The sharp sting coursed through Salamence's body like wildfire. Pain, numbness, frostbite, weakness it all came crashing down at once. Its legs buckled, its wings sagged, and its body grew heavy, as though every ounce of strength had been stripped away.
For the very first time, Salamence had nearly broken free of the alloy restraints that bound it. Its raw power surged, and for a moment it seemed as if nothing could hold it back.
But then came the needle.
A thick syringe pierced into its arm, pushing a stream of clear, milky liquid into its veins. Almost instantly, its strength collapsed. The ferocious energy that had roared through its muscles vanished like smoke in the wind.
It could still think. Its awareness remained. And so it was forced to lie there, fully conscious, helplessly watching as its blood was drawn away. Every heartbeat felt weaker than the last.
From that day forward, the needle never left its arm. The constant drain ensured Salamence's strength remained locked away. And every three days, the torment would repeat. Its body was coated in frost, its blood drained again and again.
Half a year of this.
Half a year of biting cold, piercing weakness, and unbearable exhaustion.
The cruelty never dulled with time. It didn't fade into numbness. If anything, the sensations only grew sharper, clearer, and harder to endure.
Until Mewtwo came. Until the base was torn apart in the chaos. Only then did Salamence finally seize its chance to escape.
Lin Feng felt the flood of memory crash into his mind. He staggered, his chest tightening from the sheer force of it.
"Damn…" The curse slipped past his lips before he could stop himself.
No wonder Salamence was so furious, so volatile.
Even without its natural aggression, suffering through six months of torment would have broken almost anyone.
The fact that its affection score wasn't at a flat negative one hundred felt almost miraculous. Lin Feng suspected that his own Viridian Force was the only thing keeping that bond from shattering completely.
Salamence still glared at him with eyes full of hostility, but Lin Feng released his grip and spoke softly. "It hurts, doesn't it?"
The dragon's expression faltered for the briefest moment before it turned its head sharply away, snorting as if in denial.
Can't fight you? Fine. Then I won't even look at you.
Lin Feng didn't give up. He stepped closer, his voice steady. "Salamence… are you hungry?"
"Arrrgh?"
The question startled it. Instinctively, Salamence gave a slight nod before its pride caught up, and it roared furiously.
Hungry or not, what business was it of this human's? It didn't need his pity.
Lin Feng didn't let the anger shake him. "If you're hungry, then eat something."
From his bag, he pulled out a case of Dragonfire S-rank Pokéblocks. Their fragrance immediately spread through the air, rich and enticing.
These weren't ordinary treats. For Dragon-type Pokémon, this kind of block not only restored stamina but also enhanced their mastery of draconic techniques. Injuries healed faster. Power surged higher. For Salamence, these were perfect.
But the dragon stubbornly turned its head again, jaws clenched tight.
No.
It hadn't eaten properly since leaving that cursed island, but it wasn't about to lower itself just for a meal.
Lin Feng's gaze hardened. This time, he didn't bother with gentle coaxing. He turned to Mewtwo, his voice firm and commanding. "This isn't a choice. Mewtwo, open its mouth."
Mewtwo blinked. "What?" It was the first time it had seen Lin Feng so strict.
"Listen to me."
Mewtwo hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."
With a flick of psychic power, Salamence's jaws were pried open. Its eyes widened with shock, rage flaring, but before it could struggle further, Lin Feng's own psychic energy lifted a Pokéblock and pushed it inside.
One after another, he fed them to the dragon, ignoring its furious glares.
"Chew. Swallow," he instructed.
Mewtwo complied, manipulating Salamence's throat with telekinesis until the blocks slid down.
At first, Salamence's eyes blazed with fury. But then something shifted.
The taste was rich, unlike anything it had ever eaten. More importantly, the weakness that had plagued its body began to ease. The pain dulled, strength seeping back into its limbs. And deep within, a dormant power stirred, whispering of battle dances and surging energy.
Dragon Dance. If it could move freely, it knew its strength would skyrocket.
But for now, it was trapped under Mewtwo's control. All it could do was glare, confusion mixing with its anger.
By the time ten blocks had been forced down, Lin Feng gave a small nod. "That's enough. Mewtwo, return it."
With a flash of red light, Salamence was drawn back into its Poké Ball.
Mewtwo floated silently, its gaze unreadable. "You're trying to repair its bond with humans?"
Lin Feng exhaled. "Something like that. At heart, I'm a breeder. But honestly… this won't be easy. Half a year of torment leaves scars deeper than any wound. This won't heal overnight."
He shook his head. "We'll see. If I can ease its hatred, that would be ideal. If not… then it will live out its days in the sanctuary. At the very least, it won't be captured and tortured again."
His voice softened. "That's the least I can give it."
Mewtwo was quiet for a long time before nodding. "I'll watch over it."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "Thank you. You saved it, after all. Only you or maybe Mew have the power to keep it under control. Even Gardevoir might not be enough. You're the only one I can entrust with this."
Mewtwo gave a small, reluctant nod. "Very well."
Just then, Goodra waddled over, its sticky arms empty after finishing its share of Pokéblocks. Its big, glossy eyes looked from Mewtwo to Lin Feng with newfound warmth.
"Goodra~" it chirped happily.
Lin Feng chuckled, patting its round belly. To his relief, the dragon leaned closer, nuzzling against him without hesitation.
"Good. That's more like it."
Goodra was still childlike at heart. Quick to anger, but just as quick to forgive. He would find it a proper place to stay, maybe even let his younger sister help raise it. With the right environment, its nature would grow cheerful and lively.
A barn would do nicely. Fill it with sweet berry casks, carve out a cozy space, and it would feel right at home.
As for Salamence… at night, it would remain in Mewtwo's Poké Ball. That was safest for everyone.
Lin Feng rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then another matter struck him, and he looked at Mewtwo.
"Oh, by the way. I forgot to tell you. I gave your old room to Gardevoir. So… at the moment, you don't really have a place to stay."
Mewtwo's expression froze. "…"
Lin Feng gave an awkward laugh. "So, how about this… why don't you stay inside the Poké Ball for now?"
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