Night had fallen.
After a long day, Lin Feng lay on his bed, holding an S-grade Fire Stone. This rare gem had been rewarded to him after Charizard had been well-fed and content today. He pondered who he should give it to.
In truth, there wasn't much need to overthink it. In the daycare, the only Fire-type Pokémon right now was Blaziken.
The mayor had mentioned bringing a Growlithe over, one that could evolve using a Fire Stone, but that had been over a month ago and it still hadn't arrived. For now, it was best to focus on what was in front of him.
Speaking of evolution, Lin Feng summoned the three Eevee back from beside the anime screen. With one hand, he grabbed Ai San, and with the other, Ai Wu. He asked, "Do you two have any particular evolution forms you're hoping for?"
He then pulled up the Eevee sketches he had drawn on his phone earlier.
"Bui?"
"Bui?"
The anime paused.
Ai Jiu, who had already decided on her own evolution, immediately scuttled over when she noticed her companions were about to choose theirs. Glaceon, feeling a bit left out, also joined, not wanting to watch alone.
"Bui Bui?" she chirped, clearly curious.
Ai Wu and Ai San were momentarily stunned. Normally, Eevee in the daycare could evolve into just five forms. Now, there were three additional forms displayed on the screen.
"These… these are…" Lin Feng began to explain, but Ai Jiu interrupted, hopping up to the images to guide her friends.
"Bui! Bui!" she exclaimed excitedly. "These are Sylveon, Espeon, and Umbreon!" Her eyes sparkled as she continued, "Bui, Bui! This is the form I want to evolve into Sylveon! Isn't it beautiful?"
She went on, "Bui, Bui," detailing the types and traits of all three evolutions. Lin Feng, seeing her enthusiasm, didn't interrupt, occasionally adding a comment here and there.
Ai Wu and Ai San, however, began to look confused. Eevee already had several possible evolutions, and now three more had been added. They weren't sure which path to take.
Ai San's gaze eventually settled on Leafeon. Its memories of Serpent King, with its cool and aloof coloring, resurfaced. Looking at Leafeon resting under the bed, Ai San's eyes briefly glimmered with admiration. But when Serpent King glanced at it curiously, Ai San quickly turned its gaze back to Leafeon, now firm and determined.
"Bui, Bui!" (I want this one!)
"Leafeon, huh?"
Seeing Ai San's choice, Lin Feng nodded and opened his system storage to fetch a crystal-clear leaf-shaped stone.
[SSS-Grade Leaf Stone A pure energy stone condensed from the finest Grass-type essence, capable of triggering evolutionary genes and enhancing innate potential.]
Lin Feng remembered this was a reward from the system for reaching maximum affection with Serpent King. Ai San now met all the requirements to evolve.
"Do you want to evolve now?" he asked, holding the stone before Ai San.
"Bui?"
Ai San blinked, captivated by the stone's energy. During their time in the daycare, the breeders had shown them evolution stones, explaining their quality and grades. But none of those stones compared to this one. Ai San reached out instinctively, but paused, retracting its paw as a newfound determination filled its eyes.
"Hmm? Not ready yet?" Lin Feng asked, puzzled at the oldest Eevee in the group who was also the timidest.
"Bui, Bui!" (I want to wait until everyone evolves together!)
Ai San glanced back at her companions. They had always shared their achievements and experiences, so she couldn't evolve ahead of them.
Lin Feng smiled, understanding. "Alright. This Leaf Stone will stay with you. When you're ready, just let me know."
He thought that evolving Ai San now might disrupt the harmony of the trio.
"Bui~" Ai San nodded.
All eyes then turned to Ai Wu, who looked conflicted. Initially, Ai Wu had wanted to become a Flareon, inspired by Fang Youzhi's fiery display in the Quartz League. Flareon's passionate aura had appealed to Ai Wu.
But now…
The Moonlight evolution tempted it. The dark body with yellow rings and piercing red eyes radiated a mysterious allure. It stirred something primal within Ai Wu, similar to the excitement it had felt during their first mischievous "runaway" adventure with Ai Jiu.
Seeing Ai Wu torn, Lin Feng wisely decided, "If you're unsure, there's no rush. Take your time." Both Flareon and Espeon evolutions didn't require particularly strict conditions.
