Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

During their two-week stay at the Pokémon Center, Torkoal and Haunter seemed like completely different Pokémon, becoming remarkably reliable...

For Baby Dragon, the Forest Turtle is its spiritual haven, a place where it can find comfort when overwhelmed by the fear of superpowers or simply when it feels exhausted.

It will silently and naturally walk to the warm angle formed by the tortoise's forelimbs and shell, squeeze itself in, and then let out a long sigh.

The turtle never speaks, and it never even looks down at it.

It simply softened the energy rhythm of the grassy field as the baby dragon approached, enveloping it like a warm embrace.

Alternatively, using the special talent blessed by the shirabi, a fruit brimming with natural energy can condense in the bushes on its back and roll precisely to the baby dragon's claw.

The forest tortoise can sense the baby dragon's erratic heartbeat and rapid breathing through the grassy ground.

The tortoise doesn't understand those complicated theories, but it knows how to use the purest life energy to soothe a wounded soul.

The soft glow emanating from the two shrubs on its carapace resonated with the life energy of the grassy field, forming a small healing field. Although it could not solve the root problem, it could bring the injured little sister a moment of peace.

This is a tacit understanding without words.

The baby dragon finds the deepest sense of security with the forest turtle because the forest turtle is something its current small body cannot bump into.

For it, the forest tortoise is not only a huge creature, but also a symbol of stability and reliability.

After experiencing the precarious existence in the laboratory, where life could be disrupted at any moment, this ever-present sense of security is what it craves and cherishes most.

……

Only when it's with its older brother Gastly will Baby Dragon briefly forget its fear and reveal a playful side befitting its age.

Purple Idea King is the only family member who can instantly pull Baby Dragon out of his gloomy mood.

"Hehehe~"

When Gastly suddenly emerges halfway out of its shadow, sticking out its long tongue and making a face, Baby Dragon will be startled.

Then, it growled angrily and chased after Gastly, spewing out stray sparks. Gastly, laughing, nimbly dodged in the air, occasionally using Shadow Balls to create small, harmless fireworks in front of it.

This is a unique game between them.

Gastly's seemingly silly behavior has its own logic. It discovered that when Bagon chases and plays around with it with complete focus, its tense nerves unconsciously relax, and its eyes temporarily forget fear, leaving only the fighting spirit to catch it.

This emotional release is an excellent form of psychological support for Baby Dragon.

Gastly serves as a lubricant between itself and societal norms, and between itself and its heavy past. The Purple Idea uses mischievous methods to teach BabyDragon that power can be used for play, not just for harm and control.

Before meeting Zhang Jianying, Gastly itself was also a misunderstood "troublemaker." It understands better than anyone else what it feels like to be rejected and feared.

That's why it wants to use its expertise to help this new little sister find a way to live peacefully with the world.

Every funny face it makes seems to say, "Look, even a weirdo like me can be accepted, so can you."

Watching the rare moment of relaxation on Baby Dragon's face as it played with Gastly, Zhang Jianying's heart grew heavier.

Those warning-like terms linger in the data landscape.

Energy blockage means it may never reach its true potential, and trait conflicts are more likely to bring unknown risks as it grows.

He thought of Master Gustav's parting words, "When you have recovered..."

This legendary figure clearly saw something.

Joining Interpol and learning more specialized skills is certainly an enticing idea, but right now, solving the baby dragon problem is the most pressing issue.

Zhang Jianying was well aware that Gustav's Interpol route would give him access to higher-level intelligence and resources, which was crucial for cracking down on organizations like Dark Star.

But this path is inevitably fraught with danger, and he cannot allow these little ones to be harmed because of his own desires. The prerequisite for everything is to restore the baby dragons to their health first.

Zhang Jianying's illustrated guide started playing at just the right moment, breaking the brief silence. The screen displayed Dr. Yamanashi's serious portrait.

"PhD."

"Um."

Professor Yamanashi's voice came through the speaker, as concise as ever. He glanced at Zhang Jianying's expression, then at the Pokémon visible on the screen, moving about on the lawn, especially the blue figure. "How's the recovery going?"

"Very well, I'm sorry to have worried everyone."

"I have received the video and vital signs data from the data logger."

Dr. Yamanashi paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "The Alliance will handle the Dark Star organization's matter. Interpol has officially intervened and taken over the follow-up investigation; the video evidence you provided is crucial."

His gaze seemed to land squarely on the baby dragon. "The baby dragon's data is very special and fragile. It requires your patience. Advisor Gustav has also reviewed the relevant data, and he approves of your judgment and actions at the time."

"I understand, Doctor."

Zhang Jianying responded softly, a thought flashing through his mind, "Doctor, once the baby dragon's condition stabilizes a bit more, may I take it back to Zhensha Town? I'd like to ask you for advice in person."

