In the medical room, Koraidon lay on the ground, revealing the marks left by Miraidon's lightning attack.
The doctor on duty handed over a healing spray designed for electrical injuries. Naoki accepted it, removed the cap, and began carefully applying the spray to Koraidon's wounds.
Koraidon lowered its head, looking dejected. Its spirits were down, not only from the injuries but also because Naoki had scolded it earlier.
"Raao…" Koraidon murmured softly, its voice filled with remorse.
Seeing Koraidon in such a state, Naoki's heart softened. With a heavy sigh, he said gently, "Alright, I get it. If you don't like Miraidon, I'll let Dr. Turo know I won't proceed with his plan."
"Raao?" Koraidon's eyes lit up, filled with hope.
"Yes, really." Naoki nodded, his voice softening further. "You were worried about me, weren't you? That's why you stood in front of Miraidon earlier."
Koraidon nodded earnestly, its expression sincere.
"I see…" Naoki muttered. He reached out and placed a hand on Koraidon's face, stroking it gently. "I'm sorry for misunderstanding you. I shouldn't have scolded you."
Koraidon nuzzled its head into Naoki's palm, its spirits lifting visibly as its eyes brightened. A faint yet unmistakable hint of happiness radiated from the Pokémon.
"Raao!" Koraidon chirped, as if to say, 'It's okay. I don't mind!'
Naoki smiled, deeply touched by Koraidon's unwavering loyalty. He lowered himself to the ground, wrapping his arms around Koraidon's head, letting it rest against him.
"This is my Koraidon," Naoki murmured, his voice filled with warmth. "The best Koraidon in the whole world."
He resolved then and there to honor Koraidon's feelings. He would abandon any thoughts of forcing it to coexist with Miraidon or pushing it into uncomfortable situations.
Naoki's gaze shifted to Flutter Mane, who stood silently nearby, watching the interaction unfold. Curious, he addressed Koraidon, "Is this the friend you made a long time ago?"
Koraidon turned its head toward Flutter Mane and nodded eagerly. "Raao!" it said enthusiastically.
Naoki waved at Flutter Mane, his smile friendly and inviting. "Hello, Flutter Mane. I'm Naoki. It's nice to meet you!"
Flutter Mane, who already knew of Naoki through Koraidon's stories, stared at the human. Seeing Koraidon's joy and the affection between the two, a faint smile appeared on Flutter Mane's face.
Naoki blinked in surprise, his eyes widening. 'Is… is Flutter Mane smiling?' he thought.
But as soon as Flutter Mane noticed his reaction, the faint smile disappeared. Without a word, it turned away, its spectral form retreating into the shadows.
Naoki felt a pang of disappointment. "It left?" he asked Koraidon.
Koraidon shook its head confidently. "Raao!" It explained with a cheerful tone, 'No, it hasn't left. Flutter Mane agreed to come to the ranch with us! It'll follow us there, just from the shadows.'
"That's good," Naoki said with a relieved smile. "Since we've successfully found Flutter Mane, let's head back soon! That way, we can make it to the ranch before dark."
Koraidon let out an enthusiastic growl, clearly pleased with the plan. "Raao!"
Meanwhile, in the adjacent research lab, Dr. Sada and Dr. Turo were deep in discussion about Miraidon's earlier outburst.
"Even Pokémon from the future retain a deeply ingrained sense of territoriality," Dr. Sada began. "They'll instinctively defend themselves against any perceived intruders. Could this territorial instinct explain Miraidon's sudden loss of control?"
She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Koraidon's unexpected intrusion likely put Miraidon on high alert. And with Koraidon's protective nature toward Naoki, any hostility from Miraidon would have provoked an immediate response."
Dr. Turo frowned, his expression tinged with regret. "We shouldn't have allowed Koraidon to approach Miraidon's territory."
"Allowed?" Dr. Sada shot him an incredulous look. "Koraidon followed Naoki's scent here all on its own. If I hadn't opened the gate, it would have smashed through. Do you realize how much damage that would have caused to the ecological park?"
Dr. Turo was momentarily speechless, her sharp words cutting through his initial critique. After a brief pause, he conceded, "You're right. I didn't consider that possibility."
Noticing her lingering irritation, Dr. Turo sighed and added, "I'll take responsibility. I'll sleep in the study tonight."
Dr. Sada sighed, shaking her head as if already tired of the argument. "Naoki and Koraidon should be ready to leave by now," she said, turning on her heel.
Dr. Turo quickly followed her, their minor dispute temporarily set aside.
When the two arrived at the medical room, they saw Naoki emerging with Koraidon by his side. The Pokémon looked much better after receiving treatment, its scales glinting faintly in the light.
Naoki noticed the two doctors and immediately bowed his head slightly in apology. "I'm sorry for the trouble Koraidon caused earlier."
"We were the ones negligent in this matter. You don't need to apologize," Dr. Sada said with a shake of her head.
Naoki shifted his gaze to Dr. Turo. "Doctor, let's forget about the idea of me bonding with Miraidon."
Dr. Turo blinked in surprise, then asked, "Why? Did something happen?"
Naoki shook his head lightly. "Because Koraidon doesn't like it. One Koraidon is more than enough for me."
Dr. Turo sighed, clearly disappointed but understanding. "I see. Well, I'll look for another way to work with Miraidon."
Naoki nodded, then patted Koraidon's neck. "It's getting late; we should head back to the ranch. If I have the chance, I'll come visit you both again."
Dr. Sada offered him a warm smile. "Alright. Take care, Naoki. And goodbye, Koraidon!"
"Raao!" Koraidon responded with a cheerful rumble, flapping its wings wide. With a powerful leap, it launched itself and Naoki into the sky.
The ground rapidly fell away as the wind rushed past them. Naoki clung tightly to Koraidon's neck, peering down. As expected, he soon saw Flutter Mane trailing close behind, moving through the air at an astonishing speed.
Watching this scene, a thought struck Naoki. Did Koraidon and Flutter Mane hunt together back in ancient times?
If so, by modern Pokémon standards, wouldn't that mean they battled in doubles? Koraidon's ability, Orichalcum Pulse, would perfectly synergize with Flutter Mane's Protosynthesis, enhancing its power in battle.
Given Koraidon's sheer strength and Flutter Mane's versatility as a Ghost/Fairy type, the two must have been an unstoppable duo. Even other wild Koraidon wouldn't have stood a chance, especially since Flutter Mane's typing countered Koraidon's Fighting/Dragon attributes.
The more Naoki thought about it, the more intrigued he became. How exactly had these two become friends in such a harsh and competitive ancient world?
Gradually, Koraidon pierced through the clouds, emerging from the dense mists of Area Zero. Below them, the vast expanse of the Paldea region slowly came into view, unfurling like a painted canvas.
Koraidon deliberately slowed its pace, allowing Flutter Mane to catch up. As it did, Flutter Mane glanced down at the sprawling landscape with wide, curious eyes.
The scene below was nothing like the ancient world it remembered. Gone were the towering, dense trees, the thick vines, and the colossal ferns. In their place were open fields stretching endlessly, a vast expanse unmarred by the primordial chaos of the past.
Naoki noticed Flutter Mane's expression and smiled warmly. "Welcome to our time, Flutter Mane."
...
Next chapter @1k power stones