"So that's it. An indomitable Pawniard is certainly an impressive Pokémon."
Watching the message from Marnie on the screen, Summer nodded silently in agreement.
"Marnie thinks so too. (●''●)"
"Hmm?" Summer made a questioning sound.
How did Marnie know my thoughts? I didn't send that opinion out just now.
"Gah-o!"
"Because Marnie is right behind you. Turn around quickly."
The surprised cry of Tropius and Marnie's cool voice made Summer turn around. Marnie stood there, expressionless, waving one hand while holding Morpeko, who was also waving, with the other arm.
"Marnie, you're back. Why didn't you notify me in advance?" Summer asked in surprise.
"Why? Sometimes I just want to see your surprised face," Marnie replied with a satisfied expression, then looked toward Spikemuth with a relieved smile. "Also, if something important is happening in my hometown, I definitely want to come back and see, right?"
"So you've already visited Spikemuth?" Summer inquired.
"Not yet, but I will soon. But that's not the point right now. Didn't I say I caught a Pawniard?" Marnie shifted the conversation, her eyes moving slightly as she looked down, unconsciously hugging Morpeko tighter.
"That's right. What, do you want me to train it for you?"
"Since it has become my Pokémon, I will naturally train it myself." Marnie gazed at the four Pokémon behind Summer.
In just two months, Summer's Grookey had evolved into Rillaboom, looking very formidable now.
This was achieved even though he didn't solely focus on training one Pokémon. If Pawniard were to be trained by him, it would surely evolve into Bisharp soon.
Two Lilligant had evolved with the Sun Stone, making it hard to gauge their current strength.
But the Lilligant with the pink crown is a regional form, right? As expected, Summer has extensive knowledge.
The Pokémon hiding behind Summer is one I haven't even seen in the Pokédex. Logically, Summer usually stays in the forest, so how did he catch it?
Moreover, he still has that powerful Milotic and the intelligent Corviknight.
Summer is truly amazing, even Marnie has to admire him. Just kidding, admitting defeat wouldn't be like Marnie at all.
"I want to find a strong opponent for it to help it grow through battle. Can I ask your Milotic to battle it?" Marnie requested.
Milotic... Milotic?!
The two Lilligant looked at each other. This girl is too ruthless, letting her Pokémon challenge Milotic, the top dog of the Sunset Forest.
Even the usually composed Rillaboom couldn't hold back. The Milotic in Misty Lake was known to be the strongest in the Sunset Forest. Marnie training her Pokémon must be like Spartan training.
"Let's find a different opponent, Marnie," Summer paused. "I know a better opponent."
"Really? Then I'll trust your judgment, Summer." Marnie agreed readily, believing that trusting Summer couldn't go wrong.
Summer sighed inwardly, feeling like he had just saved Pawniard's life indirectly.
"Alright, then I'll go find it now. Marnie, why don't you rest in the cabin for a while?"
Marnie shook her head, saying, "I'll go with you. After all, it's my request. Besides, I'm not some pampered lady, right?"
"I understand. Let's all go together then," Summer said.
In the Dream Forest, Marnie gazed around in awe. She couldn't help but ask, "Summer, why does this forest look exactly like the Glimwood Tangle?"
Summer remained calm, knowing that the wonders of the Sunset Forest would eventually be discovered by others. It was better if it was discovered by someone he trusted.
Moreover, he had already prepared an explanation for this.
"Marnie, you know that some Pokémon possess mysterious powers, often only mentioned in legends."
"Yes."
Marnie nodded quietly. She had heard about such things from Grandpa Gideon, who had traveled the world in his youth and had seen many things.
For instance, Ho-Oh from the Johto region, said to bring happiness and have the ability to revive the dead.
The ancient Pokémon from the Hoenn region, capable of causing disasters, whose names hadn't even been fully recorded.
The twin dragons of the Unova region, representing truth and ideals, who helped a hero establish a kingdom and once destroyed much of the Unova region with their thunder and flames.
These legendary Pokémon could easily change the world with their immense power. Even the top human trainers stood little chance against them.
However, there were also stories of humans partnering with legendary Pokémon. Grandpa Gideon had mentioned an island protected by a legendary Pokémon.
If not for these Pokémon choosing to sleep in remote places, the world might have been destroyed multiple times by now.
"And the miracle before you is due to a mythical Pokémon," Summer said earnestly.
"A mythical Pokémon..." Marnie repeated the name. If Summer indeed knew a legendary Pokémon, it would explain his mysterious abilities.
No, it was precisely because he was Summer that he could know a legendary Pokémon.
"Its name is Celebi, known as the guardian of the forest, with the ability to travel through time."
"Time travel... So the Sunset Forest appears similar to the Glimwood Tangle because of Celebi?"
Marnie was surprisingly cooperative, Summer thought. He had expected her to question the authenticity of Celebi.
Truth be told, although Celebi was revered as the guardian of the forest, its appearance alone wouldn't cause such drastic changes to the forest.
Its presence would only make vegetation grow lush and the forest vibrant.
"So, Summer, have you ever seen Celebi?" Marnie asked.
"Yes, I've seen it, though only its shadow. This forest is the trace it left behind. Besides, there's another special forest," Summer explained.
"Wow, this world is indeed full of wonders." Marnie smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry for keeping this from you until now, Marnie."
Marnie shook her head, her voice carrying a hint of joy. "No need to apologize, Summer. A Pokémon that can travel through time would surely attract malicious attention. I believe you're just fulfilling your duty as a ranger."
"Besides, I'm the first to know, right? I'm glad you trust me."
Nearby, Tropius's eyes sparkled, prompting the two Lilligant to quietly cover its eyes. Little children shouldn't be seeing this.
In the forest filled with oak trees, an ancient shrine glowed with a green light. A peculiar Pokémon appeared from the light, sensing a mysterious connection forming on a distant continent.
When did I gain such an ability?
(End of Chapter)