Slowking~ Slowking~
Slowking called out toward the distant fruit grove, and Ange saw a Luxray slowly emerge from within.
Slowking~ Slowking~ "Let Luxray guide you."
Slowking said, looking at Ange.
Ange looked at the Luxray that had walked up to his side and said to it: "Luxray, I'll have to trouble you."
Ruff~ Luxray let out a cry, signaling Ange to follow, then quickly trotted out toward the edge of the oasis.
"Espathra, Flareon, let's keep up." Ange patted the neck of his Espathra and said.
Espa~
Flare~
The two Pokémon nodded and sprinted off to follow Luxray.
After leaving the oasis, Luxray led Ange and his team toward the desert to the west. After crossing dune after dune, Luxray suddenly stopped in its tracks.
"What's wrong, Luxray?" Ange asked, confused.
Ruff~~~ Luxray let out a cry toward Ange.
"You mean we've reached the place where Lucario lives?" Ange asked in surprise.
Ruff~ Luxray nodded.
Where? Ange looked around suspiciously, but there was nothing but sand all around.
Just then, two golden beams of light shot out from Luxray's eyes, scanning back and forth across the sandy ground. It was then that Ange remembered that Luxray's eyes possessed the ability to see through objects.
So, like Lucario, Flygon, and Krookodile, does it live underground?
Soon, Luxray seemed to have found something and called out to them. Ange quickly flipped off the back of his Espathra. He ran to Luxray's side and saw a blue stone slab mostly buried in the sand under its feet.
"Is Lucario's home beneath this?" Ange asked.
Ruff~ Luxray nodded.
It turned out that because Lucario's home was frequently hit by sandstorms, the entrance was buried under sand most of the time. There were no landmarks here, and the terrain changed constantly due to the storms. It was no wonder Slowking had asked Luxray to guide them; otherwise, even with a general location, Ange never would have found it.
"How do we get in?" Ange asked Luxray.
Ruff~ Ruff~ Luxray wanted Ange and his team to help clear away the sand around the stone slab.
Espa~ Espa~ At that moment, Espathra volunteered.
Ange patted its wing and said: "Espathra, I'll leave it to you."
Espa~ Espathra nodded, and its eyes glowed with a purple light. The next second, the sand on top of the blue stone slab began to float away, and in no time, it was completely clean.
"What's next?" Ange asked Luxray.
Ruff~ Luxray called out, then stepped onto the center of the stone slab. It pressed down on a raised section, and with a click, that part sank inward. Accompanied by a rumbling sound, the blue stone slab slowly opened, revealing a winding stone staircase leading downward.
Through Luxray's explanation, Ange learned that this was an abandoned ruin; after Lucario occupied it, it had settled there.
Following the stairs all the way down, they reached a spacious chamber. Although the light in this space wasn't bright, the walls were embedded with luminous stones, so visibility wasn't an issue.
Goth~ Goth~~
Just as they were examining the environment of the ruins, a cheerful song suddenly drifted from a passageway opposite them. Shortly after, a Gothita appeared, cradling an Oran Berry, humming an unknown tune, and hopping along as it walked out of the tunnel.
That's our berry! Luxray recognized the origin of the berry in Gothita's hands at a glance.
Upon seeing the uninvited guests, Ange and his group, Gothita's singing stopped abruptly. It dropped the berry in its hand and let out a terrified shriek. It turned and ran back into the tunnel, disappearing into the darkness in the blink of an eye.
Ange didn't pursue, waiting quietly on the spot.
Soon, with a chaotic noise echoing from the tunnel, a group of Pokémon appeared before them. Leading the way was the very Lucario he had been so eager to find. Besides Lucario and the Gothita from before, a Girafarig and a Wobbuffet appeared alongside them.
As soon as they saw Ange and his group, the Pokémon took on a defensive posture, with Lucario specifically preparing to attack.
Ange had just reached out his hand, intending to say he meant no harm, when Lucario launched an attack. A massive Aura Sphere flew straight toward Ange.
Blade~ Doublade flew forward, unsheathed its blades, and used Sacred Sword to slice the Aura Sphere in two, causing it to explode in mid-air.
Lucario's offensive didn't stop. After launching the Aura Sphere, it flashed forward, closing the distance quickly, and used Metal Claw to strike at Ange.
Ange crossed his arms to block Lucario's strike. Seeing Ange being attacked, Flareon let out a cry and leaped up. It opened its mouth, and a torrent of fire surged out before it bit down hard on Lucario's arm.
Fire Fang!
Don't let their usual silly antics fool you—Flareon, Vaporeon, and Jolteon were all at fairly high levels, otherwise, the three Pokémon traders wouldn't have kept them specifically by their side. Vaporeon was the highest at level 51, while Flareon and Jolteon were at 45 and 44, respectively.
Lucario cried out in pain and swung its arm, throwing Flareon away. Ange leaped forward and caught Flareon just in time.
