It is another bright and shiny summer day, as we find Danny and Richard on the road. In front of them: Mt. Moon. The last obstacle they have to overcome before making it to Cerulean City, where the second Gym Leader resides.

Warm as it was, the two boys were longing for some place to cool down a bit.

Unfortunately for them, Richard had decided to give Danny a chance with the map, which ended up not being a great idea. Sure, the silhouette of Mt. Moon couldn't be missed as it was prominently on the horizon, but the way there was trickier than expected.

"Are you sure we are on the right path?", Richard asked, not for the first time on their journey.

Danny sighed. "Sure we are. Mt. Moon is still ahead of us."

Richard couldn't argue with that, but something else had caught his eye, which made him worried.

"Yeah, but does the map say anything about a beach?"

"A what?" Danny looked up from his map to look at Richard, who was dead serious.

It was at that point that Danny noticed it as well: to their right, between a couple of trees, was a beach. And behind the sand, a lot of water.

"This map says nothing about a beach being here", Danny said, giving the map to Richard.

Much to his displeasure, Richard had to admit there was indeed no beach here.

Curious, the two trainers decided to check it out. Squirtle was excited by the possibility of swimming, while the idea alone terrified his best friend Charmander.

The grassy ground beneath their feet quickly turned to a soft sand layer. They noticed people in trunks throwing a large air-filled ball around, while some girls were playing in what now seemed like a large lake. If they looked closely, they could see trees on the other side of the lake.

"Welcome!"

A middle-aged man walked towards them. He had brown hair, with some grey hairs sprinkled in there. He also had a small beard with the same colour composition.

He was only wearing a pair of blue trunks and it seemed like he had just taken a dive. Water was dripping from his trunks and upper body.

"The two of you look confused", he observed.

"Yeah, this beach, it doesn't belong here", Danny said bluntly, which made Richard roll his eyes.

The man had to laugh, while Richard tried to explain that Danny meant that they couldn't find the beach on the map.

When the man was done laughing, he tried to explain. "Your friend is funny, but he's also right. My friends and I made this beach a few years ago."

He continued: "This used to be just the lake. The local Pokémon enjoyed living here and coming here and so did a lot of trespassing trainers. But it was missing a good place to relax. The banks were filthy, you see. And my only Pokémon is a Seel, who enjoys to swim, but entering that lake was always troublesome. So that's how we started this, and even some wild Pokémon travelled here because of the beach."

Richard looked a bit puzzled. "How can wild Pokémon, assuming they are sea Pokémon, travel here?"

The man looked at Richard and smiled. "Some migrated here, like Krabby or Seel. Others, like Goldeen or Horsea, the ones that aren't able to, we captured and released here. None of them seem to mind, it's safer here than where they used to live", he said, and added with a wink. "We don't have Gyarados here."

"So basically an island of water in the middle of a big sea of land", Danny said cryptic, causing the man to laugh.

"Yeah, I guess it is. I just realised I'm being rude. I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Steven, I'm in charge here, sort of."

"Sort of", Richard repeated while laughing. "I'm Richard and this is Danny. Since you are in charge, can we spend a day here?"

Without consoling Danny, Richard knew Danny wouldn't mind spending this hot day away from the road and near the water. And if Danny did object, Richard wouldn't go any further anyway.

"Hah, of course you can. In fact, I was about to invite you. Have a great time lads, see you around", Steven said as he walked off towards a group of guys, waving to throw the air ball to him.

"Well, seems like we got ourselves a break", Danny announced with a smile on his face.

They took off their shoes and socks to feel the sand beneath their toes, a wonderful feeling now (but probably something they'll regret later).

Their teams followed towards the beach. Bellsprout was the first to reach the water, with Squirtle right behind it.

"Now you guys have fun, but don't wander off too far!", Danny said.

"And keep an eye out for each other", Richard added.

Beedrill was the only one around to hear it and simply nodded, as Abra, too, had entered the cool water. A nice change of pace, considering the sun had been melting them.

The Bug-type simply couldn't swim so he found a cool place underneath a tree to relax. Sandshrew dug a hole in the sand and found that this sand was not willing to stay in shape. But the Ground-type saw this as a welcome challenge.

Only Charmander didn't enter the beach. The Fire-type was still standing on the forest edge.

"What's wrong Charmander, you aren't afraid of a bit of water, are you?"

As soon as he said it, he wanted to take it back. Charmander was terrified of water, even more than the average Fire-type Pokémon.

