Chapter 21 - At the Vivillon Paradise

The familiar breeze of the land was working its way over the fur or skin of the trio, who all had their sights set on the vast fields around them.

"Just think, guys," Leo then said. "Many different types of Vivillon! Wouldn't it be great if we could catch just a small glimpse of each type? I know I'd be pretty excited!"

"I wouldn't get my hopes up, Leo," cautioned Susanshi. "Some Vivillon patterns are very rare, like Fancy and Archipelago."

"But this is the Vivillon Paradise!" reminded Leo. "All sorts of them gather there! There's still a chance!"

"I'm just trying not to keep your hopes high, that's all," said Susanshi.

"But Susanshi, don't you realize?" questioned Tokot. "The higher his hopes are, the more disappointed he'll be if it isn't true!"

"But Tokot, that's not what I'm trying to do..." mumbled Susanshi.

"That's too bad, because Leo could sure use a change of ways."

"But...I think I'm just fine, despite the embarrassment of missing Susanshi on that hook earlier," objected Leo.

"What about that time when you didn't even think about shaking that pamphlet before it burnt your fingers?" quizzed Tokot.

"I was panicking! It was dealt with in the end! Isn't that all that matters? And besides, it was you who started that all off!"

"But it isn't my fault that you can't use common knowledge."

"Guys, that'll do now," interrupted Susanshi.

The spat was immediately ceased. Leo and Tokot didn't even try to reinvigorate it once Susanshi intervened.

After a short time, with things still remaining quiet and peaceful, the team had arrived at what they believed to be the Vivillon Paradise. Within a spot settled in the field was a large squared piece of land, located inside a short wooden fence, encasing a collection of roughly eight flowerbeds of varying colors, shapes and sizes.

They were all neatly organized into a nine-square layout, with each of the eight species of flower dotted around each of the outside squares, with a blank spot in the center having only upturned dirt, which was also extending out between each flowerbed and outside the area, leaving breaks in the fencing. A top-down perspective would reveal that the entire layout greatly resembled a tic-tac-toe board. The large quantity of flowers, as well as the smell, gave off an almost therapeutic sense.

All throughout this settlement were a score of butterfly Pokémon, each with the exact same shape, but with a variety of wing patterns and colors. The team took their first steps into the enclosure.

"Whoa, it's so dazzling," eyed Leo.

"All these bright colors are hurting my eyes..." muttered Tokot.

"Well, this place is more colorful than the coloring book of a three-year old," added Susanshi. "And just look at the condition of these flowerbeds. Someone must really take a lot of time to maintain it."

"OK, people. Sightseeing's over. Time to leave," said Tokot.

He had only took one step forward when an occurrence halted him.

"Look! Visitors!" an excited voice called.

Tokot knew right away what was happening; he stopped dead in his tracks and groaned loudly.

"Oh boy!" he snapped.

Four Vivillon drew near, each with a unique wing pattern. One featured jade-green wings, another with a more complex design involving all warm colors of red, orange and yellow, likely symbolizing the sun. The third one had a much simpler look in comparison, consisting of mostly a light blue color with white squares, much like falling snow. The final member of this group came with eye-pleasing red wings, with small bits of blue and yellow. They all bore friendly looks as they fluttered their wings to remain afloat in front of the trio.

"Oooh! What wing pattern are those?" wondered the sun-patterned Vivillon.

"They're not Vivillon, Skay," explained the green winged one.

"Silly Skay! Even Rivin knows that one!" announced the red bearer.

"Uh, hello," Leo greeted with. "We're Leo, Susanshi and Tokot of Team Revolution."

"Well, greetings from all of Vivillon Paradise," announced the Green Vivillon. "Oh, my name is Silvia, and I'm a Garden pattern Vivillon. That's Skay, a Sun pattern."

"Even if you're not Vivillon...It's a pleasure," said Skay.

"This is Rivin, a Modern pattern," continued Silvia.

"Rivin likes visitors! Always!" exclaimed Rivin.

"Third-person, huh? I bet that gets annoying quickly," theorized Tokot.

"Ooh, not annoying! Rivin's personality is the most important!" claimed Rivin.

"And that's exactly true," agreed Silvia. "And last but not least, this is Snowflake! He's a Tundra pattern."

"I came from a much colder climate than this fair place," detailed Snowflake. "Of course, my name should be more than enough to tell you that! Hahaha!"

"It's nice to meet all of you," spoke Susanshi. "We were on our way to the jungle, but we thought we'd stop by here first."

"The jungle, you say? Oh no, not a good choice," mentioned Silvia.

