In front of the wooden house, Summer set up a bench and watched as Rillaboom and Ogerpon engaged in a practice battle.
Rillaboom had learned various techniques for controlling roots from Trevenant and was now experimenting with new drumming styles, using the agile and nimble Ogerpon as a real combat target.
Enemies like Ogerpon were the most difficult for Rillaboom to deal with.
As for Ogerpon, it treated the battle as a game, simply using it to burn off its overflowing energy.
Countless thin vines sprouted from the ground around Ogerpon, simultaneously launching an attack, attempting to restrict its movements.
"Boni-Oh?!"
Ogerpon was startled and frantically looked around. Thinking it couldn't dodge, it pulled out a burning thorny stick and swung it in a wide arc, burning away all the vines trying to approach it.
"Gao!"
It let out a proud cry, seemingly pleased with its quick judgment.
It was Rillaboom who had asked Ogerpon to use the Hearthflame Mask. It didn't want the training to be too easy and wanted to increase the difficulty this way.
"Trying to completely restrict the opponent's movements with numbers isn't a bad strategy," Summer analyzed, "but spreading them out weakens their strength, making it easier for them to be destroyed. That defeats the original purpose. Also, some of the vines' actions are conflicting, and having too many vines might affect your control, making your attacks easier to predict. Try reducing the number, Rillaboom."
"Boom…" Rillaboom nodded silently, absorbing Summer's advice.
"Ding-ling~"
At this moment, a melodious sound echoed from afar. Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant approached, one with graceful steps and the other with energetic strides.
Ogerpon lost interest in the battle immediately and joyfully ran toward the two sisters.
"Lilligant, Hisuian Lilligant, it's rare to see you leave the Gracidea Prairie on your own. Is something the matter?" Summer stood up and asked.
Lilligant smiled mysteriously and pulled out a small pink flower from behind her. Summer took a closer look and then suddenly realized, "Ah, so the Gracidea Flowers are blooming."
As plants, the Gracidea Flowers naturally bloom, but due to their small size and short blooming period, they're hardly ever considered ornamental flowers.
"Yes, it's earlier than expected. Could it be because of the plate? By the way, how are the other flowers doing?"
Lilligant shook her head, indicating that they hadn't bloomed yet. However, she smiled again and gestured that many buds had already formed.
"Heh, I'm starting to look forward to it," Summer smiled. "Rillaboom, Ogerpon, you've been training for a while now. Let's take this opportunity to rest and go enjoy the flowers."
"Boni-Oh!"
Ogerpon raised both hands in agreement, and Rillaboom also happily agreed. Then, Summer thought for a moment and said, "Since that's the case, let's invite everyone to join us."
"So, let's split up and meet later at Gracidea Prairie for a flower-viewing party."
The lush green grass was dotted with small pink Gracidea Flowers. Although the flowers were small, they were numerous, creating a magnificent sight like a sky full of stars.
Summer's Pokémon and their friends gathered there, admiring the blooming flowers together.
Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant danced gracefully in the meadow, adding joy to the event.
Rillaboom also brought out its wooden drum. In such a lively setting, there's no better time to play a cheerful tune!
Nuzleaf saw this and pulled out a wooden flute to accompany its leader, while Simisage sat on a branch with a sullen expression, feeling defeated. After all this time, it still hadn't won their loyalty.
However, as it listened to the lively drumbeats, a new thought occurred to it. This isn't so bad. Nuzleaf rewards it with berries due to its strategies, and this forest has never discriminated against it.
Perhaps following Summer was the wisest decision it ever made.
Ogerpon sat on Summer's lap, waving its stick in rhythm with the music. Milotic also decided to sing a song. Its voice was clear and melodious—no wonder it's known as the Songstress of the Lake.
Yamper obediently stayed in place, glancing at the Ursaluna clapping beside it. It also wanted to join in on the fun.
Noticing this, Milotic nodded in agreement. Yamper excitedly wagged its tail and raised its arms to hype up the atmosphere. It had been a while since they had such an event—what a great feeling.
Hatterene's eyes gleamed with joy, realizing that even in such an emotionally charged environment, it didn't succumb to rage. All the hard work was finally paying off!
It glanced at Corviknight. Thanks to you, loud bird. But now, is it just me, or do you seem a bit uneasy?
Corviknight puffed out its chest, trying to appear composed. Fezandipiti beside it gazed admiringly at the Lilligant sisters. No wonder they're the masters—they effortlessly captivated the whole crowd. I still have much to learn!
In the spirit world, Trevenant sensed the joyful rhythm through its doppelgänger here. Meanwhile, it captured another Ghost-type Pokémon with one claw. As the newly appointed leader, many still sought to challenge its authority.
The ghostly Pokémon of those troublemakers had been subdued by Trevenant. After witnessing Giratina's blessings, they dared not resist, obediently staying behind to work for Trevenant.
During the battles, they shed tears of regret—it was greed that led them astray.
"Buzz~"
Suddenly, a sound interrupted the concert. Corviknight's eyes widened as it let out a cry. Caw! A bug!
The Pokémon all turned to look at the Combee flying in the air. The little Combee had never seen such a scene before and showed fear on all three of its faces.
Sorry, Your Majesty. I just followed the scent, hoping to collect some nectar. But it seems today will be my end.
"Gao!"
Ursaluna blocked the attacking Corviknight and advised it to calm down. Corviknight, do you know what the appearance of a Combee means?
"Caw?" Corviknight looked confused. What does it mean?
Ursaring smiled nostalgically and replied, "It means honey!"
On the other side, Summer waved, signaling everyone not to scare the little one. At this rate, the poor Combee might die of fright.
"Combee can help pollinate flowers, so they're beneficial for both the flowers and the fruit trees."
Summer picked up Ogerpon, then walked towards the Combee with a smile and said, "Go ahead, don't be shy—gather the nectar."
Combee looked incredulous. Why is this human so kind?
"But, I do have a favor to ask you for your queen."
"Buzz?"
"Consider settling in this forest. We have excellent fruit trees and flowers."
In reality, Summer's goal was also honey, but he had other considerations. Besides aiding in natural pollination, he was curious about the taste of honey produced in Sunset Forest.
With superior seeds, improved varieties, and the energy nourishment from the plate, these conditions might just create the finest honey ever!
(End of Chapter)