As if to celebrate their recovery, the Pokémon had happy expressions on their faces, jumping and hopping on the grass, chasing and engaging in Play Rough with each other.
Melanie looked at the group of lively, healed Pokémon, her eyes reddening slightly as she said softly, "Thank you so much. Many Pokémon have been here for a long time without fully recovering, but as soon as you arrived—they've all regained their spirits."
"It was just a small favor," Fuyuki shook his head. "I only did what I should have done."
"No, it is I who should thank you," Melanie said with a serious expression, bowing deeply to Fuyuki.
Just then, a rustling sound suddenly came from the nearby bushes.
Immediately after, a Bulbasaur emerged with several herbs in its mouth.
Seeing this, Fuyuki was slightly stunned, but in the next second, he saw the Bulbasaur charging toward him with a face full of hostility.
"Bulba, bulba!"
Seeing this, the Squirtle that was standing by Fuyuki's side immediately blocked Fuyuki, using its head to push against Bulbasaur's head to keep it from approaching.
"Squirtle, Squirtle!"
"Stop it, Bulbasaur!" Melanie said hurriedly. "Fuyuki isn't a bad person; it was his help that cured everyone's injuries!"
"Bulba—?"
Hearing this, Bulbasaur's movements paused. It then looked back at the surrounding Pokémon, and seeing that the previously injured Pokémon were now all back to full health, it froze on the spot.
"Squirtle!" Squirtle crossed its arms, looking at Bulbasaur with a bit of anger.
"What... is going on?" Fuyuki asked curiously.
"I'm truly sorry!" Melanie explained apologetically. "Bulbasaur is actually the Bodyguard of this place. Because it has seen too many human Trainers hurting Pokémon, it's very wary of outside Trainers. It just saw everyone was injured, so it went into the forest to find herbs—"
Fuyuki suddenly remembered that this Bulbasaur seemed to act the same way when facing Ash and his friends in the anime.
However, it was understandable.
"Bulbasaur, don't worry, we mean no harm!" Fuyuki explained.
"Bulba—" Bulbasaur's expression remained serious.
It still kept its small face tense, the bulb on its back tightening slightly, as its gaze swept back and forth between Fuyuki, Raikou, Squirtle, and Gastly, as if judging whether this group of suddenly appearing guys was worth trusting.
It had just spent a long time searching for herbs in the forest, its heart full of thoughts about returning to save its companions.
But as soon as it returned, it saw a strange human standing in the center of Pokémon Home, accompanied by a Legendary Pokémon with an intimidating aura. It had immediately pegged Fuyuki as a bad Trainer come to steal or bully the Pokémon.
Melanie stepped forward gently and patted the top of Bulbasaur's head. "Look, the wounds on Caterpie are gone, Rattata's front paw doesn't hurt anymore, and that Pikachu's poison has been completely neutralized—it was all thanks to Fuyuki's help."
Bulbasaur looked back.
Its companions, who had been wilted and unable to even stand straight, were now joyfully running and playing on the grass, their eyes bright and full of vitality.
It was stunned, and its tense body slowly relaxed.
When it looked at Fuyuki again, the hostility in its eyes had faded significantly, replaced by a hint of confusion and hesitation.
Fuyuki crouched down and softened his voice, trying his best to appear non-threatening. "You ran into the forest all by yourself to find herbs just to protect everyone. You're very impressive and brave."
Bulbasaur was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting to be praised like that.
Fuyuki smiled and took a small, fragrant berry from his backpack, gently holding it out. "You've worked hard. This is for you."
Bulbasaur hesitated for a moment, then cautiously leaned forward and touched the berry with the tip of its nose.
Squirtle also let go of its small temper, tilting its head and crying "Squirtle, Squirtle," as if to say:
Fuyuki really is a good guy! No need to be so mean.
Raikou was lying quietly nearby, its golden tail flicking gently without emitting even a hint of pressure.
