Chapter 67: Marnie is Working Hard

With a clear goal in mind, Corvisquire immediately explained her plan for revenge to Summer. She was convinced that as long as she could defeat those stupid Skarmory, she would be able to evolve.

"I see, so you have such a goal. Fulfilling your obsession could indeed be a trigger for evolution," Summer nodded. "Then we shouldn't waste any time. Let's set off right away."

"Squawk?"

"What's the matter? Why are you so surprised? Since I promised to help you, I'll see it through to the end. I also want to witness your magnificent evolution."

Corvisquire laughed. Well, if you insist on seeing the great me in action, then come along. Try not to fall behind—I'm quite fast!

And so, Summer followed Corvisquire to the forest where she used to live. He brought Thwackey along and left Milotic and the Lilligant to guard Sunset Forest. With them there, he could leave without worry.

Although Corvisquire thought that Summer would slow her down, she adjusted her flying speed to match his pace, afraid he might get lost.

"Hm, this forest is south of Stow-on-Side?" Summer said, looking at the map on his phone. Technology is amazing.

The forest ahead didn't seem special, except for a faint layer of dust on the canopy, likely from the sandstorms of Route 6 to the north.

"So, Corvisquire, which area of the forest are your enemies in?"

"Squawk!"

Corvisquire flapped her wings, signaling Summer to follow her. Crossing the central river and heading south would lead to an area with less dust and more abundant food—the Skarmory would surely be there.

While following Corvisquire, Summer ran into a familiar face.

"Summer? What a surprise to see you here. Could it be that you're looking for me?" Marnie's eyes widened slightly in surprise upon seeing Summer in the forest.

"Morp! Morp!" The Morpeko in her arms waved at Summer and Thwackey.

"Thwack!" Thwackey responded to Morpeko.

"To be honest, it's a coincidence," Summer answered seriously.

"Oh, come on! In this situation, you should've said yes to make a girl happy!" Marnie wagged her finger at him playfully.

"No reaction, huh? Sorry, just kidding. But I am surprised to see you here, Marnie—kind of like seeing your brother performing on stage in vacation clothes."

"If Mr. Piers really looked like that, it would be shocking," Summer nodded. "I'm also delighted to see you here, Marnie."

"Delighted..." Marnie muttered, lowering her head and mumbling quietly, "You're surprisingly good, Summer."

"Ahem, I'm here for special training for my upcoming gym challenge," Marnie shifted the topic.

"Indeed, Stow-on-Side's Fighting Gym and Ballonlea's Fairy Gym are significant challenges for someone who uses Dark-type Pokémon."

"Exactly! That's why I'm training in this forest. I heard there's a very strong Fighting-type Pokémon here."

"By the way, Marnie, what Pokémon do you have now?" Summer asked.

"Morpeko, Liepard, and Scrafty, the same as before. Why?"

"Why not catch some dual-type Dark Pokémon? For the Fighting Gym, you could use a Dark/Fairy-type Grimmsnarl. For the Fairy Gym, a Dark/Steel-type Bisharp would be helpful."

Given Marnie's skills, she could quickly train newly caught Pokémon to competitive levels.

"Mm, I'll consider your suggestion, Summer. But why Bisharp and not Kingambit? Are you underestimating my training abilities?" Marnie pretended to be annoyed.

"Huh?" Summer was incredulous. "Bisharp can evolve further? That's incredible!"

"You didn't know?" Marnie was genuinely surprised, always thinking of Summer as an all-knowing ranger.

Then, she smiled slightly, covering her mouth with her slender hand. "Hehe, your reaction was quite funny just now."

"Sorry, it seems I need to study more." Summer resolved to learn more about Pokémon from other regions, especially with the internet at his disposal. He would start with the Paldea region where Larry was.

Seeing Summer troubled, Marnie felt a strange but pleasant sensation, realizing she could express her feelings more freely around him. She had laughed naturally just now.

"So, why are you here, Summer?" Marnie asked.

"Oh, I'm here because of Corvisquire." Summer pointed to Corvisquire, who was sitting quietly with Thwackey, thinking to herself how overly chatty these two were.

"Is it your new Pokémon? By the way, where's your powerful Milotic?" Marnie asked with a hint of expectation.

Although Summer had mentioned catching new Pokémon, he hadn't said how powerful Milotic was. Marnie learned about it from Nayo, who told her Milotic subdued an Electivire in one move on a train.

"Milotic is guarding Sunset Forest. I haven't caught Corvisquire; I'm here to help her fulfill a promise," Summer explained.

"Oh, too bad. Tell me Corvisquire's story then." Marnie nodded.

Summer recounted Corvisquire's story. Corvisquire didn't mind this time since it was about her glorious deeds.

"So, you want to evolve by completing your revenge. I support you, Corvisquire!" Marnie said.

"Morp!" Morpeko also raised its little hand.

However, Corvisquire's expression was odd, likely because of the traumatic memories of the Morpeko in Sunset Forest.

Suddenly, Thwackey stood up, sensing a cry for help from a bird Pokémon.

"Thwack!"

"What? A Pokémon is in trouble? Thwackey, lead the way!"

"I'll help too!" Marnie said.

Corvisquire also heard the cry for help, which was both annoying and familiar.

"Hmph, the quality of goods is unexpectedly low this time. I heard there were powerful Pokémon in this forest, but it's just an injured Machamp," a bearded man said, pulling a cigarette from his chest pocket and tossing it aside.

His Houndoom lit it with a breath of fire. The man took a deep drag, showing a satisfied expression.

"So, I'll need your help, Skarmory. I'll borrow some of your feathers—they're good merchandise, haha."

Several Skarmory struggled in special nets, unable to cut the ropes, only making desperate cries.

"Move, Grumpig, get these goods to the truck... Hah, seems like some do-gooders are coming," the man turned, took a deep drag, and flicked the cigarette away, crushing it under his boot.

"Interfering with my good time will have severe consequences," he said with a crazed expression. "Houndoom, Flamethrower, burn them to ashes!"

(End of Chapter)