As they entered, [Name] couldn't believe they hadn't noticed the strange sight earlier. The villagers' murmurs were laced with concern, and it didn't take long for [Name] to see why. Thick, thorny vines had begun sprouting all over the village. They slithered across fences, creeping up walls, and curling around flowerbeds. It was as if the very earth itself had begun to turn against the people.

"How did we miss this?" [Name] muttered to themselves; eyes wide with surprise.

The group had walked through the main entrance of the village earlier, focused on catching Raptor. But now that they were paying attention, they realized the vines had mostly grown near the back of the village, where the main road didn't go. No one had seen the vines because the path the group had taken was a straight line, and the vines weren't visible. It wasn't until they were deep into the village that the true extent of the problem was clear.

Tighnari, the Forest Ranger from Sumeru, took in the scene. His sharp eyes noticed the villagers' worried faces, their furrowed brows and grim expressions. "This doesn't look normal," he said softly, as he crouched down to examine the vines closely. His expression was serious, his hands brushing against the thick tendrils. "These vines are unlike anything I've ever seen before."

The villagers had already started cutting back the vines, but it was clear that the more they cut, the faster they grew back. They had tried to keep the village clean, but it seemed as though the vines were determined to spread, no matter what.

"They were just starting to grow yesterday, but now... they're everywhere," one of the villagers said, a hint of panic in their voice. "We're afraid it'll overrun the entire village soon."

[Name] frowned, looking around. "This is bad," they said under their breath. "How long have these vines been growing?"

"It started just a few days ago," another villager explained. "At first, it was only a few small tendrils, and then... it spread, like wildfire. Every night, more vines appear."

Tighnari stood up, his face serious. "I've been around many forests, but this... this isn't natural. The growth is far too fast, and the way it's spreading is unlike anything I've encountered. These plants aren't from around here."

[Name] glanced at the vines again, their mind racing. "Could it be the work of a Pokémon?" they suggested aloud, their voice tinged with uncertainty. It seemed very likely from what they could tell.

Tighnari turned to them, his expression confused. "Pokémon? What is that?" he asked, clearly not familiar with the term, ear flickering.

Aether, having heard the confusion, jumped in quickly. "Pokemon... well, creatures that live in the wild. But they're different from the animals you're used to. They have abilities — some can control the elements, others can heal, and some are even capable of incredible stuff."

[Name] continued to explain, "They're not monsters like hillchruls or Abyss Mages. Pokémon are living creatures with abilities that help them survive and thrive. They come in all shapes and sizes, and some of them are really powerful."

This seemed to make Tighnari look even more curious.

Paimon quickly added, her voice full of excitement, pumping her arms up, "Yeah! Pokémon are amazing! Some can breathe fire, use electricity, and even control plants! They're not dangerous unless provoked from what we had seen. [Name] is trying to connect humans and Pokémon so that we can work together instead of fearing them."

Tighnari looked at the group in wonder, his curiosity growing with each word. "Creatures that control elements and live in harmony with nature... That's fascinating! I never knew such beings existed." He looked back at the vines, now understanding how something like this could happen. "But... how do you know it's Pokémon that caused these plants to grow? Couldn't it be some kind of... anomaly? It is possibly with a dendro vision, like mine." He tapped his own vision, which made [Name] want to "ooh" at. It was pretty in their opinion.

Nevertheless, [Name] nodded, understanding his skepticism. "It's possible. But considering how quickly these plants grow back, and how they're unlike any plants everyone has seen, I think Pokémon might be involved. Some Pokémon have the ability to make plants, like grass-type Pokémon."

Aether added, "Exactly. I wouldn't be really surprised if a Pokémon is causing this. Would not be the craziest I seen a Pokemon can do." He shivered as he remembers Swablu's Dragon Breath. He totally didn't want to be on the reciving end of that move.

Paimon chimed in, looking a bit worried, "So maybe there's a Pokémon here that's a little... upset or worried? Maybe it's hurt!"

Tighnari raised an eyebrow, still processing the information. "I see. So these Pokémon can manipulate their environment — like controlling plants to protect something or someone?"

