This guy...
Really doesn't let anything in!
Baimu, biting his spoon, was puzzled about where Dragapult's hostility came from. Logically, even if he hasn't given it any special treatment, he hasn't mistreated it either, right?
Not even listening to commands, but at least come out for a chat!
The moment our eyes meet, it hides away.
According to Aggron, not only does this guy not communicate with him, it basically has no interactions with other Pokémon either, except for the Dreepy Siblings.
Unfortunately, the only one who treats it nicely is Brother Dragapult; Sister Dragapult still dislikes it.
Is this what they call a fair return?
Baimu couldn't even force a smile; he recalled that taming Steelix wasn't such an ordeal. That fellow became communicative immediately after Aggron gave it a good thrashing, and its untameable demeanor disappeared.
Admittedly, it did take quite a long period to fully adapt after that, and in battles, it often decided on its moves itself. But back then, he wasn't being outright avoided like this.
The gap at Level 9 couldn't possibly be that big; it's probably largely related to personality.
He ate his tasteless dinner helplessly, his slightly worried expression catching the attention of the surrounding Pokémon. Unfortunately, after exchanging glances, they couldn't think of any good way to make Dragapult more proactive.
They could only offer some slight consolation to Baimu.
However, speaking of consolation, aside from the self-assured Hydreigon, only the lullaby-loving Blissey is suited to take on this heavy responsibility.
Firstly, it's reliable enough to ease concerns these days. Secondly, its singing has improved greatly, as evidenced by the fact that even the Corsola, who hates noise when sleeping, doesn't reject its bedtime lullabies.
Of course, since it's not bedtime yet, Blissey won't start singing randomly.
"Pory..."
Porygon II's eyes flickered as it glanced at the Dreepy Siblings and then at the dining Dragapult in invisibility mode, showing an expression of contemplative thought on its Building Block Duck-like head.
Since evolving, it has been equipped with a stronger AI function, making its range of emotions closer to humans, and it's even capable of giving signals.
Truly makes one marvel at the Black Technology of virtual Pokémon.
In fact.
As Baimu was feeling troubled, the invisible Dragapult wasn't at peace either. On one hand, the delicious food brought it joy, while on the other, it realized that its resentment towards Baimu was gradually diminishing.
This was replaced by several other emotions—
Confusion, panic, and puzzlement.
Unlike the aggressive Little Overlord Dragonite, Dragapult isn't particularly aggressive. Its resistance and rejection of Baimu were based on its previously poor inherent impression of other humans.
However, after being cared for meticulously for so many days, it can see, even if it's not smart, that Baimu is different from the humans it encountered before, and is a trustworthy individual.
Then why does it resist communication?
It's simple.
Because it truly doesn't know how to interact with Baimu or the other Pokémon.
Although it is a Ghost and Dragon Attribute Pokémon, it hasn't inherited the ferocity of the Dragon Attribute or the mischievous nature of the Ghost Attribute. Instead, it aligns more with the Dragon Attribute's homebody tendencies and the Ghost Attribute's preference for not appearing in front of people.
In the past, it always stayed in the nest with its companions and rarely ventured out. Though its life is long, it hasn't had much contact with either Pokémon or humans.
It's far from the dual-mastery over humans and Pokémon that Baimu believes.
Rather than directly interacting with other Pokémon, Dragapult is more accustomed to observing while hidden in invisibility. Being unseen gives it a sense of security, like being in a perfectly safe little house.
It's pondering what it should do after becoming a Pokémon partner for a human.
Battle?
If it's just that, it has no issues with it.
However, given the current situation, it evidently needs to do more than just battle; it also involves "socializing" with this good human and other Pokémon.
Dragapult has zero experience in this area and is quite troubled by it.
Should it learn from the seemingly laziest Corsola?
No.
According to its observations, although Corsola appears as incompetent in communication as it is, the latter actually just couldn't care less about socializing, whereas Dragapult is fearful of communication.
What to do?
Dragapult worriedly looked at the Dreepy Siblings, particularly Brother Dragapult, wishing it could be carefree like him, no longer needing to ponder over these unnecessary things.
Better to hide if possible.
It avoided Baimu's gaze, not daring to make eye contact, fearing Baimu might come over and start talking to it.
It would be so awkward not knowing how to respond if that happens.
So.
Baimu watched as his bowl emptied, yet still didn't see Dragapult emerge from invisibility, letting out a helpless sigh.
Oh, Dragon's Heart, Dragon's Heart.
He desperately needed this platform to communicate with Dragapult.
After washing the dishes, Baimu sat on the couch and eagerly called the Dreepy Siblings in front of him, "Let's try again today!"
"Squeak~"
Sister Dragapult obediently snuggled into his arms, while Brother Dragapult seemed slightly resistant.
Although it likes interacting with Baimu through various small actions and climbing all over him, when Baimu practices the mental communication of Dragon's Heart, he often ends up staring idly without doing much, and doesn't allow it to move freely.