Having discovered Mandrake Grass's unique effect, Okidogi was overjoyed—he no longer had to hold back in battle, afraid that his Poison Chains would spiral out of control.
"Interesting… so Mandrake Grass can neutralize the toxins in your chains?" Summer mused, nodding in realization.
"Warmzzzt?"
Okidogi tilted his head in confusion. He had assumed Summer already knew about the grass's effects and had given it to him on purpose.
"I don't know everything. That's why I rely on all of you," Summer replied with a smile.
"Now that we know Mandrake Grass helps control the Poison Chains, let's head to Gracidea Prairie and Mistveil Lake. I want to check in on Fezandipiti and Munkidori."
Then, he turned to Okidogi. "Want to come with us?"
Okidogi shook his head. He still had to coordinate with the two newly evolved Shiftry to refine their combat strategies and communication signals—there was no time to waste on those two troublemakers.
Besides, Fezandipiti was easily swayed by a little flattery, and Munkidori would eat anything just by smelling it. Whether he was there or not wouldn't change a thing.
"Hmm… but I don't think they're as simple as you imagine," Summer said. "You're changing, and so are they. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to think a little better of them?"
Okidogi was silent for a moment before shaking his head again. It's fine. As long as you're there, they'll eat it. As for seeing them in a better light…
"I'll try," he added reluctantly.
"Alright, I'll respect your choice. Let's go, Rillaboom, Ogerpon—to Gracidea Prairie!"
Gracidea Prairie
Two Lilligant bowed their heads to greet Summer.
During the Rocket invasion, both Unovan Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant had awakened their hidden potential—one had mastered the Queen's Courage, while the other had fully embraced its Guardian's Calling.
Hisuian Lilligant even unlocked her Dance Queen potential, which not only boosted the power of Fighting-type moves, but now also shared the effects of Victory Dance with her allies.
However, despite her awakening, she didn't develop an entirely new ability like Milotic or Rillaboom. As for Unovan Lilligant's latent Queen of Flowers ability—it still hadn't fully blossomed. There weren't enough cultivated flowers yet to trigger it.
Summer snapped his fingers. "Lilligant, Hisuian Lilligant, thank you both for protecting Gracidea Prairie and the Pokémon living here. I have a gift for you."
Suddenly, Unovan Lilligant gasped. A new move had appeared in her mind—Leaf Storm.
Was this… Summer's gift?
Meanwhile, he tied a yellow headband around Hisuian Lilligant's forehead. A surge of strength coursed through her body.
"Leaf Storm is a powerful move, but it also drains mental focus, weakening your attacks over time," Summer explained. "Use it as a finishing move."
"As for you, Hisuian Lilligant, that Muscle Band will boost your physical attacks. I trust you'll make good use of it."
Nearby, Fezandipiti stood proudly, wings tucked neatly at his sides, expecting a reward as well.
Surely, his contributions hadn't gone unnoticed, right?
Summer turned to him. "Fezandipiti."
"Kshaa!"
At hearing his name, Fezandipiti immediately lifted his head, puffed out his chest, and stood at attention.
"For you, I've prepared this."
Summer planted another Mandrake Grass, explaining its effects.
Fezandipiti bowed in gratitude, then gracefully consumed the plant. Immediately, the toxic chains on his chest darkened, taking on a deep violet hue.
His eyes lit up with excitement—finally, he could wield the Poison Chains freely without restraint!
At last, he would become the brightest star in Sunset Forest!
…Until he noticed the two Lilligant watching him.
Fezandipiti immediately corrected his posture, forcing himself into a humble stance. Ahem. Perhaps I should wait until after my training before announcing that…
"I have something else for you all," Summer continued, producing two evolution stones—a Dawn Stone and a Sun Stone. "Is there anyone here willing to evolve and help protect Gracidea Prairie?"
The Pokémon here were gentle and peaceful, making this the weakest region in the forest. This was why Lilligant and Hisuian Lilligant had struggled so much during the invasion.
By evolving two Pokémon, Summer hoped to strengthen the Prairie's defenses, reducing the burden on the Lilligant duo.
As soon as the stones' energy filled the air, two Pokémon stepped forward.
A Cottonnee and a Roselia.
Both of them wanted to become stronger—they had felt helpless watching Lilligant fight alone. If only they had power back then…!
"Good," Summer nodded. "Cottonnee, Roselia, you both meet the conditions for evolution. I admire Pokémon that seek strength and take responsibility—this chance is yours."
The fluffy Cottonnee floated up, gently touching the Sun Stone in Rillaboom's hand. Its orange eyes gleamed with determination as a brilliant light enveloped it.
At the same time, the elegant Roselia mimicked Lilligant's refined movements, delicately reaching for the Dawn Stone in Ogerpon's grasp.
Cottonnee's cotton expanded, turning golden yellow. Its white skin darkened to brown, while its green leaves curled into ram-like horns.
It had evolved into Whimsicott—a mischievous, impish Pokémon, full of pranks.
A devious smirk spread across its face as countless prank ideas flooded its mind.
Summer chuckled. "Whimsicott, I'm sure you'll spread plenty of 'joy' to any future invaders."
"Fuwahaha~"
Whimsicott giggled mischievously. Annoying enemies is my specialty!
Meanwhile, Roselia's transformation was even grander.
A green mask formed on its face, long white hair cascaded behind it like flower petals, and its red and blue roses multiplied, now forming three blossoms per hand.
A green cape unfurled behind it, giving it the air of an elegant phantom thief—it had become Roserade.
Roserade bowed gracefully, emitting a delicate yet intoxicating floral fragrance. The more potent a Roserade's poison, the stronger its scent.
Summer smiled. "Roserade, you've inherited the Lilligant duo's elegance, and your Grass-type moves can be refined by watching them."
Then he turned to Fezandipiti.
"As for Poison-type techniques, I'll leave that to you."
Roserade bowed deeply. "Rooo-seh~"
It formally addressed Fezandipiti as 'Teacher'.
Fezandipiti clutched his beak with his wings, barely containing his joy—I've become a teacher…?!
(End of Chapter)