Pupitar had lived a very happy life with Aoki and his companions.
Yet, despite this happiness, there was still a lingering sense of loss.
Unlike other Pokémon, who had at least encountered others of their kind, Pupitar had never seen another Pupitar, Larvitar, or Tyranitar.
This was the first time.
Excitement was inevitable.
Aoki nodded, understanding Pupitar's emotions.
But preparations were necessary.
After summoning Slowking and having him mark the psychic coordinates for Teleport, Aoki followed the Tyranitar into the valley.
If the Tyranitar turned hostile, Slowking's Teleport would be their only escape.
Noticing Slowking's presence, the lead Tyranitar paused, assessing the potential threat before continuing forward.
Once the coordinates were secured, Aoki and his Pokémon ventured deeper.
The valley wasn't just a feeding ground for Tyranitar—it was a battleground where wild Pokémon hunted one another.
Minerals absorbed from rocks were meager compared to the energy gained from eating other Pokémon.
As they walked, the Pupitar and Larvitar accompanying the Tyranitar studied Aoki with curiosity.
Especially Aoki himself—they had never seen a human before.
Their innocent fascination eased Aoki's tension.
Smiling, he retrieved a box of Pupitar-specific Pokéblocks from his bag.
Though tailored for his own Pupitar, the treats were irresistible to the wild Larvitar and Pupitar.
Their eyes lit up, noses twitching at the unfamiliar scent.
Aoki demonstrated how to eat them, and after a hesitant taste, their astonishment was clear.
Food wasn't supposed to be this delicious!
Aoki's Pupitar proudly explained the benefits of Pokéblocks, boasting like a child showing off their parent's cooking.
THUD.
A heavy hand landed on Pupitar's head, silencing him.
The lead Tyranitar loomed over them, his earlier ferocity softened.
In his other hand, he carefully held a crude stone basin filled with water.
Despite his massive size, he moved with surprising delicacy, ensuring not a drop spilled.
At the sight of the water, the wild Pupitar and Larvitar gulped in unison—water was a rare treasure here.
Aoki understood immediately.
In this barren, rocky land, water was more precious than any mineral.
This small pool in the valley was likely the Tyranitar's most guarded resource.
Beneath their fierce exteriors, these Tyranitar had gentle hearts.
Aoki recalled the memories he had seen from Pupitar's mother—a Tyranitar who had sacrificed herself for her offspring.
Though the water was murky, Aoki accepted it gratefully, sharing it among his Pokémon and offering small portions to the watching Pupitar and Larvitar.
They likely only got water sparingly—there was never enough for all.
The lead Tyranitar's expression warmed.
He gave Pupitar another pat.
"Caw!"
At his signal, the Pupitar and Larvitar devoured their Pokéblocks and water before hurrying to an open training area.
Aoki watched curiously.
One of the Tyranitar was instructing the younger Pokémon in battle techniques.
The teaching method was rough but effective—perfect for their survival.
"Pupi!"
Aoki's Pupitar turned to him eagerly.
Aoki smiled. "Go. Learn from them."
With a happy cry, Pupitar rushed forward, blending in instantly.
For a Pokémon barely a year old, his growth had been remarkable.
Seeing Pupitar finally relax among his own kind filled Aoki with satisfaction.
As the training began, Aoki sat with Aggron and the others, observing.
Slowking meditated beside him, psychic energy humming faintly.
Aggron studied the Tyranitar's techniques, mimicking their movements.
Only Carbink remained still beside Aoki.
Strange light pulsed within its crystalline body, and at its core, where Xerneas's Horn rested, a steady stream of energy flowed into it.