I loved nothing more than holidaying in the Orange Islands in the summer months. The archipelago was so beautiful this time of the year with its tropical plants, turquoise seas and fresh ocean air. My friend suggested that we go snorkelling and check out some of the wild water Pokemon in the area. It wasnt long before we had our wetsuits and masks ready and we were headed down to the dock, eager to get in.

The waters between the islands were relatively shallow and sported a rich coral ecosystem that I was keen to explore. We had been out for a while and we were getting close to low tide so we decided to head back. However, I became distracted by a Kingler amongst the rocks below and unknowingly began to drift away from the group. By the time I realised they were already just dots in the distance and I was getting tired. I powered toward them but I quickly realised that I was caught in a current that wasn't making any real head way towards them. I swam parallel to the current, when I heard something strange. I stopped and listened. It was a long wailing call that carried beautifully through the water.

Suddenly I spotted it, something large swimming toward me!

It was a Lapras. These Pokemon are known to help people at sea, in fact there has never been a report of one attacking a human in the wild. Stories tell of ancient mariners who would ride on their backs and travel from island to island, ferrying food and supplies to all who needed it. That was until the mid 18th century when poachers began to hunt and kill Lapras for their oils, meat and shells. They were almost hunted to extinction until they became protected by law. Thankfully their populations are almost back to what they once were and pods of Lapras have been a common sight. Though being part ice type, Lapras are common in the Orange Islands as they come here to breed in the late spring. When the winter approaches they follow the fish up north and live comfortably in the icy waters until next year.

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