Music in media: Where The Sea Sleeps by DAY6 (Even of Day)

Spring wakes to an ode of turbulence. The plum blossoms have arrived, always earlier than the cherry blossoms, flaking the skies and nature with all shades of pink and a sweet and sour scent. But now's not the time for that... Right?

"And why is my role watching the flowers?" Kaspar's brow cave in and heat crackles in his eyes, or maybe it's just the reflection of Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire.

"Matsuba needs to guide his Pokémon, Hayato needs to help out with the Flying-types, Kyo's with me, your Pokémon can manage on their own, and in this chaos, no one is lax enough to appreciate the plum blossoms. But we trust you'll enjoy yourself for our sake."

Meta always has a way of aggravating Kaspar, which makes me wonder if they were sworn enemies in their past lives. How else do they butt heads even in a flood?

"Whatever. I'm the Tactician, not you."

"That's the point," Meta says. "The trees are at higher ground and you'll be with your fellow neighbours and some other visitors. You get a good vantage point and can warn us of anything."

"Do I look like an Absol to you?" Nevertheless, Kaspar struts his ass and leads the pack of non-trainers away from the waters to the rising ground leading to the bundle of plum trees and the slower-blooming cherry trees.

Once the issue is resolved (somewhat) Meta turns to me. I look away, focusing instead on the band of passionate trainers and Pokémon trying to shoo the water away as if it were a herd of Mareep. At least it's isn't a herd of Mareep, or we'll be electrocuted on the spot. Matsuba, Hayato, a few trainers and even Professor Elm from the neighbouring Wakaba Town rushes over to help with Cyndaquil, Totodile and Chikorita in tow. The Wakaba-born Champion Crystal who just happens to be home joins in and has her Mr. Mime set up a Barrier tracing the coastline, cutting the flood short. The Champion is indeed the Champion for a reason.

"But it's a temporary measure," I observe. "Meta, is there a way to stop the sea levels from rising?"

"I don't think it will stop anytime soon," Meta says, his voice a little hoarse and I steal a glimpse at the waters. Clouding the horizon is a happy group of Wailord leaping in and out of the sea. They aren't heading towards the land, but the sea level changes significantly with their motions.

"Is it possible to teleport them somewhere?" While the idea seems plausible, I also want to avoid beached Wailord along the coast out of sympathy for the Pokémon who simply have no idea of our ongoing ordeal.

"We can catch them with Poké Balls," he suggests.

Glass shatters somewhere as water gushes into a house.

"Then let's get to sea," I mumble, my heart vibrating with excitement and fear, a hot and cold sensation exchanging places every heartbeat.

Meta envelops me with his slimy body, prompts me to close my eyes, then a force propels me through the waist-deep waters with unpredictable strength. At one point in our straight-line journey, we pass through what feels like a mushy membrane with a tiny jolt zipping through my veins, and Meta dissolves, freeing me back into reality. The water has gone to my chest in just a few seconds, all thanks to the Barrier.

In a quick Transformation, the Ditto spreads itself out and grows a neck with two handles, kind of like a scooter with a ridiculously large base, minus the wheels.

"Get onto me!"

I don't need him telling me twice and roll myself onto Meta, reaching for the handles once I land on his body.

My phone rings and I pick it up.

"What the bloody fuck are you up to?" Kaspar's voice slaps my ear.

"Something," I mutter and hang up, transferring my attention to the incoming riptide, barely riding it out with Meta's support.

A cool gust roars against our bodies as we zoom towards the Wailord pod Bouncing on the sea surface, though it strengthens the further we go. It's almost as if we're being repelled from the pod.

"It's Noble Roar!" I squint as we inch closer to the full moon occasionally obscured by the seven Wailord.

"It's going to take a while to get through to them," Meta says. "They have the Oblivious ability!"

"You're friggin' kidding me!" I tighten my grip on the handles and cut waves, but we are still not making progress. With the massive waves generated by the pod, Meta and I are stuck maintaining our spot before another cold wave arrives. Gritting my teeth, I dial Kaspar's number.

"Something," he snickers the moment the ringtone dies down.

Training my eyes on the Wailord, adjusting our position with one hand on the handle, I press my phone onto my ear. "How's the situation on land?"

"Things are moving pretty slowly even with the Barrier. It seems like Mymee's Barrier reaches a limited depth, so it can only slow down but not totally prevent the water from coming in. Reaver's using Suction Cups to hold the water back, but it's not enough. Rach's in the midst of weaving an underwater wall. But why did you call?"

