Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Before Aoki could formulate a response, the previously languid Kommo-o let out a sudden, earth-shaking roar. The decadent aura it had projected vanished completely, replaced by a fierce and focused intensity. It directed its roar squarely at Aoki and then at the Bagon beside him.

Hearing Kommo-o's powerful cry, Bagon flinched, unsure of how to react or what was expected of it.

Slowking and Mismagius materialized instantly in front of Aoki, their expressions vigilant as they stared down the Kommo-o, creating a protective barrier to prevent any sudden aggressive movement. Slowking's psychic powers spread out in a wide, invisible net, enveloping Aoki and all the other Pokemon within its teleportation range. While Slowking was acutely aware that its strength was no match for the champion-level Kommo-o in a direct confrontation, it felt no fear. It was supremely confident in its ability to execute a teleportation escape for everyone before the opponent's attack could possibly land. This was the best strategic option available when an officially recognized king-level Pokemon faced a champion-level entity.

Kommo-o's roar also caused Aoki to frown deeply. What was its intention? Did it disapprove of a pure dragon-type Pokemon like Bagon taking orders from a human? Although Aoki could not currently use Telepathy himself, he could decipher Kommo-o's meaning from the unconcealed emotion burning in its eyes. It seemed that even in its advanced age, this Pokemon retained a tsundere nature. Was it now interested in Bagon because it sensed its purity? Having no Jangmo-o, did it feel a hollow emptiness inside, and upon sensing the latent draconic energy or perhaps the specific texture of the scales on Bagon, mistake it for a replacement Jangmo-o? Was it seeking spiritual comfort? Simultaneously, was it angered that a dragon-type Pokemon would deign to obey a human it perceived as weak? In a flash, this series of thoughts and conjectures raced through Aoki's mind. Judging by Kommo-o's behavior, his assessment was likely very close to the truth.

Bagon was the only one present who intuitively understood the full meaning behind the roar, and it now looked thoroughly embarrassed. Bagon did not itself feel the shame Kommo-o was implying; it was merely acutely aware of Kommo-o's immense power. It knew Aoki was currently immobile and in pain, and it was unwilling to provoke a powerful enemy on his behalf.

"Slowking, use Telepathy on me. I want to know exactly what it is saying," Aoki instructed lightly, his voice calm despite the overwhelming aura radiating from Kommo-o. He showed no visible fear.

A blue light flickered in Slowking's eyes as its psychic energy reached out, attempting to sense the thoughts of the Kommo-o.

Roar!

Sensing the intrusive Telepathy, Kommo-o hesitated for a brief moment, its pride warring with its curiosity. Finally, it relented, allowing Slowking's connection to establish and its thoughts to be translated.

"The little one is on the verge of evolution! A weak creature such as yourself! You are not worthy of him!" was the first message conveyed through Slowking's psychic link. The tone was not friendly.

A faint smile touched Aoki's lips. "Bagon is my Pokemon. He is my companion. His evolution is a process I am guiding and overseeing!"

Kommo-o understood Aoki's meaning perfectly.

ROAR!!!

Kommo-o reacted as if its tail had been stepped on, nearly leaping into the air as it unleashed another deafening roar directly at Aoki. The aura around it intensified dramatically, becoming a palpable pressure as it actively mobilized the immense energy within its body. Leaves were ripped from the surrounding trees, and small stones and sand skittered across the ground, blown away by the sheer force of its presence.

Aoki glanced at Slowking. Slowking looked hesitant, concerned for its trainer's safety, but it complied with the unspoken request. Using its psychic powers carefully, it helped Aoki, agonizingly slowly, rise to his feet from the sofa. Aoki had initially been wary, uncertain of the strange Pokemon's identity. But now that he knew it was a Kommo-o, his strategy changed. A Kommo-o's pride was its defining trait. For such an arrogant, dragon-type Pokemon to actively attack a creature it deemed weak would be a profound disgrace to its entire species. This knowledge gave Aoki a foundation of safety to stand on, literally and figuratively.

His face remained an impassive mask, but beads of sweat dotted his forehead from the tremendous effort and excruciating pain. Even with Slowking's psychic support, the act of standing was a monumental trial. Yet, Aoki managed to stand, though he did not dare take a step forward, fearing his legs would buckle and he would collapse from the pain before he could even reach his Bagon. He locked his sharp, unwavering eyes onto the Kommo-o, refusing to show any retreat or weakness.

He spoke again, his voice stronger and clearer now that he was upright. "Bagon is my Pokemon! He is my companion! I have an obligation to help him become stronger! Therefore, his evolution is a crucial part of my plan for him!"

Kommo-o looked at Aoki with a flicker of surprise in its eyes. What sharp, determined eyes this human had!

Roar--

"Then I will see for myself how you control it," Kommo-o's thoughts translated, its tone shifting perceptibly. "Can you truly develop his full potential? Do not waste this little one's innate talent because of your own arrogance!" Kommo-o's voice in Aoki's mind was still haughty, but it was now several degrees less hostile than before. The crushing aura and the visible energy swirling around its body receded, pulled back under its control. It had sensed Aoki's dire physical condition, and the fact that the human had forced himself to stand despite the agony, refusing to be cowed, had earned a sliver of respect. The sweat pouring down Aoki's forehead and the uncontrollable twitching near his eyes from strain were not lost on the dragon. It acknowledged Aoki's spirit, if not his current physical power. In Kommo-o's view, Aoki's strength was still pitifully weak, but his will was worthy of a measure of respect.

Hearing Kommo-o's challenge, the corners of Aoki's mouth twitched upward into a slight, pained smile. When dealing with different Pokemon, one had to adopt different strategies. If he were facing a Tyranitar instead of a Kommo-o, the correct course of action would be to not hesitate, to not even wait, and to have Slowking teleport them all to safety immediately. But when facing a proud Kommo-o, showing strength, resilience, and unwavering resolve was the only way to potentially gain its acknowledgment. This was precisely why Aoki had chosen to have Slowking help him stand. Demonstrating fortitude was the key to recognition.

Internally, however, Aoki was bleeding. The pain was incredible!! It was absolutely unbearable!! He seethed inwardly, wondering when these hidden spatial injuries would finally heal, all while maintaining a perfectly calm and defiant exterior for Kommo-o's benefit.

Bagon, deeply understanding Aoki's physical plight, quickly scurried to his side. It gently tugged on his trousers with its small claws, urging him to sit back down and rest immediately.

Seeing his Bagon's concerned and cooperative nature, Aoki sighed deeply within his heart. He signaled to Slowking to begin slowly turning him back toward the sofa. Then he looked down at Bagon, his eyes filled with genuine love and affection. There was no falsehood in that gaze. Since his previous life, he felt he had owed this Bagon so much. Although this specific Bagon could not possibly know those past debts, Aoki remembered them all clearly, and many of those feelings of obligation and care had carried over into this new life. This time, Aoki vowed silently to himself, his resolve hardening as he looked from the Bagon to the watching Kommo-o, I will definitely take him all the way to the top!