Chapter 39: Sowing Beauty and Expectations

Summer pushed open the familiar wooden door and found a punk-dressed man sitting in a chair, lost in thought—it was Piers.

"Mr. Piers, so you're the reliable helper they mentioned."

"Hmm, you're back," Piers glanced at Summer and then asked, "Summer, Marnie's... No, this isn't the right time to discuss that. Are you alright? I saw the news."

Piers must have been referring to the train incident. Summer hadn't expected it to be reported so quickly. But then again, Malor TV was also owned by Macro Cosmos Group, and this was a scandal-level event.

"No issues. Everyone from Team Yell is fine too," Summer replied.

"That's good. The Sunset Forest is also safe and sound. Well, now we can talk business. Tell me all about Marnie's match. TV broadcasts can't compare to watching it live."

Indeed, without Marnie around, Piers's doting brother side was on full display. Summer put down his backpack, recalling the thrilling match and then said:

"Alright, let's start with their initial Pokémon choices."

"I see, Marnie has grown quite a bit. Gym challenges do boost strength rapidly. She'll be challenging me soon, I bet." Piers showed a gratified expression, having quietly listened to Summer's recounting. This guy knew quite a lot; had he been a trainer before?

Piers then stood up and took the papers from the table, saying to Summer, "Thanks for the detailed explanation. Since you're back, I'll hand the duties back to you."

As he walked to the door, he remembered something and stopped, waving the lyrics in his hand.

"By the way, I found some good inspiration in Sunset Forest. Come to my concert if you have time."

"I'll definitely be there."

Piers laughed and left the cabin. Watching him leave, Summer whispered to himself:

"Piers seems really happy today. It must be because of Marnie."

Back in Sunset Forest, Summer quickly found his familiar rhythm and began patrolling the forest with his Thwackey.

The current Sunset Forest was richer in species than before, with fully evolved Pokémon like Butterfree appearing, likely because the bird Pokémon, led by Corvisquire, posed a threat that forced them to become stronger.

Additionally, Pokémon like Forretress and Greedent, attracted by berries, were also seen. It was the first time Summer saw a Greedent in its "Sage Mode," as they usually rushed to gather berries but now sat still despite the trees being laden with them.

The Grass-type Pokémon in Gracidea Flower Meadow had become bolder and could be found throughout the forest. When tired, they would head to Misty Lake to replenish water, returning to Gracidea Flower Meadow to sleep peacefully after dark.

Near Misty Lake, a group of Seedot had taken residence in the green oak trees, blending in perfectly with the regular acorns. They chose to be near the water source, needing the moisture to grow, which made their surfaces smoother.

New residents had also moved into Misty Lake—Lotad and Psyduck. These two-footed Pokémon followed the water vapor to settle in the clear lake.

Upon seeing Milotic, even the dull Psyduck showed an expression of admiration. The majesty of a queen combined with the aura of a leader was indeed impressive.

Unfortunately, Summer didn't encounter any Phantump. Perhaps they were hiding in the trees, always ready to punish those who damaged the forest.

Summer had one last place to visit: Gracidea Flower Meadow.

"Here we are, Gracidea Flower Meadow."

Standing before the lush grass, Summer pulled out several bags of flower seeds from his backpack. He had bought these flower seeds from a florist in Motostoke.

For some reason, flowers were scarce in Sunset Forest, almost nonexistent. Summer wanted to add some color to the forest, so he bought these flower seeds.

His abilities could affect Ramos's tea trees, so they could certainly work on other seeds too.

Most Grass-type Pokémon loved flowers, so Summer chose to plant flowers near Gracidea Flower Meadow first. If successful, he'd plant more elsewhere.

"Thwackey, can you take care of the left side? Don't plant too many, just one-fifth of each bag."

Summer handed two bags of seeds to Thwackey. The seed varieties he chose were all common flowers in Galar, so they wouldn't disrupt the local ecosystem.

"Thwackey~"

"Lulu~"

A Petilil emerged from the grass. Summer looked closely at it, recognizing the determined eyes—yes, it was the bravest Petilil.

"Didn't you go to other parts of the forest?" Summer felt a bit puzzled, crouching down to ask.

This Petilil was very brave and shouldn't be afraid to leave this meadow. Other, much shyer Grass-type Pokémon had dared to leave.

"Lululu~"

It waved the leaf on its head, seeming to call for something. Soon, many Petilil emerged from the grass, all new faces.

The Petilil approached Summer, turned around, and called out to the newcomers, seemingly introducing Summer to them.

The Petilil's eyes gradually changed from timid to calm, accepting that Summer was a good person, as he indeed exuded a kind aura.

Summer realized the reason the previous group of Grass-type Pokémon left Gracidea Flower Meadow. They made room for the new members to rest, and the brave Petilil stayed behind to ease their worries.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Summer, and I'm the forest ranger here. My job is to protect the forest, so I won't harm you."

Then he raised the bag in his hand and asked, "These are flower seeds. Do you like flowers, Petilil?"

The Petilil looked at each other. Flowers? This warm meadow was nice, but if there were flowers, it would be even better.

"It seems you like them a lot. How about helping me plant these flowers?"

The Petilil were very interested in Summer's suggestion, but they looked at their bodies and then at each other—they didn't even have hands, how could they plant seeds?

"Oh," Summer realized his oversight. He thought for a while and came up with a solution.

Summer distributed the seeds to the Petilil, leaving the digging to himself and Thwackey. The Petilil only needed to place the seeds in the soil.

The Petilil carefully held the seeds on their leaves. After Summer and Thwackey dug the holes, they gently placed the seeds in and carefully covered them with soil, showing great seriousness.

After a while of busy work, all the Petilil had personally planted seeds. Summer extended his hand and whispered:

"Rapid Growth."

Under the amazed eyes of the Petilil, green light spread around, and sprouts broke through the soil.

"Hmm, just a few more times and these flowers will bloom," Summer nodded in satisfaction.

"Lulu!"

The brave Petilil ran to Summer's feet, trying to tell him something. It raised the leaf on its head high, then pointed to the flower seedlings and back to itself.

"Hmm, you don't want my power to help them bloom?"

Would using my power to make them bloom rob them of the beauty that comes from natural growth? Well, occasionally following natural processes isn't bad either.

The other Petilil agreed with the brave one's suggestion. The blooming of flowers is fleeting, and this beauty is meaningful only when accumulated over time.

"I understand. You all must take good care of them. I'm looking forward to the day they bloom."

Summer patted the leaf on Petilil's head. It let out a comfortable hum. When the flowers bloom, I'll invite everyone from Spikemuth to admire them. This surprise is worth the wait.

(End of Chapter)