LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 176: From the Mist, Into the Mist
When they exited the secret fortress, Infernape was already feeling a little bit dazed.
At this moment, Volcanion, who had just finished chatting with Magearna and was in a good mood, walked out.
Seeing Infernape, it shouted loudly, "Infernape, want to play ball?"
"Infernape~"
Sure!
Infernape was just looking for an opportunity to stretch its muscles, so it readily agreed.
Soon, two teams were formed, led by Infernape and Volcanion, respectively, and an intense match began.
Halfway through the match, Volcanion noticed that something was off with Infernape today—how could it be so much fiercer than usual?
In the end, Volcanion's team narrowly lost to Infernape's team.
After the match ended, Volcanion was puzzled. Why was Infernape so strong today?
It wanted to ask Infernape, but the latter had already disappeared from the field.
After defeating Volcanion, Infernape was in high spirits and returned to its dormitory, where it promptly fell asleep.
Meanwhile, after finishing breakfast, Charcadet and Oinkologne were preparing to head to the Allearth Forest to visit Xerneas.
"Munchlax~"
Wait, you two!
At that moment, Munchlax called out to them.
"Charcadet~"
"Oinkologne~"
The four Pokémon turned to look at Munchlax curiously.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Munchlax pulled out a bamboo basket from its bag and handed it to Charcadet and Oinkologne.
"Charcadet~"
What's this?
The goodboy Charcadet carefully took the basket and asked.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Munchlax explained the contents of the basket to the two Pokémon.
After hearing the explanation, the four Pokémon were overjoyed and started jumping around in excitement.
Having obtained the item that could help save Xerneas, the four Pokémon couldn't wait to deliver it.
The goodboy Charcadet carefully protected the basket as it rode on the male Oinkologne's back. Waving at Munchlax as they ran off, it called out its goodbye.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Be careful on the road, come back soon!
Munchlax waved and called out a reminder as it saw them off.
After watching Charcadet and Oinkologne leave, Munchlax picked up another basket and headed to the first floor of the secret fortress.
The sun was already high in the sky, yet Yveltal was still curled up on the couch, sound asleep.
It can sleep even better than me! Munchlax couldn't help but think to itself.
Hearing some movement, Yveltal slightly opened one eye. Seeing it was Munchlax, it closed its eye again.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Why haven't you gone to eat breakfast?
Munchlax asked curiously.
Yveltal kept its eyes closed and said nothing. It felt like it was about to fall into another deep sleep.
Recent activities had nearly drained the remaining life force stored in its body.
When it opened its eyes this morning, it immediately felt a deep, lazy fatigue in its body.
It was all too familiar with this sensation—it was the sign that it was about to transform into the Cocoon of Destruction.
Although eating the food made by Angie and Munchlax every day allowed it to absorb trace amounts of life force, it was far too little.
For its body, the intake was always insufficient to meet its needs.
It had been longing to eat food of the same quality as what Angie had given it the first time, but unfortunately, that miracle never occurred again.
The miracle it had hoped for didn't appear.
Seeing that Yveltal didn't respond, Munchlax took the food out of the basket and arranged it neatly on the table in front of Yveltal.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
I've brought your breakfast.
However, Yveltal kept its eyes shut, seemingly uninterested in the meal.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
This was specially made for you by Angie.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
In order to o gather the ingredients needed to make this food, Angie traveled all the way to the distant Kanto region and hasn't even made it back yet!
Munchlax explained to Yveltal how hard it was to obtain the food in front of it.
Disheartened, Yveltal had initially decided not to eat this breakfast—after all, it was about to fall into a deep sleep, so eating or not didn't seem to matter.
But as it listened to Munchlax recount Angie's effort to gather the materials, it eventually opened its eyes.
The man who had once given it hope… it didn't want his hard work to go to waste.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Go on, give it a try! Try it now!