"What? Why's that?" wondered Leo.

"It's dangerous in the jungle! No Vivillon dare go in there! Not even Rivin!" exclaimed Rivin.

"Whatever is said around here must be true, right?" wondered Skay.

"Yes, but we're not Vivillon," reminded Tokot. "So, that means we're excluded, yeah?"

"Ah... Well... No Vivillon goes into the jungle... I-I guess so," said Snowflake. "J-just be careful, OK?"

"The jungle, you say? My my, aren't these darlings just brave!" stated one more voice.

"Uh oh, it's her..." mumbled Silvia.

"Huh? W-who?" questioned Susanshi.

One other Vivillon flew in close, this one with rather gorgeous purple wings.

"Darlings, I couldn't help but notice a conversation between yourselves and these here strangers. Do mind my nosiness, but what's up?" it inquired.

"Saurion, you know you can't just fly into the business of others," answered Silvia.

"And what makes you say that?" quizzed this new Vivillon. "I'm part of this gang too, am I not?"

"Of course you are," replied Snowflake.

"Who is this?" Leo asked.

Silvia flew in close to Leo to answer, whispering to him.

"That's Saurion. She's a little full of herself, and beauty-obsessed."

"But is it at least good to just want to get acquainted with our darling visitors?" asked Saurion.

"Ah, well, I guess there's nothing wrong with that," replied Snowflake.

"This happens with everyone we meet," grumbled Tokot. "OK, listen up. Susanshi, Leo and Tokot. There, the introductions are over now. So now, we shall be on our way. Goodbye."

After his hasty speech, he rudely turned around on the spot and attempted to walk away alone. He was only stopped by a call from Saurion:

"Darling, it's rude to walk away like that, you know."

"OK, look here, woman..." Tokot spoke as he turned back to confront Saurion. "We're not here to make acquaintances. We're just on our way to collect something important and nothing more."

"Collect something? What ever do you mean?" quizzed Saurion.

"That is not of your business," answered Tokot.

"Oh... Just something that's valuable to us," said Leo.

"Something...valuable, you say?" Saurion inquired with a sudden vibe of interest.

"Yep, some jewel thing that we'll be needing for...something..." continued Leo.

The sound of Tokot slapping his hand onto his head could be faintly heard at this point.

"Uh, Leo..." mumbled Susanshi, though not being able to finish her sentence.

"A jewel? And what exactly do you darlings intend to do with it? Sell it?"

"No, we can't really sell it. It's way too important for that!" mentioned Leo.

"Mmmmmm hmmmmm... I see, I see..."

"OK, that'll do now. Time to go," Tokot suddenly said.

He grabbed Leo by his hand and forced him off his spot, taking himself and him away.

"Let's go, Susanshi," Tokot then spoke.

"Oh, uh, see you!" Leo called out as he got dragged away.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, but we need to get on the move again," Susanshi said to the Vivillon group. "We're Explorers, after all."

"Aw, that makes Rivin sad. Please try to come again soon," sighed a disappointed Rivin.

"Um, we'll think about it," responded Susanshi.

She left the Vivillon group behind as she chased after Leo and Tokot.

"Oh... Do you think they have something to hide?" wondered Snowflake.

"Hmm, maybe," replied Silvia. "But that's not our business."

"We haven't gotten many visitors here lately. So disappointing to see them leave so soon," commented Snowflake.

"Rivin want more visitors, too!" exclaimed Rivin.

"They mentioned being Explorers, right? Of course they wouldn't want to stay for long," said Silvia. "Well, whatever the case, we should just let them be. Isn't that right, Saurion? ...Saurion?"

The purple wings of the one named Saurion were nowhere to be seen, almost as if she had completely vanished with nobody noticing.

"Uh oh, how long as she been gone for?" questioned Snowflake.

"Saurion? Saurion!" Silvia called out. "Ugh, where did she go?"

"Where could Saurion have gone?" quizzed Skay.

"I have a feeling I know where..." replied Silvia. "...And it isn't a good feeling..."

Not long after, Susanshi, Leo and Tokot exited the site of the garden through the north.

"OK, OK! We're out of there now! You can let me go!" insisted Leo.

"Fine," spoke Tokot as he freed Leo at last. "But was it really necessary this one time to mention what we're up to?"

"But you never know, they could've helped us," replied Leo.

"We already know where the Fragment is, Leo! In the temple inside the jungle!"

"But the map doesn't mention any kind of temple in the jungle!"

"Then it really is unfortunate that nobody could help us there. You wasted your breath."

"But it doesn't hurt to try! It can't hurt as long as nobody else knows what the Fragments actually do!"

