Elf: Rewriting the script, starting with Black Stocking Hanako

"Xiaoxia, are you asleep?"

Hanako's gentle voice came from outside the door.

Xiaoxia breathed a sigh of relief instantly.

It's Hanako-nee...

She quickly got out of bed, ran barefoot to the door, and opened it.

Hanako stood outside the door, already dressed in comfortable loungewear, her long, flowing hair cascading over her shoulders, a gentle smile on her face.

"Did I disturb you?"

"No, no!" Xiaoxia quickly shook her head, stepping aside to let Hanako in. "Hanako-neechan, come in and sit down."

Hanako entered the room, sat down on a small chair by the bed, her gaze sweeping over the slightly messy bedding and pillows, then at Xia's still slightly flushed cheeks and ears, a knowing smile flashing in her eyes.

"Were you thinking about something just now? You seemed... a little distracted."

Xiaoxia sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her pajamas, stammering a little.

"Hmm... a little."

She hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Hanako's gentle face.

Hanako-nee... you should understand, right?

She's so gentle and beautiful, she must have a lot of experience...

Xiaoxia took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and tentatively asked in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz:

"Hanako-nee... I... I want to ask you a question."

"Hmm? Go ahead," Hanako encouraged with a smile.

"It's like... if... if two people travel together and get along really well, but there's always this feeling of something being separate them..." Xiaoxia's face grew increasingly red, and her voice trailed off. "How... how can we... break down that barrier and take our relationship to the next level?"

After she finished speaking, she almost buried her head in her chest.

Hanako's smile deepened.

really.

Xiaoxia is starting to fall in love, and the object of her affections... is Jiang Chuan, of course.

She didn't point it out, but instead spoke in a gentler tone:

"Xiaoxia, sometimes, matters of the heart are like fishing."

"If you keep waiting for the fish to bite on its own, you might miss the best opportunity."

"When it's time to reel in the line, be bold and reel it in."

She paused, then looked at Xiaoxia meaningfully:

"Especially when you meet someone you truly like and don't want to miss out on. Girls, it's not shameful to take the initiative. Happiness is something you have to fight for."

"But..." Xiaoxia was still a little hesitant, "What if... what if I get rejected? It would be so awkward traveling together afterwards..."

"Silly girl," Hanako gently patted Xia's hand, "Do you think he's the kind of person who would easily embarrass you?"

"And..." she deliberately dragged out her words, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "From what I've observed, his feelings for you aren't just those of an ordinary companion. Some glances and subconscious actions don't lie."

Xiaoxia's heart skipped a beat.

"R-really?"

"Of course," Hanako said confidently, "but when it comes to matters of the heart, timing is crucial. Sometimes, if you hesitate, the opportunity slips away. What if..."

She deliberately sighed, her expression becoming somewhat "serious":

"What if you miss out completely later? It'll be too late to regret it then."

Completely missed out?

Xiaoxia was startled.

"Is it...is it that serious?"

Hanako chuckled when she saw that Kasumi was startled, and her tone became relaxed again:

"Okay, I was just kidding."

"However, you really need to remember the eight words: 'Take the initiative and seize the opportunity.'"

She stood up and gently ruffled Xiaoxia's hair:

"Get some rest. Do whatever you want to do. Hanako-nee supports you."

After seeing Hanako off, Xiaoxia lay back down on the bed.

My mind is in a mess.

Hanako's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

initiative……

Seize the opportunity...

Don't miss it completely...

She clenched her little fists and secretly made up her mind.

tomorrow!

I'll find an opportunity to have a good talk with Jiang Chuan tomorrow!

At the very least, you need to make him understand your feelings!

…………

That night, some tossed and turned, while others studied all night, but at least they all got some rest.

The next morning.

Xiaoxia got up early, carefully washed and dressed herself, and even specially chose a pair of shorts and a close-fitting top that would accentuate her figure.

She mustered her courage and went to the open space outside the lighthouse, wanting to "talk" to Jiang Chuan.

However, what she saw was Jiang Chuan training with unprecedented seriousness.

On an open space.

Jiang Chuan unusually released all six Pokémon he was currently carrying.

Jiang Chuan remained focused, giving clear instructions and occasionally correcting movements and adjusting tactical details.

That wholehearted and meticulous attitude made Xiaoxia swallow back the words she was about to say.

He... seems to have something very important to do.

Is it really a bad idea to bother him now?

Xiaoxia stood not far away and watched for a while. The little bit of courage she had in her heart to "take the initiative" slowly deflated like a punctured balloon.

Forget it.

