As our heroes continued to make their way toward Mt. Aries, both Aj and Sky were currently taking some time to train for their upcoming battle.
"Pikachu, use Volt Tackle!"
"Boltund, Wild Charge!"
The two electric Pokémon charged forward, surrounded by electricity. The pair rushed forward, colliding and meeting in the middle. The smaller rodent bumped heads with the canine, neither looking to give an inch. Soon, an explosion and smoke cloud followed as the two jumped back before their respective trainers.
"Now use Iron Tail!"
The yellow mouse leaped into the air, and its tail became coated in metal. Then, it twisted its body and twirled while coming down.
"Boltund, grab it with Bite!" instructed Aj.
The girl's canine looked up to see its opponent coming as it timed its attack perfectly and caught Pikachu's Iron Tail. It surprised the mouse as it was now trapped with the canine's mouth biting down to secure its grip. Boltund then flung Pikachu to the side as it headed toward a tree.
"Pikachu, bounce off that tree and use Quick Attack!"
The rodent rotated his body midair as he landed on the tree trunk before pushing off at high speed.
"You use Quick Attack as well!" said the farmer.
The canine also charged with such blinding speed that it collided with its smaller opponent. The two skidded back a bit, but they looked fierce and determined.
"Thunderbolt!" shouted Sky/Aj in unison.
The two electric Pokémon charged up their bodies before letting loose. The two attacks met in the air, creating one huge, glowing yellow lightning bolt. The others were amazed by the power the two showed off, which was an incredible light show. Eventually, the attack caused another smoke cloud, and Pikachu and Boltund didn't flinch. Neither was willing to show any weakness as they looked to go again.
"Alright, that's it!" said Twilight with a raised hand.
At that signal, both Pokemon ceased their toughness as they went to their trainers.
"Great work, buddy!" said Sky as his yellow mouse jumped onto his arm and raced upward to sit on his shoulder before rubbing his electric cheek sacs against his.
"Nice work, boy!" stated Applejack as she bent down on a knee and scratched her canine's ears. Boltund gave a happy bark, followed by a tail wag, showing he liked his trainer's affection.
"It looks like you two are ready for your gym battle," said Twilight as she approached the pair.
"How soon till we get there?" asked Sky.
"Just a cut through these woods, and we'll arrive at the port. From there, we take a ferry to an island," explained the bookworm as she showcased her travel navigator device.
"I can't wait to win my fourth badge. Then I'm only halfway there to enter the Equestrian League!" stated the boy, already imagining his victory pose.
Rarity was nearby as she was currently brushing her Ponyta's mane. The fashionista had taken a liking to her new Pokémon as the mane was soft to the touch. It felt like a fluffy set of clouds, as she could imagine snuggling her small pony and falling asleep. The small Pokémon released a happy neigh and turned to look at the girl.
"All done," said Rarity as she reached into her backpack and pulled out a small bow to put into Ponyta's hair. The small pony liked the small accessory as she let out another neigh. "Glad you like it."
"Alright, we're all set to hit the road!" shouted Sky.
"Ready!" called out Rarity as she pulled out her Pokéball to call back her pony.
Once the group was packed up, they continued on the forest trail to the port town. It wasn't long before they approached a hill up a steep slope; once they arrived at the top, they got a good view of the portside town down below, and in the distance, there was an island.
"There it is, Mt. Aries," said Sky as he could feel his fourth badge within reach.
"WHAT!" yelled the boy as he had an exaggerated expression.
"I'm terribly sorry, but you just missed the boat," the woman said, looking dreadful and sorrowful.
"I'm guessing it's that out there," said Applejack as she pointed to the window.
The group looked; sure enough, a ferry was floating across the water heading to the island.
"Looks like the next one doesn't leave till tomorrow," stated Twilight as she looked at the times and saw no more rides for the rest of the day. "Guess that means we're still here till then."
"Why," said the boy as he slumped to the floor, knowing he wanted to get his next badge badly.
"Well, since we're not going anytime soon. Perhaps this is a chance to look around and take in the local scene," suggested Rarity.
"That sounds like a nice idea," said Twilight. "I've been meaning to check out the town's aquarium here."
