The wind was blowing, that peculiar day.
It wasnÆt that uncustomary, actually, but even as she stared at the cold, dark clouds, and the faint sunlight that barely passed through them, she couldnÆt help but notice it. The past few daysà they had been very depressing, if that weather was anything to go by. It hadnÆt changed at all.
ôI wonder when it is going to rain,ö she asked herself, as she looked over to the entrance of the tall building nearby. Usually, she would already be inside it, talking to her best friend, but nowà now, she realized, she was feeling very out of want to do anything.
The worst part seemed to be that this same feeling had been there for too longà the previous Gym battles she had, which she had lost every single time, had become routine, and even if she did not do like her fellow Gym Leader and cry outright after losing, she still had too many repressed tears. And every time he cameà thatÆs when she felt the worst.
ôHeÆs coming again, isnÆt he?ö she thought with a quiet voice, sadness returning to her. ôOnce moreà he never stops his visits, no matter what happens.ö
The sea looked fairly agitated, she noticed; the chances of a storm actually happening some time soon were fairly strong today. ôMaybe today will be the dayà Olivine has been suffering for so long without a good rain. Butàö
ôThinking out loud, Jasmine?ö a voice came from behind, stunning her. She didnÆt need to turn around to know who it wasà after all, that voice was one of the few things she had grown to dislike furiously, the past few years. That, and being the Gym Leaderà but he seemed to take priority, somehow.
ôMaybe I am,ö she replied, as calmly as she could muster. Yetà the footsteps coming closer, on the pierÆs stony floor, were different from usual. Something wasà different.
ôI seeà well, I wouldnÆt want to disturb you usually, seeing as how youÆre already distracted by anything else, but I happen to have good news for us.ö His responseà it was different. Now that she heard him moreà there was a distinct lack of distaste, and even if he was still making venomous comments, it wasà casual, maybe. Too casual.
ôànews? Forà us?ö she repeated, unsure of how to take this. Yet, it was a way of stalling it, as she turned towards the horizon, away from him.
ôYes, us. Very good news, actuallyàö The tone was full of negative excitement. It wasnÆt that badà but she realized it felt like every other time he had tried to do something about them. ôI will be promoted soon, and once I receive my first paycheck, IÆm thinking of buying a-ö
ôPromoted?ö she asked, uneasy. ôI didnÆt know there was a higher position than Champion.ö To that, he laughed, as if she had said some kind of funny jokeà a joke she definitely never said.
ôChampion? That is richà no, I have been working for my father, for a while now. DidnÆt I tell you about it?ö he explained, and she shook her head, without facing him.
ôNoà you hadnÆt,ö she confessed, as truthfully as she could. Actually, he had spent quite a time coming here to talk about himself, but she couldnÆt remember him ever going in details about a æjobÆ he had, and she had grown used to thinking of him as being still a Champion.
Even if he was the least probable candidate for such a roleà she had no idea what kind of profession his father could grant him.
ôAh, it makes senseà youÆre not too interested in the male world, anyway,ö he said, apparently a bit irritated. ôBut well, my father has this organization, and two years ago, I finally managed to join ità it took me some trouble, and you being the weakling of a Gym Leader that you are didnÆt help matters either, but thatÆs negligible.ö That comment hurtà she could admit to herself that she was not the best Gym Leader, but for him to rub it in her face like thatà ôEver since then, I did mainly gruntwork. Nothing too big, you know? Just went around, collecting money for himà but well, finally IÆm going to join the definitive big leagues, as they say.ö
As he finished, there was a short pause, as she seemed to be completely uninterested in him. In reality, she was watching the sea, noticing how there were a few lightning bolts on the very distance. It wouldnÆt take longà
ôàwould you mind turning around, while IÆm talking to you?ö he asked, partially restrained. Taking a deep sigh, she did so, as she didnÆt want to make him too angry.
His sight, however, was a surprise. The outfit he wore was a business suit, fitting the fourteen-year old rather perfectly, with a gray and crimson theme. The suit looked rather impeccable, while the six PokÚballs that adorned it lookedà different from usual, with a black top and bottom, as well as other symbols she did not recognize. His hair remained the same, though it was obviously more well-cared forà and yet, his eyes and smirk felt so familiar, so full of negative emotions, that she still felt the same dislike for him as she usually did, regardless of his attempts at wooing her.
