Pokemon Paldea [149-151] (Patreon)

Chapter 149: Lucas’ Lifelong Nemesis—Magikarp!

“Wooper~” “Quag~”

Poliwhirl led the Poliwags to play and communicate with the local Woopers and Quagsires.

Seeing this harmonious scene, Lucas couldn’t help but smile a little.

It was still by that same small stream—not too wide or narrow, perfect for both fishing and playing in the water.

In Lucas’ old world, clear water didn’t necessarily mean clean water quality. In fact, water that looked crystal clear to the naked eye might contain a lot of bacteria and parasites, while water that looked a bit green could actually be very clean because the floating algae would effectively purify the water.

But in this Pokémon world, there was a special way to tell.

As long as you saw Pokémon like Wooper and Quagsire living by the water, it meant the river’s water quality was excellent.

In fact, in Paldea, where Wooper and Quagsire were rare, encountering them was extremely lucky.

Leaving Poliwhirl and the others to socialize, Lucas set down what looked like an empty water bucket for fish. In reality, it was a red bucket holding expensive, specially mixed bait he’d prepared.

He skillfully began chumming the water, watching as the Magikarp gradually began to gather. Lucas’ expression became conflicted, and his words lost all logic.

“I’ve thought about it for so long, and finally came to a conclusion: if I just feed the Magikarp until they’re full, they won’t get in the way of my fishing anymore!”

“If this bucket of bait isn’t enough, I’ve got several more bags in my backpack. Today, I absolutely refuse to go home empty-handed!”

Serperior: “…”

He’s done for. Lucas has officially lost it!

Serperior’s proud red eyes flashed across the water’s surface and saw a massive swarm of red shadows rapidly converging.

As Lucas’ chumming master plan continued, Serperior’s expression gradually turned to shock—not at the sheer number of Magikarp, but at the fact that they were… communicating?

Normally, Magikarp are the definition of weak and foolish—Pokémon famous for being witless and emotionless. Their sole purpose in life, besides surviving, is to leap over the Dragon Gate and pursue evolution.

Yet these Magikarp were actually talking to each other. Serperior listened closely, its face a picture of disbelief.

Magikarp A: “Brothers, that human is here again to give us a feast!”

Magikarp B: “Long time no see! I missed him!”

Magikarp C: “Today’s food is especially delicious, charge!”

Magikarp D: “I called my aunts and uncles. Normally, we can only eat little fish, shrimp, and microbes, but today we finally get a real meal!”

Magikarp E: “Thank you, kind man, thank you, kind man.”

Magikarp F: “All… trivial matters…”

Serperior looked toward the last Magikarp, who sounded so different from the others, and its eyes widened slightly.

This Magikarp was completely gold, standing out among the crowd of red Magikarp. Yet it seemed almost zen-like, floating motionlessly in the stream, drifting with the current, only occasionally moving its mouth to eat whatever floated in. It seemed to have no will to live at all.

If not for Serperior’s sharp eyes, it wouldn’t have noticed this golden Magikarp being pushed underwater by the more active ones.

Serperior remembered Lucas saying that these were called shiny Pokémon—very rare, apparently?

Serperior recalled Lucas’ excitement when he talked about shinies, and wanted to alert him, but then remembered Lucas’ promise never to catch a Pokémon on a whim, as catching one meant a lifetime of responsibility.

Serperior hesitated, and ultimately decided not to alert the already dazed Lucas. It simply watched as Lucas poured out all the bait from his bucket and backpack, still failing to satisfy the endless stomachs of the Magikarp.

Serperior understood: it wasn’t that Magikarp had huge appetites, but that word had spread about the kind human at this stream, drawing an endless stream of Magikarp. Those who were full left, only to be replaced by new arrivals.

As for the zen-like golden Magikarp, it had long since been squeezed out by its fellows.

Only when Lucas had exhausted all his supplies and saw that the number of Magikarp hadn’t diminished at all, did his composure finally collapse—

“Damn it, you’re all here for a buffet, aren’t you!?”

Even Lucas, slow as he was, knew he’d been taken advantage of. Being exploited was one thing, but didn’t these Magikarp have any shame, inviting their whole extended families!?

