Pokemon: The Chosen Ranger

Summer took the construction of Celebi's shrine very seriously. He based its design on his memory of the Ilex Forest Shrine but added his own improvements.

Though called a shrine, its purpose was purely symbolic—it wouldn't actually be used for worship. Instead, Summer designed the roof to mimic tree branches, creating a place where Celebi could comfortably rest upon its return.

After hours of effort, the shrine stood complete—sturdy, unembellished, and built with one priority in mind: durability. Since it was positioned near Moss Rock, where humidity was high, Summer had taken extra steps to make it moisture-resistant, ensuring it would last for years to come.

At first glance, it seemed like unnecessary extra work, but Summer had thought it through. The location was abundant in life energy, making it an ideal resting spot for Celebi. More importantly, it was close to Misty Lake—where Sunset Forest's strongest guardian, Milotic, resided. If danger arose, help would arrive quickly.

Celebi was deeply satisfied with the shrine. It had seen humans who once worshipped it—people who had long faded into history, yet ones it could still revisit by traveling through time. To Celebi, separation was never truly permanent. It carried the memories of every being that had shone brightly in history.

Before departing on its mission to the past, Celebi left behind time ripples in the shrine, then turned to Summer with a playful glint in its eyes. You know, that lie you told about me being the "guardian" of this forest? Fine. I'll make it real.

I'll take the blame for that one. After all, you built me a shrine. And besides—we're partners in saving the world now, aren't we?

Summer was slightly taken aback. For a mythical Pokémon, Celebi had quite the casual personality. Then, something clicked in his mind—Celebi was a Grass/Psychic-type.

And according to legend, the recognition of a Grass-type Pokémon was one of the conditions for unlocking Rillaboom's Grassy Surge potential.

Realizing this, Summer suddenly spoke. "Celebi, before you go, there's something I want to ask."

Wrapped in shimmering light, Celebi nodded. Aww, already feeling sentimental? If you really can't bear for me to leave, I guess I could stick around a little longer…

Ignoring the playful remark, Summer got straight to the point. "What do you think of Rillaboom?"

A large question mark practically floated above Celebi's head. It wasn't sure where Summer was going with this, but it answered honestly.

A great Pokémon. Gentle-natured, plays the drums well, treats all Pokémon in the forest kindly, and is willing to protect those he cares about—no matter the cost.

Celebi's continuous praise made Rillaboom scratch its head in embarrassment. I mean, that's just what I'm supposed to do…

Summer smiled. "I think so too. Thanks, Celebi. Be careful while traveling through time."

Celebi blinked. Why thank me? Summer always seemed calm and level-headed, but sometimes, he was just impossible to understand.

Still, Celebi smiled and waved. No matter what, I'll take your words to heart. Let's meet again in the next "Now."

Light engulfed Celebi as it dissolved into shimmering particles, disappearing just like the time distortions Summer had experienced before.

At that moment—

[Rillaboom's potential has been activated: Grassy Surge. It has now acquired the ability Grassy Terrain.]

The voice of the Forest Guardian System echoed in Summer's mind.

So Celebi's recognition really was the key!

Rillaboom, too, immediately sensed the change. Without effort, it could now spread Grassy Terrain whenever it wanted. Life energy pulsed through its deep brown fur and vibrant green leaves—whenever it willed it, the energy would spread, blanketing the ground in lush grass.

"Rilla?!"

Rillaboom looked down at the grass forming beneath its feet, its surprise quickly turning into joy. With this power, it could better protect Summer and the Pokémon of Sunset Forest.

Having fought many battles, Rillaboom understood just how much of an advantage this newfound ability gave it.

Not only would all Grass-type moves be strengthened, but Grassy Glide would allow it to close the distance on opponents instantly. And if things went south? It could use the terrain to retreat just as quickly.

While Rillaboom marveled at its new power, Summer observed as the potential display in his system updated in real time.

Three existing abilities—Soulful Drumming, Leader's Presence, Grassy Surge—blossomed with vibrant green leaves, which then scattered, forming new text.

[Potential: Forest's Rhythm]

[Forest's Rhythm—The Maestro of Nature.

Conditions: Master 10+ Grass-type moves, consume 3 legendary fruits, receive the blessing of a being who commands the power of life.

Effects: Increases the power of Grass-type moves. Your drumming can strengthen all allied Pokémon living within the forest. Grants the ability to control any plant life in the forest at will.]

If Milotic's potential, Queen of Pure Waters, was an existence capable of creating miracles, then Rillaboom's potential, Forest's Rhythm, was a massive power boost for battle.

Not only could it empower allies, but it could manipulate every plant in the forest. Anyone who entered would face a battlefield where the very landscape could turn against them.

And considering the fact that Summer owned some highly dangerous plant seeds from Ultra Space—poisonous vines, electrified thorns, and razor-sharp leaves—the mere thought of unleashing them was terrifying.

However, this potential was even harder to unlock than Milotic's.

The legendary fruits alone were a mystery—Summer had no idea where to even start looking.

And as for receiving the blessing of a life-giving entity—the first Pokémon that came to mind was a majestic blue stag with radiant rainbow antlers.

Xerneas—the Legendary Pokémon of Life Energy.

But Xerneas resided far away in Kalos and was said to slumber in its giant tree form for a thousand years at a time. The only thing that could awaken it was the presence of its counterpart—the bringer of destruction, Yveltal.

Yet Yveltal's awakening would spell disaster. It would drain the life from countless beings.

That was not something Summer wished to ever provoke.

Still, this potential gave him a clear goal. Maybe one day, he really could make it happen.

[Time distortion will begin in one week. Please prepare accordingly.]

Hearing the system's announcement, Summer was momentarily stunned. This was the longest preparation time he had ever been given. Last time, he had barely gotten a single second.

Can't they balance out the timing a little?

Meanwhile, Ogerpon was gleefully sliding across the Grassy Terrain Rillaboom had created, using Grassy Glide to zoom back and forth in front of Celebi's shrine.

Summer sighed, watching the scene with mild exasperation.

"…Sliding around in front of a shrine? That just feels so disrespectful. Good thing it's not an actual shrine…"

(End of Chapter)