"Exactly," [Name] replied, glancing at the growing vines with concern. "And if this Pokémon is stressed, it might be spreading these vines as a defense mechanism or like Paimon said, hurt."

Tighnari's nodded in understanding, "I must say that's... incredibly fascinating. I've never encountered creatures like that, let alone ones with such powerful abilities." Which was odd in his opinion, but he could tell that Mondstatdt are starting to see Pokemon from the way the villagers were frazzled and confused about the vines. He can tell [Name] and the others truly believe this was the works of a Pokemon.

Before [Name] could respond, Draff stepped in, his brow furrowed in concern. "So, are you able to fix the problem, then?" he asked, his voice laced with both hope and worry.

Paimon was the first to jump in. "Of course! We have [Name], our very own Pokémon expert!" She pointed proudly at [Name] with a grin, with [Name] waving with an awkward smile. "We'll figure it out, don't worry. You're in good hands, Paimon promise!"

[Name] smiled at the praise, though they felt a little pressure building up from the weight of responsibility. "We're going to do our best," they assured Draff, who was looking relived. "We just need to find out exactly where the source of the vines is coming from."

Tighnari, still processing everything, turned his gaze back to Draff. "When did the villagers first notice these vines?" he asked. "How long have they been growing?"

Draff sighed, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the situation. "A couple of days ago, actually. Some of the kids were playing in the forest near the village when they found the vines starting to creep up the trees and over the ground. They came running back to the village to tell us about it, but by the time we checked it out, the vines were already spreading fast." He pointed toward the dense forest just beyond the village. "That's where the kids saw it first. You'll need to head that way to track it down."

[Name] nodded, their mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll check it out," they said. "Thank you for the information."

Aether, still looking concerned, added, "We better hurry before it spreads even further."

Paimon zipped around, floating excitedly. "Yeah! We can't let these vines take over the whole village!" She gave [Name] a thumbs-up. "Time to get going!"

As the group prepared to set out, Draff called out, his voice carrying a mix of hope and gratitude. "I trust you all can handle this. Please, do what you can."

As the group made their way toward the forest, the air was thick with anticipation, but Tighnari couldn't help but be curious. He walked alongside [Name], keeping pace as the others chatted, his mind swirling with thoughts of these strange creatures they called Pokémon.

"So, [Name]," Tighnari began, his voice a bit lighter than before, "you mentioned Pokémon are often found in the wild, but do they have specific habitats? Are they in forests like these, or do they prefer more... open spaces? I admit in Sumeru we don't see these Pokemon."

[Name] chuckled softly, glad to be able to explain. "Well, Pokémon can be found in almost every environment. Some live in forests like this one, while others live in caves, mountains, or even in the water. It really depends on the type of Pokémon they are. Although, I am unsure why they do not show themselves in Sumeru."

Tighnari raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So... there are different types of Pokémon that live in different places?"

"Exactly!" [Name] replied, eager to share more. "For example, there are Fire-type Pokémon that might live in volcanic areas, and Water-types that are found near lakes and rivers. There are even Pokémon that can live in the sky or underground!"

Paimon, always quick to add her two cents, float around Tighnari's head, practically glowing with excitement. "Oh! And there are some Pokémon that are super good at hiding! You might not even know they're there until they suddenly pop out!"

Tighnari nodded thoughtfully. "Fascinating... It's almost like nature's own mystery, huh? These Pokémon must play a huge part in the ecosystem, then."

[Name] smiled. "They do! Some Pokémon even help pollinate plants, while others help protect certain areas or clean up the environment. They're all connected in some way."

Just as the group continued their lighthearted chat, they suddenly heard a series of soft chittering noises coming from nearby.

"Do you hear that?" Paimon asked, her voice hushed as she floated in the air, scanning the area. "Sounds like... a Pokémon?"

[Name] nodded, their focus narrowing. "Yeah. It sounds like something's nearby."

As the group moved closer, they heard the chittering grow louder, and soon, they saw a group of Pokémon gathered in the distance—several Budew, a few Roselia, and one towering Roserade. The Pokémon were gathered in a tight circle, chattering softly and moving nervously. The Roserade stood protectively at the edge, her eyes watchful and sharp.

