Seeing this,
Calyrex floated forward.
From its hands, an energy rich with the essence of life surged toward the Vulpix, which was undergoing an evolution in the very fabric of its being.
This was its gift, congratulating Vulpix on its evolution.
Just like the gift it had given to the Sandslash couple's child, this power wouldn't cause any dramatic changes to the future Ninetales.
It would simply be healthier, more vibrant, and physically superior compared to its kin.
Bathed in an eye-catching, dazzling milky green light,
The little Vulpix's slightly chubby body began to stretch, becoming more slender and agile.
Its six curled tails unfurled, transforming into nine fluffier, more elegant long tails, and the tuft of fur on its head did the same.
"Wooo—"
From the intense white light came a clear, sacred, melodious cry, signaling the final act of the evolution.
In that sound were gratitude toward Calyrex and longing for its own future.
This commotion had already attracted the attention of many contestants, staff, and early-rising spectators.
But Lucas kept his eyes fixed on the figure bathed in white light, a complex emotion flashing through his gaze.
Even though they had only been together for a few months, hearing the once-soft, childish voice change like this inevitably stirred mixed feelings.
The soft, sweet little Vulpix evolved just like that!?
The Frosmoth, who had just snuck out of Lucas's tent after stealing some Combee honey, floated out and was stunned mid-air by what it saw.
It just stole a bit of honey, and its junior already evolved!?
Especially when it noticed Shawa's gaze drifting over, Frosmoth felt even guiltier.
Moments later,
The light of evolution completely faded, and Vulpix—now Ninetales—stood revealed before everyone.
It was a Pokémon with pale blue, ice-crystal-like fur, elegant and slender, its almond-shaped fox eyes now exuding calm and wisdom.
This was the Alola Ninetales, revered as the sacred spirit of Mount Lanakila, appearing with blizzards, once worshipped as a god's incarnation.
Compared to Its Vulpix stage, Ninetales had undergone a complete transformation in both posture and aura.
The sparse snowflakes that had been drifting down, affected by Vulpix's power, suddenly grew denser after it evolved into Ninetales.
As if it brought its own special effects, the snowflakes sparkled in the sunlight, gathering around Ninetales and quickly forming a small pile of snow.
Ninetales slowly stretched its tails, letting icy particles drift down, the frigid aura it radiated drawing many glances.
It had to be said, freshly evolved Ninetales was one of the most beautiful Pokémon Lucas had ever seen, both in temperament and appearance.
"Ka-boo." (So beautiful.)
Snover cupped its face with admiration as it gazed at Ninetales' beautiful form.
Could it become as elegant as Ninetales when it evolved?
But then, out of the corner of its eye, Snover saw its parents, who loved to wander off, and its excitement cooled.
Probably not.
Their family seemed to go for the burly style.
Just then, Grusha, who had rushed over from the distant camp, witnessed Vulpix's evolution.
He tightened his scarf, hiding his sour-lemon expression.
Damn, so envious! Why wouldn't the boss give me leave to go vacation in Alola and catch a Vulpix or Ninetales?
Lucas and the newly evolved Ninetales locked eyes for a while, until Ninetales walked up with elegant steps, sat before him, nine tails curled at its sides, and gave a crisp call.
"Myuu?" (Am I pretty?)
Relieved by Calyrex's real-time translation, Lucas let out a breath.
Thank goodness, he still couldn't experience the "fortune" of his Pokémon's personality changing drastically after evolution.
With a helpless smile, Lucas stepped forward, gently stroking Ninetales' fur and softly said, "Congratulations on your evolution."
…
6 PM.
At the summer ice sculpture competition venue.
"Did you hear? This morning, a contestant's Vulpix evolved into Ninetales. It attracted quite a crowd!"
"Vulpix, Ninetales? Aren't those Fire Pokémon? How did it evolve here?"
"You don't get it—this Ninetales is a special regional form, it's an Ice type!"
"Those who saw it say its aura and looks were simply otherworldly!"
"Really that impressive?"
"Absolutely!"
"Which contestant owns that Ninetales?"