"I'm sorry buddy. You know what? We'll find a place far away from the water."

Charmander nodded nervously.

"This a good place?", Danny asked as he searched around the forest edge for a shadow place. Charmander sat down and nodded.

"Look at all those Pokémon, isn't it incredible to see so many species?", Danny wondered out loud as he sat down next to his starter, trying to distract Charmander.

Unfortunately, Charmander looked around for those Pokémon, only to have his eyes wander back to the water. A shiver went through his entire little body. Eventually, the Fire-type closed his eyes and laid down. Danny smiled as he saw his little friend relaxing a bit, leaving Danny with his thoughts.

Things have turned out great, he thought. A little while ago I could only dream of sitting here, watching over all kinds of Pokémon. This life is the best! And these four random Pokémon that are on my team, I really can't imagine life without them anymore. Especially Charmander. I have only known him for two weeks, but I feel there's a special connection between us.

In an impulse he petted Charmander on the head, causing the Fire-type to open his eyes.

"We sure are a great team, aren't we?"

Charmander nodded happily.

Danny suddenly noticed a shadow falling over him, as Richard walked towards him. He was already soaked and was holding his regular clothes in his hands.

"If you want to go swim, there's a small cabin where you can go and change. I can stay with Charmander for a while."

Danny shook his head. "Maybe later, he's really afraid and I don't want to leave him."

Richard understood. If Squirtle was afraid he wouldn't leave his side either. "I'll keep an eye out for your guys."

He dropped his clothes and ran back to the water, where Squirtle was waving happily.

Danny saw how Richard jumped into the water, making water splash all around him. He noticed how Abra seemed to be having a great time, actually targeting Bellsprout with a few splashes. Bellsprout in turn splashed Abra, and they both had a good time.

With the thought on how awesome his team was, Danny's eyes closed, as he slowly drifted off.

He slept for less than an hour, but when he woke up, he was a little disorientated.

Charmander was sitting again, now silently watching the other Pokémon play.

"You haven't slept?", Danny asked, to which Charmander responded by shaking his head.

Danny once again petted Charmander on the head.

"After this we'll go somewhere you'll be able to play as well, okay?"

Charmander nodded.

Danny was looking towards the water. A small part of him wanted to run into it. He was still feeling warm and the cooling down would really do wonders.

Suddenly, he felt something pushing him. He turned around and saw Charmander was trying to get him up.

"Charmander, what are you doing?", Danny laughed.

The Fire-type pointed towards the water, gesturing his trainer to go and take a swim.

Richard, who had just gotten out of the water, noticed the conversation between the two and decided to step in.

"I'll sit with Charmander for a while, you go and have some fun out there."

Squirtle joined Richard and together they sat down next to Charmander, who seemed to appreciate Squirtle there as well.

"Thanks you guys. I'll be back in a sec", Danny said, that last part to Charmander.

He wasted no time changing, dropping off his regular clothes at Richard and making his way towards the water.

Along the way, he almost fell. Bellsprout and Abra had gone onto land together with Squirtle and were now sitting with Sandshrew. Feeling funny, Bellsprout decided to use its vines to make its trainer stumble. Danny had to do his best to stay balanced, something that caused the others present to laugh.

Danny couldn't laugh, instead, he had the perfect plan for revenge.

All of a sudden, he picked up Bellsprout and ran towards the water, where he threw the Flower Pokémon far away.

Bellsprout, who didn't expect something like this, was frightened to death, but quickly adapted.

When Danny entered the water, it started another water fight.

Beedrill joined Sandshrew and Abra, who were enjoying the view. Feeling funny as well, Beedrill picked Abra up, which wasn't as easy as he thought beforehand, and dropped the Psychic-type in the water as well.

But Beedrill couldn't stay close. One drop of water on his wings would damage them and he couldn't have that, so he, along with Sandshrew, went to Richard and Charmander.

Bellsprout hadn't noticed Abra was in the water and was suddenly pulled under by the Psi-Pokémon. Danny laughed when he saw Bellsprout come up again.

But Bellsprout was quick with revenge, and now pulled Abra down with his root-like legs, causing the Psychic-type to submerge.

While looking at the playing Pokémon, Richard stood up and stretched for a bit, before sitting down again. But as he did, one of Danny's Pokéballs detached from the belt and rolled down the beach. As the beach was higher than the water, the ball gained more speed as it went and ended up in the water, where it drifted away.

