"To the outside world, they may seem like complete opposites, but to me, both have their own unique traits as Pokémon."
"Ninetales has a sacred beauty, while Feebas possesses unyielding willpower. The clash of these two qualities is what made this performance possible. In the future, they will both become even better—just like how Feebas endured the blizzard through sheer will and stood tall alongside Ninetales on the same stage."
"This is the message I wanted to convey through this performance: a beauty that transcends appearances."
Lucas gave a slight bow, signaling the end of the show.
Feebas and Ninetales also bowed their heads in unison with Lucas.
The very next second—
Thunderous applause erupted as expected.
The audience below the stage instantly burst into lively discussion.
Even those who didn't quite understand the message behind the performance felt it was worth the price of admission, just for the grand spectacle Feebas and Ninetales put on—on par with movie special effects!
What's more, thanks to Lucas's intentional structure, many understood the deeper meaning: recognizing the sacred beauty of Ninetales and the internal, resilient beauty of Feebas, not dependent on appearance but on inner strength.
Beauty is defined in many ways. Even if the exterior is humble, the beauty within can still move people's hearts.
"Brilliant yet delicate moves, the lifelike combination of water and ice—and most importantly, the way the Pokémon's own temperament and traits were fully displayed. A perfect performance!"
After digesting for a moment, Vivian explained enthusiastically, as if suddenly enlightened.
A moment passed.
The six judges gave their scores.
"I love it!"
"Subarashii!"
"So moving!"
"Feebas's indomitable will—perfect for promoting in the Academy!"
"As expected of you."
"Even more perfect than I imagined, so outstanding it's enviable, yet dazzlingly brilliant!"
Scores: 9.8 / 9.8 / 9.9 / 10 / 10 / 10
Total: 59.5 points—an almost perfect score, surpassing Ash's 52.6 and taking the top spot!
Ninetales basked in the audience's cheers, dropping its usual aloofness, squinting with pleasure and nuzzling Lucas's palm.
Seeing such a strong reaction, Lucas breathed a sigh of relief. The performance was a success.
Now then—
He turned to look at Feebas, who had already returned to the water.
Its usually blank, lifeless eyes were now shining with new confidence—the glow of public recognition.
An unprecedented sense of accomplishment filled its heart, its body heating up as if its very blood was set ablaze.
Then—
A dazzling light erupted. In countless stunned stares, Feebas's whole body was enveloped in a dense, milky-white glow, stretching out like clay being molded.
Lucas was stunned, then shouted in panic:
"Where's my camera!?"
He'd been thinking the Academy's Contest would help Feebas build its confidence, and with some more training, it'd be ready to evolve.
How did it just suddenly evolve!?
Caught completely off guard!
From Lucas's shadow, Mimikyu shot out, dashed to the lounge, grabbed Lucas's camera from his bag, and returned to hand it over—all in less than three seconds.
Lucas thanked Mimikyu hurriedly, not caring about anyone's gaze—though no one else was paying attention in that moment anyway. He began filming skillfully!
On camera:
Feebas was undergoing a miraculous transformation, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, about to greet a brand new self.
Its body elongated, the formerly bony fish head filling out and taking on a pearly sheen. Silky, delicate, hair-like tendrils grew on either side of its head, while two long eyebrows arched upward into a heart shape.
A smooth, rounded horn grew gently from its forehead.
The ragged tailfin gradually extended, transforming into a dazzling tail of golden-red scales. The pitted, rough scales were reborn as beautiful, mysterious plates shining under the spotlight.
Its once lifeless eyes became lively and bright, like clear springs that drew people in.
As the light faded, the Shiny Milotic stretched its long form. The water around it, now unfrozen, reflected its radiant golden and red scales, shining like the finest jewels.
The creamy upper half of its body, paired with the light-blue hair-like fins (a total reversal from ordinary Milotic), submerged into the water, adding a touch of dreamlike beauty.
It slowly opened its gentle eyes, meeting the stunned gazes of both Ninetales and Lucas's camera, a trace of confusion flickering within.
Clearly, it was still a little dazed, not yet understanding what had happened.
Below the stage:
Countless people stared wide-eyed, mouths agape, shocked by the Shiny Milotic's soul-stealing beauty, unable to put their excitement into words.
Feebas… had evolved into Milotic!
And not just any Milotic—a differently-colored one!
On the judges' bench, Wallace's face wore a smile, with admiration shining in his eyes.
What a beautiful form! At the moment of evolution, I was nearly moved to tears.
This beauty is utterly different from my own Milotic's—a more tranquil elegance.
Just looking at it is enough to calm my restless heart, filling me with unparalleled peace.
The world's most beautiful Pokémon is born at this moment!
Wallace was already itching to chat with Lucas about Milotic, about Contests, and to introduce him to friends like Master Juan and Steven.
I've decided—I'll find a chance to visit him later!
Milotic gazed at its reflection in the pool, lost in its own beauty for a moment before finally understanding the situation.
It had evolved.
Just as Lucas said—
I really am beautiful, aren't I?
Ninetales nearly lost its elegant composure, staring at Milotic in shock, disbelief flickering in its cool fox eyes.
Feebas turned into Milotic!
This is even more unbelievable than that story Oranguru used to tell about the ugly duckling turning into a swan!