Anyway, we're all traveling together, there will be plenty of opportunities later.

There's no rush.

She comforted herself, looking at the bright sunshine and clear seawater.

Since we've come all this way to the beach, let's go play in the water first!

So, Xiaoxia and Huazi enjoyed a pleasant time at the beach.

But my gaze always involuntarily drifts to that figure sweating profusely under the sun.

Jiang Chuan trained until mid-afternoon.

They then recalled the Pokémon and replenished their energy and water.

But he didn't rest. He turned around and went back into the lighthouse, heading straight for Zheng Hui's research room on the top floor.

Facing an entity of that size, there is no chance of victory if you rely solely on brute force in combat.

If someone just casually joins in, the team will probably be gone.

We have to resort to some "unorthodox" methods.

In the research lab, Zheng Hui was scratching his head, staring at a bunch of fluctuation data charts.

Jiang Chuan's arrival invigorated him.

The two then engaged in another heated discussion.

From the possible emotional fluctuations of a giant Dragonite, to the common sensory methods of ancient Pokémon, and how to get their attention and communicate effectively with minimal effort...

Time flew by during the research and training.

As evening approached, a thick fog rose from the sea.

Milky white fog rolled and churned, quickly engulfing the coastline, making even the nearby reefs appear indistinct.

Hanako and Misty, who had been playing all day, heard that a rare Pokémon might appear tonight, and came to the research lab at the top of the tower with curiosity and anticipation.

"The fog is so thick..." Xiaoxia looked out through the observation window and could only see a vast expanse of white.

"Mr. Zheng Hui said that every time that Pokémon appears, it's accompanied by this thick fog," Hanako said softly, glancing out the window with a hint of worry.

Zheng Hui excitedly adjusted the equipment.

"The energy fluctuations are starting to rise! It's coming!"

He started a special audio generator and adjusted the parameters.

"This is a simplified resonance signal I synthesized based on the sound frequencies it left behind last time. I hope it will attract its attention..."

As he spoke, he prepared to invite Jiang Chuan to watch this historic moment together.

However, when she turned around, she found that Jiang Chuan was gone.

"Where's Jiang Chuan?" Zheng Hui was taken aback.

Xiaoxia and Huazi then realized that Jiang Chuan, who had been studying the equipment just moments before, had left the research lab at some point.

next second.

Looking out the observation window, through the thick fog.

A figure suddenly shot into the sky from the side of the lighthouse!

Jiang Chuan rode on the back of the Pidgey, which flapped its wings vigorously, carrying him straight into the depths of the thick fog!

The three people on top of the lighthouse were instantly terrified.

"He...he flew off?!" Zheng Hui's glasses nearly fell off, his voice rising, "What is he trying to do?! Although the data says that giant Dragonite is mild-mannered, it doesn't say it would never attack humans! With such a huge size difference, even a slight touch would..."

Xiaoxia's face turned pale instantly.

She rushed to the observation window, slammed her hands on the glass, and shouted at the rapidly shrinking dark figure in the thick fog outside:

"Jiang Chuan! What are you doing! Come back! It's dangerous!"

Hanako's heart clenched instantly, and she instinctively covered her chest with her hand, her breath catching in her throat for a moment.

She always trusted Jiang Chuan's judgment and abilities.

But this time...

The shadowy silhouette, several times larger than the entire lighthouse, loomed in the thick fog, exuding a palpable sense of oppression!

This is too dangerous!

Jiang Chuan could not hear their shouts.

He lay on the back of the Pidgey, the strong wind carrying icy moisture hitting his face.

Thick fog swirled around us, reducing visibility to extremely low levels.

But he could sense it.

In front.

That vast, ancient, and solitary life force is slowly approaching.

He took a deep breath of the cold, damp air.

According to Zheng Hui's information and his own memories, this giant Dragonite had a gentle personality and wandered around due to loneliness.

It is searching for companions.

It is eager for a response.

He decided to take a gamble.

Bet on its gentleness, bet on its solitude, bet on the communicative power of your own waveguide force.

"Pipika, come a little closer! Keep a safe distance, circle around to its side!"

Jiang Chuan gave the order in a low voice.

With a clear cry, the Pidgey flapped its wings and nimbly cut through the thick fog, flying towards the side of the dark shadow that resembled a moving mountain.

The distance has been shortened.

Even through the thick fog, the visual impact of its terrifying size is enough to make one's legs go weak.

"Now!"

Jiang Chuan's eyes narrowed, and he raised his hand to release the Butterfly.

"Butterfly, go around to the front and sprinkle paralyzing powder! Control the area, don't use too much, the goal is to make it 'sense' it!"

