The moment Dr. Krane appeared, Lugia's clouded mind snapped clear.
It had been easier when Lugia couldn't see him. One look at the man, though, and memories of its time in the Purification Chamber came rushing back.
For a bird Pokémon that soared through the skies and roamed the oceans, the Purification Chamber was worse than a cage. It was a box, one too small for Lugia even to spread its wings.
But the repeated bouts of Darkening had left it no choice but to endure.
To be honest, Lugia hadn't known which hurt more back then: the changes to its body or the torment inside its mind. Fortunately, as a Legendary Pokémon, it could withstand immense pressure. That was how it had held on until the end.
And yet...
The Darkening had never been fully cured.
As frenzy once more consumed its consciousness and sealed away its heart, Lugia watched forests, mountains, and rivers perish by its own power. It watched Pokémon flee in terror from their ruined homes. Despair was almost impossible to hold back...
Along with a small measure of resentment toward Dr. Krane.
"Luu—"
Lugia raised its head and gave a low, heavy warning for him to stay away.
But Dr. Krane only stood there with an awkward, helpless smile, guilt plain on his face. After a brief silence, Lugia lowered its head.
It knew it shouldn't blame the man. Dr. Krane had always wanted to help, never to harm it. The failed purification only meant his abilities had limits. The return of the Darkening wasn't his fault.
But...
Lugia turned its gaze back to Baimu.
The bouts of Darkening had grown more frequent lately. Lugia knew that, at this rate, its return to complete darkness was only a matter of time.
This human's arrival had