With Feebas acting as the bridge between them, Theo's relationship with Lizabeth and her family quickly grew closer.
He simply postponed his original plan to visit the space observation center and, that very afternoon, brought Metagross, Larvesta, and the others over as well. Under the pretext of teaching Feebas how to be raised, he accepted Lizabeth's family's invitation and moved aboard the "Blue Lagoon."
Life on the ship was lively yet comfortable, and the most excited ones were undoubtedly Larvesta and Deino.
The troupe kept many Pokémon: a group of slow-witted Wooper, Poliwag that could barely walk straight, Seel that loved lying on their backs basking in the sun, and mischievous Buizel that were always up to pranks.
Unlike Deino, these Pokémon had no resistance at all to being dressed up, making them the perfect models for Larvesta.
"Lar!"
Holding a small brush, Larvesta directed a Meditite from the troupe to use its psychic power to float a palette of paints. It first drew a little star on Wooper's face, then carefully filled in the spiral pattern on Poliwag's belly. In the end, it even competed with the staff to apply clown makeup to the performers.
It had to be said that Larvesta's talent for makeup was simply unparalleled. Its six small black claws were both nimble and steady.
No matter what kind of makeup it saw, it could learn it after just one demonstration, and the red noses and exaggerated faces it painted were even more refined than those done by the prop team.
"With talent like this, it would be a waste if Larvesta didn't become a makeup artist!"
The troupe's makeup artist laughed and joked. Watching the line of Pokémon waiting for Larvesta to work on them, Theo could not help but take out his phone to record this amusing scene.
Larvesta puffed out its chest proudly, lifting its head high like a "gold medal stylist."
As for Deino, its happiness went without saying. In the past, it could not beat Larvesta and was often bossed around by it, sometimes even having to endure Larvesta's "makeover attacks."
Now that there was a whole group of willing volunteers, Larvesta had no time to bother with Deino. Compared to Deino, the troupe's Pokémon were simply wonderful. Each one spoke kindly, and their feedback was incredibly satisfying.
With such a contrast, Deino no longer even qualified to be one of Larvesta's models.
Naturally, Deino was more than happy with this. It now spent all its time sticking close to Metagross. Ever since witnessing the overwhelming power of Mega Metagross, it had completely turned into its little fan, eager to learn from it.
Metagross did not refuse. It was naturally battle-loving, and the idea of personally training a future opponent amused it.
So on the deck, one could often see a scene like this: Metagross easily blocking Deino's attacks with a single metal limb while pointing out its weaknesses.
Sometimes, Metagross would also call over Ice Vulpix and Fire Vulpix to train them together, though it was naturally not as strict with them as it was with Deino.
To the two little foxes, it was all just a game, and they had a great time.
Meanwhile, Milotic trained Lizabeth's Feebas in the pool, personally guiding it through basic moves step by step.
Every time it watched Feebas wriggle its body earnestly as it practiced, Milotic would recall its own childhood with Theo. Its eyes would soften, as if it were caring for its younger self.
After becoming familiar with Lizabeth's family, Theo even joined the troupe's rehearsals.
On the day of the performance, Milotic took Feebas onto the stage. The former spread its golden tail fin, drawing moisture from the air to create a curtain of water that, under the stage lights, refracted into a rainbow.
Feebas followed closely beside Milotic, enjoying the thrill of being on stage.
The moment the shiny Milotic appeared, the audience erupted into excitement. Thunderous applause filled the air as countless people raised their phones to record the moment. The livestream chat scrolled wildly:
"It's Milotic! A shiny Milotic!"
"This ticket was so worth it! I can't believe we get to see this!"
"Milotic performing with Feebas, wow… I wonder when my own Feebas will evolve!"
After the performance, Theo and Lizabeth's family sat together on the deck, sharing a meal.
"Speaking of which, I had a strange dream yesterday," Theo said casually, recalling the plot from the anime in his previous life.
"In the dream, I was wrapped in seawater, following a Water-type Pokémon I had never seen before into the deep ocean. In the end, I saw a magnificent golden palace. It was really strange."
The moment he finished speaking, Lizabeth's family's expressions changed instantly. Her grandfather, Shep, set down his glass of water and looked at his son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Meredith.
The three of them stared intently at Theo, their gazes lingering on his emerald-green eyes before asking further:
"What… did that Pokémon in your dream look like?"
"I don't remember clearly," Theo said thoughtfully. "I only recall that it was very cute and entirely blue."
At his words, their breathing noticeably paused. Meredith then asked softly, "Theo, where were you born?"
"Dewford Town," Theo answered calmly. "Right by the sea. But my parents passed away early, so I grew up on my own."
Meredith did not ask anything more. She simply continued placing food on his plate, though her gaze now carried a hint of indescribable gentleness.
A week passed quickly, and soon it was time to say goodbye.
The "Blue Lagoon" was about to set sail for the Johto region, while Theo would continue his journey of Gym challenges and Pokémon Contests.
At the harbor, Theo exchanged contact information with Lizabeth's family. Upon learning that they were heading to Johto for their tour, he reminded them:
"If you run into any trouble, contact me anytime. Don't be shy."
Lizabeth nodded firmly. "I will! Thank you for all your help these past few days. When Feebas evolves into Milotic, I'll definitely record it and show you!"
"Alright, I'll be waiting for that day," Theo replied with a smile.
He then took out several high-quality pokéblocks and handed them to the Feebas in Lizabeth's arms.
"Make sure you train hard. I'm looking forward to seeing you evolve."
Feebas rubbed its head against Theo's palm. Behind him, Milotic controlled the surrounding moisture and drifted closer, gently touching foreheads with Feebas in farewell.
Larvesta, meanwhile, hugged a set of makeup tools gifted by the troupe's makeup artist, reluctantly saying goodbye to the troupe's Pokémon. These past few days had been the happiest of its life.
Every day it could do what it loved most, and the troupe's Pokémon were all incredibly talented, their compliments flowing endlessly and pleasantly.
Theo watched as the Blue Lagoon gradually sailed away from the harbor before turning to leave with his Pokémon.
This trip to Mossdeep had accomplished nearly everything he wanted, including establishing a connection with Lizabeth's family.
Whether reality would follow the same storyline as the anime and involve the "Prince of the Sea," Manaphy, remained uncertain. But as descendants of people of the water, Lizabeth and her family would surely sense something when Manaphy appeared.
With the groundwork already laid through their earlier conversation, perhaps when that time came, Theo would be able to follow them and meet the legendary mythical Pokémon, Manaphy, with his own eyes.
(End of Chapter)