Composure finally settled on the trio, while Totodile continued to splash away in joy. The crystal clear water brought happiness to the little Pokémon. Then, bubbles began to surround Totodile, a wave of uncertainty forcing it back to shore as the group stared at the shifting waters.

More bubbles popped on the surface, and soon the eyes and mouth of a Magikarp peered from the depths toward the group. A tiny scar lined its left gill.

"Thanks," it said. "I thought I was a goner."

"...so did I," replied Louis.

"Taki, where'd you learn to throw like that?" he questioned.

"Before I was a trainer, I was into Athletics," answered Taki.

"We used to throw large stones like that. The Magikarp was light in comparison."

The scar on the fish drew Louis' attention. He knelt to the Magikarp.

"Are you ok?" he asked. "Did those Team Rocket goons give you that scar?"

"No," replied Magikarp.

"I got this after travelling too far," it explained.

"What do you mean?" questioned Totodile.

"A rogue current swept me into a rock face and I clipped my gill," answered Magikarp sadly.

Louis relayed this to Taki.

"Ouch," she said, wincing.

Louis' attention shifted back to the Magikarp.

"What even made you want to travel that far from home anyway?" he asked.

The Magikarp sighed.

"My home-stream is boring," it responded.

Surprised, Louis muttered under his breath.

"That sounds like me."

"What?" said Magikarp.

"Uh...nothing," replied Louis.

A stealthy, slinky movement near his feet caught Louis' eye. The Meowth crept like a cold wind in the direction of the Magikarp.

"Oh no you don't," said Louis, picking up the Meowth.

He walked over and handed the Meowth back to the fisherman, then he moved back to the Magikarp and smiled.

"I'm Louis," he introduced.

"...I'll try to remember that," replied Magikarp.

Behind him, a gruff voice began to address the Meowth. The fisherman dug into his backpack and produced a small, folded device. He approached the stream and slapped the mechanism against the water.

Almost immediately, the item unfolded into a tiny boat. The Meowth leapt from the riverbank to the flotation device and smiled, apparently proud of his minuscule vessel.

Louis returned his gaze to the fish Pokémon.

"Now you make sure nothing happens to that scar," said Louis.

"...why?" questioned Magikarp.

Louis stood up before speaking with a smile on his face.

"That scar of yours is going to reunite us someday," he said. "I just know it."

The Magikarp flicked its tail and turned to the open waters, motioning to leave

"Well...catch ya later," said Louis.

The Magikarp stopped and returned its attention to the human.

"What?" it inquired.

"Catch me?" it continued, surprised.

"Oh, no no no no," exclaimed Louis. "I meant...see you later."

"Ah! I see, well… may the stream carry you," offered Magikarp.

"Beg your pardon?" mentioned Louis, confused.

"Uh...bye," replied Magikarp.

With a sudden flap from its fins, it shot into the deep-blue depths. Bubbles floated to the surface and popped in its leaving.

Soon, the angler finished his packing preparations and accompanied the very slowly moving boat being piloted by the happy Meowth. The wind didn't seem to make the aquatic vessel sail any quicker.

"You'd think that boat would go faster," whispered Totodile. "It'll take days to get anywhere."

Louis caught sight of the angler smiling at his surroundings, simply absorbing the day.

"To a fisherman…" turned Louis.

"...that doesn't matter," he finished.

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