Ariel’s days had taken on a comforting rhythm, much like the rise and fall of the tides she loved so dearly. Ever since Feebas had been healed and released back into the sea, life settled into an exciting yet peaceful routine. Surprisingly, despite being set free, Feebas had not ventured far. Whether out of fear of the vast ocean or an unexplainable attachment, it stuck close to the shore, appearing whenever Ariel ventured out for her daily swims.
Every morning began with the familiar call of the Wingull soaring overhead, their shrill cries signaling the start of another day. Ariel, already awake and dressed, would rush out with her backpack slung over one shoulder, eager for the lessons that awaited her. The school, a small building nestled near the village center, buzzed with the sounds of children and the distant crashing of waves.
Inside the classroom, Ms. Thompson’s voice filled the air, weaving stories about Pokémon, geography, and the world beyond Sinnoh. Today, however, was different. The lesson had taken a turn into unfamiliar territory, igniting a spark of excitement within Ariel and her classmates.
“Alright, class,” Ms. Thompson began, standing in front of a large map that depicted all the major regions of the world, “we’ve been learning about the Pokémon League and the connections between the regions, but does anyone know why they were so separate in the past?”
Hands shot up eagerly, and a chorus of voices chimed in, each child eager to share their thoughts. “Because of the war!” one student shouted, while another nodded vigorously, “Yeah, the big one between Johto and Kanto!”
Ms. Thompson smiled and nodded, her expression serious. “Exactly. Long ago, there was a terrible war between the Johto and Kanto regions, resulting in immense destruction—not just for humans but for Pokémon as well. The Legendary Pokémon, creatures of immense power, were so furious that they took drastic measures to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.”
The classroom fell silent as the weight of the topic settled in. Ariel’s gaze drifted toward the map, her mind racing with images of chaos and devastation, wondering how Pokémon could influence the world on such a grand scale.
“Lugia,” Ms. Thompson continued, pointing to the waters surrounding Johto, “the Guardian of the Seas, created powerful whirlpools to protect the region, making it treacherous for any ships to pass through. No one could enter or leave the waters near Johto without risking their lives.”
A student in the back gasped, wide-eyed. “But that sounds awful! How did people survive?”
Ms. Thompson nodded gravely. “It wasn’t easy. Trade between regions ceased, isolating people for many years. For a long time, it seemed that communication between countries might never recover.”
She gestured to the map’s far-right corner, where the Sinnoh region lay. “Regigigas, the Colossal Pokémon, even moved entire continents to create further separation. The devastation was so great that the Legendary Pokémon wanted to ensure peace by keeping the regions apart.”
Ariel was captivated. She had always heard tales of Legendary Pokémon, but this was different. The thought of such powerful beings reshaping the world sent shivers down her spine, making the vastness of her future journey feel both awe-inspiring and daunting.
Another student raised their hand, curiosity brimming. “What about now? Why don’t we see the Legendaries anymore?”
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Ms. Thompson smiled softly, the kind of smile that hinted at mysteries yet to be solved. “No one knows for sure. Some say the Legendaries have chosen to hide away, their work done. Others believe they are still watching from the shadows, waiting for a time when they are needed again. But what’s important is that, over the last few decades, the regions have slowly begun to reconnect. The Pokémon League has been a driving force in uniting them once more.”
She pointed to the large regions marked on the map. “Johto, Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos—all are now part of the Pokémon League. However,” she added with a touch of intrigue, “there are still places like the Alola region that resist the League, choosing to maintain their unique traditions and independence.”
The lesson left Ariel buzzing with excitement. Her mind whirled with questions. What would it be like to visit these distant regions, to meet trainers from Johto or Kanto? What if she encountered the Legendary Pokémon that had once shaped the very land she called home?
After school, Ariel dashed toward the sea, where her real adventures awaited. As she splashed into the shallows, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Feebas gliding through the water, its shimmering, speckled body reflecting the sun’s rays. Magikarp floated nearby, always eager to join in the fun.
“Hey, Feebas!” Ariel called, her voice bright with excitement. “Want to swim with us today?” Feebas swirled closer, its movements tentative yet curious. Ariel often wondered what kept it from venturing farther out into the deep waters. Was it fear, or was it simply that it had grown accustomed to her presence?
“Don’t worry,” Ariel said gently, “I’ll keep you safe!” With that, she dove beneath the surface, her limbs moving easily through the water as she swam alongside her Pokémon friends. The sea was a world of its own, where worries seemed to drift away with the currents.
As the days turned into weeks, Ariel’s time with Feebas and Magikarp became even more precious. In the evenings, her father often joined her on the beach, watching her swim with pride. The sight filled Aron with warmth; his daughter’s bond with water-type Pokémon was unmistakable. She was growing stronger and more confident every day, and he could feel the impending adventure that awaited her.
One particular evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky transformed into a canvas of oranges and pinks, Selene joined them on the beach. She watched Ariel play in the waves, her laughter ringing out like music against the backdrop of crashing surf.
“Ariel!” Selene called, her voice gentle but firm. “Don’t go too far, okay? Remember what we talked about!”
Ariel turned, her face alight with joy. “I won’t, Mom! I promise!” But her heart raced with the thrill of the water, always yearning for a little more freedom.
In the following weeks, school lessons became equally important as her time in the sea. Each day, Ariel found herself captivated by the subjects taught, especially those that related to Pokémon and the world beyond Sinnoh. Ms. Thompson's lessons opened her eyes to the vastness of the world, and she spent hours pouring over books, learning about different regions, their unique Pokémon, and the geography that shaped them.
After school, Ariel couldn’t wait to rush back to the beach. As she arrived, she felt a sense of urgency. She needed to tell Magikarp and Feebas about her day, to share her excitement about the regions beyond Sinnoh and the possibility of adventures yet to come.
“Did you know there are so many places we could visit?” she exclaimed as she splashed into the water, her laughter echoing in the salty air. “Imagine all the different Pokémon we could meet! We could even find a Legendary Pokémon one day!”
Feebas bobbed nearby, seeming to tilt its head in curiosity. Magikarp flopped about, as if encouraging Ariel to continue her enthusiastic chatter.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the sea, Ariel swam deeper into the water, her heart filled with dreams of what lay ahead. With each stroke, she felt herself growing stronger, more connected to the world around her. She knew her journey was just beginning, and the ocean was her gateway to new adventures.
That evening, as Ariel returned home, her mind was buzzing with the stories of distant lands and the Pokémon that lived there. Her heart swelled with anticipation for her own journey, the one she would undertake when the time came. All she needed to do was wait a little longer, learn a little more, and cherish every moment spent with her beloved Pokémon.