ôSoà do you like it?ö he asked, spreading his arms and allowing her a clearer view of himself. While she did not appreciate it any more than she did before, there was something in his entire position that alluded to greatnessà a greatness that unnerved her.
ôIà donÆt know if I like it or not,ö she replied, looking away. ôI believe you wanted to say something, Jonathan?ö
He nodded. ôYeah, I do. As I was saying, I am planning in buying a house in this city, once I receive my first paycheckà one more property shouldnÆt be a problem, given how much money my father has. This will be for the best, I am sure of it.ö He chuckled, then. ôBesides, you need a better place to live at, since that dump of yours is just plain worthless. It doesnÆt even have enough space for you to live, much less-ö
ôIt is sufficient for me,ö she muttered, stopping him in the process. While he frowned for a moment, he soon returned to his previous stoic state.
ôWell, even so, my father is interested in meeting up with you. I suppose he wants to make an investment, or maybe just judge my fiancÚe, butàö
ôàæfiancÚeÆ?ö Jasmine repeated, feeling nervous. ôBut Iàö
ôWell, of course, thatÆs just what he says, since he already had planned a few meetings, but since weÆre both Gym Leaders, or at least IÆll be one in the futureàö Jonathan went on, ignoring her. The more he spoke, however, the more the negative feelings cameà
ôI donÆtàö
ôOf course, for that IÆll need to prove myself after completing a few more missions for him, since those bumbling idiots only brought one mess after another to him, even failing the Kanto operations; I donÆt understand why he didnÆt just fire them after the Saffron incident-ö
ôSaffron?ö she repeated, scandalized. He stopped in his ranting, only a bit fazed.
ôOh, right, I forgotà this is all going to be explained shortly after we marry, so donÆt worry much. In fact, IÆve already bought a-ö
Whatever he was going to say was interrupted shortly after, as he realized her horrified look. ôàwhatÆs wrong with you?! Any other girl would be jumping for joy at the idea of marrying a rich guy, you weirdo!ö
ôIà donÆt get it,ö she replied, exasperated. ôIÆve been harassed by you for months, youÆve belittled me, called me names, and insulted my PokÚmon, as well as all the choices IÆve doneà and yet, you think I even care for you?!ö
ôActually, the proper term is æloveÆ, but since itÆll be an arranged marriage, it wonÆt even be a problem; all youÆll have to do is spend your time at home cooking and cleaning while I work to earn money for us and spread your legs open once a month, and IÆll take care of the rest.ö That, by itself, sounded weird enough; the fact that he said it without even caring much about her reaction was too much for Jasmine.
ôD-donÆt you care about my own feelings?ö she stammered, nervously. ôI donÆt even have a say in all of this, according to you!ö
ôOf course you donÆt. You were raised to be the perfect wife, seeing as how youÆre submissive, weak, and unattractive enough. Why should I settle for anything less?ö Jonathan asked, his voice growing stronger. ôIn fact, why the hell are you arguing with me?! YouÆre just a weakling! YouÆre not supposed to be able to do that!ö
ôDonÆtà pleaseà stopàö she begged, tears nearly coming to her eyes, as a lightning bolt struck the sea closer to them. Jonathan just glared at her.
ôStop what?! YouÆre going to be my wife, and thatÆs final!ö he ordered, angrily. ôAnd donÆt you dare cry! I hate crying women!ö
ôIàö Jasmine gasped, before turning away. ôGet away from me!ö With that, she ran away, another bolt striking the water. Jonathan grunted.
ôWhy, you littleà come back here!ö he ordered her, but she refused to listen, running into the lighthouse and starting to climb the staircase, with him following soon after. ôDonÆt you dare disobey me!ö
ôNo! Stop!ö she screamed back, nearly tripping over her own feet, as she tried to run away from him. Her mind was full of furious thoughts, but one of them in particular was pressuring her. æI canÆt let him do thatà thatÆs just not what I want for my life, andà the way he acts, itÆs justàÆ
ôGet back here!ö he cried, still in pursuit. However, she did not slow down, even though her feet were already starting to hurt and she was still tripping. The sound of lightning striking the sea was growing louder, now.
