On Heart Island, Serperior lay coiled at its center, feigning sleep.
Ye Lan, Leafeon, and Rillaboom had all fallen unconscious, sheltered within the coils of Serperior's body.
Though Serperior appeared to be asleep, it was actually keeping a constant watch on their condition.
This was one advantage of having a large body, though only serpentine Pokémon like Serperior could enjoy it.
Out in the wild, Serperior often protected Ye Lan's tent the same way. With security taken to the maximum, they never had to worry about wild Pokémon bothering them, and Serperior had naturally become their best night watch.
Even so, Rillaboom still woke up many times each night, saying it was a habit formed back with its troop. After several unsuccessful attempts to persuade Rillaboom otherwise, Serperior ended up taking turns keeping watch with it.
"Cough, cough..."
"Hiss!"
Ye Lan's coughing rang out abruptly. Serperior hurriedly lowered its head to check on them, only to find that both Ye Lan and the two Pokémon wore expressions of extreme pain.
Despite having suffered no injuries, the two Pokémon's auras had become utterly chaotic, and Ye Lan's face was growing paler by the moment.
Worry flashed through Serperior's eyes, accompanied by a rising fury.
That blue lake spirit, Azelf, was clearly singling it out. Ye Lan, Leafeon, and Rillaboom had all been pulled into the consciousness space, so why couldn't it go too?
Even if one more Pokémon couldn't turn things around, another Pokémon could clearly lend another helping hand. Serperior should have been fighting beside everyone in the consciousness space right now, rather than fretting helplessly outside.
Recalling Ye Lan's explanation that Heart Island was not only where Lake Valor's ancient inhabitants had worshipped and made offerings, but also the vessel for the mental space where Azelf hid, Serperior immediately