Richard noticed all of this, but it went too fast for him to react. He quickly ran towards his friend in the water.

"Danny!"

Under water

Underneath Danny and his Pokémon, a group of Krabby were travelling on the bottom, making their way towards the shore.

They noticed something strange drifting by until it hit the bottom and stayed there. Most Krabby didn't think much of it and continued walking.

One Krabby, maybe more curious or adventurous than the others, decided to investigate.

It looked all around it to make sure that there was no danger to be expected. Then, it started to hammer the thing with its claw, planning to break it open and see what's inside.

Unfortunately for this Krabby, that subject happened to be Danny's lost Pokéball. Krabby kept hitting it, doing no damage, until it suddenly hit the middle square. The Pokéball opened and a red light completely overwhelmed the Water-type and sucked it in.

Above water

Richard made his way towards Danny.

"One of your Pokéballs rolled off and fell into the water."

Knowing how expensive they could be, he had gotten six from professor Oak but saw some at the Poké Mart in Viridian City, he wasted no time and dived under. Bellsprout and Abra followed.

They each swam in a different direction, but had trouble keeping their eyes open. The water wasn't as deep, but they couldn't stay underwater for long. Especially Bellsprout and Abra.

While underwater, Danny noticed a group of Krabby walking towards shore.

Wow, those Krabby look cool! I need to remember to catch one when I get back to shore. I need a Water-type and Krabby will sure be a good addition, Danny thought.

Although the Krabby were cool to see, Danny couldn't find the Pokéball he had lost. A few more seconds he searched, before having to get back up for air.

He kept this up for a while, each time he spent roughly half a minute under water, but to no result.

"Well, I guess I'll have to buy some more", he said, a bit dismayed.

Then, Bellsprout started signalling and Danny made his way towards the Flower Pokémon.

While he hadn't been able to dive down to get it, the Pokéball was located right underneath him. Danny quickly dived down and picked it up.

Luckily for Danny, Pokéballs nowadays were quite resistant to water and other forces from outside, it did have a small dent on it, but was fully operational.

"Thanks Bellsprout, really. I was about to call quits."

Bellsprout made a happy noise, glad to be of service.

"Danny!", Richard screamed. He stood on the shore, accompanied by the Pokémon that stayed behind, including Charmander.

"Something wrong?", Danny asked out loud, but Bellsprout, Abra and Squirtle didn't know either. "Let's see what's the matter."

The four of them swam over towards the shore, but they quickly noticed there was nothing wrong. Richard was smiling.

"Look here."

Richard gave Danny a voucher once the latter had walked out of the water.

- Events Today: August 16th.

- 14:30: Water race at the lake. Try out your Pokémon in an all-out water race! The winner will receive a set of 10 Pokéballs and a week supply of food. Only Water-type Pokémon allowed.

"Squirtle and I are going to give it a shot, right buddy?"

Theystarted nodding happily.

"Too bad you don't have a Water-type, would love to race you", Richard said.

"Yeah, I'd like that. You know what? There are plenty of Water-types over here, I'm sure I can capture one."

"Well, you could always cheer for us", Richard said with a wink, which caused Danny to laugh.

"If I don't find one I'll cheer for you, but not before that."

Richard laughed it away. "Even if you find a Water-type, it still needs to beat Squirtle. Anyway, I'm going to sign myself in. Good luck finding a capture!"

Richard walked towards a small stand, closely followed by his team. Once there, he wrote down his name and the Pokémon that would participate. His eyes scanned through the list of people that had already written their name down and he noticed a familiar name.

"Danny won't like this", he said to no-one in particular.

Meanwhile, Danny had gathered his squad to try and find a Pokémon. There were plenty on the beach and in the water, but he wasn't sure which one he wanted to capture.

"Which Pokémon should be a good match, I bet a Seaking or a Seel would be a good Pokémon. Although I really would like to have a Krabby with me. Kingler is the best Water-type out there!", he said out loud.

Danny ran back into the water, leaving his team behind on the sand. He dived deeper into the water, giving him a great view. That is, when his eyes stopped hurting.

He noticed a big Seaking swimming later a trainer appeared next to the Seaking and they started to swim, no, to race.

Eventually he had to come up for air and when he did, he noticed Bellsprout waving. He swam back towards shore and noticed the team had found a Pokémon.

Bellsprout led him towards the place Charmander, Beedrill and Abra had stopped a Krabby from walking back into the lake.

