"Then I'll head back first. You two talk."
Seeing that Ye Qing and Darkrai still hadn't spoken, Ailisi tactfully left them some space.
"I want your help."
Ye Qing got straight to the point. With a Pokémon of Darkrai's temperament, there was no need to beat around the bush about some things.
"What is it?"
A hint of curiosity showed in Darkrai's eyes. He didn't understand what a boy who was on brotherly terms with Mew could need his help with.
Ye Qing briefly explained the situation. "A friend of mine has fallen into a deep sleep. I want to wake him through you."
Darkrai's gaze turned thoughtful. "A friend? Like me and Ailisi?"
"Yes."
Ye Qing nodded, looking steadily at Darkrai. His friendship with Wang Yao could absolutely stand the test!
Hearing Ye Qing's answer, Darkrai folded his arms and asked again, "Would you pay any price for that?"
"As much as I can," Ye Qing affirmed.
"Then what if I refuse?"
Darkrai abruptly changed tack, watching Ye Qing with interest.
"Then I'll beat you until you agree."
Ye Qing pulled his clothes open, revealing the brightly glowing marks on his body.
"What a character you are, kid."
Darkrai suddenly laughed. That blunt, simple answer really had caught him off guard.
"So you're agreeing?"
Ye Qing also knew Darkrai was joking with him. Their friendship from fighting side by side in the past alone meant he wouldn't refuse.
"Yes. Take me there."
Darkrai nodded, turning into a black shadow and slipping toward Ye Qing's shadow.
"Hey!"
The moment Darkrai drew near, Gengar suddenly sprang out of Ye Qing's shadow and clung to Ye Qing's back, trembling.
"Don't be scared. It's all right."
Ye Qing smiled. This was the first time he had seen the mischievous Gengar look like this.