The rising sun cast its scant warmth onto Milotic in the fish tank. Milotic clung to its last breath, on the verge of death at any moment.
As it lay dying, a strange yet familiar voice suddenly sounded in its ears.
"If you stay here forever, you'll eventually crumble into dust without ever showing your charm. Come with me. I have a way to make you evolve."
What was that voice?
"Hey, hey, you don't really think you're a queen, do you? Get this straight. You're just a Feebas!"
The voice grew clearer, and a blurry figure appeared in Milotic's mind.
Who was this?
The voice grew clearer still, its tone carrying unquestionable confidence.
"You won't evolve by staying here. The outside world has so many things you can't even imagine..."
"Will you stay here and keep dreaming of being a queen, or come with me and conquer a more magnificent stage? Make your own choice."
Through the haze, a broad, incredibly warm hand settled on its forehead. Mustering the last of its strength, Milotic raised its head to look and saw that familiar face, as though a lifetime had passed.
Cheng Tian wore a gentle smile. "Don't worry. I'm a man of my word. Whatever I promised you, I'll make it happen."
"Wuu..."
The surrounding scenes grew unreal, but Cheng Tian's figure became clearer and clearer. Not just him-its companions surrounded it as well.
"Gren!" "Ka!" "Woobat!" "Flor!" "Gengar!" "Ditto!"
"Rotom! Hang in there, Feebas, Rotom!"
"Wuu..." Bean-sized tears of defiance rolled from the corners of its eyes. Milotic's heart, which had already died, came alive again. Like grass scorched by wildfire and swept by a sweeping wind, it stretched to the heavens in an instant.
Yes, it didn't want to die.
It had yet to stand on this