Jubilife Breeding Center.
After leaving Little Ranch,
Dawn first took Brock and Ash around the rocky mountain area where Carbink and Geodude lived.
Then they crossed the second stone bridge on the northern side of Swan Lake and spotted Squirtle surfacing for air.
Ash and the others stopped in their tracks.
"It's Squirtle!"
"Squirtle~"
Several Squirtle popped up together.
A whole chorus of Squirtle cries rang out.
"Milo~"
Ripples spread across the water again. This time, three cream-colored Milotic, known as the Tender Pokémon, appeared on the surface.
One belonged to Li Wei, while the other two belonged to Cynthia and Roland.
These days, whenever they had no particular need for their Milotic,
Cynthia and Roland would send them over to stay in the Breeding Center's lake.
For one thing, they received better care here. For another, the lake water here suited them better.
This land was being slowly transformed by the energy of Jirachi's meteorite.
The people and Pokémon living here would all be subtly affected.
Positively, of course.
For instance, the grasslands would grow lusher, the trees would grow taller, and people's physical fitness would improve to some extent.
Whenever they needed their Milotic, they could have someone call them out, return them to their Poké Balls, and send them over.
Living in Swan Lake, the Milotic also made a beautiful addition to the scenery.
"Mommy, it's Milotic!"
Quite a few visitors had come specifically to see the Milotic.
A child being held in a parent's arms reached out, trying to touch the Milotic in the water.
An employee stationed on the stone bridge hurriedly reminded the parent, "Please hold on tight to your child."
Even if a child fell into the lake, they would generally be fine, provided their head didn't hit a Squirtle's shell.
Still, Li