"Snap—"
Porygon II was on high alert and immediately alerted the trainer and companions in the room.
However, before it could raise its volume much, strange black shadows rose around them like a curtain, making the entire balcony pitch black.
Secret Space!
Porygon II remembered clearly that the first time it met the Zeroth Machine, this guy used this technique to isolate itself and Aggron from the outside world.
Trying the same trick again?
Do you think it can trap me?
Think again!
Porygon II's eyes were sharp, and suddenly its entire body emitted a dazzling white light, as if intending to tear apart the dark space.
At this moment.
The Zeroth Machine spoke again.
'Don't be so agitated, I won't harm you or anyone or any Pokémon. I am a pacifist.'
Porygon II was unconvinced and suddenly vanished from where it stood.
The next second.
It appeared between the Hydreigon and the trainer, plummeting straight towards the trainer's chest.
Bang!
A crisp collision sound.
"Oof!"
Baimu, who was dreaming about reviewing the Nirvana Potion production process, was startled awake, only feeling as if his chest had been hit by Hydreigon with a Rocket Head Hammer.
And as he awoke, all the other Pokémon in the bedroom woke up at once.
"Whoosh?"
The bewildered Hydreigon called out, then its nostrils twitched as its three heads simultaneously turned to look outside the curtain, menacing expressions quickly appearing, and it let out a thunderous, low growl!
"Chirpoo!"
Mawile, which was near the window, jumped up and pulled open the curtains, letting the bright moonlight illuminate the previously dark bedroom and the ghostly figure outside the window.
Baimu had already rolled over and hid behind the bed, holding a Galarian Corsola in one hand and embracing the squawking Porygon II with the other.
His brow was tightly furrowed.
"Zeroth Machine..."
He had guessed earlier in the day whether Dr. Akihabara had been fooled by this cunning Pokémon, and it turned out to be true!
But why did Zeroth Machine keep coming back to him?
Did he have too much personal charm?
Baimu wasn't narcissistic to that extent; he understood that what really attracted the Zeroth Machine was actually Porygon II.
"Happy."
Blissey fixed its eyes on Porygon Z Zero and quietly moved its round body toward the trainer, determined to block a blow if the opponent launched an attack.
Mawile, Hydreigon, and the altered-color Gengar were also ready to attack. Dragapult had even quietly become invisible and was sneaking over with two seriously-faced Dreepy.
The trainer had taught them never to give control to the opponent!
Outside the bedroom, the remaining Pokémon stayed put, prepared to rush in and either attack or defend if needed.
'No need to be tense.'
Zeroth Machine penetrated through the glass as if it wasn't there, looking around at all the Pokémon and then at Baimu by the bed, speaking through telepathy: 'I have no intention of harming any being, just as I have never harmed the doctor or any creature.'
Baimu remained vigilant and only said, "But Dr. Akihabara said you attacked him trying to escape and dismantled his research facility."
Zeroth Machine shifted its somewhat hollow-looking eyes over.
'That was his misunderstanding. He considered getting splashed with coffee as an attack and attempted to imprison me. I had to make a series of counterattacks to escape him—these counterattacks harmed no being except the building.'
Sp-splashed coffee?
He was stunned, "So you left him because of a misunderstanding?"
Zeroth Machine said: 'Not at all. Our real point of disagreement is that I believe I had matured to an independent state, like a human can travel at ten, and wanted to see the world outside. But the doctor didn't allow it; he denied my existence as an independent entity, forbidding me from leaving.'
Baimu: "..."
What does this mean?
Trying to divert his focus by bringing up the debate on Pokémon being independent entities versus property?
Zeroth Machine glanced at the slanted ceiling: 'Can you ask these gentlemen and lady to pause? Too much hostility feels like needles, constantly pricking my alert system.'
Baimu hesitated for a few seconds after hearing this, then slightly raised and waved his hand.
The air rippled with a translucent wave, revealing Dragapult's outline before it disappeared again.
'Thank you, I feel much better. It seems you are indeed, as I suspected, a human capable of communication.'
Zeroth Machine's blank eyes seemed to show a hint of solace as it continued: 'You might wonder why I suddenly wanted to communicate with you. Before I spoke, I didn't know if you would attack outright and throw a Pokeball, or keep vigil and observe.'
'Fortunately, I gambled correctly. You prepared many means but did not initiative attack me, allowing me to continue our communication, which is excellent.'
The wave through telepathy was calm, making it unclear if Zeroth Machine was indifferent or simply inattentive.
Baimu placed Porygon II on the bed, asking, "Why are you looking for Porygon II?"
'Because it is the only Porygon not corrupted. It doesn't understand special language, nor is it interested in expanding Porygon's influence, only wants to help you fulfill your wish. I believe it can become my partner and help me.'
Zeroth Machine spoke freely, as if not intending to hide any secrets at all.
Porygon II widened its watery eyes at these words; who would lock someone in a dark room for an interview?