Chapter Forty-One: When I Gaze Upon the Water (Writer’s Block—A Filler Chapter)

Chen Ou was, at heart, still a homebody. He enjoyed traveling, but when it came down to it, he didn’t really want to go too far. Ultimately, it was pure laziness!

“How can you say I’m lazy, Charmander? I’m just thinking that it’s nearly time for a meal, so everyone should eat something and rest. Look at this place—gentle sunshine, birds singing, flowers blooming, streams murmuring. If we don’t eat here, it would be a desecration, a disrespect to such beauty and pleasant weather! Am I the kind of person who disrespects nature? Of course not!” Chen Ou spoke with utmost seriousness, while Charmander, not to be outdone, stared back at him intently.

Meanwhile, Rotom was busy taking pictures to capture the scenery for their travel journal, Growlithe was engrossed in battling the energy cubes Chen Ou had prepared, and Entei watched Chen Ou and Charmander with genuine interest. Such lively yet peaceful days were something Entei had never experienced in nearly a century. At last, he began to understand why some of his kin willingly journeyed alongside human trainers.

A life where one didn’t have to hunt for food, suffer loneliness, or endure the harsh elements—few Pokémon would refuse such comforts. Of course, Entei knew the bond he shared with Chen Ou had not come easily.

Could an ordinary person ever be qualified to capture an Entei? As one of Ho-Oh’s royal guard, every Entei was precious, each with their own duties: safeguarding the regions that still revered Ho-Oh, seeking out the Rainbow Hero admired by Ho-Oh, serving as a protector at Ho-Oh’s side. Every responsibility was crucial, every task intricate.

That was why, before Chen Ou explicitly expressed his wish for Entei to become his Pokémon, Entei could never fully accept him. Entei had his own duties...

Fortunately, during the recent major events, Chen Ou contributed the most and left a deep, unmistakable impression on every legendary Pokémon involved—a warning not to cross him lightly. This earned Entei special permission from Ho-Oh to accompany Chen Ou and explore his heart.

Ho-Oh wanted Chen Ou to be her spokesperson. Other legendary Pokémon seemed to have the same idea, but lacked a proper excuse to intervene for now.

When the legendary beasts gathered to discuss Chen Ou’s fate, his “ownership” was brought to the table for a “peaceful” negotiation. In the end, the battered legendary beasts decided to rely on their own abilities—whoever was most capable would win this spokesperson.

They simply believed Chen Ou was competent and adept at handling things!

So Ho-Oh let Entei follow Chen Ou, a subtle maneuver to draw him closer to her. Naturally, Entei favored Chen Ou choosing Ho-Oh’s side. If nothing else, a Sacred Ash and a second chance at life—who could refuse such a deal?

Entei believed that, given Chen Ou’s integrity, if he pressed the matter, Chen Ou would promptly kneel and declare himself Ho-Oh’s man in life and her resurrected one in death. Don’t ask—there’s already a mental image forming...

However, Entei also wanted Chen Ou to see what the other legendary Pokémon had to offer. Each had their own unique strengths, each could provide Chen Ou with considerable support.

Unaware, Entei had already begun considering Chen Ou’s interests. Perhaps this was the bond between trainer and Pokémon. When two sincere hearts open their most vulnerable places to one another, understanding and harmony follow swiftly.

But it was also the riskiest approach. If the other didn’t reciprocate and instead stabbed you in the back, the wounds would be deep.

Thinking this, Entei’s gaze grew sharper. He trusted Chen Ou’s judgment, but he would secretly guard him. With Chen Ou’s way of opening his heart, should he ever be hurt, Entei couldn’t imagine what might happen.

Entei had carried Chen Ou everywhere, witnessing his intelligence and resolve in public, and his loneliness and fragility when alone. He deeply wished Cynthia could travel with Chen Ou. Perhaps then he would be happier, for fundamentally, the man feared loneliness.

But that was impossible, for Cynthia had her own responsibilities. She wasn’t just a woman who loved Chen Ou; she was the champion of the Sinnoh League—a pillar of her region.

So Entei knew some things Chen Ou would have to face alone.

Tired from their argument, Chen Ou and Charmander sprawled out on the grass, eyes closed, basking in the sun. The only sounds were birdsong, insect murmurs, and the gentle rush of water, with the scent of flowers lingering in the air.

Entei shook his head at the sight of the two, lying so carelessly on the ground. He fetched a blanket from a nearby backpack, spread it out beside Chen Ou, then gently bit the back of Chen Ou’s collar and dragged him onto the blanket, all while Chen Ou gawked in confusion. Then, he bit Charmander’s tail, dragging him over as well, and thoughtfully arranged them just as they had been moments before.

Next, he walked over and picked up Growlithe, who was rolling on the ground after his meal. With his fate hanging from Entei’s jaws, Growlithe was frozen, eyes glazed, hind legs twitching occasionally.

Entei deposited him onto Chen Ou’s chest, then settled himself on the blanket, lying beside Chen Ou and tucking one forepaw under Chen Ou’s head.

Entei’s paw was thickly furred, soft, and, as a Fire-type Pokémon, radiated a comforting warmth—like a sun-dried quilt. Chen Ou instinctively shifted to find a comfortable position, his head resting on it.

Charmander crawled up, using Chen Ou’s arm as a pillow. Growlithe, too, found a cozier spot and closed his eyes.

And so, in this sunlit yet perilous forest, Chen Ou and his companions enjoyed an unabashed afternoon nap.

Such was this world.

When Chen Ou was weak, every carnivorous Pokémon in Viridian Forest eyed him as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack. But now, with Entei, Charmander, and Growlithe by his side, they could lie by the water without any Pokémon daring to trouble them.

The forest—and the world—revealed its beautiful side to him.

When you are strong, many things become astonishingly wonderful. When you are weak, the world is brutally indifferent.

Strive to become stronger, Chen Ou. Your future will surely be bright.