Even this powerful existence was so gentle toward Fuyuki—Bulbasaur's final guard completely dissipated.
It lowered its head, gently took the berry from Fuyuki's hand, then took a step back and bowed its head slightly toward Fuyuki.
"Bulba—"
Its voice was no longer hostile, but instead carried a slightly bashful depth, as if apologizing for its impulsive attack earlier.
Fuyuki couldn't help but smile. "No need to apologize. You were just protecting your family, and there's nothing wrong with that."
Hearing the word "family," Bulbasaur's body trembled slightly.
It looked up at Fuyuki, its gaze completely softening.
The next moment, it turned around and let out a clear cry to all its companions in Pokémon Home.
The Pokémon who were still playing immediately quieted down and looked over in unison.
Bulbasaur first used its Vine Whip to point at everyone who had recovered, then pointed at Fuyuki, before solemnly bowing its neck and lowering its head deeply toward him.
All the Pokémon understood its meaning.
Oddish, Rattata, Caterpie, Pikachu, Paras—one by one, they all crowded around Fuyuki, using their most sincere ways to thank him.
"Oddish—"
"Pika, pika~"
"Raticate—"
"Cater—"
Gentle waves of sound echoed softly through the woods.
Melanie stood to the side, watching this scene, her eyes moistening once again.
"Everyone is thanking you!"
Fuyuki was surrounded by a crowd of small figures, feeling the warmth from his palms, ankles, and the corners of his clothes, his heart turning soft.
He gently stroked the bulb on Bulbasaur's back and said softly, "I can feel your feelings."
The evening afterglow dyed the entire forest in warm gold.
Melanie made a special effort to cook a large pot of fragrant Pokémon Stew. Even Raikou, who usually just stayed quietly to the side, rarely accepted the food Fuyuki handed over.
The little ones sat in a circle, eating until their bellies were round. The area in front of the normally quiet cabin was as lively as a small banquet.
After dark, bits of faint light lit up the woods.
Glowing mushrooms flickered gently beneath the tree roots, and Gastly floated in mid-air like a small ghostly lantern, teasing a group of Pikachu into chasing it.
Fuyuki leaned against a tree, watching the scene before him with a sense of great peace.
Melanie brought out clean blankets and said with a smile, "Stay here for the night. There are empty rooms in the cabin, and it's very safe outside."
"Thank you."
As the night deepened, the Pokémon gradually grew quiet.
Several Pikachu curled up beside Raikou, using its warm fur as the most comfortable bed; Oddish leaned against Fuyuki's shoes, its leaves rising and falling gently as it slept soundly; Squirtle retreated into its shell, letting out faint little snores; Gastly floated by Fuyuki's shoulder like a loyal little guardian spirit.
Raikou kept its eyes open quietly, guarding everyone.
Moonlight spilled onto its golden fur; it didn't look like a Legendary Pokémon from legend, but more like an elder silently guarding their home.
This night, there were no battles, no conflicts, only steady breathing, the gentle sound of the wind, and a group of small lives relying on one another.
The next morning, Fuyuki woke up as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the leaves.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw that the Oddish by his feet was already awake, looking up at him quietly.
"Oddish—"
The sound was soft, carrying a hint of reluctance.
Fuyuki smiled and reached out to pet its small head.
Melanie had already prepared a simple breakfast, and Bulbasaur had silently gathered the freshest berries from the forest and placed them before Fuyuki. There were no extra words, but that serious look explained everything.
"I... should probably head out now."
Fuyuki packed his backpack and spoke softly.
As soon as he spoke, the surrounding Pokémon fell silent.
This Trainer is truly kind!
Melanie felt everyone's reluctance, but she still nodded gently. "The journey is still long, isn't it? Be careful on the road. This will always be their home, and it's also a place where you can stop to rest anytime."
"Yeah."
Fuyuki crouched down and looked at the little ones gathered around him.
"I'm going to continue my journey. You all live well here, listen to Melanie, and don't get hurt again."
