I'm the Owner of the Pokémon Day Care In the World of Pokémon

Chapter 1147: Severe Chuunibyou: Marill

Yuga had no objections to Honoka wanting to visit the new Ecopark. After all, the new Ecopark was primarily for show, and there were no secrets inside. The only notable aspect was that some of the Pokémon housed there were rather rare.

Besides, with the new Ecopark guarded by three Elite level Pokémon — a Druddigonand two mutated Raticate — Yuga wasn't worried about any accidents. He let Luna take Honoka on the tour.

Meanwhile, Yuga was listening to a Mismagius report on the surveillance of Kanda.

To his surprise, Kanda turned out to be a rather sly character. During his time in Verdanturf Town, he behaved impeccably. If he wasn't at the inn, he was conducting research on the Raticate and Rattata (descendants of the mutated Raticate) that he'd received as study specimens from the higher-ups.

Moreover, he conducted his research in full compliance with the League's Pokémon welfare regulations. Not only did he not harm them, but he also regularly sent them to the Pokémon Center for check-ups.

Just today, Kanda returned the Raticate and Rattata to the designated sanctuary and even planned to leave Verdanturf Town.

After hearing Mismagius's report, Yuga was quite astonished. Could it be that Kanda was truly an honest person, with no ill intentions?

As for Mismagius mentioning that Kanda's apprentice would often curse about Yuga, he chose to ignore it. Even without Mismagius reporting it, Yuga was sure the two were grumbling about him behind his back.

Since Kanda and his apprentice were about to leave Verdanturf Town, there was no point in continuing to monitor them. Yuga instructed Mismagius to halt the surveillance.

However, Mismagius, being a bit stubborn, noticed Yuga's reluctance to let go of finding dirt on Kanda and even suggested following Kanda as he left to continue the surveillance.

Yuga was amused by Mismagius's persistence. He couldn't let the Pokémon put itself in danger. Once out of Verdanturf Town, the risks would increase significantly, and if anything happened to Mismagius, Yuga wouldn't be able to rescue it in time.

Still, Yuga appreciated Mismagius's good intentions.

Though a bit frustrated, Yuga didn't dwell on it. After all, he and Kanda weren't mortal enemies. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future, and Kanda should just hope Yuga never gets his hands on any incriminating evidence, or he'd have no one to blame when Yuga "kicks him while he's down."

After Mismagius left, Yuga headed to the Ecopark to check on his beloved Bagon.

Recently, Bagon had been acting strangely, often distracted during training and looking listless all the time.

Seeing Bagon like this, Yuga suspected it was about to evolve.

With several Bagon in his Ecopark, Yuga had gained some experience in raising them and even considered himself somewhat of an "expert" on the matter.

Before evolving into Shelgon, other Bagon displayed similar signs of lethargy.

Just to be sure, Yuga had taken Bagon to Joyka for a check-up at the Pokémon Center, and the results showed that Bagon was in perfect health. Joyka also thought Bagon might be close to evolving, though the signs at the time weren't very clear, and further observation was needed.

Today, Blissey informed Yuga that Bagon's appetite had decreased further, confirming Yuga's suspicion that Bagon was indeed about to evolve.

The process of Bagon evolving into Shelgon is somewhat similar to that of bug-type Pokémon larvae evolving into pupae, where accumulating energy is crucial. For this reason, Bagon are typically voracious eaters.

In the early stages, Bagon eat a lot to support their growth and development. Their skeletons contain roughly 50% more bones than the average Pokémon, most of which are concentrated in the incredibly hard "skull" on top of their heads, which is even tougher than steel.

Once their physical growth is complete, especially the full development of their skulls, Bagon begin storing energy for their evolution into Shelgon, which causes their appetite to increase further.

When Bug-type Pokémon larvae evolve into pupae, the energy accumulation process is quite brief. Once they sense the impending evolution, they suddenly increase their food intake, relying on a short burst of appetite to store energy.

Bagon is different. Even before it's time for their evolution, once their developmental phase ends, they begin storing energy through daily feeding, accumulating a little each day.

This process is much longer than the energy accumulation period for Bug-type Pokémon larvae.

When their evolution is imminent, they actually stop storing energy. Their appetite decreases, and they reduce unnecessary activities, quietly waiting for the evolution to occur.

