Chapter 16 ⇾ Diantha the Prodigy - Revival of the Ancient Tree Species

"Diantha?"

Cole was startled. No wonder the girl before him looked familiar — she was the future Champion of the Kalos Region.

'So I've time-traveled to this point.' He thought, 'I wonder if Ash has even been born yet? He might not even exist at this point!'

Though he wasn't sure of the exact age difference between Ash and Diantha, he guessed it must be at least ten years.

Seeing his strange expression, Diantha asked curiously, "Do you know me?"

Her question made sense — besides being a trainer, she was also a child actress with some fame, though she hadn't appeared on screen for two years while focusing on training. She assumed he had recognized her from her acting.

Cole knew she would become both Champion and a major star in the future, but unaware of her current fame as a child actress, he shook his head and said,

"No, I just think your name sounds nice."

"Uh... okay, thanks for the compliment." Diantha wasn't sure whether to be pleased or puzzled — was her name really that remarkable?

At this moment, Chaise, an apprentice of the Coumarine Gym, came out.

Seeing Cole at the entrance, he greeted him warmly, "Hey, Cole, you're here too!"

Cole nodded, "Yeah, I had something to discuss with Master Ra."

"You'll have to wait then, Master Ra is about to start a gym battle." Chaise nodded, then turned to Diantha, "Miss Diantha, the gym battle is ready, please follow me."

He gestured for her to follow.

"Alright, thank you." Diantha said, quickly falling into step behind him.

Cole thought for a moment and followed too.

A gym battle with a future Champion! His curiosity got the better of him — he had to see how strong a Champion was in their youth.

"Do you mind if I watch your gym battle?" He asked after catching up to Diantha.

"Of course not, as long as Master Ramos doesn't mind." She replied casually.

Chaise led her to the top floor of the Coumarine Gym, where Ramos awaited the challenger.

Diantha took her position at the center of the battlefield, facing the old man, while Cole settled into the spectator seats.

Ramos glanced at Cole before nodding to Chaise at the referee's stand, signaling him to begin.

Chaise cleared his throat, "The gym battle between challenger Diantha and Coumarine Gym Leader Mr. Ramos will now begin! Both sides may use three Pokémon each. The battle ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. The challenger may freely switch Pokémon. The Gym Leader will send out their Pokémon first."

At his words, Ramos threw out a Poké Ball, and a Weepinbell materialized on the field.

Cole recognized this Weepinbell — it was one of the energetic ones from Ramos's garden, always bouncing happily around its trainer.

The Coumarine Gym's battlefield was a Grass-type arena surrounded by trees and grass. The Weepinbell, clearly at home here, bounced around with cheerful cries.

After a moment's consideration, Diantha unclipped a Poké Ball from her belt and threw it, revealing a Sliggoo opposite Weepinbell.

A pseudo-legendary's second evolution! Cole marveled — worthy of a future Champion indeed.

"The challenger attacks first!" Chaise announced.

"In that case, Sliggoo, greet Weepinbell with Dragon Breath!" Diantha commanded with a wave of her arm, already showing traces of queenly dignity despite her young age.

"Mie~"

✲ Dragon Breath ✲

Sliggoo puffed up its cheeks, gathering purple energy at its mouth before firing it as an energy beam toward the opponent.

However, Weepinbell's speed was remarkable. It vanished from its spot, two thin vines extending from under its leaves to grasp the tree branches above, allowing it to swing gracefully between them with practiced ease.

"We're not done yet! Sliggoo, attack! Attack! Attack!" Diantha commanded fiercely.

"Mieluo~"

✲ Dragon Breath ✲

At her command, Sliggoo intensified its assault, firing Dragon Breath attacks like cannonballs, bombarding the swinging Weepinbell.

Boom!

Explosions echoed across the field.

From the sidelines, Cole watched with great interest: So this was Diantha's bold and passionate battle style in her youth?

