Mt. Coronet
As Dragon-type Pokémon, Dragon Scales meant little to them; they would naturally shed after a period of time.
However, Dragapult could clearly sense the unusual fluctuations coming from this black Dragon Scale.
It even felt fear.
The Dragapult that had been wary of Austin suddenly appeared right in front of him.
"Dragapult! Draga?"
Ryu translated, (It's asking where this came from, and whose it is.)
"This is a Dragon Scale from Rayquaza. As for where it came from, I can't tell you."
"Pulttt..."
At the mention of Rayquaza, Dragapult's mind instinctively formed the image of a massive figure soaring through the sky.
As a Dragon-type Pokémon, it understood that level of power very clearly.
Why would something like that be in Austin's possession?
Dragapult studied him with visible confusion.
From a human perspective, Austin looked approachable.
But demeanor alone could not explain this.
Still, Drakloak and the Dreepy clearly liked him.
And when Dragapult looked at Ryu, Agni, and Zenith, it saw strength and discipline.
More importantly, it saw trust.
When Zenith destroyed the television, Ryu reacted first and shielded Austin.
Agni had also moved to cover him, even if the debris never reached him in the end.
All of it, Dragapult had seen clearly.
Then it looked at Drakloak, happily nuzzling Austin with its eyes closed while eating Energy Cubes.
After a long pause, Dragapult made its decision.
Following Austin would be better for Drakloak's future.
"Dragapult..."
Ryu's tone shifted, carrying a hint of excitement. (It says you should take Drakloak with you.)
Drakloak was still focused on eating, completely unaware it had just been entrusted to someone else.
Austin did not show excitement. He simply asked, "You're not coming with us?"
Dragapult shook its head. "Dragapult."
(It doesn't want to leave.)
"Why?"
"Dra-pult..."
Its voice lowered.
(It's waiting for someone.)
Austin fell silent for a moment. "Waiting for someone… can you tell me your story? I might be able to help."
Dragapult looked at him, then nodded slowly.
"Pult..."
Time rewound twenty years.
. . .
. .
.
The kitchen stove burned softly. A woman in her early thirties moved slowly, every action careful.
Cough, cough.
She covered her mouth, her face turning pale as the cough passed.
"Dragapult?"
Sensing Dragapult's concern, she smiled gently. "I'm fine."
While Dragapult watched, she quietly turned on the faucet and washed the blood from her palm.
Perhaps to steady herself, she began humming as she cooked.
Dragapult followed along, its low voice joining the tune.
The Dreepy in its launcher chirped softly, adding to the sound.
For a brief moment, the empty house felt alive.
It was during these times that Maria felt at peace after learning about her illness.
She prepared a simple meal, vegetable soup, one bowl for herself and one for Dragapult.
"Here, this one is yours."
She placed the bowl with more meat in front of Dragapult.
It did not eat. Instead, it nudged the bowl back toward her. "Drag."
"I can't eat that much."
"DRAGA Dragapult"
It insisted.
"Alright… I'll eat."
The warmth of the soup reached her, and her eyes grew red.
"Pu~lt..."
Noticing its mood drop, she quickly wiped the corners of her eyes.
"It tastes too good."
"DRAGAPULT!!!"
(It's the best!!!)
Moments like that did not last long.
Maria later hired people to cover the furniture, packed her belongings, and prepared to leave for treatment.
Before she left, she released Dragapult.
"From today on, you're free."
"Pult?"
Dragapult stood there, confused.
Even without a Poké Ball, it still felt like it belonged with her.
Before leaving, Maria embraced its head and whispered,
"If I come back… will you forgive me, and be my Pokémon again?"
"Dragapult"
(Always)
Dragapult nodded hard.
She walked away.
.
. .
. . .
"Nineee~"
Agni let out a low, mournful cry.
"Metagross…"
Zenith lowered its head, clearly ashamed, feeling guilty about destroying the television.
Ryu's eyes also reddened slightly.
Drakloak was no longer focused on the Energy Cubes. It quietly moved to Dragapult's side and gently rubbed its head against her.
Austin could already guess the truth.
Maria had most likely passed away from her illness.
And Dragapult probably knew it too.
Austin took a slow breath, steadied himself, then took out his Pokégear and dialed Zorro's number.
The call connected quickly.
"Austin, is something wrong?"
"Mr. Zorro, I need your help."
"Go ahead. If it's within my ability, I'll do it."
"Please help me find a woman named Maria. She should have been hospitalized. She has a house on Mt. Coronet, near the eastern outskirts of Jubilife City. This is important."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Then Zorro sighed.
"Maria… there's no need to search. Go to Maria's Home in the city center, near the central hospital."
He went on to explain her story in simple terms.
Austin listened quietly, then let out a long breath.
He looked at Dragapult. "Do you want to see her?"
"Dragapult!"
The answer was immediate. It was already written in her eyes.
"Alright. Come with me."
"Agni, Ryu, return for now."
"Nine!"
"Rio"
After recalling them, Austin climbed onto Zenith's back, while Drakloak and Dragapult hovered at his sides.
"Zenith, full speed. City center."
Before setting off, Austin sent a message to his father on the Pokégear.
[I'm heading to the city center. I might not be back for dinner.]
Dad replied almost instantly.
[Alright.]
Austin paused for a second, then smiled faintly. He had a good idea what his father was doing, but chose not to comment.
He quickly searched for directions to Maria's Home on the Pokégear.
Moving at full speed, Zenith and Dragapult crossed the distance in about half an hour.
They landed in front of a quiet building near the central hospital.
[Casa De María]
Austin looked up at the sign above the gate.
This was a children's welfare institution funded and established by Maria.
She was gone.
But what she left behind was still here.
Austin stepped forward. "We're here. Let's go see her."
. . .
Please do leave a review and powerstones, which helps with the book's exposure.
Feel like joining a Patreon for free and subscribing to 30+ advanced chapters?
Visit the link:
[email protected]/GRANDMAESTA_30
Change @ to a