"They seem to be on high alert," [Name] murmured. They felt a shift in the air, knowing something was wrong.

Tighnari, seeing the group of Pokémon, narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "I've never seen a gathering like this before. These Pokémon—they seem... unusually focused. Something's definitely going on."

[Name] observed the group and then glanced at Tighnari. "I think they might be worried about something. Probably the vines. Maybe the pack is connected to the way the vines are growing."

Paimon flew closer to get a better look, her eyes widening. "That Roserade looks really serious. And all those Budew... They seem scared."

Suddenly, Aether, distracted by the sight of the Pokémon, stepped forward to get a closer look to understand what Paimon meant and accidentally stepped on a dry branch.

CRACK!

The sharp sound of the branch snapping echoed through the still forest. Instantly, the group of Pokémon turned toward them, their eyes sharp and alert. The Roserade flared its petals, standing tall and protective, while the Budew huddled closer together with the few Roselia protecting the younglings.

The group froze, and Aether quickly muttered, "Whoops... My bad," as he turned to the others, his face flushing slightly.

"Nice job, Aether," [Name] teased a bit, but worried. Their fingers lowering to their belt in case a battle happens.

Tighnari, who had been observing the Pokémon carefully, spoke up. "That little one," he pointed to a Budew nestled in the center of the group, surrounded by the others, "looks sick."

[Name] quickly followed his gaze. The Budew appeared frail and its usual vibrant green color was a bit off. It was huddled tightly in the center of the group, and its movements were slow, like it was too weak to keep up with the others.

"Yeah, it doesn't look too good," [Name] agreed, their voice laced with concern.

Aether frowned. "What's wrong with it?"

Tighnari looked down at the group, thinking. "I'm not sure. It looks like it has a fever, which is why the others are so protective of it."

"That's not good," [Name] muttered, their mind racing. "We need to help it, fast."

Tighnari knelt down slowly, trying to appear non-threatening, as the Roserade and Budew all watched him carefully. He studied the sick Budew closely, his expression serious. "It seems like it's running a fever... That's why they're staying so close. They're trying to keep it from worsening its fever."

Suddenly, without warning, the Roserade's petals flared out, and with a swift motion, it swung its arm towards Tighnari, as though intending to strike. The group froze, eyes wide in alarm.

"Watch out!" Aether shouted, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon, ready to move.

But Tighnari didn't flinch. He stayed perfectly still, maintaining his calm demeanor. As the Roserade's arm swung dangerously close to his face, it stopped—just inches away from him.

The Roserade paused, its expression filled with uncertainty. It had clearly been ready to strike, but it hesitated, sensing that Tighnari wasn't trying to hurt the group as the fox did not make a signal move to stop it. The arm slowly lowered, and the Pokémon took a cautious step back, watching him carefully.

The group let out a collective breath of relief, but the tension was palpable.

"That was too close," Paimon gasped, her heart racing. "It almost attacked!"

Aether exhaled deeply, lowering his hand. "I... didn't think Tighnari would stay still like that."

[Name] clenched their fists in frustration. "This is bad... The Pokémon are scared, but they're also very protective of that Budew."

Tighnari remained calm, unfazed by the close encounter. He raised his hands slowly, showing he wasn't a threat. "It's alright," he said softly, speaking to the Roserade in a calm, soothing tone. "I'm not here to hurt the Budew. I just want to help."

Despite his efforts, the Roserade still eyed him warily, but it didn't attack again. It seemed to understand that Tighnari wasn't a danger—though it was clear that it was still on edge.

"That was... unsettling," Paimon muttered, glancing between Tighnari and the Roserade. "What's up with that? Why would it attack like that?"

"I think it's because of the Budew," Tighnari explained, keeping his voice calm. "It's incredibly protective of the younger ones, especially the sick one. It's worried, scared, and the instinct to defend is strong."

[Name] nodded, in agreement. "But how do we calm it down? Tighnari, Roserade seems to trust you a bit, maybe you should talk to it."

