Ester Village Improvement

Rei stood with his arms crossed, gazing at Ester Village from atop a small hill.

It was home. It was peaceful.

But… it could be better.

Beside him, Elder Garon stroked his beard. "Boy, you have that look in your eye."

Rei smirked. "Time to upgrade the village."

First order of business—infrastructure.

Most of Ester Village's paths were dirt roads, which turned to mud during the rainy season and kicked up dust in the dry season.

That was not acceptable anymore.

With Lycanroc's help, they dug, leveled, and laid down cement roads that connected the entire village.

Villagers were in awe at the smooth, sturdy roads. No more muddy shoes! No more getting carts stuck in the dirt!

One villager wiped a tear. "We're finally catching up to civilization…!"

Lycanroc stood proudly, covered in cement dust.

Rei patted his head. "Good work, buddy. Now let's make this place even better."

Next, Rei and Elder Garon traveled into the forest to meet the Lotad and Oddish Clans. The allies Rei made when he was lost in the forest.

Standing before the two clans, Elder Garon spoke with wisdom and authority.

"Ester Village wishes to form an alliance. We offer protection, food, and a home in exchange for friendship and cooperation."

The Ludicolo and Vileplume leader exchanged glances. They were hesitant… but then Rei brought out the Pokéblocks.

Sweet. Delicious. Irresistible.

Lotad took one bite. "Looootad...?!" (Translation: WHAT IS THIS HEAVENLY TASTE?!?)

Oddish took one bite. "Oddiiiiiiiish!!" (Translation: WE ACCEPT IMMEDIATELY!!)

Thus, the Ludicolo and Vileplume remembered Rei's maguc pokeblock and his skill in breeding. Finally the alliance was sealed.

To celebrate the alliance, Rei and Elder Garon created a park in middle of the village, specifically for the Lotad and Oddish sent to the village to survive in.

Lotad enjoyed the new man-made ponds and water channels.

Oddish had a vast field full of rich soil for planting and sleeping.

The villagers now had access to free organic fertilizers (thanks to Oddish). The village officially have their own starter pokemon for their children. A lot of villager accepted the lotat and oddish clan as their pokemon. Some children even chose them as their starter pokemon.

And of course… tourism.

A traveler passing through saw Lotad sunbathing on the water and immediately booked a stay at the village inn.

One villager whispered, "We can make money off this…"

Another nodded. "We're going to be famous!"

And just like that, Lotad and Oddish became the signature Pokémon of Ester Village.

Rei also knew that the red qualification lotat and oddish sent by their clan is not going to be enough to create good trainers in the village. Rei then ventured deeper into the forest to find Lotads and Oddishes who lived alone or in small groups who he checked and found have a yellow qualification. He even found a light green qualification addish which he gave to Elise.

These Pokémon, who had once struggled to survive on their own, now had a chance to thrive in Ester Village.

He caught several yellow qualification Lotads and Oddishes, those who showed great potential in battles or leadership.

They were brought back to the village and welcomed as new residents.

As the village grew, so did its trainers.

Elder Garon accepted a Sombre the evolution if Lotad as his Pokémon, smiling at his new leafy companion.

Hagen, Elder Garon's son, also took in a Sombre, determined to train it into something strong.

Elise was also happy with her new Oddish.

The Oddish immediately adored Elise, rubbing its tiny leaves against her cheek.

Rei smirked. "Are you happy?"

Elise blushed. "Yea and well.... I figured it was time to catch up."

Rei crossed his arms. "You mean because I'm way ahead?"

Elise huffed. "Shut up."

Things were changing, growing. Ester Village was evolving—just like a Pokémon.

And Rei wasn't stopping anytime soon.