That beam of light. It forever eluded us. Denied us entry. And Dante and I could only sigh and watch as each of our team members stepped forth to change. A Sandshrew into Sandslash, a Marill into Azumarill, and even Gil could evolve into a Gloom, finally.

But we couldn't, until now.

With a proud smile on our faces, and with the lords of Time and Space behind us, the Piplup and I stepped into the water, step by step. With a small chuckle, my partner lifted up my tail, making sure it didn't accidentally dip into the cool water. I grinned at him.

The final step. Waist deep, we gripped each other's paw nervously. We glanced at each other before closing our eyes. And as a beam of light washed over us, I opened my eyes to see my wonderful mate now an Empoleon. I couldn't love him more.