"Hehe, constantly dodging isn't our style, young lady. I'm going to start counterattacking." Ramos said with a smile.

Diantha responded confidently, her words full of self-assurance, "Master Ramos, bring it on!"

"Weepinbell, Sunny Day!"

✲ Sunny Day ✲

The rapidly moving Weepinbell released a burst of golden light from its mouth. With a poof, a golden orb rose into the sky, intensifying the sunlight.

Its speed increased dramatically, becoming even swifter than before. Sliggoo couldn't keep up with its movements.

Both Diantha and Cole realized at once — this Weepinbell's ability was Chlorophyll, which doubled its speed in sunny weather!

"Weepinbell, Solar Beam!"

✲ Solar Beam ✲

Dazzling golden light erupted from the Pokémon's mouth. Thanks to the sunlight, the normally charge-requiring move fired instantly.

Solar Beam was one of the most powerful Grass-type moves. Cole was impressed that Ramos would use such a strong attack so early.

"Sliggoo, Dragon Breath!" Diantha commanded to counter.

✲ Dragon Breath ✲

The golden and green energy beams collided. In an instant, the green beam dissipated and the golden beam surged forward undiminished.

Boom!

The golden energy of Solar Beam engulfed Sliggoo.

'Is this the end for Diantha?' Cole wondered as dust clouded the field, obscuring the outcome.

"Roar~"

Suddenly, a blue-purple dragon-shaped energy rose from the dust, streaking toward Weepinbell as it perched on a branch observing.

✲ Dragon Pulse ✲

Caught unaware, Weepinbell took the hit directly to its face. With a cry of pain, it tumbled from the branch, defeated.

As the dust settled to reveal a fallen Weepinbell and an unharmed Sliggoo, Ramos shook his head, "As expected of the trainer called Kalos region's most talented in recent years. Your Sliggoo's ability is Sap Sipper?"

"That's right." Diantha nodded.

"No wonder you were so confident." Ramos said, recalling Weepinbell to its Poké Ball.

Pokémon with the Sap Sipper ability not only avoid damage from Grass-type moves but gain increased attack power from them.

From the sidelines, Cole marveled: So Diantha was already famous in the Kalos region! The most talented trainer in recent years!

Such high praise — truly fitting for a future Champion. She was already making her mark at such a young age, when he'd assumed she was just starting out.

"Will the Gym Leader please send out their second Pokémon."

As Chaise's voice rang out, Ramos released his second Pokémon — an adorable pink Deerling.

Deerling changes its form with the seasons, having four different forms: pink Spring Form, green Summer Form, orange-yellow Autumn Form, and gray-brown Winter Form.

Due to Coumarine City's special climate, the Deerling living here maintain their pink Spring Form year-round. Unlike Oricorio, whose form changes affect its moves and typing, Deerling's forms are purely cosmetic.

The Sunny Day effect left by Weepinbell still lingered on the field. Deerling moved so swiftly it became a blur of afterimages, appearing beside Sliggoo in an instant.

This Deerling, too, had the Chlorophyll ability.

"Yoo~"

✲ Double Kick ✲

It raised its powerful hind legs and struck hard at Sliggoo with Double Kick.

"Sliggoo, quick, use Muddy Water!" Diantha called out urgently.

✲ Muddy Water ✲

Glup~

The moment Deerling's attack connected, a pool of murky water appeared beneath Sliggoo. The water formed into a soft, elastic membrane that completely enveloped it.

Though Muddy Water was typically an attacking move, Diantha had cleverly adapted it for defense. Sliggoo's smooth execution showed this wasn't their first time using this strategy.

With its naturally soft, elastic body now protected by a water shield, Sliggoo absorbed most of Deerling's attack force, taking no damage.

Sliggoo's unique body structure complemented the Muddy Water move perfectly.

Glup~

Its body wobbled like jelly under Deerling's kicks, appearing almost cute.

As the little deer continued its assault with Double Kick, Diantha called out, "Sliggoo, grab it!"

