The queue at the port stretched like a long dragon, seemingly endless. Each person held or carried their own spirit, their faces filled with anticipation.
Lionel stroked the little Flame Vulpix, looking at the massive crowd, and couldn't help but gasp in amazement.
He remembered asking the hotel receptionist before setting off, and they said that usually not many people buy tickets for this ferry. Why were there so many people suddenly here today?
Looking at the trainer in front of him holding an Eevee, Lionel couldn't help but lean closer and ask:
"Excuse me, why are so many people taking the ferry to Mossdeep City today?"
"You didn't know?"
The young trainer looked surprised, then launched into a long explanation to Lionel:
"Mossdeep City is about to host the final performance of the The Marina Group!
They've toured several cities in the Hoenn region, and their performances have been phenomenal. Mossdeep City is their final stop, and nobody wants to miss it."
"The Marina Group?"
Lionel was taken aback.
"Yeah," another girl wearing a hat chimed in, her eyes sparkling:
"Their star performer, Miss Lizabeth, is even more amazing a Water-type Trainer than the Cerulean sisters from Kanto!
She wears a special mermaid costume and does a water waltz with Water-type Pokémon—it's breathtakingly beautiful!"
The young trainer added excitedly:
"And they don't just have water shows; they also do various Pokémon-assisted acrobatics and magic shows, and every show is packed.
This is the last stop of their Hoenn tour in Mossdeep City; if you miss it, you'll never have another chance!"
Lionel suddenly realized why so many people were crowding onto the ferry—it was for this performance.
Lionel felt that the names "The Marina Group" and "Lizabeth" sounded familiar. He took out his phone, opened the search engine, and entered keywords.
Instantly, countless pieces of information about The Marina Group and Lizabeth popped up on the screen.
In the photo, Lizabeth, dressed in a sequined mermaid outfit, dances gracefully with a group of goldfish, white sea lions, and other spirits in a water sphere controlled by Charem and Manasha, her smile radiant.
When Lionel saw Lizabeth's somewhat exotic face and the emerald necklace around her neck, he suddenly remembered:
Isn't this a character from the animated film The Prince of the Sea from his previous life?
In the film, Lizabeth is a descendant of the Water People, who are intricately connected to the legendary phantom spirit Manaphy.
"The Water People… Mana…"
Lionel murmured to himself, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
It seemed that besides challenging the Gym Leaders, he would also need to add another activity to his trip to Mossdeep City: seeing this performance and getting to know the The Marina Group.
Perhaps he could even uncover clues related to Manaphy. This trip to Mossdeep City was getting more and more interesting.
The line slowly moved forward, and finally it was Lionel's turn.
He walked to the ticket window, about to speak, when he suddenly remembered the Devon Corporation special VIP card that Steven had given him.
It was said to be useful for transportation and accommodation in the Hoenn region. With a try-it-and-see attitude, Lionel handed over the card.
The ticket seller's eyes lit up when she saw the logo on the card, and she immediately said respectfully:
"So you're a VIP from Devon Corporation! You can directly check into the top-floor five-star deluxe suite, which has a private viewing balcony and a Pokémon activity area, perfect for you and your Pokémon."
"That'll do." Lionel was overjoyed. This way, his Pokémon could stay comfortably by his side instead of constantly being confined to their Poké Balls.
Having obtained his room key, Lionel boarded the ferry with his two Vulpixes on his shoulder.
The ferry truly lived up to its name as a "giant." Its deck was so spacious it resembled a small plaza, with many passengers strolling and playing with their Pokémon.
The interior of the ferry was luxuriously decorated, with landscape paintings from various places hanging along the corridors, and a faint sea breeze permeating the air.
Following the number on his room key, Lionel made his way up, and finally found his suite on the top floor.
Opening the door, Lionel's eyes lit up:
The room was spacious and bright, and decorated very elegantly. To the floor-to-ceiling window, the view stretched to the boundless sea, and the balcony was furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and a small table.
Most importantly, the room had ample space, allowing the Pokémon plenty of room to roam freely.
"Wow…"
The Vulpix jumped off Lionel's shoulder and ran to the floor-to-ceiling window, scratching at the glass with its paws, gazing at the shimmering sea outside, letting out excited cries.
Ice Vulpix followed, its tail tip gently touching the glass, its eyes full of curiosity.
Lionel smiled and released all the Pokémon.
Milotic approached the two Vulpix, joining them in looking at the shimmering sea outside the window, clearly filled with longing for this vast expanse of water.
Metagross went out onto the balcony, its red pupils gazing into the distance, seemingly savoring the sea breeze.
Larvesta was the most excited, having arrived in a new environment.
It touched this and that for a while, finally settling on the balcony, chirping at the sea, as if announcing its arrival.
Deino was somewhat reserved, first cautiously surveying the surroundings, then sidling up to Lionel, nuzzling his trouser leg with its head, curiously sniffing left and right, sensing the different scents in the air.
Lionel went out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing, watching the ship slowly depart from the harbor of PacifidogTown, the distant town gradually becoming a blurry dot.
The ferry slowly pulled away from the harbor of Twilight PacifidogTown, its engine emitting a steady roar, propelling the hull... Sailing across the vast, azure sea, the ship cut through the waves.
Not long after setting sail, Lionel asked the Pokémon for their opinions and decided to take Larvesta and the two Vulpix to the deck for some fresh air.
Milotic was focused on practicing its Water-type moves in its room, showing little interest in the commotion outside.
Metagross was engrossed in watching the television program in its room, which was showing Pokémon battle highlights; it clearly didn't want to be disturbed.
Deino, having somehow become friendly with Metagross, also joined it, tilting its head and peeking out at the screen, occasionally nudging Metagross's metal arm; the two were thoroughly engrossed in the battle.
"Then the three of you stay in the room and don't cause any trouble."
Lionel gave a brief instruction, and seeing that they had no objections, he closed the door with peace of mind and followed the excited Vulpixes towards the deck.
The deck was indeed bustling with activity, even more vibrant than Lionel had imagined:
There were not only sunshades and lounge chairs for people to rest, but also stalls selling various snacks and drinks, and even an open-air barbecue area, the sizzling aroma of grilled meat mingling with the sea breeze, whetting one's appetite.
The most eye-catching area was the specially designed fishing platform on one side of the deck, with a dozen or so high-end silver-gray fishing rods neatly arranged on the railing, their shafts gleaming with a cold metallic light.