He needs Dr. Yamanashi's expertise, and perhaps only by combining the doctor's research with the practical experience of Master Gustav can he find a real solution to the Baby Dragon problem.

"Okay, sure."

Dr. Yamanashi nodded, without any further pleasantries, "Remember to keep in touch."

The communication was immediately disconnected.

This brief, almost emotionless communication warmed Zhang Jianying's heart.

This is Dr. Yamanashi's approach: concealing the deepest care beneath rigorous academic requirements and concise instructions.

Dr. Yamanashi's correspondence was brief but contained a great deal of information.

Interpol's involvement signifies an escalation of the incident, while Gustav's participation as an advisor indicates that the matter has attracted the attention of truly powerful figures.

Zhang Jianying realized that the vortex he had unwittingly been drawn into might be deeper than he had imagined.

Just then, a minor conflict broke out in the courtyard.

A friendly Patchlet was drawn by the energy of the forest tortoise's grassy field and curiously approached, wanting to share an energy fruit that had fallen to the ground.

"Awooo—!!"

Baby Dragon's reaction was instantly excessive!

Its instinct to protect its territory and its intense distrust of outsiders made its eyes gleam with ferocity.

Instead of the usual driving away, it was like a cannonball being fired, a vicious headbutt aimed straight at the unsuspecting Patchlitz.

"Baby Dragon, stop!"

Zhang Jianying's voice rang out promptly, gentle in tone yet carrying an undeniable force.

Almost simultaneously, Kirlia's psychic power arrived first, like a flexible net, gently blocking the Beast Dragon's path and abruptly slowing its forward momentum.

The baby dragon stumbled against the invisible barrier. It turned around, its eyes filled with confusion, grievance, and a hint of anger at being misunderstood.

At the same time, Baby Dragon's body also trembled slightly because it was still wary of the superpowers.

"Whoa!?"

It growled at Zhang Jianying, as if accusing him: "I'm protecting our home! Why are you stopping me!"

Zhang Jianying walked quickly to it, gently squatted down, and looked directly into the baby dragon's excited and confused eyes.

"I understand, you want to protect everyone."

His voice was soft, yet it reached its ears clearly.

"But look at it, it has no ill intentions. It was just attracted by your energy, Brother Forest Turtle. True power lies in discernment, not in destroying everything that comes near."

He reached out, but instead of touching the baby dragon directly, he simply hovered his hand in front of it, conveying a silent reassurance.

"Harming the innocent is not protection. Baby dragon, we are family, but not everyone outside our family is an enemy."

Baby Dragon's chest heaved violently as Zhang Jianying's words clashed fiercely with its instinct to "expel everything."

It looked at the unwavering trust in his eyes, then at the trembling Patchlitz, whose eyes flickered with ferocity. In the end, its obedience to the rules of "home" barely suppressed its destructive impulse.

It lowered its head, still stubbornly holding on, and gently touched Zhang Jianying's palm with its forehead, letting out a soft whimper.

Zhang Jianying knew that simply stopping him wasn't enough; he had to make Baby Dragon understand the reasoning behind it.

For this little guy whose cognition is severely distorted, every interaction with the outside world is an opportunity to relearn.

He not only wants to heal its body, but also to reshape its perception of the world.

Zhang Jianying didn't say much, nor did he rush things. He simply gently stroked the hard shell on the top of the baby dragon's head.

I wanted to offer even the slightest bit of warmth to this sensitive little life.

His touch was skillful, avoiding the sensitive areas that the experiments had damaged, focusing instead on the hardest bony plate on its head.

This is what he just learned from the book: for baby dragons, a stable and safe touch can sometimes convey a sense of security more effectively than language.

……

That afternoon, during a training session where the baby dragon was trying to practice the Dragon Dance, a violent conflict of energy within its body caused it to lose its balance while performing the skill.

Its front paws slammed hard against the sharp rocks by the stream, drawing blood.

The pain and frustration instantly enraged it. Ignoring its injuries, the baby dragon angrily slammed its head against a nearby tree trunk, making dull thuds. The force of the blow nearly caused its scales to fly off.

"Whoa—!!"

The baby dragon's roar was filled with pain and anger at its own powerlessness.

Just then, a gentle mental force softly enveloped it, not as a restraint, but as the softest blanket, preventing it from colliding with the tree trunk.

Kirlia teleported to its side.

Baby Dragon's scarlet eyes were filled with uncontrolled madness. It let out a threatening roar at Kirlia and even made a move to pounce.

"Don't be afraid, baby dragon, we will always be with you."

Zhang Jianying's voice came again, firm yet gentle.

Kirullian did not retreat.

It knew that what the baby dragon needed at this moment was not the light to heal the fluctuations, as that would only intensify its fear.