ôNoà I wonÆt! I wonÆt marry you, not even if you force me!ö was her response, before she found the trapdoor. She quickly opened it, and pushed it open, gladly seeing her best friend, Amphy, on the other side.
ôAmpha?!ö was the surprised reply, as he helped her up. She hugged him tightly, the tears starting to feel unrestrained.
ôPleaseà please keep him away!ö she pleaded, and Amphy did so, closing the trapdoor and standing on top of it.
ôOpen this door now!ö Jonathan demanded, from the floor below. Knocks and banging soon followed, as well as many more complaints such as that one.
ôNoà I wonÆt! IÆm not going to come with you!ö Jasmine replied, but eventually Jonathan seemed to become quiet again.
ôIf you wonÆt come by goodwillà then youÆll be coming by force! Thunder now!ö was the order given by him, before a monotonous voice spoke.
ôMagneton.ö With that, an electrical explosion blasted the trapdoor apart, sending both Jasmine and Amphy skidding away, as well as scattering supplies about. A short while later, Jonathan floated inside, riding one of his PokÚmon.
ôI told youà you donÆt have a choice. You will marry me!ö he glared, hopping off his PokÚmon. At the same time, Amphy tried to attack it, but it was ready to fight back, and Jonathan began walking closer to her.
ôD-donÆt come closer! IÆm not marrying you, I told you already! I donÆt love you!ö she threatened as well as she could, even as she was getting up again. This only made him laugh.
ôLove? Is that why you wonÆt marry me? Love?! Love is a foolish thing, a pathetic ideal that only fools can believe in! And youÆre the biggest fool of all, if you believe in such a thing!ö he told her, still coming closer. However, an electrical attack struck the floor closer to him. ôHuh?!ö
ôAmphaàö Amphy grunted, as he was grappling the other PokÚmon. ôAmpha ampharos!ö
ôGreatà even your PokÚmon are idiots. Magneton, Thunder again!ö Jonathan commanded, and his PokÚmon once again generated the supercharged electric attack, shocking Amphy to the bones. Smoke poured from his body, and he was thrown at the center of the room, where the huge lamp stood.
This, however, had been enough time for her to retreat to a nearby exit, which led to a small platform. Jonathan slowly approached her, noticing she was now climbing off to the other side of the guardrail. ôWhat the hell are you doing?! YouÆre going to die if you donÆt get back here now!ö he snapped, glaring at her. However, she remained decided.
ôIà I canÆt. If I doà then IÆll regret it for the rest of my life, and I couldnÆt bear to live that way,ö Jasmine replied, cryingà but her voice barely wavered. He ran towards her, but she had released the rail, and a nearby wind pushed her away.
ôNoà NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ö he cried out, but he was too late; she fell onto the ocean, like a white bird that was shot down, and disappeared soon after. Yetà at her last moments, a bit of a smile appeared in her mouth, before she struck the water.
ôAmphyà thank you so muchà for being such a great friendàö
On the lighthouse, Amphy had gotten back up, but he had seen the sceneà and pain coursed over his heart, as the loss of his trainer was recognized.
ôAmphaàö he whispered, before a loud cry. ôAMPHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!ö
At the same time, electricity started to course from his body to his surroundings, and the lamp started to glow again, illuminating the dark, stormy sky. More lightning bolts fell, creating such loud thunders that only distressed Jonathan more and more, until a warning sound seemed to ring around the room.
ôThat damned-heÆs overloading the lighthouse!ö he cried out, before calling his Magneton to him. ôDamn it! ItÆs going to blow!ö
With that, he jumped on top of the metallic PokÚmon, the two of them flying away from the top floor, while Amphy just cried louder and louder, the loss of his trainer being too much to bear.
ôAMPHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!ö
The overloaded generators could not handle the sheer amount of energy released by the PokÚmonÆs attack, and soon they began to explode, bursting in flames and destroying one another in the process. The explosions went on through the Lighthouse, with all the electrical appliances short-circuiting and destroying themselves.
Until, eventually, it reached the top floor, on the central lamp and the various combustible supplies. The resulting explosion was tremendous; not only were the ceiling and floors below blown to bits, but the entire lighthouse lost its pristine color, and the sound was loud enough to be heard even in Ecruteak.