"They have an aquarium?" said Spike as he perked up upon hearing what his sister said.
"That sounds like a marvelous idea, Twilight."
"Well, Sky?" asked Applejack as she looked at her sad friend.
"I guess," sighed the boy.
The group then began to head toward the town's aquarium. According to the little information Twilight read about, it contained all sorts of Water-type Pokémon from several different regions worldwide. Several other people were present, and the aquarium seemed a big attraction for the portside town.
"Welcome to the aquarium," said the receptionist as she noticed the five kids entering. "I'm sure you'll enjoy all our aquatic displays."
"Can't wait to see them," stated Aj.
"Our aquarium is the perfect place to see many different Water-type Pokémon."
"What kind?" asked Spike.
"Lots. Feel free to take any photos. Enjoy your visit," said the receptionist as the five kids headed inside.
Walking down a corridor, they noticed some glass windows that showed the ocean reef. The group entered the first room, and in the middle was a glass tube with several Jellicent floating about. The sight was breathtaking, as on both sides of the room were huge tanks; swimming about were several Water Pokémon, ranging from Goldeen to Finneon.
"So cool," said Sky, amazed by the many Pokémon he witnessed.
Spike pressed his hands against the glass as he saw the many creatures swimming about. He then came face to face with a penguin-like that made him jump back. Twilight giggled as she got a bit of amusement from her little sibling getting frightened.
"That's a Piplup," informed the bookworm.
"Hey!" waved Spike to the penguin behind the glass.
The small penguin chuckled before it swam away. Across the room, Rarity looked at the many Gorebyss swimming about as she felt she could get inspiration from these water creatures for new designs. As she pulled out her sketching pad, she caught sight of a Lumineon, and its colors and beautiful fins were a sight to behold.
"Now that's a fashion, darling," said Rarity as she sketched some ideas based on the fish's appearance.
In another room, Sky and Applejack were looking about as they saw a school of Basculin. Soon, a Stunfisk popped out from the gravel on the sea bed as it had camouflaged itself. It spotted the two teens looking at it before looking and swam away. Soon, a school of Lanturn swam before the pair as it spotted them with their lights on their head glowing brightly.
"It's like we're all underwater," said Sky, as seeing all the many Water-type Pokémon up close made them feel like they were in the ocean.
"You never get to see Pokémon up close like this," remarked Aj, as she also liked the aquarium.
Eventually, the group reached the end of the aquarium as they exited the building.
"That was fun!" said Spike.
"I'll say. There are many different types of Pokémon worldwide, but Water-type Pokémon are surprisingly the second most common type," explained Twilight.
"Huh, I never knew that," responded Sky.
"See, there are so many Water-type Pokémon because they've adapted to many environments found in the ocean."
"Hey, look at that!" said Applejack as she got the group's attention.
The country gal pointed to a statue near the exit staircase. The statue was of a Feebas, and next to it was a picture. The photo was black and grey and showed a man with a fishing rod attached to the line of a Feebas. Twilight looked at the plague and read it out aloud.
"In honor and loving memory of our aquarium's founder. It is said that due to his legendary fishing attempt to catch this Feebas, he decided to open up the aquarium to share his love for the ocean with everyone else."
"I know it's an old photo, but doesn't that Feebas look a bit big compared to others?" asked Sky. He looked at the photo and noticed the Pokémon was just as big as the human looking to catch it.
"Yeah, you're right. I wonder why," said Twilight; seeing a Feebas that size intrigued her. She then noticed and heard something. Down by the beach, someone was fishing as he reeled his line back before casting it out. "Maybe he might know something about it."
"Mm. Yes! Finally, I got a bite!" said the fisherman as he felt a tug on his line. "It's a big one, that's for sure." The man felt the resistance on his line as he tried to reel the thing in.
The group made it down to the beach, and they stopped before the rock the man was on. At that moment, the man managed to reel in his catch, but only to have some seaweed hit his face.
"Um, excuse me?" stated Twilight as she got the man's attention. "Sorry to bother you, sir, but perhaps you could tell us something?"
"Well, it'd be my pleasure, little lady. If you have any questions about the aquarium, feel free to ask. I'm the aquarium's curator."
