The Cat Care Manual

One major reason Raikou had agreed to travel with him...

Perhaps it was because Baimu had never taken out a Poké Ball and tried to catch him.

The Ho-Oh Guard had long been targets for countless Trainers. They often accepted those Trainers' challenges, then used their strength in battle to crush their hopes.

Afterward, they would leave behind only a fleeting silhouette before vanishing.

In short...

No one was allowed to set their sights on catching them.

Baimu watched Raikou move slowly through the misty mountain forest, always keeping a certain distance from him. He could practically feel Raikou radiating a warning: Don't take out a Poké Ball, or we're no longer friends.

He was sure he wasn't imagining it. Earlier, when he'd taken out a Poké Ball to recall Blissey, Raikou had stared the whole time. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought Raikou wanted to go inside too.

"I didn't notice before. Were you always this big?"

Baimu couldn't help striking up a conversation, but Raikou gave no answer. He merely shot Baimu an aloof glance.

Raikou stood nearly six feet three at the head. He resembled a magnificent stallion, though his limbs and body were several times sturdier. Sleek muscles and mottled tiger markings made him an imposing sight.

Even lying down, he had looked like a small hill. Standing, he was more majestic still.

"Watch where you're going. Don't get your bandages too wet or dirty. If they come loose, I'll have to wrap them again," Baimu said.

Raikou still didn't answer. He even opened his mouth and yawned, as distant as ever.

He was just like the white-pawed tabby Baimu had kept in his previous life. Unless it was mealtime, there was no hope of getting that cat within three feet of him. Most