From within its watery shield, Sliggoo suddenly extended a hand, firmly grasping one of Deerling's kicking legs. The startled Pokémon tumbled to the ground.

✲ Dragon Pulse ✲

Diantha was going for a point-blank hit — could Deerling withstand it?

However, Ramos calmly commanded, "Deerling, Fake Tears."

"Yoo~yoo~yoo~"

✲ Fake Tears ✲

The struggling Deerling immediately calmed down, gazing at Sliggoo with sparkling, tear-filled eyes, looking utterly pitiful.

'Gege~please let me go~'

Those little eyes seemed to plead.

At this sight, Sliggoo's heart softened, and it dazedly released its grip. The half-formed Dragon Pulse dissipated into nothing.

The moment it was free, Deerling's expression transformed.

Huh~ptui~

With obvious disgust at the mud-covered Sliggoo, Deerling used its powerful legs to leap away.

Watching this display, Cole stood stunned. He would never call this Deerling cute again — it was clearly a little devil!

Breaking free from Fake Tears' influence, Sliggoo realized its mistake. Its expression darkened as it waved its small hand, causing the muddy water to retreat from its body, leaving it pristine once more.

Purple energy surged from beneath it, casting an eerie glow as it rushed toward Deerling.

✲ Sludge Wave ✲

The Poison-type attack spread wide. Though Deerling nimbly dodged, the purple wave covered most of the battlefield, leaving the little deer with increasingly limited space to maneuver.

Contact with Sludge Wave would risk poisoning Deerling — a dangerous prospect for a Grass-type Pokémon with low poison resistance.

Just as Deerling seemed cornered, Sliggoo's face contorted in pain as a green vine sprouted from its body, steadily draining its energy.

Leech Seed! But when had it been planted?

Neither Diantha nor Cole, watching from the sidelines, had noticed Deerling's subtle move.

The old master was craftier than expected!

But wait — shouldn't Leech Seed be ineffective against a Pokémon with Sap Sipper?

Sliggoo's vulnerability could only mean one thing — its ability had changed.

This had to be Worry Seed's work — a move that changes the target's ability to Insomnia.

Ramos had clearly prepared for Sliggoo's Sap Sipper ability after seeing it in the previous battle, executing his counter-strategy with perfect stealth.

The close-range confrontation had given Deerling ample opportunity to use Worry Seed on Sliggoo.

Now the deer finally took a hit from Sludge Wave, purple water submerging its legs. As toxins crept upward, poison soon took effect.

Both Pokémon were losing health, but Deerling had the upper hand thanks to Leech Seed draining Sliggoo's energy to restore its own.

In the standoff, Sliggoo collapsed first from exhaustion.

"Sliggoo is unable to battle, Deerling wins. Will the challenger please send out their next Pokémon!"

Though victorious, Deerling was in rough shape. It stood dejected, a far cry from its earlier spirited self, with purple mist occasionally rising from its body — a clear sign the poison hadn't worn off.

Diantha's second Pokémon was a Gourgeist, a fully evolved Pokémon whose power far exceeded the previous Sliggoo.

"Gourgeist, Trick-or-Treat!" Diantha commanded the moment it appeared.

"Bah~"

✲ Trick-or-Treat ✲

Gourgeist's aura flared, radiating an intimidating presence. Its hair-like arms spread wide as the face-like hole in its belly blazed with light. The sky suddenly darkened to pitch black, as if the Pokémon had devoured all light, creating an eerie, terrifying atmosphere.

When the darkness lifted, Deerling was transformed — no longer just a Normal and Grass-type, but now a Normal, Grass, and Ghost-type Pokémon.

Ghost-type Pokémon are mutually super effective against each other. While the added Ghost-type should have made Deerling vulnerable to Gourgeist's attacks, its Normal-type provided immunity to Ghost-type moves.

