Surging waves crashed against the reefs, and the spray shimmered with rainbow colors in the sunlight.
With his backpack on, the boy looked at his companions and said with a smile,
"You haven't been slacking off! Tyrunt, Shieldon! Keep listening to Steelix and the others while I'm gone. Keep training and get your strength fully under control as soon as you can. When I come back, you'll be ready to evolve!"
"Haya!"
"Deh-buh!"
The two little ones had been working hard, and they nodded earnestly.
Seeing this, Yong smiled and walked over to pat Rhyhorn's cool head.
"The same goes for you, Rhyhorn! Charging is your specialty. Keep asking Steelix and Swampert for advice on using your energy. I hope you'll have learned Double-Edge by the time I get back!"
"Huff, huff~"
"Remember, hold out just a little longer. Wait until you've learned your new move before evolving. Don't rush!"
Rhyhorn nodded. Rhyhorn was an honest, dependable Pokémon, so Yong wasn't too worried.
Steelix and the others stood nearby. Holding Larvesta, Yong climbed onto Aerodactyl's back and looked at them with complete trust, especially Steelix and Swampert. He said with a smile,
"I'm counting on you two to look after everyone! Steelix! Swampert! I might be away for a while this time, so stick to the training plan we worked out!"
"Haga~!"
With that enormous body coiled up, Steelix understood what Yong meant and nodded steadily, answering with a low rumble. Beside Steelix, Swampert, Claydol, and the others voiced their agreement. Reassured, Yong nodded, patted Aerodactyl's neck, and said softly,
"Let's go!"
"Aaang~~~!"
With a low roar, Aerodactyl spread those wings, took a couple of running steps, and soared into the sky, heading north from the Secret Base.
This time, Yong was going to fulfill two promises and find a