Does Dragapult faintly feel a summoning?
Natsuhiko didn't doubt Dragapult's feeling.
Just a bit puzzled.
Could it be one of Dragapult's kin?
The Quasi-God Pokémon clan?
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko couldn't help but feel intrigued.
But there was no rush.
"Let's leave here first," Natsuhiko said.
In a not-too-large ancient ruin, not only did they gain an "Experience Baby," but also obtained a temporarily unknown Super Evolution Stone, and in the end, got a Quasi-God Dragapult, which possessed unknown but definitely very powerful strength.
However, looking at Dragapult's appearance, it hadn't participated in even a single battle yet, and its understanding of everything was still at the enlightenment stage. Expecting it to fully display its matching combat power was not very realistic.
But that's okay.
Even if it's just for looking.
It's still cool!
It's prestige!
That's enough.
Dragapult was larger than Tyrantrum, with Togetic standing on its head, introducing the outside world and chatting and laughing with it.
Surprisingly, without Dreepy on its head, once Togetic stood there, Dragapult seemed a bit more satisfied.
As if a Pokémon was meant to be on its head.
Walking out of the ruins.
The glaring light, warm sunshine, lush forest, vast space and world, filled Dragapult's eyes with stars.
Seeing this, Togetic had a sense of having been there, seeing in Dragapult the shadow of itself when it first left the underground tunnel.
"Chakya!"
'It's big, right?'
Dragapult kept looking around, filled with curiosity for everything.
Sometimes flying to a tree to taste a bitter leaf, then landing on the ground to feel the softness of the soil and fallen leaves, sniffing the fresh and slightly decayed scents in the air.
These were all things it had never seen or felt before.
"Baluya—"
Suddenly, while having fun, Dragapult raised its head again, gazing into the distance.
The summoning feeling grew more pronounced.
Natsuhiko followed its gaze, across the great distance, seeing a towering cliff, and beyond that, nothing more.
And that cliff was the dwelling place of Braviary and Mandibuzz.
"Hang in there, once we're rested, I'll take you to see," Natsuhiko gently placed his hand on Dragapult's smooth and cool body.
Braviary and Mandibuzz were originally among his goals.
His original plan was to deal with Yanmega and Archeops first, then finally try to handle Braviary and Mandibuzz.
Once the Pokémon had all reached Elite Level, they would not be without chances even against Gym Leader Level Pokémon.
But for Dragapult's sake, slightly adjusting the order was acceptable.
"Baluya..."
Dragapult dumbly nodded.
It didn't know what was calling it, but just had a voice inside telling it to go see, definitely go see.
After calming Dragapult, Natsuhiko led the group of Pokémon towards their residence.
He was still riding the Tyrantrum, with only Togetic on Dragapult's head.
And Dragapult just flew slowly beside Tyrantrum, finding it quite unfamiliar.
When Dragapult flew, its entire body was horizontal, like a bullet, a blue arrow.
Natsuhiko did want to see how fast it could go at full speed.
...
...
Back at the residence.
Natsuhiko's "employees," the Cherrims, came to greet them.
Seeing Dragapult, they were initially stunned but quickly accepted its presence after introductions from Togetic and Natsuhiko's Cherrim.
Dragapult also had a good impression of these small, cute fellows.
The Cherrims eagerly introduced various things to Dragapult - flowers, trees, even stones, and Tree Fruit, Energy Blocks.
As they talked, somehow they brought up how they met Natsuhiko and through their persistent "efforts," the process of "seeing through" Natsuhiko's true character.
With Togetic and Natsuhiko's Cherrim adding their embellishments, Natsuhiko's image in Dragapult's mind gradually became richer and more vivid.
Dragapult's eyes on Natsuhiko showed more emotional changes.
Natsuhiko didn't pay much attention to this.
Seeing Dragapult happily playing with the Pokémon, he didn't stop them.
Playing more would be good, forming bonds this way would prevent Dragapult from directly leaving.
As he said.
Even just keeping it around to watch.
Feels good.
Moreover, he could truly show Dragapult more things.
It's a win-win cooperation.
With a smile, giving every Pokémon who participated in the battle massages and treatments.
Also to better understand Yujira and Togetic's state after their boost in strength.
This had become part of his "required coursework."
Nearly every other day, he would provide a full massage and check-up for the Pokémon to ensure their condition and avoid leaving any hidden dangers after frequent battles.
Every Pokémon, after Natsuhiko finished the massage, showed very satisfied and comfortable expressions.
Even Togetic had fallen asleep numerous times during Natsuhiko's massages.
Natsuhiko's massage technique was already quite skilled.
While he might be relatively unfamiliar with other Pokémon, he was very familiar with his own Pokémon.
For instance, he knew Beedrill's most comfortable spot for a massage was between the two black rings on its abdomen, Yujira's was the center of its forehead, Togetic's was on its two pairs of small wings, and even Doublade enjoyed the daily sword sharpening with a special whetstone from Natsuhiko.
It was no exaggeration to say that Natsuhiko, on the path of being a Breeder, had already begun to see the way.
Finishing this, the sky was gradually darkening.
Rubbing his wrist.
This full massage session was definitely a huge test for his arms and wrists.
But he couldn't rest yet; he still had one important "target" to care for.
He took out the Incubator.
The nutrient liquid in the Incubator had visibly lightened in color again, indicating increased absorption by the Pokémon Egg, requiring more nutrients.
Moreover, to nurture this Dragon-type Pokémon Egg, Natsuhiko had added many materials beneficial to Dragon-type Pokémon.
But today, he wanted to try something new.
He took out a resplendently colorful, palm-sized scale from his backpack, which had a slightly metallic feel.
Dragon Scale!
He wanted to see if he could extract the Dragon energy from the Dragon Scale to inject into the Incubator for the Pokémon Egg to absorb.
This would surely enhance the Dragon-type bloodline concentration to a great extent, accumulating potential before it fully hatched.
"Baluya!"
However.
When Natsuhiko took out the Incubator, Dragapult, who had been happily playing with the Cherrims, suddenly paused.
Dazedly watching Natsuhiko.
More precisely, watching the Pokémon Egg in the Incubator in front of him.
With a slight body twist and a flick of the tail, it appeared in front of Natsuhiko, staring directly at the Incubator he had.
Eyes wide open.
Dragapult didn't know why it did this, nor the purpose of approaching.
It just knew... it had to come over.
An instinctive love and protection for Dragon-type infant Pokémon.
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Seventh update! Begging for monthly votes!