Seeing Yveltal open its eyes, Munchlax excitedly pushed the plate closer and enthusiastically explained.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
The dish on the left is sweet, and the one on the right is savory. See which one you like better.
Yveltal nodded at the words, opened its mouth, and swallowed the plate of Tree of Beginning Tofu.
The moment the food entered its mouth, Yveltal instantly realized this breakfast was different. The abundant life force surged through its body, filling every cell.
Its entire being seemed to rejoice at the replenishment of its life force.
The happiness and satisfaction it felt couldn't be described in words.
The lethargy that had plagued Yveltal instantly vanished, replaced by a vibrant energy thanks to this breakfast.
After finishing the sweet dish, it eagerly moved on to the savory one.
Watching Yveltal eat so ravenously, Munchlax chuckled and said.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Tastes good, doesn't it? Angie spent all night making it and barely got any sleep.
Before long, both plates of Tree of Beginning Tofu had been completely devoured by Yveltal.
At this point, there was no trace of its previous weariness—it looked as energized as if it had been supercharged.
"Yveltal~"
Yveltal stretched its wings as if to loosen up, flapping them gently.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Do you prefer the sweet one or the savory one? I'll bring you more at noon.
Seeing Yveltal stand up, Munchlax looked up and asked.
"Yveltal~?"
There's more at noon?
Yveltal looked surprised. For the first time, it spoke to Munchlax.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Yes, not just at noon—there'll be more in the evening, tomorrow, and even the day after. Angie made a lot and left them with me.
Hearing the little Snorlax's reply, Yveltal's expression changed for the first time.
It was joy!
It was excitement!
It was anticipation!
This level of food would continue to be available in the future? Did this mean that it would no longer have to fall into a dormant state as the Cocoon of Destruction due to insufficient life force? Would it no longer need to draw life force from the outside world and be despised for it?
"Yveltal~"
Overcome with excitement, Yveltal spread its wings and flew straight out.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
You haven't told me if you like the sweet or savory flavor!
Munchlax ran to the door, shouting angrily.
"Yveltal~"
Sweet!!!
Yveltal's voice echoed from afar in the sky.
Hearing this, Munchlax returned to the house, cleaned up the empty plates and basket, and headed home.
As it walked, it muttered to itself.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Sweet! Who would've thought it prefers sweet food! Unbelievable!
Yveltal flew high into the sky, soaring level with the clouds. It stretched its body to its heart's content, sometimes soaring upward, sometimes diving downward, moving with agility and complete freedom.
Though it was a Legendary Pokémon, this was the first time Yveltal truly felt what it meant to be free.
As it spread its wings and flew, Yveltal gazed down upon the Nebel Plateau from its lofty perch.
On the lush green grasslands, Gogoat, Skiddo, and Miltank rested leisurely, some grazing, some napping.
In the expansive waters of Nebel Lake, Water-type Pokémon frolicked happily, chasing a floating ball on the lake's surface.
In the orchards, Chesnaught led Victreebel and Weepinbell on patrol, while Vivillon danced gracefully, spreading pollen as they fluttered about.
...
Watching these scenes, Yveltal suddenly thought, What a lovely place this is.
Its change in mood had altered its perspective.
"Yveltal~"
As it continued to watch, Yveltal flapped its wings forcefully, stirring gusts of wind that churned the clouds while letting out a joyful cry.
The cry was piercing, powerful enough to shatter gold and stone, resonating through the skies.
On the grasslands below, a Honchkrow perched on two tall trees with its flock of Murkrow, resting. Upon hearing the cry, it hesitated briefly, then flapped its wings and soared upward.
"Murkrow~ Murkrow~"
The Murkrow followed closely behind their leader.
It didn't take long for Honchkrow to spot Yveltal flying freely in the distance. Its majestic figure was awe-inspiring.
It's the Legendary Pokémon!
Honchkrow couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for Yveltal. Tentatively, it approached, flying to Yveltal's side until it was level with the Legendary Pokémon.
