Chapter 769: Please Take Her Away
On the evening of the third day after Kazuya and his group arrived in the Dragon Clan Territory.
Dragonite noticed that there seemed to be far fewer people in the clan territory today. This made her feel vaguely uneasy, and she quickly asked the remaining people what was going on.
Then she found out.
The Dragon Clan had established a resource-gathering team.
They went to Blackthorn City this afternoon to gather food.
Even though the resources within the Dragon Clan Territory refreshed daily.
Food was always lacking.
After all, there weren't many Dragon Clan members staying in the territory in the past; everyone went traveling everywhere, so not much food was prepared daily.
Therefore.
In the New Magical Beast Era.
The Dragon Clan needed to go to Blackthorn City every day to scavenge a portion of food resources to bring back.
In the past, this job was basically carried out by Dragonite leading some fast, flying Pokémon. She didn't expect that today, the members of the Dragon Clan would actually go do this themselves.
This made Dragonite somewhat gratified, yet at the same time, she couldn't help but feel panicked.
She paced back and forth in the clan territory, spinning in circles.
Finally, she couldn't help but head towards the direction of the Dragon's Den. It seemed she wanted to go into Blackthorn City to look for the people of the Dragon Clan.
When she reached the entrance of the Dragon's Den.
She saw Scizor blocking the way.
"Senior Dragonite."
Scizor raised his head slightly. Seeing Dragonite arrive, he didn't feel surprised in the slightest.
Rather.
He knew Dragonite would come.
That was why he was standing here waiting.
"Awoo?"
"Ah... I'm sorry, but I probably can't let you pass today."
Scizor stood tall at the entrance of the Dragon's Den, unmoving as a mountain, "They left this greenhouse with the resolve that they might be entirely wiped out. Once you go out to find them, their resolve will become meaningless, and they won't gain any growth."
"So, until they return, I won't let you pass. Please wait here with me for them to return."
They would return.
Even though Scizor didn't know those people.
But he believed.
People who could bravely face even death wouldn't be broken so easily.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind brushed past his ear.
Dragonite looked over.
She saw a white figure standing beside Scizor.
"Although I don't really understand, I think what he says is right."
"You can't protect them for much longer, can you? Why not let them adapt to a life without you early on, and train their practical survival skills?"
"If you treat those people as your children, then at least please trust them a little. I imagine they won't disappoint you."
Mewtwo spoke directly, basically never beating around the bush.
Therefore, every word struck true.
Forcing Dragonite to face reality.
That's right.
She couldn't live much longer.
She couldn't protect them forever under her increasingly weakening wings.
How could flowers grown in a greenhouse withstand the wind and rain to come?
Thinking of this.
Dragonite sighed, turned around, and retreated.
Her back appeared very long, carrying a hint of desolation.
Time ticked by.
Kazuya noticed Dragonite's growing unease. He reached out and patted her arm, gesturing for her to relax.
Dragonite only managed a forced smile; her mood didn't improve much.
But right at this moment.
A hole suddenly broke open in the ground nearby.
Kazuya and Dragonite looked over, thinking a Ground-type magical beast had dug its way here.
The next second.
A little Dragonite's head popped out from the hole.
"Awoo!"
The little Dragonite revealed a proud and happy smile upon seeing Dragonite.
He tried to squeeze out of the hole.
But his belly got stuck there.
"Awoo?"
The little Dragonite's eyes widened. He struggled incessantly, but simply couldn't get out.
His eyes teared up, and he was on the verge of crying. He instinctively reached out to Dragonite, seemingly hoping for Granny Dragonite's help.
But remembering what Natsu said a few days ago.
He forcefully held it back.
Bang!
A Thunder Punch smashed down.
The hole in the ground was instantly enlarged quite a bit.
The little Dragonite squeezed out from underground.
Following that, the Dragon Clan members who went out today climbed out of the hole one after another, each carrying a bulging, massive bag of things.
"Haha! See, I told you! Taking a tunnel would be perfectly safe!"
"That's right! You're too smart! Tunnels refresh at night, so there's absolutely no need to worry about magical beasts following the tunnel over!"
"This way, gathering supplies in the future will be very safe. We can use the Dig move to go directly indoors in Blackthorn City, avoiding the possibility of running into magical beasts."
The emerging Dragon Clan members excitedly discussed today's harvest.
The joy and sense of accomplishment on their faces were visible to the naked eye.
Seeing this, Dragonite froze for a moment, then smiled and let out a sigh of relief.
In this case.
It seemed...
She didn't have anything she couldn't let go of anymore?
Even if she died in the future, these children could protect themselves well.
Dragonite's eyes curved into crescents, revealing a gentle smile.
"Since they're all back, then it's time for us to leave, Dragonite."
Kazuya stood up from the ground, dusted off his clothes, and turned to look beside him.
Originally, he had thought.
If the Dragon Clan members hadn't returned by nightfall.
He would use his shadow ability to go out and help Dragonite look for them, and then leave.
But since the Dragon Clan members returned on their own.
Then he had no reason to continue staying.
The longer he stayed.
The more likely he was to attract Demon Gods.
That wouldn't be good.
"...Mm."
Dragonite sat on the ground, not looking up at him, merely staring at the ground and obediently nodding.
"..."
Kazuya remained silent for a long time, then floated up and patted Dragonite's head.
He immediately turned and left.
And the three Pokémon, Scizor and the rest, also silently appeared behind Kazuya, following like shadows.
