Chapter 7 – Fishy Friend

“Sshhh you are scaring the water Pokémon away. Wait until I pull in my next catch before you start talking to me.”

Finding no counterargument to his solid reasoning I sat down next to him and stared at the churning waters. His Frillish seemingly content to do the same. Normally I would never get close to any ghost types however, my pressing need overrides any compunction I have for the irksome specters.

We just sat there and stared at the open ocean for what seemed to me for like a half hour or so. I took my time studying his equipment. Water type Pokémon are way smarter than the standard fare aquatic life in my previous world, and none could be deceived by simple bait. The lures in this world are very colorful in order to stand out against the pale blues of the sea and have no hooks on them. Fishermen had the option to get scented baits, but at the end of day that was all just fluff. For water types lures are just an open invitation to a trainer battle, and maybe running the risk to be captured. The Pokémon pulling on that bait used the ensuing battle to measure the trainer’s potential, and generally didn’t mind getting caught.

Suddenly the line grew taut, and a vague fish shaped shadow formed on the surface of the water. The teenager’s Frillish immediately stood at attention ready for the upcoming battle. With a splash the water’s surface breaks, and out appears a shabby looking fishlike Pokémon with old man liver spots. I was mildly excited even in Hoenn the native feebas are pretty rare only being found in the Fortree river. This teenager must be feeling extremely lucky hooking in such a rare Pokémon. Contrary to my expectations the teenager gives a resigned sigh in response to this amazing discovery.

“Feeb!”

I couldn’t help myself and pulled out my Pokédex to analyze this maritime wonder.

Feebas the Fish Pokémon Feebas's fins are ragged and tattered from the start of its life. Because of its shoddy appearance, this Pokémon is largely ignored. It is capable of living in both the sea and in rivers.

Despite the Pokédex’ harsh remarks about its appearance the Feebas still gives a hopeful look to its prospective trainer. The situation remained static tension filling the air. After a while I nudged the guy in the direction of the waiting Feebas.

“Feebas are pretty rare and this one obviously wants you to be its trainer no battling necessary. Why don’t you capture it?”

In response he gave me a resigned nod and pulled out one of his poké balls. Accurately catching the fish in a cyan colored dive ball. The Frillish picked up the floating ball and brought the item back to its trainer.

“Great catch friend! I am betting that Feebas is going to be winning you many a competition in the future.”

He gave me a certain look to see if I was being serious or not. Being completely genuine about my opinion, I offered a hand in greeting.

“The name’s Egon from Lavaridge town.”

He shook it back “Marlon from Humilau city. How come you are so excited about a Feebas? Don’t get me wrong all water type Pokémon are great but, Feebas isn’t a Pokémon most people get excited about. Even your Pokédex is of the same opinion.”

“It’s true that feebas start out weak but it can learn way more moves than your standard fare magikarp, and if you manage to evolve it, the effort you put into training it will more than repay itself.”

“Evolve it!? I come from a long line of water type specialists, and I am pretty sure no such further stages have been discovered. My family does appreciate the line because they keep our aquariums free of lichen and pond scum, but they are not suited for use in competition.”

“You know Wallace from the Hoenn region, right?”

He gives me a firm nod.

“His ace Milotic evolved from a feebas. Wallace managed to keep it a secret so far, but I was able to figure it out in addition to the method he used to evolve her.”

‘The bait has been set now to see if I’ve got a bite.’ With my complete inability to catch a Horsea on my own this was a golden opportunity for a trade of equal value. So far none but Wallace has managed to get a milotic on his or her team. ‘Sorry Wallace bro but this is for my sister’s sake.’

“Oh, that’s far out man so what’s the secret? A Milotic would for sure bring extra foot traffic to Humilau’s future walk-through-aquarium.”

“Walk-through-aquarium?”

“My dad calls it the Marine Tube. It’s supposed to bring new life to Humilau’s declining tourism. So, we can finally beat those uppity Undella townsfolk. He says it’s to commemorate the friendship between our two towns, but I just know as soon as the tourists arrive in Humilau they won’t ever want to leave.”

