Summer returned to Hoenn, where not only her family, but also a party waited for her arrival. After the celebration, she gave Teddiursa to his fated Trainer: her brother, Raymond. Taking advantage of the long month break before the start of the Hoenn League, Summer decides to help out on her uncle's farm. Unfortunately, an impossible task may lead to the farm's financial ruin. Will Summer and her Pokémon be able to help her relatives before it's too late?
Chapter 2- Outplanting at the Farm
A few days after my return to Littleroot Town, Lightning and I headed north towards Oldale Town around 6am. This time, I wore a long orange and blue swirl tie-dye shirt, olive green khakis, and my new pair of brown hiking shoes. My ponytail hung over an olive green visor.
"What a nice morning today!" I exclaimed as I stretched my arms over my head.
Lightning yawned. "It's too early… And it's getting humid already…"
I chuckled. "Still not used to it, huh?"
"No…" She stood on all fours and shook off the sweat forming on her fur. "Besides, why are we up before the sun?"
"We're going to help Uncle Alberto on his farm, the Velasquez Homestead. He starts work around 5am, so we actually slept in."
"Oh, yeah. I kind of remember you telling us that. That's where you got the Berries from when you started, right?"
"Yeah. He grows the best Berries and produces the best Moomoo Milk in Hoenn. He also raises Ponyta and Miltank to help other farmers and ranchers."
"Blaze told me that's where you first met Kazan, right?"
I nodded. "And where I let that shiny Ponyta be with her chosen owner. I have so many memories of the farm, I just can't wait to see it again!"
We breezed by the quiet buildings of Oldale Town and continued north onto Route 103, the location of my uncle's farm. My anticipation built as we strolled by the familiar trees and hedges highlighted by the rising sun.
"There it is!" I shouted when a large building came into view.
But when we ran towards it, three Poochyena wearing bandanas bolted to the gated entrance and barked, "Intruders! Intruders!"
We immediately halted and Lightning prepared to defend us. But then, the center one with a red bandana tied around his neck sniffed the air. His eyes widened with recognition.
"Guys, calm down!" he exclaimed. "It's Summer!"
"Summer?" the one on the left with a green bandana around his left front leg pondered.
"Is that really you?" the one on the right with a blue bandana tied into a bow around his neck questioned.
How do they know me? Wait… "Hey, aren't you the three Poochyena Uncle Alberto and I saved a while back?"
"IT IS SUMMER!"
The three Dark types leapt over the wooden fence and landed on my chest, knocking me onto the grass. I laughed as they licked my face.
"Calm down, guys! I'm glad to see you too!"
Someone ran over and flung the gate open. "Summer! Mason, Jules, Ryan, come!"
The Poochyena retreated, and I looked up to see my uncle and his Growlithe, Clifford, staring at me with concern.
"HI, Uncle Alberto. Sorry if we caused any alarm."
"Of course not, Summer. It was a good thing I was expecting you and not-" He bit his lip.
"Um...Uncle Alberto. Is everything okay?"
He smiled. "Everything's fine, Summer."
Worry pierced my heart. As I rubbed it, I saw his eyes focusing on my necklace.
He scratched his head. "Guess your mom was right about your new abilities. I couldn't hide it from you, eh, Summer?"
I became concerned. "Did...something happen to the farm?"
"No, nothing like that. It's just…we have to fulfill a humongous order for a prominent client by the end of the week. If we don't finish it, they'll...buy out the farm."
"That's even worse!" I exclaimed. "I thought you already own the land!"
He sighed. "We do, but there's a portion of it still owned by the Goldenrod Mutual Bank. Marisol's trying to purchase the remaining area before the client can outbid her."
I frowned. "How powerful is this client?"
"Very. He's been buying farmland around the three regions and turning them into expensive houses or resorts." Then, he smiled. "That's why I'm so happy you're coming to help today. If you can come for the rest of the week until the order's done, I'll be forever grateful."
