"Floragato!"
Xia Chi sprinted across the ruined Rock Field, which looked as though an earthquake had struck it, but still failed to catch Meowscarada before the Pokémon collapsed.
So even with Aura, the human body still had its limits.
At that moment, Xia Chi was not concerned about whether to remain human. He was much more concerned about his cat's condition.
He had thought the abundant Aura-life force, in other words-that he sensed after the evolution was the result of "healing through evolution."
Thinking back now, that might have played a part, but the greater reason was probably that Meowscarada had forced the Pokémon's body to keep going, like a final rally before collapse-
Meowscarada had not wanted the Trainer to worry and had answered Xia Chi's expectations.
"But I wasn't really that desperate to beat Norman."
Xia Chi gently stroked Meowscarada's head, now dirty rather than its usual spotless self, and whispered, "You're what matters most."
As though sensing Xia Chi's concern, Meowha, already unconscious and no longer aware of the battle, actually gave a tiny twitch of the ears, almost in response.
"Congratulations on winning the battle."
A steady voice came from behind him.
At some point, Norman had approached, his face full of sincere appreciation and approval.
"Your Meowscarada is incredibly strong."
Xia Chi recalled Meowscarada into the Poké Ball, letting the Pokémon's injuries stabilize in the safest possible environment. Rising to his feet, he shook his head. "I didn't win. A draw at best. But..."
A proud smile lifted the corners of his mouth. "I agree with the second half of what you said, Norman."
Back then, beneath apricot blossoms and a light drizzle, catching Sprigatito might have been the best decision Xia Chi had ever made.
Norman, however, was precise. "According to the League Battle