“Hey, you’re an expert on water types, correct?”

“The best! except for maybe my dad.”

“You wouldn’t happen to know where a trainer might be able to catch a Horsea around here? My sister is old enough to receive her starter Pokémon and Horsea is one of her favorites. I train fire types myself, so I am kind of out of my element here literally. Any assistance is appreciated.”

“A Horsea huh...? Your sister has great taste that’s an excellent starting Pokémon for beginners. They can be found around route 17 and up. You can get there in like 5 minutes with a water Pokémon. The best way to catch them would be to use a fishing rod like mine. The male Seadra in the area are very protective of their offspring so diving for them is not the smart thing to do. If a Horsea comes up voluntarily though you are free to catch them.”

‘I have to admit he is really knowledgeable for what I assume to be a 12-13 year old. No wonder he eventually becomes the gym leader of Humilau.’

"Okay so here’s the deal, you help me catch a Horsea, and in return for your help, I’ll tell you all about the super-secret method to evolving your Feebas.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal Egon. I am all about helping beginner trainers start off with an awesome water type.”

He gets up stretches for a bit before pulling out one of his poké balls and throwing it in the ocean. What surprised me was the Pokémon that materialized out of the ball.

“Waaail!”

“It’s really rare to see a wailmer around these parts. That must’ve been one lucky catch.”

“Wailmer here beached in front of our home one day. It probably got separated from its pod during their annual migration to warmer waters. This one is my starter Pokémon. Now hop on he is big enough for the both of us to ride.”

Cautiously I tried putting my feet on Wailmer’s back to test out the surface tension. Its smooth skin making it kind of difficult to find perch, but eventually I managed to get the hang of it. The whale Pokémon happily shooting jets of water out of its blowhole as it took off in the direction Marlin pointed at.

“Say I’ve been wondering how do most wailmer trainers deal with the possibility of evolution? I mean at any point this ball of sunshine can balloon up to more than 7 stories tall. Too big for most competitive fields.”

“They mostly don’t. Wailords usually get released back into the ocean by irresponsible trainers who didn’t think ahead. Their diet is manageable at that size because their species mostly lives on zooplankton but that takes long periods of time in the ocean, so their trainers are waterlocked. My dream is setting up an official gym in Humilau city with a waterfield large enough, so me and Wailmer can still do battle even after his evolution.”

“Waail!”

“That’s an amazing dream I am sure you can pull it off.”

‘Marlin seems like a responsible fellow who can be trusted to keep a secret. No reason to believe those Sootopolis snobs will believe a fire type specialist like me figured it out.’

“Can you keep secret the fact that I told you how to evolve feebas? Any maybe limit the amount of people you share such information with? I would prefer trainers not overcatching the already low quantities of wild feebas in their natural environment.

“Absolutely we from Humilau know the important role each and every water type has. Without feebas in our rivers a lot of other water Pokémon would suffer as well.”

Having been reassured I decided to tell him the truth regarding Feebas’ evolution.

“Regarding evolving feebas, there are two ways. One is done by acquiring a prism scale and slipping it between Feebas’ scales. Prism scales are expensive though since they can only be produced by milotic. The other way is helping your Feebas produce its own prism scale. This can be done by putting your Feebas on a diet consisting of pokéblock or poffins made with dry-tasting, blue-colored berries. Some sort of compound in those berries acts like an antioxidant which has a beautifying effect on Pokémon. Those properties make them popular for use in the contest scene. This is how I believe Wallace managed to unknowingly evolve his starter since he is also a master class coordinator.”

I admired Wallace for his grit, after learning about his story. He went from being a poor no name coordinator that wanted to prove any Pokémon can be beautiful, to one of the most successful trainers in Hoenn. The gym leader of Sootopolis took him on as an apprentice, shortly after he found success with his newly evolved Milotic. The method of evolving feebas remains a well-kept secret. Feebas is already a rare Pokémon in the wild. When trainers begin to figure out the true method to obtaining a Milotic the species will probably be caught en masse. Wallace never did share his secret not even to his colleagues at the Sootopolis gym.

