The Hydreigon is coming again!
And at such a crucial moment.
While Aegislash is still absorbing the metal energy and can't leave, and the Pokémon are exhausted from a battle like they've never experienced before, when they've barely managed to defeat three Aggrons with everything they had, leaving their spirits drained, it comes.
The Pokémon drag their tired bodies, gritting their teeth, back to Natsuhiko's side.
The three Aggrons have already fallen to the ground, losing their ability to fight.
Natsuhiko frowns, staring at the distant horizon, where a growing black dot approaches.
It seems unaffected by the strong turbulence of Rayquaza's Alternate Space.
Or rather, the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone it bears minimizes the effects of that turbulence.
The oppressive feeling and blatant malice can be sensed instinctively from afar.
The speed is rapid.
Natsuhiko doesn't have time to clean the scene, he can only throw the Pokeball to retrieve the three Aggrons.
Among the other fallen Pokémon, there are some Gym Leader Level ones, but now they can't be cared for.
He turns slightly, glancing at the flowing liquid metal on the ground.
Natsuhiko lets out a long breath.
Can't leave!
This is a rare opportunity for Aegislash.
Who knows if some other Pokémon would seize the chance if they leave now and try to return later.
So...
Natsuhiko narrows his eyes, focusing on the approaching Hydreigon.
Should they try it now?
He looks at the Pokémon beside him, seeing their tired expressions.
Natsuhiko slowly raises his hand.
Though a bit reluctant, it seems there's no choice but to rely on Dragapult now.
Are they going to hide under Dragapult's protection once again?
Beedrill sees Natsuhiko's movement, quivering inside.
Its expression quickly becomes serious, and it decisively speaks.
"Buzz Buzz!"
Natsuhiko's hand, raised halfway, is interrupted by Beedrill's voice.
He sees it.
The visible exhaustion of its body and spirit, but what catches Natsuhiko's eye the most is the unwavering determination and refusal to back down in its bright eyes.
"Alakazam!"
"Togekiss!"
Alakazam and Togekiss echo Beedrill's voice.
Also stubbornly staring at Natsuhiko.
Each one serious.
Their thoughts align with Beedrill's.
The Pokémon know Natsuhiko's plan.
The plan is to challenge Hydreigon once they've all reached Elite Candidate Level.
For this plan, they will redouble their efforts.
Yes.
They are not currently Hydreigon's match.
But what they need to do isn't to defeat Hydreigon, just to stall it enough for Aegislash to have ample time.
If Dragapult steps in, they're sure Hydreigon would lose.
But if that happens.
The goal they've set in their hearts, the target they hoped to surpass or even defeat, would disappear.
Over the years.
They have grown bit by bit under the protection of Natsuhiko and Dragapult, without needing to face overwhelmingly strong enemies.
But back then they were weak, and had no choice.
But now.
They have grown.
They have trained, learned, and fought with all their might.
They have progressed.
Such efforts are not to continue cowering under Dragapult's wings when confronting a strong foe again.
They want to measure the gap between them and Hydreigon, between them and Elite Trainer Level Pokémon.
If.
They can't even block this Hydreigon, then what of Natsuhiko and Dragapult's three-year promise?
When that time comes.
They're supposed to represent Natsuhiko and face off against Dragapult.
But up until now, they've only ever grown under Dragapult's shelter.
Natsuhiko's Pokémon.
Whether it's shown or not, deep down they are proud and unwilling to yield.
They don't want to remain undeveloped under Dragapult's protection.
They want to be the towering trees that can shield others from storms.
They want to use their own strength to protect the trainer they love, Natsuhiko.
So!
They want to give it a try!
Natsuhiko looks at the three Pokémon in astonishment.
Sees their determination and persistence.
Suddenly, he smiles.
A relaxed, carefree smile.
In his mind, for some reason, flashes an image from an anime he once watched, of Mitsui Shu kneeling before Coach Anxi, pleading, "Coach, I want to play basketball."
The raised hand slowly lowers.
"Everyone's grown up now..."
Just like parents always urging their children to work hard, always seeing them as children, suddenly standing up to say, "I'll carry this family from now on."
At this moment, parents suddenly realize the child they saw has grown up...
He rubs Togekiss's head, pats Alakazam's shoulder, and looks at Beedrill.
The thin air is inhaled into the lungs, the oxygen absorbed stimulates the body's cells, and is then slowly exhaled as if relieved.
The smile widens.
"Then let's give it a try!"
Natsuhiko waves his hand, gripping a thumb-sized crystal stone.
Try it!
The Pokémon are invigorated!
Rise up, flying into the air.
"Baluya...."
Dragapult slowly appears, glancing somewhat grudgingly at Natsuhiko.
They might not know the disparity in strength, but wouldn't Natsuhiko?
Letting them act recklessly?
Though it voiced complaints, Dragapult's lips, like Natsuhiko's, can't suppress the uplifting smile.
Natsuhiko glances at Dragapult and sees its smile.