He just wanted the full Magikarp to stop interfering with his fishing—was that so wrong?

Furious, Lucas turned to Serperior: “Leaf Storm, drive them all away!”

Sighing at Lucas’ frazzled brain, Serperior used its vines to tie Lucas tightly up, and then released an intimidating aura at the Magikarp. In no time, the Magikarp vanished completely from the stream.

Lucas took a while to recover from his emotional outburst, staring at his empty bucket with a heavy sigh.

Maybe… he really shouldn’t insist on fishing with bait and rod. Perhaps just letting Serperior clear the stream was the best way.

But, he just couldn’t let it go.

He gathered himself, cleaned up the mess, and put the bait wrappers in a trash bag to avoid polluting the environment. Then he went to join Poliwhirl and the Poliwags, who were still learning from Wooper and Quagsire.

Seeing Lucas approach, Poliwhirl realized it was time. It bowed slightly to the wise, dopey-faced Quagsires in thanks, and led the three Poliwag followers quickly back to Lucas’ side.

Seeing Poliwhirl return, Lucas squatted down and forced a smile: “Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s begin your evolution.”

Poliwhirl’s gaze turned solemn, and the three Poliwags held their breath, watching their leader with anticipation.

Lucas produced the King’s Rock and handed it to Poliwhirl, instructing, “When you’re ready, place this on your head. The light of evolution will envelop you, and you’ll reach your final form.”

Poliwhirl carefully took the King’s Rock and nodded seriously.

Lucas watched intently as Poliwhirl fell into thought. Normally, Poliwhirl needs to be traded while holding the King’s Rock to evolve.

He didn’t know the exact science, but his research confirmed one thing.

Here, as long as Poliwhirl has the makings of a king, and its heart is free of confusion, fully aware of the responsibilities it will soon bear, possessing a king’s heart—

That is the day it dons the crown and claims its destiny.

Trading is just a guaranteed method. That’s how wild Politoed exist.

Long ago, before humans had technology, wild Politoed evolved in this very way.

That’s also why a Politoed can lead its kin—Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and even Poliwrath, all follow its command.

Chapter 150: Rainy Day Politoed, Group Evolution, and Heartache

From the time it was still a Poliwag, Poliwhirl had led its little brothers. Looking at the respectful, trusting eyes of its followers, Poliwhirl felt a warm surge in its heart, reinforcing its resolve.

Since its brothers trusted it so much, as their leader, it couldn’t waver.

To wear the crown is to bear its weight—but then, it had been shouldering that burden for a long time.

With cheers from the three Poliwags and the attention of Wooper and Quagsire, Poliwhirl, free of doubt and eyes blazing, slowly placed the King’s Rock atop its head.

In the next instant, dazzling evolution light bloomed, softly enveloping Poliwhirl and elevating its very being.

Moments later, the light faded.

A completely transformed Politoed appeared before Lucas, Serperior, the Poliwags, Wooper, and Quagsire.

Most of its body had turned greenish-blue, with long, beautiful curls on its head and pink cheeks reminiscent of Pikachu’s electric sacs. Its chin and belly were yellow, hands and toes yellow as well, and the familiar swirl still marked its belly.

Politoed now looked much more like a real frog, far different from the Poliwrath evolution line. It had fully transformed from tadpole to frog.

Feeling the new power after evolution, Politoed was overwhelmed, feeling as if it could accomplish anything.

Following instinct, Politoed clapped its hands, puffed up its throat, and let out a resonance-piercing call to the sky.

“Poli—!”

Serperior looked up as well, sensing the air change. Water-type energy gathered in the clouds, moisture thickened, and rain began to fall!

Serperior glanced at Lucas, who was still clapping cluelessly for Politoed’s evolution and hadn’t even brought an umbrella, and sighed.

Well, it was in a good mood today. Might as well help out.

Serperior summoned its grass powers, causing massive roots to burst from the ground and form a circular umbrella over Lucas’ head.

The next moment, heavy rain poured down, drumming a natural symphony into the stream.

