At five in the afternoon, John boarded the Breaking Waves, a luxury cruise ship docked along the pristine coastline of Slateport City. The crisp ocean breeze carried with it the promise of an unforgettable journey, but as John stepped aboard, his mind wasn't entirely at ease.
"Am I really going to disappear for two months?" he muttered under his breath. The ship's itinerary wasn't entirely clear, and the thought of vanishing from his everyday life for that long made him uneasy. He quickly disembarked, pulled out his phone, and typed a carefully worded message to Daisy, explaining his need for an extended leave. Setting the message to send automatically the next day, he sighed in relief. If the ship's journey truly took months, at least his affairs in the real world would be covered.
After recalling all his Pokemon into their Pokeballs and ensuring everything was in order, John reboarded the Breaking Waves. His first impression was that of awe. What he had initially assumed to be a simple transport vessel was, in fact, a magnificent six-deck cruise ship. The ship boasted a sprawling cafeteria, a recreation center with everything from billiards to a fitness room, and even a top-deck pool flanked by fishing stations. The atmosphere buzzed with life. Guests dressed in elegant attire mingled on deck, some enjoying drinks, while others lounged poolside in swimsuits. Anglers eagerly cast their lines, hoping to reel in something impressive from the deep blue waters.
John leaned against the railing, observing the vibrant scene. "If I could vacation in real life... maybe it wouldn't be so bad," he mused. He made his way to the cafeteria, where the day's main event—a wedding—was about to begin. The space was lavishly decorated, the air thick with the scent of gourmet dishes being served to the arriving guests. Waiters in sharp uniforms weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of wine and hors d'oeuvres.
John found a quiet corner to enjoy the food, letting the atmosphere wash over him. That's when a familiar voice called out, "John?"
Turning toward the voice, he was greeted by the sight of a young man with green hair, dressed sharply in a white suit. It was Wally, a budding Pokemon Trainer John had met during his travels. Wally, despite his frail health, had shown great determination in pursuing his dream of becoming a Trainer.
"Wally! What are you doing here?" John asked, genuinely surprised.
"It's my cousin's wedding," Wally replied, grinning. "But I should be asking you that question."
John chuckled. "I'm... a mutual friend of both the bride and groom, I guess."
Their conversation quickly turned to Wally's adventures. He recounted his recent gym battles, the challenges he faced, and the Pokemon he had encountered. John listened with polite interest, occasionally nodding and offering a comment, all while helping himself to the endless buffet. The food was incredible—not only flavorful but also strangely satisfying without leaving him feeling overly full.
Soon, the wedding ceremony began. All eyes turned to the towering figure of Zack and the petite, delicate Aman as they stood hand-in-hand on stage. The couple exchanged vows, rings, and a heartfelt kiss under a canopy of flowers. Despite their contrasting appearances—Zack's broad, muscular build next to Aman's small frame—the love between them was palpable.
John learned through murmured conversations that Zack owned the largest construction company in the Hoenn Region, responsible for major projects like the Rusturf Tunnel. The simplicity of the ceremony was refreshing to John, with minimal pomp and just the essentials—a celebration of love among family and friends.
As the newlyweds descended from the stage, the festivities took a competitive turn. Instead of traditional post-wedding entertainment, a Pokemon battle tournament was announced. Trainers from the audience were invited to participate, with the only restrictions being the use of moves that could damage the ship, such as Surf or Earthquake.
"Let's join the tournament, John!" Wally said enthusiastically, tugging at his arm.
John hesitated. Most of the attendees were hobbyists with Pokemon barely reaching LV 40. Battling them felt like a waste of time. "I don't know, Wally. This feels more like a casual thing for fun."
"Come on! The winner gets a special reward from my cousin and her husband," Wally insisted, his eyes sparkling with determination.
After a moment's thought, John relented. "Fine. But don't blame me if I knock you out of the competition."
The tournament grounds quickly became the center of attention, buzzing with excitement as trainers lined up to compete. Despite the lighthearted nature of the battles, the crowd cheered enthusiastically, enjoying the spectacle. John and Wally's skills, however, quickly outclassed the rest. Their commanding presence and polished strategies earned them a steady stream of victories, leaving little doubt that the final round would be between them.
As John prepared for his match against Wally, he smirked to himself. "Time to teach this kid a lesson."
Wally, standing on the opposite side of the field, grinned back. "Don't hold back, John! I'm ready for you."
The crowd roared as the two trainers released their Pokemon, the battle promising to be the highlight of the evening.