The sun sank into the horizon, painting the sea with its golden afterglow.
So beautiful.
But what was even more breathtaking—was the enormous golden Magikarp leaping straight out of the waves.
Golden? In truth, it was simply a Shiny Pokémon.
But among the people of Ambrette Town, it had long been known as the Golden Magikarp.
"It's real… the Golden Magikarp truly exists! Its size… its dazzling scales…"
Old Master Rodman was trembling with excitement.
All his life, he had doubted whether such a Magikarp could exist. Yet here it was—three times the size of a normal one!
A colossal Magikarp!
"It's huge! I've never seen a Magikarp this big!"
Serena and Bonnie were completely stunned, while Clemont puffed up with pride. After all, he believed the Golden Magikarp had only appeared thanks to his invention—the Electrified Magikarp-Luring Lantern!
Ash, however, was calm. With a snap of his fingers—
His Metagross, prepared long beforehand, unleashed Psychic. In an instant, the Golden Magikarp's body was lifted into the air and gently carried toward the shallows.
"Alright, Metagross. Bring it over to the shallow waters."
Obeying Ash's command, Metagross guided the massive Magikarp closer.
Though free to thrash about, in the shallows its entire golden body shimmered brilliantly. The setting sun struck its scales, refracting across the sea's surface in dazzling beams.
It was… stunning.
"This… Young man, I have a rather selfish request. Would you allow my Clauncher to…"
Rodman's face was red as he hesitated.
Ash immediately understood.
The old man wished to attempt the capture himself.
Ash glanced at the Magikarp with his Eye of Insight—its level made him smirk in surprise.
Level 40.
For a Magikarp that hadn't even evolved… this was unheard of.
Ash nodded. "Go ahead."
Rodman's Clauncher was only level 25, but Ash respected the man's lifelong dream. He had waited decades for this moment.
If the attempt failed, however, Ash wouldn't hesitate to step in. After all, without Metagross's Psychic, the Golden Magikarp would already be gone.
"Thank you! Clauncher, clamp onto its tail!"
"Clau!"
The Clauncher surged into the water, its claw snapping shut around Magikarp's massive tail.
But the Magikarp didn't shy away—it welcomed the challenge! With a single mighty thrash of its oversized tail, a surge of raw power erupted.
Whoosh!
The titanic Magikarp, still clamped by Clauncher, launched both itself and its opponent skyward!
"Splash! Splash! Splash!"
The golden body twisted rhythmically in the air, using Magikarp's signature move, Splash!
Each movement carried an overwhelming force.
Clauncher's grip, though firm, was no match. Within seconds, Magikarp whipped free and sent Clauncher hurtling back toward the shallows, where it crashed and fainted instantly.
"Too strong… as expected of the Magikarp I've chased for so long. It seems I have no chance. Young man… it's up to you now."
Rodman recalled his fainted partner with a sigh, though his eyes still gleamed with joy at having witnessed the legend firsthand.
Ash nodded firmly.
It's time for Platinum vs Gold
The Magikarp splashed back into the sea, playfully thrashing about.
"Metagross, Bullet Punch!"
"Meta-gross!"
Metagross lunged forward, steel fist striking toward Magikarp.
Magikarp leapt, its tail whipping fiercely in retaliation—but this time, the advantage belonged to Metagross.
The Bullet Punch struck clean, sending Magikarp flying. And in that very instant—Metagross teleported, appearing behind its airborne foe!
"Now—Meteor Mash!"
Ash's command rang out.
Golden starlight flared across Metagross's steel arm, crashing into Magikarp's back with a deafening blow!
"Go, Heal Ball!"
Ash already had the pink Heal Ball in hand, hurling it toward the stunned Magikarp.
With Psychic, Metagross guided the ball safely back into Ash's hand before it could touch the water.
The ball shook violently.
One shake… two shakes… three—
Click!
Capture successful.
"I did it… the Shiny Magikarp is mine!"
"Pika Pika!"
"Gross!"
Pikachu and Metagross cheered happily alongside him.
"Ding!
[Congratulations, host! Metagross has defeated Magikarp. 10X EXP Multiplier Card triggered—massive battle EXP gained]"
Level up!
Though Rodman hadn't caught it himself, his heart swelled with satisfaction. He had seen the legendary Magikarp with his own eyes.
"It's really true… the Golden Magikarp. Ash, quick! Call it out! Let us see it again!"
Clemont's face glowed with impatience. Serena and Bonnie nodded eagerly.
Ash chuckled. "Alright, let's take this chance to introduce everyone. Come on out, everyone!"
One by one, his partners emerged—Servine, Pignite, Fletchling, Froakie, Lucario, Metagross, Gardevoir, Garchomp and Sceptile.
"And now, our newest companion—Golden Magikarp!"
With a burst of light, the golden titan splashed into the shallows, bouncing energetically.
"Magikarp, these are your new teammates. Let's do our best together from now on!"
"Pika!"
"Servine!"
"Froakie!"
Voices rang out in warm welcome.
The Golden Magikarp splashed gleefully, using Splash again and again, golden scales glimmering brighter and brighter…
And then—its entire body erupted in radiant light, glowing with even greater brilliance!
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T/N:
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