Chapter 154: The Day Before the Concert

"It's Gigantamax Steelix, and it exploded! The Gigantamax form is undone! Marnie's Bisharp successfully defeated Gym Leader Opal's Gigantamax Alcremie, once again overcoming the type disadvantage to pass the Gym challenge!"

"Let's cheer for her! Let's remember that she hails from Spikemuth! This cool Dark-type girl has brought us another thrilling battle. Her name is Marnie!"

The announcer's excited voice came through the phone. Summer watched the entire battle and knew well the effort Marnie put in.

Her Liepard's Psycho Cut overwhelmed Galarian Weezing, Scrafty's Fire Punch overpowered Mawile, and the expertly timed Aura Wheel from Morpeko suppressed Togekiss. And finally, Bisharp—last time they met, it was still a Pawniard.

Summer briefly glanced through the Marnie fan group chat. The discussion was ablaze with excitement over Marnie's impressive performance, and many were calling for Summer to give his insights. After all, his record in Spikemuth was nothing short of legendary.

Without hesitation, Summer typed out his thoughts. Everyone was puzzled at first, so he added another message.

"In short, Marnie won because she worked really hard."

That comment immediately earned the respect of the Yell Team. As long as you praise Marnie, you're a brother to them.

Of course, there were also those in the Yell Team who knew their battles, like Grandpa Gade. He was already off boasting to his old friends, not only about Marnie but about Summer too—killing two birds with one stone.

"However, Marnie hasn't sent a message this time," Summer muttered, feeling a bit lonely as he put down his phone.

He got up and headed outside to check if that Vespiquen had returned. If it didn't show up today, he'd be too busy to handle it for a while since the three-day concert was starting tomorrow.

By dusk, Summer had finally settled the Vespiquen and her colony.

Upon hearing they were moving to Sunset Forest, Ursaluna eagerly volunteered, inviting them to live in the Everlasting Forest.

Summer immediately saw through Ursaluna's intentions—he was just after their honey.

But after thinking it over, Summer realized that the Everlasting Forest, with its sparse Pokémon population, was indeed a suitable home for a large bee colony.

So, he went with the flow and found a nice clearing where the Vespiquen and her Combee could settle.

"Get used to the forest's environment first. You can gather honey anywhere except in the snowy forest. It's getting late, so I'll head back now," Summer said.

The Vespiquen watched Summer leave with her amber eyes. Then, she gathered her offspring and began building a new hive. She also gave them a special warning.

Beware of that big bear. All I see in its eyes are one word: honey.

Back at the cabin, Summer felt something was off as soon as he opened the door. He turned his head and found Marnie, holding Morpeko, intently examining the trinkets on his shelf.

"You've got more collectibles, Summer," Marnie said softly.

"Marnie, didn't you just finish your match today?"

"Shouldn't you congratulate me on my victory first?" Marnie turned around, her familiar cold face giving off the distinct pressure of a Dark-type Trainer.

"Morpeko~" Morpeko waved a tiny paw in greeting.

By now, Ogerpon had already bounced into the room, with Rillaboom following closely behind.

"Indeed, Marnie, you prepared a lot for this Gym challenge. You've worked really hard," Summer admitted honestly.

Marnie raised an eyebrow, lowered her head, and smiled faintly. She mumbled, "Super effective."

"Marnie?"

"Alright, no more jokes. You know my brother is hosting a concert, right?" Marnie's expression softened significantly.

"Yeah, with the Unova rock singer Roxie."

"That's right. I can't believe my brother managed to get Roxie. I really love her songs," Marnie said, raising a finger and introducing with a serious expression, "Like 'Explode, Koffing!' or 'Slash, Cross Poison!'"

"Oh, those are definitely Roxie-style titles," Summer said, recalling his battle with her.

Marnie's eyes flashed with joy. "Hey, Summer, are you a Roxie fan too? Wait, if you were, you'd know her songs."

"Because I battled her once, I know her battle style well."

"Hmm, I'm really jealous," Marnie half-closed her eyes, staring at Summer.

"Ahem, so Marnie, did you come back to see Piers' concert?" Summer asked.

"Correct. That's why I rushed back."

Then, her azure eyes swept over Rillaboom and Ogerpon, and she regretfully said, "If I hadn't just finished a match today, I would've loved to battle you."

"So, let's do a review session, Summer," Marnie said as she walked to the bed and naturally sat down. She patted the seat beside her and urged, "Come on, you'll join me, right?"

Ogerpon looked surprised. Marnie, your rank is so high. Rillaboom picked up Ogerpon and placed it on its own bed. Alright, let's not bother them for now.

Since Summer had already analyzed the battle in the group chat earlier, he felt confident. After briefly recalling the details, he said, "No problem. Let's analyze that battle together."

Marnie covered her mouth and nodded quietly. "I see. I didn't think of that."

"In this situation, Bisharp could trigger its Defiant ability, making the battle against Alcremie much easier," Summer said as he adjusted the video playback. Then, he added, "Of course, Marnie, the decision you made at that moment was also very good. That's when the tide of the battle turned."

"I've been improving too. I can't let down everyone's support," Marnie said with a slight smile.

"Yes, let's continue," Summer affirmed. He had known for a long time that Marnie was very hardworking.

Unknowingly, their conversation shifted topics.

"Flowers... It's almost time for the flowers to bloom," Marnie said, closing her eyes and reminiscing. When she was little, she once went to pick flowers but ended up crying after being chased by a swarm of Combee. How embarrassing.

She glanced at the Morpeko in her arms, still munching on berries. Back then, this gluttonous little guy was the one who comforted her.

"Yeah, recently, a swarm of Combee settled in Sunset Forest. Maybe we'll get honey soon."

"Eh?" Marnie froze. She pursed her lips, staring at Summer intently before sighing. "It's just a coincidence, right? I once..."

Halfway through her sentence, Marnie's embarrassment surged. She suddenly stood up, holding Morpeko tightly, and said hurriedly, "It's getting late. I should go now."

"That reminds me. You're right," Summer nodded silently. He felt that if Marnie stayed any longer, Piers would soon come barging in.

"Summer, sweet dreams. I had a great time today."

With that, Marnie quickly left the cabin. This embarrassing thing is something I especially don't want you to know.

(End of the chapter)