I suck in a chilly breath. "We're trying to stop a Wailord pod from Bouncing and exacerbating the flood, but they're preventing us from getting closer with Noble Roar."

Kaspar snaps his fingers on the other end. "Can Meta get a Soundproof ability?"

I convey his question to Meta and give him thanks before pocketing my phone.

"I can try." Meta's eyes twinkle and the invisible force subsides. "Let's go, Kyo."

I open my bag to retrieve some spare Poké Balls and ready myself as we approach the Wailord. I have only seven Poké Balls, meaning I have only one chance each. With such large Pokémon, I should be fine, I hope.

Just as I bend my elbow, Meta voices out, "Wait! Have you not played Pokémon GO? You got to throw berries first."

Whatever the fuck is Pokémon GO? Is that a new kind of chess game? Still, I reach for the Razz Berries in my bag. The pod is truly Oblivious to our presence, which also makes our encroachment an uphill task. Yet, if one of their own is captured into a Poké Ball, it could ring some alarms in their heads and cause Frustration within the survivors of the pod.

"I just throw one at them?" I raise my brow at the Wailord.

"They have to open their mouths," says Meta.

"That's impossible," I tell him as my gaze travels upward and pauses. "I have a good idea."

"Your ideas always suck."

"You suck."

Taking a risk, I zip towards the nearest Wailord and toss a Razz Berry as if I were shooting hoops from the three point line and watch it fall into the spout cleanly. Hearts form in its eyes. I take it as a sign and throw my first Poké Ball. The Wailord doesn't struggle and converts into red energy before being absorbed into the ball now floating precariously on the waters. One. Two. Three. Nothing happens. It's a success.

The other Wailord seem not to notice one of their ilk disappearing so I give Meta a thumbs up and grab the Poké Ball. Whatever this Pokémon GO thing is, it must be easier than challenging the Indigo League.

After three more successful captures, I think I'm the next big Greninja or Inteleon, blending in and adapting to the wild waters, exuding a formidable and magnetic aura I never possessed. The fifth capture makes the pod look more like a pair, as if the third-wheeler is gone at last and they can smooch each other.

It almost happens when my phone vibrates from a notification. Meta says that he can't keep up the Soundproof abilty and needs to rest a little while I turn on my phone, accidentally enabling text to speech in the process because guess who is too lazy to squint and read words on an oblong screen?

A robotic female voice flares to life, reading every syllable and punctuation mark with precision and lack of ill will, which wouldn't seem to be the case should the Wailord play audience and judge my situation. "Twatter user @oraster's twat is trending! He says 'Team Magma and Aqua are the only ones who bring out the best in their legendaries i.e. childishness. Salute to Archie and Maxie!'" I turn off the text to speech function and glance upwards. A pronged tail almost smashes into me before Meta swerves us away, saltwater splashing over us in a volume no different from if the Wailord had used Water Spout.

"Our cover's blown!" Meta goes round in circles to a dizzying degree. Then, he stops out of giddiness. "Just catch them, Kyo!"

With agitation steaming from their spout in the form of foamed geysers, there's no way I can just gift a Razz Berry and call it a day.

"It's too difficult!'

"Have some confidence! You've been doing great!"

"Great doesn't mean excellent!"

"Do you have Nanab Berries? That will help!"

"Why are you shouting?" I rummage my bag and spot something pink and long as Meta argues that I started shouting first. I actually have Nanab Berries in my bag? What do I have next? Master Balls? Without hesitation, I hurl the berries at both Wailord, hoping to halt their Bouncing before I capsize and drown and turn into Gyarados fodder.

The berries smack their skin and crash into the sea, but it's working bit by bit as I draw their attention towards a new food source. As if magic's infused in my touch, they bite the berries and begin to lower their guard, evident from the declaration in their movements and the shutting of their eyelids.

"Now," I whisper and throw the Poké Balls.

A second passes and both Poké Balls shake once. Then twice.

And one final time.

Mission: "Capture The Wailord Pod" accomplished!

But it comes at a price.

Meta's body becomes irregular and the handle melts into the base of the transportation, and we're now stranded at sea, far from shore, a helpless human and a fatigued Ditto.

"You did great," I mumble, lying down to spread out the surface area and reduce pressure.

"You too," replies Meta. "I've never seen you this happy."

If happiness is the same as relief, then I guess the faint smile on my face is but an understatement of the season.

"You must be happier. You were a big help."

