When it came out of the Secret Fortress, Infernape was already feeling a bit lightheaded.
Coincidentally, Volcanion had just finished its conversation with Magearna and was walking out in a good mood.
Seeing Infernape, it shouted loudly, "Infernape, do you want to play soccer?"
Infern~ Of course!
Infernape was just looking to move its muscles, so it agreed readily.
Soon, two teams were formed. Under the leadership of Infernape and Volcanion, a fierce confrontation unfolded.
By the time the match reached the halfway point, Volcanion realized something was very wrong with Infernape today. Why was it so much more valiant than usual?
Ultimately, in today's match, Volcanion's team lost to Infernape's team by a narrow margin.
When the game ended, Volcanion was completely puzzled. Why was Infernape so fierce today?
It intended to ask Infernape, but the monkey had already vanished from the field.
After winning against Volcanion, Infernape felt exhilarated. It returned to the dormitory and fell fast asleep the moment its head hit the pillow.
On the other side, after finishing breakfast, Charcadet and Oinkologne were planning to go to Allearth Forest to visit Xerneas.
Munch~ Wait a second, you guys!
Munchlax called out to stop them.
Chaka~
Honk honk~
The four Pokémon looked at Munchlax in confusion.
Munch munch~
Munchlax pulled a bamboo basket out of its backpack and handed it to Charcadet and Oinkologne.
Chaka~ What is this?
The well-behaved Charcadet asked as it took the basket.
Munch munch~
Munchlax introduced the contents to the two Pokémon.
The four Pokémon looked delighted after listening, and then they jumped and bounced around with excitement.
Having received something that could save Xerneas, the four Pokémon could not wait to deliver it.
The well-behaved one carefully protected the basket while riding on the back of the male Oinkologne. As they ran, they waved goodbye to Munchlax.
Munch munch~ Be careful on the road, go and return quickly!
Munchlax waved while giving instructions.
After watching Charcadet and Oinkologne leave, Munchlax carried another basket to the first floor of the Secret Fortress.
The sun was already high in the sky, yet Yveltal was still curled up on the sofa, snoring away.
It can sleep even more than I can! Munchlax could not help but think to itself.
Hearing the commotion, Yveltal slightly opened one eye. Seeing it was Munchlax, it closed its eye again.
Munch munch~ Why didn't you go eat breakfast?
Munchlax asked curiously.
Yveltal kept its eyes closed and remained silent. It thought it was about to fall into a deep sleep again.
Its activities during this period had almost exhausted the life force stored in its body.
When it opened its eyes this morning, it felt its body was incredibly sluggish.
It was all too familiar with this feeling; it was the sign that it was about to turn into the Cocoon of Destruction.
Although eating the food made by Ange and Munchlax allowed it to absorb a tiny amount of life force every day, it was far too little.
For its body, the expenditure always exceeded the intake.
It had been looking forward to eating food of the same grade that Ange had given it the first time, but there had been no second time.
The miracle it expected had not appeared.
Seeing that Yveltal made no sound, Munchlax took the food out of the basket and placed it on the table in front of Yveltal.
Munch munch~ I brought breakfast to you.
Munchlax said.
However, Yveltal still kept its eyes tightly shut, seemingly uninterested in breakfast.
Munch munch~ Ange made this specifically for you.
Munchlax said.
"To get the ingredients for this food, Ange went all the way to the distant Kanto region and hasn't been able to make it back yet!"
Munchlax spoke to Yveltal about how difficult it was to obtain the food before it.
The discouraged Yveltal originally did not plan to eat this breakfast. Since it was about to fall into a deep sleep anyway, it did not matter whether it ate or not.
However, hearing Munchlax detail the hardships Ange faced to get the materials, it eventually opened its eyes.
That man had given it hope; in the end, it did not want his efforts to go to waste.
Munch munch~ Taste it quickly! Taste it quickly!
Seeing Yveltal open its eyes, Munchlax happily pushed the plate in front of it and actively introduced it:
Munch munch~ The one on the left is sweet, and the one on the right is savory. See which one fits your taste.
Yveltal nodded upon hearing this. It opened its mouth and swallowed a portion of the World Tree Tofu from one of the plates.
The moment the food entered its mouth, Yveltal realized today's breakfast was extraordinary. Abundant life force surged through its entire body, filling every single cell.
Its whole body was cheering for joy because its life force was being replenished.
This sense of happiness and satisfaction simply could not be described with words.
Yveltal's listless spirit instantly became high-spirited because of this breakfast.
After finishing the sweet portion, it ate the savory one.
Seeing Yveltal eating so impatiently, Munchlax said with a squinting smile:
Munch munch~ It tastes good, right? Ange worked on it all night last night and didn't even sleep well.
Soon, both portions of World Tree Tofu were eaten clean by Yveltal.
At this moment, where was its previous lethargy? It looked as if it had been injected with adrenaline, full of energy.
Yve~~~ Yveltal stretched its wings and fanned them gently.
Munch munch~ Do you like the sweet or savory kind? I'll bring you more at noon.
Seeing Yveltal stand up, Munchlax looked up and asked.