What Baby Dragon needs is an anchor point, an opportunity to reconnect it with its family.

Kirlia simply crouched down slowly...

The crimson eyes calmly gazed at the baby dragon, who was trembling with fear.

Then, it reached out and gently and tenderly embraced the trembling baby dragon.

Kirlian wasn't in a hurry. Instead of immediately treating the baby dragon, it gently stroked the top of the baby dragon's head.

The madness in Baby Dragon's eyes has slowly faded, replaced by a complex and guilty look.

Seeing that Baby Dragon had calmed down, Kirlia's fingertips began to glow with a warm, healing light full of life, and she slowly and tentatively reached out towards Baby Dragon's injured forepaw.

Baby Dragon's body trembled violently, a fierce battle between instinctive resistance and inner desire.

"Superpowers! Superpowers again!"

The pain of memory and the warm, healing light of reality tear at my mind.

It looked at the warm light, then at Kirlia's harmless eyes. Finally, under that calm gentleness and the trainer's trusting gaze, it suppressed the urge to run away, closed its eyes tightly, and let the healing light fall on the wound on its front paw.

A cool, comfortable sensation replaced the burning pain in its front paws. The baby dragon's tense body gradually relaxed.

While healing, Kirullian used a faint, almost imperceptible telepathic connection to convey a tranquil and peaceful scene of the forest, without any words, only pure feeling.

After the treatment ended, Baby Dragon abruptly pulled its claws back from Kirlia's arms and ran away without looking back, hiding behind the Forest Turtle once again.

But this time, it hid for a shorter period of time than ever before.

Just a few minutes later, Baby Dragon peeked out again and quickly glanced at Kirlia. The fear and wariness in its eyes seemed to have melted a little.

It even unconsciously used its newly healed forepaws to awkwardly make a few strokes in the air, mimicking Kirlia's previous actions. Its eyes held a newfound, indescribable trust.

This unconscious imitation is an important signal, indicating that deep within Baby Dragon's heart, its understanding of Kirlia and psychic powers has begun to undergo a subtle shift, from pure fear to a mixture of curiosity and longing.

This is a crucial first step in the process of building trust.

...

The setting sun painted the horizon a warm orange-red, marking the end of the training session.

Kirlian began using her telekinesis to tidy up the scattered water bottle and towel.

When it passes by, the baby dragon's body will still subconsciously tense up.

This time, however, the baby dragon did not jump away immediately, but just watched warily until Kirlia was far away.

The forest tortoise took a slow step, and the ground trembled reassuringly.

Gastly chuckled and disappeared back into Zhang Jianying's shadow.

Baby Dragon looked at all this, hesitated for a moment, and then trotted to catch up with the group.

It no longer leads the way as it did before, nor does it fall behind.

Baby Dragon just stayed close to Zhang Jianying's feet, and every now and then, it would gently rub its hard head against his trouser leg.

……

Late at night, Baby Dragon suddenly trembled violently in his sleep, letting out suppressed whimpers.

Zhang Jianying woke up immediately, tiptoed to the foot of the bed, and gently placed her palm on its cool scales.

"It's alright now, it's all over."

He hummed a lullaby he remembered softly.

Under the moonlight, Kirlia quietly woke up at some point, not using her superpowers, but simply conveying silent companionship with her gaze.

The baby dragon gradually calmed down under the comforting words and unconsciously moved closer to the source of warmth.

The moonlight, like water, flowed quietly through the ward.

Baby Dragon curled up in a ball at the foot of the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The injured forepaw had long since healed, and it would occasionally twitch unconsciously in his dreams.

Zhang Jianying didn't sleep. By the moonlight, he looked at the blue figure at the foot of the bed, at its mouth that was still slightly opening and closing even in its sleep, as if it were practicing its dragon breath. His eyes were filled with gentle determination.

He gently picked up the communicator, pulled up Dr. Yamanashi's contact information, and then looked at the sleeping baby dragon.

The plan to return to Masatake Town must be put on the agenda.

He needs professional guidance from a doctor, as well as a quieter, safer environment to help Baby Dragon build trust in the outside world.

As for Master Gustave and Interpol...

That was a possibility for the future, a path that might give him enough power and resources to sweep away the darkness in the world, and at the same time create a safer world for Pokémon like Bellatrix that had been traumatized.

But all of this depends on the healthy growth of the children, especially this sensitive and stubborn little one.

When the first rays of morning light pierced through the gap in the curtains and fell precisely on the baby dragon's eyelids, it stirred slightly but did not wake up as usual.

Surrounded by warm sunshine and a reassuring atmosphere, it simply shifted to a more comfortable position and continued to sleep soundly.

As Zhang Jianying watched this scene, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.