"Pika, pika—"
Several Pikachu tugged at his clothes, reluctant to let go.
Oddish clung tightly to his ankles, its leaves trembling slightly.
Bulbasaur stepped forward, standing in front of its companions, but it no longer showed any hostility.
It looked up at Fuyuki, its gaze serious and solemn.
"Saur——"
Take care on your journey.
Fuyuki stood up and looked at Raikou, who had been quietly accompanying him by his side.
Raikou slowly rose, its golden figure exceptionally dazzling in the morning light.
"Let's go."
Squirtle hopped to Fuyuki's feet and turned back to wave its little paws at the Pokémon.
Gastly floated in a circle around everyone, as if saying goodbye.
Fuyuki took one last look at this warm little world, at Melanie, and at each Pokémon looking up to see him off.
"Goodbye."
He turned and stepped onto the forest path.
Raikou followed at his side, step by step, steady and quiet.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled spots of light on them.
Behind them, Melanie waved her hand, and the Growls of the Pokémon gradually faded into the distance, yet remained clear.
"Na-grass——
—"
"Pika Pika"
"Saur——"
It was the gentlest of farewells.
Fuyuki didn't look back, but a faint smile remained on his lips.
He knew that this warm memory would stay with him throughout the long journey ahead.
The road ahead continued to stretch out; new scenery, new encounters, and new stories were quietly waiting for him at the end of the forest.
"Dad, is it because of Trainers like that that you felt disappointed in humans?" Fuyuki asked.
Hearing this, Squirtle and Gastly also turned to look.
Raikou understood what Fuyuki meant; those people he spoke of referred to those human Trainers who abandoned Pokémon at will and caused them harm.
"Yes," Raikou nodded, then said, "Before I met you, I had already encountered such humans."
"No wonder——" Fuyuki realized, then grinned and said, "However, Melanie isn't that kind of person. She's working hard with her own strength to rescue and protect those Pokémon!"
Raikou nodded slightly: "If only all humans could be like that, how wonderful it would be!"
At this moment, they seemed to have reached the end of the forest.
After passing through the forest, the view ahead suddenly opened up.
The lush green fields disappeared, replaced by a vast blue sea, with waves crashing against the reefs, making a splashing sound.
The sea breeze carried a faint saltiness, causing the grass by the roadside to sway gently.
"We've reached the seaside?" Fuyuki was stunned for a moment, then realized that Vermilion City is a port city, which meant they were getting closer and closer to their destination!
Passing through the forest, they arrived at the beach.
Squirtle followed at Fuyuki's feet, staring at the boundless sea with a face full of surprise.
"Squirtle Squirtle!" Such a big lake!
"That's not a lake, that's the ocean," Fuyuki explained with a smile.
"Squirtle?"
"The ocean is very, very big, even bigger than the land we live on, and countless Pokémon live in the sea," Fuyuki explained.
"Squirtle——" Squirtle listened, only half-understanding, but it was clearly very interested in the blue ocean before it.
It ran curiously on the beach, ran to the water's edge, lowered its head to take a sip of the clear seawater, and immediately spit it out with a wrinkled face, making Gastly snicker "Keke-keke" on the side.
"Squirtle!" So salty!
Fuyuki watched this scene happily, not expecting his Squirtle to be a "freshwater turtle."
Many Pokémon also lived by the sea, such as Krabby.
But they were very cautious; seeing Raikou approach, they immediately fled.
Raikou ignored these timid Pokémon.
It still walked quietly at Fuyuki's side, its golden fur glowing softly in the sunlight. This Legendary Pokémon showed no signs of impatience, just accompanying Fuyuki, step by step, on the soft sand.
After walking for about half a day, at the end of the horizon, a towering white lighthouse gradually came into view.
The lighthouse stood straight on the edge of the cliff, looking particularly striking on the empty coast.
"That is——" Fuyuki stopped and looked up.
