Chapter 17: Grassy Terrain

Summer's request left Ramos momentarily stunned. This traveler, possessing such incredible power, was asking him to teach his Pokémon a move.

"I understand. I'll accept your request," Ramos replied. He had made a promise and intended to keep it.

"Good. Before we begin, I'll enjoy this cup of tea first."

"Of course, please do. This tea is made from the same type of tea tree as the one you revived," Ramos said proudly.

"Hoho~" The Grookey climbed down from Summer's shoulder, stood on the table, and picked up a teacup. It wanted to try the tea Ramos was so proud of.

Summer lifted the cup and blew gently. The tea's fragrance filled the air. As he took a sip, the warm tea flowed down his throat, leaving a slight bitterness that transitioned into a sweet aftertaste, refreshing his mind.

"This is truly excellent tea!" Summer exclaimed sincerely.

"Hoho." The Grookey didn't understand much about tea, but it felt calm and peaceful after drinking it.

"Indeed, that's the beauty of tea. Moreover, tea has health benefits for both people and Pokémon."

Ramos then launched into a lengthy discussion about tea, covering its origins, development, types, production techniques, and cultivation methods. He spoke vividly, making even dry knowledge sound fascinating. The calming effect of the tea helped ensure attentive listening.

"Sorry, it's been a while since I've had someone to share my interests with. I got carried away," Ramos apologized, realizing he had talked too much.

"Not at all. I've learned a lot of new things."

"Summer, we need to fulfill your request. Let's head outside; there's no room in the house for practicing Grassy Terrain."

Summer nodded, and Grookey climbed onto his outstretched arm as they followed Ramos out to the grassland.

"To learn Grassy Terrain, you first need to observe how other Pokémon use it. Horned Grandfather!" Ramos called out to the flock of goats.

A Gogoat quickly ran over. Unlike the Skiddo, it was larger and more determined, with long, sturdy horns that exuded a sense of security.

Ramos patted the Gogoat's horns and introduced it to Summer. "This is Horned Grandfather, the leader of the Skiddo flock. Impressive horns, aren't they?"

"Yes, so that's why it's called Horned Grandfather?"

"Exactly. Now, Horned Grandfather, use Grassy Terrain!"

The Gogoat stepped back, its body glowing green. With a bleat, the light spread across the ground, causing grass to sprout rapidly.

"Grookey, try touching the grass of Grassy Terrain," Ramos instructed.

"Go ahead, Grookey."

Grookey leaped down and reached out to the grass, but its fingers went right through.

"Ho?" Grookey exclaimed in confusion.

"Grassy Terrain doesn't actually grow grass. It creates life energy resembling grass, spreading it around," Ramos explained. "Its range, duration, and effectiveness depend on the Pokémon's ability to generate life energy."

"So the first step is to learn to generate life energy?"

"Exactly. Summer, you grasp things quickly. Next, the Pokémon needs to understand the essence of grass, even if it's not real grass. This energy must be planted in the ground and absorb energy from it."

It's not real grass, but it functions similarly. This explained the effects of Grassy Terrain: restoring energy, boosting Grass-type moves, and weakening Ground-type moves by absorbing energy from the ground.

"The concepts behind moves are indeed profound," Summer remarked.

"Yes, and I'm always grateful to the predecessors who left us this valuable knowledge."

"Alright, Grookey, try generating life energy, just like when you use Branch Poke."

Grookey understood immediately. This time, it gathered energy in its hands instead of its stick, forming a small green energy ball.

"Ho!" Grookey excitedly showed the energy ball to Summer, having succeeded on its first try.

"Oh, it seems Grookey has naturally mastered generating life energy. Horned Grandfather?"

Responding to Ramos, Gogoat retracted its life energy. Now it was Grookey's turn to try.

"Excellent. Now, for the second step. Imagine how you've seen me plant a young Gracidea flower plant, try to imitate it and grow it."

Grookey nodded. Having seen the rapid growth of Gracidea flowers through Summer's abilities, it quickly grasped the process.

Life energy spread around, and instantly, the area was covered in lush grass.

[Grookey learned the move Grassy Terrain.]

That was quick. Grookey's talent was indeed remarkable.

Ramos was also surprised, but not because Grookey had learned Grassy Terrain so quickly. He was astonished by Summer's mention of Gracidea flowers, a rare plant he had been searching for.

"Well done, Grookey. You've learned Grassy Terrain. Now you just need to practice," Summer said with satisfaction.

"Hoho!"

Grookey was equally delighted, so much so that it couldn't resist playing a tune.

"Summer, have you seen Gracidea flowers? Can you tell me where they grow, please?" Ramos suddenly bowed and requested earnestly. Even his Gogoat lowered its proud head.

Ramos seemed desperate for Gracidea flowers. I could easily produce countless seeds now.

"No need to be so formal, Ramos. Actually, I have Gracidea seeds."

"Ah, you have Gracidea seeds?!" Ramos exclaimed in shock and joy. But would Summer really give them to him?

"Wait a moment," Summer said, taking off his backpack. He reached into a compartment and created six seeds in his hand. Judging by Ramos's expression, Gracidea must be very rare, so this amount shouldn't raise suspicion.

"I only have this many. Here you go."

Ramos trembled as he accepted the seeds. How could he repay Summer for such a rare gift?

"Consider it a reward for the tea knowledge. Knowledge is priceless, right?"

"I understand. Please wait a moment."

Ramos ran back to the cabin, placing the seeds in a safe spot. He quickly returned with a book.

"Here, Summer, this is a guide to Grass-type moves compiled by my grandfather. It doesn't cover all moves, but I believe it will be useful to you."

"But isn't this a book your grandfather left you?" Summer asked.

Ramos smiled and pointed to his head. "I've memorized it all. Please take it. I'm sure my grandfather would be happy to see it being used."

"Then I'll gladly accept it. Grookey and I will make good use of it."

"Ho!"

Having achieved his goal, Summer prepared to bid farewell to Ramos. Before he left, Ramos gave him a can of tea leaves as a token of their shared interest.

Watching Summer's departing figure, Ramos remarked, "What a remarkable person."

"Grandpa Ramos, your tea tree smells so good!"

"Grandpa Ramos, why is your ranch so warm when it's by the sea?"

"Grandpa Ramos, can you teach my Petilil a move too?"

In the Skiddo Ranch, Grandpa Ramos sat on a wooden stool, surrounded by three children of similar age, chattering away with various questions.

"Hehe, because Grandpa Ramos once met a magical traveler."

"Again? Where is that traveler now?" The children had heard this before.

"Grandpa Ramos never lies. Maybe he's an old man like me now, or maybe he's living in some forest, staying young. He was quite amazing and a good person."

In Sunset Forest, Summer had only taken a few steps from the ranch before returning to this familiar place. Looking at the book and the can of tea leaves, he murmured:

"Grookey, let's visit Grandpa Ramos sometime when we have free time. Hmm, should we disguise ourselves a bit?"

(The End of this Chapter)