After simply treating the Pokémon's injuries to ensure there were no remaining issues, the rest of the healing was left to Audino.
Natsuhiko approached the Hydreigon.
Looking at the Hydreigon lying on the ground, its body was covered in injuries and was quite pitiful to behold.
It was hard to imagine, given such wounds, that it could still fight for so long.
If all the Pokémon hadn't worked together to control it in the end, it might have even counter-killed one or two Pokémon in that state.
Even now.
Lying there unable to fight and covered in wounds, its ferocious aura was still palpable as one approached.
Alakazam retrieved a crystal stone shimmering with a faint seven-colored halo from the bloodstained black fur under Hydreigon's neck.
The crystal stone, about the size of a thumb, gave Natsuhiko a feeling completely different from that of ordinary crystal stones.
Held in his hand, it felt as if there was a mysterious energy inside, circulating in an extremely peaceful manner.
Natsuhiko didn't know how these crystal stones were created in Rayquaza's Alternate Space, nor did he know what they were used for beyond helping Pokémon break through convection barriers.
He had no plans to study it for now.
With a slight contemplation, he took out an Advanced Ball with black and yellow patterns.
Compared to Pokeballs that increase capture chances under specific conditions and environments, the Advanced Ball lacked those features.
However, in terms of durability, the Advanced Ball was probably one of the most solid Pokeballs, second only to the Master Ball.
Its value was not low either.
It was tapped against the Hydreigon, and red light absorbed it.
As the Advanced Ball shook continuously, the central red dot flashed for some time before finally ending with a "thud" sound.
This was probably the longest it had taken for Natsuhiko to capture an incapacitated Pokémon.
And this truly marked the end of the battle.
He picked up the Advanced Ball.
Looking at the Hydreigon lying quietly inside, Natsuhiko released it again.
Its injuries were severe; if not treated, it might leave some detrimental lingering effects.
The value of this Hydreigon went without saying.
Natsuhiko had been in Rayquaza's Alternate Space for so long, and the total value of all the Pokémon he had captured was no match for this Hydreigon alone.
With Elite Trainer Level strength and the identity of a Quasi-God Pokémon, if put up for auction, it might be unaffordable for many.
Yet Natsuhiko hadn't thought of selling it.
If possible, he wanted to tame the Hydreigon.
By then.
Whether used as a Dojo guard or as a Hunter's Pokémon to vie for the top seat, it would be a great choice.
Actually, considering Natsuhiko's plans and the Hydreigon's personality, it should be most fitting as a Hunter's Pokémon.
But thinking back to its previous ferocious demeanor, and that it took over a dozen Pokémon to defeat it, it surely was not convinced.
Taming it wouldn't be easy.
He took out a "Full Recovery Medicine" spray for a comprehensive treatment of the Hydreigon's injuries.
Especially the wound that was pierced through by Togekiss using Zerunias' Horn.
The scales around it had all shattered, and the flesh underneath was a bloody mess; complete recovery would require quite some time.
"Phew—"
As Natsuhiko finished, the Hydreigon exhaled a white mist from its nostrils, and its eyes, exhausted and drowsy, slowly opened.
The fierceness and anger were gone.
With some confusion.
Its gaze landed on Natsuhiko.
One had to admit, the physique of Dragon-type Pokémon was truly powerful.
Though heavily injured, even before the "Full Recovery Medicine" spray took full effect, Hydreigon had awoken.
Upon seeing Natsuhiko, the confusion in its eyes was instantly replaced by anger.
Just as it opened its mouth, before doing anything, Natsuhiko recalled it.
Then locked the Pokeball.
The Advanced Ball shook incessantly in Natsuhiko's hand, only settling down after quite some time.
"What a bad temper." Natsuhiko shook his head helplessly.
"The Advanced Ball should keep it busy for a while; if it's still not tamed upon returning, I'll find a Master to craft a special Pokeball for it to ensure everything's secure."
"Natsuhiko... was that... Hydreigon just now?" Ono's weak voice came from behind him.
"Yes."