"You run the place?" responded Sky, shocked to realize that the man they had just happened to stumble upon was the owner.
"Yes, I do. Well, initially, it was my grandfather who first built the place. In fact, I don't know if you had a chance to check out the statue of that Feebas near the exit, but my grandfather is the man in the photo."
"Seriously?!" said Applejack.
"So, your grandfather is the one with that large Feebas?" said Spike.
"Yup. Forgive me for not introducing myself, kids. My name is Mr. Cirkul. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'd also like you to meet my partner, Krabby." said the man as he turned to reveal the small red crab nesting on the rock. The Pokémon turned to look at the kids as it gave an unamused look.
"Wow, that's a Krabby!" said Twilight as Sky pulled out his Pokédex.
"Krabby, the River Crab Pokémon. It lives in burrows dug on sandy beaches. Its pincers fully grow back if they are lost in battle."
"Whoa," said Spike, surprised to hear that info.
"So, listen. We were curious about that giant Feebas statue. The one your grandfather built," stated Twilight.
"It is quite amazing, isn't it? When I first heard the story, my grandfather told me about his legendary fishing hunt and how he encountered the giant thing, and I was in awe. He tried his best to catch the thing for years but to no avail. So, I've decided to make it my life's work not to catch the thing to honor my late grandfather."
"So it's actually real?" said Rarity.
"Hmm. According to what my grandfather told me," said the man as he cast his line out. "You know, many discredit Feebas for their appearance. But what many don't know is when Feebas evolves, it becomes one of, if not the most beautiful Pokémon ever to exist. Mioltic."
"Most beautiful, you say," said Rarity as her attention was caught.
"I want everyone to have a chance to see it up close. That way, everyone will enjoy the aquarium more. After all, the purpose of an aquarium is to educate and entertain, don't you think?"
"Sounds really awesome to me," responded Sky to the man.
"Oh! I got a bite!" stated Mr. Cirkul as he felt something tugging on his line.
"Wow, this could be it!" stated Spike.
The man reeled his fishing rod back as the line retracted. Sure enough, the Pokémon that was caught was a Feebas. However, a normal-sized one landed in the man's hands.
"Hey, a Feebas!" said Applejack.
"Ugh, it's just a regular one," sighed Mr. Cirkul with a smile before bending down and setting the fish back into the water as it began to swim away. "Whenever I catch a regular one, I release it into the ocean."
"Oh!" responded the kids.
"I know, why don't we help you catch it," suggested Sky.
"I'd like to help, too!" stated Applejack.
"Well, looks like I got myself a fishing team!" smiled the man. "Here!"
The man then handed the kids fishing rods as they stood on the beachfront. Applejack, Sky, and Twilight all stood on the sand with fishing rods in their hands, while Spike and Rarity stood off to the side.
"No doubt, I'm going to be the one who catches that giant Feebas!" stated Sky.
"We'll see about that, sugarcube!" responded Aj as she felt her competitive spirit coming out.
Both teens reeled back their fishing rods before throwing their lines forward as they flew through the air and landed in the water. Twilight looked between her friends, confused. Sky then noticed the bookworm's expression.
"What's the matter, Twilight?"
"Well, see, the thing is… I've read about it, but I've never actually fished before," explained the girl as she was slightly embarrassed.
"Oh, yeah? No problem. I'll teach you."
"Oh, please!" expressed the girl as she could use the help.
"First, you bring your rod all the way back... Like this," said Sky as he showed off to Twilight what to do. "Then you fling it as far as you can. Throw the lure!"
"Like this?" asked Twilight as she brought her rod over her head and far back.
"Farther," responded the boy.
"How about this?" asked the bookworm.
"Now, you case the lure with all your might!"
Twilight then threw her fishing rod forward as hard as she could as the line sailed through the air and landed perfectly in the water.
"Awesome!" said Sky.
"You definitely got the potential," remarked Aj.
"Well, you think so?" asked Twilight to her friends.
The kids then played the waiting game, as it was nothing but patience—or, in the case of Twilight, just a matter of time. About twenty minutes passed before the bookworm's line began to feel some resistance. She felt her rod slip a bit through her fingers as she quickly gripped the rod.
"What's that?" asked Twilight as she tried to keep the rod from escaping.
