Skiploom

Dian had planned to put up a token fight, let this Luvdisc win, then use the opportunity to release the beautiful Luvdisc he had caught earlier.

But he hadn't expected a Luvdisc so timid in love to be this strong. It was probably among the best of its kind—a hidden catch who had kept his talents to himself.

The problem was that throwing the fight and getting schooled by a wild Pokémon might end the same way, but they meant very different things.

The lesson had been worthwhile, yet Dian couldn't help feeling frustrated.

Still, he had to admit that Ice Beam had been the decisive blow. His Hoppip had most likely lost the ability to fight.

Dian let out a slow breath and smiled.

As one of the people in the battle, he had to be ready for victory and defeat alike.

If he could greet victory with a smile, he had to accept defeat with an open heart too.

Besides, he wasn't the only one hurting. Hoppip, who had fought the battle, was the one facing defeat head-on.

As Hoppip's Trainer, his first task wasn't to stand there moping.

He needed to treat his Pokémon's injuries, then comfort and encourage Hoppip so they would be ready for the next battle—and the next victory.

"This battle is my..."

Dian smiled and took out Hoppip's Poké Ball.

Suddenly, dazzling white light pierced the mist and washed over everyone present.

"Is that...?!"

At the sight of the light, a trace of nostalgia crept into the Ranger's eyes.

No Trainer could mistake the light of evolution.

It was a sacred light, a light of hope, and the finest reward for hard work.

"She evolved."

Dian murmured to himself.

Only a Trainer who had raised a Pokémon from the very beginning could understand