Chapter 108: Returning Home
Chapter 108: Returning Home
The storm clouds loomed over the island, threatening to engulf it entirely. To spare the residents from the brunt of the weather, the two Dragonite took to the open sea outside.
Naoki, upon witnessing this, quickly mounted his Garchomp and gave chase. The remaining Dragonite and Hakuryu on the island followed suit.
They all gathered at the edge of the island, standing atop the cliffs, gazing at the spectacular scene unfolding before them.
The sky was tumultuous, with storm clouds raging and the sea churning below. The two Dragonite battled fiercely in the heart of the tempest.
The female Dragonite's offense was relentless, and despite the howling winds, she flapped her wings with mighty force, summoning an even more powerful storm.
The tables had turned, and what was once an advantageous position for the Dragonite was now lost.
Violent gusts buffeted its body, but thankfully the protective scales on its surface shielded it from serious harm.
Gritting its teeth, the Dragonite recalled Naoki's teachings, and a powerful electric aura began to gather within its body.
"Boom!"
A thunderclap reverberated through the dark clouds overhead, and tendrils of lightning crackled menacingly within.
The sound startled the female Dragonite, and she furrowed her brow, her stance shifting as she accelerated within the storm.
Before the lightning could strike, she moved with lightning speed herself, charging at the Dragonite with incredible swiftness.
It was a blur of speed!
The thunder was interrupted, and the Dragonite was sent reeling, dazed for a moment.
Seizing the opportunity, the female Dragonite lunged once more.
With a swift sweep of her tail, she sent the Dragonite flying back towards the island.
The battle concluded, and the dark clouds began to dissipate, revealing a clear sky.
The female Dragonite slowly descended in front of the Dragonite, eyeing the once-clumsy Dragonite who had now proven his mettle. "Roar!" she said. ("I don't know what you've experienced lately, but it's still not enough!")
Despite losing this battle, the Dragonite didn't feel discouraged. In fact, his primary purpose in requesting this spar was to gauge his own progress.
However, as his opponent had pointed out, it was clear that he still had a long way to go.
"Roar..." (When we get back, I must intensify my training of moves...)
The Dragonite's mind was already planning his regimen for when they returned to the ranch.
He picked himself up, his body bruised, but instead of feeling dejected, his eyes burned with determination.
The female Dragonite noticed the change in the once-clumsy Dragonite, and she found herself observing him with newfound interest.
He seemed to have undergone a remarkable transformation. Gone was the perpetually dejected dragon who would sit morosely on the island, his face etched with worry.
At that moment, the Dragonite had returned to Naoki's side and earnestly conveyed his thoughts. "Roar!" (Let's go home!)
Naoki understood the Dragonite's intention and glanced at the female Dragonite behind them, finding her gaze fixed on them as well.
Naoki's eyebrows arched slightly, but he didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned to bid farewell to the petite and adorable group of Minidraco and Hakuryu that had accompanied him.
"I'll be leaving now. I'll come visit you all again soon!"
If there was a next time, he decided he would bring a bunch of Pokemon snacks to treat this adorable bunch.
The Dragonite also waved goodbye with its chubby claws to its companions on the island.
A few of the Dragonite looked on enviously, having witnessed the transformation of their fellow Dragonite. They felt a tug in their hearts towards the human trainer who had facilitated such growth.
And so, after exchanging glances, they took the initiative and scurried over.
"Roar!"
"Roar~"
"..."
The Dragonite, upon seeing their bold move, immediately became defensive, using its large claws to push them back.
"Roar!" (This one's mine!)
One of the Dragonite pushed back forcefully. "Roar!" (We can share!)
"Roar!" (No!)
But having just endured two intense battles, the Dragonite was exhausted and couldn't fend off the determined trio, who rushed up to Naoki.
Naoki was taken aback as the three young Dragonite encircled him, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
What could this mean? Soon, a possible explanation occurred to him.
A thought struck him, and he regarded the Dragonite before him thoughtfully. "Are you three thinking of coming with us?" he asked.
"Roar~"
The three Dragonite nodded vigorously.
Just then, the Dragonite regained some of its strength and rushed over to wrap Naoki in a tight embrace with its large claws.
Dragonite shared a knowing glance with Goureton, and for once, the two Pokemon were in complete agreement.
Despite being tempted by the offer of these three additional Dragonite, Naoki politely declined. He could guess their motive for wanting to join him.
They wanted to become stronger, just like Dragonite.
However, Dragonite's transformation was a result of its own hard work and dedication. Naoki had merely provided guidance and advice along the way.
His Dragonite was gullible and easily persuaded, but he couldn't be sure about these other Dragonite.
Moreover, taking on so many hungry Dragonite all at once would be a significant financial burden. Cooking for them every day would exhaust him.
Of course, that didn't mean he would completely give up on this adorable group of Dragonite.
At least, not until he could create a dish that would help them grow and develop...
And once the ranch expanded, he would need more Pokemon to help with deliveries. That would be the perfect opportunity to entice these Dragonite to work for him, building a Dragonite ranch and delivery company of his own.
After all, Dragon Island wasn't going anywhere, and neither were these Dragonite.
With that in mind, Naoki addressed the three young Dragonite, "I understand what you want, but I'm sorry, I can't take you back with me just yet."
"But don't worry. Perhaps by the next time we meet, I'll be able to bring you a way to become even stronger. Until that day comes, please be patient and wait here."
The three Dragonite blinked and happily nodded their understanding.
At least this human hadn't completely rejected them! Dragonite had long lives, and they could afford to wait for that day to come.
Naoki wanted to say more to the group of Dragonite, Hakuryu, and Minidraco before him, but Dragonite and Goureton forcibly dragged him away.
"Roar!" ("Alright, enough talking, let's head home!")
Naoki, seated atop Goureton, waved goodbye to the group of dragons. "Farewell, Hakuryu and Minidraco!"
As Dragon Island gradually faded from view, Naoki felt the sea breeze on his face and asked, "What about that Dragonite from earlier? Did you like her?"
"Roar..."
In the glow of the setting sun, Dragonite nodded slightly, then shook its head.
Although it cared for the female Dragonite, its time at the ranch and witnessing the power of that mysterious Pokemon had changed it. It no longer felt sad or dejected by her refusal.
As Little Bear had said, the world was vast, and there were so many things it could do.
Like covering the entire world in its rain!
Dragonite let out a mighty roar towards the sunset, summoning all its strength to use Rain Dance.
In the sky, dark clouds gathered, covering a large portion of the sky.
The rain poured down in sheets, with strands of rainwater connecting the sky to the sea, creating a symphony of splashes as they merged with the ocean.
Dragonite flapped its wings, creating gusts of wind as it soared through the downpour.
Naoki and Goureton were soaked to the bone, and they couldn't help but feel exasperated as they watched Dragonite's spirited figure.
"It really is..."
Goureton let out a loud roar, causing the clouds to disperse, and the sunlight to shine through even stronger than before.
In the intense light, a crimson energy pulsed around Goureton's body, a result of its ability, Crimson Pulse.
Naoki sighed and called Dragonite back, putting a stop to their weather manipulation. "Alright, that's enough. Don't mess with the weather too much, or it might backfire."
The intense sunlight faded, and the sky returned to its evening hues.
The beautiful sunset painted the sky in hues of red and orange, reflecting on the seawater and turning the ocean into a canvas of vibrant colors.
The Great Electroweb and Big Peck, who had been flying outside all day, began their journey back to the ranch.
Naoki gazed at the breathtaking scene and couldn't help but marvel, "So beautiful!"
As dusk approached, it was time to head home.
(End of Chapter)
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