"Da… da… huh?"
"Gya…?"
"Ka—?"
"Ma…?"
When Ash released the Shiny Magikarp and Shiny Feebas, the Water-type Pokémon in the river were all stunned.
Out of respect for Ash—the "kind-hearted doctor" who healed them for free—none of them openly said anything harsh.
But from the looks in their eyes, and the subtle expressions on their faces, it was obvious what they were thinking.
Shellder:
"This Magikarp… why is it gold? That's so weird!!"
Magikarp:
"That Magikarp's scales are way too flashy. Honestly, if it weren't for Doctor Ash, I'd totally beat it up in the wild."
Goldeen:
"Oh my goodness!! What kind of Pokémon is that? It's so ugly!!"
Marill:
"What's wrong with that purple Pokémon? Is it poisoned or something? It's hideous! I really don't get why Doctor Ash would take in something so ugly… maybe he just felt sorry for it?"
"Yes, that must be it! Doctor Ash is so gentle and kind. I really want to become his Pokémon, so he can pat me with those warm hands…"
Although the river Pokémon nodded and verbally agreed when Ash introduced the two newcomers, the sensitive Shiny Magikarp and Shiny Feebas clearly felt the mockery and disdain radiating from them.
Instead of feeling happy at being introduced, the two Pokémon huddled together, heads lowered, not daring to look at the unfamiliar wild Pokémon—nor daring to swim closer.
"Ahahaha…"
Ash laughed awkwardly, quickly sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere.
"Magikarp and Feebas just arrived in Pallet Town, so everyone isn't familiar with them yet. Once you get to know them, you'll find they're both very kind and sincere Pokémon—and I'm sure you'll like them."
"But I still have something to take care of today, so I won't let Magikarp and Feebas play with everyone just yet. Next time, I'll invite you all to play together."
"For now, everyone should head back."
With that, Ash gently dismissed the group.
Shellder: "Alright."
Krabby: "Thank you, Doctor Ash."
Goldeen: "Goodbye, Doctor Ash."
Marill: "Doctor Ash I'm leaving now! Don't forget about me"
Although the wild Water-type Pokémon hadn't warmly accepted the two Shiny newcomers, they were full of gratitude and admiration toward Ash, who healed them without asking for anything in return.
Once the river quieted and the Pokémon dispersed, Ash let out a soft sigh and crouched down. He reached into the shallow water and gently patted the two Pokémon who were pressed together like "siblings in misfortune."
"Alright, Magikarp. You don't need to be timid," Ash said softly.
"Under my training, you'll become the strongest Magikarp—and one day, the strongest Gyarados."
"And you too, Feebas. You don't need to feel inferior because of how you look. To me, you're the most beautiful Feebas there is."
"With my training, you'll one day become the most beautiful Pokémon in the world."
"You have to believe in yourselves. Believe in your talent. And believe in me—believe that I have the strength to make this happen."
Ash's eyes were filled with heartache as he looked at the two Pokémon with their heads lowered.
They possessed talent far superior to most Pokémon of their kind—talent that should have made them confident and proud.
Yet reality had beaten them down, leaving one timid and the other deeply self-loathing.
Magikarp: "Splash… really?"
Feebas: "Glu… is that… possible?"
"Of course!" Ash replied firmly.
"Magikarp, you will become incredibly strong. And Feebas, you will become unbelievably beautiful."
Watching their hesitant expressions, a thought crossed Ash's mind:
Their timid and self-deprecating personalities must change. Otherwise, no matter how great their talent is, they'll never truly become strong—or beautiful.
"…Ah, I've got it," Ash suddenly said.
"Trainers often give their Pokémon names after catching them. I don't usually do that—but today, I'll make an exception."
Magikarp: "Splash… a name?"
Feebas: "Glu… a name?"
The two Pokémon froze for a moment.
"Yes. A name," Ash explained.
"In the human world, everyone has a name. It's not just for identification—it carries hopes, wishes, and blessings."
"So today, I'll give you names that hold my expectations and blessings for you. How does that sound?"
"Splash!! I want one! I want a name!"
"Glu!! Me too! I want one too!"
Their earlier gloom vanished, replaced by excitement.
"Hmm… let me think," Ash said, briefly rubbing his chin.
"Magikarp, once you evolve into Gyarados, your species name itself symbolizes power and might."
"And Feebas, once you evolve into Milotic, that name alone represents beauty."
"So for now, I'll give you nicknames—names that suit who you are right now."
"Magikarp, you feel weak, so you became timid. My hope for you is strength and courage."
"So your name will be Valor. I hope you grow healthy, brave, and powerful."
"And Feebas, you feel inferior because of your appearance. My wish for you is that you become beautiful—inside and out."
"But more than that, I hope one day you'll understand the true meaning of beauty, beyond mere looks."
"So your name will be Lumina."
Ash poured all his sincerity and blessings into those two simple names.
Valor: "Splash… Valor…"
Lumina: "Glu… Beautiful… thank you, Trainer. I really like this name."
"I'm glad," Ash smiled.
"But you don't have to call me 'Trainer'. Just call me 'Brother'—or Ash."
Valor: "Splash! Thank you, Brother!!"
Lumina: "Glu… thank you, Brother!!"
Beneath the fading sunlight by the riverbank, two wounded hearts quietly found warmth—and a new beginning.
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T/N:
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