Somewhere on a deserted island
"Thanks for your hard work, Gyarados." Red took out the Poké Ball and recalled it. Fortunately, they had found an island to rest on in time—otherwise, the two of them would have been drifting at sea for quite a while.
"Um… Red, I'll go change my clothes first…" Leaf said with a flushed face, wanting to change out of the clothes soaked by seawater.
"No need." Red replied calmly, not noticing Leaf's face growing redder and redder.
"Red! We're still too young for that kind of thing!" Leaf said shyly, shaking her head in flustered embarrassment, leaving Red utterly confused.
Ignoring Leaf's misunderstanding, Red's eyes glowed blue as he used psychic power to separate the seawater from both their clothes. It formed into two clusters of water that fell to the ground. The scene stunned Leaf, who had been about to find a corner to take off—no, to change—her clothes.
"…! …?"
Leaf's expression shifted from embarrassment to excitement, and then to disappointment. The meaning behind it was obvious.
"I didn't expect psychic power to work like this!" Leaf exclaimed, touching her clothes and finding them completely dry, as if they had been sun-dried.
"Everyone, come out!"
After a brief rest, Red let his Pokémon out to take a break.
Charizard, the gigantic Onix, Pidgeotto, the crimson Gyarados, Scyther, and the newly joined Feebas appeared before them. Aside from Red, Leaf and the five Pokémon all looked curiously at the new team member.
"Who is this little one?" Leaf asked in confusion, taking out her Pokédex to scan Feebas. A mechanical voice sounded in response, "No data available! There are still many Pokémon in this world yet to be discovered!"
"Huh? How is that possible? Could this child not be a Pokémon from the Kanto Region?" Leaf asked, puzzled. She looked helplessly at Red, hoping he would clear up her confusion.
"Feebas is a Pokémon unique to the Hoenn Region. Just like Magikarp in the Kanto Region, it's known as a weak fish Pokémon. But its potential is the same as Magikarp's—once it successfully evolves, it will transform into a powerful Pokémon!" Red explained, taking out his Pokédex to show Leaf the data on its evolved form, Milotic.
"Milotic, the Tender Pokémon. The evolved form of Feebas. It is said to be the most beautiful Pokémon, possessing the power to soothe anger and hatred, and to quell conflict."
"Wow! This child will evolve into such a beautiful Pokémon?! Pokémon really are amazing creatures!" If not for the data displayed on the Pokédex, Leaf would never have believed that Feebas could evolve into something as beautiful as Milotic.
(A decorative vase? No… With Trainer's eye, this one must have some hidden talent I haven't discovered!)
The crimson Gyarados pondered silently. Though it trusted Red's judgment in Pokémon, Feebas's initial performance truly left it speechless. How could there be a Pokémon so timid and withdrawn? It would never easily accept such a weakling as a companion.
The other four Pokémon shared the same thoughts. They were Red's original six Pokémon—a collective unit. With Beedrill replaced by Feebas, a trace of hostility inevitably formed in their hearts.
"Little one, don't be afraid! We won't hurt you!"
Sensing the fear in Feebas's heart, Red released the Power of Viridian to soothe its spirit. Under its calming influence, Feebas gradually stabilized, though it still timidly closed off its heart.
(Is it because of its difficult past?)
Red speculated silently. For a wild Feebas to evolve into Milotic, it could only find a Prism Scale. Unlike captured Feebas, which could be nurtured by a trainer and gradually cultivate its own beauty.
"Pokémon: Feebas
Attribute: Water-type
Ability: Adaptability
Moves: Splash, Tackle, Hypnosis.
Nature: Introverted, obsessed with finding a way to evolve.
Background: Born in the sea between the Kanto Region and the Hoenn Region. After witnessing one of its own touch a Prism Scale and evolve into Milotic, it developed a longing to evolve and has since crossed the ocean in pursuit of that dream, seeking a Prism Scale.
By chance, it found a Prism Scale in a coral reef, but was accidentally hooked by an old man fishing for Magikarp. Until now, the old man still believes it to be a variant of Magikarp."
'Welcome to the team, Feebas! From now on, we're companions and family!'
To the surprise of the other Pokémon, the first to welcome Feebas was the usually arrogant Scyther.
With Scyther taking the lead, the other four Pokémon smiled and welcomed Feebas as well. Feebas was so moved it became tongue-tied. How long had it been since Pokémon had welcomed it so warmly? But Feebas knew clearly that this moment was all thanks to Red.
"I will train you into an outstanding Milotic—and you'll be the most beautiful Milotic of all!" Red promised. But words alone were not enough to make Feebas fully open its heart.
"Leaf, settle down with Charizard and the others first. I'll take Feebas to wash off the dirt on its body. If possible, gather some Dry-flavored Berries for me—they can effectively increase Feebas's Beauty."
With that, Red carried Feebas away. Though Feebas half-heartedly struggled in pretense, it allowed itself to be held, leaving Leaf and the five Pokémon exchanging glances.
"Everyone's so different from ordinary Pokémon!" Leaf praised, especially Charizard's current appearance—it completely shattered her previous stereotypes. What Pokémon could be this handsome and powerful?
If Leaf had to choose between Charizard and Altaria as a Dragon-type Pokémon, she would choose the Dragon-Scaled Charizard without hesitation. In terms of looks alone, it surpassed most Dragon-types.
Although Leaf was praising them, the five Pokémon gave her no respect. After glancing at her a few times, they left on their own. Only Red could command them—anyone else… forget it.
"How can they be like this~" Leaf muttered dejectedly. "In that case, everyone come out!"
Six flashes of white light faded, and Ivysaur, Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Ditto, Eevee, and Nidorina appeared before Leaf. Seeing her downcast expression, they gathered around to comfort her.
"My Pokémon are still the best. Unlike Red's Pokémon—they're all just like him, cold and distant!" Leaf complained helplessly.
At the same time…
Red gently wiped Feebas's body with a soft towel soaked in seawater, careful not to hurt it. As he did, he told Feebas childhood stories Delia once told the two brothers. The protagonist of the story was a Feebas that became Milotic—a Pokémon world version of The Ugly Duckling.
Feebas gazed at Red with longing eyes. It did not yet know that the Prism Scale was in Red's backpack, but at this moment, Red's care had already eased its heart. Creatures that are bullied often respond to the world with initial coldness, but once they feel warmth, they can easily open their hearts to others.
"Feebas, you have to believe that every living being in this world has its own meaning for existing. Don't give up on yourself." Red gently stroked Feebas's face. "Not just me—Charizard and the others are your companions and family too. Even that Scyther took the initiative to welcome you."
At this, Red's lips curled into a slight smile. He hadn't expected Scyther to be the first to welcome Feebas.
As evening approached…
The sea at dusk was a beautiful sight. Even Leaf, who had been complaining earlier, now admired the scenery. The deserted island had many types of Berries, making it easy to find usable ones—as well as the Dry-flavored Berries Feebas needed.
Of course, it wasn't Leaf's effort alone. Though they hadn't paid her much attention, Charizard and Pidgeotto had thoughtfully found a cave suitable for living. The gigantic Onix and the crimson Gyarados transported materials to settle in. Scyther ventured alone into the forest to gather edible Berries. The division of labor was clear.
The only ones who suffered were Leaf and her Ivysaur—they had somehow been downgraded to assistants.
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