Yuga's Bagon had been raised with meticulous care, even more so than when he was raising Dragonite, so its energy accumulation phase was particularly prolonged. Some of the younger Bagons in the Ecopark had already evolved, but only now was this one showing signs of evolution.

When Yuga arrived at the Ecopark, Bagon was lying in a cave in the Dragon Den Sub-Ecopark, with its eyes closed. Sensing Yuga's presence, it opened its eyes and softly called out, its voice filled with affection for him.

As Bagon closed its eyes again, the evolution process began. It lasted two days, and on the third day, when it opened its eyes again, it had already evolved into a Shelgon. The first thing it saw was Yuga, who had been guarding it the entire time.

"Shelgon, you're awake!" Yuga said cheerfully.

...

[ Shelgon ]

Type: Dragon

Ability: Rock Head

Gender: Male

Potential: Indigo

Level: 41

Move: Ember, Leer, Bite, Dragon Breath, Zen Headbutt, Dragon Claw, Crunch, Dragon Rush, Hydro Pump.

...

After evolving, Shelgon's skills hadn't changed much, but its level had increased by a few, which was better than nothing.

Yuga had never rushed to teach Bagon too many skills, focusing instead on honing the skills it already knew through daily training.

The reason was that when Bagon had just hatched, it inherited two powerful moves, Hydro Pump and Dragon Rush, but it was unable to control them properly, leading to many difficulties.

Bagon had good talent and comprehension, so Yuga figured it could learn more skills later. After all, he had plenty of teachers around to instruct it.

"Ahem... ahem..."

Hearing Yuga's voice, Shelgon scrambled to its feet. Still adjusting to its new body after the evolution, it nearly stumbled but steadied itself and nuzzled Yuga's palm in excitement.

After evolving, Shelgon regained its vitality and no longer appeared "sickly" like before.

"Shelgon, are you hungry? I've prepared plenty of delicious food for you." Yuga took out the food he had already prepared: Pokeblock made from Dragon Bone, Moomoo Milk, sweet honey drinks, and pollen balls made by Ribombee...

Having consumed all of its stored energy during the evolution, Shelgon's stomach grumbled at the sight of the food.

From this day on, Shelgon would need to start storing energy again, this time for its future evolution into Salamence. Its appetite would surpass that of its Bagon stage, and the energy accumulation phase would be even longer.

The difference between a Caterpie and a pseudo-legendary Pokémon like Salamence is clear. Just the length of their growth cycle puts them on entirely different levels.

After Shelgon had eaten its fill, Yuga decided to take it for a walk.

However, just as they stepped out of the Dragon Den Sub-Ecopark, a Natu flew over. After chattering for a bit, Yuga looked at Shelgon in surprise and said, "Could it be that you and your father share some kind of telepathic bond?"

Seeing Shelgon looking at him in confusion, Yuga smiled and explained, "Your father has come to visit you!"

After making an agreement with Yuga, the level 100 Salamence of the Dragonid People had become the guardian of the Meteor Falls Trainer Base. However, it would often sneak away from its duties to visit Bagon in Verdanturf Town.

The level 100 Salamence's flying speed is incredibly fast; it only takes a few days to travel back and forth between the Meteor Falls and Verdanturf Town. To Salamence, this short time and distance are nothing compared to its longing for its son.

The League forces stationed at the training base in the Meteor Falls's area are quite lenient with Salamence, never restricting its movements. This leniency made Salamence feel comfortable and more devoted to serving as the guardian of the base.

Upon hearing Yuga's words, Shelgon's eyes brightened, and it immediately tugged at Yuga's clothes, eager to go outside and meet its father.

It had been several months since the last time the father and son had seen each other, and at that moment, Shelgon also felt a strong longing for its father.

"Alright, alright, let's go now," Yuga said with a smile, soothing Shelgon.

Once they exited the sanctuary, Yuga mounted Dragonite with Shelgon and headed toward the Sunflora Ranch. Dragonite and the others had returned from the Distortion World long ago, and the reverse mirror was currently in cooldown.

With Dragonite's speed, Yuga and Shelgon arrived at the Sunflora Ranch within minutes.

Since the establishment of the Sunflora Ranch, the meeting place for Shelgon and its father had been changed to here.

Salamence was not suited to enter the town of Verdanturf; doing so would likely cause panic. Plus, it would be difficult for Yuga to notice it arriving outside the town.

