It looked similar to a hedgehog, but vastly different from an ordinary one. Not only was its body white, but even the spikes were replaced by lush, fresh green grass, within which a few yellow, seed-like objects could be seen.
There was a pair of pink flowers on each side of its cheeks, positioned toward the back.
A Pokémon capable of speaking carried significant meaning within the Beasts Pirates. Up until now, Pokémon created with the ability to speak from day one were either Mythical Pokemon or those who have special jobs.
But this time was unique, as the Pokémon in question was simply a hedgehog.
Zeraora, Darkrai, Diancie, Genesect, Manaphy—these all had humanoid body structures, appearing somewhat like demi-humans.
A Pokémon with such a pure animal-like appearance was rather rare, yet no matter what, this one was certainly no ordinary Pokémon as Arceus never disappoints.
"My lord, look at the way that guy is staring at me—his eyes look prverted, don't you think? Or is he a prvert himself? I think this guy is dangerous." [TN: When referring to itself Shaymin doesn't use I/me. It uses Mi, but it would sound weird so I'm going to use I/me only.]
"Don't say that, little one. I'm not a p*rvert. Would you like something to eat?"
From past experiences, offering food was usually a good way to build relationships with most Pokémon. This one looked like it was made entirely of plants, so it was probably a vegetarian.
Though its manner of speech was peculiar, it didn't seem too difficult to get along with—at least not like that Omastar, who greeted him habitually with Water Gun, or more accurately, it had upgraded it to Spike Cannon.
After some thought, Queen took a gamble. He transformed and plucked the original version of banana from the Tropius' chin, before pushing it in front of the other Pokémon.
Charlotte Linlin would go to great lengths to get one of these bananas, but here was Queen offering it willingly—a substantial investment to change the Pokémon's impression of him.
"Go ahead and try it. It's quite delicious."
Looking at the banana, which was bigger than itself, the hedgehog began to sniff it.
"I...I will give it a try for now. You're offering this to me of your own free will, right? You won't regret it?"
"I won't, I won't. Take your time and enjoy."
The banana from Tropius had a strong appeal to vegetarian Pokémon, and it seemed that Queen had made some initial progress. He then looked over at Arceus.
"Lord Arceus, did you prepare this for me?"
"Something like that. Her name is Shaymin. Don't underestimate her—your plantation's restoration depends entirely on her."
"Does this little one really hold that much power?"
His banana plantation was practically destroyed. Sakazuki's Meteor Volcano, plus his own Natural Gift, had triggered two massive explosions that devastated the island's ecosystem—even most of the microorganisms in the water were wiped out.
Under normal circumstances, that island would remain barren for a long time to come.
This was a huge loss for Queen; there were many islands in the New World, but he had carefully chosen that one to serve as the banana plantation after multiple investigations.
The climate and soil on that island were perfect for growing his bananas.
Because of this, Caesar and Sakazuki had even made it onto his blacklist. Originally, he thought Arceus would, at most, provide him with new seeds; he hadn't expected restoration of that place.
"This is Shaymin's ability. If she's willing, she can make it happen."
Shaymin, also a Mythical Pokémon, possessed a unique ability of its own.
It's body could break down toxins in the atmosphere, functioning like a natural purifier. Even Galarian Weezing couldn't match her in this regard. But that was only part of it—she also had the ability to make ruined lands flourish.
According to legend, when people expressed gratitude for the end of harsh winters as seasons changed, Shaymin would appear and make ruined lands bloom with flowers.
Flowers were only one form of expression; blooming and bearing fruit encompassed a plant's entire life cycle, and that was Shaymin's essential power.
"You mean..."
"Shaymin can restore the island's ecosystem, and your plantation can recover."
The soil would regain its vitality, and the harmful gases from the volcanic eruption would be purified, making the island even better than before.
To Queen, these words were like heavenly music. He began to think further: if even an island ravaged to such an extent could be restored, then on other, normal islands, couldn't crops thrive even more?
He even considered the possibility of mass-producing some of the special plants he'd previously only been able to grow in the lab.
This wasn't just a hedgehog; it was a true treasure.
Queen's gaze toward Shaymin turned strange again.
"You really are suspicious. I don't think you can be trusted."
"Little one, you've eaten my food, and you're still talking like this?"
"You offered it to me, didn't you? What does it have to do with me? But if you give me a bit more, maybe I'll help you."
"Whether you get more delicious food depends on you. As long as we cooperate well, I'll make sure you eat to your heart's content every day. Can you show me your ability?"
"I can't. It requires the power of gratitude. I can't do it right now."
"Gratitude? I'm grateful for Lord Arceus' blessing."
"I'm not talking about that kind of gratitude. Of course, being grateful to the Lord is important, but you're not quite there yet, and besides, the flowers haven't bloomed yet."
Queen was starting to feel confused by what Shaymin was saying. According to Arceus, Shaymin was a Pokémon that could bring everything back to life. It could make plants bloom, but it has to wait for the flowers to bloom? It was simply a contradiction.
Before he could ask anything, a seed suddenly appeared in his hand.
"Lord Arceus, what is this...?"
"Gracidea's seed. It's Shaymin's favorite plant. When this flower blooms, the fragrance will allow her to take on another form. Consider it a test for you.
If you can make it bloom, Shaymin will certainly help you—right, Shaymin?"
"Since my lord has said it, I'll definitely. Once it blooms, I will help you."
The hedgehog-like form of Shaymin was also called the Land Forme. When she senses the gratitude of humans, the flowers on her body would bloom. Earlier, the flowers had shown no reaction, so she said that Queen didn't understand gratitude.
The Gracidea is also known as the rare flower, and its fragrance allows Shaymin to take on her Sky Forme. At that time, she would gain greater combat power and the ability to fly freely.
Mission Executor: Queen
Reward: Shaymin (delivered)
Hidden Mission Activated: Grow the Gracidea
Reward: A Brand-New Banana Plantation (not delivered)
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