"Nice, a Krabby", the trainer cheered.

Krabby, not really flattered by the enthusiastic response, kept trying to make it back to the waters.

"Wait, Krabby! I want to battle!"

Now that was something Krabby understood. And it wasn't shy at all. In fact, it was pretty confident it could beat all four of this trainer's Pokémon.

Before anyone could react, Krabby had jumped forward and closed its claw around Bellsprout's waist and started squeezing.

"Try to break free with Vine Whip!", Danny ordered quickly.

Bellsprout's vines hit the Krabby hard and it had to step back, releasing Bellsprout from its claws.

"Great, now use Vine Whip again!"

Bellsprout wrapped his vines around the Water-type, pulled it into the air and dropped it back onto the ground.

"Now's my chance", Danny said to himself, as he took a Pokéball from his belt. Coincidentally, the one he lost.

Instead of capturing the defeated Krabby, the Pokéball let out another Krabby.

Without words, Danny just looked at Bellsprout to find some answers, but the latter was just as confused. Even more so, as it didn't know whether to attack this new Krabby or not.

Meanwhile, both Krabby walked towards each other and shook claws, as in a way to say goodbye.

Now not stopped by Danny's team, who were all still perplexed by the sudden turn of events, the Krabby made its way back into the water.

Meanwhile, the other Krabby remained on the sand and turned to face its new trainer, waiting for orders.

Bellsprout ended up looking at Danny for orders too, as he had no idea what to do with the situation.

Danny kneeled down with the Krabby.

"Hi there."

Krabby waved with its claw.

"I have no idea how you ended up in this Pokéball, but you are more than welcome to the team."

Danny grabbed Krabby's claw and shook it, while Krabby made a happy noise, glad to be on a team.

This caused the other team members to gather around the new addition. Beedrill flew above it, while the other three hurdled closer to see who their new friend was.

All of this made Krabby shy. Not knowing what to do, it decided to attack. Unfortunately, that would be Abra.

The poor Psychic-type didn't know what hit him, but suddenly a Krabby was tightly holding his tail. It screeched in sudden pain.

"Krabby, knock it off", Danny ordered. "This is your team, you don't have to be afraid of them."

Reluctantly, Krabby let go of Abra's tail.

"Now, that's a lot better, isn't it?"

The Water-type nodded and shook paws/claws with Abra to make it up.

"Well well, if it isn't the kid who took my Abra."

When he heard that voice, Danny turned around at once to face a familiar face.

"It's you, you're the guy that lost to my Weedle. Marcel, right?"

Marcel nodded. "That would be me. I see you finally managed to evolve that Weedle of yours. Abra hasn't though, seems like you can't handle him."

Just as during their first encounter, Danny started to grow annoyed by Marcel quickly.

"Of course I can handle him. I'll have you know Abra defeated Brock's Geodude and battled in several other matches."

Marcel started to laugh. "Only Geodude? My Bulbasaur beat both Brock's Geodude and his Onix and my Raticate has won more battles than all of your Pokémon together."

"Well it should, considering it is evolved", Danny countered, but was quickly put back in his place.

"Yeah, something the rest of your team will never be. Anyway, I have a Water race to win. Don't mind signing in, I'll win it for sure."

Instead of annoyed, Danny grew curious.

"With what Pokémon will you enter?"

Marcel smirked. "A Tentacool I traded over. This kid said Tentacool was the fastest swimmer there is, so you can't win. Since you won't participate, you'll have a chance to see a real pro."

Marcel started to laugh and walked away.

"First Richard and now Marcel, they all think they can beat me. Well I'll show them, right Krabby?"

Danny's spirit was contagious and Krabby raised his claw in agreement.

"Danny!" Richard came running towards the group.

"You're not going to like this, but Marcel is here", he said after stopping. "I saw his name on the sheet."

Surprised by the lack of reaction, Richard raised an eyebrow.

"You don't mind?"

"I already knew", Danny answered. "He came by just before you to tell me I had no chance. That's why Krabby and I are going to participate. We'll show him, and you, we are the fastest."

"So you managed to capture a Krabby? Congrats man! And good luck, you'll need it."

Danny made some angry noises by the lack of confidence Richard showed in him and his Krabby and made his way towards the stand, so he could sign in.

While writing down his and Krabby's name, Steven came walking towards them and noticed Danny's entry.

"Are you sure about entering with a Krabby? I doubt you'll win it, there are faster swimmers participating you know?"