"Contestant number 25, supposedly right next to defending champion Ms. Shawa, the last contestant to perform!"
"Wow, so brave."
Such conversations spread among the spectators, making many look forward to seeing the contestant's work with the Ice-type Ninetales.
Meanwhile,
Having just finished the final touches on his sculpture and waiting for the judges to arrive, Lucas chatted with Grusha and Ms. Shawa.
He was surprised to learn from Shawa that before Grusha became a pro snowboarder, he used to practice in their ice carving arena.
On one hand, it was surprising they weren't the kind of relationship he'd imagined; on the other, he hadn't expected Grusha's inspiring past—his sudden passion in battle wasn't Lucas's imagination after all.
Their conversation shifted to each other's works.
Shawa's gaze fell on the giant dragon ice sculpture, hidden among many man-made icebergs, its sinuous form mysterious and unbroken. She asked sincerely, "Is that based on a real Pokémon?"
Lucas nodded gently. "Rayquaza, the legendary Pokémon that lives above the atmosphere. That's its name."
Shawa covered her red lips in surprise. "It's so detailed and lifelike, it's like you've seen it before."
Though surprised, she then recalled that when Lucas was building his ice blocks, he'd let out a Regice—a legendary Pokémon. She'd also heard from Grusha about Lucas's status as a champion-tier trainer. With such experience, it wasn't strange.
They chatted a bit more. As the judges and spectators approached, Shawa excused herself to prepare for her self-challenging new piece.
On the way, Grusha fell silent for a second, then asked, "After seeing that spectacular Ice Sky Dragon, do you feel confident about winning?"
"I will win," Shawa smiled slightly, "though honestly, I'm not sure."
"This work completely overturns my old style. Even though I'm more skilled than ever, with so many strong competitors—and that dark horse—I can't say for sure until the contest is over."
…
Meanwhile,
Lucas, unaware of Shawa and Grusha's conversation, gathered all his Pokémon and said simply,
"No matter the result, we've done our best. I've poured out my vision and inspiration for Rayquaza."
He looked at all his Pokémon: Ceruledge, Mimikyu, Calyrex, Glastrier, Regice, the Sandslash couple, Abomasnow couple, Snover, and Ninetales.
"After the contest, let's take a group photo in front of the sculpture!"
At his words,
All the Pokémon cheered. The Abomasnow couple, who had felt out of place, saw Snover blending in, hesitated, and finally joined the cheer.
This kid—maybe not just itself, but its parents are going to get "sold" too.
The judges and spectators moved quickly, soon arriving at Shawa's area.
Hearing the cheers and introductions, Lucas couldn't help feeling nervous.
He knew this wasn't just his work; all the Pokémon contributed. He hoped it would be recognized.
Just then, a pair of hands landed on Lucas's shoulders.
He turned to see Calyrex.
It gave him a rare smile and said, "Ninetales is ready. Glastrier and I will coordinate with you to release the perfect white mist."
Lucas was stunned.
Then, he smiled.
"I'll be counting on you!"
…
"Such consistently high quality, and even bolder than before. The move showcased by Frosmoth and Lapras complemented the piece perfectly. I wonder if Ms. Shawa's score will break the 95-point barrier?"
Despite the cold wind, the host, still immaculately dressed, smiled into the microphone.
The five judges gave scores in turn: 20, 16, 19, 20, 20.
A slightly plump, bespectacled older woman who gave the only 16 explained sharply, "Ms. Shawa's technique and Pokémon's performance were flawless, but her transition to a new style was too rushed, distorting her usual flair."
Shawa accepted the critique calmly, bowing deeply.
"Thank you, Chairwoman, for your guidance. I'll remember it."
The woman waved it off. "Don't call me Chairwoman here; Ms. Geeta is more suited to that title."
Her name was Osha, Chairwoman of the World Ice Sculpture Association and a judge for this contest.
Beside her stood Geeta, a strikingly charismatic woman, who had been invited as a judge and sponsor of the event.
After chatting a bit, the host announced, "Ms. Shawa has the highest score so far—95 points!"
