"Do you want to come with me?"
"Goomy..."
Goomy lifted its head and touched the ancient Pokeball in Ash's hand.
Just like that, Ash captured his second new partner after coming to the Hisui Region.
Cynthia encountered Eevee during a nighttime investigation in the Obsidian Fieldlands.
That Eevee was very cautious, appearing near their temporary camp for several days but always keeping its distance from them.
After Cynthia noticed it, she didn't approach it actively; instead, she prepared an extra portion of berries every day at the edge of the camp.
Dewott would occasionally sit near the camp, training its Scalchop.
At first, Eevee was very wary of it, but Dewott never approached it actively, and over time, Eevee gradually got accustomed to its presence.
From initially waiting until both of them left to take the food, to later standing nearby to observe Cynthia, it took over ten days.
During an investigation, Eevee was chased by some wild Pokemon.
Dewott immediately stood in front of it, pulling out two Scalchops for consecutive counterattacks.
Cynthia directed Dewott to change positions based on the opponent's actions and quickly drove those Pokemon away.
After checking Eevee's injuries, she returned it to its familiar area without taking out a Pokeball.
The next morning, Eevee appeared at their cabin door on its own.
It first looked at Dewott standing beside Cynthia, then quietly sat in front of Cynthia.
Moments later, Eevee raised its front paw and gently touched the ancient Pokeball in Cynthia's hand.
A white light flashed, and the Pokeball gently swayed before finally calming down.
Cynthia looked at the Pokeball in her hand, a genuine smile appearing on her face.
A month ago, Ash and Cynthia were unfamiliar outsiders to the residents of Jubilife Village.
A month later, they had gradually become the first people the villagers thought of in times of difficulty.
Ash was now accompanied by Quilava and Goomy.
Cynthia was joined by Dewott and Eevee.
And they were only one step away from a three-star assessment.
...
Deep within the Obsidian Fieldlands—
Two Scythers guarded the Berry Tree, their sharp forearms continuously swaying.
Three Nanab Berries were growing on the tree.
This type of berry is a specialty of the Hisui Region, capable of helping agitated Pokemon calm down.
Because the king's riot had affected nearby Pokemon, Team Galactic recently issued several tasks to collect calming berries.
"Ash, you take the left side."
"Okay!"
Ash and Cynthia gave commands simultaneously.
"Quilava, use Flame Wheel!"
"Dewott, Razor Shell!"
Quilava, enveloped in flames, rushed quickly towards the Scyther on the left.
Dewott pulled out two Scalchops, with a pale blue stream extending along the edges, forming two sharp water blades.
"Boom!!"
Quilava crashed directly into its opponent, the intense flames sending the Scyther flying.
On the other side, Dewott deflected the opponent's forearm, with Razor Shell slashing the Scyther's chest.
Both Scythers fell one after another, completely losing the ability to continue fighting.
"Well done, Quilava!"
"Good job, Dewott."
Encouraging both Pokemon, Ash and Cynthia were ready to pick the berries when Quilava and Dewott simultaneously began to glow with white light.
"They're evolving!"
Ash showed delight on his face; after a month of training, both Pokemon had long reached Elite Advanced Level.
After completing this evolution, their strength might directly reach Elite Peak!
A month's time for such progress in both Pokemon; only Ash could achieve that.
Additionally, it spurred growth in Cynthia's Dewott.
Cynthia didn't expect that being with Ash made her Pokemon level up as if they were on a plane, the speed of enhancement simply unparalleled.
Even she hadn't managed to make a Pokemon level up so quickly...
Now, both Pokemon were finally achieving their final evolution.
Typically, a Typhlosion's back is blue, spraying red-orange flames, but now the Typhlosion evolving in front of them had a dark purple back.
Moreover, a circle of purplish-red flames surrounded its neck, and the flames gushing from its back were also purplish-red.
The Typhlosion's temperament was as explosive as its name!
