Chapter 44: The Truth of the Trial
"Why? Did Granny Suya lie to me? Does she not want me to become the warden?" Arezu bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes, her face filled with disbelief.
Seeing her new friend's sadness, Goodra grew angry, its expression darkening once more.
"No, I have a hypothesis. Arezu, do you still have the Misty Flowers?"
"Yes." Arezu wiped her eyes, took out a delicate sachet containing the Misty Flowers, and handed it to Summer.
Summer walked over to the Petilil, crouched down, and opened the sachet. Upon smelling the Misty Flowers, Petilil immediately came closer, showing a happy expression, clearly enjoying the scent.
"Liking the Misty Flowers but disliking the Silverglow Flowers—what does this mean? I'm more confused than ever," Arezu said, her confusion deepening.
"Arezu, would the former warden easily tell you the Hisuian Lilligant's preferences? Would she also tell others so easily?" Summer asked.
"Yes, that's why I wanted to gather everything, to get the best of everything."
"Do you recognize this small white flower?" Summer held up a modest white flower.
Arezu shook her head. "No, I've never seen this flower before."
"I see. This is just my guess, but maybe the information the former warden gave you was also part of the test. It's too much of a coincidence that these two special flowers grow together."
"Summer, do you mean Granny Suya deliberately gave me false information, hiding the correct answer within?"
"Exactly. Only those who truly understand the Hisuian Lilligant's preferences deserve to inherit this position. I believe the former warden thought this way."
"You're right. I just realized I don't truly understand the Hisuian Lilligant." Arezu had an epiphany. "Ah, so that's Granny Suya's intention."
"Even if she did it on purpose, I can proudly say the offerings I present will be flowers the Hisuian Lilligant truly loves!"
"To care for the Hisuian Lilligant, you must understand her. Thank you, Summer, for helping me realize this." Arezu expressed her gratitude to Summer, then looked apologetic. "I'm sorry I was wary of you at first."
"No, that was the right decision. To make you the person who understands the Hisuian Lilligant the best, let me share what I know."
At that moment, Goodra leaned its head over, its expression sorrowful, as if saying, "What about me?"
"You too, Goodra. I won't let you feel lonely anymore."
Petilil also leaned over, and Arezu smiled. "And of course, you too, Petilil."
"Alright, let's head to the last place. I'll share what I know about it along the way."
"I'll remember everything," Arezu replied with a smile.
The third type of flower, the Dewdrop Flowers, was located in the Shrouded Ruins. With the addition of Goodra, Summer felt much safer, so they chose to take a direct route, passing through Ursaring's Wrestling Ground and Feather Sound Fields to reach Shrouded Ruins.
Ursaring's Wrestling Ground was home to many Ursaring and Teddiursa. They competed here to hone their skills, striving to activate the blessings of the ancient Sinnoh ruler and fight for the position of the next king.
Using the sweet berries in his backpack, Summer bribed the sweet-toothed bears without needing Goodra's help, passing through the dangerous area unscathed.
However, their journey through Feather Sound Fields was not as smooth. The Alpha Yanmega residing in the lowlands was extremely aggressive.
It commanded a swarm of Yanma to attack, and its own wings flapped at high speed, producing a deafening noise as it prepared to attack the intruders.
They were then hit by Goodra's powerful Fire Blast. Under the fierce assault, the Yanma were burned and scattered, and the Yanmega, with its wings scorched, fled in defeat.
Arezu, impressed by Goodra's strength, wondered why a creature that fears dryness could spew fire.
Summer explained, "Goodra is a Dragon Pokémon. They have a natural talent for mastering powerful moves, and fire is one of them."
Shrouded Ruins got its name from the many Dew Grasses growing there, their white tufts resembling goat beards, creating a vast, white landscape.
"So beautiful," Arezu marveled.
"Yes, it's much more peaceful here than in the Crimson Mirelands," Summer agreed. The Pokémon here were mostly Petilil, who were very shy and non-aggressive.
"So many Petilil. The Hisuian Lilligant should like the Dewdrop Flowers that grow here. Let's find them—they look like droplets and are purple," Arezu said enthusiastically.
"Got it. Thwackey and I will search the right side, while you and Goodra check the rest."
Summer and Arezu split up, searching the white Dew Grasses for the purple, droplet-shaped Dewdrop Flowers. However, after scouring the entire meadow, they found none.
"Is this another of Granny Suya's tricks? Could it be that the Dewdrop Flowers aren't in Shrouded Ruins, or does the Hisuian Lilligant actually like Dew Grass?" Arezu pondered, trying to think critically.
Arezu brought a Petilil to the Dew Grass, but it showed no interest.
"Neither liking nor disliking it," Arezu murmured.
"Arezu, remember there are many Petilil here. Why not ask them?" Summer suggested.
"But they run away when they see us."
Summer smiled. "But they won't run from another Petilil, right?"
Arezu understood. She asked Petilil to inquire, and thanks to its efforts, she finally found a patch of Dewdrop Flowers, though they were all wilted.
"How can this be? The Dewdrop Flowers are all wilted. Are they diseased?" The joy turned into disappointment, making Arezu feel even more dejected.
"No, this is normal wilting. We're past their blooming season."
"I see. There's nothing we can do, then." Arezu felt resigned. "Let's return to the Diamond Clan. Summer, I can now act with a clear conscience. Even if I'm not chosen in the end, I won't regret it."
Everyone had helped her so much; she couldn't bear to trouble them further.
"No, Arezu, it's not over yet." Summer reached into the wilted flowers, finding flat seeds. He dug a small hole, carefully planting the seeds.
"Summer, planting the seeds won't make them grow instantly," Arezu's words were cut off by Summer's gesture. She watched in disbelief—could it really be possible?
"Haha, as a traveler, it's normal to know some miraculous techniques."
Summer silently invoked rapid growth and species optimization. Green light enveloped the ground, and fresh shoots emerged, quickly growing into elegant purple flowers, their buds resembling droplets.
Arezu covered her mouth in astonishment, the surprise quickly turning into joy. Petilil adored the flowers, showing a blissful expression.
"Pick the Dewdrop Flower, Arezu. Let's win the Hisuian Lilligant's favor."
"Yes! We'll definitely win!"
Arezu was now full of confidence. Summer seemed like a messenger sent by the great Sinnoh to assist her, making everything seem possible with him around.
(End of Chapter)
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