Without its Normal-type, Deerling would have been at a severe disadvantage. Unable to use its newfound Ghost-type effectively, it allowed Gourgeist to gain the upper hand in the type matchup.

Yet Diantha's strategy with Trick-or-Treat wasn't about type advantage — she had something else in mind, so Deerling's Normal-type immunity didn't matter.

"Gourgeist, Seed Bomb!"

"Not good, Deerling, dodge it!"

✲ Scary Face ✲

Just as Deerling prepared to leap away, Gourgeist's expression transformed. A massive, terrifying black face projected from the hole in its belly, freezing the deer in place with fright.

This was Scary Face's effect — a move that severely reduces the opponent's speed. With Sunny Day now faded, Deerling had lost its speed advantage completely.

✲ Seed Bomb ✲

The frozen Deerling was struck down by a direct hit from Seed Bomb.

Diantha had used Trick-or-Treat to create a terrifying atmosphere, then capitalized on Scary Face's effect to neutralize Deerling's superior speed. Her strategy worked perfectly.

"Deerling is unable to battle, Gourgeist wins. Will the Gym Leader please send out their third Pokémon." Chaise announced.

For his final Pokémon, Ramos called upon Coumarine Gym's signature partner — Gogoat.

Near the Coumarine Gym, Ramos maintained both a plantation and a vast ranch where he raised numerous Skiddo and Gogoat. As such, challengers typically faced a Gogoat as their final opponent.

Ramos would select a Gogoat of appropriate strength based on each challenger's skill level. Recognizing Diantha's exceptional ability, he chose an especially powerful one.

✲ Grassy Terrain ✲

The moment Gogoat appeared, it activated Grassy Terrain — a field move that would amplify its power.

Grassy Terrain offered two advantages: it boosted Grass-type moves while providing continuous HP recovery, and it activated Gogoat's Grass Pelt ability, enhancing its defense.

As Gogoat established the terrain, Gourgeist cast Trick-or-Treat once more. Darkness enveloped the field, bestowing the Ghost-type upon Gogoat.

✲ Trick-or-Treat ✲

Rather than trying to counter Gourgeist's move, Ramos had Gogoat focus on maintaining Grassy Terrain.

"Gogoat, Seed Bomb!"

"Gourgeist, Shadow Ball!"

✲ Seed Bomb ✲

✲ Shadow Ball ✲

With their support moves in place, both Pokémon launched their attacks simultaneously.

Bang~

The green seeds collided with the black energy ball, quickly overwhelming Shadow Ball.

This outcome was inevitable — Gourgeist's Special Attack wasn't its strong suit, putting its special moves at a natural disadvantage against Gogoat's attacks.

Diantha had anticipated this; Shadow Ball was merely a diversion. As Seed Bomb's green projectiles pierced through and hurtled toward Gourgeist, the Pokémon mysteriously vanished, causing the attack to miss entirely.

Boom~

A large crater marked where Gourgeist had been.

Suddenly Ramos shouted: "Gogoat, watch out — it's behind you!"

A black vortex materialized on the ground behind Gogoat, and Gourgeist emerged eerily from within.

✲ Phantom Force ✲

Before Ramos's warning could help, Gourgeist struck. Its body blazing with dark energy, it crashed into Gogoat with devastating speed.

This Ghost-type move, Phantom Force, was nearly impossible to defend against.

Gogoat wailed, tumbling across the ground. Even though it had been alert to Gourgeist's disappearance, there was no way to counter such an otherworldly attack.

Grassy Terrain's healing activated just in time, restoring some of Gogoat's health. Thanks to its Grass Pelt-boosted defense, it had survived the Ghost-type Phantom Force — without that protection, it would have fainted before Grassy Terrain could help.

✲ Vine Whip ✲

Gogoat leaped to its feet, deflecting Gourgeist's follow-up Shadow Ball with a perfectly timed Vine Whip.

"Gogoat, Milk Drink!" Ramos seized this chance for recovery, knowing Grassy Terrain's healing alone wouldn't be enough.