Danny looked up at Steven.

"Everyone's been telling me not to enter with Krabby, so that's why I'll do it. And believe it or not, I have faith in Krabby and I'm sure it'll win the race."

Steven shrugged. "Well, as long as you are on time I don't see why Krabby can't participate.

The hours went by fast, as Danny was training a bit with Krabby in the water, when it was time to start the race.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the Water race!", Steven announced, standing on a small wooden construction.

Danny, Richard and Marcel were among many other competitors. All competing Pokémon were already in the water, all near the water's edge.

There was a large Seaking, the one Danny saw earlier, just to the right of them. While Squirtle seemed relaxed, Krabby looked nervous. Tentacool had zero emotions and just looked towards the lake.

"The rules are simple. The Pokémon swim to that buoy over there and back here. The first one to come back wins the price. Now, since I'm competing as well, I'll give the mic to my good friend here."

Steven stepped down and blended with the competing trainers while another man took the stand.

"We'll have eyes in the sky as well", he announced, as three Pidgey flew away with cams on their belly. "With their help, we'll be able to see who's ahead at all times."

"That's impressive", Danny whispered to Richard, who nodded.

"Now, without further ado. If you hear the gunshot, the race starts."

Every swimmer got ready and tension started to build up, until the sound of the gun was finally heard.

The Water-types spurted away, as fast as they could.

"It seems like Tentacool is taking the lead quite quickly", the commentator said. He had binoculars and could see further away quite clearly. On a large screen that was brought in, the people on the beach could watch as well.

"Behind him are Squirtle and Seaking, switching between second and third place. They are followed by a Seel. Last place is Krabby. It seems to have a hard time keeping up with the other competitors, maybe not a really good call from its trainer."

"Come on Krabby!", Danny cheered, which was followed by a laugh.

"I told you that Krabby wouldn't win", Marcel said, who was standing next to them. By his side was a Bulbasaur, with the same arrogant smirk on his face.

"I'm sure Krabby will win it, you'll see."

The commenter continued. "Krabby is getting further behind, it is lucky the wind is in its favour."

The screens didn't even show Krabby, as the distance between Danny's newly caught Pokémon and the other racers had grown too large. Tentacool was still in first place, but was now seriously challenged by Squirtle. Seaking had fallen behind a bit.

"The way back will be a real struggle for all of them, as the winds are getting stronger", the commenter looked in the sky, where the sun was still shining brightly.

"Come on Squirtle, you can do it!", Richard cheered.

On the screen, Squirtle was seen rounding the buoy first, but Tentacool didn't follow long after.

"You can see how they are already struggling with the strong winds", the commenter explained.

Tentacool, better fitted to swim against strong winds, took back the lead and left Squirtle behind. Seaking managed to shake off Steven's Seel and secured third place again.

"All of them have rounded the buoy now, it's just waiting for Krabby."

"I'm sorry Danny, this one isn't yours to win", Richard said.

Danny wasn't listening, instead he gazed over the water, looking for a sign to where Krabby was, as the screens didn't show it at all.

"Well neither will you, Tentacool has this in the pocket", Marcel laughed.

"Oh yeah? Then why is he in second place?"

Marcel turned around to face the screen, only to see that Richard was right: Squirtle was back in the lead.

"Come on Tentacool, swim faster!"

"I can't even see Krabby anymore, maybe its trainer returned it and forfeited the match?" The commenter was searching the water as well, but couldn't find the River Crab Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Squirtle and Tentacool were in trouble, as the wind was getting harder and harder. The others didn't fare much better and only advanced slowly.

Danny kept looking over the water, not able to spot his Pokémon. He grew worried.

"Steven!", Danny called, seeing the beach owner nearby. He walked up to them.

"Seems like you two are doing well", Steven said to Marcel and Richard, before turning to Danny.

"Krabby isn't, I told you it wasn't a good idea to use it."

"Yeah yeah I know. I can't see it anywhere and I'm worried, can I send Beedrill over to search for it?"

Steven nodded. "Sure!"

With Beedrill now flying over the water, Danny felt a bit more at ease, but he was still worried about his new capture, despite the fact that Krabby had always lived here.

Than he felt Charmander, tapping on his leg.

He looked down and saw the Fire-type pointing to some place in the water. Danny had to squint his eyes, but then he saw what Charmander had noticed seconds before: Krabby wasn't swimming anymore, he was walking over the lake bottom. Even better, he had passed by the entire group, only Squirtle and Tentacool were still before it.

