Chapter 70: Mysterious Pokémon Research Discussion

The dim light of the lighthouse dining room flickered as a gust from the sea rattled the old windows. I leaned back in my chair, letting the cool leather press against my back. Erin sat to my right, her usual calm expression a stark contrast to the buzz of excitement in the room. Brock on my left was silent, his focus on his plate. Ash, Misty, and Bill sat across from us, engaged in a deep conversation about some mysterious Pokémon that had caught Bill's attention. I shifted my gaze to Erin, who was staring at my plate with unnerving intensity.

Without a word, she reached over, swapped our plates, and began eating from mine as if nothing was out of the ordinary. I raised a brow, amused but unfazed. The others chuckled softly, and I could feel their eyes on us, but Erin remained calm, chewing thoughtfully as if she hadn't just commandeered my dinner.

Pikachu and Raichu sat on the floor, sharing their own meal. Raichu, like the big brother he was, patted Pikachu's head, a rare display of gentleness for such an electric powerhouse. Their dynamic always made me grin. They were an odd pair, but somehow, it worked. Just like me and Erin, I supposed.

Bill's voice cut through the casual air of the room. "I'm here researching a mysterious giant Pokémon. I've seen it from here, far away in the sea."

Ash, leaned forward, his eyes wide. "You saw it? What does it look like?"

Bill sighed. "It's a pity. I've never seen it up close."

Brock, chimed in. "How do you know it'll come back?"

Bill smiled, a mix of anticipation and frustration on his face. "Last time it came, it sang. I decoded its melody—it was waiting for its friend."

Ash blinked, confused. "How did you decode that?"

Misty rolled her eyes. "Ash, he's a researcher. He has his own ways."

I spoke up, my tone casual, relaxed. "Why don't you try sending your own message? See if it'll come back."

Bill nodded, clearly impressed. "That's exactly what I've been doing. But it hasn't worked—yet."

Misty leaned forward, curious. "Do you think it will?"

Bill hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I think it might. Soon."

Ash, never able to hold back his ambition, grinned. "Then you're going to catch it, right?"

Bill shook his head, eyes distant, thoughtful. "I don't want to catch it. I just want it to stay so I can study it."

Brock frowned. "But if we try to catch it, will that cause any problems?"

Bill's expression darkened, a warning. "It would be better if you didn't try. It's going to be difficult to catch, anyway."

Erin, who had been quiet until now, spoke to me, her voice calm, with that strange, blunt honesty of hers. "Why?"

I answered without hesitation, my tone still relaxed. "It's probably an ancient Pokémon."

Bill nodded, his voice filled with the weight of his research. "It is ancient. Based on everything I've found, I think it's a Dragonite."

Ash and Brock exchanged a look, their faces lighting up in unison. "Dragonite?"

Bill nodded again. "Yes. I believe it's the guardian of the sea."

Misty's eyes widened. "I've heard stories. Dragonite is said to help people who get lost at sea."

I leaned back, arms crossed. "You can try to get it to stay, Bill. If it doesn't, well, then I'll have a shot at catching it."

Erin looked at me, still unnervingly calm. "If you catch it, I want to ride it."

A mischievous smile tugged at my lips. "Sure. Let's see who can stop us."

Bill didn't seem to mind, only nodding. "You can try. After I've done everything I can to make it stay."

The meal went on, and as we finished, Bill stood from the table. "I'm heading to the terrace now. Come when you're ready, but don't be late."

He disappeared down the hallway, his steps fading in the distance. Ash turned to me, his voice unusually serious. "Punit, are you really thinking about catching it? It's going to be tough."

I shrugged. "We'll see how it goes."

Ash nodded, understanding the unspoken challenge in my words, then stood, Misty and Brock following suit. Brock began cleaning the dishes as Misty mused aloud. "I wonder what Dragonite really looks like."

I tilted my head toward Ash. "Show her a picture of Dragonite from your Pokédex."

Erin, still as calm as ever, looked at me. "I want to see too."

I pulled out my own Pokédex and handed it to her. She studied the image on the screen, her voice even, almost serene. "It's beautiful. I want to fly with you on it when I'm not afraid of Pokemon anymore."

I chuckled softly. "When you're ready, we'll fly. I promise."

Raichu bounded over, his tail flicking playfully as he watched me with eager eyes. I crouched down, pulling out some chocolate from my bag. I handed him a piece, and Raichu, ever the thoughtful one, motioned to Pikachu. I unwrapped two pieces, handing one to Raichu and letting Pikachu take the other.

Erin, watching the exchange, spoke with her usual bluntness. "I want chocolate."

I smirked. "Chocolate lover, huh?" I walked over and handed her a piece, tossing a couple to Misty and Ash as well.

Misty smiled. "Thanks."

Ash, always thinking of the next challenge, piped up. "Do you have any cold drinks?"

I handed him one from my pack, and he passed the chocolate to Brock, who had just finished with the dishes.

I stood, stretching my arms above my head. "Let's head to the terrace. Time to see if this 'guardian of the sea' shows up."

Ash, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, led the way, Misty and Brock following closely behind. Erin slipped her arm through mine, and we walked together, Raichu bouncing along behind us, full of energy and anticipation. There was something in the air tonight, a tension, a thrill. I couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter, whatever it was, was going to change everything.