Dragonite quietly turned her head to look.
A hint of envy appeared deep in her eyes.
This was already the third time she had watched Kazuya leave.
Perhaps.
There wouldn't be a next time.
Right at this moment.
A small figure rushed out from the crowd, blocking the path of the four Pokémon.
"Natsu?"
Dragonite froze for a moment.
She didn't know what that child was trying to do.
Kazuya also looked at the little boy in front of him in confusion, only hoping this child wouldn't say anything about wanting to leave with them.
Lucario frowned slightly.
While Scizor and Mewtwo were expressionless, as if they had expected this.
"Please take Granny Dragonite and leave together!"
Natsu dropped directly to his knees before Kazuya and the others with a thud, lowering his head and shouting.
Behind them, Dragonite's eyes gradually widened.
She turned to look at the other members of the Dragon Clan and found that although there was deep reluctance on everyone's faces, their expressions were firm, and only support remained in their eyes.
So that's how it is...
Kazuya and Dragonite understood simultaneously at this moment.
Understood their proactiveness and independence, understood their hard work and discussions...
It turned out they had already decided to send Dragonite away a few days ago.
Dragonite stood up, preparing to say something.
But she was hugged by the people of the Dragon Clan.
Everyone reluctantly threw themselves into Dragonite's warm embrace, breathing in that familiar and reassuring scent one last time, just like when they were little. As long as they stayed in Granny Dragonite's arms, they weren't afraid even if it was windy or raining.
"I won't take her away."
Kazuya looked back at Dragonite and found the latter's eyes full of struggle.
She wanted to leave.
Because she wanted to do what she wanted to do in her final moments.
But she was also worried.
Because this was also her home, and many of her family members were here.
Since that was the case.
Kazuya could only make the decision for her.
Dragonite wasn't young anymore; she shouldn't be running around and fleeing everywhere with them.
"Why? Aren't you good friends? Doesn't Granny Dragonite really want to stay by your side?"
Natsu looked up in panic, a look of incomprehension on his face.
"The adult world always has various helpless situations. Running around everywhere with us will be very tiring for your Granny Dragonite."
Kazuya's single sentence plunged Natsu into confusion.
Seeing this, he smiled slightly and didn't say more.
The four Pokémon set off on the road again.
But when Natsu's gaze fell on Dragonite, who was fighting back tears, he suddenly yelled: "...It's not like that!"
His Dragon Power told him.
That wasn't what Granny Dragonite was thinking.
As long as she could leave with this Darkrai, no matter how exhausted she was, Granny Dragonite would be very happy.
So they had to send Granny Dragonite away.
Natsu's shout didn't make Kazuya stop.
The red-haired little boy pursed his lips, then took a step and chased after them: "Not being able to be with the companions you cherish in your final moments is what's truly painful!"
"If, in my final moments in the future, Dratini and I couldn't be together, I would definitely be in agony!"
"I think..."
"Lord Liz definitely thought the same way!!"
Natsu's final sentence plucked at Kazuya's heart, which was originally as placid as an ancient well.
He stopped his steps.
Stood frozen in place, and suddenly clenched his fists tightly.
The three Pokémon beside him stopped together.
A smile appeared on Scizor's face, and ripples couldn't help but form in Lucario's heart...
That day.
Riley died in a place he couldn't see.
Perhaps the pain at the time wasn't that great, at least not greater than watching Riley die with his own eyes.
But in the life that followed.
That subtle pain gradually fermented. Endless regret and lingering pain slowly spread through his entire chest, with a very strong aftereffect.
At this moment.
Lucario had to admit.
He had underestimated this child.
"If I were Lord Liz, I would definitely cry secretly every night because I didn't have Alan's companionship."
Natsu looked at Kazuya's back, trying hard to express his feelings and views. "Lord Liz lost Alan so early, she must have been in so much pain. So... please don't let Granny Dragonite feel that kind of pain too. I beg you, she is the family we deeply love, please take her away!"
Natsu heavily knocked his head on the ground and didn't look up again.
That's right.
She is the person who gave us boundless love, and the family we deeply love.
Therefore.
We are unwilling to become the shackles that bind her.
For her happiness, we willingly let her go.
Kazuya looked up at the sky and let out a long breath.
He finally understood now.
Why those strong-willed villains in anime would have their defenses broken by a single sentence from the protagonist.
He turned around and looked behind him.
Dragonite could no longer help but cover her face and weep, crying a mess.
But she must be incredibly happy right now.
That was what Kazuya thought.
"Dragonite is the Guardian of the Dragon Clan. If I take her away, then who will bear the responsibility of being the Guardian?"
His gaze fell on the child in front of him.
"Me! I will definitely grow up as quickly as possible and protect everyone in the Dragon Clan! One day, Dratini and I will surpass Lord Liz and Lord Alan."
Natsu shouted, his tone resolute.
"...A promise made by a man must be kept with resounding conviction."
Kazuya revealed a smile, bent down, and patted Natsu's little head.
"Mm!"
A small boy, massive determination.
Lucario stood behind, watching this scene. His hazy gaze fell on Kazuya and Natsu, and finally, he let out a relieved smile.
No one would believe the childish words of a young boy.
Except Lord Kazuya.
"Dragonite, come leave with me."
"Awoo~"
~~~
Get early access to 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
~~~
Every 5 new reviews = 1 extra chapters
Every 150 Power Stones = 1 extra chapter