Chapter 43: The Lonely Goodra
In the southern part of the Obsidian Fieldlands, the lake where Goodra resides differs from the other lakes in the sandbar. The water is clear, and there is a small island in the center of the lake, which Goodra seems to have made its resting place.
"Hmm, it really is a Goodra with a shell."
Hiding in the bushes, Summer observed the Goodra on the small island. It had a metal shell on its back and was currently lying on the ground, sleeping.
"Don't all Goodras have shells?" Arezu asked in confusion.
"No, typically Goodras don't have metal shells. Instead, they have a thick tail and a more gentle, kind personality."
"Oh~ Summer, you know so much. Truly a well-traveled individual!"
"The reason is that the water in Hisui is rich in iron, which caused Goodra to develop a metal shell."
"Teacher Summer, why does water affect Goodra's appearance?" Arezu raised her hand slightly and asked.
"Good question, Arezu. During Goodra's growth, it needs water to keep its skin moist. The excess iron it absorbs that it can't process accumulates in its body, eventually forming a metal shell."
"Of course, even after evolving into Goodra, it still needs water, which is why it occupies this place," Summer continued. "The extra shell it developed as a Sliggoo helped protect itself, which also made its personality more reclusive."
"So, shelled Goodras have worse temperaments and are more dangerous than other Goodras?" Arezu ventured to ask.
"That's right, it seems you understand now. By the way, the Lilligant I know is also different from the Hisuian Lilligant. Hmm, more like a princess in a long dress in a garden."
Arezu's expression seemed frozen, lost in thought, her eyes sparkling as she slowly understood everything. Such a Lilligant is also wonderful.
"Ah, but right now the Silverglow Flower is more important." Arezu snapped out of her reverie.
Arezu nodded, understanding why Summer was being so cautious. The Goodra on the island was dangerous, so they had to be careful.
"Can't Thwackey beat it?" Arezu asked, recalling Thwackey's easy victory over Toxicroak.
Summer shook his head. "No, it can't. Although I hate to admit it, the truth is its attributes are too troublesome, and it knows Poison-type moves."
Although she didn't fully understand Summer's reasoning, it sounded impossible to win.
"But there's another way. Please, Thwackey, use a different approach to move it."
Summer took a wooden drum from his backpack. Thwackey took the sticks from its head, its expression serious, filled with emotion.
"A drum? Thwackey's sticks aren't weapons but drumsticks?" Arezu said, surprised.
"Yes, Pokémon are amazing, right?" Summer stepped out of the bushes and gently placed the drum on the ground. "Come on, Thwackey, play a song of friendship!"
The sensitive Goodra woke up, staring gloomily at the humans across the lake. It slowly stood up, the air around it becoming humid as it gathered power for a Water Gun.
"Dong~"
The sudden drumbeat penetrated Goodra's soul, making it involuntarily close its mouth.
"Dong~ Dong~ Dong~"
"Beautiful," Arezu whispered in admiration. The drumbeat was more beautiful than those at festivals, and she felt like crying, as if a close friend was beside her during lonely times.
Thwackey played the drum with all its heart, pouring its emotions into the performance. It now had many friends, but its best friend was definitely Summer.
Living together, training together, growing together—the small, precious moments accumulated. The drumsticks in its hand were given by Summer, and the drum was crafted by him too. He was like a light in its darkest times, helping it rediscover its love.
"Thwackey," Summer said, moved.
"Woo," Arezu sobbed softly, thinking of her own cherished memories with friends.
"Woohoo~" A huge shadow covered them, as Goodra, now beside them, cried loudly. It had always been lonely, yearning for a soul friend like in the drumbeat.
As a Goomy, it always hid because it was weak, and had no friends. After evolving into Sliggoo, it couldn't forget the dangers it faced as a Goomy, and the extra metal shell made it isolate itself further.
As a Goodra, it became so strong that no Pokémon wanted to befriend it. In frustration, it occupied the best spot in the Obsidian Fieldlands, leading a solitary life.
Seeing the crying Goodra, Arezu wasn't afraid because Goodra was crying too—it must be very lonely.
"Woo, Goodra, you must be very lonely. Let me be your friend," Arezu said emotionally.
Hearing someone willing to be its friend, Goodra's expression lit up. It immediately nuzzled Arezu's cheek, making it sticky.
"Arezu, you willing to be Goodra's friend shows you're a kind person, but its feelings are very deep," Summer warned, risking an attack from Goodra. Hisuian Goodras were known for their attachment and would become enraged if their loved ones left.
"Don't worry, everyone says I'm the most responsible child. I'll take good care of Goodra." Arezu's expression was firm. "The Diamond Clan's settlement is right by the lake. I'll convince Adaman to let Goodra live there."
Seeing Arezu's serious expression, Goodra nuzzled even more happily, feeling the care of a true friend.
Honestly, if Goodra wanted to live there, with its current strength, Adaman couldn't stop it. But since Arezu had made her decision, Summer had no reason to oppose.
"Alright, I'll respect your choice. Now let's go pick the Silverglow Flowers."
"Yes, there's still the Silverglow Flowers."
With Goodra's help, picking the Silverglow Flowers was a breeze.
The flowers shimmered with a metallic luster, likely due to the iron-rich water in Hisui.
But Summer soon noticed something odd. While the flowers were beautiful, the Petilil showed a distaste for them, preferring a small, unremarkable white flower nearby.
Arezu was still carefully selecting the best Silverglow Flowers, adhering to her high standards.
"Arezu, did you notice? Petilil doesn't like the scent of the Silverglow Flowers," Summer reminded.
"Ah, indeed." Arezu pondered for a moment, coming to an unsettling conclusion. "Summer, are you suggesting the Hisuian Lilligant doesn't like Silverglow Flowers?"
Summer nodded. "Yes, Petilil's preferences shouldn't change drastically when it evolves into Lilligant, so the Hisuian Lilligant must truly prefer these humble white flowers."
(End of Chapter)
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