"Chako ee."
Togetic softly called out, a hint of compassion in its eyes.
"Baluya…"
Compared to Togetic, the Dragapult lying on the ground was several times larger, its head alone bigger than Togetic.
A mature Dragapult can grow up to three meters in size.
And this Dragapult before them had lived for who knows how long, growing even larger, surpassing four meters, an absolute giant among Pokémon.
"Chako ee…"
Togetic raised its hand and, after some hesitation, gently placed it on Dragapult's head.
Dragapult surprisingly didn't resist, but snuggled closer, seemingly quite fond of it.
As Natsuhiko entered this largest laboratory, he surveyed the entire stone chamber.
Bland and monotonous walls; the space was large, but all the colors were almost the same.
It's hard to imagine that if a person lived in such a closed environment, even for just a month, they would go mad from loneliness and solitude.
There was not a single entertainment facility, no way to pass the time.
However, Natsuhiko noticed small holes on the walls around.
The dense Ghost Energy in the room was continuously supplied through these holes.
The purpose of this research facility might have been entirely for this Dragapult.
Perhaps it was once just a Dreepy.
Yet, for some unknown reason, the ancients left here without taking it along.
"Chako ee."
When Natsuhiko approached Togetic, it gently tugged at his pants.
"Let's help it, shall we?"
Togetic felt full of sympathy for Dragapult.
Back then, under the Dark Ruins' underground tunnel, Togetic was often too lonely and bored, leading to frequent pranks and disturbing the wild Pokémon there.
But Dragapult, living here, had nothing, unable to leave too far, imagining the sheer boredom and loneliness of its life.
Being a Pokémon that prefers living in groups, Dragapult would typically be accompanied by at least two Dreepy.
This undoubtedly makes it feel even emptier, as if some part of its body was missing.
Dragapult's gaze shifted along with Togetic's, landing on Natsuhiko.
At this moment.
Natsuhiko finally saw its eyes clearly.
They were so pure, free of any impurities.
Natsuhiko had only seen such eyes in a newborn Abra.
This Dragapult was probably captured here when it was just a newborn Dreepy.
Natsuhiko crouched down and rubbed Togetic's head.
Whispered, "Dragapult, how have you managed all these years?"
"Baluya?"
Hearing Natsuhiko's words, Dragapult tilted its large head, seemingly not quite understanding him.
Witnessing this, Natsuhiko looked towards Yujira.
Yujira understood, extended its psychic powers, and used telepathy to connect Natsuhiko and Dragapult, ensuring seamless communication.
Using telepathy, Natsuhiko repeated the previous question.
"Baluya…"
In a sudden realization, a soft, pure voice echoed in Natsuhiko's mind.
'Sleep…'
It was actually a soft female voice!
Sleep.
Probably sleeping…
Indeed.
Sleeping might be the only way to endure such long years.
But perhaps only a pure spirit like Dragapult, without a hint of distraction, could rely on sleep to last until now.
Perhaps.
In its worldview, the entire room was its world, and the only thing it could do was sleep.
Whether to feel sad or relieved is unknown.
If Natsuhiko hadn't come today, Dragapult wouldn't know how much longer it would have to sleep, nor how long the Ghost Energy in the ruins would last.
Perhaps, lost in its dreams, it would eventually lose its life.
"Do you want to leave?" Natsuhiko asked again.
'Leave? Where?' Dragapult's voice was full of confusion.
Natsuhiko pursed his lips.
Such a simple Dragapult, struggling to communicate, suggested that despite possessing great strength, it was purely due to its years of growth — lacking any mastery or battle experience, almost nearing zero.
It was the first time Natsuhiko had seen such a Pokémon.
Dragapult's exact prowess was uncertain, but in terms of danger, its threat in Natsuhiko's mind had sharply declined.
"Chako ee!"
Togetic articulated to Dragapult some words Natsuhiko once told it.
After listening, Dragapult's eyes showed more curiosity and longing.
It wished to see what Togetic described — the golden sun that radiates warmth, the lush forests teeming with countless Pokémon, the endless sea that is sometimes serene like a mirror, sometimes roaring like thunderous storms…
Actually, it didn't quite understand what warmth meant, what a mirror was, or what thunder was.
Just felt it would definitely be more interesting than staying here.
It just realized there was something called the "world outside" apart from this room.
Once curiosity and the desire for knowledge are ignited, they'll never settle down.
Even if Natsuhiko and the others leave now, Dragapult likely won't sleep for months or even decades like before.
However, if they want to take Dragapult away, these chains binding it pose a significant problem.
Natsuhiko reached out, gently touching the chains.
As black as ink, the icy coldness transmitted instantly to the touch, prompting him to retract swiftly as if electrocuted.
"So cold."
To restrain Dragon-type Pokémon, two key energies are Fairy and Ice.
Extreme coldness can undoubtedly restrict Dragon-type Pokémon.
Ancient people's technological approach, although different from the modern, displayed deep understanding of Pokémon.
Indicated Doublade to cut and try.
Resulting in Doublade being numbed by its sword's impact, yet the chain remained unmoved, not even leaving a scratch.
Remarkably sturdy.
Forcefully breaking them is not an option.
However, Natsuhiko wasn't anxious; he needed to build a good relationship with Dragapult before it completely frees itself.
Sitting back on the ground.
He agreed with Togetic's narrative.
"Beyond various landscapes and Pokémon, the most crucial thing is this… food."
With that, Natsuhiko took out a Top-level Energy Block, meant for Doublade, its Ghost-type properties barely suitable for Dragapult.
Sniff sniff—
As soon as Dragapult saw the Energy Block, it was immediately captivated by its sparkling appearance and alluring aroma.
For the first time, a substance known as "saliva" quickly formed in its mouth.
Seeing its expression, Natsuhiko laughed and placed the Energy Block into its mouth.
For a Pokémon who hasn't seen the world, you can always trust the effect of Energy Blocks.
Dragapult reflexively chewed.
An unprecedented flavor spread exuberantly in its mouth, stimulating its taste buds.
"Baluya!!"
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Fifth update! Requesting monthly votes! Congratulations EDG for reaching the finals! LPL charge! Breaking records and updating more with championship victory!For the night, this is it, remaining to be coded during the day, seeking guaranteed monthly vote support!