A round of cheers broke out.
"Second place only got 92—she's locked in the championship!"
"I'm her fan!"
On the way to the last contestant, Osha smiled at Geeta. "Chairwoman Geeta, next is the final contestant."
Geeta, hands behind her back as usual, smiled with an air of distance.
When she saw Lucas surrounded by many Pokémon, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
He joined the contest too?
Geeta had flown in that afternoon and didn't know who the contestants were, having had no time for a briefing. Seeing Lucas was indeed a surprise.
A judge whispered beside her, "This is contestant #25. There was quite a stir here this morning."
Geeta nodded politely, glanced at Lucas—who looked equally surprised—and waved warmly.
This smile was truly sincere.
"She really loves being a judge," Lucas thought, then focused on the task.
As the judges drew near, Lucas whispered,
"I'm counting on you, Calyrex."
Calyrex nodded, mounted Glastrier, and in a flash of light, they became one. With a wave, a huge swath of white mist mixed with ice flakes spread out, instantly transforming the area into a realm of white mist.
This move stunned judges and audience alike.
"The range of this mist is insane!"
A certain anonymous retired pro snowboarder and Ice specialist exclaimed.
Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to Calyrex's vast mist. Looking up, they saw a gigantic flying dragon ice sculpture, its massive body hidden among icebergs and mist, exuding immense power.
At first glance, they were awed by its dominating presence.
"What… Pokémon is this?"
Someone asked in genuine confusion.
Osha adjusted her glasses, eyes wide as she studied the sculpture.
To present such grandeur, a sculpture of this scale was necessary.
With the dragon's vast body looming among icebergs and mist, it exuded a mysterious, solitary majesty, perfectly executed.
Though the carving technique had visible flaws, the concept and inspiration clearly showed the contestant's talent.
She'd heard this last contestant, daring to follow Shawa, was a complete newcomer.
Osha's eyes lit up. "What a promising talent!"
Geeta saw Osha's interest and said bluntly, "Chairwoman Osha, don't bother inviting him to be a pro sculptor. He's already turned down my offers without hesitation."
Osha paused. "You know him?"
Geeta shook her head. "More than know him—last year, he took the Champion Trainer title from me, then retired on the spot. Now he runs a farm and lives comfortably."
Her tone was full of both admiration and helplessness, shocking Osha.
Geeta, unfazed by Osha's reaction, studied the dragon's silhouette in the mist, lost in thought.
"So this is what the legendary Sky Dragon Rayquaza of Hoenn looks like—such a commanding figure."
Sky Dragon Rayquaza?
Hearing the name, Osha froze.
That #25 actually sculpted such an amazing Pokémon?
Just then, shouts from the audience drew everyone's attention.
"That's an Alolan Ninetales!"
Under Lucas's direction, a graceful figure, Ninetales, leapt elegantly to the sculpture's side, bathed in falling snow.
Its appearance shifted all focus from the ice dragon to itself.
Knowing it wasn't the star today, Ninetales gave an ethereal cry and slipped into the mist conjured by Calyrex.
Next moment,
Under Ninetales' control, a curtain of dazzling aurora covered the entire sky.
With Ninetales hidden, all attention returned to the ice dragon.
Under the aurora, the sculpture's atmosphere changed.
Just like Shawa's piece, "The Arctic and the Frozen Bear Brothers," the aurora represented the polar land.
"Dazzling Gleam."
Lucas gave a second command to Ninetales in the mist.
Now, the move's usual 360° radiance was all directed skyward. Instantly, the already enchanting aurora sky was filled with multicolored stars, making spectators and judges feel as if they were in the arctic, beneath a sky of aurora and stars with a dragon soaring above.
And then, some sharp-eyed audience members remembered something, pulling out their phones in excitement: "Isn't this just like the blurry photo Professor Lund took of a mysterious sky dragon on the polar ice sheet four years ago!?"
Prompted by this, many searched for the photo online.
Moments later,
Comparing the blurry image, they confirmed—the dragon in that viral photo from four years ago looked just like this.
…