"Of course, Uncle Alberto! You helped me so much growing up; I want to repay you."
He chuckled. "That's my niece. Now, why don't you let out your Pokémon and we can assign them the proper tasks?"
I nodded and threw the rest of my Poké Balls into the air. I introduced my uncle to everyone, "This is Rocky, Aurora, Errol, Flower, Lightning, and of course, Blaze."
"Ah yes, I can't believe your Torchic has grown into a fine Blaziken."
Blaze smiled proudly as Lightning beamed.
My uncle evaluated everyone and surmised, "This is a pretty good group you have, Summer. I've seen them all battle on TV, so it's great I can finally meet them in person."
"Thanks, Uncle Alberto."
He pulled out a long sheet of paper. "Now then. We need to get twenty crates each of Oran, Sitrus, Cheri, Pecha, Aspear, Rawst, Lum, and Leppa Berries, fifty crates of Moomoo Milk, fifty pounds of Mareep wool, ten kilograms each of various herbs, melons, grapes, bananas, and mangos, and twenty kilograms each of soybeans, rice, and wheat."
My eyes widened with each item. "Do you really have that many crops, Miltank, and Mareep, Uncle Alberto?"
He stroked his chin. "The Pokémon, I'm not too worried about. I got more Miltank since you came last time, and I received fifty Mareep from Eggs through the Chain Breeder's Egg Initiative. They're ready for the challenge. As for the produce, I did plant more trees and crops last year, but the Berry trees will take between 12 to 48 hours to grow."
I crossed his arms. "That'll definitely be a problem."
"I already added fertilizer and extra water to help speed up their growth, but we need to harvest them immediately in order to meet the timeframe."
Flower stepped forward. "Summer, can I look at the trees?"
"Sure. I think your typing can really help us out. Rocky and Errol can definitely help too."
"What about us, Summer?" Lightning asked.
Uncle Alberto replied, "You three can help with the crops. Clifford can explain everything to you."
Lightning nodded firmly. "You got it, Mr. Alberto."
"All right then!" the Growlithe shouted. "Follow me!"
After the four Pokémon went to the back of the farmhouse, Uncle Alberto and the Poochyena guided us to the orchards. The endless rows of trees were at various growing stages, from beautiful fragrant flowers to ripe fruit.
"Wow…" Flower said, amazed. "I've never seen so many Berry trees before." She wandered around the trunks, examining each one closely.
My uncle laughed. "What a curious Pokémon!"
I smiled. "She's very helpful and kind. That's what I love about Flower."
The Ivysaur returned and pointed to certain rows with her vines. "The Oran, Cheri, Aspear, Pecha, and Rawst Berry trees are growing just fine and should be ready to harvest in a few minutes. The Sitrus, Leppa, and Lum Berry trees will take a few more hours, so we should focus on speeding up their growth time."
"Impressive analysis!" Uncle Alberto exclaimed. "You have the makings of a good farmer, Flower."
She smiled. "It was nothing, Mr. Alberto. I just looked at the trunk, flowers, and soil."
"Those are the best ways to diagnose trees. Anyway, we should get the crates ready for the four trees Flower mentioned. Errol, Rocky, can you get them in the shed? Jules can show you where there are."
"Sure thing, boss!" the one in the red bandana barked. "Come on!"
Jules ran towards one of the buildings, with my Pokémon close behind.
"Can we get the hose, boss?" the Poochyena with the green bandana asked.
"Sure, Mason. Ryan, can you help Mason?"
"No problem, boss!"
They zigzagged through the trees and out of sight.
I smiled. "Uncle Alberto, I'm surprised you adopted those Poochyena we helped a while back."
He chuckled. "I didn't want to at first, but after they left, they just kept coming back. Eventually, I learned they were orphaned brothers and saw me as a kind of parent figure, thanks to the translation device I got from Professor Birch. So, I let them stay and they've been a big help ever since."
"Well, I'm glad I got to see them again. They look so much bigger."
"Well, they were just young Poochyena back then."
