The seventh day of survival on the deserted island. Heavy rain.
Cough, cough… cough cough!
Reiji was jolted awake by rainwater flooding under the tree and entering his mouth. If not for that choking reflex, he might have drowned in his sleep where the rising water had pooled at the tree's roots.
He hadn't been struck by lightning. He hadn't been crushed by a falling tree. Instead, he'd almost died from something he hadn't even considered—being drowned by rain.
The downpour had lasted all night and into the next day, and the rainwater had risen high enough to completely flood the spot where he'd been sleeping.
Last night, he had been woken up multiple times from the cold. A night without a fire was pure torment. Each time he closed his eyes, he feared he wouldn't wake up again.
But now the sky had lightened. Though still overcast and grey, he had survived the most grueling night yet.
Today's rain and wind were much lighter. The thunder had also eased off—only a few distant rumbles now and then. Tolerable.
A light rain could lull you to sleep. A heavy one was pure torment. Reiji was amazed he'd managed to sleep through any of it.
But with the rain still falling, there wasn't much he could do—except finally let Poliwag out.
He had kept Poliwag's Poké Ball close to his chest all night. It was warm from his body heat, comforting to the touch.
Pop!
The ball opened. Poliwag, having avoided the worst of the storm, emerged to find the gloomy, rain-filled sky—and Reiji's pale face, lips drained of color, still managing a gentle smile.
"Poli… poli!" Poliwag cried out and leapt straight into Reiji's chest.
While it had been safely tucked inside the Poké Ball, Poliwag couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of night Reiji had endured. The sounds of thunder and relentless rain had made it tremble in fear.
But inside the ball, cradled against Reiji's chest, it had felt Reiji's body warmth. It had slept peacefully.
But Reiji's body had been trembling.
"Poli? Poli?" Poliwag cried out, sensing the shivers passing through Reiji's touch. It was worried about his condition.
"I-I'm fine…" Reiji smiled and hugged the little one close. It was a forced smile. His hand trembled as he reached to pet Poliwag.
Seeing Reiji move so slowly, Poliwag leaned forward like a kitten, gently pressing its head against his cold hand.
The Reiji from before had seemed so unfamiliar. Poliwag had been scared he might abandon it. But now it understood—Reiji had been trying to protect it. The urgency, the wind, the downpour… it hadn't been anger—it had been desperation.
Grrrgle…
Grrrgle…
Just then, both of their stomachs growled loudly from hunger.
It was still raining. Reiji had been soaked, frozen, and battered by the storm all night long. He didn't have the strength to go look for food.
But for Poliwag, whose ability was Swift Swim, rainy weather was actually an advantage. It was practically invigorating.
"Poliwag, let's wait until the rain lets up a bit before we go looking for food," Reiji said, pulling his shaking hand back into his chest for warmth after stroking Poliwag's head.
"Poli… poli," Poliwag nodded, agreeing with the plan. Then it turned to look out at the curtain of rain, sitting quietly beside Reiji to wait for the weather to improve.
Reiji didn't even know what time it was anymore. How long the rain had been falling—he couldn't tell.
He dozed off several times while waiting, and was jolted awake just as many by the cold. Only when the sky finally darkened again did the rain show signs of easing up.
Then Reiji said to Poliwag, "Poliwag, the rain's lighter now. Let's go find something to eat."
"Poli?" Poliwag looked back, confused, as Reiji's cold hand gently nudged it forward. He pointed to the sea, then to Poliwag's belly—finally understanding what Reiji meant.
Encouraged, Poliwag stepped into the rain, but looked back worriedly and called out, "Poli… poli!"
"I'll be there soon… just need to untie this rope," Reiji smiled as he began untying himself.
But as soon as he stood up, everything went black. He had to sit down again—his body too weak from hunger and cold.
He hadn't eaten since the morning before. The only thing keeping him going had been that one bottle of cooled boiled water.
Last night's rain had left his limbs stiff and frozen. His legs didn't even feel like his own.
He was lucky this island was in a tropical zone. If it had been arctic, he would have died dozens of times over.
Even so, tropical nights still dipped to the teens in Celsius. And all he had were shorts and a t-shirt from before he arrived. His only protection had been some scraps of cloth and waterproof plastic.
He had no choice now. No strength left to stand. Poliwag, having stepped into the rain, noticed he hadn't followed and quickly rushed back.
"Poli! Poli!" it cried out in concern.
"What is it?" Reiji couldn't understand what Poliwag was trying to say.
He tried again to stand, pushing off with his hands—but Poliwag stepped on his hand, stopping him.
"You mean… you want to go by yourself?" Reiji asked.
"Poli." Poliwag nodded.
"If you understand me, nod," Reiji said with a helpless smile, waving his hand weakly to dismiss the little one. "Go on. Be careful, and come back soon…"
"Poli poli," Poliwag responded and turned back into the rain.
Every few steps, it looked back, afraid Reiji would get up again.
Only when Reiji was no longer in sight did it finally disappear fully into the rain.
Reiji didn't say anything about Poliwag's adorable behavior. He just gave a weary smile and leaned back against the tree to wait for its return.
Time passed. The longer Poliwag was gone, the more worried he became.
Sure, rain gave Poliwag an advantage, and most predators avoided hunting in bad weather—excluding sea-dwelling Pokémon.
But the worry lingered. The rain had grown heavier again, and the sky was darkening. What if something happened to Poliwag? What if it was attacked by a wild Pokémon again? The incident with Pidgey was still fresh in his memory.
He had almost lost Poliwag yesterday. He couldn't bear to lose it again today.
The more he thought, the more anxious he became. Gritting his teeth, Reiji once again struggled to lift himself, slowly stepping forward—into the rain.
(End of Chapter)
[+50 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]