The temporary meeting quickly ended.
Each officer swiftly returned to lead their subordinates in organizing supplies and equipment, preparing to depart.
Campfire quietly made adjustments in the cave, preparing to meet the Volcarona soaring high.
Natsuhiko silently walked out of the cave.
He glanced at the sky, where the Volcarona was like a tiny sun, continuously emitting light and heat, and pressed his lips together.
The light was dazzling, yet warm.
But for some reason, Natsuhiko sensed a hint of sadness and solitude from the Volcarona hanging in the sky.
Does it... has no kin?
Shaking his head.
"Baluya—"
At this time, the hidden Dragapult suddenly voiced, echoing at Natsuhiko's ear, filled with complex emotions.
'It's crying...'
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing Dragapult's words, Natsuhiko was momentarily stunned.
Crying?
The hidden Dragapult's expression was a mix of emotions, its narrow eyes showing sympathy and an uncontrolled empathetic connection to Volcarona.
To Dragapult's view.
Indeed, it was very much like Volcarona.
Both had stayed in a place for unknown ages, accompanied only by solitude during their lengthy stay.
Neither had kin, or upon waking, could not find them anymore.
Dragapult couldn't find Dreepy, always feeling empty inside and incomplete, finding solace only in Natsuhiko's Dragon-type Pokémon Egg.
It was fortunate to receive some comfort from Natsuhiko.
But as for Volcarona...
Dragapult understood why Volcarona shone brightly high in the sky.
It was... calling for companions.
Unfortunately, from when it ascended until now, there was no response.
The solitude in its heart, instead of being eroded by time through countless years of slumber, fermented and eventually erupted.
After hearing Dragapult's empathetic explanation, Natsuhiko remained silent.
To be honest, he was a bit moved, but felt helpless.
Suddenly inspired, Natsuhiko softly asked, "Do you want to help it?"
Help it?
The hidden Dragapult looked up at the sky, its gaze piercing through dazzling light and heat, landing on the figure in the middle of the radiance, constantly flapping wings, energizing, appearing lonely yet persistently enduring.
In a mere few seconds, Dragapult related to Volcarona and quickly made a decision.
"Baluya!"
'Help!'
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko chuckled.
With his prowess, it was impossible to help Volcarona even if he wanted to, it was mostly wishful thinking.
But Dragapult saw its reflection in Volcarona, inserting itself into its identity, leading to that unspoken, yet intuitive feeling of being comrades.
Whether Natsuhiko could provide some assistance depended on Dragapult's attitude.
"Then we'll help!" Natsuhiko said, smiling.
Simple words, yet they touched Dragapult.
It knew that Natsuhiko planned to leave due to the danger.
However, because of its words, he made a change, accepting the accompanied risks, deeply moving Dragapult who just expressed its solitary sentiment.
Why would a powerful Dragapult choose to follow Natsuhiko?
Is it merely because of those Energy Blocks, or because Natsuhiko freed it from the oblivious seal in the ruins?
This is partially the reason, and another is because Dragapult saw the interaction between Natsuhiko and his Pokémon, offering a comforting way of relating.
Natsuhiko is a Trainer, sometimes strictly demanding from Pokémon, but he also considers their feelings, thinking from their perspective, not a hierarchy but a sense of equal exchange.
If any Pokémon felt that a certain way of training was more suitable, they'd say it willingly, and if Natsuhiko found it reasonable, he'd adjust plans considering the Pokémon's wishes.
This is why Dragapult, along with Happy Pokémon Togetic, was willing to follow Natsuhiko.
"Baluya?"
'How to help?'
Dragapult inquired.
Natsuhiko lifted his head again, saying softly, "No rush, stepping out now would make us targets, let's wait a bit."
Waiting until Campfire takes action.
After speaking, Natsuhiko strode forward, returning to where Nanmu and Ishino were staying.
Curiously enough, Lance was assigned to the same group as both Nanmu and Ishino.
Natsuhiko glanced over the three, then around at the rest, speaking resolutely, "Gather your things, prepare to leave."
"Leave?"
Upon hearing this, the few exchanged puzzled looks.
Lance felt unsettled, stepping forward to ask, "Lord Zhenwu, are we leaving the Alternate Space? Has the objective been achieved?"
Saying it made him realize his impropriety, and promptly added, "I haven't gathered much yet."
Natsuhiko looked at him.
Lord Zhenwu...
Good.
Nanmu immediately stepped forward saying, "Lord Zhenwu, he's called Long Ji."
Long Ji...
Can't go three sentences without mentioning Dragon Type, huh?
Nodding slightly.
"It's almost time, prepare yourselves unless you wish to be held back by the Alliance."
Natsuhiko was subtly informing Lance.
The Alliance outside was already in motion.
Indeed, post Natsuhiko's words, Lance lowered his head, contemplating some strategy.
Natsuhiko spoke nothing further, urging them to act quickly.