Tighnari stood back up, slowly backing away from the Budew, his hands still raised. "I agree, I believe we can make it understand that we mean no harm.... It's alright. I'm here to help. I'm not going to hurt your young one."

The Roserade hesitated, then slowly, it lowered its defensive stance. The Budew, still in the middle of the group, looked up at Tighnari with wide, fearful eyes, but the other Budew seemed to settle a little, now watching Tighnari with cautious curiosity.

"Good," Tighnari muttered, smiling slightly. "Let's get this little one back to health."

[Name] gave Tighnari an encouraging nod. "Now we just need to help the Budew."

"I think I can help it," Tighnari replied. He carefully knelt back down, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "But I'll need to get a closer look at the Budew. I'm going to check its temperature first. That should tell me more about its condition."

The group waited anxiously as Tighnari gently cradled the sick Budew in his hands once more, being extra careful. The Roserade and the other Budew and Roselia watched closely, still cautious but no longer hostile.

Paimon, unable to hold back her curiosity, floated closer to Tighnari and asked, "How are you not scared of them attacking you? I mean, the Roserade almost hit you!"

Tighnari glanced up at her, a small, knowing smile on his face. He continued to gently support the Budew, his tone calm. "It's because of my work as a Forest Watcher. I've dealt with animals—both wild and hurt. It's not unusual for them to act out of fear when I try to tend to their wounds, especially when they feel threatened or cornered."

He paused for a moment as he carefully checked the Budew's temperature. The Budew stirred in his hands, but Tighnari kept his grip gentle, showing no sign of discomfort.

"I've had wild animals, even small ones, lash out at me when they were scared or in pain," Tighnari continued, his voice soft. "But you learn to read their body language, their movements. Once you understand their fear, you can approach them calmly, show you mean no harm, and they'll usually settle down."

Aether nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Sounds like you're pretty experienced with handling dangerous situations."

Tighnari's smile grew a little wider. "It's all part of the job. Forest Watchers have to be able to handle all kinds of creatures. Sometimes they just need time, or a calm presence, to realize you're not a threat. It's about patience."

Paimon blinked, still impressed. "Wow, I didn't think it would be that easy to get them to calm down."

"It's not always easy," Tighnari replied with a small laugh. "Sometimes it takes more than just patience. But it helps to approach carefully, without sudden movements or hostile intentions. Pokémon are much like any animal in that sense."

Aether, who had been watching intently, furrowed his brows. "So, is there any way we can help this Budew get better? Can we do anything?"

Concern flashing across Paimon's face. "Yeah, what can we do to help? We can't just stand here and let it suffer!"

Tighnari paused for a moment, his brow furrowed as he thought about the situation. He looked down at the sick Budew in his hands, the tiny Pokémon still weak but seeming to trust him completely.

"Well..." Tighnari started slowly, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty, "The herbs I usually carry are for regular animals. I've never used them on a Pokémon before." He looked at the group, his expression grave. "I don't know if the herbs I have would work for Pokémon. The way their bodies function might be completely different from the regular animals I treat."

The group fell silent, processing his words.

Tighnari continued, his voice tinged with concern. "For all I know, these herbs could make the Budew's fever worse. What works for one species may not work for another. Pokémon may have entirely different systems—different needs."

[Name] felt a tightness in their chest at his words, the worry growing stronger. "So... we don't have any way to help?" They placed a hand under their chin in thought, trying to figure out what can be used to help the Budew.

Aether stepped forward, looking between Tighnari and the Budew. "But we need to help it. This Pokémon is suffering, and the villagers—"

"I know," Tighnari interrupted gently, his gaze softening. "I want to help too, but I can't just guess with this. The treatment could do more harm than good."

Paimon anxiously floated around the group. "So what do we do then? We can't just leave it like this!"

The Roserade and other Budew, and Roselia watched them closely, clearly anxious but still staying near the sick Pokémon, as if they were trying to protect it.

Tighnari sighed deeply, his ears flickering. "I don't want to risk making things worse. We need a specific type of herb, one that is known to work with Pokémon. And frankly, I don't carry anything like that with me."

The group fell into a heavy silence. The Pokémon were depending on them, and time was running out.

