Ribombee's Journey (Part 2)

Ribombee and Combee followed Persian and the three Delcattys towards the Grassland Sub-Ecopark.

During the journey, Persian frequently and casually inquired about Ribombee's relationship with Yuga, such as how they met and how Ribombee came to be under Yuga's command.

The straightforward Ribombee had nothing to hide and shared all the details of its relationship with Yuga with Persian.

Upon hearing this, Persian inwardly scoffed, thinking, "So, it's just a hand-me-down."

When they arrived beneath the Milk Tree, Ribombee glanced up and noticed a Honchkrow perched on a treetop, gazing into the distance.

As the long-time leader of the Flying-type Pokémon, combined with the natural aura of authority from its family, Honchkrow exuded an aura of invincibility.

Honchkrow was considerably stronger than Ribombee, and not only Ribombee but also Combee and even Persian, who had spent a long time in the Grassland Sub-Ecopark, felt somewhat intimidated in its presence.

As one of the two leaders of the Flying-type Pokémon, Honchkrow's prestige was deeply ingrained in the hearts of all the Pokémon in the Ecopark.

However, after briefly noticing them, Honchkrow paid no further attention to Ribombee and its companions.

At that moment, Swellow swooped down from the sky and landed gracefully next to Honchkrow. It affectionately nuzzled Honchkrow, displaying a dog-legged demeanor.

Although Honchkrow tolerated Swellow's affectionate behavior, it did not reciprocate, maintaining its aloof demeanor.

After seeing Ribombee and Persian together, Swellow descended from the treetop and landed on Persian's opposite side.

"Swellow, Swellow!"

Hey, this must be the newcomer! Persian, don't bully them.

Most of the Pokémon in the Grassland Sub-Ecopark knew about Persian's nasty temperament and its penchant for teasing other Pokémon. While these pranks were usually harmless, Persian had still earned a reputation as a bit of a bully.

Hearing Swellow's words, Persian shot it an annoyed look.

Despite Persian's lower strength compared to Swellow, it wasn't afraid of it. After all, the entire Grassland Sub-Ecopark knew that Swellow had a somewhat unpredictable personality and was a bit of a wife control freak.

Glaring at Swellow, Persian turned to Ribombee and said, "Let me take you somewhere else, just ignore this idiot."

Although Ribombee and Combee found Swellow's words odd, they happily followed Persian.

Left behind, Swellow sighed and then flew back to the treetop to continue its interaction with Honchkrow.

Swellow thought, "Can't argue with stubborn old folks. Oh well, I'll go back to my wife and try to have a little Swellow or Murkrow."

When Combee and Ribombee reached the shore of the Grassland Lake, several Swampert were leisurely bathing in the lake.

One of the Delcattys was engaged in conversation with Combee, capturing its attention.

Meanwhile, Persian, taking advantage of Ribombee and Persian dancing and splashing on the lake's surface, picked up a small stone and aimed it at Ribombee. Inadvertently, it hit Ribombee right on the head, causing Ribombee to fall "plink" onto the head of one of the Swampert.

Ribombee climbed up from the Swampert's head with a bewildered expression, while the Swampert simply held Ribombee gently, looking at the unfamiliar face with curiosity.

"Swampert?"

Who are you?

Regarding the incident of Ribombee hitting its head, the gentle-natured Swampert felt no anger at all. Instead, it looked at the new face before it with great curiosity.

"Ribombee, Ribombee!"

Ah, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!

Ribombee repeatedly apologized to the Swampert.

"Swampert, Swampert."

No problem, little one. Just be more careful next time.

Swampert released its hold on Ribombee.

"Ribombee, Ribombee!"

"Thank you, thank you!"

Ribombee expressed its gratitude and even offered a pollen ball for Swampert to taste.

After enjoying the delicious pollen ball, Swampert quickly became friends with Ribombee.

As they watched Ribombee and Swampert getting along harmoniously by the shore, Persian secretly grumbled, "Hmph, you're lucky!"

When Ribombee returned, it was quite perplexed as it recounted the recent events to Persian and Combee.

"Ribombee, Ribombee."

It's really strange; I feel like something hit me.

"Delcatty, Delcatty, Delcatty."

That's definitely just your imagination.

One of the Delcattys gestured with its right paw.

"Delcatty, Delcatty, Delcatty."

Yes, yes, just your imagination. Let's have some juice to calm down.

Another Delcatty added, magically producing two glasses of crimson juice and placing them in front of Ribombee and Combee.

The innocent Ribombee immediately believed the Delcattys and looked at the offered juice with deep gratitude, its eyes welling up with tears of appreciation.

"Ribombee, Ribombee."

Persian is working so hard to show us around; as a thank-you, we should let it drink first.

Saying this, Ribombee pushed the glass of juice towards Persian.

"Combee, Combee!"

You're right. They've been so kind. You should drink first.

Combee mimicked the gesture, pushing their glasses towards the three Delcattys.

Seeing this, Persian and the Delcattys had bewildered expressions.

Darn it! Are these two pretending to be naive?

"Ribombee!"

Come on, drink up!

Ribombee looked at Persian with hopeful eyes.

"Combee, Combee!"

Yes, please drink, drink!

Combee also looked appreciative as they gazed at the Delcattys.

Seeing the sincere innocence of Ribombee and Combee, Persian and the Delcattys really wanted to refuse the two glasses of juice. However, declining would be embarrassing.

With no other choice, Persian and the three Delcattys reluctantly drank the juice, their faces turning red in embarrassment.

"Combee, Combee, Combee."

Oh, by the way, we have to go now. We have other Ecopark to visit! We'll come back to play with you another day.

After saying this, Combee pulled Ribombee away from the Sub-Ecopark, leaving a displeased Persian and the Delcattys behind.

As soon as Ribombee and Combee left, Persian and the Delcattys' faces turned even redder, and they rushed to the lake, drinking water voraciously.

It turns out that the juice brought by the Delcattys was made from Tamato Berries combined with some peculiar-tasting tree berrys, and it was incredibly spicy. Most Pokémon, except for Fire-types, couldn't handle this kind of flavor.

"Combee, Combee."

Don't you think Persian and the Delcattys are acting a bit strange?

Once they left the Grassland Sub-Ecopark, Combee asked their companion.

"Ribombee?"

Do you think so? They seemed very friendly!

Ribombee responded with a puzzled expression.

Combee thought for a moment and realized that it might be true. After all, such warm-hearted Pokémon must have good intentions.

Without dwelling on it further, the two Pokémon continued on to the next Ecopark.

In the main Ecopark, Vulpix, Ralts, and Hoothoot, who were originally angry and ready to confront Ribombee and Combee, noticed their departure. Before they could approach, the two Pokémon disappeared through the light gate.