Yveltal glanced at Honchkrow briefly, and the latter froze, stiff with tension.
But Yveltal quickly looked away and executed a rapid dive before continuing to soar freely.
Seeing that Yveltal hadn't stopped it from approaching, Honchkrow felt a surge of joy and immediately dove after Yveltal to follow.
The Murkrow, of course, had to follow their leader's lead, and they all began flying around Yveltal.
For a moment, Honchkrow and the Murkrow seemed to have transformed into a guard for Yveltal.
Meanwhile, the group of Charcadet and Oinkologne, after a long journey, finally arrived at the Allearth Forest, where they once again encountered Xerneas.
"You've come again!"
Xerneas's voice resonated in the hearts of the four Pokémon.
Charcadet and Oinkologne often visited Xerneas, so it wasn't surprised by their arrival.
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The four Pokémon rushed excitedly to Xerneas's side, chattering and joyfully sharing the good news.
After listening, Xerneas spoke with a tone of surprise, "You've already found a solution?"
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The four Pokémon nodded vigorously.
The goodboy Charcadet carefully dismounted from the back of the male Oinkologne and gently opened the basket it carried. Inside were two plates of Tree of Beginning Tofu.
Looking at the glowing green food on the plates, Xerneas was astonished.
"This is the food that can help me recover?"
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
The Charcadet nodded repeatedly, urging Xerneas to eat quickly.
"Then I won't hold back," Xerneas said.
A branch extended from beneath Xerneas, lifting one plate of Tree of Beginning Tofu. At the same time, a hollow opened in its tree-like trunk.
Xerneas manipulated its roots, pouring the entire plate of Tree of Beginning Tofu into the hollow.
The moment the food entered its body, Xerneas's entire form began to emit a brilliant light. It couldn't help but exclaim, "What an extraordinary food! If I eat this a few more times, I might truly recover!"
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The four Pokémon were ecstatic, bouncing and jumping around Xerneas in excitement, offering their blessings.
Xerneas then ate the second plate of Tree of Beginning Tofu, receiving another large boost of life force.
However, compared to this sweet dish, Xerneas found it preferred the savory flavor of the first plate.
After finishing both plates, Xerneas's body glowed even brighter. It expressed its gratitude to the four Pokémon: "Thank you so much."
The goodboy Charcadet waved its hand and said.
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
No need to thank us—it's all thanks to Angie.
"Charcadet~ Charcadet~"
"Oinkologne~ Oinkologne~"
The crybaby Charcadet and the two Oinkologne nodded emphatically. They began recounting how Angie had traveled far and wide, all the way to the Kanto region, to gather the necessary ingredients.
After hearing their story, Xerneas let out a deep sigh.
"You've all worked so hard, especially Angie."
The four Pokémon shook their heads and gathered around Xerneas. Together, they opened their arms and gently embraced its trunk.
At this moment, Xerneas seemed to grasp the meaning of one word—warmth.
Time swiftly passed, and more than ten days had gone by. During these days, Yveltal and Xerneas were able to enjoy the delicious Tree of Beginning Tofu every day, a meal that greatly replenished their life energy.
Yveltal became increasingly lively, and its figure became more active on the Nebel Plateau. The Pokémon there gradually grew accustomed to its presence.
Meanwhile, Xerneas' body became increasingly radiant, emanating a strong aura of life energy.
Over these ten-plus days, Angie had been staying at the Tree of Beginning, spending each day exploring the magical place under Mew's guidance.
Gradually, he became familiar with the Pokémon residing there. In fact, he even used his homemade delicacies to trade with the Chansey for their eggs.
At the very least, Angie wouldn't have to worry about running out of Chansey's eggs for a while.
Although Angie had long since repaid the meal debt he owed to Mew, he still prepared delicious food for Mew every day.
Mew didn't hold back either—it allowed Angie to freely pick leaves from the Tree of Beginning. As a result, Angie had slowly stocked up quite a few of these leaves in his system's storage backpack.