"A bite! Reel it in, quick!" instructed Sky.
"I'm trying!" shouted the girl as she tried to turn the dial back but felt some strong resistance.
"You think it's the giant Feebas?" asked Spike.
"Hold on, Twi!" said Applejack as she and Sky put down their rods and quickly helped their struggling friend.
The duo grabbed the rod as Twilight kept reeling the line in. Eventually, all three gave a giant tug back as the line came out of the way with something attached to the end of it. At the end was a Shellder, and its eyes inside its shell were shown.
"Looks like you caught a Shellder," said Applejack.
The Pokémon stared at the bookworm as she grabbed the Pokémon and removed it from the line.
"Sorry," apologized Twilight before bending down and setting it into the water.
The Pokémon gave a response to the girl before it swam back and dove under the water. Meanwhile, Mr. Cirkul's Krabby was shown on the beach as it shifted its eyes to look over as Spike and his Goomy were looking at it. The crab paid no attention to the boy as he hurried away.
"So, what's it like being a crab?" asked Spike to the Pokémon.
The boy's Goomy got closer to the crab as he scooted away; he moved closer to speak when Krabby got annoyed and bit one of its claws on Goomy's feeler-like horns as the slug felt it. The slug felt the pain as he tried to shake the crab off of it, but it wasn't letting go.
"Hey, let go of Goomy!" shouted Spike, as he didn't like his Pokémon being bullied by something the size of his shoe. As he looked to grab the carb, Krabby used his free claw and snapped at Spike's finger to scare him off. "Ow!"
"Spike, what's going on!" shouted Twilight, as she didn't like her brother causing mischievousness.
"That stupid little crab pinched me!" said Spike as he sat on the sand and sucked his finger.
"Krabby, now you know better than to attack an aquarium patron and their Pokémon," said Mr. Cirkul as his crab just gave an annoyed response and crawled away for privacy.
"I'm sorry. Forgive my brother," apologized Twilight.
"No need to apologize. I suppose Krabby could be a bit friendlier. You see, it originally lived in the aquarium, so anyone who visited us here could watch and interact with it. But Krabby didn't like being looked at that way. It lost its appetite, and I could tell it was getting sadder and sadder. So, I decided to make it my Pokémon instead. It seems to be just fine when it's the two of us."
"I see," responded Sky.
Goomy was shown approaching the crab as he turned with a glare, which made the slug slitter back toward Spike and hid behind the boy. The group soon returned to fishing, casting their lines back into the water, hoping to catch the giant Feebas.
About two hours had passed as the group was still fishing on the beachfront. In the case of Spike and Rarity, the two had fallen asleep on the sand for about the first hour before the fashionista decided to head into town to buy some supplies. The bookworm's brother decided to accompany her as he got a bit bored watching the trio fish. The duo entered the port town as they came to a street market full of many stands.
"I'll take ten of those and about two of these," said Rarity as she negotiated with some merchants.
Spike was beside the girl, holding bags full of stuff the girl had bought.
"Here you are, miss!"
"Thank you," said the girl as she left with her purchase, Spike following her.
"Um, Rarity, why did you just buy that?" asked the boy as he felt like the items the girl just purchased didn't fit her character well.
"Glad you asked, Spike. You see, most people don't give fashion a second thought. Still, I like to make my own accessory based on current trends."
"You make them yourself? That's amazing. So, what's the current trend?" asked the small boy.
"Well, the recent trend is plants. Not flowers, mind, but complicated patterns like vines and ivy. I've been obsessed with them lately, but the more elaborate I make them, the more delicate they are. I think a bracelet made like that would break too easily." said the fashionista as she examined Spike's fingers. "I must say, Spike. You seem to have dexterous fingers."
"Uh, thanks?" said the boy, not sure what the girl just said about his digits.
"How would you feel about helping me make such bracelets?"
"I'd love to lend a hand. Oh, not to abruptly change the subject, but what other things do you do regarding trends? Are you all about the latest fashions, or do you tend to go more traditional?"
"Well, for one, makeup. Generally, I try to use those that are reputed to be good for the body. They say some cosmetics are quite unhealthy, which worries me. And you tend not to find out until it's wayyy too late. So I watch out for stuff like that and protect my skin."
