For its first battle, it didn't expect cooperating with Latios and the others would be so effortless.
Those fierce and cunning looking Liepards were surprisingly so easy to defeat.
With eyes smiling, it copied Eevee's way and high-fived them one by one.
The Pokémon exchanged smiles.
Since the end of this battle, Vulpix's courage gradually grew, and it ventured farther from Natsuhiko; its confidence was quickly established.
Natsuhiko watched the little ones with a smile, saying nothing.
But anyone with sharp eyes could see the satisfaction in his gaze.
Latios's decision-making ability had improved greatly; even without Alakazam, it was able to coordinate the little ones.
As for Monferno, there's no need to mention; its fighting skills and flame ability had shown great advancement.
To Natsuhiko, its body seemed unable to carry its progress any further.
The evolution of Monferno was not far away.
As for Eevee, it finally wasn't just purely supporting; under Natsuhiko's intentional arrangement, it developed some impressive offensive capabilities.
Little Six-tailed had a long journey ahead.
This journey.
The battles encountered were mostly similar to those with the Liepards.
Because as they entered the forest and headed deeper east, instead of north, the strength of the wild Pokémon didn't change much.
Except for the section close to the "Giant Cave," which was slightly challenging.
Luckily, Natsuhiko didn't plan to delve into the "Giant Cave," it just brought some trouble to the little ones.
However, passing by the "Giant Cave," Natsuhiko clearly felt Latios's occasional brief distraction.
It seemed to be influenced by something.
After they walked past the "Giant Cave," Latios returned to normal.
And as they passed the "Giant Cave," the traces left by the large force of the Hunter Guild became increasingly identifiable.
When night fell.
Natsuhiko and the others stopped moving forward and found a place near a water source to set up camp.
Seated by the campfire, Natsuhiko slightly furrowed his brows.
A branch in his hand drew a simple route map on the ground.
"The hunter's traces are very obvious along the way, but mostly consist of capturing Pokémon, with no signs of intense conflict; everything seems pretty smooth. So, is the issue in the latter part?"
Natsuhiko originally wondered whether "Hunter S" had any schemes for the "Giant Cave."
But it seems he has some self-awareness, knowing that the "Giant Cave" is untouchable.
"Baluya!"
Suddenly.
While Natsuhiko was still pondering, Dragapult appeared beside him, looking very serious.
"What's wrong?"
Crack, crack, crack——
Layers of thick ice crystals spread toward their location.
In almost an instant.
The dense forest turned into a series of ice sculptures.
Natsuhiko stood abruptly.
Looking towards the west where the ice crystals spread, that was the direction of the "Giant Cave."
Pokémon also sensed the changes around them.
Gathering beside Natsuhiko.
"I deliberately avoided....." Natsuhiko murmured.
"Baluya." Dragapult glanced at Natsuhiko's pocket.
Inside.
A faint green glow flickered.
Natsuhiko took the item out of his pocket.
His mouth twitched slightly.
Rayquaza's scale!
Presumably, Kyurem sensed Rayquaza's presence, thinking its territory was being threatened, and Rayquaza's presence was enough to make it take notice.
Previously, Natsuhiko always passed through quickly, so Kyurem was restrained, but now he's camping not too far from the "Giant Cave," catching Kyurem's attention.
At this moment, the massive mountain head of the "Giant Cave" appeared to Natsuhiko as Kyurem's roaring dragon head.
Though Kyurem is considered a fierce Divine Beast by nature.
It holds strong hostility towards both humans and Pokémon, as can be seen from the tales passed down through generations in Longmu Town.
But as long as one doesn't provoke it, Kyurem shouldn't be so hostile to ordinary Pokémon or even Divine Beasts.
But to Rayquaza...
It's said, Kyurem is a Pokémon from the universe; it landed in the Unova Region along with a meteorite.
And for a meteorite to enter the Pokémon Realm, it must...
"Are you forcing me to call for help?" Natsuhiko pressed his forehead.
No way.
Not to mention whether help can be summoned.
Even if help could be called.
Rayquaza arriving in the Unova Region would face not just Kyurem, but also the Holy Swordsmen, Landorus, Tornadus, Thundurus, and possibly the awakening of the brothers of ideals and realities.
Can't afford to provoke.
Can't I still hide?
"Forget it, let's keep going, the farther from the 'Giant Cave' the better." Natsuhiko quickly made a decision.
Kyurem's absence showed it was merely a warning.
Since it's a warning, there was still room for maneuver.
With the Pokémon, he continued to head east through the night.
After Natsuhiko and the others left.
The lingering campfire outlined a petite silhouette in the corner.
With adorable eyes accompanying a pure voice.
This voice traveled a great distance as the surrounding ice layer began to recede swiftly.
The little creature that received feedback smiled with crescent eyes.
"Buyi Buyi~~ Awoo Awoo~~ Oss Oss~~ Meiluoluo~~"
It unexpectedly emitted sounds of laughter belonging to Eevee, Little Six-tailed, and Latios.
It seemed to enjoy the joy of those sounds.
The firelight dimmed.
And this petite silhouette quietly disappeared into the forest.