Chapter 39: It's decreasing
Inside the reception room, Kanraku and Floyd recounted the events that took place after the others had passed out. Upon hearing the tale, everyone, except Kanraku and Floyd, turned to look at Blastoise with an expression of awe.
Defeating 5 Attack Helicopters in one shot? A rapid healing of life-threatening injury?
"Surprisingly, Floyd, you can come up with something like that?" Jonathan mused. He wondered if there was anything about Pokémon that Floyd didn't know. Some even speculated that Floyd might have more knowledge than Kanraku.
"If... it's F-floyd, then... yes," Bianca commented in a hushed tone.
Ivan gave Floyd a once-over, nodding. A sense of relief washed over him, thankful he hadn't done anything rash yesterday.
Blushing from the continuous praises, Floyd touched his head, "Actually, it was just a bet. I wasn't even 50% sure the plan would work. I'm surprised it did. So, you might say it was just luck."
Suzuki gazed at him with gratitude, "Luck can be a part of strength. If not for your luck, my Wartortle's father would've died."
"Indeed, Floyd, you've been exceptional. We owe you big time this round," said Jonathan, wearing a sly grin. He noticed that Floyd always reddened when showered with compliments.
The chorus of appreciation continued, "Yes, we truly owe him this time," "Thank you, Floyd."
"Please, enough," Floyd sighed in embarrassment.
It seemed everyone was enjoying the moment, teasing Floyd. Who would've thought that, having met only a few days ago, they would become so close?
With the recent discussions about berries and their own experiences, everyone felt they had discovered a previously unknown realm of knowledge concerning berries and Pokémon. Slowly, a realization dawned that perhaps Pokémon weren't all bad.
Floyd's decisions, however, raised questions. "I'm a bit puzzled, Floyd. Why did you give two berries for those little slimy creatures? Even if they're yours, it seems a bit extravagant," Jonathan remarked with a hint of confusion.
Hearing this, Kanraku and others take a look at him.
At this, all eyes turned to Floyd.
"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I felt a connection to them, as if we were related. But you're right; I might've been impulsive. One berry should've been enough. I apologize." Floyd thought his act might've drawn unnecessary attention. He wanted to reward the man for finding 5 Goomys but overlooked the potential consequences of his generosity.
He also hinted them about his Dragon Power, thinking he couldn't keep it a secret forever. Revealing a bit now might stave off suspicions later.
Jonathan laughed at the notion, "You and Beasts, related? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard."
"And to think you wasted two berries. If I'd known, you could've given it to me," Ivan added. He still had two berries in his backpack, so he too felt that Floyd had been overly generous. But in the end, those were Floyd's berries, earned by his own abilities.
The others murmured their agreement, but Kanraku sensed something deeper in Floyd's words. Considering Floyd's past actions, other than him, it appeared he was the only one who truly treated Pokémon with genuine kindness.
Could it be…Was it possible Floyd was like him?
Kanraku remembered that Floyd seemed to understand Pokémon, though it's limited to some extent. And when Kanraku had revealed his own abilities, Floyd hadn't even batted an eye, as if it were a normal occurrence.
An epiphany struck Kanraku – perhaps Floyd possessed a power similar to his. No wonder, he felt a similar vibe on him, like a long-lost friend that hadn't met for a long time. But for now, he chose to remain silent. Some powers, after all, are best kept hidden to avoid unnecessary troubles. It's not that he couldn't trust everyone, but there will always be people who covet it once they find out.
After hours of discussion, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms.
…
Floyd entered his room, followed by Axew, Horsea, Dratini, the five Goomys, and... Munchlax?
Floyd felt utterly helpless with this Pokémon. Even since after learning that he could prepare delicious food, Munchlax seemed to become adamant about staying with him. Floyd had clearly stated that he might not be able to care for him properly, but this creature's persistence to follow was unwavering.
The system in his mind continuously reminded him, 'don't take him; he's not a dragon'. Yet, how could he respond to this Pokémon? Could he say, "Sorry Munchlax, I can't train you because you're not a dragon", especially when the very existence of dragons was not known?
Floyd began his routine preparations, but Munchlax's insatiable appetite posed a challenge. The two-week ration he had prepared vanished quickly, prompting him to prepare another two-week supply just for Munchlax.
Gratefully, Professor Kanraku sponsored Floyd's supplies, offering a variety of berries especially suited for Normal Type Pokémon. The only thing Professor Kanraku lacked was berries which have an effects, which Floyd found less valuable compared to berries need for pokeblock ingredients.
Seeing Munchlax shed tears while eating, and observing its emaciated frame, Floyd's heart swelled with compassion. He could only imagine how much this little Pokémon had suffered, perhaps even enduring days without food on his previous owner. Knowing the natural appetites of Pokémon like Munchlax and Snorlax, Floyd could gauge the extent of this creature's previous hardships.
Then he smiled as he watched them eating.
Floyd always found himself smiling as he watched his Pokémon eat. For reasons unknown, he felt an overwhelming joy seeing Pokémon relish their food, a sentiment he only experienced aboard this ship. Back in his homeland, he grappled with trust issues, both with humans and beasts. Although he dreamed of a better world for Pokémon, he believed achieving it alone might take decades. However, with Professor Kanraku's influence, Floyd felt invigorated, even occasionally taking the initiative to assist. Reflecting on this, Floyd wondered if maybe he wasn't as really selfish as he previously thought, though it was a bit.
If things went according to plan, his goals could be achieved in just a few years, a thought that made his heart race with excitement and anticipation.
Turning his attention to the five Goomys, Floyd pondered why they had appeared on MeiDao. Their habitat might be the reason, but he wanted to understand more. Observing their cautious demeanor around him, he refrained from asking too many questions, fearing it would make them even more wary. Unlike his Pokémon such as Axew, Horsea, and Dratini, these Goomys had endured a lot, resulting in a deep-seated distrust of humans. Even Axew and Dratini, who had witnessed human cruelty, weren't as traumatized since they hadn't been captured. Floyd's intervention had altered their course for the better.
He understood that earning the Goomys' trust would require time and patience. Floyd believed that one day, these Goomys would approach him on their own accord. They were among the first batch in his breeding plan.
Contemplating this, Floyd noticed something unexpected: their Hisuian percentage had decreased by 1%.
In the end, what happened?
...
AN: Guys, please prepare to read a long scripture in the upcoming days. Please don't scold me, it's not the author's fault, it's the brain cell.
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