[Name] chewed their lip, a plan slowly forming. "What if we could find something, an herb or remedy that works for Pokémon? I'm sure there has to be something out there."

Just as [Name] was thinking it over, a familiar blue interface flickered into view, invisible to everyone else. The system's voice rang in with an amused tone.

[Oh, you finally got it! Yes, you can just buy some Revival Herbs from the shop. They heal status conditions for Pokémon. Do I need to spell this out for you?]

[Name] blinked, glancing at the herbs in their inventory. "Revival Herbs, huh?" They frowned. "But... aren't those just for things like paralysis or burns? I'm not sure how they'll work on a fever."

[Seriously? A fever should be a status condition too. You're acting like this is rocket science. Just use them, they're made for Pokémon after all. Trust me, I've got this.]

[Name] sighed, rubbing their temples. "Well, you have been right about everything so far," they muttered, half-impressed and half-frustrated. "Fine, let's give it a try."

[That's the spirit!]

[Name] raised their hand, and within moments, a couple of Revival Herbs appeared in their inventory. They looked at the small, vibrant plants with a sense of determination as they took it out. Turning to Tighnari, they held them out.

"These are Revival Herbs," [Name] explained, showing them to Tighnari. "They're used to treat Pokémon when they're affected by status conditions. I'm not sure if they'll work for a fever, but... it's worth a shot. The herbs help restore a Pokémon's health, and they're meant specifically for them."

Tighnari's eyes widened with fascination as he took the herbs from [Name]. "Fascinating," he murmured, looking at the plants closely. "I've never seen anything like this before. These herbs are specifically for creatures like these... Pokémon, right?"

[Name] nodded. "Yeah. They're not quite like regular animals, though they share similarities. Pokémon are more attuned to the natural world, and their abilities can sometimes be tied to elements or even just their nature. These herbs are specifically made to help them heal from things that would normally affect their bodies."

Tighnari gently touched the leaves of the herbs with a thoughtful expression. "That's extraordinary. To think these plants have such a specific use for creatures that aren't animals... and yet they're so closely tied to nature, in their own way."

The group, watching Tighnari's reaction, could see how genuinely fascinated he was by the concept of Pokémon and their connection to nature. It was clear that the more he learned, the more intrigued he became.

"Thank you," Tighnari finally said, snapping out of his thoughts. "Let me try this and see if it helps the Budew."

[Name] pulled out a blanket from their bag and spread it out carefully on the ground, looking to make a safe space for the Pokémon. "Hey, can you buy me a Molcajete from the shop?"

[Sure, just because you asked so nicely.]

The familiar blue interface flickered before a traditional stone mortar and pestle appeared in front of [Name].

"Perfect," [Name] muttered to themselves as they carefully placed the Molcajete onto the blanket, positioning it just right.

Paimon floated over, looking concerned. "Is Budew going to be okay? It looks so weak..."

[Name] smiled reassuringly, even though they could feel their own worry creeping in. "Don't worry. Tighnari knows what he's doing. We just need to let him work his magic."

The group set to work, making sure the Budew was carefully placed on the blanket while Tighnari prepared the herb.

"How long do you think this will take?" Aether asked, his voice filled with concern.

Tighnari didn't look up, still focused on the task. "I need to make sure it's done right. A few more minutes."

"Are you sure the herb will help?" Paimon asked, wringing her hands. "It's not going to make it worse, right?"

Tighnari paused and glanced at Paimon, then nodded slowly. "It should work. We need to believe in [Name]'s words."

[Name] nodded but couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. They glanced over at the Pokémon, still curled up on the blanket. They could see the Roserade and the other Budew and Roselia watching them carefully, clearly worried about the young one.

Tighnari continued grinding the herb in the Molcajete, mixing it with careful, practiced movements. As he did, the group exchanged glances, still anxious but willing to trust him.

After a moment, [Name] turned to Tighnari, sensing the growing curiosity about the Pokémon. "So... these Pokémon. They seem like they're deeply connected to nature. Are you really sure you haven't seen one before?" [Name] asked, trying to shift the focus to something a little lighter.

