As Aoki had anticipated, his Poliwhirl evolved into Politoed with the aid of the King's Rock. When Pokémon of the same evolutionary line or closely related species are present, the evolution process is influenced, receiving a subtle boost from their shared energy.
Slowking, having undergone a similar evolution method involving the King's Rock, was the most visibly affected.
It might sound unusual, but Slowking could sense a distinct aura—what could be described as a "Leader's Aura"—emanating from Poliwhirl as it began its transformation.
Unconsciously, Slowking's own aura resonated in response, not in competition but as a guiding force, as if ushering Poliwhirl into its rightful role as a monarch among its kind.
Under Slowking's influence, Poliwhirl's radiant energy intensified. Within the blinding white light of evolution, its physiology underwent drastic changes.
The storm overhead grew fiercer, the dark clouds thickening until the sky resembled night. The lake's surface rippled violently as more Pokémon gathered—primarily Poliwag and Poliwhirl, though a few others lingered at the edges, observing.
Aoki spotted Goldeen, Seaking, Psyduck, and even a few distant figures he recognized but had no time to acknowledge. Poliwhirl's evolution had reached its climax.
Though his system's scanning functions were limited, Aoki's heightened psychic sensitivity allowed him to perceive the shifts in Poliwhirl's energy. The drizzle became a downpour, the clouds an oppressive mass.
The Pokémon in the lake cried out in unison, their instincts far sharper than Aoki's. Then—
A thunderous bellow erupted from the light, which shattered to reveal the newly evolved Politoed.
The rain redoubled. Poliwag and Poliwhirl spun in jubilant circles while other Water-types—even the usually aloof Golduck—joined the celebration. For them, the rain was a blessing, though this storm was no natural phenomenon. It was Politoed's doing.
"Croak!!!" Politoed bellowed again.
Every Poliwag and Poliwhirl stilled. Even the Goldeen and Seaking paused, their gazes locking onto the emerald-green figure standing regally at the shore.
In response, the Poliwag chorus erupted—a tribute to their new sovereign. Aoki noted several Poliwhirl and even a few visiting Poliwrath among them, all offering their respect.
The rain swelled further. Politoed's Drizzle ability was proving exceptionally potent. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel⟡fire.net
Aoki smirked, satisfied. His system's final scan displayed Politoed's updated data:
Pokémon: Politoed (Quasi-Blue)
Held Item: King's Aura
Egg Moves: Water Pulse, Refresh, Bubble Beam
Basic Moves: Water Sport, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Bubble, Double Slap, Rain Dance, Body Slam, Bubble Beam, Mud Shot, Belly Drum, Perish Song, Swagger, Bounce
Learnt Moves: Snore, Ice Punch, Icy Wind
TM Moves: Protect, Double Team, Scald
During Aoki's earlier psychic overexertion, Politoed and Swampert had battled relentlessly, pushing Politoed to Level 38 and unlocking Belly Drum. Now, after the King's Rock evolution and an Aptitude Booster, it had reached Level 39, mastering Perish Song, Swagger, and Bounce.
What stunned Aoki was Politoed's Near-Blue aptitude—until he noticed the King's Rock in its held item slot, mirroring Slowking's own. As a natural monarch, Politoed now bore the same regal presence.
The escalating storm was no accident. Politoed's ability had shifted from Swift swim to Drizzle.
Rain empowered all Water-types, but for Poliwag and Poliwhirl, it was transformative. Even other species benefited, hence the collective revelry.
Aoki studied Politoed's new form:
Its body was a vibrant green accented with yellow—palms, toes, and underbelly—while the spiral atop its head (a fusion of the King's Rock and Politoed's biology) pulsed faintly. This organ heightened weather sensitivity; for a Drizzle ability Politoed, it maximized rainfall efficacy.
Aoki patted Politoed's back. "Enough for now. Let the storm pass."
"Croak!" Politoed nodded.
Aoki had granted its evolution and summoned its kin—more than it had hoped for. Gratitude filled its gaze.
The clouds dissipated, the rain easing into mist. Sunlight broke through, painting a rainbow over the lake's surface.
Most Pokémon dispersed—except one.
Aoki signaled Slowking, who levitated a lone figure from the water with Psychic.