"Dngoo~~"
It was unclear which Shiinotic called out, but all the Shiinotic began to shake their bodies.
Dense, tiny spores drifted towards Natsuhiko and his group from all directions.
It was like it was raining.
"Hudi."
Alakazam raised his spoon, erecting a Superpower Barrier, blocking all the spores outside the psychic shield.
While this successfully fended off the spore invasion, in the current situation, rushing out might mean falling asleep before managing to attack these Shiinotic.
If only there was a Pokémon that could use "Seed of Suffering," it would be much easier.
But without it...
"We'll just have to force our way through," Natsuhiko said slowly.
It seemed there was no presence among these Shiinotic with Elite Candidate level strength, so forcing their way through was still an option.
But they had to act quickly.
Understanding Natsuhiko's intention, Beedrill flapped its wings and was the first to dash out.
A white stream of air surrounded it, and as the light spores drew near, they were influenced by the airflow.
In just a moment, with Beedrill's speed, it was enough time to take action.
Like a golden arrow, it shot through the layers of spores without a trace.
In the blink of an eye, it closed in on a Shiinotic, mercilessly slashing with a "Cross Cut," and the Shiinotic on a tree branch toppled down.
Beedrill's actions opened a breach in the dense spores, allowing Aegislash and Togekiss to follow suit.
Alakazam remained still, protecting Natsuhiko and Latios from the effects of the spores.
With no Elite Candidate Pokémon present, their strength was sufficient.
Seeing their kin fall en masse, some Shiinotic couldn't help but take action.
The soft glow of the moonlight shone, pouring down its "Power of the Moon."
Unfortunately.
Their attack seemed insignificant against the now Elite Candidate level Alakazam.
It was Togekiss, though.
Amidst the battle.
It didn't forget to observe how other Pokémon wielded "Power of the Moon" and utilized Fairy Energy.
Since entering this forest, its condition had been exceptionally good, with the Fairy Energy within it stirring restlessly.
As techniques were performed and energy depleted, the fluctuations of Fairy Energy within it became more pronounced.
Above its head, a tuft of feathers concealing Zerunias' Horn emitted a faint pink glow.
A strange energy ripple spread from its center outward.
The ripple grew more apparent.
It knew.
This was a sign it was nearing a critical point.
Though unlike Aegislash which absorbed the "Earth's Membrane," or Alakazam, who pushed itself when in danger, Togekiss had reaped significant gains from the last battle.
Now it.
Felt like a natural progression, smoothly and naturally nearing the edge of the Gym Leader level.
This made it fight even more vigorously.
Faster!
Even faster!
Yet it didn't notice.
An invisible force, like a mosquito finding a crack in an eggshell, silently entered its subconscious.
Many Shiinotic seemed to sense something, slowly ceasing their actions and looking towards Togekiss.
Noticing the Shiinotic's reaction, Natsuhiko also raised his hand to stop the Pokémon from continuing their assault.
All the Pokémon's attention turned to Togekiss.
Only it didn't realize.
As if suddenly, it was immersed in its own world.
Togekiss only felt that it was just a tiny bit away from reaching the Elite Candidate level, somewhat impatient, wanting to quickly enter that damn Elite Candidate level!
"Dngoo——"
Suddenly from the group of Shiinotic, another voice emerged.
Then all the Shiinotic gathered up their mushroom caps, hiding their glow, and each one concealed themselves.
The forest, bright by day, turned dim once more.
Natsuhiko frowned slightly, not attempting to intervene.
Togekiss's current state was highly abnormal, and the Shiinotic's reaction also indicated that things were complicated.
"Togekiss!"
Natsuhiko called out.
Swoosh swoosh——
However.
The response was two sharp "Air Slashes."
"Hudi!"
Alakazam raised the spoon, blocking the two "Air Slashes," also shouting out to Togekiss.
But unfortunately, Togekiss still gave no reaction, only showing an excited smile, attacking the surrounding trees wantonly and joyfully.
As if these trees were all Shiinotic.
Natsuhiko took a deep breath.
He extended his own psychic power, attempting to establish Telepathy with Togekiss.
However.
His psychic power was repelled as soon as it approached Togekiss.
Natsuhiko's heart sank.
Placing his hand on Alakazam's shoulder.
The psychic powers of one man and one Pokémon fused.
With Alakazam's aid, Natsuhiko's psychic power finally penetrated the invisible barrier, entering Togekiss's mind.
Inside its mind.
Natsuhiko "saw" many image fragments, flashing like slides, most depicting moments from when Togekiss followed Natsuhiko.
There was laughter, as well as troubles and grievances.
Ultimately.
The image halted at a scene.
A moment not long ago.
When Beedrill, Alakazam, and Togekiss faced the Hydreigon.
Super Great Needle Bee inflicted wounds on the Hydreigon, Alakazam, with Natsuhiko's help, mega-evolved, resisting Hydreigon's attack while successfully stepping into the Elite Candidate level.