Let's go fishing

Five hours later, the bus curved into a road flanked by towering pines and pristine air. The water of Dawki Lake shimmered like glass in the distance. While on the journey they came across many different Pokémon that were in the wild. Mostly bug, ground, flying and grass type. 

All Ayan could hear was ooh's and aah's after witnessing each wild Pokémon. Though he was fascinated too, but by now he had seen so many Pokémon in the wild. 

"Why didn't you bring your other Pokémon?" Neil asked while sitting beside him. 

"Mom loved Oddish more, and thus I decided to give her." Ayan admitted. Neil looked at Ayan as if he was some kind of idiot. Who would just give away their captured Pokémon so early in their career. Neil could only look at Ayan as if he was some kind of idiot.

A ranger dressed in forest green boarded the bus just before they reached the lake, accompanied by a female teacher with a clipboard.

"Alright, listen up!" the teacher said. "You'll only be allowed to check into the dormitories after 5 PM. Until then, enjoy the surroundings. You may roam the designated trails, take pictures, or help set up the lakeside activities."

Then the ranger spoke. 

"Just a word of caution, the Pokémon in this area aren't city-dwellers. They're territorial, and while we've mapped the safest zones, that doesn't mean you won't encounter something wild. If you see a Pokémon, do not provoke or follow it. Keep your distance."

He knew that these students had been cautioned multiple times and there would always be cases where human beings either turn up dead or missing in the wild everyday, so fear should have been a factor but humans were stupid in general and way too courageous than they should be at times, so it was better to be cautioned again. 

The lake up close was even more beautiful—its glassy surface reflecting the afternoon sun like a sheet of liquid crystal. Dragonflies skimmed the water's edge. Occasionally, a ripple would disturb the stillness, hinting at unseen life beneath.

Ayan, backpack slung over one shoulder, wandered along the gravel path beside Neil and Elicia. Elicia, as usual, had Budew peeking out of her satchel, its little bud-head tilted toward the water with interest. 

Elicia didn't have much friends in her class and for some reason she decided to tag along with them probably because of Ayan's Pidgey and maybe there she found a common topic to talk over. Neil and Ayan didn't mind her tagging along at all. 

"Boat rides are available for those who want to explore the lake," announced a signboard nearby, half hidden behind a lazy vine. "Speak to Mr. Rehman at the dock."

"Let's go boating!" Elicia chirped, practically dragging Budew with her. "This place is way too pretty to not see from the water."

"Sure," Neil shrugged. "Beats standing around."

Ayan just nodded along, amused. He was still coming down from the high of flying a Gyarados like some mythic hero, so everything else felt… quaint. At the dock, a man in his sixties stood beside a long wooden boat with a smooth hull and faded blue paint. Mr. Rehman, clearly, was the local guide.

"Three of you, eh?" he said, adjusting a straw hat. "Hop on in. Water's calm today. Lake's been generous too."

As they settled in, Budew nestled safely beside Elicia's knee, and Mr. Rehman began to paddle out with steady strokes. The lake mirrored the trees, the sky, and their boat with startling clarity.

"Y'know," Mr. Rehman said, voice low and inviting, "this lake's been home to Pokémon longer than people've been here. They say at night, the bottom glows. Something to do with the old Grotto network beneath." 

Hearing those words Neil's eyes shone. Of course there were Pokémon here. The secret dimension was at the center of the lake, under the water surface, 200 meters deep. 

"For real?"

"Mmhm," he nodded. "Rare ones live here. Most folks come fishin' to try their luck. Every now and then, someone hooks a Goldeen or a wild Corphish. Even got rumors of a Milotic once, though I never seen it myself." The man said. "I sell lures too, if you want to try. Never know what you'll catch if the lake favors you."

Ayan could only roll his eyes. What a clever way to hook naive younglings to up his business. But whatever, it wasn't like he was doing some illegal thing. 

"Oooh, can we try?" Elicia's eyes sparkled. 

"Sure. Only 100 rupees for an hour." Neil elbowed Ayan.

"C'mon, man. This is exactly how we test our luck. Who knows? Maybe the lake thinks I'm a chosen one too." 

"You two go ahead, I will watch you two." Ayan replied as he looked up to see his Pidgey circling above. Both of them didn't push Ayan and Neil was just happy that Ayan was with him just tagging along. 

As Neil fumbled with a fishing rod, Budew leaned over to sniff the lake water, while Elicia giggled at Neil's clumsy cast. Mr. Rehman just chuckled to himself. The boat drifted gently. Peaceful, like the lake was holding its breath.

The sun hung high, its golden light dancing on the rippling surface as Neil's fishing rod twitched once… then again.

"Oh! Oh! I think I've got something!" Neil said, yanking the line with way too much enthusiasm.

The line jerked taut—and with a splash, a wriggling, flapping Magikarp burst out of the water and landed in the boat with a wet thwack.

"…Seriously?" Neil looked at it, disappointed. "The most useless Pokémon ever."

The Magikarp flopped around helplessly before Mr. Rehman nudged it gently back into the lake with the flat end of his paddle.

"Don't underestimate Magikarp," the old man said, eyes twinkling. "You never know what a little patience and evolution can do."

"I think I got something too!"

Hers was a little more elegant—a Goldeen, with vivid orange-and-white fins, shimmered in the sun for a moment before flopping back into the water.