I catch my breath as the breeze takes us under its wing, lulling us into a state of stasis in the choppy waves. The full moon glows tranquilly. The scenery will look better should there be an island with plum blossoms in front of us, coming between the moon and us, and the Petal Blizzard that ensues will be most calming and pleasant.

I text Matsuba our situation and receive a voice message that help is on the way. Why Matsuba? His number is the easier to remember, and I always bathe in this unsaid comfort around him. It just feels right than incurring Kaspar's wrath or Hayato's worry. That's not to say that Matsuba wouldn't experience both emotions and more, but he has Mismagius by his side to manage his feelings, so that's a real bonus.

I collect the Poké Balls and stare skyward, the dusky, starlit canopy like a blanket under which the ocean slumbers. This place we linger is where the sea sleeps, and we, too, are guests of a sweet dream to come, the gentle beckoning bringing a sense of security, a sense of peace. Even if I were to be alone here, I don't think I will ever feel lonely with this many stars to keep me company.

Meta closes his eyes first. I follow. Then, something long and wet wraps around us like a tow truck in the middle of an ocean ornamented by nightly wonders, a magical existence pulling us towards safety, away from turbulence, towards order and peace. I crack my eyelids open.

There, lying on the light blue back of a Surfing Pokémon, hair covered by purple seaweed or something of the like, is Enoki Matsuba with an outstretched hand and tender gaze.

"We are safe now," he says as his fingers entwine mine, a brief grin on his face to distract me from the sweat on his brows. Or is it we are saved now? It doesn't matter whether we're the saviours or the survivors anyway.

Gradually, I register the blurry figure to have a crystalline appearance and a stoic look shrouded in majesty. Suicune. On nearing Yoshino, I also register the shapes of Entei and Raikou, the latter carrying a snoring Celebi on zir back.

It's an act of reciprocity, most likely, because we, or Meta, restored the Burned Tower to its previous state, quite like rebuilding their home. So it is, that Entei, Raikou and Suicune, the roaming Legendaries of Johto, have come to our aid, defeating flood and fatigue, according to Matsuba, using their sacred moves. Or maybe, they know that Ho-Oh is recording everything as usual, out of sheer habit, and doesn't want to miss out on being on television anymore.

The Barrier is down when we reach the coast and Crystal bids farewell to everyone. I can't if Mymee is miming or waving goodbye.

I roll down Meta's body and wobble onto my two feet, Matsuba's grip supporting me and lending me equilibrium. When my heart's settled down and my knees lock themselves, I drag Meta to the local Pokémon Centre. He's attended by three Chansey and seems to be partially conscious as he smiles once the Chansey use Heal Pulse on him, their hands nearly touching his misshapen body. Nurse Joy thanks me and promises Meta will be back in shape soon.

Matsuba leaves to get two cups of matcha and some tricoloured dango. Almost immediately, a hand clasps my shoulder, but it's not him.

An orange-haired teen plops onto the cushioned seat beside me, as if he, too, is waiting for someone or something, or he just wants to fulfil that fantasy because we're in the waiting room.

"Kyo," he calls me by my name in a soft voice. "I always knew you were exceptional the moment I set eyes on you."

I blink back hot tears. They just appear out of nowhere, tormenting my appearance, adding to the volume of water my skin has absorbed.

He drapes a towel over me, something Matsuba has forgotten, and smiles.

"You didn't have to use Substitute like this."

"This isn't a clone. This is me in a human suit," Ho-Oh says and I hold back a bitter laugh. "Don't mock me, Kyo. You should be ashamed for suppressing joy like that."

"It's disrespectful to laugh."

"You don't have to be so formal around me." Ho-Oh, or Sky, or whoever zie wants to be at this moment, whips out his phone. "You're trending again. Show Me Your Smile is trending again."

Snatches of ambivalence strike at me as I take in zir words. While it is enjoyable to receive attention from the public once again, a part of me grows anxious that odd rumours will resurface, though zie assures me the world knows me only as a hero and a significant figure in the bisexual community, to be someone unfettered by sexual orientation and identity, to be someone who can now live with his struggles and proudly claim his name as his own.

"Arigato," I say.

In my peripheral vision, Matsuba returns with the paper cups, with Hayato and Kaspar behind him.

"What the heck are you doing here, Sky?" Kaspar slaps the Pokémon's disguise. "Just be yourself."

"Don't assume I'm not myself." Ho-Oh slaps him harder on the cheek, causing him to wince. Who needs Sacred Fire when you can experience Sacred Slap, right?

