Playmate

After ending the call with Ryuichi, Yuga went to the Ecopark to prepare for farming with the Pokémon. However, just as he was about to enter the Grassland Sub-Ecopark, he noticed a Ralts peeking out cautiously from behind a tree, as if afraid of being spotted by Yuga.

Yuga immediately recognized this as the child of Gardevoir and Gallade. He gently asked, "Do you want to play with me?"

Seeing Yuga speak to it, Ralts quickly pulled its head back behind the tree, then cautiously peeked out again, covering its mouth with its hand. After hesitating for a moment, it nodded slightly in response to Yuga's question.

"Come here."

Yuga smiled and beckoned to the half-hidden Ralts behind the tree, inviting it to come closer.

Ralts hesitantly shuffled out from behind the large tree, taking small steps until it reached Yuga's feet.

Yuga bent down and gently picked up Ralts. However, he noticed that as soon as his hand touched Ralts' body, it became stiff, and its expression seemed very tense.

Fortunately, Yuga used his special ability, emitting a gentle aura throughout his body, gradually relaxing Ralts' body.

Once they arrived at the Grassland Sub-Ecopark, Grass-type Pokémon had already begun working in the newly cultivated fields, and other Pokémon were also helping out, making the whole place lively.

Ralts had always stayed in the main Ecopark with other Psychic-type Pokémon's, never having seen so many different Pokémon before. It became stiff again and clung tightly to Yuga's arm, its two hands gripping his bicep.

Seeing this, Yuga gently rubbed Ralts' head, comforting it, "Don't be afraid; no one here will harm you."

At this moment, Vulpix (the child of Ninetales and Houndoom) approached Yuga's feet and affectionately rubbed its furry head against Yuga's calf.

Yuga crouched down while holding Ralts and used one hand to pet Vulpix' head. Then he said to Ralts, "See, everyone here is very friendly. No one will hurt you. You can make friends here."

"Vulpix!"

Seeing this, Vulpix nuzzled Yuga's palm with its head and let out a gentle, soothing sound towards Ralts, which instantly eased Ralts' nervousness.

Ralts, mimicking Yuga's actions, extended a short hand and placed it on the top of Vulpix' head, gently patting the tuft of fur that resembled a crown.

Ralts had quite short arms, initially struggling to reach, but Vulpix voluntarily leaned its head forward, allowing Ralts to successfully make contact.

Perhaps it was because Vulpix had such a comforting tuft of fur on its head, Ralts couldn't resist patting it again after the initial touch.

"Vulpix, Vulpix."

Vulpix responded with two soft calls, inviting Ralts to come down and play with it. Ralts, who had never made a friend before, felt a strong desire to join in the fun. It gently shifted in Yuga's arms.

Yuga understood that Ralts really wanted to go down and play with Vulpix, but its shy and timid Hoothootre made it hesitant to act on its feelings. So, Yuga carefully placed Ralts on the ground and gently nudged it in Vulpix' direction, encouraging it, "Go ahead, you'll definitely become great friends with Vulpix."

Ralts glanced back at Yuga, then took tiny, cautious steps toward Vulpix.

"Vulpix, Vulpix!"

Vulpix was overjoyed when it saw that Ralts wanted to play with it, so it lowered its body and called out to Ralts twice.

Ralts hesitated for a moment at Vulpix' invitation, then clung to Vulpix' body and climbed onto its back.

As soon as Ralts successfully seated itself on Vulpix' back, Vulpix suddenly jumped up and then started running wildly, its feet moving quickly.

Ralts was initially startled by Vulpix' sudden burst of energy, but soon, amidst Vulpix' sprint, it began to laugh with pure delight.

Ralts' lower body was relatively heavy, and its feet resembled plant roots, making it Hoothootrally slow when walking. Today was the first time it moved so quickly, and it felt an exhilarating rush it had never experienced before.

Ralts' cheerful laughter caught the attention of Hoothoot, who was quietly practicing psychic powers with its mother nearby in a tree.

Hoothoot cautiously opened one eye, first glancing at its mother, who had her eyes closed next to it. It then looked at Vulpix and Ralts, who were playing happily beneath the tree. Feeling an itch of curiosity, Hoothoot slowly moved away from its mother.

With each silent step, Hoothoot distanced itself further from its mother. Seeing that its mother hadn't noticed, Hoothoot opened its eyes a bit wider, then took a couple more steps away.

Hoothoot repeated this process several times, gradually increasing the distance from its mother. Seeing that its mother still hadn't reacted, Hoothoot opened its eyes completely and gave a mischievous smile. It then flapped its small wings and flew down toward the tree where Vulpix and Ralts were playing.

However, just as Hoothoot descended, Noctowl, its mother, opened both of her eyes. She shook her head in resignation, closed her eyes once more, and continued her meditation.

Hoothoot and Vulpix were the closest of friends. While Vulpix' parents were strict with it, forcing it into rigorous training, Hoothoot was the complete opposite.

Hoothoot had mediocre potential and had a significantly different training outcome compared to Vulpix. Therefore, its mother, Noctowl, chose to be lenient, recognizing that becoming outstanding as a yellow potential Pokémon was exceptionally challenging.

Now that Hoothoot was in YoYo Day Care and not facing any danger, Noctowl had minimal expectations for its training as long as it managed to maintain an acceptable appearance.

Once Hoothoot landed under the tree, it settled right next to Vulpix. Startled by Hoothoot's sudden descent from the sky, Ralts was briefly surprised and almost slipped off Vulpix' back.

"Vulpix, Vulpix."

Vulpix, thrilled to see its dear friend, introduced Ralts to Hoothoot with joy.

Hoothoot was a lively Pokémon and felt equally delighted upon seeing Ralts. With Vulpix as a bridge between them, the three little companions quickly became entangled in playful antics.

At times, Ralts sat on Vulpix' back, pretending to be on a wild ride, and other times, it held onto Hoothoot's feet, pretending to soar through the skies. Their laughter, as crisp as silver bells, echoed throughout the entire Grassland Sub-Ecopark.

Meanwhile, Yuga, who was busy tending to the fields, looked on from a distance at the three little companions having a blast. A contented smile graced his face.