"Wow, it's really spectacular," Summer remarked as he gazed at the scene before him. To his left was a tall, lush tropical rainforest, and to his right, a snow-laden coniferous forest.
This scenery was clearly not natural, giving off an artificial, deliberately divided feel.
Come to think of it, I remember hearing from Pierce that Blueberry Academy, where he studied, is an artificial island with ecological environments separated just like this.
They could explain it with technology, but here... Summer extended both hands, feeling the simultaneous sensations of humidity and dry cold. He pulled his hands back and shook his head, saying, "Even using Celebi as an excuse wouldn't work here."
"Boni!" Beside him, Ogerpon was quite excited. Summer had told him that with snow, they could build snowmen and have snowball fights, games Ogerpon was eager to try.
"If others heard about having a snowball fight in summer, they would surely be incredulous," Summer mused, shaking his head. He then knelt down to wrap a woolen scarf around Ogerpon's neck. This scarf, made from Mareep wool, promised a cozy warmth.
Ogerpon buried his face into the scarf, rubbing against it. It felt like magic, warming up instantly!
Summer smiled, patting Ogerpon's head. "Playing with a mask on won't be much fun. This time, leave the Hearthflame Mask off and use the scarf for warmth."
"Boni!"
"Glad you like it. Now, I need to get ready too."
Summer donned a down jacket, thick pants, and gloves, instantly feeling an oppressive heat.
"It works well. Let's hurry inside, Ogerpon; I'm starting to sweat," Summer said, his face showing discomfort. Wearing winter clothes in summer was tough.
"Boni!"
Ogerpon trotted into the Snowy Forest, Summer following close behind. As they entered, a cold wind brushed Summer's cheeks, banishing the oppressive heat.
Galar had several forests that were snow-covered year-round. To the north was the White Forest near Circhester, and to the south, the Crown Tundra, both perpetually cold.
The Snowy Forest they were in now wasn't much different, mostly composed of hardy snow-covered cedars and birch trees, creating a white, snowy landscape.
The ice pillars on the branches were actually Pokémon—Snom, which fed on snow. Once satiated, they would hang from trees, emitting cold silk as they slept.
The Frosmoth fluttering their white wings were the result of their efforts, with their noble appearance and pure white color earning them the title of Snow Fairies, beloved by noblewomen in Galar since ancient times. Their thick fur collars were inspired by the fur on Frosmoth's chest.
A Swinub rooted through the snow, leaving a long trail as it used its keen sense of smell to find food hidden beneath the snow.
Experienced travelers would follow these trails to find the food Swinub left behind. It was easy to distinguish the tracks—just look for small dots in the snow, which were the small feet hidden under Swinub's fur.
The wild environment in the snowy landscape was harsh, with Pokémon evolving impressive foraging abilities. Some, like Snom, even ate snow.
But they didn't need to worry about food now, as the Sunset Forest had plenty, provided they could withstand the summer heat.
Several Galarian Darumaka were chasing an Amaura, whose berries around its belly had an ice cream-like texture, their favorite.
Ogerpon joined the chase, waving his stick and startling the Darumaka, who scattered. Amaura, in gratitude, shared its berries with Ogerpon.
Watching Amaura leave, Ogerpon took a bite of the berry, his face contorting as the cold hit. It was like eating an ice cube!
The floating Cryogonal, Vanillite exhaling cold air, and the timid Snorunt running away made Summer realize the forest wasn't very dangerous.
Perhaps it was because the forest was still new? Summer shook his head. He'd have to establish friendly relations with a powerful Pokémon that could lead this area.
He then looked at Ogerpon with a smile. "Inspection complete. Let's build a snowman, Ogerpon."
"Boni!"
Ogerpon jumped up joyfully. He had been waiting for this!
"You can build whatever you want, Ogerpon. Use your imagination," Summer encouraged.
Ogerpon thought for a moment, then began creating. Summer watched like a proud parent until he saw something unexpected.
A white, fluffy Vulpix with ice-blue eyes and a snowy tail appeared. It was an Alolan Vulpix, which had adapted to the cold of Mount Lanakila and gained ice powers. It shouldn't be in Galar.
But with the precedent of the Perpetual Forest, and the complex environment of the Sunset Forest, perhaps more regional forms would appear in the future.
"Boni!"
While Summer pondered, Ogerpon finished his creation. His small stature meant he didn't build very large snowmen.
Summer knelt to inspect, easily recognizing a dog, a monkey, and a rooster. Though well-made, they resembled the trio of elemental monkeys.
Ogerpon then swung his stick, shattering the snowmen with a satisfied smile, seeking Summer's approval.
Is this kid naturally mischievous? Summer decided to correct Ogerpon's understanding of snowmen.
"The snowmen are great, but their purpose isn't to be destroyed, Ogerpon."
"This is your hard work; treasure it more. How about making things you like? This area stays cold, so they'll last long if not disturbed."
"Boni!"
Ogerpon pondered, then had a lightbulb moment. He set to work more seriously.
On the snow, a small cloaked snowman stood beside two larger ones, one tall and strong, the other gentle and kind.
The creations were so detailed that passing Pokémon stopped to admire them, leaving them untouched as a rare sight in the otherwise monotonous snow.
(End of Chapter)