"Guys, take it easy! Leo thought what he did was best!" Susanshi interrupted. "Can we just put it behind us and get back on track?"

"Oh Susanshi, I wish I could, but it's not exactly easy to tell good from bad, especially with the situation at hand," explained Tokot. "Leo just disclosed information to people we don't know can be trusted."

"Look, what's done is done. We should just forget about it and continue as normal," said Susanshi.

"Y-yes! I agree with Susanshi!" stuttered Leo. "We'll just go look for that temple and call it a day!"

"I think that can work out," spoke Tokot. "Stops us from fighting."

"Exactly," answered Susanshi. "Now, take a look over there. See that cluster of dark trees over there? That just has to be Lignum Jungle."

Just as she described, a bundle of dark green trees, darker than every other normal tree, were gathered ahead. It was the location of Lignum Jungle, tucked tightly into the northwest corner of Sacreca.

"I know we're just far away from it but...it looks huge," commented Leo. "...And dense, just like I thought."

"Well then... We'd better hope we don't get lost then," stated Tokot.

"We'll just have to stick together, as usual," added Susanshi.

"Hello, darlings!" a sudden voice greeted.

There, behind the trio, was none other than Saurion. They were forced into stopping and looking back the way they came.

"Ugh, this is no good!" groaned Tokot.

"What? What are you doing here?" questioned Leo in surprise.

"Have no fear, darlings, I understand your shock. But I mean you no harm," responded Saurion.

"Then what do you want?" asked Susanshi.

"Nothing much. Only the fact that I wish to join you on your little journey," mentioned Saurion.

"Really? But I don't think we'll be needing you..." muttered Susanshi.

"Too late now. I'm already tagging along!" insisted Saurion.

"I don't understand. What is your reason?"

"Well, darlings, to tell you the truth, I was once an Explorer, just like you. I may have retired now to settle at the Vivillon Paradise, but I...did it all in my youth. I...still have that experience!"

"Still doesn't really give you a good reason to stalk us," spoke Tokot. "So I suggest you make like your type and bug off."

"Oh, such a repulsive remark! But listen, darlings, I myself never entered the jungle, but by doing so I can...I can relive my glory days! Hearing about your own idea to go in reignited an old flame in me. Just give me this one chance, darlings! Of course, if you find what you're looking for, that's all yours! I have no need for anything we may find along the way. So, darlings, what do you say?"

"No," answered Tokot.

"Yes," spoke Leo.

"I don't know," Susanshi said at the same time as both Leo and Tokot.

"It would appear that we can't quite come to an agreement," Leo said. "Well, only one thing to do..."

He turned to Tokot.

"Rock-paper-scissors! Go!"

"All right then," obliged Tokot.

The pair clenched their fists and shook them thrice. Once the third shake came around, Leo retained the clench, while Tokot stuck out two fingers.

"Looks like she's coming with us," decided Leo.

"Fine, fine, whatever. But I won't be held responsible for whatever may happen to us inside that jungle," snapped Tokot.

"Tokot... Are you...mad for losing?" asked Leo.

"What?! Don't be stupid! I'm just not sure about bringing this lady with us!" barked Tokot.

"Darlings, why the loud voices?" wondered Saurion.

"It's Leo here who never thinks things through!" responded Tokot.

"Uh, he means that Leo sometimes makes bad choices, and he thinks allowing you to join us is one such bad choice," explained Susanshi.

"What? A bad choice? Darlings, you will not regret this!" claimed Saurion. "I promise not to get in your way unless you need me. And once you're gone and leave the jungle, I'll go back to the Vivillon Paradise. It'll be like I was never there!"

"Well... I guess we can if..." mumbled Susanshi.

"Oh no, Susanshi! Don't you jump onto the bandwagon as well!" exclaimed Tokot.

"We can't turn down a former Explorer! She has more experience than us! She may even be useful!" Leo vigorously defended. "It's a deal then, Saurion. You can come along."

"Oh, thank you so much, darlings!" cheered Saurion, performing a full spin of glee on the spot. "OK, let's go! Time for me to remember my past of old!"

With Susanshi indifferent, yet still supportive, Leo optimistic, Tokot feeling annoyed and disgusted, as one would expect, and Saurion showing signs of happiness, the gang went on the move.

Over time, the trees encasing the jungle drew closer with each step taken.

"You know, Saurion..." Leo muttered. "We never really got told what kind of pattern you have."

"Oh, I'm an Elegant pattern, darling," replied Saurion. "Sure, Elegant is very common, but I am, without a doubt, the most gorgeous of all Elegant Vivillon Just look at the brilliant sheen I possess!"