Tighnari looked up at them, his expression thoughtful. "In Sumeru, we have many creatures—wildlife, trees, plants... but none that match what you've described. These Pokémon are... unique. They have abilities unlike anything I've seen before. And I've spent years studying the plants and animals in Sumeru. I would also know if there are any rumors as it is part of our job description to help lost travelers."

[Name] nodded. "I am not that surprised by that. It took a while for Pokemon to show themselves here in Mondstadt."

Tighnari paused for a moment, looking slightly distant. "I see. And... how do the people of Mondstadt view Pokémon? They seem to be more accepted here, but what about elsewhere?"

[Name] raised an eyebrow, as they mused over their answer from the last couple of days, humming. "Well, in Mondstadt, people are starting to see Pokémon as more than just 'monsters.' They're learning to live alongside them, understand their strengths, and care for them."

Tighnari seemed to think on this for a moment, then shrugged it off. "I suppose it's similar to how some people view certain animals. Prejudices can take time to overcome."

Before [Name] could respond, Tighnari finished grinding the herb. He turned to the Budew, gently picking it up again. "It's ready," he said with a calm smile. "Now, let's see if this helps."

Tighnari carefully placed the mixture in front of the sick Budew and slowly began feeding it the herb. The Pokémon's small, tired eyes fluttered open, looking up at Tighnari with hesitant trust. After a few moments, the Budew began to settle more comfortably in his hands, a small sigh of relief escaping its body.

The Roserade and Budew nearby watched closely, no longer as anxious. There was a sense of quiet hope in the air.

"Good job, Tighnari," [Name] said softly, glancing at the Pokémon. "I think it's working."

Tighnari smiled, clearly relieved. "We'll have to keep an eye on it, but I think it'll be alright now."

The group stood quietly for a moment, watching as the Budew's condition slowly improved. It was a small victory, but for now, it was enough.

[Name] stretched their arms as they realized they hadn't eaten in hours. "Alright, guys, we can't keep working on empty stomachs. Let's take a break," they said with a grin, reaching into their bag, but in reality their hand was going into their inventory.

Paimon's eyes widened, the faintest sound of excitement in her voice. "Food? FOOD? YES!" She zipped over, hovering eagerly as [Name] pulled out an assortment of food from their pouch. The items materialized as if by magic, and a delightful assortment of fresh bread, snacks, fruits, cans of Pokemon pellets and a couple of poffins appeared on the blanket they laid out on the grass.

"I hope this will do for everyone," [Name] said, smiling as they set the spread for everyone, including their Pokémon. They placed down bowls with each one getting a treat alongside their partners' designated Pokemon pellets. They also made sure to put some into bowls for the pack.

"Come on out!" [Name] exclaimed, throwing their Pokeballs into the air. They smiled as they could hear the chittering of their team, chowing down. The pack took a moment, watching [Name]'s team, but seeing no harm done, slowly began to eat from the bowls spread out.

Paimon wasted no time, hovering over the food and grabbing a poffin. "Paimon says this is the best meal ever!" She exclaimed, already stuffing her face with joy.

Tighnari stood a little farther off, watching the group and the Pokémon. His eyes were wide in awe as he observed the scene. "These Pokémon... they're so well-cared for. I can tell, you have done a good job, [Name]."

[Name] smiled, proud of their Pokémon. "They're more than just companions, Tighnari. They're family and I take care of my family."

Aether sat down, stretching his legs. "Yeah, [Name] has been a big help, not just to us, but to the Pokémon too."

"Thank you, [Name]!" Paimon said, mouth full of food. She suddenly realized she was talking with her mouth full and quickly swallowed. "Oops! Sorry. But seriously, this is the best food Paimon had in forever!"

Tighnari watched in fascination, unable to stop his curiosity. "The bond... it's so natural, like they've known each other forever. I've never seen this level of connection between creatures before."

Before [Name] could respond, Rotomdex's voice suddenly chimed in, making everyone jump slightly.

"Swablu, the Cloud Pokémon. This Pokémon is known for its gentle nature. Swablu flits and flies through the skies, making sure to keep a clean and calm environment for itself and its friends. It enjoys being in close companionship with those it trusts, and is particularly known for creating harmony within groups. It is said to carry the wind with it, often seen on warm, sunny days."

