This was a night to remember.
"Go, Feebas!"
"Luca!"
"Feebas, a brand new future awaits you!"
"Wait, I think we set it too high."
Goldeen, Buizel, and Milotic cleared the rings over the river with ease.
Feebas could not.
Each attempt ended the same way. Short jumps, slipping water, exhaustion building until even lifting its body felt heavier.
"Feebas, try again."
Austin called it back and fed it several Energy cubes to recover its strength.
At that moment, Shaymin's body began to glow green. The light softened into a drifting aura and slowly merged into Feebas.
A quiet boost settled into its body.
Incineroar, Ryu, Dragapult, and Agni all raised their voices in support.
The riverbank turned into a chorus of encouragement.
Feebas steadied itself. Its tired eyes sharpened again, now carrying a burning focus. It followed Buizel and Milotic back toward the rings.
Dai Yui and Incineroar even broke into an improvised war dance by the shore.
Zenith subtly shifted the water currents with Confusion, adjusting the flow beneath Feebas to give it just enough lift.
Feebas, with a Prism Scale tucked securely among its scales, surged forward.
It crossed the threshold.
Light erupted across its body.
"It evolved!"
Cheers broke out instantly. Dai Yui and Incineroar threw their arms up, and the riverbank erupted in celebration.
Austin Black exhaled and clenched his fist, watching the light intensify.
Feebas's small form stretched rapidly within the glow, reshaping into something long, elegant, and fluid.
A Milotic emerged.
Its cream colored body shimmered under the floodlights, blue and pink accents flowing along its tail like water itself.
Daniella's voice broke through the noise.
"You did it, Milotic!"
The newly evolved Milotic lifted itself gracefully and cleared the ring again in a smooth arc, as if it had always belonged there. It then swam alongside the others, weaving through Buizel and Goldeen with calm confidence.
The river slowly quieted as everyone watched.
Shion spoke softly. "It's beautiful."
Dai Yui and Incineroar stood still for a moment, eyes slightly red.
A quiet acknowledgment passed between them.
They had all watched the same journey.
From hiding in rock crevices, to brief daytime swims, to learning trust step by step, Feebas had finally reached this point through repeated effort and support.
Austin Black looked at the system readout.
[Name]: Milotic
[Attribute]: Water
[Egg Group]: Water 1, Dragon
[Gender]: Female
[Skills]: Recover, Flip Turn, Scald, Haze, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Dragon Tail
[Strength Rating]: Silver (Initial)
[Mood]: Joyful
For the first time, that final line carried something steady instead of hesitation.
Austin Black lowered his phone and recorded the scene.
Two Milotic swayed through the river under the lights, moving in slow rhythm.
Levi: "It evolved."
Not long after, Cynthia replied.
"I knew this day would come. Milotic responded to your sincerity. This is an emotional resonance formed between you and Feebas. A natural phenomenon."
Austin read the message twice, then looked back at the river.
He smiled without realizing it.
His gaze shifted slightly to Chief, the former ace police Arcanine sitting nearby. It was watching Milotic with its tail slowly wagging.
Austin leaned down and gently patted its head.
"Milo~"
Milotic, now fully evolved, swam closer and pressed its head lightly against Austin's side.
"You are welcome, Milotic."
Ryu translated through Aura.
Austin ran his fingers across the smooth scales on its head. "Oh, you want to stay with me?"
"Tic~"
Milotic narrowed her eyes and smiled.
Austin pressed the Luxury Ball against her.
A red light flashed.
Thump.
Capture confirmed.
Applause broke out immediately. Shion was the first to clap, followed by the rest of the group.
"That's amazing."
"I'm actually tearing up."
"Milotic finally did it."
Austin looked at the Luxury Ball in his hand.
"Take care of me from now on."
He released it again.
Milotic reappeared in the water, immediately circling once in a graceful arc before gliding freely through the river.
"Go enjoy yourself."
"Milotic~"
Before evolution, Feebas had never truly swum outside the rockery pond. Tonight was its first time moving without restriction.
Levi turned back to the group.
"Thanks for helping tonight. Tomorrow I'll make a proper meal for everyone."
"Long live Austin!"
"Woohoo!"
Dai Yui, Hanson, and Leon linked arms with the rest, celebrating together.
"You three are definitely not supposed to be in the cheering section," Austin muttered.
They ignored him completely.
The night slowly settled.
. . .
The next day.
"I watched the Emerald League. That was a clean win."
Even with the evolution preparations yesterday, Levi still found time to watch the match.
Cynthia had used her newly trained Kommo-o in the Emerald League in Galar without Dynamax, defeating Raihan on his home ground.
[Image]
It marked her third consecutive victory, following wins against Lance and Caitlin.
[Image]
Next was Lorelei in Kanto.
"Did taking Milotic suddenly affect your plans?"
"No. Kommo-o was already the plan."
Levi remembered the outfit she wore during the match.
A structured gray jacket layered over a scarlet high-neck top, paired with dark trousers detailed with yellow chain accents and red markings. The design echoed Kommo-o's scale patterns.
[Image]
It was already her third distinct outfit in this tournament cycle.
This Emerald League had become both a battle stage and a rotating display of coordinated designs.
After a brief pause, Cynthia spoke again.
"You're entering the Hearthome City Youth Breeder Competition on the 27th, correct?"
. . .
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