The Tyranitar served as the predators regulating this rocky terrain.
At the same time, these Rock-type Pokémon also provided them with a steady supply of Rock-type energy.
Perhaps they didn't consciously intend to clear out the other Rock-types, but their actions naturally maintained balance in the area.
Over time, this had become their unspoken duty.
The three Tyranitar had not yet noticed Aoki and his group.
After capturing a few Geodude, they began making their way back.
Aoki glanced at Pupitar beside him, sensing its unease.
Few Pokémon could remain entirely composed upon encountering their evolved forms.
Aoki smiled and patted Pupitar's armored shell. "Let's go take a closer look."
"Pupi—?"
Pupitar's eyes gleamed with excitement, though a flicker of doubt remained—would approaching provoke an attack?
Aoki nodded. "We'll observe first. Stay hidden."
Since Aoki gave the order, Pupitar wouldn't refuse.
Aggron and Carbink, too, followed without hesitation.
"Mismagius—" Aoki reached out telepathically to the Ghost-type lurking in his shadow.
"Mis~" Mismagius's voice echoed in his mind.
"I might need your assistance later. For now, just stay ready." With that, he led the group toward the rocky outcrop.
The jagged terrain formed natural hills, stacked high with boulders.
After a brief climb, they reached the vantage point where the three Tyranitar had stood earlier.
Beyond this ridge lay the Tyranitar's territory.
Pupitar's anticipation was palpable.
Aoki sensed that its evolution might be imminent—perhaps Celebi's intention all along.
He hadn't expected a pseudo-legendary to progress so swiftly.
In his past life, his Bagon had remained unevolved for what felt like an eternity.
Descending into the basin revealed a startling contrast to the barren wasteland above.
Lush vegetation surrounded a small, crystal-clear lake—an oasis amidst the stone.
This was the Tyranitar's sanctuary.
The three returning Tyranitar joined others of their kind, along with a dozen Pupitar and Larvitar.
A full-fledged colony.
Aoki marveled at the sight. Such rare Pokémon, thriving in secrecy.
A bitter realization struck him—the Poké Balls here functioned only for retrieval, not capture.
He'd tested this earlier, spotting rare Rock-types but unable to claim them.
If not for this restriction, an army of Tyranitar could have been his.
The cost of raising them would be steep, but the payoff…
A dream best abandoned.
The three Tyranitar finally noticed the intruders.
"Tyran—!"
The largest of the three, scars marring its left eye, bellowed a warning.
The sound rippled through the valley. Every Tyranitar, Pupitar, and Larvitar froze, eyes locking onto Aoki's group.
The younger ones hid behind their elders.
Aoki raised his hands, signaling peace.
The scarred Tyranitar advanced, flanked by its two companions.
A quick scan revealed its power:
Pokémon: Tyranitar (Light Blue)
Gender: Male
Level: 78
Type: Rock/Dark
Ability: Sand Stream
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Stomp, Ancient Power, Dragon Dance, Iron Tail
Basic Moves: Thunder Fang, Ice Fang, Fire Fang, Bite, Leer, Sandstorm, Screech, Chip Away, Rock Slide, Scary Face, Thrash, Dark Pulse, Payback, Crunch, Earthquake, Stone Edge, Hyper Beam
Learnt Moves: Dragon Pulse, Thunder Punch, Iron Defense, Foul Play, Outrage, Aqua Tail, Ice Punch, Superpower, Stealth Rock, Fire Punch, Focus Punch, Snore, Earth Power
TM Moves: None
Aoki dismissed any lingering thoughts of conquest.
This Tyranitar could overpower even Regice, his occasional ally.
Pseudo-legendaries truly lived up to their name.
Its movepool spoke of decades of battle-hardened experience.
This wasn't just a colony; it was a dynasty.
And likely one of many in this vast rocky expanse.
Other scavengers—different species, perhaps—must govern elsewhere.
"Pupi—!"
Pupitar's cry softened the lead Tyranitar's glare.
The tension eased.
The two lesser Tyranitar, both level 74 and equally formidable, relaxed as well.
Pupitar stepped forward, addressing the alpha in rapid clicks and growls.
The Tyranitar responded, their dialogue intensifying Pupitar's excitement.
After fifteen minutes, the exchange concluded.
The scarred Tyranitar gave Aoki a final assessing look, then turned, bellowing an all-clear to the valley.
The sentries resumed their tasks.
Pupitar tugged at Aoki's sleeve, urging him forward.
"They're allowing us in?" Aoki verified.
"Pupi!"
An eager nod.