But now this outwardly completely different Typhlosion not only didn't show an agitated expression,
but instead appeared as tranquil as a refined scholar, contrasting starkly with a normal Typhlosion!
Alongside it was the Samurott evolved from Dewott.
Though the name Samurott might sound sinister, in reality, it is a Pokemon possessing great righteousness. Originally, Samurott had beige shells covering its body, which was a precious blue color,
but now, the Samurott before them... its body has turned into a sinister and profound blue!
Furthermore, the shells on it have turned purple-black, curved shapes resembling waves upon waves,
and on the shell are wine-red patterns, looking remarkably enchanting.
This Samurott seems far more charming than the original version, and its sinister and enchanting aura gives a robust impression.
Two Pokemon completely different from what Ash and Cynthia knew appeared before them,
leaving them momentarily stunned.
These two Pokemon... are Typhlosion and Samurott?
Ash circled around the two Pokemon.
Cynthia observed for a moment and quickly realized the answer.
"This should be regional forms."
"Regional forms?"
"In the Alola Region, there are Geodude with different forms, and in the Galar Region, there are Farfetch'd with different forms as well."
Cynthia explained, "The same Pokemon living in different environments over a long time can have changes in appearance and attributes."
"Cyndaquil and Oshawott are not commonly seen Pokemon in the Sinnoh Region."
"They grew in the Hisui Region and eventually evolved into unique forms here, which makes sense."
Ash realized, even though he does not possess Pokemon with regional forms himself, he knows about them thanks to guidance from experts in the group.
However... both Pokemon maintained common forms during their first two stages, only displaying regional differences upon final evolution. This situation is indeed rare, no wonder they didn't recognize them initially.
Cynthia walked to Samurott, sensing the energy it emitted.
"Its Water Attribute remains, but an aggressive Dark energy has been added."
"Samurott should be Water and Dark Attribute."
She reached out to touch the shell atop Samurott's head.
Samurott's originally fierce expression immediately softened, proactively lowering its head.
"As for Typhlosion..."
Cynthia looked again at the Pokemon beside Ash.
"Its flames differ from ordinary flames and likely possess Ghost Attribute."
"Fire Attribute plus Ghost Attribute?"
Ash's eyes lit up, as he reached to touch Typhlosion's forehead.
Typhlosion slightly bent down, allowing Ash to easily reach it.
The purple-red flames on its neck also intentionally lowered in temperature, leaving only gentle warmth.
"Although its appearance changed, it's as gentle as before."
"Boo~."
Typhlosion responded softly.
Pikachu curiously jumped beside Typhlosion, closely examining the circle of purple-red flame.
"Hisuian Typhlosion and Hisuian Samurott." Cynthia regarded the two Pokemon, suggesting, "That should be a suitable way to refer to them."
Ash nodded: "After we go back, let's ask Professor Laventon."
"He might know the traits of these Hisuian region forms."
The two gathered three silver Nanab Berries and placed them into the collection bags provided by Team Galactic.
Once completing this mission, their accumulated mission ratings will suffice to participate in the three-star assessment.
Then, they could officially take on the task to quell the King of the Obsidian Fieldlands.
Ash took out the White Jade Flute, blowing the melody to summon Wyrdeer.
Shortly after, Wyrdeer arrived from the woods.
Ash and Cynthia returned Typhlosion and Samurott to their Pokeballs, then mounted Wyrdeer.
Ash sat at the front, while Cynthia naturally sat behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Throughout the past month, whenever they ventured deep into the Obsidian Fieldlands, they generally traveled this way on Wyrdeer.
"Are you steady, sis?"
"Yes, let's go."
"Wyrdeer, please take us back to Jubilife Village!"
"Ooh wooh!"
Wyrdeer stepped up, quickly heading toward Jubilife Village.
Typhlosion and Samurott have completed their final evolution.
The three Nanab Berries are also successfully in hand; next up is the three-star assessment and the quest to quell the Noble King's task!