Baimu patiently said, "This waterfall is called the Dragon Gate Waterfall. It's said that any Magikarp that manages to climb to the top and swim into the next river is considered a prime candidate for evolving into a Gyarados. So I want you to give it a try too."
"Bloop?"
The Shiny Feebas looked confused. It wasn't supposed to evolve into a Gyarados, right?
Baimu laughed and said, "Of course, you can't evolve into a Gyarados, but the principle is the same. As long as you can climb this waterfall, evolving into a Milotic shouldn't be a problem for you either.
"Do you remember what I told you before? You need to be confident. You're not any less than other Pokémon, and you're even more unique. Your distinctive color sets you apart, destined for an extraordinary future. This waterfall is just a small step on your journey, and I hope you have the courage to overcome it!"
He spoke very slowly, as the Shiny Feebas didn't have the best comprehension skills. But as the meaning got across, the expression of the Shiny Feebas became resolute.
"Bloop!"
It blew a huge bubble to express its determination to the Trainer.
That's right!
It had to cross this little step and take the next step into wider waters. Having decided not to stay in the tank and just watch, it had to take action!
Against the flow! Against the flow!
"Go for it!" Baimu waved his hand with a comforting smile as he saw the Shiny Feebas' determined gaze, "Mawile and I will always be here watching you!"
"Cheedoh!"
Mawile nodded solemnly.
"Bloop~"
The Shiny Feebas blew a small bubble, turned around, and swam towards the waterfall.
For some reason, the Magikarp that were originally crowded around as if they wanted to climb the waterfall suddenly made way for it.
At this time,
The Shiny Feebas realized that these guys weren't lining up; they were just watching, watching the few Magikarp that were repeatedly climbing the waterfall.
Like spectators at a mime show, silent and still.
Even though some of those Magikarp had their scales shattered and were bleeding while climbing the waterfall.
Feeling the many gazes upon it, the Shiny Feebas felt a bit nervous. Reaching the front of the waterfall, it found the already high waterfall seemed even taller.
Tall enough that it couldn't see the top at all, carrying a terrifying aura that made it hesitate to approach.
Looking at the pitiful state of those Magikarp,
The Shiny Feebas felt a sense of retreat—
"One step! Take the first step! It doesn't matter if you fail, what's important is to take that step!"
The Trainer's voice suddenly came from afar.
The Shiny Feebas turned its head and saw Baimu and Mawile giving it a thumbs up, "Go for it! Feebas! Don't be defeated by a little waterfall!"
"Bloop!"
The Shiny Feebas quietly turned its head back.
At this moment, saying things like "I can't" or "I don't want to"—even if the Trainer and its companions forgave it, it would never forgive itself.
Climb it.
There was no other path to take!
The Shiny Feebas suddenly wriggled its tail fin and dashed towards the towering waterfall!
Not far away,
Seeing it in action, both Baimu and Mawile clenched their fists, eyes fixed on the Shiny Feebas rushing up the waterfall, cheering for it silently in their hearts.
If they weren't afraid of putting a burden on the Shiny Feebas, they might have shouted already.
On its first attempt at climbing the waterfall, the Shiny Feebas broke through the stream like a water bullet, charging upward with all its strength, trying to advance little by little with maximum effort.
But climbing a waterfall is about seizing the momentum in one go; once the first surge diminishes, even if the second one immediately follows, it may not advance the tiniest bit.
The Shiny Feebas' first Leap of the Dragon Gate ended when its first surge diminished. It looked up at the still unattainable peak, its body fell down weakly—
Bang!
Water splashed high.
It floated up from the bottom, feeling despondent that its utmost effort only got it this far…
"Well done! Don't panic! You've already made it halfway!" Baimu's voice echoed again, "Trust me! This isn't your limit! Plus, it's only the first time! Let's try again!"
"Cheedoh!"
Mawile's voice followed into the Shiny Feebas' ears.
Looking at the Trainer and companions still cheering it on, without a hint of disappointment on their faces, it mustered up the courage to launch its second charge!
Try Again!
Regrettably, bursting through is not that simple.
The Shiny Feebas didn't succeed in the second attempt either; it even felt like this attempt was worse than the last.
But the Trainer shouted, "Great! Higher than last time! Don't be afraid! We make progress little by little! Try again, Feebas!"
"Cheedoh!"
Higher than last time?
The Shiny Feebas instinctively chose to trust the Trainer and companions. Realizing that it had made progress, it launched a third charge!
Seconds later.
Bang!
It fell again.
"Not as high as the last time! But that's okay! Your waterfall climbing posture is becoming more standard! Once you're proficient, everything will be a breeze! Let's try again!"
The Trainer's voice rang for the third time.
The Shiny Feebas still chose to trust and launched a fourth attempt.
"Come on! This time it feels right!"
Then a fifth time.
"Go slightly more towards the center next time! That spot is the best! Once you grasp the technique, this waterfall will be simple for you!"
Sixth time... seventh time...
Attempting to charge up more than once, falling back down more than once.
The Shiny Feebas started from finding it easy to later fatigue, its body initially numb and sore evolving into pain, its scales feeling like they were about to split.