"The forest dwellers shouldn't pose problems."
Gardevoir shook her head gently: "Sa na~ (Leave it to me.)"
Though relations had been tense historically, their clans shared ancestral roots. Many current forest dwellers carried dragon lineage - including Sceptile who guided Su Feng. With proper handling, reconciliation wouldn't be overly difficult.
Su Feng raised an eyebrow at the unexpected smoothness.
"Sa na. (However, I have a request.)" Gardevoir's expression turned solemn.
"Please." Su Feng straightened instinctively.
"Sa na~ (I want you to train my child Ralts. Take her from this realm to broaden her horizons, and return together when the time comes.)"
Su Feng caught hidden implications. "Do you foresee future calamity here?"
Gardevoir shook again: "Sa na~ (Misunderstanding. I simply want her strengthened to eventually lead our people.)"
The psychic leader withheld the impending catastrophe prophecy. Foreknowledge might alter destiny's course - only select elders knew her mother's vision.
"Sa na~ (Should deep bonds form between you, I won't demand her immediate return. Follow your hearts.)"
With terms this generous, refusal became impossible.
"Understood. I'll help her surpass even your power." Su Feng vowed seriously.
Gardevoir smiled: "Sa na~ (Perfect.)"
"Ralts, let's get along." Su Feng patted the dozing psychic-type.
"Ral~"
The infant responded sleepily, reminiscent of Vulpix's early days. Producing a Luxury Ball, Su Feng gently tapped Ralts' head. Red light enveloped her as the ball shook thrice - capture complete.
[So jealous! She'll grow into gorgeous Gardevoir!]
[I want to raise a little lady too!]
[FBI! OPEN THE DOOR!]
[Gentle beauty Pokémon... dying of envy here.]
With Blaziken, Gengar, Growlithe, Greninja, Alolan Vulpix, and now Ralts, Su Feng's team reached six members. While no Professor existed here to enforce carry limits, managing more would prove cumbersome without Poké Ball transfer system.
Gardevoir's heart ached witnessing the capture. Though wishing Ralts childhood joys, the realm's survival demanded sacrifices.
Noticing her melancholy, Su Feng released Ralts immediately. "I'll bring her back periodically. The realm's close to my home anyway."
"Want to say proper goodbyes?"
Gardevoir accepted, cradling Ralts. Their chest horns resonated - mother and daughter psychically communing through red crystalline heart emissions.
Soon, Ralts fell peacefully asleep.
"Sa na~ (She's always been mature. Rarely cries despite my neglect.)" Gardevoir handed back the infant, trusting Su Feng's proven care for Pokémon.
Producing an intricate bracelet with red-green Mega Stone, Gardevoir explained: "Sa na~ (Our lineage's Mega Stone. Sized for Gardevoir wrists.)"
Su Feng's eyes widened recognizing the Keystone-compatible gem. He solemnly stored it, noting Blaziken's Mega Stone remained elusive.
Departing with sleeping Ralts, Su Feng asked: "Need emissaries to verify our pact?"
"Sa na~ (Unnecessary.)" Gardevoir smiled. "Sa na~ (Dragonite will understand when seeing Ralts.)"