"Bui…"
The Eevee finally donned their respective Evolution Stones, excitedly returning to watch the anime. Lin Feng did not disturb them and quietly slipped out, heading toward the plantation.
The November night sky was mostly obscured, and the plantation was silent. Blaziken was asleep, Milotic and Sealeo moved subtly in the moonlight, and Sweet Bamboo had not yet slept, glancing at the stars and the Evolution Stone it carried. Seeing Lin Feng, it quickly ducked into its little wooden house.
Only the Pidgeotto perched atop a pine tree maintained a watchful gaze, retreating as soon as it recognized Lin Feng.
The plantation was calm.
Walking across the barn, Lin Feng passed the peacefully sleeping Miltank and Combee, smiling softly. He continued past the flower garden to another fenced area that had been recently repaired. Even during his absence, the soil showed signs of being tended, and stones were cleared. Clearly, the Sandshrews had been diligently helping out.
Lin Feng marveled at the fruit trees, now growing as tall as Sweet Bamboo, and the new villa foundation in the front of the plantation seemed ready to be completed by late December just in time for the New Year festivities. He imagined a future filled with warmth: cuddling Serpent King in the morning, playing with the evolved Glaceon or Eevee, checking on Milotic and Sealeo who would soon evolve into elegant Xishihaishen and in the afternoon, watching Blaziken and Salamence spar with other trainers' Pidgeotto or Pidgeot. Even crafting energy blocks with Gardevoir or helping heal the injured alongside caring brothers and sisters.
All these beautiful thoughts floated through his mind.
"Gardevoir?" A gentle voice interrupted his reverie.
Lin Feng turned instinctively.
A soft blue dress swayed under the moonlight as Gardevoir slowly descended.
"Sorry if I disturbed you."
Lin Feng thought perhaps it had sensed him wandering so late.
"Gardevoir…" (I'm here for Sweet Bamboo.)
Gardevoir shook her head. "Gardevoir," (It's been feeling conflicted lately.)
"Conflicted?" Lin Feng asked, concerned. "What conflict? It never mentioned this to me."
Gardevoir, sensing his worry, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Gardevoir," (It's nothing serious. Let's talk in my room.)
"Ah… alright."
In an instant, they were inside Gardevoir's room. The layout was mostly unchanged, though the Pokémon plushies Lin Feng had stored away were now displayed on the wardrobe. His clothes had been moved to his own room.
Lin Feng glanced around, ready to ask what Sweet Bamboo's dilemma was. But Gardevoir extended her psychic aura, enveloping the room in a soft pink protective layer.
"This is…"
Lin Feng realized it was the familiar psychic shield, ensuring their conversation remained private.
Gardevoir smiled gently. "Gardevoir," (Since your room is nearby, this protects us, and prevents Serpent King from overhearing.)
"Hmm?"
Gardevoir explained, "Gardevoir," (Sweet Bamboo is conflicted about whether to evolve.)
Lin Feng immediately understood. Seeing Blaziken and Milotic evolve must have stirred the thought within Sweet Bamboo. The small Pokémon that had always pranced around the plantation now felt the burden of relying on others.
"Gardevoir…" (It wants to help as much as it can.)
"Then evolve!" Lin Feng said, puzzled. With its current energy level, evolving into Tsukidance should be easy.
Gardevoir smiled knowingly. "Gardevoir," (It's a bit scared.)
"Scared? Why?" Lin Feng asked, surprised.
"Gardevoir," (It's worried you'll be upset.)
Lin Feng blinked, more confused. How could he ever be upset at Tsukidance?
Gardevoir laughed softly, noting that Sweet Bamboo's struggle stemmed from wanting to evolve but also wanting to stay close to him. Lin Feng sighed, realizing he had overlooked the depth of its feelings.
Gardevoir patted his hair, encouraging him. "Gardevoir," (It's alright. You've done wonderfully.)
If Serpent King was the steward of the plantation, then Gardevoir was the caretaker of the entire daycare a role both powerful and emotionally attentive. Pokémon like Blaziken confided in her, sharing even the smallest frustrations, trusting her guidance and care.
Tonight had been no different.
Lin Feng felt a warm sense of calm, knowing that even in the quietest moments, these bonds of trust and care held everything together.