After all, if he didn't stockpile some, what would Yveltal and Xerneas eat in the future?
Angie's cooking was simply too delicious. Mew had completely fallen in love with it, and this caused it to feel a bit uneasy every day. It often wondered how it would survive if Angie ever decided to leave.
Sometimes, a thought flashed through Mew's mind: Wouldn't it be wonderful if Angie stayed here forever?
One day, while Mew was napping, it suddenly heard voices behind the great tree. It was Angie and Loke speaking.
Amidst the hazy murmurs, Mew caught Angie saying the word: "leave."
The word "leave" struck a sensitive chord in Mew's heart, and it immediately teleported to Angie's side in a flash.
"Mew~ Mew~"
Leave? Are you leaving?
Angie was startled by Mew's sudden appearance.
"Weren't you asleep? How did you wake up?" he asked.
"Mew~ Mew~"
You still haven't answered me. Are you leaving?
Angie shook his head and said, "It's not me who's leaving; it's Loke who's leaving."
Next to him, Loke nodded and said, "Yes, I'm leaving."
Loke had only temporarily teamed up with Angie to explore the Tree of Beginning. Now that it had seen everything it wanted to see, it was ready to depart.
Hearing Angie and Loke's explanation, Mew breathed a heavy sigh of relief. As long as it's not Angie leaving...
Having made the decision to leave, Loke didn't delay. Mew escorted it all the way out of the Tree of Beginning.
Pawmot, Metagross, and Sneasel, upon learning of Loke's departure, joined Angie in bidding it farewell.
They accompanied Loke a long distance from the Tree of Beginning before Loke finally turned and said to them: "This is far enough. Sending a friend too far only makes parting harder."
Angie stepped forward and said, "Alright, take care of yourself." He crouched down and gave Loke a hug.
Loke nuzzled Angie's neck with its head. "You all take care, too."
After spending so much time together, they had formed a deep bond. Angie had thought about asking Loke to stay with him, but he quickly remembered the dream Loke had once shared.
It wanted to explore the world.
That was the reason they met, wasn't it?
And now, it would also be the reason for their parting.
Angie didn't want to be the one to take Loke's dream away. Loke had already been trapped in one place for two hundred years—it deserved freedom.
In truth, Loke had also considered staying with Angie. It liked Angie, liked the food he made, and liked the companions around him.
But after careful thought, it decided to give up the idea.
Liking someone didn't mean you had to stay by their side, nor did it mean losing yourself.
It hadn't forgotten its dream—to explore the world.
And there was one more thing: it had never forgotten its original trainer.
As Loke pressed its head against Angie's neck, feeling the warmth of his skin, it thought: Perhaps, when I grow tired of wandering one day, I'll come back and find Angie.
After releasing Loke, Angie handed it a shoulder bag and said: "This is a spatial bag. I've packed some food and medicine inside. Take it with you."
Touched by Angie's care, a trace of gentleness flickered in Loke's eyes.
"Thank you. I'll make good use of it," it said.
"I look forward to seeing you again," Angie said with a smile.
"So do I," Loke replied.
With that, Loke turned and walked away, its figure gradually disappearing into the mist—just as it had appeared on the night they first met.
From the mist it had come, and to the mist it returned.
Beside him, Pawmot had already started crying uncontrollably and, without realizing it, hugged Sneasel, who was equally sad like him.
During their time together, Loke had taken great care of Sneasel, often advising it on how to interact with Angie and the Pokémon around him. Loke had helped Sneasel a lot.
When Loke's figure completely disappeared, the two "frenemies" suddenly realized they were hugging the Pokémon they hated most. Both of them jumped apart as if electrocuted, glaring at each other with utter disdain.
Sneasel: Hmph, you filthy slob! You got snot all over me!
Pawmot: Hah, so you do have feelings! What a fake!