Evolution Trials

The Hidden Trial

~Sylveon, the Intertwining Pokemon. Its ribbon-like feelers give off an aura that weakens hostility in its prey, causing them to let down their guard. Then it attacks.~

Many different thoughts swam in Ellie's head as she and Hailey made it towards the roof of the Evolution Tower. There was supposed to be one more trial for her to do right? But they had already gone through all the floors. Was it just not her time to evolve?

Warm fresh air blew across their faces, signaling to them that they were now on the roof. There was a clear view of the full moon when Ellie looked up.

Looking ahead, Ellie and Hailey saw all their friends in the center, all talking among themselves. Artemis was the first to notice them standing there and smiled brightly as she greeted them. 

"Hey, glad to see that you two made it as well."

"We're all together again," Dash said. "Isn't this awesome?"

"No, not really..." Hailey said with a sigh. "Ellie...she hasn't-"

Before she could finish her sentence, the spirit of a Sylveon appeared in front of all of them.

"I'm so glad that all of you are here," it said with a bright smile.

"So is the trial that I have to complete take place here on the roof?" Ellie asked. "That seems kinda dangerous."

The spirit shook its head. "No little one. You have already completed your trial."

"I didn't complete any trial. I'm the last one."

All the Sylveon did was smile at the confused Eevee. "The trial that you've completed began the moment you stepped into this tower. It was your constant support that allowed each of your friends to complete each of their trials. Now they will return the favor to you."

"She's right El," Cora said as she stepped up. "The first thing that everyone was talking about here was how much you helped us when we were about to give up on our trials, myself included in that. If it wasn't for you telling me to believe in myself, I would've never tried to go to the bottom of the lake and grab the key. Thank you for that."

As she said those words, a small light in the shape of a heart appeared on Ellie's chest, who was startled by the sudden appearance at first. Soon Dash stepped forward next.

"I wouldn't have won that race against Zebstrika if it wasn't for you reminding me of how fast that I could be. You're an awesome pokemon El. And an awesome friend."

The light grew bigger and brighter. Ellie could feel a small amount of warmth in the light.

"Your encouragement during my battle with Houndoom was the Helping Hand that I needed." Flick said. "So you didn't need to actually know the move to help me out. Just being there was enough."

The heart-shaped light grew even brighter and this time some of Ellie's body began to glow as well, though not as bright as the heart yet.

"Ellie, you showed me that it's okay to ask for help with anything, even with stuff that I'm strong at," Artemis said. "Thank you, my friend."

At this point, Ellie couldn't see what was coming up to her as the light grew almost blinding. Though she could only see white, she could still hear everyone. Xander's voice came up next.

"You always had my back in the maze, even when everyone else was ready to give up. So I'm never going to give up on you."

Ellie felt her ribbon fall off her ear as Maple's voice came up next.

"You had so much faith and trust in me enough to let me face Venusaur without any interference during my trial. So I'll have faith in you in whatever you decide to do."

The warmth was almost overwhelming as Ellie felt herself grow in size and slowly change shape.

"Ellie, you were with me every step of the way during my trial," Hailey said. "It's only right that I'm with you every step of the way with whatever you want to do."

The light slowly died down as Ellie soon stopped changing. Everyone cheered as they saw Ellie's new form. The Eevee that had helped all of her friends in someway complete each of their trials was now a Sylveon. Ellie didn't really know how to react...but then again she didn't really have time to completely wrap her head on what had just happened as everyone else had practically tackled her and nuzzling her. She couldn't help but laugh as she enveloped everyone in a tight hug with her new ribbon feelers.

When they were finished with their little moment, Artemis noticed that the Sylveon spirit had vanished.

"We should all rest here and then go back home first thing in the morning." Maple suggested. "I'm sure no one will be expecting us back at this hour."

Everyone nodded and huddled around each other, settling in for sleep.

'So my trial was something that I didn't even know that I was doing... all because I wanted to see my friends succeed' Ellie thought, smiling to herself as she closed her eyes. 'Couldn't have asked for a better ending to this.'