The group blinked in surprise. Tighnari leaned closer, staring at the floating Pokédex with a mixture of fascination and confusion. "So... this Pokémon can help clear the skies and bring calm to others? That's... remarkable."

Rotomdex continued, unaffected by the astonishment. " Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon. Eevee is an incredibly adaptable creature, capable of evolving into multiple different forms depending on its environment and the bond it shares with its trainer. It is gentle, playful, and loyal, with an innate curiosity about the world."

Tighnari's eyes widened even more. "Multiple forms? It can evolve? Incredible! I've heard of creatures changing, but not like this..."

The voice of Rotomdex kept going. "Togetic, the Happiness Pokémon. Known for its joyful nature, Togetic spreads happiness wherever it goes. It is highly sensitive to the emotions of those around it and seeks to bring peace and joy to others. Togetic's flight is gentle, and it is often seen accompanying people and Pokémon in search of happiness."

Tighnari was thoroughly impressed. "These creatures have unique and varied abilities. It's as though they have a purpose beyond just surviving... they seem to nurture their surroundings and the people they interact with."

Finally, coming to Raboot. "Raboot, the Rabbit Pokemon. Thanks to its soft and fluffy fur, Raboot can easily heat up its fire energy and produce flames with more power. While it prides itself on its varied kicking moves, it can also deliver powerful headbutts once its flames have heated up its forehead."

"A fire type, hm? Very impressive." Tighnari muttered with Raboot, puffing his chest in pride, munching on an oran berry.

Paimon grinned, seeing how fascinated Tighnari was. "Told you Pokémon were amazing!"

[Name] looked at Tighnari, their heart swelling with pride. "Yeah, they're amazing. And we've only scratched the surface of what they can do."

Tighnari looked back at the group, still in awe. "I'm learning so much just by being here with you. This... this is truly fascinating."

The moment was interrupted when a soft, weak coo filled the air. The Budew that had been cradled by Tighnari suddenly stirred. It blinked slowly, and its little eyes focused on the group. The Roserade and Budew closest to it perked up, watching anxiously.

Paimon gasped, her eyes wide. "It's awake! It looks like it's feeling better! Paimon is so glad!"

Tighnari's gaze softened, and he gently cradled the Budew again. "It seems to be doing much better," he said softly, relief flooding his voice. "The fever's gone down."

The Budew wobbled on its tiny legs before it carefully stood up. It took a few shaky steps, testing its balance before letting out a happy coo. The other Budew gathered around it, nuzzling it in comfort, and the Roserade looked on with approval.

[Name] smiled warmly, feeling the weight of the moment. "Look at that... you're doing better now."

The Budew let out a little chirp of joy and then waddled over to [Name], its small leaves trembling with energy. It nuzzled against [Name]'s leg, showing its trust and happiness. [Name] beamed as they softly pet the Budew. The Budew then went to Tighnari, with the fox lifting her onto his lap.

"See?" Paimon said with a proud grin. "Told you it would get better! Paimon's a genius!"

Aether chuckled, patting Paimon's head. "It was a group effort."

Tighnari smiled, standing up and gently setting the now-feeling better Budew down to join the rest of the group. "You've all done something remarkable. These Pokémon... they are resilient, and so are you."

The group shared a moment of quiet joy, watching the Pokémon interact happily with each other. The Budew was now part of the group, its sickness gone, its energy restored.

The group had just finished their conversation with the Pokémon, the Roserade and its group of Budew and Roselia, and were about to head off. [Name] turned to the Roserade one last time, their voice gentle yet firm. "Please, don't spread any more of those vines. The villagers are having enough trouble as it is. I assume you did it in hope of growing the Revival Herb, right?"

The Roserade paused, eyes meeting [Name]'s gaze. It seemed to consider the question before nodding slowly. The Budew that had been anxiously circling its sick companion chirped, and [Name] gave a small nod in return, relieved that the Pokémon is willing to stop.