Natsuhiko turned to look at her.
At this moment, Ono appeared quite disheveled, with "Dragon Power" completely depleted; in the end, she even went wild alongside Kommo-o.
Her physique being abnormal apart, otherwise surviving the last "Nirvana" attack from Hydreigon would've been questionable.
Upon receiving confirmation, Ono grinned broadly.
"We did it!"
"Yes, we did it." Natsuhiko extended a hand to support her.
The image of Kommo-o using "Nirvana" and descending into madness flashed through my mind, and Ono's eyes also turned red, caught in the frenzy.
It's uncertain whether this was due to her "Dragon Power" merging with Kommo-o's energy, or something else entirely.
Why Ono was born in Rayquaza's Alternate Space has always been a mystery.
"Can we leave now?" Ono hoped, blinking expectantly.
Natsuhiko glanced at the hazy silhouette of the Celestial Pillar drifting in the distance.
After a moment of contemplation, he said slowly, "It's probably almost time."
"Hmm," Ono never doubted Natsuhiko's words.
"Let's rest for a bit."
After Hydreigon was defeated, this area became the safest, barren yet not affecting their rest.
Night descended.
Around the campfire sat Natsuhiko, Ono, and numerous Pokémon.
Snorlax, Hatterene, Steelix, and Kommo-o had all regained consciousness.
Though their movements were still somewhat hindered, eating was unaffected.
Upon learning that their efforts led to Hydreigon's defeat, a proud smile appeared on their faces.
Especially Hatterene, Steelix, and Kommo-o.
Only the Pokémon living here understood the significance of defeating Hydreigon for them.
Of course.
Beedrill, Togekiss, and others were also jubilant.
Defeating Hydreigon was their biggest goal recently, achieving it marked a remarkable milestone in their growth.
Natsuhiko had finally, after a long time.
Grown from a bottom-level resident in Goldenrod City, living cautiously, to a trainer now capable of defeating Elite Trainer Level Pokémon.
Reflecting on it was somewhat poignant.
Clatter—
A multitude of Five-Colored Crystal Stones got poured out.
Some were collected during this period, others saved earnestly by Ono over the years, totaling over a thousand.
With the crystal stones dancing in the firelight, Natsuhiko took out the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone obtained from Hydreigon.
Then he looked at Ono, "What to do?"
Ono blinked.
Natsuhiko: "..."
Seeing her like this, he knew she had only heard from Aweng about the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone, but didn't know how to proceed.
"Oss!"
At this time, Latios flew out from Natsuhiko's side.
Its eyes reflected all those varying crystal stones.
Including the one in Natsuhiko's hand.
"Latios, do you know?"
Gazing at Latios, who flew out, Natsuhiko pondered and asked.
He remembered when entering Rayquaza's Alternate Space, it was Latios' suggestion that made him notice the crystal stone on Obstagoon's arm.
That started the path of collection.
"Oss..."
Latios seemed hesitant.
Still, it slowly took the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone from Natsuhiko's hand with its psychic power.
With pursed lips, serious expression.
Soon, a milky-white light emitted from Latios' mouth, shining on the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone.
In an instant.
The Seven-Colored Crystal Stone, already emanating a faint glow, burst forth with more radiant light.
The Five-Colored Crystal Stones on the ground seemed to be summoned, trembling intensely.
The next second.
The nearest stone shot into the Seven-Colored Crystal Stone, and then disappeared.
Soon, more and more Five-Colored Crystal Stones, like moths to a flame, repeated the same process one after another.
Witnessing this, both Natsuhiko and the Pokémon were visibly astonished.
Even Dragapult, which hadn't appeared during the intense battle, revealed an outline.
"Clean Radiance?" Natsuhiko murmured.
But he quickly dismissed his judgment.
"No." Seeing Dragapult, looking for confirmation, yet with an already certain answer deep down.
"Infinite Energy?"
——————
PS: Another day of 13,000 words, converting this would be approximately six chapters, right? Asking for monthly votes~~ (kneeling.jpg)