Mason and Ryan approached us, dragging a long red hose to their owner.
"Thank you, boys." Uncle Alberto unscrewed the nozzle and a steady stream of water showered over the orchard.
As he moved the hose back and forth over the slower growing trees, I noticed Flower was staring at his movements. I wonder if she's learning from my uncle…
After a few minutes, Rocky, Errol, Jules returned with several large wooden crates. One they set them down, the immature fruit immediately ripened, creating various shades of blue, pink, red, green, and yellow along the trees. My Pokémon and I marveled at the fresh-smelling fruit, but we snapped out of our thoughts as Uncle Alberto handed me a crate.
"All right then. Let's get to harvesting!" he shouted. We nodded and proceeded with the day's chores.
Ten hours later…
My Pokémon and I leaned against the Ponyta corral, exhausted. We were able to harvest four rounds of the regular trees and two rounds of the slower trees, as well as feed the Miltank and Mareep, harvest the crops, and sow new seeds.
"Man," I groaned. "I know I'm going to feel this tomorrow."
Lightning panted. "Summer…are you...sure we can...meet the deadline at...this rate?"
"We have to try…"
Flower, however, was not as tired. "I'm ready to keep going."
"What a bold statement, Ms. Flower," Errol said. "How are you able to persevere?"
She scratched her head. "I guess because it seems so familiar to me, kind of like when I was at the Bulbasaur Adoption Center. I helped Anthony so much with the gardening and chores there, I guess it's like second nature to me."
"Well, I'm glad we have your help, Flower," I acknowledged. "I just hope we can keep up with you."
Uncle Alberto came over with pitchers filled with light pink liquid. "I thought everyone could use some strawberry lemonade as a pick-me-up."
He poured cups for most of my team, a bowl for Rocky, then a glass for me. We then enjoyed the sweet, refreshing treat.
I licked my lips. "Mm… Just like what I remembered, thanks Uncle Alberto."
After everyone else said thanks, two Rapidash in the corral approached us.
"Darren and Cindy!" I greeted. "How are you two?"
"Excellent, Summer," Cindy, always calm and collected, replied with a smile. "Too bad we were the last to see you today."
Darren nodded.
I laughed. "He's still as quiet as ever, huh, Cindy?"
"Well, he is trying to speak more. Yet...it still is a work in progress."
"How are the Ponyta doing, Cindy?" my uncle asked.
"Just fine, Alberto. Although…" She looked at a part of the white wooden fence by the forest. "The fence over there appears to be broken. I don't remember seeing it broken this morning."
He stroked his chin. "Weird. I'll patch it up tonight. Make sure the Ponyta don't run around there, okay?"
Darren nodded and ran over there, eager to avoid the conversation.
Uncle Alberto chuckled. "Anyway, you all should head home. We have another early start tomorrow."
I rolled my shoulders, trying to brush away the potential soreness. "Okay, thanks, Uncle Alberto."
"No, thank you!"
I returned everyone, including Lightning, and trudged back home. I looked forward to a hearty meal, ibuprofen, and a deep sleep.
The next day...
After another quick breakfast, Lightning and I headed back to the farm. I yawned and stretched my arms.
"Thank goodness for ibuprofen," I said. "At least I can move."
Lightning, on the other hand, wobbled with each step. "Summer...everything hurts…"
I sighed. "That's why I told you to take the Pokémon-friendly ibuprofen, but you were the only one who didn't take it."
"That's because I was fine when we got back to your house! I regret everything!"
I laughed as we walked through the homestead gate. Instead of my uncle, Clifford was waiting for us.
"Hey, Summer," he greeted. "We could really use your help before we start the harvesting."
"Why, what's wrong, Clifford?"
He replied, "The crates of Berries we harvested yesterday went missing."
I raised an eyebrow. "That can't be right. Didn't we store them in the refrigeration shed?"
"They were, and it's guarded with a secure lock. But somehow, they still disappeared. Alberto and the Poochyena are looking into it."
