Chapter 31.6
Nikola spent the training session watching Cinder with unusual intensity. Normally, she grew bored during extended exercises and sought Ravina's attention. Today, her focus remained unwavering on Cinder's movements.
As Cinder passed nearby, Nikola rose onto her hind legs, stretching higher than Ravina had ever seen before. The posture was awkward, but it lasted longer than expected, revealing new control over her balance.
"Intriguing," Ravina murmured, approaching her. She ran her fingers through Nikola's fleece, still thick and warm, but noticed something subtle. Near Nikola's front legs, the wool felt less dense than usual, slightly thinner though not by much.
Ravina's eyes narrowed. "You're not shedding, are you?"
Nikola responded with a soft, uncertain sound.
Examining her more closely, Ravina confirmed her suspicion. The fleece around Nikola's limbs appeared slightly less voluminous, though perfectly healthy in appearance.
"Absolutely not," Ravina declared firmly. "You are not allowed to become less fluffy."
Nikola stomped indignantly, sparks flickering around her hooves.
Victor drifted closer, purple haze swirling. "Perhaps her evolution will grant even more luxurious wool?"
Ravina's expression brightened with hope.
Victor offered a theatrical smile. "Though I possess no actual evidence of such possibilities."
"Cruel," Ravina sighed, though her fingers continued their gentle examination of Nikola's changing coat.
- - - - -
Chapter 31.7
Ravina turned her attention to Nikola, who had been watching Cinder's training with focused interest. The Mareep deserved some spotlight too.
"Flash."
Nikola's tail bulb brightened instantly, the light steady and clean across the training ground.
Ravina nodded. "That's getting easier."
Nikola lifted her chin with visible pride, extending the glowing light further across the field. Not blinding, but controlled, disciplined electricity she was mastering.
Nearby, Toni dropped the leaf she'd been examining, her round eyes fixed on the light. LIGHT. She struggled to her feet, pointing with tiny determination. AGAIN.
With theatrical finesse, Nikola dimmed and brightened her glow in response to Toni's request, playing with the luminous display.
Toni squealed with delight as the light pulsed, her tiny hands reaching toward it.
"You're encouraging her," Ravina warned, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
Nikola looked thoroughly pleased with herself.
Toni lifted both small hands, her brow furrowing with concentration. After a moment of intense focus, a tiny spark flickered between her fingers.
Ravina leaned forward, intrigued. Even Victor stopped his drift, hovering nearby with uncharacteristic stillness.
Nikola's tail bulb dimmed as all attention shifted to the tiny Togepi.
Toni stared at her hands, concentrating harder. Another flicker, then something more substantial.
A tiny pale sphere materialized between her palms, no larger than a berry, softly glowing, and hovering magically in the air.
Everyone froze.
Toni's eyes widened with wonder at her creation.
The small light wobbled uncertainly, then popped like a soap bubble, leaving empty space.
Silence descended on the training ground as Toni stared at where her creation had been.
Slowly, she turned her head toward Ravina.
MINE.
Ravina's jaw hung open for a moment before she snapped it shut, taking in what she'd just witnessed. She knelt, bringing herself level with the tiny Togepi whose round eyes sparkled with triumph.
"That was all yours," she breathed, a smile spreading across her face.
Toni preened, her stubby arms wiggling with excitement.
LIGHT!
Nikola took a tentative step closer, her fleece crackling softly with interest.
Toni turned to her, extending chubby fingers.
AGAIN!
Willing to indulge, Nikola's tail bulb brightened obediently.
Toni squeezed her eyes shut with concentration, straining to replicate her feat.
Nothing.
The Togepi's face scrunched in disappointment.
Ravina couldn't help but laugh softly. "Hey. You did it once, sweetie. That's what matters."
Toni's gaze shifted to her, her expression uncertain.
Ravina gently tapped the tip of her nose. "That absolutely counts."
A slow smile spread across Toni's face.
MINE.
"Your very own light," Ravina affirmed.
Victor drifted closer, his purple haze contracting with intellectual interest.
"Curious," he murmured in his smoky voice.
Ravina turned to him with a warning look.
"Don't."
"I merely uttered a single word of observation," he protested with exaggerated innocence.
"You said it like a scientist plotting an experiment."
"Surely an insult."
Despite herself, Ravina smiled at his theatrics, making a mental note. Professor Elm was going to have far too much to say about this development.