Pokemon: The Chosen Ranger

In front of the wooden cabin, Summer sat on a wooden stool, flanked by two Pokémon—Hatterene and Vespiquen.

"I see… so Pheromosa really is searching for something. A shining crystal… could it be a Z-Crystal?" Summer analyzed the intelligence brought back by the Combee.

Due to their species' traits, the Combee could only receive pheromone signals from Vespiquen. This was why they were able to return unharmed despite Pheromosa's control.

Because of this, they were the best scouts for investigating the tropical rainforest. That's why Summer had asked Vespiquen to command the Combee in gathering information.

When Vespiquen heard that the intruder was a beautiful Bug-type Pokémon, she immediately accepted the request—no reason needed, she just didn't like the idea of another beauty around.

"If it really is a Z-Crystal, then we've found our bait," Summer nodded. With an Ultra Wormhole appearing, the presence of Alola's unique Z-Crystals wasn't surprising either.

Clasping his hands together, Summer gazed toward the tropical rainforest and murmured, "Since you've come to Sunset Forest, let's have some fun. Don't think you'll leave so easily, Pheromosa."

In the tropical rainforest, Ogerpon held the Z-Crystal that Summer had given it. The task assigned was simple—lure the controlled Pokémon and gather them in one place to prevent them from getting caught in the crossfire later.

"Go ahead, Ogerpon."

Brimming with anticipation, Ogerpon heard Hatterene's voice. Acting as the communications officer for this operation, Hatterene's powerful psychic abilities allowed it to relay messages to every Pokémon in Sunset Forest.

Previously, it hadn't detected anything unusual simply because the emotional waves from a recent concert were too overwhelming. To avoid being affected, it had put itself into a deep sleep—otherwise, Dreamwood Forest might have been destroyed in the chaos.

"Bo!"

Ogerpon dashed into the rainforest, raising the Z-Crystal high as it weaved through the controlled Pokémon. The moment they saw the crystal, they went berserk, frantically chasing after Ogerpon.

With its agile movements, Ogerpon leaped effortlessly between tree trunks, playfully teasing the Pokémon behind it.

"Bonio!" Tag is so much fun!

At the rainforest's entrance, Milotic flicked its tail, waiting silently for Summer's signal. Its role was to block Pheromosa's escape—every side of the rainforest was enclosed by towering trees, leaving this as the only open exit.

To ensure nothing slipped past, it had also shrouded the rainforest in a thick mist. No Pokémon would escape its notice.

"Let it rain, Nana."

With a resigned sigh, Milotic accepted its nickname—it was stuck with it now. Humming softly, it summoned moisture into the air. Dark clouds gathered above the rainforest, and in an instant, heavy rain poured down.

Pheromosa's hypnosis relied on two factors: its beauty and the unique pheromones it released into the air.

This was why Summer had Milotic use Rain Dance. The rain would significantly weaken Pheromosa's control over others.

At the heart of the rainforest, Pheromosa, seated on its berry throne, scowled at the gloomy sky. Its original world was nothing but dry desert.

Now, the rain drenched its pristine white body, leaving it irritated. Wet and sluggish, it would hinder its movements—unacceptable.

Annoyed, it glanced at the two Pokémon beside it and decided to vent its frustration.

And Pheromosa's way of venting? Simple—it stomped on them.

It reached out to summon Okidogi and Fezandipiti, but to its surprise, Fezandipiti hesitated. Was the control failing?

Pheromosa was on the verge of losing it. It held back, reinforcing its hypnosis by forcing them to lock eyes with it.

These two were sturdy and strong, which was why it had kept them by its side. Yet now, even using them as stress relief was proving difficult.

"Now, Trevenant—strike! Ogerpon has gathered them all in position."

In an instant, all the Pokémon chasing Ogerpon froze. Their legs were ensnared by roots, binding them tightly in place.

At the same time, the rain cleared their minds. Ogerpon turned to them, hands on its hips, striking a victorious pose. This game was a win for Ogerpon!

Trevenant cast its gaze over the rainforest. A few days ago, for some reason, the Pokémon of the Spirit Realm had suddenly gone into a frenzy, rushing toward the Spirit Realm's gate.

It had been forced to focus all its attention there, leaving Sunset Forest unchecked. Hopefully, today's battle would make up for that oversight.

"Gaaawoo!"

Through the pouring rain, a towering Ursaluna emerged before Pheromosa, holding up a Z-Crystal. The sight of it momentarily replaced its irritation with joy.

Pheromosa waved its arm, signaling Ursaluna to bring the crystal closer. But Ursaluna let out a disdainful scoff, smirking in provocation. You're a fool. In my eyes, you're not even worth a drop of honey.

"Phero?!"

Pheromosa, having never been treated this way before, seethed with fury. It wanted nothing more than to stomp this bear into the ground. But with the irritating rain, it opted instead to command Okidogi and Fezandipiti to attack.

And then—Ursaluna ran.

Its task was simple: isolate Pheromosa from any support.

Watching its minions chase after Ursaluna, Pheromosa was left seething in the downpour. For a brief moment, it felt like the entire forest was against it.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

A rhythmic beat echoed through the rainforest. Pheromosa frowned and stepped down from its throne, sensing something was wrong.

Suddenly, three massive vines burst from the ground.

"Gah!"

A grand entrance! A frustrated screech rang from above. Pheromosa looked up—only to see a massive black bird descending from the sky, carrying a dark-furred monkey on its back.

"Munkidori!"

Look what I've got! Munkidori lifted the Z-Crystal high. Pheromosa's gaze locked onto it, momentarily forgetting its surroundings.

Speed was Pheromosa's greatest advantage—but now, those vines had immobilized it completely. The outcome was inevitable.

"Gaaaw!"

Finally, it's my time to shine! The black bird—Corviknight—roared.

Pheromosa, a Bug/Fighting-type, was quadruple weak to Flying-type attacks. And in this storm, Hurricane was impossible to dodge.

"Munkidori!"

This time, I will redeem myself! Munkidori's Psychic-type attack was just as devastating. Its role was to land the finishing blow.

A Hurricane and a Psychic attack were launched simultaneously. From within the storm clouds, a swirling violet tornado descended upon Pheromosa. It struggled, but new vines ensnared it.

The water-drenched air hammered against its body. Razor-sharp wind blades cut into its skin, while the psychic energy ravaged its mind.

Gone was Pheromosa's usual arrogance. It let out a final, unwilling cry before collapsing.

As the rain slowly ceased, the tropical rainforest returned to normal. For the forest, this was just another rainfall.

Wrapped tightly in vines like a packaged gift, Pheromosa was met with a Poké Ball thrown at its face.

Fueled by defiance, it took five throws before Summer finally succeeded in capturing it.

"You're a stubborn one. But thanks to you, this exercise was a huge success. So when the next Ultra Wormhole opens… you'll be staying right here."

Summer crouched down and picked up the Poké Ball. He had no intention of keeping Pheromosa. It didn't belong in this world, and it was far too dangerous.

"Hm… two in total, huh?"

Resting in his other hand were two Z-Crystals, radiating the essence of Ground and Rock.

Feels just like defeating a boss and looting rare gear…

(End of Chapter)