He nuzzles Shane's hand gratefully before returning to the book, mind buzzing with effort. Shane makes a mental note to keep practicing their psychic link - it's still fuzzy at times.
They continue reading together in comfortable silence, only periodically broken by Shane's guidance or Ozzy's triumphant psychic trills when he comprehends something new. The radiant sunset peeking through the blinds marks the passage of time.
Eventually, yawns escape both trainer and pokemon. Reluctantly, Shane bookmarks their page. "Let's pick this up again tomorrow, bright and early," he says. Ozzy cheeps his agreement.
As Shane gets ready for bed, Ozzy takes his familiar perch on the headboard to roost for the night, gently preening Shane's hair before settling in. Shane smiles, immersed in contentment from the day's efforts and easy affections.
Though Shane switches off the lamp, light still seems to glow from the intangible bond between them - a beacon of hope for the winding journey ahead.
The next morning, Shane is awakened by the first gentle rays of sunshine filtering through the blinds. He glances over at the window perch where Ozzy is already wide awake, eagerly greeting the new day.
After getting ready, the pair head to the Pokemon Center service point for breakfast. Shane savors the hot oatmeal and berries while Ozzy pecks away happily at his Pokemon food shane bought earlier. Their schedule is open today, and Shane's thoughts drift to Robert down at the docks.
"Want to head down to the harbor after this? We can see if Robert has some time for a battle with Wartortle," Shane suggests. Ozzy cheers enthusiastically around a beakful of food at the prospect.
Bellies full, they make their way through Dewford's cobbled streets towards the oceanfront. The seaside breeze ruffles Shane's hair and Ozzy's feathers as the docks come into view. Shane inhales deeply, invigorated by the briny scent of the harbor.
Scanning the piers, Shane soon spots Robert's burly frame hefting a heavy toolbox towards a moored ship. Ozzy flutters ahead eagerly to greet Wartortle where the turtle Pokemon is assisting.
Robert looks up from his work and flashes a broad grin when he sees Shane approaching.
"Ahoy there! Here to lend a hand?" he calls out jovially. After exchanging morning pleasantries, Shane brings up his idea for a battle between Ozzy and Wartortle.
"Aye, that sounds like a fine idea! Ol' Wartortle could use the exercise," Robert agrees with a hearty laugh. "Meet me out back on my lunch break at noon. We'll have ourselves a good skirmish!" Shane thanks him enthusiastically and heads off to pass the time with some light mental exercises with Ozzy until their scheduled match.
At five minutes to noon, Shane and Ozzy hurry back to Robert's workplace, eager for their first battle together against the sturdy Wartortle. Robert is already waiting in the back lot, a makeshift battlefield chalked out and ready on the pavement.
"You two look raring and ready! Now, don't go expecting to best us this time. We need a good challenge to stay sharp!" Robert declares as Wartortle steps forward, already poised for combat.
Shane can feel Ozzy's burning excitement through their bond. "Just focus on doing your best and having fun," he reminds his partner. Ozzy trills in acknowledgement, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Shane braces himself as Robert makes the first move. "Wartortle, start with a Water Pulse!" Robert commands. Wartortle whips his tail, sending a pulsating ring of water hurtling towards Ozzy.
"Dodge and counter with Peck!" Shane calls out. Ozzy narrowly Teleports away from the blast and reappears behind Wartortle, jabbing him with his glowing beak before the turtle can react.
Wartortle withdraws into his shell after the hit. "Now, Withdraw and follow up with Rapid Spin!" Robert orders. Wartortle emerges and starts spinning rapidly towards Ozzy.
"Confusion, let's go!" Shane counters. Ozzy's eyes glow blue as he assaults Wartortle with psychic energy, slowing the Rapid Spin. But the attack still strikes, knocking Ozzy back.
"Tackle, keep it up!" Robert yells. Wartortle charges forward, slamming his body into Ozzy again before the Natu can recover.
"Hang in there and use Teleport!" Shane calls out. Ozzy vanishes and reappears across the makeshift battlefield, chirping defiantly despite his bruises.
"Bite, get him while he's weakened!" Robert commands. Wartortle lunges with jaws open wide.