"Pipika, use Quick Attack on the target's flank! Control the force, pull away immediately after impact!"

His goal was clear—to activate the combat judgment time!

Under the battle rules, once skills come into contact, a brief "battle state" will be entered.

Butterfree fluttered lightly, its wings flapping, and a fine powder quietly blended into the thick fog, drifting towards the face of the giant Dragonite.

Pidgey transformed into a streak of white light, carefully crashing into the thick skin on the side of the giant Dragonite, then turning back without hesitation.

It worked!

Battle countdown, begin!

The giant Dragonite paused slightly.

It felt a slight tingling sensation on its face, and a negligible collision when it turned to the side.

It lowered its head, its huge amber eyes piercing through the thick fog, looking at the tiny human and two tiny Pokémon floating not far in front of it.

A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

But there was no anger, no intention to attack.

Jiang Chuan focused all his energy on the task at hand!

The power of the aura transformed into a gentle, friendly, and understanding emotional signal, which was transmitted towards the giant Dragonite!

Sorry to bother you!

We were conducting flight training in dense fog and unintentionally offended you! We are very sorry!

At the same time, he quietly opened the encyclopedia in his pocket and turned on the recording function.

This is invaluable first-hand information!

The giant Dragonite looked even more puzzled.

This human...

How come I was able to clearly understand what he was conveying?

It's not just a sound, it's a direct expression of feeling...

It still did not respond or retaliate.

This negligible disturbance is nothing more than a tickle to it.

It found it somewhat novel, but having been lonely for so long, it didn't have much desire to communicate.

It shook its enormous head, preparing to turn around and continue its wandering.

Jiang Chuan's heart tightened.

to go?

No!

He immediately re-condensed the waveguide, transmitting an even stronger and more central message!

Please wait a moment!

You... are looking for companions, aren't you?

I sensed your loneliness.

The giant Dragonite, which was about to turn around, suddenly stopped!

I... have seen beings similar to you before.

They, too, have been searching alone throughout the long years...

Jiang Chuan seized the opportunity to transmit the information about those ancient Pokémon from his memory—ancient Gengar, ancient Jigglypuff, ancient Alakazam, and even some other legendary Pokémon—with a deep empathy for "loneliness," "searching," and "waiting," all through the power of Aura!

He wasn't lying.

He did "know" about their existence.

The greatest advantage of waveguide power lies in its ability to transmit the most primal emotions and ideas, without the need for language translation, allowing for direct resonance!

The giant Dragonite finally turned its head back.

Those huge amber eyes were fixed firmly on Jiang Chuan.

An ancient and gentle spiritual fluctuation cautiously probed over.

You...have seen...my companions?

Kuailong responded to Jiang Chuan.

efficient!

Jiang Chuan suppressed his excitement and continued to "tell" through the waveguide.

He describes the characteristics of those ancient beings (as vague as possible but real), shares his understanding of eternal solitude (combining feelings about past and present lives), and expresses his blessings for the encounter.

His extraordinary ability to utilize waveguide power allows him to convey complex meanings quickly and accurately.

If you try to shout, the other person will probably disappear into the depths of the mist before you can finish speaking.

The giant Dragonite listened quietly.

Some of the information was unfamiliar to him.

But some keywords and some emotions deeply touched the heartstrings that had been buried for who knows how long.

This human... wasn't lying.

The feeling emanating from him was... peculiar, peaceful, and carried a strange sense of "reality."

The communication takes place on a silent, spiritual level, guided by sound waves.

Time seemed to stand still.

Every second felt incredibly long, making one anxious.

I don't know how much time passed.

Jiang Chuan felt that the recording time for the encyclopedia had been sufficient, and the notification that the mission was completed flashed through his mind.

He knew when to stop and immediately conveyed his intention to end the matter through the waveguide:

Ah, it's getting late. My mom's calling me home for dinner.

It was a pleasure talking to you. I wish you find your companion soon!

The conversation abruptly ended.

He gently patted the Pidgey, signaling that it was time to retreat.

Let's get out of here!

Not a second longer!

The communication objective has been achieved. Staying any longer would be too risky if the other party gets carried away with the conversation or if something unexpected happens.

Faced with such a massive presence, the sense of oppression is very real; it would be a lie to say you're not afraid.

Pidgey understood and turned to fly towards the lighthouse.

however.

Just as Jiang Chuan breathed a sigh of relief.

That gentle yet immense mental fluctuation emanated once more.

【Wait a moment……】

The voice of the giant Dragonite echoed in Jiang Chuan's heart.