I stroked my chin. I let out my Noctowl and asked, "Errol, can you help the Poochyena find the missing Berries?"
"Of course, Ms. Summer. I cannot allow our efforts to be in vain!" He flew up and scanned the land and forests.
My uncle came over. "Good idea, Summer. The Poochyena and I have been looking for the last hour."
"Did you call the police?"
He nodded. "They're going to come by later to check out the scene. But we should focus on the harvests today. If the crates are indeed missing, we need to double, even triple the output of Berries."
"Okay." I let out everyone else, and we proceeded with another day of harvesting and chores.
A man in a black suit watched the Velasquez Homestead behind a thicket of trees. He smirked at the fruitless attempts of the four Pokémon searching for the items he'd stolen. Then, his black Pokégear rang. Knowing he had to be discreet, he sent out a Magneton to interfere with anyone listening in.
"Blair here."
It was his boss. {How are your plans proceeding?}
"Excellent, sir. I made sure their biggest challenge just got bigger, thanks to Vanilluxe."
{And now they have to increase their efforts. Everything's going exactly as I planned. Just make sure incidents keep occurring. I want to make sure Alberto pays more than the others.}
"Very well, sir. Please look forward to tomorrow's report."
{I will.}
As we continued our efforts to helping Uncle Alberto throughout the week, more time-consuming incidents occurred. First was punctured and damaged irrigation systems, then holes in the main storage shed, and finally, the Miltank and Mareep were set loose several times throughout the day and almost trampled the crops and trees. I was able to help Uncle Alberto, the dog Pokémon, and Curt the Tauros fix everything; however, the target numbers kept getting out of reach.
On Friday, the second to last day, Uncle Alberto and I sat inside his kitchen, mulling over the week's events.
"I just can't understand it…" he muttered. "The farm should be well secured, but something ends up going wrong… Seems like we have a saboteur in our midst."
"Maybe I should stay tonight," I offered.
He gratefully smiled. "You don't have to, Summer. Besides, you and your Pokémon have done great work, especially Flower."
I looked out the window to see the Ivysaur coaxing the Berry trees to produce more flowers. "She does seem more at home here. She's been having some self-confidence issues because I couldn't use her much in Johto."
He stroked his chin. "It is true that those gyms are tougher for Grass types. But I'm happy this work helps stimulate her. Hey, why don't you let her stay the night? I could sure use her help to tend the trees and crops."
I smiled. "That's a good idea. I'll go ask her." I walked outside to see my Pokémon watering the trees for the last time today. After calling everyone over, I said, "Thanks for all your help today."
"Of course!" Flower gave a beaming smile. She was less fatigued compared to the rest of the team.
I informed her, "Flower, Uncle Alberto was wondering if you can stay tonight to help the trees grow."
She gave a determined look. "Yes I can!"
Her statement startled the rest of her teammates, especially Rocky.
He slightly glanced away before asking, "Can I stay tonight too, Summer? I can help patrol the farm."
"I wish to stay as well!" Errol shouted, puffing out his chest. "I will not let those crooks get the better of me!"
I laughed. "I'm sure Uncle Alberto can use the extra help. After I let him know, the rest of you can come back home with me."
Aurora, Blaze, and Lightning nodded. As I went back inside to tell my uncle the news, I didn't notice Rocky's worried expression.
As the half moon shone over Route 103, Alberto finished a mini pep talk with Flower, Rocky, and Errol outside his house. "All right, you three. You all know your roles for tonight?"
Errol saluted the man. "Yes, sir, Mr. Alberto!"
Rocky and Flower, on the other hand, just nodded.
"Okay then. Clifford and the Poochyena will patrol the crops, Miltank, and Mareep. Darren and Cindy should be able to handle any issues in their corral. If any of you spot danger, alert Clifford, and if needed, let Summer know." The farmer then looked at all the hard work he made over the last thirty years. He hoped this would never fall out of his hands, unlike what happened ten years before that.
