Shiny Feebas did not do particularly well on its first day climbing the waterfall.
But as Baimu had always said, results could improve. The levels it had gained were proof of that. What mattered was Shiny Feebas's will to climb.
To be honest,
If his swimming had been better, he would have wanted to lead by example and jump in to climb the waterfall alongside it—
All right, he was only joking. That would only put more pressure on Shiny Feebas.
And once he understood what it had been going through, he was certain that choosing Dragon Gate Falls to help Shiny Feebas build confidence had been the right decision.
"Thanks for the effort. It should have been my responsibility."
Under the moonlight, Baimu sat on the veranda in his pajamas and smiled as he thanked Aggron beside him.
"Gruu~"
Aggron shook his head. He had hardly done anything—just said a couple of things to Shiny Feebas.
Even if he had helped Shiny Feebas, that was only right. Trump Card or not, he and Shiny Feebas were companions and teammates. Knowing what the other was going through and ignoring it would have been the problem.
"What a thoughtful Trump Card."
With a sigh of admiration, Baimu leaned against Aggron. Hoenn summer nights were not especially hot, but the cool touch of his dark hide still felt wonderful.
He could almost feel Aggron's heartbeat.
It kept time with his own, thump, thump, beating softly.
Aggron seemed to notice it too. Even his slightly heavy breathing slowed as he enjoyed the closeness of holding his Trainer on that quiet night.
In that moment,
Their minds seemed suspended between those heartbeats. Beneath the surface, though, a deeper bond was taking shape, as if they were about to become one.
Neither of them noticed.