The commenter, who had heard Danny chant for Krabby earlier, noticed the sudden turn of enjoyment in the trainer's eyes and followed Danny's eyes with the binoculars. When he saw it, he almost jumped up.

"It seems like we have a surprise! Krabby decided to stop swimming and is now advancing quickly, walking over the bottom. What a move!"

"What! That's against the rules!", Marcel said angry at Danny, but Steven shook his head.

"There was only one rule, remember? Get to the buoy and back, this is perfectly fine."

Marcel's head grew red, now realising Krabby was actually a threat.

"Come on Tentacool, swim faster!"

"You can do it, Squirtle!"

"Only a little further, Krabby!"

Seaking was trying its best to overcome Krabby, but he simply couldn't. Where the entire group of racers was bothered by the wind, Krabby didn't mind at all.

"It seems like Squirtle is falling behind Tentacool, the hard winds have taken its toll on this semi-aquatic Pokémon. With Tentacool as a born swimmer, it seems like Squirtle is simply outmatched."

Richard scratched his chin, realising they wouldn't win it.

"Krabby has now overtaken Squirtle and is gaining on Tentacool fast, but there's only a little bit of water left. Seems like it's going to be a close one."

By now, the water was so low even Krabby felt the wind, causing it to slow down.

"We got this, come on Tentacool!", Marcel was jumping and shouting, a real sports fan.

Danny wasn't any less though, as he was throwing his hands in the air every time he chanted. Beedrill had heard the chants and had flown back, now also cheering for Krabby.

Steven had to smile, seeing these two teenagers so excited for the match. His Seel was far behind and wouldn't even get a place in the top three. These newcomers sure dominated, he thought.

"They are now neck and neck, with only a few more meters to go. Tentacool is going to win it. Krabby's advancement came too late."

Then, all of a sudden, Tentacool slowed down as well. The hard winds had taken its toll on the part Poison-type as well, and it was exhausted.

"Now wait a minute, what is happening? Krabby is overtaking Tentacool. The latter doesn't have enough left to make the final sprint. A few more meters. Tentacool is speeding up again, Krabby is as well. A little further, Tentacool is almost overtaking Krabby, not quite yet."

The entire crowd was holding their breath, as the race turned to a real nail-biter.

They all noticed how Krabby and Tentacool crossed the end-line, almost together. They looked at the commentator for the decision.

"With just a little bit, Krabby crossed the line first!", he shouted in ecstasy.

Danny lost his mind. He ran into the water, where Krabby was just coming above the water.

Danny picked the Water-type up to hug him.

"You did it!"

Meanwhile, Squirtle also arrived at the scene, ending third place. He was exhausted, but had energy left to hug with Richard, who also stepped into the water.

"I think I owe you an apology", Richard said.

"We all do", Steven added with a smile. "I didn't think Krabby would pull it off."

Meanwhile, Marcel walked towards his Tentacool.

"How could you lose to a crab?", he said angrily. "It's time I start to train you a bit, because that kid who traded you clearly didn't."

He returned Tentacool and stampeded off the beach, Bulbasaur following right behind.

Danny had to laugh. "I guess we won't be seeing him for a while."

"Everyone!" The commenter had found back his voice. "Gather around the stage so we can give the winning trainer and his Krabby, who made excellent use of the lake bottom to avoid the strong winds, their price."

Danny walked upon the stage, still holding Krabby in his hands, he had to put the River Crab Pokémon on the ground though, when he saw the cup he was getting.

Steven was the one to hand it to him, together with the Pokéball set, the week supply of food and a firm handshake.

Krabby was looking all around the applauding crowd. Beneath them it noticed Charmander, Abra, Bellsprout and Beedrill, its team. It felt proud calling them that. Krabby was also shocked and amazed, seeing so many people.

After the celebrations, the duo decided it was time to get going. They waved goodbye to Steven and put their clothes on again. It was still warm, but the water had cooled them down quite a bit.

As the sun was slowly starting to set, Danny couldn't feel prouder. The cup fit in his bag, but he would send it over to his parents as soon as he could, it was simply too heavy to carry it around all the time. He had decided to share the rest of his price with Richard, giving them both enough Pokéballs to last awhile.

But above all, he was proud of his newest team member. From the corner of his eye he could see Krabby walking with the team, seemingly in a conversation with Charmander, which caused Danny to smile. What a great day.