Feeling the rain blocked above him, Lucas looked up at the leafy umbrella and realized Serperior had made it for him.

A slight smile appeared on Lucas’ lips as he softly said to Serperior, “Thank you for going out of your way to make me an umbrella.”

“Seperior~!” (Hmph, it’s not like I did it for you! I just needed to get out of the rain myself!)

Serperior lifted its head haughtily, but the faint blush on its face betrayed its true feelings.

Lucas didn’t call it out, but turned his gaze to Politoed and the Poliwags playing in the rain.

Politoed, who could now summon rain at will, felt its eyes light up. It knew it had truly transformed.

In the wild, the odds of getting a King’s Rock were slim. More often, a Poliwag would live out its days in a pond, never evolving.

Lucas’ kindness was, to Politoed, a debt of rebirth, but the clever Politoed knew to keep such feelings in its heart. Lucas hadn’t caught it for the sake of repayment, after all.

Politoed let out another call—just then, something strange happened.

The three Poliwags, who had been hopping happily, suddenly stopped, curiously watching as white light began to envelop them.

Lucas’ smile froze as he stared in astonishment.

This was a group evolution!

Normally, Pokémon evolve after growing sufficiently, reaching a certain level, or fulfilling other conditions.

But in some cases, evolution can happen simultaneously.

For example, Magikarp leaping the dragon gate, Slowpokes encountering Shellder, or, like here, Poliwags who have accumulated enough energy, and are inspired by their leader’s charismatic call, fully unleashing their potential!

As the light faded, three Poliwhirls appeared before Lucas.

Lucas’ grin nearly split his face—what an unexpected bonus! Evolving from Poliwag to Poliwhirl was a huge leap. Now he had three more Pokémon to help with chores.

“Nice, you’ve all learned new moves.”

Lucas’ eyes shone as Politoed and its three little brothers each demonstrated their newly-learned moves.

Politoed’s ability had changed from Swift Swim to Drizzle—a very rare trait, shared only by Pelipper and Kyogre, showing Politoed’s exceptional rain talent.

It also learned a slew of new moves: Bounce, Hydro Pump, Belly Drum, Ice Beam. Training all these would keep Politoed busy for a while.

The three new Poliwhirls also each learned new techniques—a quadruple bonus!

Before leaving, Politoed dispelled the rain clouds, then went to the stream and asked Lucas to wait a moment. It wanted to try a new skill it had just learned from Wooper and Quagsire.

For some reason, Lucas felt a bad premonition, but he couldn’t refuse. He, Serperior, and the Poliwhirls crouched on the side, waiting for Politoed’s performance.

Politoed crouched close to the ground, dipped its finger into the stream, and began wiggling it up and down.

Lucas: ?

Politoed… was it… fishing?

How could this possibly work? Even with all his gear, Lucas couldn’t always catch fish, let alone a bare-fingered Politoed.

Yet in the next instant, Politoed suddenly straightened, pulling up a five or six pound fish clamped onto its finger!

The fish stubbornly bit down, refusing to let go even when lifted from the water.

Lucas was stunned, pinching himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.

No, this made no sense!

How could Politoed catch fish with just its finger?

Impossible!

Lucas was completely defeated.

Chapter 151: Kofu’s Visit

“At least I didn’t go home empty-handed, but this frustration is hard to swallow…”

Lucas carried his red bucket full of “loot,” his face a complex mix of emotions.

“Serperior~.” (It’s a token of Politoed’s feelings.)

Serperior reached out a vine and patted his right shoulder in a show of forced comfort.

Lucas felt no better. Even after learning Politoed had specially learned fishing from the local Wooper and Quagsire, and had caught the fish just for him, Lucas couldn’t hold back his breakdown.

Could it be that he was fated to always be the Unlucky Fisherman?

With that question in mind, Lucas returned to the farm—only to find a very familiar face standing by the gate.

The man had a shiny bald head, wore a chef’s coat and a wave-patterned apron, and his build was broad and stocky.

It was none other than Kofu, the Gym Leader of Cascarrafa.

Kofu had just arrived and was admiring Lucas’ Luxray, who was on patrol.