Yve? There is more at noon?
Yveltal looked surprised. This was the first time it had spoken to communicate with Munchlax.
Munch munch~ Yes, there's not just noon, but evening too. There's some for tomorrow, the day after, and Ange made many for you and stored them with me.
Munchlax replied.
Hearing Munchlax's answer, the expression on Yveltal's face fluctuated for the first time.
It was joy!
It was excitement!
It was anticipation!
If this grade of food would be available in the future, did it mean it would never have to turn into the Cocoon of Destruction to sleep due to insufficient life force again? Would it never have to absorb life force from the outside world and be despised for it?
Yve~~
Because it was too excited, Yveltal flapped its wings and flew straight out.
Munch munch~ You haven't told me if you like sweet or savory yet!
Munchlax chased it to the door and shouted angrily.
Yve~~ Sweet!!!
Yveltal's voice came from far away in the sky.
Only then did Munchlax return to the room to pack up the empty plates and basket before heading home.
As it walked, it muttered, Munch munch~ It actually likes eating sweets! Unbelievable!
Yveltal flew all the way to the high altitude until it was level with the clouds. It stretched its body to its heart's content, flying high and low with flexible and unrestrained movements.
It was clearly a god, but this was the first time it felt what it was like to be free.
As Yveltal soared, it looked down at the Nebel Plateau from its high vantage point.
On the lush green grass, Gogoat, Skiddo, and Miltank lay leisurely, either grazing or sleeping.
In the vast waters of Nebel Lake, Water-type Pokémon played happily, chasing a ball floating on the water.
In the orchard, Chesnaught was patrolling with Victreebel and Weepinbell, while Vivillon danced and spread pollen.
...
Looking at these scenes, Yveltal suddenly felt that this was truly a lovely place.
When the state of mind changes, the perspective on things changes as well.
Yve~
As it watched, Yveltal gave a powerful shake of its wings, bringing bursts of strong wind that caused the clouds to churn continuously. Simultaneously, it let out a joyful cry.
This cry was sharp enough to crack stone and pierced through the clouds.
Honchkrow was resting with the Murkrow on two large trees in the center of the prairie. Hearing that cry, it hesitated for a moment before flapping its wings and soaring into the sky.
Hon hon~ Hon hon~
Seeing this, the Murkrow followed closely behind.
Honchkrow quickly saw the freely flying Yveltal; that figure was so majestic.
This was the Lord God!
Honchkrow could not help but feel a hint of longing toward Yveltal. It tentatively approached until it was flying level with the god.
Yveltal glanced briefly at Honchkrow, and the bird's whole body stiffened.
However, Yveltal soon withdrew its gaze and continued soaring freely after a rapid descent.
Seeing that Yveltal did not stop its approach, Honchkrow was overjoyed. It followed with a rapid descent as well.
The Murkrow naturally followed their leader's footsteps, flying around Yveltal.
For a moment, Honchkrow and the Murkrow seemed to have become the god's guard.
On Charcadet and Oinkologne's side, after a period of trekking, they arrived at Allearth Forest and saw Xerneas once again.
You have come again! Xerneas's voice echoed in the hearts of the four Pokémon.
Charcadet and Oinkologne came to visit Xerneas every once in a while, which was why Xerneas said that.
Chaka~ Chaka~
Honk honk~ Honk honk~
The four Pokémon were incredibly excited as they ran to Xerneas's side, chirping away to report the good news.
After listening, Xerneas said with a surprised tone, You have already found a way?
Chaka~ Chaka~
Honk honk~ Honk honk~
The four Pokémon nodded vigorously.
After getting off the male Oinkologne's back, the well-behaved Charcadet carefully opened the basket and took out the two plates of World Tree Tofu.
Gazing at the green, shimmering food on the plates, Xerneas said in surprise, So this is the food that can help me recover.
Chaka~ Chaka~
The well-behaved Charcadet nodded repeatedly, urging Xerneas to eat quickly.
Then I shall not be polite, Xerneas said.
A branch extended from beneath it to pick up one of the plates of World Tree Tofu. Simultaneously, a hollow appeared in the tree trunk.
Xerneas controlled the roots to pour the entire plate of World Tree Tofu into the hollow.
The moment the food entered its body, Xerneas's entire tree form erupted with bright light. It could not help but marvel:
What a miraculous food. If I eat it a few more times, perhaps I truly will recover!
Chaka~ Chaka~
Honk honk~ Honk honk~
The four Pokémon were extremely happy, jumping and bouncing around Xerneas while offering their blessings.
Next, Xerneas finished the second plate of World Tree Tofu, once again receiving a large replenishment of life force.
However, compared to the sweet portion just now, it still preferred the previous savory one.
After eating the two plates of World Tree Tofu, Xerneas looked even brighter. It thanked the four Pokémon gratefully:
Thank you all.
The well-behaved Charcadet waved its hands and said, Chaka~ Chaka~ No need for thanks, it's all thanks to Ange.
Chaka~ Chaka~
Honk honk~ Honk honk~
The crybaby Charcadet and the two Oinkologne nodded repeatedly. Then, they told Xerneas about how Ange had traveled thousands of miles to the Kanto region to get the ingredients.
