Stranded in Petalburg

Chapter 2: Petalburg's Stormy Welcome

Chapter 2: Petalburg's Stormy Welcome

The heavy downpour continued to patter down on the city of Petalburg, the rainfall proving resilient, having persisted for hours. The heavy storm produced a loud and chaotic environment outside as the water came bucketing down upon every unprotected surface. The scent of petrichor filled the air, but along with it, the scent of chaotic, turbulent downpour. Not a single soul was outdoors on this gloomy night, most rather opting to stay indoors, secured by their snug covers and serene homes. Not a single soul in their right mind would ever be outside on a day like this.

Not a single soul except for one raven-haired trainer and his loyal Pokemon.

Now wandering the wet, lamplit streets of Petalburg City, Ash Ketchum and his loyal companion, Pikachu searched for a place to find solace. It had only been a short time before they were kicked out of the Petalburg City Airport, and the duo solemnly began their trek through the lifeless urban jungle the city was proving to be. It was midnight, and one could imagine a bright moon shining upon the city, had it not been for the dark, gray clouds and endless rain that took its place. At this time, it looked like not a single place was open.

I mean, who in their right mind would be in this weather?

At this point, Ash was soaking wet, his hood not proving to be of much assistance in keeping him dry. Pikachu, who was snuggled up inside Ash's hood, was now soaked as well, and the duo began shivering in the cold and heavy rain. Every step he took left a splashing sound that mingled with the sound of rain hitting the surface of the street. Where would he stay for the night?

"We've really got to find somewhere to go soon, Pikachu.." Ash uttered through chattering teeth.

"Pikaaa pi.." responded Pikachu as he continued to search for warmth in Ash's jacket.

Ash had now covered a few blocks, and there still appeared to be no signs of life. All that accompanied him were the luminescent glow of the evenly spaced street lamps that he walked by, and the highlights of rain falling through their light.

Why did things have to be this way for him? This series of unfortunate events only seemed to keep getting worse with each step, as if every corner he turned was just one more thing waiting to punch him in the face. He thought back to the question lingering on his mind, what was he gonna do in Petalburg City for a whole week? Ash felt a sense of anguish as he wondered if there'd be any place to stay at all. What if every night ended up like this one?

Anxiety took the reins of Ash's mind, and yet, he still pushed onward.

The rain seemed to pour harder with every step Ash took on the water coated sidewalk. To his sides, he could see building after building passing by, all closed and turned in for the night. Up ahead, this theme seemed to go on for as far as the eye could see. Ash felt a breeze of wind hit him like a truck. Man, was he cold. His jacket was not meant for heavy rain like this.

Ash shook his head as he walked another street with no promise of shelter. He looked up into the dark, gray, and cloudy sky with the rain that came down with it. Ash opened his mouth as if to yell, but no sound came out. He felt droplets of rainwater patter against his tongue, his taste buds signaled a sense of distress coming from the earthy elixir taste of the rain.

Ash turned his gaze back down, and continued his search for refuge. He turned another street corner.

From afar, Ash could see the head of a building, the words on the side appearing to read, 'Hotel." Ash quickly held onto Pikachu and began running in the direction of the tall building. He ran as fast as he could go, not wishing to spend another second in the cold rain. A loud thud was produced with each sprinting step that made contact with the rough concrete sidewalk. Ash turned the corner of a street and could now see the entrance of the hotel. The lights were on, and the warm glow that emanated from the entrance put Ash's mind at ease. Finally, a safe haven from the storm.