Slowking and the others noticed the aura of Altaria.
Seeing Aoki standing next to Altaria, they all showed nervous expressions, stopped their training, and approached him.
Aoki waved his hands at Slowking and the others, signaling that it was fine.
After getting his reassurance, the Pokémon reluctantly returned to their training, though they kept glancing in Altaria's direction.
Sensing Altaria's presence, Aoki spread his hands helplessly. "I'm not strong enough to change things. Even without us, they would've gone to the island. Our presence only delayed them by about ten days."
Altaria gave Aoki a long look before the pressure around her faded.
Aoki quietly sighed in relief—standing next to a near-Champion-level Altaria as her aura flared was no easy feat.
"Who are they?" Altaria's voice was cold, her tone guarded.
Aoki understood her wariness. Wild Pokémon from isolated regions, no matter how strong, often saw things more simply. And with two young Swablu under her care, Altaria had reason to be cautious.
"An underground organization from the outside world. This island is called Mirage Island, protected by a barrier. That group has a strong interest in it. Right now, at least five or six elite-level Trainers are waiting outside."
He paused, seeing her confusion. "Elite Trainers—each has four or five Pokémon at least as strong as you. That's nearly thirty powerful Pokémon in total. Does Mirage Island have that many? And even if it does, would they unite?"
Altaria fell silent. If what Aoki said was true, the island's Pokémon stood no chance.
Aoki was exaggerating slightly—Team Rocket had strong members, but not five or six elites. And not every elite Trainer carried a full team of elite-level Pokémon. Many balanced their roster with developing Pokémon for training.
But when Team Rocket launched their full assault, the numbers would only grow.
Altaria's wings drooped slightly. From Aoki's tone, she could tell he wasn't lying.
She didn't know how many Pokémon stronger than her lived on Mirage Island, but as a Flying-type, she could choose her battles. She'd faced stronger opponents before—but never so many at once.
And Aoki was right about one thing: the island's Pokémon would never unite.
"Is there… no hope?" Altaria murmured.
Aoki pressed on. "If you trust me, I can get you out safely. I can also provide a safe place for you and your Swablu."
He met her gaze. "Outside, I have some influence. I own land—not as vast as Mirage Island, but enough. And you wouldn't have to worry about danger. I'd handle that."
"Your land?" Altaria's eyes flickered with doubt—and a hint of disdain.
Aoki's team was decent by Mirage Island's standards, but against her? They wouldn't last two moves.
"Yes, my land. I know my team is weaker than you now." Aoki smiled. "But look at how far they've come in less than a year. Give me another year, and surpassing you isn't impossible."
His confidence was unshaken. This life had given him the belief that he could rival even the likes of Champion Lance or Steven.
Altaria tilted her head. She had noticed how young his Pokémon were—some younger than her Swablu, yet already so strong.
This human trained Pokémon well.
Still, she didn't answer immediately. As a near-Champion Dragon-type, pride ran deep in her veins.
The only thing that could make her set it aside was her children.
But she needed time—time to decide whether to trust this human, whether to uproot their lives for safety.
"Let me think," she finally said, then spread her wings and vanished into the moonlight.
Aoki smiled.
"Almost."
Eighty percent success.
Between the food, the safety offer, and his persuasion, Altaria was close to accepting.
Only one question nagged at him:
Who was the father of those two Swablu?