Mimikyu, the MVP, wasn't jealous of Milotic; after all, it was already happy and content with its own disguise.
Lucas stopped filming, exhaled deeply, composed himself, and smiled as he reached out to Milotic.
"Congratulations on your evolution, Milotic!"
…
The Naranja Academy's Campus Contest ended smoothly.
The winner was not Lucas—upon achieving his goal, he chose to drop out.
Normally, he had no interest in beating students at their own contest.
Back at the farm, Milotic's evolution caused quite a stir—as expected.
Even the little Tinkatink who lived over the hill heard the news and joined the crowd to see Milotic.
Only after a while did the excitement die down.
…
Thunder Lake.
Milotic was adapting to its newly evolved body, experimenting with new moves.
Lucas stood nearby, recording everything with a smile. After evolving, Milotic's strength, energy reserves, and move pool increased as dramatically as Magikarp evolving into Gyarados. In fact, since Feebas had already built a solid foundation, Milotic instantly mastered a large number of moves upon evolution.
Considering this, Milotic's power might now rival or even surpass Gyarados.
It's just a pity Milotic can't learn Freeze-Dry—otherwise…
Thinking about how Gyarados, before Mega Evolution, is Water/Flying type—if Milotic could learn Freeze-Dry, Gyarados would truly have no hope of catching up.
Wait.
Actually, it probably already doesn't.
Lucas glanced at Gyarados, who was unusually quiet in the water, a hint of helplessness on his face.
At this moment, Gyarados stared blankly at Milotic, most of its body shrouded in mist, exuding an ethereal beauty.
Clearly, it was in disbelief.
To put it in human terms—
It was like your childhood friend, the tomboyish girl you always thought of as your best pal and protector, suddenly reappeared after just half a day… having become an absolute goddess.
What would you think?
Gyarados, right now, was experiencing just such a worldview-shattering moment.
Seeing that Gyarados would probably need a while to reboot, Lucas called over Politoed and Swampert, told them to keep an eye on Gyarados, and headed home.
…
Meanwhile, Ash was scratching his head sheepishly as Oranguru helped organize his luggage.
Oranguru had stepped in because he couldn't stand Ash's chaotic packing.
Lucas, with an experienced smile, asked,
"Are you sure you've recalled all your partners into their Poké Balls? If you forget anyone, it'll be hard to make it up to them later."
"Everyone's here!"
Ash replied confidently.
He might forget spare clothes or his plane ticket—but he'd never forget a single companion!
"That's what I thought."
Lucas smiled, then patted Pikachu, who greeted him, scooping it up to massage its electric pouches—AKA, "squishing its cheeks."
Pikachu thoroughly enjoyed it, letting out a series of contented "Pika~" cries.
All the fatigue from discharging excess electricity evaporated.
"Don't forget what I taught you: Trainers who care for their Pokémon personally form a deeper bond and understand their Pokémon better, allowing for better training plans."
Ash's flight was first thing in the morning, direct to Johto, where he'd meet up with Brock and Misty and head straight to Mt. Silver.
With the Silver Conference approaching, it was time for Ash to go.
"Yes, I've learned a lot!"
Ash sprang to his feet, saluting.
If not for Lucas teaching him how to care for his Tauros, Ash might not have been able to command them so steadily in today's performance.
Tauros tended to ignore commands when excited.
In a sense, it was only thanks to his improving relationship with them that he was able to pull off the performance.
Still, he lost to Mr. Lucas in terms of score.
Ash now understood: being a Trainer isn't just about commanding battles.
Several of his partners had evolved, Charizard's combat skills had improved, and everyone grew stronger thanks to the farm's food. He'd learned so much here.
He'd even formed a bond with Charcadet.
Lucas also discussed Larvitar with him.
Ash said he wanted to take Larvitar to see its mother. Lucas didn't object, only suggesting that if he couldn't bear to part with Larvitar, he should try convincing Tyranitar to move to Professor Oak's backyard in Pallet Town, so mother and child could be reunited.
…
The next morning.
Lucas got up early, summoned Dragonite, and flew Ash and Pikachu to Levincia City's international airport.
He watched Ash check in, drop off his luggage, and prepare to board. Lucas waved goodbye and turned to leave.
But just then, Ash suddenly bowed deeply and shouted at full volume, attracting the whole airport's attention:
"Thank you for everything, Master!"
"Pika Pika, Pikachu!"
Pikachu imitated him.
Lucas paused, turned back, and said helplessly,
"I never said I was taking you as a disciple."
"But I'll strive toward that goal!"
Ash replied resolutely.
"…Win the Silver Conference first, then we'll talk."
Lucas waved a hand and hurried away, the curious gazes of the airport crowd following him.
"I will win for sure."
Ash pressed down his cap and whispered, as if making a promise to himself.
Soon, a white jet broke free from gravity. Its roaring engines thundered like an airborne steel beast, carrying the boy who dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Master toward his goal.
…
At the same time—
Lucas flew back to the farm on Dragonite.
But as soon as he arrived, he was stopped by Calyrex and Oranguru, who'd apparently been waiting, and led to the pasture.
Inside the small hut built for the Miltank to shelter from the cold, Lucas looked at the carefully guarded Pokémon Eggs nestled in the hay. His eyes went blank, fingers trembling, and he uttered a short, shocked word:
"Huh?"
…