"Huh? I never knew all that," said Spike, as he was fascinated by the new knowledge he learned from the fashionista.
The pair soon finished the girl's shopping trip as they dropped her bags back at the Pokémon Center. The duo then started to head back to the beachfront to return to the others. They arrived, and things seemed to be the same as when they left. When they were gone, all three of their friends had gotten empty lines about three times. While Applejack switched out her line, Sky cast his line back into the water.
"No offense, but fishing is kinda boring when you don't get any bites," stated the bookworm, starting to feel the effects of boredom come upon her.
"But isn't it nice to relax with nothing to do with all the time in the world to feel the delightful ocean breezes?" stated Mr. Cirkul with a smile as he cast his line into the sea.
"I'd rather be reading a good book instead," muttered Twilight as she felt that was more fun than waiting for something to nibble her line.
As if on cue, Twilight's line started to feel something as the sudden tug quickly made her grip her rod.
"Uh, I think I got something!" exclaimed the girl.
"Yeah, me too!" stated Aj as she felt her line being tugged.
"So do I!" stated Sky.
"As do I!" responded Mr. Cirkul.
Sure enough, all four had their lines tugged as they tried to hold on. The sudden shout awoke Spike and Rarity as they saw their friends trying to stand their ground; Twilight felt her feet slipping on the sand as whatever she caught was fighting back. The others also started to experience something similar as they felt themselves being dragged toward the water. With a shout, Applejack pulled back as hard as she could, and sure enough, she managed to pull her line out of the water. Attached to the end of the line was a large shadow as it leaped out of the air before jumping back in. It created a splash before a huge fin popped out of the water, followed by some eyes.
"What is that?" asked the country gal.
"That's a Sharpedo!" explained Twilight.
The Sharpedo let go of the line as it growled and fired a Hydro Pump attack at Aj. The girl ducked and moved out of the way to avoid the attack.
"Hey, what the hell was that for?" barked the farmer.
Soon, several other Sharpedos appeared as the ones that Twilight and Mr. Cirkul had caught released from the lines and began to fire similar Hydro Pumps. The pair let go of their rods and dropped to the floor; Mr. Cirkul's Krabby jumped in to protect his curator as he fired a Bubblebeam attack. It smacked the Sharpedo in the face as he backed off. The rest of the pod then decided to swim away as one remained. Sky had been holding onto his line as he didn't let go of the Pokémon he caught. After seeing how powerful a Hydro Pump was, the boy knew these Sharpedos were powerful. And given he was about to challenge for his fourth Gym, he figured having that kind of firepower on his squad wouldn't hurt. The boy began to tug back as the Sharpedo that was caught felt some resistance.
"Sky, what are you doing?" asked Twilight as she saw her friend not letting go.
"Pikachu, come on out!" said the boy as he managed to pull his Pokéball out and call on his Pokémon.
"Pika!" responded the yellow rodent.
"Alright, bud, get ready. When I pull it out of the water, you fire a Thunderbolt, okay?" asked the teen.
With one mighty tug, his mouse nodded as Sky managed to reel his line back and made it fly out of the water and into the air. The Sharpedo attached to it soared as Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt attack on command. The electricity shocked the Pokémon as it felt some pain; it then dove back into the water and it went deeper and deeper into the water. Sky felt the line pulling him more in as he could tell the Sharpedo was trying to break the line or get him to let go. But he was determined to catch the thing. The boy felt a power tug at that moment, and he was taken off his feet just as the line snapped.
Everybody watched as Sky dove into the water; it all moved so fast for him to comprehend as Sky soon found himself submerged in water. The boy was welcomed to the sight of blue as some reefs and ocean life surrounded him. He held his breath as he swam about before locking eyes with the Sharpedo who eyed him. In the blink of an eye, the Pokémon shot forward like a torpedo as Sky tried to get out of the way. The shark grazed the boy from behind as he felt it before he drifted deeper from the collision. The boy started losing consciousness as the Sharpedo turned around and came right back at him. The last thing Sky was the shark baring his teeth before his vision went black. A shadowy figure, watching what went down between the boy and the Pokémon, soon darted forward.
