...
The next morning arrived in no time, and Ash got up early and headed to the Pokemon Center's front desk to receive Aerodactyl's Pokeball from the sleepy Miss Joy.
Then he used Gardevoir's Teleport to arrive at a deserted plain and released Aerodactyl.
As soon as Aerodactyl emerged, it instinctively flashed a fierce look at Ash, but upon seeing Ash, the fierce look in its eyes immediately softened and was replaced with a pleasing gaze.
Now, Aerodactyl looked nothing like the ancient sky ruler it was supposed to be; instead, it resembled a husky.
"Roar?" Why did the master call me out?
Hearing Aerodactyl's words, Ash was visibly taken aback: "You've figured out your position this quickly? Didn't you think of battling me?"
Aerodactyl shook its head vigorously.
What kind of international joke is this, battling you again? Although my Ability is Rock Head, I'm not that headstrong!
The previous battle left no doubt about the difference in power. If Aerodactyl couldn't see it, then its long survival since ancient times would be in vain. As they say, a wise dragon knows when to yield, and it was fully aware of the situation.
The new master used that strange item to contain it, but the environment inside was nice. Besides, the new master healed and restored its injuries, and showed no malice after releasing it.
The most important thing was that it was no longer as hungry as before, and without hunger clouding its judgment, it could feel the affinity and attraction emanating from the human in front of it.
This is the effect of the Power of Viridian.
The 'Passive Effect' of the Power of Viridian allows Ash to have a favorable initial rapport with any Pokemon upon first encounter.
The reason it had no effect on Aerodactyl was simply that Aerodactyl had just woken up and was starving!
Moreover, its innate ferocity prevented it from having any initial goodwill towards Ash.
Now, after being subdued by Ash, its hunger had significantly diminished, its injuries were healed, and Ash's unequivocal display of strength made it completely suppress its innate ferocity, willingly yielding to Ash.
When else should it admit defeat if not now?
Ash scratched his head, realizing that the prepared speech he had was completely thrown off by Aerodactyl's behavior.
Didn't they say Aerodactyl was an ancient overlord with a haughty temper? How did it admit defeat so quickly?
"Ahem, don't call me 'master'. I'm your Trainer... which means we're partners, on equal footing."
"Times have changed. Humans and Pokemon can now coexist peacefully and grow stronger together. Our goal is the same: to stand at the pinnacle of the world. Please take care of me from now on."
Ash extended his hand with a beaming smile on his face.
Aerodactyl was momentarily stunned, showing a very complex expression. If it initially yielded because of Ash's strength, then Ash's words gave it a completely new perception.
This guy who calls himself a Trainer... might not be so bad?
Aerodactyl thought, extending its claw to grasp Ash's hand, indicating its preliminary acceptance of Ash.
"From now on, we're partners, Aerodactyl. In a while, I'll send you back to Oak's Research Institute... which will be your home from now on. There, you don't have to stay inside, but there's an old geezer who might be very interested in you, so don't attack him. If he subdues you in return, I won't be able to speak for you."
Ash gave Aerodactyl a little warning in advance.
He was worried that Aerodactyl might suddenly attack Professor Oak after being sent to Oak's Research Institute.
Ash wasn't actually worried about Professor Oak; after all, he was a Champion in the past. Even if he's aged, a Gym Level Pokemon couldn't possibly threaten him.
The real issue was with Aerodactyl. If it did attack Professor Oak, wouldn't his veteran Pokemon dismantle it?
So Ash warned Aerodactyl in advance. If Aerodactyl still insists on getting itself killed, Ash couldn't do much about it.
Besides, it wouldn't be fatal.
Aerodactyl nodded without fully understanding. If it was someone that made its Trainer this cautious, it was certainly not someone to provoke; staying low-key was the way to go.
"Do you know where these two things came from?" After addressing any potential issues that might arise after sending Aerodactyl to Oak's Research Institute, Ash took out the MEGA Evolution Stone and the Key Stone from his backpack.
In its slumber, Aerodactyl was clutching the Key Stone, and the MEGA Evolution Stone was placed in the deepest part of the cave, so Aerodactyl might know where the two items came from.
If he could find their origin, it would be a huge score!
Upon seeing the two items in Ash's hands, Aerodactyl showed a thoughtful expression and then let out a series of roars.
"... So these things originally existed in the Big Silly Valley? You chose to sleep there because of these stones?"
"You said you felt forces from these stones that could push you to the next level, but no matter what methods you used, you couldn't extract any power from them?"
"Well, that's normal. These are meant for joint use by Trainer and Pokemon; we'll have the opportunity to utilize this power in the future."
Ash comforted Aerodactyl a bit, though he felt slightly disappointed.
It seemed that heaps of Key Stones and Evolution Stones only existed in dreams. However, the MEGA guide in mind hadn't entirely disappeared, meaning he still had the chance to activate and obtain a MEGA Evolution Stone.
This was an unexpected surprise; he didn't expect the item he drew to guide him to obtain both a Key Stone and an Evolution Stone and still have lingering effects.
The so-called one-time ability was more like a one-time consumable, persisting until completely consumed.
Anyway, this one-time ability had already earned him quite the fortune, leaving Ash very satisfied.
...
Back at the Pokemon Center, Ash dialed Professor Oak's number. Though it was still early, Professor Oak was already up.
Upon learning that Ash had captured an Aerodactyl and intended to send it back, Professor Oak's entire face leaned close to the screen: "You captured an Aerodactyl!? Quick! Send it over! I was wondering what Pokemon you caught when I saw Pidgeot sent back. I didn't expect it to be Aerodactyl! Well done, Ash!"
Professor Oak practically mashed his face against the computer screen, causing Ash to show a disgusted expression: "That's gross, Professor Oak... Aerodactyl is a Pokemon that survived from ancient times and has a bad temper, so don't mess with it."
"Don't worry, don't worry, I know the limits." Professor Oak pulled back his head with a nonchalant expression.
"Also, Professor Oak, could you keep an eye out for these two things for me?" Ash took out the MEGA Evolution Stone and the Key Stone and showed them to the camera.
Professor Oak leaned in again for a closer look, stroking his chin thoughtfully before asking, "What are these gems? Some kind of Evolution Stone? I feel like I've seen them somewhere..."
"You've seen them?!" Ash's face lit up with excitement at Professor Oak's words: "Where?"
"Hmm... I don't quite remember. I don't usually remember gems or anything like that, but Steven seems to like collecting these kinds of stones. I'll ask him when I get the chance."
Hoenn Champion Steven, a renowned miner, reportedly considers resigning from the championship to focus exclusively on mining. If it's him, he might actually have a collection of MEGA Evolution Stones and Key Stones.