Rex called Poliwhirl, who was inspecting the rare fruit tree saplings, over to him and handed it the King's Rock, letting it feel the power of the item.
Then, Rex explained the specifics of both Politoed and Poliwrath to Poliwhirl, allowing it to choose its future evolution path.
Poliwhirl held the King's Rock in its hands, sensing that this item would significantly benefit it. Wearing it seemed to awaken a certain power within, making it easier for Poliwhirl to naturally command other Poliwhirls and Poliwags.
This command felt more instinctual, unlike before, when Poliwhirl relied solely on its strength to gain the recognition of its peers and become their leader.
Poliwhirl enjoyed this feeling. Since wearing the King's Rock, it noticed a change in how the other Poliwhirls and Poliwags looked at it, as if it were their natural ruler.
However, when Poliwhirl took off the King's Rock, the Poliwhirls and Poliwags reverted to their previous state. They still obeyed its commands but without the same sense of heartfelt submission.
After some internal struggle, Poliwhirl knew what it wanted. It desired to be crowned king, to become the ruler of all Poliwhirls and Poliwags, rather than evolving into a solitary, powerful Poliwrath.
Poliwhirl conveyed its choice to Rex: it wanted to evolve into Politoed.
Rex had somewhat expected this decision. After all, Poliwhirl was already a leader of its group, making it less suitable to evolve into a Poliwrath.
Although Rex personally preferred Poliwrath, he respected Poliwhirl's choice and would help it evolve into Politoed.
To evolve into Politoed, Poliwhirl needed not only to wear the King's Rock but also to undergo a trade evolution at the Pokémon Center.
A trade evolution involves two trainers exchanging Pokémon through a special machine at the Pokémon Center. For example, Trainer A captures a Teddiursa but prefers a Machop, while Trainer B catches a Machop but prefers a Teddiursa. They can trade their Pokémon using the machine.
During this process, some Pokémon evolve through trading, such as Machoke, Haunter, and Kadabra. Additionally, Pokémon holding certain items can evolve when traded, like Poliwhirl with the King's Rock, Electabuzz with an Electirizer, and Rhydon with a Protector.
While trade evolution isn't the only way for Pokémon to evolve, as wild Pokémon sometimes evolve without it, it remains a convenient method.
Rex knew the simplest way for Poliwhirl to evolve into Politoed was through trade evolution. Understanding the mechanics wasn't necessary for him; he just needed the process to work.
The Pokémon Center in Fallarbor Town had the necessary equipment for trade evolution. Rex just needed to find someone to trade with and then trade back to complete Poliwhirl's evolution.
After some thought, Rex decided to contact Professor Birch, believing the professor would be interested in this evolution process.
He was right. When Rex explained his plan, Professor Birch agreed enthusiastically, eager to investigate the phenomenon further. The scientific community still didn't fully understand the reasons behind trade evolution, making it a fascinating subject for research.
Rex also had other Pokémon like Machoke and Haunter that could evolve through trading, but he felt their power was still growing rapidly and didn't need to evolve just yet.
Professor Birch needed time to prepare the necessary monitoring equipment, which suited Rex fine. Three days later, the preparations were complete. Rex recalled Poliwhirl into its Poké Ball and had Swellow fly him to the Fallarbor Town Pokémon Center.
At the Center, Rex discussed his plan with Nurse Joy. After receiving her approval, he was ready to use the trade machine.
The Pokémon League strictly controls trades to prevent scams involving rare Pokémon. Nurse Joy usually verifies the legitimacy of trades to prevent such issues.
Since Rex's trade was for evolution and involved the reputable Professor Birch, Nurse Joy quickly approved his request.
With everything ready, Rex placed Poliwhirl's Poké Ball on the machine and pressed the transfer button. The machine whirred to life.
Through the machine's display, Rex saw Professor Birch's Kadabra. When the trade completed, Kadabra had evolved into Alakazam.
Rex didn't release Alakazam but immediately initiated the second trade to get his newly evolved Politoed back.
Professor Birch approved the trade, and Politoed was transferred back to Rex.
"Come out, Politoed!" Rex called, releasing Politoed from its Poké Ball.
Before him stood Politoed, mostly green with curly hair on its head, yellow chin, belly, palms, and three toes, a green spiral pattern on its belly, and pink cheeks.
Politoed happily hopped over to Rex. Despite being the leader of the Poliwhirls and Poliwags, it had a cheerful demeanor, clearly a carefree Pokémon.
Rex scanned Politoed with his Pokédex, discovering it had learned new moves: Bounce, Swagger, Earth Power, and Hyper Voice.
These moves significantly expanded Politoed's battle capabilities, though it would need practice to master them.
After completing the trade evolution, Rex thanked Nurse Joy and returned to Jade Moon Lake.
When Politoed emerged, all the Poliwhirls and Poliwags jumped ashore and lined up neatly, welcoming their king's return.
Rex noticed a complete transformation in their attitude. They were no longer lazy and sluggish.
Politoed accepted this reverence as natural, walking slowly toward them as if acknowledging their homage.
(End of Chapter)