North Area 2.
Grassland and lakes lay nestled among the mountains, and a secluded bamboo grove grew within the basin.
The Caph Squad base stood at the eastern edge of the grove.
Miraidon carried the two of them over a ridge, then glided down, its little electronic eyes brimming with delight.
But its delight did not last.
"Graa!"
Kingambit slowly rose, the great blade atop its head pointing straight at the sky and the blades along its whiskers gleaming coldly. It turned a hostile gaze on Miraidon.
Nearby, three Bisharp and a crowd of Pawniard closed in from every side, baring their deadly blades.
"Grii!"
"Hooma! Hooma!"
Miraidon had picked a poor landing spot and blundered into the steel army's territory.
As everyone knew, Dark-type Pokémon were either rough-tempered or nasty by nature. Kingambit's line was both.
And they were especially vicious toward intruders!
"Gah!"
Miraidon wheeled around and fled in fright. After eating four kinds of Herba Mystica, it should have recovered at least half its strength.
Yet it did not even dare fight back, much to Nemona's surprise. She had been eager to see what it could do.
"Isn't this a bit too undignified?" she shouted.
When Nemona encountered a group of Wild Pokémon, she might not rush in like Baimu, but she would at least battle their leader.
Baimu did not mind. Forcing a Pokémon with a traumatic past to fight was not his way.
That had been true of Blissey, and it was true of Miraidon now.
He offered an excuse for Miraidon. "It's a strategic retreat. Look behind us. Aren't they starting to tire?"
Nemona looked back. Sure enough, Kingambit and the others chasing them had slowed down.
Miraidon was simply running too fast.
Speed was hardly their strong suit. How could they keep up