The morning sunlight in Dewford Town was warm and gentle. The sea breeze stirred the wind chimes outside the little shops along the street, producing a string of crisp, pleasant notes.
Early-rising residents were already out and about. An elderly man was watering the potted plants outside his door with a watering can. When he saw Brawly and Xinhai pass by, he smiled and nodded.
The two walked side by side along the stone-paved road. Eevee perched on Xinhai's shoulder, its large brown eyes curiously studying the shops that had yet to open, its fluffy tail swaying lightly behind it.
Blaziken and Brawly's Blaziken followed behind them, one on each side. Several meters separated the two Pokémon, and they occasionally exchanged glances as though silently competing with each other.
"Brawly, how have the senior brothers been lately? Is Senior Brother Long Yi doing well? And Senior Brother Yingxiong?" Xinhai asked, turning his head toward him.
With both hands in his pockets, Brawly said as they walked, "They're all doing well. You remember one of Senior Brother Long Yi's main Pokémon, Machoke, right?"
"I remember." Xinhai nodded. "That Machoke left a deep impression on me. Its strength was astonishing."
"It evolved into Machamp through Trade Evolution, and it successfully advanced to Gym level a month ago." Brawly's tone was clearly approving as he said this. "Senior Brother Long Yi was overjoyed and even treated us to a meal to celebrate."
Xinhai's eyes lit up. "Really? That's wonderful. I'll have to congratulate Senior Brother Long Yi later. Trade Evolution really is amazing. It has helped countless Pokémon evolve into new forms."
"Exactly." Brawly nodded in wholehearted agreement. "The first time I saw Scizor, I was completely blown away."
"Scyther was already cool to begin with, but after evolving into Scizor, it became