However, there were no such concerns at the Sunflora Ranch. The spacious area allowed Salamence to move around freely. Yuga had already coordinated with the workers at the nearby power plant, instructing them to notify him at the YoYo Day Care once Salamence arrived.

As soon as Yuga and Shelgon entered the ranch, they spotted Salamence perched on a hill. Salamence immediately saw Yuga and the others and excitedly raised its neck, letting out a loud roar that startled the nearby Sunflora, who were basking in the sun.

Dismounting from Dragonite, Yuga happily said to Salamence, "You arrived just in time; Bagon just evolved into Shelgon today."

However, to Yuga's surprise, Salamence was standing on top of a struggling Azumarill, which he hadn't seen from a distance before.

Seeing Shelgon full of energy, Salamence was delighted and expressed its gratitude to Yuga, then kicked the Azumarill it was standing on aside and said to Yuga, "This is a gift for you!"

∑(O_O;) Pokémon are this fashionable now? Bringing gifts when visiting relatives?

However, Yuga quickly learned about Azumarills backstory from Salamence.

As for gifts, Salamence certainly didn't know to prepare one. Even if it had known, it wouldn't have just brought an Azumarill.

This Azumarill was captured on the way to Verdanturf Town.

At the time, Salamence was flying over a grassy area when it suddenly felt a stream of water splashing down on itself. Looking down, it saw Azumarill spraying water at it.

Salamence was left puzzled, wondering what this Azumarill was doing—was it trying to give it a bath?

Being the generous Salamence it was, it didn't intend to hold a grudge against the little one, deciding to act as if nothing had happened and continued flying forward.

To its surprise, Azumarill began to curse and shout as Salamence who is prepared to fly away, boldly claiming that Salamence was afraid of it.

Provoked by such a small creature, how could Salamence tolerate it? It immediately landed right in front of Azumarill.

Seeing Salamence "obediently" come down, Azumarill not only felt no fear but was also filled with pride, declaring that it wanted to duel Salamence, nearly making Salamence laugh.

Salamence replied, "A duel? Sure, bring it on. I'll just stand here; feel free to attack."

Azumarill, feeling belittled, was furious and launched a Water Gun attack.

Salamence flicked its tail and said, "Nice bathing water; keep it coming!"

(｀⌒メ) Azumarill decided to pull out its trump card, swinging its fist to use Ice Punch against Salamence.

Salamence casually remarked, "Hmm, this feels pretty refreshing; keep up the good work." Although Ice-type moves are quadruple effective against Flying and Dragon-type Pokémon, it all depended on who is the target being hit.

Azumarill felt its worldview being challenged: This isn't right; isn't it said that Dragon-types are most afraid of Ice-type moves?

Unconvinced, Azumarill continued to throw several Ice Punches at Salamence and even used the Fairy-type move Play Rough that it had just learned.

Looking at the exhausted Azumarill lying on the ground, Salamence mockingly asked, "So, how does it feel? Did you enjoy that?"

Azumarill was in a daze, as its good friend, the Aipom, had clearly told it that using Ice Punch and Play Rough against Dragon-types would make it a "Dragon Slayer." Now that it finally encountered a Dragon-type Pokémon, why was the situation different from what Aipom had said?

Yuga later learned that Azumarill had a good friend, Aipom, who had once lived in the human world. Aipom, not knowing where it got its information, had claimed that as long as Azumarill defeated a Dragon-type Pokémon, it would become a "Dragon Slayer." It then exaggerated the story to encourage Azumarill.

Azumarill, being heavily affected by its delusions, thought the title "Dragon Slayer" sounded so cool that it was easily fooled by Aipom's flowery words, truly believing it could casually defeat Dragon-types.

And then it faced a downfall.

Thinking about meeting its son soon, Salamence felt in a good mood and found Azumarill quite amusing, so it decided to take Azumarill along to Verdanturf Town.

Still unaware of what kind of being Salamence was, Azumarill, after being kicked to Yuga's side, got up and launched a verbal assault on Salamence, "You grotesque evil dragon! I, the brave Azumarill, will one day bring justice upon you!"

These words were all given to it by its good friend Aipom.

However, before Azumarill could finish its speech, Dragonite stepped on its tail! (Dragonite: I can't let unknown Pokémon harm Yuga!)

"Eek!" Azumarill let out a sharp cry.

"Hahaha..."

Seeing Azumarill struggling to pull its tail out from under Dragonite's foot, Yuga couldn't help but laugh, gasping for breath!