And then, the rain fell downà
It wasnÆt that uncustomary, actually, but even as she stared at the cold, dark clouds, and the faint sunlight that barely passed through them, she couldnÆt help but notice it. The past few daysà they had been very depressing, if that weather was anything to go by. It hadnÆt changed at all.
ôI wonder when it is going to rain,ö she asked herself, as she looked over to the entrance of the tall building nearby. Usually, she would already be inside it, talking to her best friend, but nowà now, she realized, she was feeling very out of want to do anything.
The worst part seemed to be that this same feeling had been there for too longà the previous Gym battles she had, which she had lost every single time, had become routine, and even if she did not do like her fellow Gym Leader and cry outright after losing, she still had too many repressed tears. And every time he cameà thatÆs when she felt the worst.
ôHeÆs coming again, isnÆt he?ö she thought with a quiet voice, sadness returning to her. ôOnce moreà he never stops his visits, no matter what happens.ö
The sea looked fairly agitated, she noticed; the chances of a storm actually happening some time soon were fairly strong today. ôMaybe today will be the dayà Olivine has been suffering for so long without a good rain. Butàö
ôThinking out loud, Jasmine?ö a voice came from behind, stunning her. She didnÆt need to turn around to know who it wasà after all, that voice was one of the few things she had grown to dislike furiously, the past few years. That, and being the Gym Leaderà but he seemed to take priority, somehow.
ôMaybe I am,ö she replied, as calmly as she could muster. Yetà the footsteps coming closer, on the pierÆs stony floor, were different from usual. Something wasà different.
ôI seeà well, I wouldnÆt want to disturb you usually, seeing as how youÆre already distracted by anything else, but I happen to have good news for us.ö His responseà it was different. Now that she heard him moreà there was a distinct lack of distaste, and even if he was still making venomous comments, it wasà casual, maybe. Too casual.
ôànews? Forà us?ö she repeated, unsure of how to take this. Yet, it was a way of stalling it, as she turned towards the horizon, away from him.
ôYes, us. Very good news, actuallyàö The tone was full of negative excitement. It wasnÆt that badà but she realized it felt like every other time he had tried to do something about them. ôI will be promoted soon, and once I receive my first paycheck, IÆm thinking of buying a-ö
ôPromoted?ö she asked, uneasy. ôI didnÆt know there was a higher position than Champion.ö To that, he laughed, as if she had said some kind of funny jokeà a joke she definitely never said.
ôChampion? That is richà no, I have been working for my father, for a while now. DidnÆt I tell you about it?ö he explained, and she shook her head, without facing him.
ôNoà you hadnÆt,ö she confessed, as truthfully as she could. Actually, he had spent quite a time coming here to talk about himself, but she couldnÆt remember him ever going in details about a æjobÆ he had, and she had grown used to thinking of him as being still a Champion.
Even if he was the least probable candidate for such a roleà she had no idea what kind of profession his father could grant him.
ôAh, it makes senseà youÆre not too interested in the male world, anyway,ö he said, apparently a bit irritated. ôBut well, my father has this organization, and two years ago, I finally managed to join ità it took me some trouble, and you being the weakling of a Gym Leader that you are didnÆt help matters either, but thatÆs negligible.ö That comment hurtà she could admit to herself that she was not the best Gym Leader, but for him to rub it in her face like thatà ôEver since then, I did mainly gruntwork. Nothing too big, you know? Just went around, collecting money for himà but well, finally IÆm going to join the definitive big leagues, as they say.ö
As he finished, there was a short pause, as she seemed to be completely uninterested in him. In reality, she was watching the sea, noticing how there were a few lightning bolts on the very distance. It wouldnÆt take longà
ôàwould you mind turning around, while IÆm talking to you?ö he asked, partially restrained. Taking a deep sigh, she did so, as she didnÆt want to make him too angry.
His sight, however, was a surprise. The outfit he wore was a business suit, fitting the fourteen-year old rather perfectly, with a gray and crimson theme. The suit looked rather impeccable, while the six PokÚballs that adorned it lookedà different from usual, with a black top and bottom, as well as other symbols she did not recognize. His hair remained the same, though it was obviously more well-cared forà and yet, his eyes and smirk felt so familiar, so full of negative emotions, that she still felt the same dislike for him as she usually did, regardless of his attempts at wooing her.
