"If only it were that simple."
As the captain, I am indeed qualified to send a distress signal, but the problem now is that we only have information about a potential pirate attack—we don't know their exact numbers or the time they plan to strike.
In addition, while the S.S. Anne has encountered pirate raids in recent years, it has always successfully defended itself. Because of this, the Pokémon League has full confidence in the ship's security measures.
"Under these circumstances, the League can't send a large number of officers to assist us. Our current location is in the middle of the Johto and Hoenn regions. Even if the League were to mobilize forces, it would take too long for them to reach us. If the pirates don't attack, then the League will hold us accountable for mobilizing resources unnecessarily."
Captain Bill's expression grew even more helpless as he spoke.
"The biggest issue is the number of passengers on board—many of them are influential individuals. If a panic breaks out, it could have serious repercussions on this voyage. There are too many factors at play."
Ma En remained silent as he listened to Bill's explanation. To put it bluntly, the captain was more concerned about maintaining the S.S. Anne's reputation. If an incident caused panic among the passengers, it would damage the ship's credibility and, ultimately, its financial success. After all, the revenue generated by the S.S. Anne was a massive sum every year.
Shaking his head, Ma En left the captain's quarters. He had delivered his warning—what happened next was out of his hands. He could only wait and see how things unfolded.
Ma En had a strong feeling that this pirate attack would be anything but simple. If it were just some small-time bandits, it wouldn't be too concerning. However, after looking into the Blood Hand Pirates following the news, he knew they weren't just some ordinary gang. This crew had been terrorizing the seas for nearly a decade without being caught by the League. If they had the audacity to target the S.S. Anne, they must have come prepared.
But Ma En had no intention of sitting idly by. He left a message for his grandmother, Agatha of the Elite Four, and then returned to his cabin, preparing himself for battle.
---
Far from the S.S. Anne, several pirate ships drifted in the darkness, their lights extinguished as they silently followed the massive cruise liner.
Red Hand Jack stood on the deck of his lead ship, his greedy eyes fixed on the distant S.S. Anne.
"Boss, we lost contact with the spies we had planted on the ship half an hour ago. It's likely they were caught by the ship's security team."
The first mate approached Jack, his voice laced with urgency.
Jack frowned at this report, but after a moment, he let out a raspy chuckle.
"So the crew isn't as soft as I thought. I figured they'd grown complacent over the years. But it doesn't matter. We've already secured the list of our targets. Get the crew ready—we're moving in. Some of the people on that ship are already getting suspicious."
"Yes, Captain!" The first mate saluted sharply before barking orders to the rest of the crew.
The pirates had been waiting for this moment. The moment the order was given, they sprang into action, assembling on the deck in less than two minutes. Their eyes gleamed with excitement as they turned toward their captain.
Jack faced his crew, a wicked grin stretching across his face.
"Listen up! Today's our chance to hit the jackpot. Once we take the S.S. Anne, we'll be living the good life! Each squad captain will distribute your targets. Now—full speed ahead! Target: S.S. Anne!"
"Yes, Captain!"
As the pirates roared in excitement, Jack turned back toward the sea, flipping through the list of targets. Among the names and photos, one in particular stood out—Ma En.
---
Back in his cabin, Ma En ensured his Poké Balls were within easy reach. His Gengar remained hidden in his shadow, staying on high alert. He stood in front of the French windows, gazing out at the darkened sea.
The ocean appeared calm, but Ma En knew better. This was merely the calm before the storm.
With his warning and the capture of three pirate spies, Captain Bill had ordered increased security. The watchtower was now manned, scanning the surrounding waters for any signs of trouble.
It didn't take long for the Blood Hand Pirates' ships to be spotted. The moment their vessels came into range, the watchmen immediately sounded the alarm.
A sharp siren blared across the S.S. Anne, sending an instant wave of tension through the ship. Captain Bill's voice rang out over the loudspeakers.
"Attention all passengers! Please return to your rooms immediately. Do not panic. Our security team is handling the situation. The S.S. Anne's crew will ensure your safety."
Despite the announcement, chaos erupted as passengers shoved and scrambled back to their rooms.
On the deck, Captain Bill and his sailors had already taken their positions, preparing for battle.
As the pirates' ships closed in, grappling hooks were thrown up, latching onto the ship's railings. The pirates began their ascent, climbing up the ropes with practiced ease.
Bill wasted no time. "Destroy those hooks!"
The sailors and their Pokémon launched attacks to cut the grappling lines before the pirates could board.
But just as the first wave of attacks was unleashed, two Poké Balls suddenly dropped from above. A Feraligatr and a Sharpedo emerged onto the deck, their imposing forms radiating strength—they were at gym-leader level.
"Feraligatr, Blizzard!"
"Sharpedo, Hail!"
Jack, perched atop his Fearow high above, barked his commands. The Pokémon wasted no time, summoning a frigid storm that swept across the deck.
Bill reacted swiftly, releasing his own Pokémon—a gym-level Swampert.
"Swampert, Icy Wind! Block it!"
Swampert inhaled deeply before exhaling a freezing gust, countering the incoming Blizzard and Hail.
Despite the counterattack, Bill's expression darkened. He understood Jack's real intention. The pirate captain wasn't trying to overpower them—he was stalling for time.
And his plan was working.
As the battle raged between the Pokémon, the pirates had already scaled the ropes, landing on the deck with sinister grins.
The real fight was just beginning.
---------------
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