After he retired, Flower informed her male companions, "I'm going to head over to the trees, guys. Good luck with the patrol."
"I will not let those hooligans get the better of me!" Errol shouted with fire in his eyes.
Rocky, however, didn't say a word.
His best friend noticed this. "Rocky, is everything okay?"
He forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine, Flower."
"Well, if you want, you can protect me in the orchard if you want to."
"Sure, that'll be great. You go on ahead. I'll join you in a bit."
"Okay, see you later!"
Satisfied with the instructions, Errol ascended.
"Wait, Errol!" Rocky shouted. "Can I talk to you about something?"
Errol was eager to get started, but the worry in the Steelix's voice got his attention. He landed on Rocky's head and replied, "Very well, Mr. Rocky. What do you want to discuss?"
The Steel type took a deep breath. "It's...about Flower. She seems much happier here than battling alongside us."
"Indeed, since she is much more familiar with this work than the rest of us."
Rocky sighed. "That's what I'm worried about. What if...she doesn't want to continue traveling with us anymore?"
The Noctowl was hesitant to answer. Then he said, "I understand your fear, Mr. Rocky. I experienced the same feelings with Ms. Swirls… But...I accepted her decision to follow her own choice. My suggestion is to do the same with Ms. Flower."
Rocky closed his eyes, focusing on each of Errol's words. "I see. Thanks, Errol. I'll check on her."
Before the Flying type could respond, a cloud of smoke passed by them. Rocky jerked his head to the right, forcing Errol to flap his wings.
"Fire!" Rocky exclaimed. Then his heart sank. "And it's coming from the orchard!"
Clifford ran over. "Rocky! Find out about the source of the fire! Errol, alert Summer! I'll get Alberto!"
Summer's Pokémon nodded and they split up.
Later that night…
I stared at a glorious sunrise over a plateau near the Velasquez Homestead. The sun was bright, but I didn't feel its warmth.
I crossed my arms. That's strange…
A deep voice answered, "What's so strange, Summer?"
I turned around and saw Kazan, the Entei of the original Legendary Beasts, approach me.
"K-Kazan?!" Then I regained my composure. "Oh, I get it. This is a dream, isn't it?"
He chuckled. "Correct. I am surprised you haven't been able to contact us recently."
I sheepishly smiled. "Sorry, Kazan. I've been so busy lately."
"No need," he replied with a hearty laugh. "We surmised as much. Now then, do you have time to discuss what I was going to tell you a while back?"
I was about to respond when a loud rapping on my window startled me awake. Lightning jumped up and slammed onto the floor, groaning.
"What the heck?!" she muttered.
I yawned and shifted to my window.
"Ms. Summer!" Errol shouted. "You have to come quickly! There is a fire at the farm!"
The news fully woke me up. I opened my window and tossed a Poké Ball at Errol. Once he caught it with his psychic powers, I commanded, "Errol, take Aurora there and let her help put out the fire. We'll follow right behind you."
He nodded and flew north. I pulled on a dark blue hoodie and my tennis shoes, and we ran into the hallway.
My parents exited their room by the stairs. "Summer, what's wrong?" my dad asked.
"There's a fire at the homestead."
My mom gasped. "No!"
"I'm heading over there now."
She regained her composure. "Good idea. I'm sure Alberto already called the fire department. Go on, Summer. We'll make sure that everyone in Oldale Town is safe."
"Okay."
Lightning and I bolted out of the house and sprinted back to Route 103. A large plume of smoke billowed into the air, and the scent of burning wood infiltrated our nostrils.
I covered my mouth with my left sleeve, and we made our way into the homestead. Once there, we found Uncle Alberto by the pond connecting the route to Slateport City. He was talking to a large pink jellyfish-like Pokémon with a small white crown on her head and a ruffled white collar below her head. To my surprise, she rose out of the water and headed towards the fire.
When we got closer, my uncle was startled to see me. "Summer! You came quicker than I expected!"
"It was a fast run. Anyway, any news on the fire?"