"Thank you," [Name] said, giving a slight bow of respect. The group began to leave, but as they turned their backs, they heard a sudden sound behind them.

"Budew?"

The group spun around to see the same Budew, now racing toward them. Her tiny legs moved quickly across the grass, and she chirped as she ran, clearly frantic. Her two vines fluttered as she approached.

Tighnari, seeing the situation, gasped in surprise. "Wait, what's going on?" he asked, confused as he saw the Budew rush toward them.

"Bu!" She shouted, stumbling in a couple of feet in front of Tighnari, which made the fox gasp.

Without hesitation, Tighnari rushed forward, gently scooping the Budew into his arms. "What is it, little one? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice full of concern. He thought that she was feeling sick again, and pressed the back of his palm against the tiny Pokemon's head, but frowned as he didn't feel Budew becoming hot with a fever.

The Budew looked up at him, her large eyes filled with urgency, and she whined softly as if begging him for something. [Name] watched carefully, the pieces clicking into place. They turned to Tighnari, their voice soft but certain. "I think... I think she wants to come with you."

Aether, observing the exchange, nodded with a knowing grin. "Looks like Budew really likes you, Tighnari. You healed her, after all."

Tighnari looked down at the Budew, who was now looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. The Pokémon's body was still trembling slightly, but it was no longer as weak as before. She seemed more energized now, and her gaze was filled with a quiet determination.

Tighnari paused for a moment, then looked back at the group. "You think she really wants to come with me?" he asked, his voice soft.

[Name] nodded, a smile playing on their lips. "She definitely seems to like you. You've earned her trust, Tighnari."

Tighnari knelt down, placing the Budew gently on the ground in front of him. The little Pokémon looked up at him, her vines shaking slightly with excitement. Tighnari took a deep breath, then turned back to the Budew, giving her a soft, reassuring smile. "Alright, little one. If you really want to join me, then I'm more than happy to have you."

With that, [Name] reached into their bag and pulled out a Pokéball, holding it out toward Tighnari. "Here. You can use this."

Tighnari hesitated for just a moment, looking down at the Pokéball before glancing back at the Budew. He remember how [Name] used it recalling their pokemon from earlier after having lunch. He assumed that it was used to carry their Pokemon around. It was a bit crazy he was about to do the same thing now.

The Pokémon was staring up at him with hopeful eyes, and Tighnari couldn't resist. He gently tapped the Pokéball to her head, and in a flash of light, the Budew was inside.

The Pokéball wobbled once... then twice...thrice... and then clicked firmly, signaling that the Budew had been caught.

Tighnari stood up slowly, holding the Pokéball in his hands. A smile spread across his face as he looked at it, his expression softening. "I never thought I'd be carrying a Pokémon around with me," he said quietly, almost to himself, "but... I'm glad to have her."

The Roserade and the other Budew, Roselia watched from a distance. No longer anxious, they seemed to approve of Tighnari, as if acknowledging that he was the right one to take care of their little companion.

"Well," [Name] said with a grin, "looks like you've got a new friend, Tighnari."

Tighnari looked up, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and affection. "I think I've got more than just a friend," he replied, looking down at the Pokéball in his hands. "I've got a new responsibility." I wonder how the others are going to react to Budew, he thought, thinking about Cyno, and the other two. He could already imagine the three's faces, but he is sure Collei would love Budew.

Paimon flapped her tiny hands in the air. "That's awesome, Tighnari! You're officially a Pokémon Trainer now!"

Aether nodded in agreement, "looks like another one for team Pokemon."

This made [Name] beam.

i am here! sorry for taking so long guys! i hope yall like this long ass chapter. its like over 6,000 words. to many words, so i am sorry if i accidentally messed something up. i hope not. but i don't have anyone editing this or like any of my books. so there might be mistakes. also, tighnari the man you are. i admit i lowkey had a writer block with this chapter. i like to admit i do have plans for sumeru when it comes to why pokemon are not seen. let's say it wont be nice *smiles*. but i hope it is okay. might also make a small snippet later on, on how cyno, kaveh, and alhatiam's reaction to budew. Please consider commenting, joining the server, and everything! Until next time~