Hayato leans against the wall. "Meta's still in the OR?"

I nod. "He must have overexerted himself."

"This better not turn into a Tenki no Ko situation." Kaspar sighs.

Well, we don't need any of that.

I shake my head, my eyes locked on the shut door of the operating room, the red light atop the door still powered on like a stubborn omen thinking itself a welcome visitor.

Where the sea sleeps, Meta and I have reached the resolution of our arcs. The only thing left is denouement. Back then, we did talk about authoring our stories. Is this his decision? But we're co-authors, so I can do something about his story, can't I? I can't lose hope just yet.

My phone rings and I answer the call.

A rushed voice hits me. "Are you okay? Is everyone fine? I... I saw the news."

I nod, even if Rae can't see me. "All's good. We're just waiting for Meta to get out of the OR."

"The healing machines were destroyed in the flood?" Rae's voice makes me miss her presence. At least, Unova is unaffected by the crisis. About that, I do hope Kyogre and Groudon have apologised to each other or done something productive, at least.

Then, Rae adds, "You don't have to act tough anymore. And I can take care of myself here."

I swallow my saliva. "How is it there?"

There's a short pause before Rae answers, "We have our issues too."

I guess Cheren must be a tough teacher. Maybe it just comes with being a Dexholder.

The light of the OR slips away.

"Take care," I say and hang up shortly after Rae returns the same words. She sure has matured more than I expected.

I stand and face Nurse Joy who's striding towards me with her hands held together in front of her chest.

"How's Meta?" My voice is slightly higher-pitched.

She manages a small smile. "He's healthy. Chansey will bring him out in a while."

"Is something the matter?" Kaspar asks.

Nurse Joy looks between us. Her chest heaves and her gaze wavers. Seeming to steel herself, as every Nurse Joy would when speaking to a patient's loved one, she says, "Meta may be in the clear, but he does need to work on his stamina." She scratches her chin. "It would be good if he goes to the gym again, under the two Machamp's guidance. It will keep him healthy. Still, he must not overwork himself. I found some burn marks that could've been from the Ivory Tower incident and removed them. I'm surprised he can last for months with the burns."

I wonder who he learned Facade from.

"I'll take note of that. Thank you, Nurse Joy."

Before she returns to her duties, she asks for our autographs, not forgetting to get Ho-Oh's messy scrawl. A while later, Meta emerges from the OR with a bright face.

"'Ello, ma doods! Whassup, izz moi, Meta!"

"Did he smoke a joint?" Kaspar nudges me and I shrug.

Meta goes towards him and raises a hand. Instead of whacking him, however, he pulls Kaspar into a tight embrace, resulting in a flinch from the boy.

"Didja enjoy de plum Bellossom?"

Kaspar blinks. "Yes?"

"Good," Meta says and leaps onto my shoulder. "Lez go. The sakura will bloom soon, so we must see the plum before then!" Turning to Kaspar, he sticks out a tongue. "Yur not invited."

Kaspar claws my neck. Excuse me? What bad aim you have, given that you have a Pokémon called Reaver, also known as the Sniper.

"You made me-"

"Hush, little angle." Meta puts a finger on Kaspar's lips. "Lez juz go already."

On this full moon night, Meta, Kaspar, Ho-Oh, Hayato, Matsuba and I watch the plum blossom and the petals dance in the soft moonlight, the other Legendary Pokémon and the people of and visiting Yoshino City sharing the moment with us in the backdrop.

Celebi takes out zir phone to snap a group picture and squeals at a notification. Speaking the human tongue, zie hollers to the moon, "Rayquaza is back! And guess what? Zie quelled the dispute by forcing the ABO system into cancel culture's wrath!"

Yeah, yeah, Rayquaza's the best. Thank you, next.

Lugia glances at Ho-Oh's get-up and opens a poll for the public to vote on what kind of inflatable human suit zie should get, preferably one that can upstage zir rival. Ho-Oh ignores Lugia's pettiness and sips zir hojicha.

I wish I could go on and on about the gossip among the Legendaries and all their shenanigans, but it's endless.

Endless, unlike our lives, unlike every moment we've lived, unlike every every moment we're alive.

Smiling, I look across the large group of exuberant people and Pokémon, faces lit up with laughter. Quietly, I reach into my bag and tiptoe to the shore.

I release the Wailord one at a time and watch them drift into the deeper corners of the sea, towards the moon. I release a deep breath.

And from this moment on, I release myself.