ôSoà do you like it?ö he asked, spreading his arms and allowing her a clearer view of himself. While she did not appreciate it any more than she did before, there was something in his entire position that alluded to greatnessà a greatness that unnerved her.
ôIà donÆt know if I like it or not,ö she replied, looking away. ôI believe you wanted to say something, Jonathan?ö
He nodded. ôYeah, I do. As I was saying, I am planning in buying a house in this city, once I receive my first paycheckà one more property shouldnÆt be a problem, given how much money my father has. This will be for the best, I am sure of it.ö He chuckled, then. ôBesides, you need a better place to live at, since that dump of yours is just plain worthless. It doesnÆt even have enough space for you to live, much less-ö
ôIt is sufficient for me,ö she muttered, stopping him in the process. While he frowned for a moment, he soon returned to his previous stoic state.
ôWell, even so, my father is interested in meeting up with you. I suppose he wants to make an investment, or maybe just judge my fiancÚe, butàö
ôàæfiancÚeÆ?ö Jasmine repeated, feeling nervous. ôBut Iàö
ôWell, of course, thatÆs just what he says, since he already had planned a few meetings, but since weÆre both Gym Leaders, or at least IÆll be one in the futureàö Jonathan went on, ignoring her. The more he spoke, however, the more the negative feelings cameà
ôI donÆtàö
ôOf course, for that IÆll need to prove myself after completing a few more missions for him, since those bumbling idiots only brought one mess after another to him, even failing the Kanto operations; I donÆt understand why he didnÆt just fire them after the Saffron incident-ö
ôSaffron?ö she repeated, scandalized. He stopped in his ranting, only a bit fazed.
ôOh, right, I forgotà this is all going to be explained shortly after we marry, so donÆt worry much. In fact, IÆve already bought a-ö
Whatever he was going to say was interrupted shortly after, as he realized her horrified look. ôàwhatÆs wrong with you?! Any other girl would be jumping for joy at the idea of marrying a rich guy, you weirdo!ö
ôIà donÆt get it,ö she replied, exasperated. ôIÆve been harassed by you for months, youÆve belittled me, called me names, and insulted my PokÚmon, as well as all the choices IÆve doneà and yet, you think I even care for you?!ö
ôActually, the proper term is æloveÆ, but since itÆll be an arranged marriage, it wonÆt even be a problem; all youÆll have to do is spend your time at home cooking and cleaning while I work to earn money for us and spread your legs open once a month, and IÆll take care of the rest.ö That, by itself, sounded weird enough; the fact that he said it without even caring much about her reaction was too much for Jasmine.
ôD-donÆt you care about my own feelings?ö she stammered, nervously. ôI donÆt even have a say in all of this, according to you!ö
ôOf course you donÆt. You were raised to be the perfect wife, seeing as how youÆre submissive, weak, and unattractive enough. Why should I settle for anything less?ö Jonathan asked, his voice growing stronger. ôIn fact, why the hell are you arguing with me?! YouÆre just a weakling! YouÆre not supposed to be able to do that!ö
ôDonÆtà pleaseà stopàö she begged, tears nearly coming to her eyes, as a lightning bolt struck the sea closer to them. Jonathan just glared at her.
ôStop what?! YouÆre going to be my wife, and thatÆs final!ö he ordered, angrily. ôAnd donÆt you dare cry! I hate crying women!ö
ôIàö Jasmine gasped, before turning away. ôGet away from me!ö With that, she ran away, another bolt striking the water. Jonathan grunted.
ôWhy, you littleà come back here!ö he ordered her, but she refused to listen, running into the lighthouse and starting to climb the staircase, with him following soon after. ôDonÆt you dare disobey me!ö
ôNo! Stop!ö she screamed back, nearly tripping over her own feet, as she tried to run away from him. Her mind was full of furious thoughts, but one of them in particular was pressuring her. æI canÆt let him do thatà thatÆs just not what I want for my life, andà the way he acts, itÆs justàÆ
ôGet back here!ö he cried, still in pursuit. However, she did not slow down, even though her feet were already starting to hurt and she was still tripping. The sound of lightning striking the sea was growing louder, now.