Sky was shown waking up as his vision had some bright light entering his eyes. The boy instinctively raised his hand to block the sun's bright rays from entering his vision field. He then felt his chest hurt as he coughed and spat out some water. The teen rolled over to his side, dumped all the ocean water he had inhaled, and took deep breaths to regain air. The boy was back on the beach near some cliffs; once the teen regained his oxygen and senses, he looked at his surroundings. It amazed the boy that not only did he survive but that he somehow managed to be back on the beach.
"How did I…"
"Sky!"
The boy's ear heard something as he turned his head. The girls, Spike, Mr. Cirkul, and his Pikachu, were running alongside the beachfront as they'd searched it since he vanished into the water. The boy stood up, waving his arms to signal to his comrades.
"Hey, you guys!" shouted the boy.
The teen's Pikachu charged forward, jumped into his trainer's arms, and knocked him back onto the sand. Sky laughed as he held his Pokémon, rubbing his cheeks against his to show his appreciation for the boy's being okay.
"Glad to see you, buddy," responded Sky as he looked at his Pokémon.
"Pika, Pika!" said the yellow mouse as he smiled at his trainer.
"We're glad you're okay, darling," said Rarity as the others all stood before the boy.
"We were worried, sugarcube."
"What happened?" asked Spike.
"I don't know. One moment, I was in the water, and then next… I woke up on the beach," the teen said, unsure how he had escaped the situation. "Did you guys see anything?"
"No. As far as we know, you disappeared into the water, and we spent nearly an hour along the beachfront, finding you," explained Twilight.
"Are you sure you don't remember anything?" asked Mr. Cirkul.
"I think… I think I remember seeing something," said Sky as he stood up with Pikachu on his shoulders. "But I couldn't make it out."
The others were just as confused by Sky's words; they couldn't figure out how the boy landed on the beach. Watching the humans from afar was the shadowy figure that had saved Sky from the Sharpedo as it disappeared back into the water.
Once the group returned to their spot, they continued to fish. About sunset, the group decided to call it quits.
"I think we should call it there, kids. It's getting late," said Mr. Cirkul as he reeled his line in.
"We're sorry for all the trouble you had to go through," apologized Sky as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"And that we couldn't help much," said Twilight.
"Thanks for the fishin' rods, mister," Applejack stated as she returned the item to the aquarium curator.
"You kids can keep the fishing rods. I'm certain they'll come in handy someday. Seeing as you're all on a journey, it wouldn't hurt to have some more tools at your disposal when traveling," said Mr. Cirkul with a smile at the kids.
"Really? Thank you so much," responded Sky.
"We'll take good care of them," assured Applejack.
"We appreciate it," said Twilight. "Spike, come on!"
The bookworm called to her brother, who was making a sand castle with his Goomy. At that moment, all their attention was caught when they turned to look at the water. Something leaped high out of the ocean and flopped in the air. The thing in question was enormous; glistening its scales off the sunset's rays was none other than a Feebas. But it wasn't just any Feebas. It was the legendary giant Feebas that the group had spent nearly all day trying to catch as it appeared before their eyes. Everybody was frozen still and had their mouths drop as they couldn't believe the sight or their luck. The fish saw the pair as it focused on Sky momentarily before dropping back into the water. As quick as it appeared and leaped out, as quick as it vanished beneath the water.
"Was… was that it?" asked Spike.
"Yeah!" shouted Mr. Cirkul as the kids looked at the man jumping up and down joyfully. "The legend was real. Grandpa, you were right!"
"Alright!" shouted Applejack as they began celebrating their historic moment.
"Well, it's time for us to leave," said Twilight as they headed to the port's Pokémon Center for the night before catching the ferry in the morning to head toward Mt. Aries.
"Safe travels. And good luck in your battles. I promise the next time we meet, I'll have caught that Feebas for sure."
"We look forward to it," responded Rarity.
Krabby waved his claw at the group as he had come around to them and even said goodbye. The group waved as they began to leave, knowing that tomorrow would be another adventure for them to tackle. While they hadn't exactly caught the Feebas as intended, no doubt, this was a reminder that many countless wonders existed, and no doubt the road ahead would be full of many more to come.