"You're really a fool... doing something like that!" Cain said, looking at Kommo-o with a mix of helplessness and affection, as the dragon sat heavily on the ground.
Even though what he had done benefited both Bagon and himself, Cain couldn't help but think Kommo-o was an endearing fool.
"Koomom!"
"When I first saw that little one, it was like seeing myself in the past. Since I can't find others of my kind, why not give what I have to this little guy who looks so much like me? I hope he won't let me down," was what Slowking translated from Kommo-o's roar.
Cain's expression turned complicated.
But he knew he had to act at that moment.
Otherwise, Kommo-o really would lose a level.
And any loss of level, regardless of the cause, is a severe wound for any Pokémon.
Even more so when it comes from voluntary exertion of one's own strength.
Giving benefits to Bagon was, indirectly, giving something to Cain.
And that deserved repayment.
Besides, Cain had some resources available.
Had he not looted the Team Rocket resource exchange centers earlier, he might not have been able to help now.
But the most important thing was that barrel of Moltres's blood he had collected from the archipelago of the Three Legendary Birds.
He still had a good amount left.
Although, after today, that reserve would be considerably reduced.
Cain began to slowly take various items out of the storage space, placing them in front of Kommo-o.
The Pokémon looked at him, not understanding what he intended to do.
Since Cain's body couldn't move well, he also wasn't capable of preparing complex mixtures.
And clearly, there was no time left for elaborate processes.
The effects couldn't be maximized.
Yes, it was wasteful, but he would make up for the quality with quantity.
"Listen up! From now on, you're going to follow my instructions! I'll tell you what to take and in what order!" Cain ordered firmly.
Kommo-o was slightly confused.
He stared into Cain's eyes for three seconds. Then, with a soft metallic sound from his shifting scales, he nodded.
"Alright, first, take this: the blood solvent..."
Cain began guiding him step by step on what to consume.
A normal Pokémon could never do something like this.
Even though Moltres wasn't a "true" legendary Pokémon nor stronger than Kommo-o, it was still a special Pokémon. Otherwise, Cain wouldn't have bothered collecting its blood.
After consuming a series of ingredients, Cain finally pulled out the barrel containing the legendary bird's blood. With a pained look on his face, he told Kommo-o to drink directly from it.
As soon as the dragon sensed the scent of the blood, he grew impatient.
He lifted the barrel and began to drink greedily.
Glug!
Glug!
Glug!
(Do not try this at home if you are a normal Pokémon.)
Had it not been for Kommo-o's extraordinary physical strength, Cain would never have allowed something like this.
"Enough! Enough! Hey, I said that's enough! Are you listening to me?" Cain shouted, a vein pulsing on his forehead.
He seemed to love the taste!
Did he think it was pure water?
Mismagius, beside Cain, wore a pained expression.
She had also been there when they collected that blood, and now, before they could even produce proper Pokéblocks, Kommo-o had drunk half of it.
It was impossible not to feel frustrated.
Under Cain's insistence, Kommo-o finally set the barrel down, still licking his lips, satisfied.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Delicious!
Even though it was blood, it didn't taste like it at all. It was just warm and spicy. Its scent was even pleasant.
Cain, heart aching, immediately stored the remaining half of the barrel. Then he had Kommo-o take the last ingredients to restore his body.
According to the real-time data displayed by the system, Kommo-o's stats, which had been dropping, finally began to stabilize.
The area on his neck where he had torn off the reverse scale was already scabbed, and even looked healed.
His energy also began to stabilize.
Kommo-o let out a deep breath.
He was finally out of danger.
Although he no longer felt as powerful as he did just after his breakthrough, at least he hadn't lost a level.
Remaining at level 85 was a huge advantage, and in time, he could recover what he had lost.
Fortunately, Cain had the necessary materials just in time. Otherwise, the level drop would have been unavoidable.
And had that happened, not even Cain could have done anything to reverse it.
But, in the end, everything turned out fine.
Kommo-o also slowly began regaining his energy. Although he was still somewhat weak, he could already move normally.
Only then did everyone turn their attention to Bagon, who was still enveloped in evolutionary light.
Kommo-o stood beside Cain, and neither Slowking nor Mismagius were watching him anymore.
After having given his reverse scale to Bagon, he had earned their respect.
Kommo-o even thought about patting Cain's shoulder in thanks.
Luckily, Slowking stopped him just in time. Otherwise, Cain would have ended up drenched again.
Kommo-o, a bit embarrassed after realizing the situation, scratched his head.
Once again, his attention focused on Bagon.
The evolution had reached its critical point. His body was starting to change.
With such a powerful Pokémon like Kommo-o present, and being in the Combee forest, Cain didn't think any other Pokémon would dare cause trouble.
Fuuu— Fuuu—
Subtle sounds came from Bagon's body.
His size increased, his posture shifted. He no longer stood on two legs, but his body began resting on the ground. What was once a slender form became more robust.
The white light faded!
And a Pokémon appeared completely covered in white armor, with only its eyes and limbs visible.
Shelgon!
Bagon had successfully evolved!
Shelgon was similar to Pupitar: its mobility was limited, as it was a stage of energy accumulation, preparing for its final evolution into Salamence.
Upon seeing Bagon's new form, Kommo-o was left speechless.
He clearly hadn't expected his evolution to transform him like that.
But due to the familiar energy and aura, Kommo-o recognized him without difficulty: it was the same little one from before. The reverse scale's trace still remained on his body.
"Koomom!"
Kommo-o roared excitedly.
He was more thrilled than when he himself had evolved.
He strode up to Shelgon...
...and gave him a pat on the back.
POM!
It was so strong that Shelgon fell to the ground with his legs sprawled.
Seeing the scene, everyone — Pokémon and Cain — burst into laughter.
No one laughed harder than Kommo-o.
Shelgon wasn't upset. With a complex look, he gazed at Kommo-o, not knowing how to react.
During his evolution, he had seen Kommo-o tear off his scale. He knew he had done it for him.
And he didn't understand why this Pokémon of the same type, whom he barely knew, was showing him such kindness.
It all confused him.
Kommo-o didn't know how to express himself either. He just stopped smiling and gave a few soft pats on Shelgon's back...
...showing an expression of relief and release.
(End of chapter)