As the referee's voice fell, the battle arena of Celadon Gym returned to silence. Sunlight streamed through the glass dome of the botanical garden, falling over Chansey's round, adorably clumsy body.
Chansey panted, then happily ran toward Dongshu and threw itself into his arms, crying out joyfully.
"Lucky~ Lucky~!"
This was great—it had evolved. From now on, it was a Pokémon that could help everyone! No one would ever look down on it for being weak again!
Chansey's face was filled with the joy of winning the battle.
After evolving, not only had its stamina soared, but its personality remained as gentle and clingy as ever. It had not become spoiled in the slightest just because it had grown stronger.
Dongshu gently held Chansey and rubbed the top of its head, a smile appearing on his face. "You worked hard, Chansey."
Erika slowly let out a breath and recalled Vileplume, a hint of helplessness on her gentle face.
"You're truly an exceptional Trainer!" Erika slowly walked over to Dongshu. Her light green furisode kimono swayed softly in the breeze, her tone gentle yet sincere.
"Come to think of it, this is my first time seeing such a resilient Chansey~"
She had watched the entire battle. Dongshu had never forcibly commanded his Pokémon; instead, he had always trusted them. Even when Wartortle had fallen into a disadvantage, and when Happiny had been locked in a stalemate before evolving, he had remained calm throughout. That care he showed toward his Pokémon was far more precious than sheer strength.
As she spoke, Erika took a Rainbow Badge from the brocade case she carried with her. The badge was rainbow-colored all over, with an intricate flower pattern engraved in its center. It refracted dazzling light beneath the sun, a symbol of Celadon Gym's strength