"The Combee have returned with the honey, but I wonder if they've brought good news."
In the cabin, Summer was researching the habits of Combee online. No matter how he looked at it, the conditions in the Sunset Forest seemed irresistible to them.
Three days had passed since the Combee had left, and the lack of news was making Summer anxious. He was even considering raising a Vespiquen himself.
With a Vespiquen, it wouldn't take long to gather a swarm of Combee, and making honey would be a breeze.
Suddenly, a long-nosed Nuzleaf pushed the door open to report that an elderly man had entered the Snowy Forest area.
"An elderly man, in the Snowy Forest?" Summer was puzzled. Who could it be? Either way, it was his duty as a ranger to check it out personally.
Donning his winter gear, Summer stepped outside and called to his Rillaboom and Ogerpon, who were training nearby:
"I'm heading to the Snowy Forest. Rillaboom, you haven't been there before, so come with me."
"Ogerpon?"
Ogerpon pointed at herself. What about me?
"Of course, you're coming too, Ogerpon. But first, you both need scarves—Rillaboom, you too." Summer held up a large and small scarf, handing them to his Pokémon.
Rillaboom watched as Summer carefully wrapped a scarf around Ogerpon's neck and then tried to wrap one around himself. You know, this does feel warmer right away.
In the Snowy Forest, a white-scarved elderly man rested his hands on a cane, eyes closed, relishing the familiar cold wind with a serene expression.
"Grandpa Pryce?"
The old man slowly opened his eyes, turning to face Summer, who was dressed in winter gear. He nodded and said, "Ah, it's you, Summer. Yes, proper warmth is essential."
"Well, it is cold after all. But Grandpa Pryce, you seem unusually calm?" Summer asked.
"My usual training involves sitting on ice, so this cold doesn't bother me."
Sitting on ice—how much willpower would that take? No, that's not the point, Summer thought, shaking his head. "A forest suddenly sprouting a snowy area—doesn't that surprise you?"
Grandpa Pryce chuckled. "At my age, little surprises me anymore. This world is far more magical than we can imagine."
"Hmm, I find you rather pure, actually. And it must take great resolve to maintain such rigorous training even now," Summer said sincerely.
Grandpa Pryce withdrew one hand, placing it in his pocket, and said softly, "I can see why Gideon values you so highly. Long ago, I was quite immature, changed by something unforgettable."
"Unforgettable?"
"Yes, in my youth, I thought myself powerful and sought to conquer the legendary being, Articuno." Grandpa Pryce smiled wryly. "It was a mighty force of ice, and my arrogance put my partner in danger. I tried to save it, but even I collapsed."
"Maybe it was luck that saved us both. As I lay in bed recovering, I reflected deeply, abandoning my arrogance and rashness, becoming as rational as the cold, as resilient as ice."
"And then I truly grew. Since then, I've believed that both humans and Pokémon grow through hardship, like the bright spring after a harsh winter."
Grandpa Pryce retrieved a Poké Ball, looking at Summer. "So, Summer, how about a battle to experience the cold? And like Gideon, I'll have a prize for the winner."
"I'd love that! Rillaboom, it's time to show the results of your training," Summer replied enthusiastically.
"Oh, Rillaboom, is it?" Grandpa Pryce threw the Poké Ball, his expression turning icy. "Let's see how well you endure the winter!"
"Weavile!"
A fierce Weavile appeared before Grandpa Pryce, sharpening its icy claws with a predatory look.
"I see, Weavile. We should take this seriously, Rillaboom!"
Weavile, known for its danger, cunning, and agility, was a tough opponent for Rillaboom. On top of that, it had a type advantage.
"Agility," Grandpa Pryce commanded first.
Weavile, accustomed to cold environments, moved effortlessly through the snow, zigzagging and relaxing its body. It was confident it could dodge any attack.
"Rillaboom, Drum Beating, Trap!"
Rillaboom pounded on its drum, and three tough vines surged from the snowy ground, forming a triangular cage around Weavile.
"Ogerpon!" cheered Ogerpon, waving its club. Show them how scary this move is!
Grandpa Pryce's eyes gleamed with surprise. "Charge forward, cut through them without hesitation."
Weavile darted forward like a shadow. As the vines struck, it leaped and slashed one apart. Another vine appeared behind it as it attacked, but it effortlessly cut that one too.
Yet, the final vine struck from an angle Weavile couldn't dodge. It smirked, confident in its speed after using Agility.
Weavile rolled nimbly, landing gracefully. Now, it only needed a moment to close in and strike. In other words—
"Checkmate."
Huh? Weavile froze, shocked. Didn't I dodge all the attacks? Wait, what?
A thick vine suddenly shot up beneath Weavile's feet. Darn it, those attacks were just bait!
Weavile quickly reacted, slashing at the vine, but it was sturdier than expected, trapping its claw.
"Hammer Arm!"
Rillaboom's full-force punch landed on Weavile, who, as a Dark and Ice-type Pokémon, couldn't withstand it. Its frail defenses were its greatest weakness.
"Well done, Summer," Grandpa Pryce smiled as he recalled Weavile. "Your understanding of Pokémon, mastery of moves, and creativity are impressive."
"It seems I didn't show you the cold after all. Instead, I got a lesson from you. You're like a breath of spring after winter."
"You flatter me. This technique is still in its early stages, and it just happens to counter Pokémon like Weavile," Summer replied modestly.
"You've got plenty of time to refine it, so accept the praise," Grandpa Pryce said, waving his hand. He then took out a luxury ball. "As promised, here's a prize for the victor. I believe you'll encounter a similar Pokémon in the future."
The temperature around them dropped instantly as a magnificent bird appeared. Its wings were made of icy blue feathers, and the ice crown on its head symbolized its reign over ice. Its tail fluttered elegantly like a frozen banner, creating ice crystals with every move.
"Articuno! Grandpa Pryce, did you catch the Articuno from Twin Islands?"
"No, this one is from a similar group, but it's not the Ice God itself. It's a different, though still powerful, Articuno," Grandpa Pryce explained.
A beautiful, crystalline feather drifted from Articuno's body into Grandpa Pryce's hand. It was accustomed to gifting its feathers to those it acknowledged.
"This feather will help you master and enhance Ice-type moves and aid in raising Ice-type Pokémon. I'm sure you'll make good use of it."
Grandpa Pryce solemnly handed the feather to Summer. Even through his gloves, he could feel its coldness. Just then, his phone vibrated, and Grandpa Pryce motioned for him to go ahead.
Summer nodded, checking his phone. It was filled with messages, but they all conveyed the same thing: Marnie was challenging the Ballonlea Gym tomorrow.
(End of Chapter)