"Squirtle?" Squirtle also looked up curiously.
The closer they got, the clearer the outline of the lighthouse became. The white tower body, with a signal light rotating at the top, was clearly a place where someone was stationed long-term.
Fuyuki's heart stirred.
He suddenly remembered that this seemed to be a very famous place.
Bill's Lighthouse!
Fuyuki immediately recalled the plot from the anime; Ash and his group traveled to Bill's Lighthouse and encountered a giant Dragonite dozens of meters tall here.
Since their travel time and route were almost identical to Ash's, did this mean they also had a chance to see that mysterious, giant Dragonite shrouded in mist?
"Let's go take a look!" Fuyuki made a decision immediately.
Walking across the beach to the base of the lighthouse, a winding stone path led upward.
Fuyuki climbed the steps and soon arrived at the lighthouse door.
The door was slightly ajar, and a faint sound of machinery operating came from inside.
"Excuse me, is anyone here?" Fuyuki knocked gently on the door.
Not long after, the door was opened.
A gentle-looking young man wearing glasses poked his head out. When he saw Fuyuki and the extraordinarily powerful Raikou behind him, he was clearly stunned for a moment.
"Hello, I'm Fuyuki, a passing Trainer. The weather is a bit hot, could we come in and rest for a bit?" Fuyuki inquired.
"Ah, please come in, come in!" The young man immediately showed a friendly smile and stepped aside, "I'm the caretaker of this lighthouse, Bill."
It really was him.
Fuyuki understood and walked in with Squirtle and Gastly, while Raikou followed leisurely behind.
The interior of the lighthouse was very tidy, filled with precision instruments and screens, with data on waves and Pokémon scrolling across them.
Bill looked at Raikou, his eyes full of wonder: "I didn't expect to see a Legendary Pokémon here——
Raikou, right? This is truly incredible."
He wasn't afraid, nor was he overly cautious; there was only a researcher's purest curiosity and respect for Pokémon.
At that moment, Bill suddenly seemed to remember something and hurriedly looked at Fuyuki in surprise.
"Could it be that you are the child raised by Pokémon that Professor Oak mentioned, Fuyuki?"
"Eh?" Fuyuki was stunned: "You know me?"
"Yes, Professor Oak told me over the phone! He said you might pass by here recently, and if I met you, I should definitely take good care of you for him!" Bill explained.
Fuyuki was a bit dazed, but he quickly realized what had happened.
It must have been Ash who told Professor Oak about meeting him over the video phone, so Professor Oak deduced that his and Ash's routes might be very similar.
"Then I'll be troubling you!" Fuyuki was very polite.
"It's fine!" Bill smiled, poured Fuyuki a glass of water, and remarked, "It's just that you've come at an unfortunate time; this area of the sea hasn't been peaceful lately!"
"What's wrong?" Fuyuki asked.
Bill fell silent for a moment, looking at the boundless sea outside the window, his voice lowering a bit: "In the past few days, every night, an incredibly huge shadow appears on the sea surface."
Fuyuki's heart skipped a beat.
It's coming.
The giant Dragonite.
"A huge shadow?" Fuyuki pretended to be confused, "How big?"
"Very big——bigger than any Pokémon I've ever seen." Bill's expression became serious, "It emits a sad and lonely cry, as if it's searching for something. The nearby fishermen are all terrified, calling it a sea monster and not daring to approach this area."
He paused and continued, "I've observed it with instruments for a long time, but unfortunately, that Pokémon only appears at night, and every time it appears, there's a heavy mist on the sea. The fog is so thick I can't see its specific appearance."
"But according to my research, that Pokémon must be a unique, unknown Mythical Pokémon!" Bill's tone was somewhat excited.
"Mythical Pokémon——" Fuyuki was speechless for a moment.
Because whether in the anime or the games, the specific origin and whereabouts of that giant Dragonite were never explicitly stated.
It was so mysterious that it only appeared once and never showed itself before humans again.