Ambrette Town — a place famed for being close to the water.
But it wasn't a lake that it bordered.
It was the sea!
That's right, this was a seaside town.
Because of its high elevation, even at high tide the waves couldn't reach the settlement. Yet every time the tide rolled in and out, the ocean would leave behind countless gifts.
Over time, the town's reputation spread far and wide.
Countless Trainers who adored Water-type Pokémon came here, hoping to fish up their ideal partners. And of course, many other visitors came for the scenery and relaxation.
Because Ambrette Town was home to one very special attraction—
The Ambrette Aquarium.
"Exactly! The Ambrette Aquarium! Ash, let's go visit, okay? Don't you want to go too, Bonnie? The aquarium is full of Water Pokémon, there are tons and tons of them!"
Serena teased and coaxed Bonnie, and sure enough, Bonnie clapped her hands excitedly, shouting that she wanted to go.
Clemont also nodded—he too was curious. After all, aquariums always had magnificent displays.
"Then let's go. We'll have lunch, visit the aquarium, and afterward head to the beach. Since we're close to Cyllage City and the Gym battle is coming, Froakie and Fletchling need to raise their levels a bit. This place is perfect for training against Water-types."
Ash had already made his plan.
Pikachu, who had been perched on his shoulder the whole time, leapt down in agreement, dragging along Dedenne, Serena's Fennekin, and Clemont's Chespin. The little ones bounced happily as the group bought tickets and entered the aquarium.
The aquarium certainly lived up to its name—it had everything.
Not only Kalos-native Pokémon, but also Water-types from Kanto and Johto—Starmie, Corsola, Chinchou—all swimming in schools.
From Hoenn, from Sinnoh…
Clearly, the owner of this aquarium must have been a worldly traveler once upon a time.
"Look, look! Mantine! Such a huge Mantine!"
The aquarium had a tunnel that led straight down toward the seabed.
"Wow, that's a Clamperl! And over there—an Alomomola! One of its evolutionary relatives!"
Serena and Bonnie were completely enthralled, squealing at every display.
Meanwhile, Clemont had activated his "Clemontic Gear," unveiling a hovering camera drone to capture their group photos.
After enjoying themselves thoroughly, they grabbed lunch, then headed for the beach.
To avoid crowds, Ash chose a quiet, secluded stretch. Only one old man sat nearby on a rock, calmly fishing.
"Froakie, this one's your opponent!"
"Froakie!"
Ash's first catch was a Clauncher.
Clauncher immediately fired off a Water Gun, but Froakie nimbly dodged with Double Team. One solid Pound later, Clauncher was buried in the sand.
"Nice, Froakie! Now—Quick Attack!"
"Froakie!"
Ash had been training Froakie's speed relentlessly, and Quick Attack was all about speed.
Two quick strikes, and Clauncher was down.
Ash didn't plan on catching this one, though.
Soon after, he reeled in his second opponent—a Croagunk!
Native to Unova, this Croagunk was a worthy challenger.
But Servine handled it easily, whipping out Vine Whip and Leaf Tornado in combination. Down went Croagunk.
One after another, Ash caught Water-types. With every battle, Fletchling, Froakie, and Servine grew stronger.
"Ash really is amazing… While we're just relaxing, he's already pushing his Pokémon's growth and building their battle experience. Compared to him, I feel ashamed," Clemont admitted from a nearby bench.
"Mm! Let's join him too. Together!"
"Agreed!"
So Serena, Bonnie, and Clemont set aside their own rods and went to fish alongside Ash.
The old fisherman nearby had been quietly observing. He noticed Ash's steady streak of Water-type catches and couldn't help but approach.
Introducing himself as Rodman, the man revealed he was actually the curator of the Ambrette Aquarium. Today, he was out here chasing a lifelong dream—
To see with his own eyes the Golden Magikarp, the very one commemorated by the grand statue outside the aquarium.
"The Golden Magikarp has always been a legend. And legends aren't born from nothing. All I want before my time runs out is to reel it in myself… but alas, all these years, I've never been blessed with that chance. Still—watching your skill, young man—I feel today might be special. Perhaps luck will smile on us?"
Rodman chuckled warmly—
When suddenly, his fishing rod bent violently!
"It's here—it's here!!"
In the blink of an eye, not just his rod, but Ash's, Serena's, and Clemont's rods too began jerking wildly!
Together, they hauled in a colossal golden… Magikarp?!
No.
It was Team Rocket's latest contraption—a golden, Magikarp-shaped submarine.
Having tailed Ash's group to Ambrette Town, Jessie, James, and Meowth had overheard the tale of the Golden Magikarp and, naturally, built a gaudy sub to hunt it down.
Instead… they'd gotten their machine hooked on the heroes' lines. Pulled up, it smashed against coral reefs, tangled beyond repair.
Ash didn't even flinch.
He already knew the real Golden Magikarp was destined to surface today.
Still, Team Rocket's antics made for a darkly funny sideshow.
Serena's Fennekin, Clemont's Chespin, Rodman's trusty Clauncher, and Bonnie's Dedenne all attacked at once. Poor Team Rocket didn't even get to finish their intro chant before they were blasted sky-high.
"At crucial times like this, leave it to me—Clemont! Science will change the future! Clemontic Gear—ON!"
Finally, Clemont felt useful.
"To handle exactly this sort of occasion, I invented the Electrified Magikarp-Luring Lantern! It emits waves that attract Magikarp. Everyone, just wait and watch!"
He placed the device in the sea. Meanwhile, Ash released his mighty Shiny Metagross.
If his hunch was right, the Golden Magikarp's level wouldn't be low.
And then—
The sun dipped toward the horizon.
Waves shimmered as the sea turned molten gold.
From beneath that golden light, the water surged upward—
And a radiant, golden figure burst from the depths!
Magikarp—golden as the sun itself!
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