"Teleport, now!" Shane warns. Ozzy narrowly avoids the Bite by warping away again, leaving Wartortle snapping at empty air.
The battle rages on, both sides trading blows and evasions. Ozzy's Teleport and Confusion provide an edge, but Wartortle's stamina keeps him in the fight.
Robert orders a Rain Dance, and soon heavy drops begin to fall, empowering Wartortle's attacks. "Aqua Tail!" he shouts over the downpour.
Wartortle swings a brutal tail like a raging wave towards Ozzy. "Dodge it quick!" Shane cries out desperately. But the Aqua Tail clips him, sending the weary Natu tumbling beak over talons.
Robert congratulates Wartortle on the hard-fought victory as the rain peters out. Shane rushes to check on Ozzy, who is battered but conscious, chirping his disappointment.
After refreshing Ozzy with a Potion to restore some strength, Shane approaches Robert. "Thank you for an excellent match, Robert. It's hard to believe you and Wartortle can battle so skillfully when we've only been around pokemon for about 10 days now."
Robert nods understandingly. "Aye, we may be new to living among pokemon, but we're quick studies! Most of our experience comes from practice matches here at the docks over the past week and change."
He gestures out towards the harbor where several ships are moored. "Turns out you can learn a lot about battling just from sparring during breaks. The crews here helped teach us the ropes and strategies."
Robert smiles down at Wartortle. "We've tried to absorb as much wisdom as we could every day from those more experienced than us. I know we still have far to go on this journey."
He turns back to Shane with an encouraging glint in his eye. "But you and Ozzy are naturals at this! Trust me lad, with diligent training you'll be defeating us old salts before long."
After their intense battle, Shane and Robert settle onto some cargo crates to rest their weary legs. As Ozzy and Wartortle lounge in a sunny patch nearby, regenerating their energy, Shane decides to open up to Robert about the vivid dream that has been plaguing him.
"So, I had this really intense vision the other night..." Shane begins slowly.
He goes on to describe in detail the three destructive golems from the dream—the cryptic rock, ice, and steel figures that seemed bent on decimating the unfamiliar region.
Shane recounts how real it felt, as if he were witnessing imminent events rather than just dreaming. He explains Ozzy's apparent understanding upon waking, mimicking parts of the dream.
"I can't seem to shake this nagging feeling that it was some kind of omen, rather than just a normal dream," Shane admits. "The way Ozzy reacted...it's like he knew what I had seen and was trying to warn me."
Robert listens thoughtfully, his bushy eyebrows drawn together and chin resting in his hand as Shane unburdens himself. When Shane finishes recounting the intensely vivid vision, Robert lets out a contemplative sigh and strokes his beard.
"Hmm, can't say I've ever heard tell of ancient golems like the ones you describe, lad," he rumbles. "But dreams can be powerful, mysterious things."
Robert's eyes take on a introspective glint. "My pap used to say that dreams are the mind's way of sorting through worries and thoughts that get pushed aside during the busyness of day. They let the subconscious speak."
"While sometimes dreams may show us truth or give warning, more often they reflect our innermost hopes and fears - things dwelling deep within."
Robert places a sturdy, reassuring hand on Shane's shoulder. "You been through a great tragedy, Shane. It's only natural for those feelings and fears to bubble up from the depths when your mind is at rest. This vision may be less an omen, and more your mind grappling with grief and worry."
Shane feels his shoulders relax slightly as Robert's words resonate within him. His friend's comforting perspective helps put the ominous dream into better context.
"I know it can't have been easy, having your whole world ripped away so suddenly," Robert continues, his gravelly voice gentle. "Anyone would be shaken to their core by that. But remember you're not alone in this, lad. Don't let the sorrow drag you into dark places. Stay anchored here in the present, focused on the path ahead."
Robert gives Shane's shoulder one more bolstering squeeze. Though still somewhat unsettled by the dream, Shane does feel heartened by his friend's wisdom and reassurance. While he can't completely dismiss the vision yet as he knows it showed him real pokemon that he did not know of before, it no longer feels so oppressively bleak.