Lugia, my name is Aoki. If you want to enjoy these treats again in the future, you can return to this island. You already know its location, and you're welcome anytime! After their meal, Aoki communicated with Lugia for the first time using Telepathy.
Hearing Aoki's words, Lugia's eyes brightened with excitement.
The legendary Pokémon nodded enthusiastically.
Not only were there delicious food here, but there were also companions like Ralts to play with.
Upon arriving, Lugia discovered that not only Ralts but also Pupitar, Lairon, and Combusken were all enjoyable playmates.
Of course, the most entertaining of them all was Ralts.
Seeing the young Lugia's joyful expression, Aoki smiled warmly.
What a pure-hearted child.
Aoki had always had a soft spot for innocent, cheerful Pokémon—those who were affectionate without being spoiled, easy to guide and befriend.
Just as Aoki was about to speak again, Lugia suddenly lifted its head, as if hearing something distant.
Aoki stood and scanned their surroundings. Aside from his own Pokémon, a few wild Pokémon lingering nearby, and the faint crackling of the campfire, there was no other sound.
Yet Lugia seemed to perceive something beyond human hearing.
"I must return now. I've been away too long. I'll visit again." Lugia's voice echoed in Aoki's mind, still carrying traces of youthful exuberance.
Then, with a call to Ralts beside it, Lugia spread its mighty wings and soared into the sky, vanishing from sight in moments.
Aoki could guess who had summoned Lugia—likely its parent or guardian.
But it didn't matter. Encountering the young Lugia had been unexpected, yet gaining its favor was a fortunate outcome.
Perhaps in the future, Aoki would meet the true guardian of the seas, the fully grown Lugia, and with the young one's help, establish communication.
This meeting had planted a seed for future possibilities.
As for Ralts, today had been a delightful experience.
Lately, aside from being tutored by Slowking in psychic techniques, Ralts had spent its days eating, sleeping, and playing freely.
Only recently had Aoki begun structuring a training regimen for Ralts.
After all, strength was essential for any Pokémon.
Originally, Aoki had planned to explore the underground caverns today, but Lugia's appearance had delayed those plans. Now, they would proceed tomorrow morning.
Night on the island was peaceful.
Ralts nestled into Aoki's arms, and soon, the entire group—Trainer and Pokémon alike—drifted into sleep.
The next morning...
Sunlight crept over the eastern horizon, casting golden rays across the island. The morning air was thick with coastal humidity.
Aoki gathered his team—Slowking, Florges, Swampert, Politoed, Mismagius, and Altaria—preparing to descend into the underground tunnels.
The remaining Pokémon stayed behind to train.
The past two days had been a break from structured training, but now discipline would resume in full.
Aoki paid special attention to three Pokémon in particular: Ralts, Bagon, and Horsea.
He assigned Porygon to oversee their training, knowing that in his absence, Porygon's authority would be respected.
Bagon was naturally diligent. Seeing the rapid progress of its teammates, it pushed itself even harder, refusing to fall behind.
Aoki had Honchkrow monitor Bagon's sessions, ensuring it didn't overexert itself. Once training was complete, Honchkrow would enforce rest.
Horsea, much like Politoed in its earlier days, had picked up habits from the wild that needed correcting. Thankfully, Horsea was eager to improve.
Then there was Ralts.
This was Ralts' first real training experience, so Aoki kept the tasks light, easing the young Pokémon into discipline. Close supervision would be necessary.
As for Pupitar, Lairon, and Combusken, they required little oversight. They understood the value of strength and trained diligently.
Honchkrow, Florges, Gengar, and Drapion were self-motivated veterans—training was second nature to them. The recent break had left them restless, and they'd even snuck in extra practice. Aoki allowed it, recognizing their drive.
The contrast between Aoki's Pokémon was clear.
Pokémon like Carbink, Flygon, and Miltank weren't given strict regimens. Their training was optional, but the team's disciplined atmosphere often spurred them into action.
Flygon, having regained its confidence, refused to slack, fearing it might end up like the lazy Gyarados that lounged in the sea.
Carbink, under orders from its elder, followed Aoki's guidance faithfully.
Miltank had long retired from battling, focusing only on maintaining fitness. Aoki respected its choice, assigning only light exercises.
With everything arranged, Aoki and his selected team teleported underground via Slowking's Psychic power.
Beneath the Central Lake...
At the convergence of four subterranean rivers, the group stood beneath the underground lake's surface.
The water teemed with wild Pokémon, yet they seemed unaware of Aoki's presence—an invisible barrier obscured their view.
Aoki's target was the black abyss where the rivers vanished into darkness.
Last time, he'd only retrieved energy crystals near the river's mouth, unable to breach the mysterious film sealing the void. Now, with his team stronger, he was ready.
"Slowking, test whether your Psychic power can penetrate the barrier," Aoki instructed.
"Slow… king!" The royal Pokémon nodded, its Psychic energy unfurling toward the film.
Aoki extended his own Psychic senses, observing the interaction.
At first, Slowking's power was rebuffed. But as the Pokémon intensified its efforts—pushing past its usual limits—the barrier yielded slightly.
Slowking glanced at Aoki, confirming success.
Placing a hand on Slowking's back, Aoki and his team vanished, teleporting into the unknown depths.