"Buduo~~"
Audino carefully places Natsuhiko on the ground, then gently massages his temples.
There's no denying it.
In the Unova Region, the Joy Race changing from using Chansey to Audino as the nurse Pokémon in the Poke Center is not without reason.
In fact, compared to Chansey, Audino is more suitable for medical work.
Their feelers are like a doctor's stethoscope, capable of clearly hearing a Pokémon's heartbeat, and sensing radar-like subtle movements. Audino can also use their perception ability through the feelers to sense emotions, which helps them care for injured Pokémon.
They can even use this special ability to judge the hatching time of Pokémon Eggs.
They are also experts at caring for Pokémon Eggs and young Pokémon.
It's well known that Chansey is very rare in the wild.
One reason is that Chansey is under the control of the Joy Race, rarely seen outside.
The other reason is that every Chansey, whether in its previous Happiny form or its evolved Blissey form, is a female Pokémon.
So, Chansey's offspring are not reproduced through traditional mating but require a special item called "Lucky Incense" to breed.
Most people in the Pokemon Realm probably aren't aware of this.
This is one of the main reasons the Joy Race can maintain a firm grip on this Pokémon.
It's much simpler than how the Officer Jenny Race manages to control Growlithe.
However.
"Lucky Incense" is not a common item either, with scarce materials and difficult production, and considering the numerous members of the Joy Race, their Chanseys began to run short as the alliance expanded. Thus, Audino was chosen as a substitute.
The outcome was unexpectedly good.
Though Audino is also rare, at least they exist in both male and female genders, allowing for normal reproduction, which means they can breed quicker.
They quickly cornered the "market" in the Unova Region.
The only downside of Audino is that they lack an evolved form, missing some opportunities that could induce a qualitative change in themselves.
But Natsuhiko knows that Audino can undergo Mega Evolution.
Perhaps after the concept of Super Evolution is introduced, he might glean some benefits from the Joy Race in the Unova Region.
But that's a matter for later.
After Audino's massage, Natsuhiko feels much more at ease.
He looks at it gratefully and softly says, "Thank you."
"Buduo~~" Audino quickly shakes its head.
At this moment, its shy and bashful demeanor leaves no trace of the "Boxing King" with red eyes from before.
It seems, it was just pushed to its limits.
Natsuhiko pats the ground beside him, indicating for Audino to sit down and rest for a while.
Audino hesitates for a moment but sits by his side.
"Why were they after you? What's going on with the Rogue Panda and Scyther?" Natsuhiko asks, his gaze sweeping over the patches of Wild Pokémon lying on the ground.
Latios and the others are collecting Crystal Stones.
Before Audino can begin to speak, its nose slightly twitches.
Natsuhiko cheerfully takes out a box of Energy Blocks and hands it over.
"Take your time."
Audino lowers its gaze, appearing a little crestfallen.
But as it doesn't hold a bad impression of Natsuhiko, it uses its telepathy to slowly relay its story.
After hearing it all.
Natsuhiko feels a little sentimental.
Did Audino do anything wrong?
No.
This Pokémon's nature is just like that, loving to help and heal Pokémon.
Did the Wild Pokémon do anything wrong?
Not really.
In the absence of human interference, competition among Wild Pokémon is that fierce.
Natsuhiko gently places his hand on Audino's head, who is slowly munching on the Energy Block beside him.
"Buduo?" Audino looks at Natsuhiko in confusion.
But it doesn't mind his touch.
"Will you come with me?"
After thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko directly expresses his intentions and thoughts.
For a perceptive Pokémon like Audino, who can sense human and Pokémon emotions, overly indirect or deceitful actions would only arouse its aversion.
Audino tilts its head.
Natsuhiko's words don't entirely surprise it, as it had already sensed this feeling.
"Though I'm not exactly a saint, and I will certainly take my Pokémon to battle others," Natsuhiko says a bit self-mockingly.
Audino's eyes scan the entire scene, especially pausing on Natsuhiko's Pokémon.
It had witnessed the battle just now.
If.
It were still the naive Audino it once was, it would have refused without hesitation.
Because the actions of Natsuhiko and the others didn't really seem much different from those of the Wild Pokémon.
But it's no longer that simple Audino.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have rushed out to pound those Wild Pokémon.
Simply put, it is now an Audino whose edges have been worn by harsh realities, no longer solely seeking to heal Pokémon.
On the contrary.
In Natsuhiko and his Pokémon, it has seen something it has never seen or felt before.
Something called mutual trust, dependence, and care.
Natsuhiko notices Audino's hesitation.