While Auron was rubbing Victini's and Hoopa's bellies, Elekid was also having a great time. Not only had he gotten familiar with Mew who'd transformed into Elekid, even Manaphy was playing happily with him.
Right now, Elekid was working hard to fly, because the Elekid that Mew had transformed into kept flying around in the sky.
(Why can't I fly?)
After seeing the other Elekid (Mew) suddenly fly higher, Elekid asked somewhat curiously.
Watching Elekid hopping in place over and over, Mew chuckled softly, then flew a circle around him.
(Want to fly? Shall I teach you?)
(Yes, yes!)
Charizard, who was sitting cross-legged drinking tea on the side, also watched the two curiously. Seeing the wingless Elekid (Mew) flying in the air and the wingless Elekid who could only hop, he looked at his own wings behind him. His expression clearly became much more peculiar.
But none of this had anything to do with Dratini. Dratini had even secretly tasted the tea in Charizard's hand while he was confused.
Just one sip and Dratini's expression changed.
(Bleh~ So bitter!)
Charizard reacted and laughed at Dratini's completely twisted face.
(What I'm drinking isn't sweet tea.)
Charizard's tea was specially made by Auron. It wasn't actually very bitter—just regular tea leaf tea.
But even so, in Dratini's mouth—accustomed to sweet tea—it became very bitter tea.
Not only did Charizard like this tea leaf tea, even Crobat loved it, because the tea had an astringent feeling and an aftertaste.
To be precise, Charizard had started drinking tea leaf tea by following Crobat's example.
Mm, of course, Crobat also occasionally asked Charizard to heat water for tea.
After being shocked by the tea's bitterness, Dratini had originally wanted to complain to Auron.
But turning around and seeing Auron rubbing the bellies of two Pokémon lying on his lap, she immediately huffed indignantly and burrowed into Crobat's embrace.
(Need comfort~)
At this moment, outside the valley, a group of people had already gathered.
"Is this the place?"
"Yes. According to intelligence from Dragon Nation, this was analyzed from their historical records."
"Dragon Nation—truly worthy of having five thousand years of civilization. Truly enviable." The leader said with emotion, then his eyes turned cold. "What are you standing around for? Find the entrance!"
"Yes sir!"
The commander responded, then began directing his subordinates, opening various equipment to search for information about the valley entrance and nearby Pokémon.
"Xinguo, do you think Little Ze might..."
"Don't talk nonsense. Didn't I just report to the authorities? You heard what they said—if necessary, we can directly deploy the military. They'll negotiate with Mongolia."
On Salamence's back, Ashen patted Liu Xiangjun's shoulder and consoled her gently: "Besides, Little Ze gets along so well with Victini and Manaphy. Maybe he's getting along well with Hoopa too."
Liu Xiangjun nodded, her eyes slightly red—she'd clearly already cried earlier.
"How much longer until we arrive?"
"Very soon. We're already at the border."
"Mm."
...
"Little Ze, Hoopa is so happy today! It's been so long since I've eaten such delicious food."
Looking at Hoopa lying contentedly on his lap, Auron smiled. "If you want to eat more later, you can find me. Setting everything else aside, I'll always have delicious food."
Hearing this, Hoopa flipped up like a hawk turning over, then pointed at Victini who was almost asleep on the side: "Really? Little Ze will bring Hoopa delicious food too? Just like him?"
"Of course! Hoopa and I are friends, aren't we?"
Hoopa laughed goofily. "Friends—right! Hoopa and Little Ze are friends~"
"By the way, Hoopa—can you pass through your golden rings?" Auron suddenly asked curiously.
Hoopa reached out to throw a golden ring and tentatively stuck his body inside, but was directly blocked. "Seems like I can't."
"Alright then. If you want to eat something later, call me through the golden ring and I'll get it for you. But you absolutely can't just grab me and bring me over like this time, okay?"
Hoopa froze, then looked up at Auron. Seeing Auron's smiling face, he lowered his head somewhat dejectedly and apologized.
"Sorry. Next time Hoopa will be careful."
Seeing this, Auron knew Hoopa had misunderstood. He reached out and rubbed Hoopa's head. "It's not like that. It's just that if I suddenly disappear, many people will worry. So I need some time to tell them, then I can come play with you."
Hoopa's spirits lifted. He looked up at Auron with delight. "Really?"
"Of course it's real. We're friends, after all."
"Wonderful, Hoopa~"
Hoopa flew up happily, did a circle in the air, then landed back on Auron's lap.
"Ah, Hoopa ate too much and is stuffed. Little Ze, rub my belly again~"
"Haha, okay~"
Auron laughed and agreed, placing his hand on Hoopa's belly and rubbing. "I'm currently learning massage. Once I've learned it, I'll give you a massage."
"Okay, Little Ze~"
At this moment, not far away, Snorlax suddenly shivered, then looked around suspiciously.
(I feel like something bad is approaching me.)
Snorlax looked at Auron giving massages to Hoopa and Victini, then at the Elekid (Mew) teaching Elekid and Manaphy watching the excitement on the side.
Then he looked at Charizard holding his teacup and Clawitzer learning to drink tea from Charizard. Nothing seemed unusual.
(Could it be Big Sister or Dratini?)
Snorlax immediately shook his head.
(No way, no way. Big Sister is so good to me, and Dratini is so small. It can't be them.)
After looking around, Snorlax finally glared viciously at Darkrai beside him, who—like him—had been eating the whole time.
(Mm, then it's you. Eating contest? I'm not afraid!)
Snorlax gave Darkrai a meaningful look, then began eating at an even faster pace.
Darkrai: ???
(A competition? Hmph, I, Darkrai, am not afraid!)
Seeing Snorlax eating faster, Darkrai also hurried to speed up, continuously stuffing cookies, donuts, mousse cakes, biscuits, and various flavored berry pies into his mouth.
Darkrai's actions made Snorlax even more certain of his thoughts.
(Hmph, so it really is you harboring ill will toward me. I'll remember you!)