We finally arrive at a clearing where the seawater is shallow enough. Luckily, I bought a pair of rubber boots as part of my explorer’s kit keeping my socks and cargo pants dry. Route 17 was almost all water and the currents are unnaturally strong going from one place to another in a chaotic pattern. My guess is that this was the doing of some of the stronger local Pokémon that live in these waters. Marlon and his wailmer parked at a spot where the water level was just below our knees.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

‘’Well alright then apprentice fisherman! You are lucky I always carry a spare rod with me just in case. Now tell me everything know about fishing.’’

What followed was a long Q&A session with a very passionate teenager.

“Did you know that while fishing in a sea route like this it’s required by law to wear polarized sunglasses? When the sun’s glare reflects off the water you won’t be able to spot the Pokémon you are reeling in. This route being part of the open ocean means you have the real chance of hooking in a more dangerous water type like Gyarados or Sharpedo. Seeing those Pokémon before they break the water surface might save your life.”

And on he went giving out fishing details left and right. Not that I couldn’t appreciate his enthusiasm, but I scorn all water related activities even in my previous life where I was forced to go to the beach by my parents every weekend. The sand got everywhere, you can cut yourself on jagged coral, and it was a pain to get all that salt off your skin and hair. Were it not for my sister’s needs I’d be half-way across Striation City already.

Finally, after some setup we cast out our fishing lines his tackle soared into the moving currents. The spot I picked out was near a moss-covered rock formation I figured a younger horsea would not be able to withstand the rapid currents of these open waters.

“Aside from horsea these waters are best known for wild alomomola but if we’re lucky we might also spot some qwilfish or finneon.”

“Are you looking to catch any of your own?”

“For sure I have just started my own journey and my dad has given me express permission to catch as many water types as I want.”

‘As many water Pokémon as he wants? Damn, I am lucky that I won’t be competing this year. His dad must be loaded being able to feed and house that many.’

The conversation slowly quieted down after that. Each of us focused on catching our own quarry. When suddenly his line started to wiggle, and the teen quickly caught on what was happening and expertly reeled in his catch. What sprang out from the water’s surface was a Pokémon I was not unfamiliar with. I quickly pulled out my Pokédex in order to confirm my suspicions.

Finneon, the Wingfish Pokémon. Because of its twin-tail fins that flutter like wings when swimming, Finneon has been called The Beautifly of the Sea. The line running down its side can store sunlight. It shines vividly at night.

Marlon cheered. “Amazing I haven’t caught a finneon yet pay close attention this is how water type Pokémon do battle. Go Frillish! let’s show them our strength.”

To my estimation both Pokémon are in the beginning stages of their development. Making Frillish have an overwhelming advantage especially if it has developed the water absorb ability. Fishlike Pokémon in their earlier stages rarely have more than two moves in their arsenal. I was expecting to see Finneon lose the battle being unable to do much of anything and I wasn’t disappointed.

Finneon took the lead by firing off a watergun Frillish didn’t even make the effort to dodge that attack and seemingly enjoyed being doused confirming my suspicions on its ability.

“Frillish grab Finneon and use absorb!”

The ghost floated over to the fish and grabbed hold of it using its appendages. It tried to escape for a while but was unable to struggle out of Frillish’ grip. Blasting water guns and using pound with its fins is completely ineffective. At some point even Marlon was beginning to feel sorry for the drained fish and ended it. A well-practiced throw with a poké ball ended the foregone conclusion of this battle.

I decide to give him some commentary on his battling skills.

“You know it feels kind of unsportsmanlike winning a match like that. Finneon wasn’t experienced enough to have learned other move types.”

