"You're too polite. We're family now."
On the surface, after receiving the telepathic messages from the three Pokémon, Icarus waved his hand magnanimously, acting as if it was nothing.
He had no intention of introducing Weepinbell and the others to the three Psychic-type Pokémon. There was no need. First, it was obvious that they were only acknowledging his position because of Natsume. Second, none of his Pokémon possessed Psychic abilities, so there was little value in forcing an introduction or seeking guidance. If Airi's Staryu had been present, he might have swallowed his pride and asked for help.
The three Psychic Pokémon couldn't simply ignore Icarus's politeness. They nodded, maintaining a surface-level harmony.
"Alright. Synchronize with me and help me recover. Once I'm fully restored, we'll Teleport out of here."
Seeing that the three Pokémon had accepted Icarus, Natsume smiled.
She knew perfectly well that their acceptance was only superficial for now, but that didn't matter. There was still plenty of time. With her strength and prestige, she believed she could eventually make everyone truly accept Icarus.
The young woman was still somewhat naïve, believing she could overcome any obstacle through sheer power and determination.
"Yes!"
The three Psychic Pokémon nodded immediately. Helping their Trainer recover was naturally their responsibility.
"Icarus, please set me down beneath that large tree. And ask Weepinbell and the others to guard us."
Since she needed to enter a synchronized mental state to recover, remaining on his back wasn't an option. An accidental surge of Psychic power could easily injure him.
"Of course."
Icarus readily agreed.
"Sprout! (｀_´)ゞ"
As the eldest member of Icarus's team, Weepinbell immediately stepped forward and declared that anyone wishing to interrupt them would have to get through him first.
Their benefactor absolutely had to be protected.
Soon, Natsume and the three Psychic Pokémon formed a circle beneath the tree.
A tide-like sound filled the air.
At the same time, purple psychic energy flowed from their bodies, forming a hemispherical network of mental connections.
"That's a huge disturbance. Won't it attract Elite-level Pokémon—or even people?"
Watching the phenomenon, Icarus couldn't help feeling nervous.
"Sprout! Sprout!"
Fortunately, Weepinbell quickly explained.
As a Naturally Extraordinary Pokémon, it could sense things more clearly. Although the process looked impressive, Alakazam and the others had intentionally suppressed the outgoing fluctuations. What leaked outside should only resemble Ordinary-level energy.
"Pidgeot!"
"Houndoom!"
Pidgeotto and Houndoom sensed the same thing and agreed.
"That's a relief."
Icarus finally relaxed and continued standing guard.
Time passed.
Several waves of wild Pokémon were attracted by the lingering energy, but Weepinbell and the others drove them away without issue.
Half a day later, Natsume's recovery was nearly complete.
With a soft hum, the psychic network separated into four streams and returned to their respective minds.
Natsume rose to her feet, radiant and full of vitality.
In contrast, Alakazam and the others appeared somewhat exhausted.
The reason was simple.
Although it looked like a mutual synchronization, the three Pokémon had effectively been supplying Natsume with Psychic power. Not only had they healed her mental injuries, but they had also helped restore her directly to Gym Leader-level strength.
The burden was enormous.
"You've recovered, Natsume. But they don't look so good."
Icarus smiled happily as he approached, while also expressing concern for the Pokémon that had helped her.
"Lord Icarus, we are fine."
Before Natsume could answer, Alakazam spoke first through telepathy.
"Our strength has temporarily declined, but we still possess Gym Leader-level combat power. A few days of rest will be enough."
Psychic Pokémon were intelligent, after all.
They had spent half a day helping Natsume recover, yet the moment she regained her strength, she immediately ran toward Icarus.
Alakazam had already realized that they had apparently lost their place as her favorites.
What could they do?
Competing with a human for their Trainer's affection was impossible.
More importantly, Natsume despised internal conflict among her companions and subordinates.
Therefore, being friendly toward this new favorite was clearly the smarter choice.
"Yes. Alakazam and the others are right."
Natsume nodded.
"When we return, I'll provide them with Psychic Crystals. They'll recover quickly."
Originally, she had planned to let them recover naturally as a form of discipline. But since Alakazam had already understood the situation, there was no need.
"Let's go. We'll Teleport out of here."
Natsume wrapped an arm around Icarus's shoulder.
"The Wu Neng Family may have set up Psychic barriers, but those barriers were purchased from Goldenrod City. They won't stop me."
"Actually, Natsume…"
Icarus hesitated.
"Could you help me find my companions first? They're like family to me."
"Of course."
She agreed immediately.
"Just picture them in your mind and don't resist."
Icarus closed his eyes and recalled the appearances of Airi and Stone.
Instantly, Natsume read the images through her Psychic power and transmitted them to Alakazam and the others.
"Find these two people."
She issued the order.
"If you locate them, bring them back safely. And be polite."
The three Psychic Pokémon immediately obeyed.
Meanwhile, through telepathic communication, Hypno quietly complained.
"Boss, why are we doing all this for that man? We just exhausted ourselves helping Miss Natsume recover. Now we have to search for his companions too?"
Before Alakazam could answer, Mr. Mime snapped at him.
"Enough. Miss Natsume's decisions aren't for us to question."
Alakazam sighed.
"Just focus on your task. Haven't you noticed? That man is extremely important to Miss Natsume."
When Hypno remained unconvinced, Alakazam finally explained Natsume's past and her long-standing mental trauma.
After hearing everything, Hypno finally understood.
"So that's why…"
Its complaints immediately disappeared.
From that moment on, it searched with full effort.
Eventually, Hypno discovered a clue.
Deep within its psychic perception, a blue-haired girl lay unconscious beside a stream.
Her body was covered in wounds, but she was still breathing.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Hypno quickly recognized her.
It was Airi.
Around her stood several wild Pokémon—mainly Poliwag and Magikarp—guarding her protectively.
The flowing water also seemed to be helping stabilize her condition.
That was the only reason she had survived.
When Hypno arrived, the nearby Pokémon immediately panicked and fled.
A flashing Poké Ball nearby continued trembling.
It belonged to Staryu.
Although trapped inside, Staryu had been observing the outside world through its Psychic power and continuously urging nearby Pokémon to help Airi.
Hypno smiled faintly.
"Interesting."
It immediately recognized Airi as a Naturally Extraordinary Water-type Trainer.
"Don't worry. Lord Icarus sent me to rescue your Trainer."
After hearing Icarus's name, Staryu immediately relaxed.
Moments later, Hypno used Heal Pulse.
Brilliant white energy enveloped Airi's body.
As a Gym Leader-level Pokémon, Hypno's healing abilities were far beyond those of an ordinary Pokémon.
Airi slowly regained consciousness.
"Where am I…?"
She blinked in confusion.
Soon, the healing process finished.
"Thank you for saving me."
Airi bowed politely.
Even without understanding the situation, courtesy toward a powerful Pokémon was the safest choice.
"Yes. You're Airi, correct?"
Hypno nodded.
"Lord Icarus sent me to find you. Gather your belongings and come with me."
"Brother Icarus?"
Surprise flashed across Airi's face.
Nevertheless, she quickly packed her remaining belongings, collected her Poké Balls, changed into a fresh set of protective clothing, and returned.
"I'm ready."
"Good."
Hypno grabbed her hand.
"Hold on."
With a flash of psychic light, both of them vanished.
When Airi opened her eyes again, they were already standing atop another mountain peak.
"This… this is Teleport!"
Her heart shook with amazement, though she wisely kept the rest of her thoughts to herself.