After hearing the account of the four Pokémon, Xerneas sighed deeply.
It has truly been hard on you all, especially Ange.
The four Pokémon shook their heads and came to Xerneas's side one by one, opening their arms to gently hug its trunk.
At this moment, Xerneas seemed to understand the meaning of a word—warmth.
Ten or so days passed in the blink of an eye. During these days, Yveltal and Xerneas were able to eat delicious World Tree Tofu that replenished their life force every day and at every meal.
Yveltal became more and more energetic, and its figure on the Nebel Plateau grew increasingly active. The Pokémon became more accustomed to its presence.
Meanwhile, Xerneas's body became brighter and brighter, its whole being radiating a thick aura of life.
During these ten or so days, Ange stayed at the Tree of Beginning. Every day, he toured the tree under Mew's guidance.
Gradually, he became familiar with the Pokémon here and even used the gourmet food he made to exchange for many eggs from the Chansey.
At least for a short while, he would not have to worry about not having Chansey eggs to eat.
Ange had long since paid back the meals he owed Mew, but he still made delicious food for Mew every day.
Mew was not stingy either; Ange was allowed to pick the leaves of the Tree of Beginning at will. Thus, Ange gradually stored quite a few leaves in the System Backpack.
If he did not store up more stock, what would Yveltal and Xerneas do if they had nothing to eat later!
The food Ange made was simply too delicious, and Mew was completely obsessed with it. This made it feel a bit anxious lately, as it fantasized about how it would survive if Ange ever left.
It would be great if Ange never left! Such a thought would flash through Mew's mind sometimes.
Today, while Mew was taking an afternoon nap, it suddenly heard someone talking behind the big tree. It was the voices of Ange and Lokke.
Vaguely, Mew heard Ange say, "Leaving..."
The word "leaving" sensitively poked at Mew's concerns. It appeared beside Ange in a flash.
Mew~ Mew~ Leaving? You are leaving?
Ange was startled by the suddenly appearing Mew.
"Weren't you sleeping? Why are you awake?"
Mew~ Mew~ You haven't answered me yet. Are you leaving?
Ange shook his head and said, "It's not that I am leaving, it's that Lokke is leaving."
Lokke, who was beside him, nodded and said, "Yes, I am going."
Lokke had only teamed up with Ange temporarily to see the Tree of Beginning. Now that it had seen what it needed to see, it planned to leave.
Hearing the words of Ange and Lokke, Mew breathed a huge sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't Ange leaving, it was fine.
Since it had decided to leave, Lokke did not delay. It was escorted all the way out of the Tree of Beginning by Mew.
Upon learning that Lokke was leaving, Pawmot, Metagross, and Sneasel followed Ange to see it off.
It wasn't until they had escorted Lokke a long distance from the Tree of Beginning that Lokke turned to Ange and the others and said:
"Just send me this far. Even the longest journey must come to an end."
Ange stepped forward and said, "Alright, take care then." As he spoke, he crouched down and gave Lokke a hug.
Lokke rubbed its head against Ange's neck. "You take care too."
After spending this much time with Lokke, they had developed a deep friendship. It wasn't that Ange hadn't thought about having Lokke stay by his side, but he soon remembered what Lokke had said about its dream.
It wanted to go see places all over the world.
Wasn't it because of this reason that they met in the first place?
So, they now had to part for the same reason.
He did not want Lokke to lose its dream because of him. Lokke had been trapped in one place for two hundred years; it deserved to have freedom.
In fact, Lokke had considered staying by Ange's side. It liked Ange very much, liked the food he made, and liked the companions around him.
But after thinking for a long time, it gave up.
Liking a person did not mean one had to stay by their side, nor did it mean losing oneself.
It had not forgotten its dream; it wanted to see the world.
There was one more point: it had never forgotten its master.
Lokke pressed its head against Ange's neck, feeling the warmth from Ange's skin, and thought:
Perhaps one day, when it grows tired of wandering, it will go find Ange.
After letting go of Lokke, Ange gave his messenger bag to Lokke and said to it:
"This is a spatial backpack. It contains some food and medicine. Take it with you for the road."
Feeling Ange's concern, a flash of tenderness appeared in Lokke's eyes.
"Alright, I will use it well."
"I look forward to seeing you again next time," Ange said with a smile.
"I look forward to seeing you again next time."
After speaking, Lokke turned and left, eventually disappearing into the mist, just like the night Ange and the others first saw it.
Coming in the mist, going in the mist.
Beside them, Pawmot had already started crying ungracefully and had unknowingly hugged the equally sad Sneasel.
During this time, Lokke had taken great care of Sneasel, often giving it tips on how to get along with Ange and the Pokémon around him, which helped Sneasel a lot.
Wait until Lokke's back completely disappeared. Only then did the two little rivals realize they were hugging their most hated Pokémon. Immediately, both of them sprang away as if they had been electrocuted, their eyes filled with mutual disgust.
Sneasel: Tch, you little slob, you got snot all over me!
Pawmot: Hmph, you actually feel sad too? How hypocritical!