“It’s fine Egon, Finneon wanted to be caught, and I won’t mistreat it. Some Pokémon prefer to live with humans it frees up their schedule from having to compete for food sources and territory all the time.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon fishing in that same spot. Marlon had all the luck eventually catching another two water type Pokémon an Alomomola and a female Frillish the latter one he didn’t even need to battle. The Pokémon gave one glance to his male Frillish and decided to capture herself immediately. As far as frillish go his seemed to be a very handsome one in terms of the species’ standards. With each successful capture my mood plummeted. Hoping I haven’t wasted my time by coming all the way over here. ‘Maybe it’s my fate to be a lousy fisherman? All my time spent around fire types must’ve rubbed off on me somehow.

“I feel something!”

“Again...?” ‘Give me some of your luck! If not a Horsea any water type will do. Just give me a sign that I am not cursed lord Arceus.’

“Horsea!” as he called out that name a little seahorse Pokémon popped out of the waves.

‘Look at those stunning red eyes and that cute little dorsal fin. This would’ve been the perfect gift for Zinnia! too bad I wasn’t born with a blue thumb like this guy.’

Marlon is looking at me “go on catch it.”

“Huh...?”

Hope started blossoming within me.

“Are you for real!? This is your catch, isn’t it?”

“I can come back here at any time to catch myself a Horsea. Go on prove yourself in battle against this little one.”

‘This guy….! I take back all the things I thought about you behind your back. But firstly…’

Horsea, a Dragon Pokémon. In this unique Pokémon species, thousands of Eggs hatch every spring, and then the male raises them himself. It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.

“Okay! Let’s go Rena!”

As soon as Rena materialized in the shallow depths of the shoal we were standing on. I knew that I screwed up.

“Pix! Pix! Pix!”

The water might only be knee length for humans, but it was deep enough to completely envelop the little fire type. I quickly scooped her up and put her to rest on wailmer’s back. She gives me this damning look promising swift and brutal payback for my transgression.

“Uhmm Marlon buddy. Can my vulpix use your Wailmer’s back as a platform for this battle? She does not like the water at all, being a fire type.”

“You only have fire types on you? If so, I guess Wailmer and I could help you out for this match.”

“Thanks, you are the best Marlon!”

“Sea sea!” Now the Horsea is also giving me flack wearing an impatient look on its face as if I should hurry up and bring out a Pokémon that can battle already.

“Sorry! Be prepared to become my little sister’s first partner!”

Immediately Horsea shoots a watergun in the direction of my Vulpix. Rena, having prepared for the beginning of this encounter, expertly dodges. Wailmer might not be the biggest Pokémon but with a diameter of 7ft (2m) it still gives my Vulpix enough space to dodge incoming attacks. Now considering Horsea is a water type and we’re standing in the middle of the ocean fire attack will be even more ineffective than usual luckily that’s not all we have up our bag of tricks.

“Disable!”

Rena’s eyes glow blue and a wave of energy envelops Horsea’s body who was at the time readying another potshot in our direction. Suddenly Horsea acts startled unable to fire off another attack. Not taking this chance for granted we use our final trump card.

“Hypnosis”

This time multicolored energy shoots out in a hypnotic pattern in short but concise pulses. I had been surprised that my Rena knew this egg move unrefined as it was. We had put in a lot of effort until she could use the move effortlessly, I knew her line is inclined towards psychic abilities despite not having the typing, so its efficacy was nothing to scoff at.

As expected, the Horsea falls in a deep slumber, and slowly sinks back into the deep sea. Before Horsea completely disappears, I throw one of my cheaper regular plain old poké balls at it. All the time I spent practicing throwing potshots with rocks is finally paying off. The ball hits Horsea right on the head and sucks her inside. The Horsea hadn’t taken any damage but was still sleeping making the capture rate as good as if we had weakened it. The ball begins steadily shaking in the water and after the third shake makes that all important sound.

*Click*

“We did it! I caught a Horsea!”

“Vul Vulpix!”

“Perfect Rena you nailed that mid-air twirl.”

Marlon and his Pokémon started giving me this weird look. ‘What is that about? Everyone knows you strike a pose when you capture a Pokémon.’

“Really thanks a lot, Marlon. You just made my little sister really happy. If you ever have a need for obscure information about Pokémon, I am your guy.”