"I don't know... I think that green pattern of that other Vivillon looks better..." spoke Leo.

"Darling, not to say I disrespect your opinion, but there can only be one Vivillon that is the prettiest, and that is me!" disagreed Saurion. "I have all the superior signs that would make even a hoard of Florges blush! It's right there in my name: Elegant. Does that not just tell you everything, darlings?"

"Uh, I-I think all Vivillon are equal, regardless of pattern," answered Susanshi.

"Nonsense! It's all about the pattern! It's what draws in the attention! If you have a beautiful pattern, then you get the most eyes upon you!" gloated Saurion.

"Do you have any idea how narcissistic that makes you sound?" quizzed Susanshi.

"Hmph, sounds like female stereotypes at play here," commented Tokot.

"Oh no, darlings! I just make my image a priority!" claimed Saurion.

"I think she may have a slight point here. Many of us worry about the way we look. Like me!" mentioned Leo. "You see these fine tufts? Those are important to me! They look cool, plus they give me my own unique identity! I couldn't possibly imagine myself without them! Heck, even Lisa obsesses over her image!"

"Really? I never imagined her to be like that..." spoke Susanshi.

"It's her tusks. She told me a few days ago that a childhood incident made her worry about them," explained Leo. "When she was younger, one of her tusks broke and got cracked pretty badly. She had to get it removed to allow a new one to grow, and it was very unpleasant for her."

"Doesn't really sound all that bad to me," responded Susanshi. "Isn't it like going to the dentist to have a tooth removed with little pain?"

"Nope, she had giant tongs on it. Had it yanked clean out at once," corrected Leo.

Susanshi appeared to cringe ever so slightly upon hearing this.

"And to prevent the same thing from happening, she keeps them both in top condition," continued Leo. "She polishes them and sharpens them on a regular basis."

"Well, I suppose the high level of maintenance has allowed her to use those tusks as well as I've seen," Susanshi theorized.

"I'd imagine so too," confirmed Leo.

"And that's why some get scared if they're too close to them," mentioned Tokot. "What a bunch of fools, thinking they'll be in danger of getting cut."

"That actually happened once. To Alex. Of course, they don't usually like to talk about it. Alex became so terrified that he wouldn't let Lisa near him for days!" stated Leo.

"Yikes. That must've been awful for both of them," commented Susanshi.

"I'd imagine so, but they're both over it now. Guess their friendship really is that strong," added Leo.

"Darlings, I'm still here, you know," spoke out Saurion. "It's rude to not include somebody in a conversation."

"Hey, keep quiet, yeah? This is only stuff that concerns us," demanded Tokot.

"Oh, how rude indeed," remarked Saurion.

"Look, what's our business will stay our business. You're only here with us for your own personal nostalgia trip. As long as you don't make an annoyance of yourself, and leave us as soon as we're done like you said, then I won't chastise you. Got it?" Tokot stated clearly.

"Darling, don't you think you're being a little har-"

"Nope, and quit calling me 'darling' already. It's Tokot, got it?"

Saurion never opened her mouth to speak again during the rest of the trip after that. She left the Team Revolution members to continue talking as normal without joining in.

After what seemed like hours, everybody arrived at the very edge of the jungle. From the outside, it appeared as if there was no visible way inside.

"Hmmm... Here we are..." mumbled Susanshi. "But how will we get in? The overgrowth looks too thick..."

"Maybe we could enter from above?" suggested Leo.

"Tch, don't even think up such silly ideas. We'll just cut our way through," answered Tokot.

"And how will we do that?" asked Susanshi.

Tokot proceeded to step forward alone. He raised his arms into the air, producing energy from the tip of his fingers, resembling knife blades. Without holding back, he slashed away at the shrubbery that formed the perimeter before him, tearing it mercilessly apart as he created a simple path into the inside of the jungle. Once he was finished, he stepped out, the "blades" from his fingers gone.

"And done," he announced, dusting his hands. "There's actually a path inside. Just enough room for us to walk through."

"Ahhhhh... Cool," spoke Leo.

"Without my Slash attack, it wouldn't be as easy," added Tokot. "You should be thankful."

"Oh, but of course we're thankful," claimed Susanshi. "Right, Leo?"

"Oh, yes! Absolutely!" responded Leo.

"Darling, that was very nice thinking," complimented Saurion.

"Yeeeah, now come on, one at a time. We have that denseness before us!" exclaimed Tokot.

He led the way as he and his company traveled into the sea of trees through the newly made path.