He looked west. "Errol arrived with Aurora, so they started managing the spread. And, I guess as you saw, my Jellicent, Cherry, is helping as well. This will definitely help the fire department when they come."
I didn't know Uncle Alberto has a Jellicent. I recall they're from the Unova Region, but maybe this isn't the time to think about that. Then my heart sank. "Wait, Flower is there!"
"Don't worry, Rocky was able to rescue her before she was in real danger. I need to check on the other Pokémon. Go ahead and check on Flower. She's in the refrigerated shed."
After he ran towards the Miltank pasture, I let out Blaze. "Blaze, make sure Aurora, Errol, and Cherry are safe."
"Right."
Once he was gone, Lightning and I made our way to the place my uncle mentioned. Outside the shed, Rocky barricaded the door with his tail.
"Rocky! What's going on?" I shouted.
He readjusted himself and answered, "Flower's trying to get out and stop the arsonist."
The Ivysaur slammed into the door, causing it to slightly open. "I'm fine, Rocky! I already recovered from the smoke!"
"No!" he argued. "I can't let you be reckless!"
I felt the pain in his voice, but I knew what we had to do. "Rocky, let her out."
He sighed and removed his tail. Flower ran out and shouted, "Summer, I saw who started the fire! We need to stop them before they flee through the forest!"
She continued her sprint into the thicket of trees.
Seeing no other choice, I said, "Let's follow her." With no command, Rocky dug underground and left behind a trail.
Errol appeared and said, "The situation is now under control, Ms. Summer."
"Great, thanks Errol. Can you guide us through the forest? Flower and Rocky went inside to look for the criminal."
"Very well, Ms. Summer! My eyes shall lead us to that hooligan!"
Lightning argued, "Setting a fire bumps him up higher than a hooligan, Errol."
"SEMANTICS!"
With his glowing red eyes, the Noctowl guided us through the dark woods until we reached a clearing relatively close to Petalburg City, the west most city before the sea. The three of us watched in horror as Flower struggled against a light blue ice cream-shaped Pokémon and a dark blue eel-like Pokémon with yellow spots and red eyes. The former sprayed the Grass type with a blast of ice while the latter burned her with a stream of fire.
What are those Pokémon? I've never seen them before… But those moves… Could it be?
But my thoughts were interrupted as I heard Flower shout, "Y-You won't get away with this!"
A tall man with curly brown hair and dark eyes sneered, "How cute, one of the weakest starter lines thinks she can beat me. Growl all you want, you won't stop me."
"No, but I will!" We leapt out of our hiding place to Flower's relief and the man's annoyance. But once Rocky emerged from the ground and towered over us, the stranger's expression turned sour.
"Tch, I figured this Ivysaur had a Trainer. But I never expected to be his relative…"
I ignored his muttering and inquired, "Are you the one causing us trouble?"
He smirked. "Good intuition. But I doubt you'll be able to stop us. After all, we're going to win anyway."
'Us'? There's more people involved?! "It doesn't matter! Rocky, Lightning, you ready?"
The Steelix nodded, but before Lightning could respond, Flower got onto her feet. "Summer, let me battle."
"Are you sure, Flower?"
"Yes. I can still continue to battle."
The look in her eyes told me everything I wanted to know. "All right." I turned to the stranger with my chosen Pokémon.
"This is pathetic," the man taunted. "Vanilluxe, Ice Beam. Eelektross, Flamethrower."
The ice cream Pokémon sprayed a frozen beam of ice as the eel Pokémon released a stream of fire at the Ivysaur.
"Rocky, block with Stone Edge!"
He roared and slammed his tail onto the ground, creating a barrier of sharp rocks. The super effective attacks couldn't break through, giving us an opportunity.
"Flower, Razor Leaf!"
She shot out the flurry of leaves which not only sliced through the wall, but also showered our opponents with shards of rock and leaves. Vanilluxe and Eelektross growled in pain, and the man gritted his teeth.