Flare~ Flare~ Flare~~ Cradled in Ange's arms, Flareon bared its teeth and growled furiously at Lucario.
How dare you hurt Ange, I'm not finished with you!
Ange soothingly stroked the top of Flareon's head, placed it on the ground, and said to Lucario: "Lucario, I only want to catch you. I mean no harm."
Lucario~ Lucario~ However, Lucario refused very decisively.
Ange looked disappointed. His philosophy of catching Pokémon was based on mutual consent; if the other party didn't want to, he wouldn't force them.
"May I ask why?" Ange asked, confused. "If you follow me, you won't have to worry about food or drink, you won't be exposed to the wind and sun, and I won't force you to do anything you don't want to."
Hearing Ange's words, the Gothita, Girafarig, and Wobbuffet behind Lucario all looked on with longing.
Lucario~ Lucario~ Despite this, Lucario remained angry and sternly refused Ange again.
Ange sighed and said: "Fine, if you don't want to, I won't force you. Just pretend I was never here."
With that, he said to the Pokémon at his side: "Espathra, Doublade, Flareon, Luxray, let's go."
The Pokémon nodded and followed Ange as they headed toward the exit of the ruins. Ange's straightforward reaction caught Lucario off guard.
He gave up just like that?
It watched silently as Ange gradually drifted away.
Flare~ Flare~ Ange, are we really just leaving?
Flareon asked Ange.
Ange nodded, "Yes, didn't you see? Lucario doesn't want to come with me!"
Flareon couldn't help but look puzzled.
Flare~ Flare~ But you traveled all the way to the desert with such difficulty; are we really just going to leave empty-handed?
Ange smiled and said: "How could this be in vain? I saw the magnificent scenery along the way, experienced things I've never done before, and saw Pokémon I've never met. More importantly, didn't I cross paths with you all?"
Flareon was taken aback, then felt a sweet warmth in its heart; even its pace became lighter. Luxray, watching from the side, gave Ange a surprised look after hearing his words.
What a strange human!
He clearly came to catch Pokémon, yet even after returning empty-handed, he was still this happy.
Z2 was riding a Salamence high in the sky directly above the ruins. It had seen Ange go in with its own eyes, and now it watched him come back out.
So fast? Z2 felt puzzled—did he not find Lucario, or did the attempt fail? However, through the cells hidden in the sand, it soon learned the reason.
Just as Ange and his group were about to leave, a voice called out to stop him.
Goth~ Goth~
Ange looked back and discovered that it was actually Wobbuffet, carrying Gothita, chasing after them.
Ange asked, puzzled: "Wobbuffet, Gothita, is something the matter?"
Wobbuffet quickly walked up to Ange's side, still holding Gothita.
Goth~ Goth~ Gothita gestured while calling out.
Ange was surprised: "You want me to take Lucario away?"
Goth~ Goth~
Wobba~
Gothita and Wobbuffet nodded in unison.
"But Lucario doesn't want to come with me!" Ange spread his hands helplessly.
Goth~ Goth~
Gothita said something that left Ange stunned. It wanted Ange to defeat Lucario and then forcibly catch it.
Ange asked in confusion: "May I ask why?"
Gothita and Wobbuffet both lowered their heads in dejection.
Goth~ Goth~
After Gothita's explanation, Ange finally understood the reason. The environment in the desert was harsh, and there were very few ways to obtain food; survival here was not easy for the Pokémon. Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig were all relying on Lucario's care to survive, for which Lucario even had to go out and steal food from others frequently—Slowking and his group were among the victims.
Without the burden of them, Lucario could have lived a better life, but it had never given up on them. Ange's arrival, along with his earlier promises, gave Gothita and the others a glimmer of hope. They hoped Lucario wouldn't be held back by them anymore and could go live a carefree life with enough to eat. Lucario certainly wouldn't abandon them on its own, which is why Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig had discussed it privately: Girafarig would hold Lucario back, while Gothita and Wobbuffet would find Ange.
After listening to the two Pokémon, Ange fell into silence. He climbed off Espathra's back, walked up to the two Pokémon, patted their heads, and said: "You are all good children."
He then added: "Let's go, we'll go back and talk to Lucario again."
Gothita and Wobbuffet thought Ange had agreed to their proposal, so they followed him, feeling both happy and sad.
Back in the ruins, Lucario had already discovered that Wobbuffet and Gothita were missing. It seemed to have figured something out and angrily started to head out to find them, but was stalled by Girafarig. At that moment, Ange, Gothita, and Wobbuffet returned.
Lucario~ Lucario~ Upon seeing Ange again, Lucario shouted angrily at Gothita and Wobbuffet.
Ange spoke up quickly: "Lucario, don't be hasty. Let me finish what I have to say, and it won't be too late to get angry afterward."
Lucario~ Lucario~ I will absolutely not go with you, give up!