ôNoà I wonÆt! I wonÆt marry you, not even if you force me!ö was her response, before she found the trapdoor. She quickly opened it, and pushed it open, gladly seeing her best friend, Amphy, on the other side.
ôAmpha?!ö was the surprised reply, as he helped her up. She hugged him tightly, the tears starting to feel unrestrained.
ôPleaseà please keep him away!ö she pleaded, and Amphy did so, closing the trapdoor and standing on top of it.
ôOpen this door now!ö Jonathan demanded, from the floor below. Knocks and banging soon followed, as well as many more complaints such as that one.
ôNoà I wonÆt! IÆm not going to come with you!ö Jasmine replied, but eventually Jonathan seemed to become quiet again.
ôIf you wonÆt come by goodwillà then youÆll be coming by force! Thunder now!ö was the order given by him, before a monotonous voice spoke.
ôMagneton.ö With that, an electrical explosion blasted the trapdoor apart, sending both Jasmine and Amphy skidding away, as well as scattering supplies about. A short while later, Jonathan floated inside, riding one of his PokÚmon.
ôI told youà you donÆt have a choice. You will marry me!ö he glared, hopping off his PokÚmon. At the same time, Amphy tried to attack it, but it was ready to fight back, and Jonathan began walking closer to her.
ôD-donÆt come closer! IÆm not marrying you, I told you already! I donÆt love you!ö she threatened as well as she could, even as she was getting up again. This only made him laugh.
ôLove? Is that why you wonÆt marry me? Love?! Love is a foolish thing, a pathetic ideal that only fools can believe in! And youÆre the biggest fool of all, if you believe in such a thing!ö he told her, still coming closer. However, an electrical attack struck the floor closer to him. ôHuh?!ö
ôAmphaàö Amphy grunted, as he was grappling the other PokÚmon. ôAmpha ampharos!ö
ôGreatà even your PokÚmon are idiots. Magneton, Thunder again!ö Jonathan commanded, and his PokÚmon once again generated the supercharged electric attack, shocking Amphy to the bones. Smoke poured from his body, and he was thrown at the center of the room, where the huge lamp stood.
This, however, had been enough time for her to retreat to a nearby exit, which led to a small platform. Jonathan slowly approached her, noticing she was now climbing off to the other side of the guardrail. ôWhat the hell are you doing?! YouÆre going to die if you donÆt get back here now!ö he snapped, glaring at her. However, she remained decided.
ôIà I canÆt. If I doà then IÆll regret it for the rest of my life, and I couldnÆt bear to live that way,ö Jasmine replied, cryingà but her voice barely wavered. He ran towards her, but she had released the rail, and a nearby wind pushed her away.
ôNoà NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ö he cried out, but he was too late; she fell onto the ocean, like a white bird that was shot down, and disappeared soon after. Yetà at her last moments, a bit of a smile appeared in her mouth, before she struck the water.
ôAmphyà thank you so muchà for being such a great friendàö
On the lighthouse, Amphy had gotten back up, but he had seen the sceneà and pain coursed over his heart, as the loss of his trainer was recognized.
ôAmphaàö he whispered, before a loud cry. ôAMPHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!ö
At the same time, electricity started to course from his body to his surroundings, and the lamp started to glow again, illuminating the dark, stormy sky. More lightning bolts fell, creating such loud thunders that only distressed Jonathan more and more, until a warning sound seemed to ring around the room.
ôThat damned-heÆs overloading the lighthouse!ö he cried out, before calling his Magneton to him. ôDamn it! ItÆs going to blow!ö
With that, he jumped on top of the metallic PokÚmon, the two of them flying away from the top floor, while Amphy just cried louder and louder, the loss of his trainer being too much to bear.
ôAMPHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!ö
The overloaded generators could not handle the sheer amount of energy released by the PokÚmonÆs attack, and soon they began to explode, bursting in flames and destroying one another in the process. The explosions went on through the Lighthouse, with all the electrical appliances short-circuiting and destroying themselves.
Until, eventually, it reached the top floor, on the central lamp and the various combustible supplies. The resulting explosion was tremendous; not only were the ceiling and floors below blown to bits, but the entire lighthouse lost its pristine color, and the sound was loud enough to be heard even in Ecruteak.
And then, the rain fell downà