"You're stronger than I expected. But it doesn't matter. Vanilluxe, Blizzard. Eelektross, Acid."
A strong flurry of snow and a toxic purple liquid battered my Pokémon. Rocky fared pretty well, but Flower was getting more tired.
I clenched my fist. They're targeting her this whole time!
Rocky felt my sentiment and growled, "They won't succeed."
The Grass type panted heavily but uttered, "I...I definitely...won't let them…!" A strong, almost earthy, energy radiated from the Ivysaur's bud.
C-Could it be?
I felt the sun slowly rising over the trees. Its warmth increased the energy generating within Flower. The man and his Pokémon were in shock.
"Now's our chance!" I shouted. "Rocky, throw Vanilluxe and Eelektross into the air with Stone Edge!"
He swung his tail onto the grass, and the pillar of rocks catapulted the two Pokémon into the air.
"Flower, Solar Beam!"
A large beam of white-yellow energy pierced through the clearing, scorching Vanilluxe and Eelektross. When the attack ended, they crashed onto the forest floor, motionless.
"N-No!" the man screamed. He returned his Pokémon, then balled his fists. "Y-You! You'll regret this!"
He ran past my Pokémon and prepared to punch me. I was about to dodge when Cherry whizzed past me and touched the intruder's arm with one of her tentacles. A strong shock coursed through his body, and he crumpled to the floor.
"Summer!" Uncle Alberto approached us. "I hadn't heard from you in a while, so I came over to check on you."
I smiled. "I would have been in serious trouble if Cherry hadn't saved me. Thanks, Cherry."
She blurbled with delight.
My uncle then saw the immobilized stranger, and his face darkened. "So it was you, after all! The police are on their way, so there's no escape for you or your boss."
The stranger sneered, "So, this is how I meet the Shining Dragon? Too bad I couldn't finish when he started."
"That's enough!" Uncle Alberto yelled. I was startled to see the usually kind man so riled. "Cherry, take him back to the farm."
The Jellicent nodded and lifted the paralyzed man with her tentacles. He tried to squirm out, but his body was powerless against her stingers.
After they left, I asked, "Uncle Alberto, how do you know him? And why did he call you 'Shining Dragon'?"
He sighed, and I was surprised to feel a strong sadness and pain from his heart. "It's...related to my past. But it doesn't concern you...yet."
"What do you mean?"
He wistfully looked at me. "I tell you when the time comes, Summer. I promise."
I was a little worried, but he'd never broken any promises with me. "Okay."
"Come on, let's head back ourselves. I'm sure your Pokémon need some rest."
A few minutes later...
We exited the forest and saw the farm swarming with firefighters and policemen. The former, dressed in yellow and orange jumpsuits, were putting their equipment into an orange-red fire truck and returning their Starmie, Golduck, and Pelipper. Two policemen were handling the stranger, who still didn't regain movement.
Auntie Marisol was sitting on the porch and got up when she saw us. "Summer!" she gasped. "Thank goodness you're all right!"
"Auntie Marisol!" We hugged each other. "It's so good to finally see you!"
My uncle laughed. "Thanks for coming back so quickly, Marisol."
"Well of course! That Edgar Winship was too calm even when I was able to secure all of our assets. Once I heard about the fire, I immediately knew he was involved and came straight over!"
A tall, middle-aged man in a dark gray suit walked over. He brushed his graying black hair back and sighed. "I'm sorry we couldn't stop them sooner, Alberto," he said in a slightly gruff tone. "You lost some of your best Berry trees and some of the storage facilities."
The farmer clapped his friend on the shoulder. "You and Marisol did the best you could, Tom. I'm just glad we have you on our side. Besides, the trees will grow back and we will rebuild."
"Just like you?" They laughed until their acquaintance noticed me and said, "This must be the niece I've heard so much about."
"Hi," I greeted. "I'm Summer Scorcher."
"Thomas Bonner, attorney-at-law."
