Our Lord Guardian... Isn't Going to Run Off with This Human, Right?

Entei lay quietly to one side, like an ancient rock guarding a warm campfire, the reflections of the boy and Pokémon frolicking filling his eyes.

Naturally, he would not stop this pure joy that belonged to children, especially after confirming that Yan Yang was in excellent condition and needed to vent and relax.

As a Legendary, he had his own dignity and restraint. Unless Yan Yang personally invited him, or they were alone, he would only then slightly set aside that divine bearing and reveal his deeper concern.

For now, being a spectator was enough.

The guardian of the highlands—Volcanion—seemed to share a similar thought.

Though his heart was filled with joy at the revival of his people, beneath that rough exterior, he still habitually maintained an air of "keep strangers away." His massive body stood like a mountain, and he made no move to join the revelry.

It was not until several notoriously mischievous Pancham and Gogoat from the highlands—having just experienced the cycle of life and death, their courage seemingly grown considerably—pushed and shoved each other over with cheeky grins, rubbed their heads against his hard legs, and whimpered invitations at him that he finally reacted.

"Hmph! I'm not playing your childish, boring games!" Volcanion deliberately blasted steam from his nostrils and cannon pipes, producing frightening puffs and hisses as he tried to scare off these little brats who knew no better.

"Have you little punks gotten itchy? Looking to get taught a lesson? I never saw you rolling around and making a fuss in front of me before!"

However, he had miscalculated.

These little ones had experienced the shadow of death firsthand and been reborn beneath the light of the God of Life. How could a little steam scare them now?

Besides, they had heard plenty from