✲ Milk Drink ✲

This powerful recovery move, unique to Gogoat and Miltank, instantly restored the Pokémon's strength.

✲ Worry Seed ✲

But Gourgeist struck back, hitting Gogoat with Worry Seed and changing its ability from Grass Pelt to Insomnia — a taste of its own medicine.

"Gourgeist, Shadow Sneak!"

✲ Shadow Sneak ✲

Gourgeist's shadow writhed and twisted, transforming into a dark claw that reached for Gogoat. Though weaker than Phantom Force, Shadow Sneak's lightning-quick execution made it deadly.

"Gogoat, dodge quickly!"

Gogoat jumped aside, but the shadowy claw pursued like a relentless phantom under Gourgeist's control.

Without its natural speed, Gogoat couldn't escape. The shadow struck, sending it crashing down. Now lacking Grass Pelt's protection, Gogoat was vulnerable.

Gourgeist commanded its shadow to strike again.

Seeing escape was impossible, Ramos called out, "Gogoat, Leaf Blade!"

✲ Leaf Blade ✲

A sharp leaf blade suddenly flew from Gogoat's side, sailing over the shadow claw and striking Gourgeist directly, sending it flying backward.

At the same time, Shadow Sneak hit Gogoat again. With its lowered defense and weakness to Ghost-type moves, Gogoat fainted instantly, while Gourgeist wobbled but managed to stay afloat.

As a Grass-type Pokémon itself, Gourgeist's natural resistance to Grass-type moves and high defense allowed it to withstand the direct hit.

"Gogoat is unable to battle, Gourgeist wins! With all three of the Gym Leader's Pokémon defeated, the winner of this Gym battle is challenger Diantha!" Chaise announced.

From the sidelines, Cole burst into applause — what an amazing battle!

"Popplio, did you see that? That's what you call skill — you'll need to work hard in the future!" He said to the little sea lion in his arms.

"Woo!!!"

Popplio nodded seriously, its fighting spirit ignited by the battle. It vowed to become even more powerful than that Gourgeist.

After recalling Gogoat, Ramos signaled Chaise to bring the badge, "I'm really getting old — the future belongs to young people like you."

As he spoke, he handed to Diantha her badge.

"This is the Plant Badge. I hope you achieve great results in the League tournament."

"Thank you, I'll do my best." Diantha said as she placed the badge in her special badge case, "I'll take my leave now. Thank you for your time today."

Ramos waved his hand, "No trouble at all, it's my duty."

After the match ended, Diantha immediately bid farewell. As she passed by Cole, she said, "If we meet again, I hope we can have a Pokémon battle."

He nodded and replied, "Looking forward to meeting again."

Ramos walked over to Cole and asked, "What did you think of the battle?"

After thinking for a few seconds, he answered, "Spectacular? Impressive?"

Ramos gave him a frustrated tap on the head.

"Why don't you have any drive at such a young age! Someone so young is already this skilled — don't you have any desire to reach that level?" With a sigh, he added, "Being a Pokémon trainer — now that's what youth and romance are all about!"

"Uh..." Cole scratched the back of his head, "It's not that I don't want to, I just can't afford to focus on that right now."

Ramos didn't press the matter after hearing this.

Indeed, Cole's situation was different from others. While other kids could become trainers at age ten without a care in the world, freely traveling wherever they wanted, he had to work hard just to make a living.

This child has it tough...

"Did you come to see me about something today?" Ramos asked.

Cole nodded, "Yes, I wanted to ask for your help with something."

As the old man walked toward the exit, he gestured for him to follow, "What is it?"

"I wanted to ask you a question — how do orchards usually handle pollination when large numbers of fruit trees bloom?"

Previously, Cole had managed pollination easily with just wild Vivillon and Butterfree, plus some manual help from him and Daisy, when he only had thirty fruit trees. But now, with over a thousand trees planted, relying solely on wild Pokémon for pollination could affect the fruit yield.