After we shook hands, the lawyer looked at his watch. "I should get some sleep before my flight back to Castelia City. Anyway, I hope the rebuilding goes well. Keep in touch, my friend, and Summer, if you decide to visit Castelia City, you'll have a guide."
I smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Bonner."
We waved goodbye as the smoke fully dissipated.
A few hours later…
Uncle Alberto, Auntie Marisol, and I sat in the farmhouse while our Pokémon helped with the farm chores.
He read over the legal papers and sighed. "We may have gotten out of that financial trap and saved the farm, but our insurance can only pay for half the damages from the fire."
I was appalled. "Really?! Only half?!"
He softly grinned. "That's the real world outside of the life of a Pokémon Trainer, Summer. So enjoy the time you have traveling and battling, all right?"
"I guess you're right." Flower's tending of the trees caught my eye. She really is much happier here… A life outside of battling, huh?
My aunt saw what I was looking at and asked, "Flower does enjoy taking care of the orchard, doesn't she, Alberto?"
"She most certainly does. And she's helped with the crops and the Miltank milking. That Ivysaur's quite a versatile farmer."
I placed my right hand onto my arm. "Uncle Alberto, Auntie Marisol… Is it okay if Flower stays here?"
My relatives were surprised. Uncle Alberto replied, "Sure, but why did you decide on that?"
"Well...you know about Flower's issues with her recent battles. But here, not only has she worked as hard as she does in training, she's also wanted to learn more about the farm work. I feel that...if I take her on another journey, she won't be truly happy."
Uncle Alberto gently clasped my left hand. "I know this is a very difficult decision for you, Summer. Why don't you talk about this with Flower and the rest of your Pokémon? We're happy with whatever you decide to do."
I nodded, trying to hold back a tear. "I'll go talk to them now."
I ran towards the orchard, where all of my Pokémon were either watering the old trees or planting new ones.
When Flower saw me, she asked, "Summer, is something wrong?"
I sentimentally looked at the Grass type. My memories of her flooded my mind: the excitement of when I first met her back at Cerulean Cape, the sadness from hearing about her past, the hope she gave to Rocky when he was released by Carlos, the thrills from all the battles we had, the happiness of doing chores together, and the pride of being her Trainer.
"Summer?"
I blinked and returned to reality. "Sorry, Flower." I looked at everyone; they were anticipating my words, but I could tell Rocky knew what I was going to say. "Everyone. Thanks for all of your hard work this past week. I know most of you aren't used to this kind of activity, but I'm happy all of you are learning and embracing the farm work." I turned to the Ivysaur. "Flower, I especially want to thank you. You really enjoy working here on the farm. And... I was wondering if you want to stay here and continue to help Uncle Alberto and Auntie Marisol."
"Does that mean she won't be traveling with us anymore?" Lightning asked sadly.
I nodded. "But that doesn't mean she's off the team permanently. She can come back anytime she wants."
Blaze crossed his arms. "I'm fine with the decision. After all, Flower is the most dedicated worker out of all of us."
"I wholeheartedly agree!" Errol chimed. "Ms. Flower, you will make a wonderful addition to this farm."
Lightning rubbed the back of her head. "That's true… I'm still sore from all the work we did, so Flower is the best fit."
Aurora clapped with joy. "Oh, Flower, I'm so happy for you!"
Rocky glanced away, unsure of what to say. I petted the Steel type's side, and he leaned down so I can stroke his head.
Flower walked to her longtime friend. "Rocky… Will you be okay without me?"
He sighed. "It'll take some time...but...I think I can…"
She hugged him with her vines. "I know you're a strong Pokémon, Rocky. Help Summer succeed for me, okay?"
He shed a tear and nodded. "For you, Flower."
My Pokémon and I left the best friends alone, allowing them some last moments together.
Summer's Pokémon:
Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut
Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash
Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Aqua Ring
Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch
Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think about the events at the farm?
Did Summer make the right decision to leave Flower with her relatives?
What is the story behind Alberto's past?