“It’s nothing, friend, just an afternoon’s work for me and my Pokémon. Let’s get to shore and get something hot to drink. First rule with winter fishing in low tide is to make sure to keep your core temperature up.”

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We travelled all the way back to route 1 and stopped at Accumula town’s Pokémon center. The nurse Joy in charge gave us an earful about traveling in the dark, but the both of us were determined to sleep in a soft bed tonight. The next morning, we exchanged contact information, and he left town to fish some more in our old spot.

“Don’t worry Horsea my sister is going to be a way better trainer for you than me.”

“Sea sea.”

Me and the newly caught Horsea are having a conversation. I get that in his view I was the one who rightly caught him. So, the need for this conversation before I send him off to my sister in Lavaridge.

“C’mon don’t be like that. My sister is going to be a future dragon master. She’ll help you evolve all the way into a mighty Kingdra.”

“Sea! Sea?”

“Yes, she knows how. So, like I said a way better trainer and she is as cute as a button. Look here’s a picture of her. Ain’t she the cutest? A big brother worries you know? I can rest easy if she has a strong and dependable Pokémon like you looking out for her.”

At those words Horsea puffs up and gives me a nod in assent.

“Sea.”

“Perfect. I’ll let the nurse Joy know to get the transfer machine ready.”

And now to make my obligatory call to Zinnia. She won’t be expecting the nurse Joy at the Lavaridge center to have a little surprise for her.

POV – Zinnia

Ever since big brother left for his journey a month ago, Lavaridge has become so boring there’s no one to play with me after school. Grandma is running the store and Grandpa keeps telling the same old stories. My brother always has a new story to tell. Like those Exeggutor in Alola, who live under sunlight so strong they grow freakishly tall and become part dragon type!

‘He already gets to go on his journey it’s not fair! I don’t even have a Pokémon yet. When he comes back from his journey, I am going to surprise him with all the cool dragon-type Pokémon daddy will let me have when I move in with him and mommy.’

Thanks to my brother I’ve already made up my mind which Pokémon I am going to catch for my team. Brother says catching legendaries is a no no unless they’re jobless. Lord Rayquaza protects our planets from crashing meteorites and space aliens. But he didn’t say anything about not catching the eon Pokémon living on Southern Island.

The doorbell rang and I rushed up to greet our visitor. Not many people come over and grandpa’s wartime buddies only come on Sunday to play cards. I opened the door and there stood nurse Joy.

“Hello Zinnia sweetheart your brother is on the phone back at the center.”

“It’s about time hmmpff! That knucklehead should’ve called yesterday.”

I followed auntie Joy back to the Pokémon center. While we were walking, she had a suspicious expression on her face like she was hiding something.

‘People underestimating me just because I am younger, I’ll show them all when I become World Champion!’

We entered the center and Auntie led me to the closest center booth. My brother’s stupid face is already plastered on the screen.

“Heya Lil’ sis sorry for the late call I just woke up its morning here.”

“Did you catch any new Pokémon yet? Knowing you it’s probably going to be a fire type.”

“Well, I made a new friend over here he’s a trainer who specializes in water types.

Met him on route 1 and he helped me out with a special project of mine. His name is Marlon and if the topic is on catching Pokémon with a fishing rod, he’s an expert.”

“What’s your special project? C’mon you can tell me; I can keep a secret.”

“What’s that behind your back Zinnia?”

I turn around and I see nurse Joy standing there holding up a Horsea with a gift ribbon wrapped around its body.

“Wheeeeee!”

“He’s so cute! He’s so cute!”

“Horsea Sea?!”

“Now now young lady, that’s not how we introduce ourselves to new Pokémon in this center.”

“I am sorry nurse Joy. Can I please hold Horsea now?”

She gave in to my request and I get to hold him. “You are my very first partner Horsea. My name is Zinnia and I’ll take good care of you from now on.”

“Sea!”

Horsea blows a couple of celebratory bubbles in my face to let me know he is excited too.