Lucario said with a firm attitude.
Ange laughed: "You don't want to go with me simply because you can't bear to leave Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig behind. What if I were willing to take them with us?"
Ange's words left Lucario, Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig all frozen. After a long while, Gothita was the first to react.
Goth~ Goth~ Are you really willing to take us with you?
Ange smiled and nodded: "Of course. Gothita is so cute; I'd be getting a great deal!"
Goth~ Goth~ Gothita's face broke into a shy smile.
In truth, taking Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig wasn't a rash decision for Ange. Magearna's dessert-making skills were improving every day; as long as the system confirmed Magearna's culinary skills reached the standard, the dessert shop could open. Until now, however, the shop still lacked waiters. The arrival of Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig solved his problem perfectly.
Lucario~ Lucario~ Are you truly willing to take us all with you?
Lucario looked at Ange with suspicion.
Ange replied: "Of course, why would I lie to you? Don't let my dusty appearance fool you; my family is actually quite well-off. Feeding a few more Pokémon is no problem at all."
Because of their travels through the desert, Ange did indeed look dirty and covered in dust.
Goth~ Goth~
Gothita sprinted over to Lucario's side, hugged its arm, and continued to act cute, persuading Lucario to agree to Ange's offer. Lucario pondered for a long time, and finally, under the expectant gaze of Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig, it nodded.
Goth~ Goth~
Wobba~
Gira~ Gira~~
Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig broke into cheers and danced around Lucario. Seeing how happy Gothita and the others were, a faint smile couldn't help but appear on Lucario's stern face. Equally relieved was Luxray.
This guy is finally leaving; from now on, nobody will be stealing our berries!
Ange stepped forward and placed four Poké Balls in front of Lucario, Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig.
"Then, let's take care of each other from now on!"
Lucario~ Goth~ Wobba~ Gira~
Each of the four Pokémon responded, reaching out a hand (or hoof) to tap the Poké Ball, and were transformed into beams of red light as they were taken inside.
Lucario, Gothita, Wobbuffet, Girafarig GET DA☆ZE!
"Let's head back."
Storing the four Poké Balls, Ange said to Espathra, Flareon, Doublade, and Luxray in high spirits. He had thought this trip would end in vain, but unexpectedly, the situation had turned around for the better.
They left the ruins and escorted Luxray back to the oasis. After saying goodbye to Slowking and the others, they set out on the return journey to Dahara City. Evening fell in the blink of an eye, and seeing that it was no longer suitable for traveling, Ange said to the group: "Let's stay here for the night."
The Pokémon all nodded. Ange took out his Poké Balls and tossed them out: "Everyone, come on out!"
With flashes of red light, Diancie, Volcanion, Passimian, Goodra, the two Sliggoo, Vaporeon, Flareon, Jolteon, and the new additions—Lucario, Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig—all appeared outside.
Ange pointed to the new members and introduced them to everyone: "These are Lucario, Gothita, Wobbuffet, and Girafarig, who joined us today. Everyone, please be supportive and take care of each other."
Everyone greeted Lucario and the others enthusiastically, except for Volcanion, Goodra, and the Sliggoo. Volcanion was a natural tsundere—aside from Magearna, it wouldn't willingly get close to others. Goodra and the two Sliggoo were simply too shy. Because of the warm welcome, the new members quickly integrated into the family.
Seeing the Pokémon getting along so harmoniously, a gratified smile appeared on Ange's face.
"Everyone must be hungry, right? Let's start making dinner!"
The Pokémon cheered, looking forward to tonight's meal. Ange said: "Our family has grown today, so let's have a feast."
Swa~
Sand~
Flare~
The three Eeveelutions became even more excited at the sound of this; they lined up and sat not far from Ange, their mouths practically watering. Ange said to Lucario: "Lucario, could you come over and help me?"
Lucario? Lucario was stunned—it didn't know how to cook! However, it obediently walked to Ange's side.
Diancie then led Passimian, Wobbuffet, and Gothita to set up the tents and arrange the tables and chairs, while Ange and Lucario built a fire and started to cook. While preparing the ingredients, Ange explained to Lucario his reasons for wanting to catch it. Lucario immediately expressed with a serious expression that it would certainly study hard. At the same time, it couldn't help but feel curious in its heart about what kind of Pokémon its future partner, Inteleon, would be.
I hope it's not too difficult to get along with.
Ange taught Lucario how to use Aura to process ingredients while cooking. Besides that, chopping vegetables, seasoning, and plating were all things Lucario needed to learn. Once Lucario handled these tasks, Inteleon's work would be much lighter.
Lucario learned very earnestly. As an Aura Pokémon, its mastery of Aura was far more skillful than Ange's, and it picked up the technique of using Aura to process ingredients almost instantly. Because he was teaching while cooking, Ange spent a bit more time on dinner than usual. By the time it was finished, everyone's stomachs were already growling.