Unlike his previous batch grown from seeds, these fruit trees would flower and fruit earlier. He needed to prepare in advance, since wild Pokémon couldn't be relied upon to come and go as needed.

Ramos's eyes lit up in understanding.

"Oh, that's the issue! That's actually quite simple to solve. Most orchards hire specialized pollination services. These services raise Pokémon like Vivillon, Butterfree, and Combee specifically to help pollinate orchards, flower gardens, and other agricultural operations. You can hire them to help — it's not expensive."

"Some larger farms raise these types of Pokémon themselves to handle their own pollination needs. When your situation improves, you could raise some yourself. Combee, Cutiefly, and Ribombee are all excellent choices — besides helping with pollination, they can also produce honey and pollen that make for good income sources."

Ramos had carefully considered the kid's situation when giving this advice.

Seeing Cole deep in thought, he added, "There's a very good pollination service nearby — I often hire them to help with pollination in my garden. You can ask them if you need help."

"I understand now, thank you." Cole said gratefully.

"You've been very busy lately, and it's rare for you to visit. Come, I'll show you something interesting." Ramos said suddenly.

"Something interesting? What is it?" Cole asked curiously.

"Follow me and you'll see."

Ramos led him deep into his garden, to a place Cole had never visited before.

While the outer areas of the old man's garden burst with exotic flowers and plants, the innermost area was surprisingly sparse, containing only a few scattered specimens.

Ramos smiled and pointed at the plants, "Don't be fooled by their unremarkable appearance — some of these are extinct everywhere else. The flowers and plants I grow outside may be rare, but they're nothing compared to what's here."

Oh, so this is where the real treasures are — I get it!

As they walked, Cole followed the old man to a small flower bed.

The bed was mostly empty except for a single green seedling less than twenty centimeters tall. The seedling looked thin and weak, lacking the vibrant energy usually seen in young plants.

"Is this the interesting thing you wanted to show me?" Cole asked dubiously.

"That's right." Ramos nodded, "This seedling was grown from a seed found in ruins."

"Found in ruins?" Cole exclaimed.

"Yes, and it's a fruit tree seedling."

"A fruit tree seedling?"

He didn't remember any fruit tree seedlings looking like this.

Seeing his confusion, Ramos explained, "This is an Aspear Berry seedling."

Cole's eyes widened in disbelief. You've got to be kidding — how could I not recognize an Aspear Berry seedling? Though he hadn't grown any himself, he'd seen them in books and at the Sproutling Haven Nursery.

"Unbelievable, isn't it?" Seeing his incredulous expression, Ramos laughed heartily, "But it's true — botanists have confirmed it."

The seed had been discovered by Sanders and his research team in the ruins. When they couldn't make it sprout, they reluctantly brought it to Ramos.

True to his reputation, Ramos had succeeded in awakening the seed from its dormancy. However, despite sprouting, the seedling wasn't thriving, which had been causing him considerable worry.

Looking at the ancient Aspear Berry seedling in the flower bed, Ramos mused, "Plants are truly remarkable — the same species can look completely different when grown in different eras."

"It's amazing that this ancient seed still had vitality after being in ruins for so long." Cole said.

"You're not the only one amazed — even the botanists who've studied it for years are mystified. They've been urging me to revive the seed precisely to uncover this secret. Though the seed has sprouted successfully, its survival to maturity remains uncertain. If it withers before then, all our efforts will have been in vain." Ramos sighed.

Cole suddenly wondered about the tree pattern inside this ancient plant and how it might compare to modern Aspear Berry trees.

He turned to the old man and asked, "May I touch it?"

Ramos was puzzled by the request — what's the point of touching it? What could you possibly learn from that?

However, knowing Cole was a sensible child, he didn't refuse, though he did add a solemn caution.

"Be gentle, it's very delicate."

Cole nodded and carefully placed his hand on the seedling's stem.

✲✲✲

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