In the tropical rainforest, Summer placed a frightened Bounsweet on Tropius's head. They were new residents of the rainforest area. Besides them, other Pokémon like Feraligatr, Victreebel, and Exeggcute, who loved the humid and hot rainforest environment, had also appeared.
Due to its large size, gentle nature, and ability to provide delicious fruits, Tropius quickly became their leader. This was why Summer entrusted the Bounsweet to it.
"Next time, don't run out of this area. If you hadn't met me, you might have become Corviknight's food."
Summer patted its head. Bounsweet's sweet scent strongly attracted bird Pokémon, greatly stimulating their appetite. Out of curiosity about the outside world, Bounsweet had sneaked out of the rainforest and was immediately spotted by Skarmory.
Skarmory resisted its strong desire and reported to its leader, Corviknight. Hearing about a delicious fruit, Corviknight wasn't too excited. Were the fruits in Sunset Forest not enough?
Then Skarmory mentioned the walking fruit. Corviknight's eyes flashed with doubt. Had Summer planted something strange again?
Driven by curiosity, Corviknight set off and was captured by Bounsweet's scent. It rushed up and snatched Bounsweet from Greedent's tail, opening its beak wide.
"Damn it, Summer, you planted such a delicious fruit and didn't notify me first."
Naturally, Summer, attracted by the sweet smell, intervened. When attacked, Bounsweet secretes more sweat, emitting a sweet scent that further stimulates predators' appetites.
If not for Summer, no one could have stopped the ravenous Corviknight.
"Um," Bounsweet pouted, looking pitiful.
"Don't worry. When you evolve and get stronger, you can come out and play again." Summer smiled. "Alright, goodbye for now, Bounsweet, Tropius."
Tropius lifted its head to bid farewell to Summer. As he turned to leave, Summer pondered how these tropical Pokémon had found their way to Sunset Forest.
Grass and Water-type Pokémon could be explained by environmental changes, and Brimsnarl's presence in Dream Forest was due to its sensing ability. But how to explain the mushroom Pokémon? A fungal network?
As for these tropical Pokémon, there was no explanation. The temperature around Spikemuth was not high enough for tropical Pokémon to live nearby.
The rainforest had only been around for a week, yet many rare Galarian Pokémon had already appeared. Was some force attracting them to settle here?
Suddenly, Summer's phone vibrated. Someone was calling.
"Unknown number. Who could it be?"
Summer answered the call, and a familiar voice came through.
"Hello? Can you hear me? Do you remember who I am?"
"Coral?"
"Hey, you remember! Not bad," Coral's voice was interrupted by someone urging her in the background. "Ahem, I'll keep it short. Summer, I'm lost in Sunset Forest. Help me."
"You're in Sunset Forest?" Summer was surprised.
"Yeah, kind of embarrassing. I wanted to surprise you but got lost. This forest seems bigger than it looks."
Summer was silent. Indeed, after several expansions, the forest's area had more than doubled. "Coral, do you see any landmarks nearby?"
"Yes, there's a tree covered in charms, and there are Pokémon carvings underneath. Did you make those, Summer?" Coral paused as the urging continued. "I know, I know. Please hurry, my companion can't take much more."
That place? Summer showed a helpless expression. Nessa even brought a companion. Judging by the fear in their voice, the tree covered in charms must be quite creepy.
"Got it. Stay put, I'll be there soon."
Summer hung up and looked at Rillaboom beside him.
"Rillaboom, let's go."
"Rilla."
"Coral, why is there something so creepy in the forest? Are you sure we're in the right place?" The woman with coffee-colored skin spoke with a trembling voice, her blue eyes flickering.
She wore a gray-black cap, a dark purple off-shoulder top with a black cape, and tight light blue jeans. She clutched her arm, looking at Coral with a face full of complaints.
"It should be right. This is indeed Sunset Forest. Don't worry, Nessa, the forest ranger will be here soon. Are you less brave than me, Miss Model?"
"Huh? I'm not scared, just find it eerie. Ghost-type Pokémon are unpredictable. I've lost a few matches to them," the woman retorted.
"Then it's fine. Just wait. Hey, this wood carving is cool. Do you know this Pokémon?" Coral held up a Darkrai carving.
"No, never seen it. Where is it from? By the way, Nessa, don't you feel it's getting colder?" Nessa rubbed her arms.
"A bit. Hey, how about now?" Coral put the carving back and asked Nessa.
"Strange, the cold is gone. This forest is getting weirder." Nessa held her head.
"Weird? I find it interesting!" Coral smiled.
"Well, your grandfather was a water-type Pokémon researcher who traveled the world. It's not surprising you inherited his curiosity."
"I'm proud of it. Ah, there's Summer!" Coral stood up and waved.
"Phew, finally," Nessa sighed in relief. "Is that Rillaboom with him? It looks familiar."
Nessa referred to its aura. She had faced this Pokémon in a match before. That monster of a trainer had swept her entire team with it, showing no mercy.
This Rillaboom's aura was no less impressive. Properly trained, it could be a trainer's ace. Yet, it belonged to a forest ranger?
"Coral, why did you come to Sunset Forest?" Summer asked directly.
"Well, I'll explain later. Let me introduce my friend, Nessa!" Coral spread her arms.
"Nessa?"
The woman with coffee-colored skin looked reluctant, not speaking until Coral nudged her with her elbow. She raised her hand and said,
"Nice to meet you... I'm Nessa."
(End of Chapter)