Strong body, restrained aura, the eyes of a true powerhouse—he hadn’t seen Luxray since Lucas’ Gym Challenge, but now understood how Lucas had passed the Champion Test overseen by Chairwoman Geeta.

Even against Grusha’s Mega Blastoise, Luxray had less than a 30% chance of losing.

Lucas stopped, puzzled: “Mr. Kofu?”

At Lucas’ voice, both Kofu and Luxray looked his way, as did Serperior, Politoed, and the Poliwhirls.

A flicker of surprise crossed Luxray’s golden eyes—it had expected Poliwag to evolve, but hadn’t expected all three to do so.

“Lucas, it’s been a while!” Kofu’s eyes lit up. He started to say more, but seeing Politoed and the Poliwhirls, he exclaimed in surprise, “Wait, is that… the Poliwag!?”

Lucas nodded slightly: “It just evolved today.”

Luxray padded over and, after checking with Serperior about their trip, licked Politoed and the Poliwhirls one by one.

Seeing their confusion, Lucas explained, “Luxray does that to show happiness—it means he’s glad you evolved.”

Politoed and the others immediately let out happy croaks.

Kofu crouched beside Politoed, examining it and the Poliwhirls, and smiled in satisfaction: “You’ve raised them well. Poliwag and its evolutions always have slippery skin. Even after traveling on land with you, their skin is still glossy and moist—that means their Water-type energy is abundant.”

As a Water-type expert, Kofu could tell Lucas had raised them with care, especially Politoed, which even made him want one of his own.

If they could trade Pokémon, Kofu felt confident Politoed could become the ace of his team.

In the past, Politoed might have been bashful at such praise. In fact, the three Poliwhirls already looked embarrassed.

But now, as a king at heart, Politoed accepted the praise—it was only right for a king. Even if its subjects were just three Poliwhirls.

After some small talk, Kofu straightened up: “Let’s get down to business.”

Lucas nodded, sending the Pokémon ahead to the farm. Politoed and the others, eager to surprise their friends, hurried off. Lucas hefted his bucket and said, “Mr. Kofu, let’s talk over tea. I need to take care of this fish first.”

Kofu laughed heartily, not standing on ceremony: “That’s perfect—I was just getting thirsty myself!”

…

In the living room, by the cabinet—

Lucas took out tea leaves and his treasured, slightly chipped teapot, then asked, “I only have black tea right now. Is that okay?”

Kofu, eyeing the Pokémon watching him curiously, nodded: “No problem.”

A moment later, Lucas brought out honey cakes and black tea steeped in the chipped teapot, setting them on the table, pouring tea as he asked: “What do you think of my farm, Mr. Kofu?”

Kofu took the steaming cup, inhaled the rich aroma, then drank it down in one gulp as if it were wine.

After savoring it, Kofu’s eyes lit up: “Now I see why you turned down the high-ranking League job Geeta offered, and chose to retire and run a farm.”

“The tranquil environment, the laid-back rural life,” Kofu said, sampling the honey cake, “and these delicious treats and tea—you’re really enjoying life!”

If not for his restaurant back in town, Kofu would want to buy land and run a farm just like Lucas.

“Is this really just bagged black tea? Why does it taste so complex…?”

“Take a look at this teapot,” Lucas said, showing the chipped teapot to Kofu.

After examining it, Kofu understood: “No wonder you can brew such good tea with ordinary leaves—it’s the teapot!”

Lucas nodded: “In a few months, when summer comes, the Sawsbuck on the farm will grow new leaves, and I’ll be able to make even better black tea. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to come try it.”

“It’s a deal!” Kofu agreed, then pulled a gold-embossed letter from his pocket and handed it to Lucas: “By the way, Geeta asked me to give you this—said it was very important, so I came myself.”

“A letter from Geeta?”

Lucas took the letter, noting its luxurious design—both envelope and paper exuded understated elegance.

Kofu stroked his chin and smiled: “She left my restaurant recently to return to Kalos. I think this is an invitation to some event, but I don’t know the details.”

Lucas nodded, recalling Geeta’s earlier mention of an invitation. He could more or less guess what the letter contained.