The Path It Has Walked

No, as it turned out, Dragonite did know.

It just didn't know that Mimikyu was a Fairy-type.

After Dragon Rush, when Mimikyu appeared unscathed in Dragonite's eyes, it understood everything.

—It had encountered opponents like this before, attempting to use type advantages to defeat it.

But it wasn't just limited to Dragon-type moves.

With this in mind, Dragonite opened its mouth, and a thick, fiery flame condensed within it.

The next moment, a terrifying Flamethrower shot directly out and slammed into Mimikyu.

All of this happened in just a short five seconds.

[Mimikyu is unable to battle and has fallen into a critical condition. If not treated within three hours, it will die.]

Chen Yue saw the notification on the panel.

It was only now that he understood the meaning behind what Lance had said earlier.

This Dragonite, it was too powerful.

Dragonite, having defeated its opponent, looked proud, not even sparing a glance at Chen Yue before turning and leaving.

Lance walked over, helpless, and said, "How about it? Want to change the reward? I think Growlithe would be a good choice..."

Chen Yue's gaze flickered as he watched Dragonite's departing figure. He shook his head firmly and insisted, "No, I've decided on him!"

Dragonite, you've successfully piqued my interest!

Lance heard this and felt even more helpless. He couldn't say much more and could only reply, "Alright, I'll grant you access to the Dragon's Den freely for this period. You can come and go as you please."

"Gratitude knows no bounds. When I capture Dragonite, I'll treat you to a meal!" Chen Yue patted Lance's shoulder and said seriously.

Lance: "...Well, then, good luck."

Afterward, Lance left. There were still remnants of Team Rocket in the Kanto region that needed further investigation, and as the Dragon-type Champion, he had a busy schedule.

Chen Yue returned to Blackthorn City and bought a tent, bedding, and some emergency supplies. He set up camp directly within the Dragon's Den.

There was also a Pokemon Center within the Sanctum, specifically established by the Dragon family to care for injured Dragon-type Pokemon.

The staff at the entrance of the Sanctum stared in amazement as Chen Yue dragged his belongings inside. One of them couldn't help but ask, "Are you really planning to camp in the wilderness here? It's not very safe at night... you know, nighttime is when some Dragon-type Pokemon come out to hunt."

Chen Yue patted his backpack and pointed to his Poke Ball, saying, "No problem, they can't harm me."

The staff member could only say, "Just be careful on your own, and if you have any issues, you can call the service desk anytime, and we'll send someone to assist you."

Chen Yue smiled at her and left her flustered with his big, white teeth. By the time she recovered, she saw that he had already walked away.

After setting up the tent, Chen Yue took Mimikyu to the Pokemon Center for dinner.

To prevent his tent, which he had worked hard to set up all afternoon, from being destroyed by wild Pokemon, he used a spray he had bought in the city that emitted a scent that Pokemon disliked around the perimeter of the tent.

Pokemon Center.

Miss Joy, who had finished a day's work, noticed Chen Yue sitting by the window eating.

She thought for a moment, then carried her tray and sat across from Chen Yue.

Chen Yue was playing a game of "You throw, I catch" with Mimikyu and looked up when he heard the noise.

In the afternoon, when he came to treat Mimikyu, he had already met Miss Joy, and she knew that he was here to capture that green Dragonite.

Chen Yue asked, "What's the matter?"

Miss Joy, resting her chin on her hand, curiously asked, "Why do you have to capture that Dragonite?"

Why...

Chen Yue actually thought about it seriously.

Dragonite had an adorable appearance despite its imposing strength, which didn't match its exterior at all.

In this world, probably no one could resist such a Pokemon, just like how no one could resist hugging a national treasure giant panda.

Seeing Chen Yue remain silent, a hint of concern appeared in Miss Joy's beautiful eyes. She asked, "Are you really prepared to become that child's trainer?"

"Of course," Chen Yue nodded, giving a serious answer. "I want to capture it not just because I want to capture it. Capturing it is based on my desire to get to know it. I really like Dragonite as a Pokemon, and I want to travel and grow together with it."

Miss Joy stared intently into Chen Yue's eyes. "Even if that Dragonite isn't as perfect as you imagine? Even if it's different from what you expect?"

Chen Yue replied, "There's no such thing as a truly perfect person in this world, let alone a Pokemon."

Miss Joy was momentarily taken aback, then she smiled gently and changed the topic. She asked, "I heard you set up a tent in the Sanctum. Are you planning to stay there for a long time?"

Chen Yue nodded. "My Mimikyu is currently no match for Dragonite. I plan to start from scratch, using the power of assisting Dragon-type Pokemon to train it."

Miss Joy chuckled at this and said, "You really are quite similar to that child."

Chen Yue took a bite of sushi and asked, "What do you mean?"

Miss Joy explained, "Because that's the path Dragonite walked as well! When it first came to the Sanctum, it wasn't as powerful, just like you. It was very smart and chose this method to gradually become stronger."

"At that time, I could almost see it at the Pokemon Center every day. Sometimes it would leave in the morning after healing, but in the afternoon, it would return with injuries all over its body, brought back by the staff."

"Well, how should I put it? You know, most Dragon-type Pokemon are very fierce, and we can't interfere too much with their survival rules."

Speaking of this, Miss Joy showed a sad expression. "If only you had come a little earlier."

Chen Yue's movements paused.

Miss Joy didn't say much more, she just smiled and said, "I wish you success!"

"Thank you."

***

After finishing dinner, Chen Yue returned to the campsite with Mimikyu.

The night was gentle.

By the quiet lakeside, a wild Milotic quietly surfaced, extending its slender and graceful figure. Moonlight bathed it like water, making Milotic look like a fairy dancing in gossamer veils, incredibly beautiful.

Chen Yue didn't expect to have such good luck. He had heard from the staff that Milotic lived in this area, so he deliberately set up his tent here. He didn't expect to encounter it on the first night.

It was a good omen, Chen Yue thought.

Suddenly, Mimikyu poked Chen Yue's leg with its claw.

Chen Yue lowered his head and saw Mimikyu pointing in a direction with its claw.

He followed that direction and saw, in the hazy moonlight, a dark figure silently appearing by the lakeside.

Those lake-green eyes sparkled with a gentle light as they gazed at the moon in the sky.