Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 224: Geeta wants to take part in the Green Grass Trial



"I see," Geeta nodded in understanding.

Though the Paldea League knew that Dr. Sada and Dr. Turo were conducting research at Area Zero, they were only aware of the broader details, not every aspect of the experiments.

Recently, Dr. Sada and Dr. Turo had developed Terastallization, which added a fascinating dynamic to Pokémon battles. The Paldea League was promoting Terastallization across the region, starting with the gym leaders stationed in various cities.

As Geeta observed Koraidon, her mind wandered back to the scene of Dragonite summoning a rainstorm and the Gogoats spreading the Grassy Terrain across the mountain forest.

Her curiosity about this ranch grew deeper.

"If it's not too much trouble, could I see the three Gogoats?" Geeta asked.

"Of course," Naoki replied with a warm smile. "This way, please!"

As they walked, Geeta took in the well-kept surroundings. The fertile fields and neatly mowed grass were clear signs of meticulous care. Pokémon roamed freely, enjoying their time in the pasture.

Geeta quietly observed the Pokémon, mentally noting their names.

"Glaceon, Naclstack, Butterfree, Combee, Miltank..."

Naoki, noticing her interest, slowed his pace and began explaining, "Most of these Pokémon have gathered here over time. Naclstack can produce rock salt. The Combee collects nectar to make sweet honey, and the Miltank provides us with fresh, delicious milk."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Geeta, intrigued, nodded thoughtfully. "I see. So, the ranch not only nurtures Pokémon but also contributes to the region's food supply."

She reflected on how other ranches across Paldea played a crucial role in supporting local communities with their produce and milk.

Just as Geeta was about to say something, a flash of red caught her attention.

To her surprise, Pawmot, wearing a little red cape, flew toward Naoki, holding a mud- streaked egg.

Startled, Geeta blinked. "Did... did that Pawmot just fly?"

It had rained the previous day, and one of the hens had laid an egg outside, now covered in mud. Pawmot had discovered it during his patrol around the chicken coop and proudly presented it to Naoki.

"Pawmot!"

Naoki smiled knowingly. "I see, you found an egg. Why don't you take it to Indeedee? I'll make you an egg cake later."

"Pawmot~!"

At the mention of egg cake, Pawmot brightened up, joyfully taking the egg and flying off.

As Pawmot disappeared into the house, Geeta's gaze followed him in amazement.

"That Pawmot... is it really your Pokémon?" she asked curiously.

Naoki chuckled. "Yes, it is."

"And how did you manage to teach it to fly?"

Naoki scratched his head, momentarily unsure how to respond. Finally, he looked at her with sincerity and said, "Would you believe me if I told you it has a special talent?"

Geeta blinked before smiling, clearly amused. "A secret talent, huh? I'll respect that. Let's move on. I'd love to meet those Gogoats."

Relieved, Naoki couldn't help but admire Geeta's tact and emotional intelligence.

Naoki guided Geeta toward the sheepfold.

At the moment, the Gogoats were gathered around the feeding trough, eagerly munching on the grass balls inside.

Geeta looked at the three sturdy Gogoats, nodding approvingly. "You've raised them well." Naoki, glancing at the goats, thought to himself: 'That's because they burn all that energy from eating so many green grass dumplings.'

Geeta chuckled lightly. "Joy mentioned these Gogoats had so much energy that they had to release it every morning by running around the pasture. Is that right?"

Naoki nodded. "Yes. Every day, like clockwork, they'd hop and prance around. I got a little worried, so I called Miss Joy to check on them."

Geeta's eyes sparkled with amusement. "So, they were doing disco on the grass?"

The image of Gogoats dancing in synchronized joy made her laugh softly.

Naoki grinned. "Pretty much! Miss Joy ran a full checkup, but it turned out there was nothing wrong. They just had too much energy. That's also why they eat and sleep on repeat-burn energy, recharge, and then do it all again."

"But back then, I didn't have a proper solution to handle all that energy. So I came up with the idea of a battle event-the Green Grass Trial-right here at the ranch. It gave them a way to burn energy while challenging passing trainers."

Geeta leaned in slightly, intrigued. "What happened after you started the trial?"

Naoki smiled as he continued, "Eventually, I found a better way. Instead of just battles, I let the Gogoats channel their energy into maintaining the crops on the pasture. Their grassy aura helps the plants grow strong and healthy. It worked out perfectly-a win-win for everyone." Geeta nodded, impressed. The memory of the vibrant green fields from the previous day flashed in her mind-fields that stretched across the mountains like a rolling sea of lush grass, every blade swaying gently in the wind.

"A trial on top of that? Sounds amazing," Geeta mused, picturing the Gogoats in action against trainers.

"Can you tell me more about this Green Grass Trial?" she asked, curious.

Naoki hesitated for a moment, wondering about her intentions.

Sensing his hesitation, Geeta gave a reassuring smile. "I'm just curious to see what kind of challenge it is."

After a brief pause, Naoki relented and explained. "The trial is divided into three rounds. In the first round, trainers face off against a single Gogoat. If they pass, they move to the second round, where they take on two Gogoats at once. The third and final round pits them against all three Gogoats at the same time."

"And if a trainer clears all three rounds," Naoki added with a playful grin, "I prepare them a special meal-a reward straight from the ranch's kitchen."

Geeta's eyes sparkled with genuine interest. "I'd love to try it."

Naoki sighed, feeling a bit flustered. "Alright, let's give it a try."

At this point, Geeta, now acting as the chief Champion of Paldea seemed less formal and more relaxed than her usual composed demeanor. Both her personality and appearance were still evolving, showing glimpses of her more refined self seen in official battles.

To prepare, Naoki called over three of his Gogoats. He also asked the Indeedees to bring some snacks to help restore the Pokémon's energy after the match and then led Geeta toward the ranch's modest training field.

With a swift motion, Geeta took a Poké Ball from her belt. A burst of white light revealed a sturdy Gogoat, standing proudly before her.

"This is my Gogoat," Geeta declared. "I've raised it myself. Let's see how it stacks up against

yours!"

Naoki blinked, slightly overwhelmed. "Wait, wait, hold on a second!"

Geeta arched an eyebrow. "What's the problem?"

Naoki pointed to her Gogoat and asked, "Does it have the Sap Sipper ability? If so, this might

not be the kind of battle we should have."

Both trainers knew the ability. Sap Sipper allows a Pokémon to absorb Grass-type moves, boosting its attack without taking any damage. If both Gogoats shared this trait, the battle could become less of a duel and more of a comedy routine-like they'd wandered into a dance class instead of a battlefield.

Geeta paused for a moment and nodded in realization. "You're right. That was an oversight on my part. Let me switch Pokémon."

She returned her Gogoat to its Poké Ball and pulled out another. Naoki watched with curiosity, wondering what Pokémon she might summon next.

The white light burst forth, revealing a formidable-looking Kingambit-a Steel- and Dark- type Pokémon known for its warrior-like demeanor, evolved from Bisharp. Its piercing gaze exuded confidence and authority, fitting for a Pokémon meant to lead.

Geeta smirked. "Kingambit is eager to test your Gogoat. Are you ready?" Naoki nodded, signaling one of his Gogoats to step forward. The two remaining Gogoats

stood off to the side, calmly observing the situation, as if they'd been through similar trials

before.

Geeta hesitated, glancing at Naoki with slight confusion. "Aren't you going to issue any

commands?"

Naoki shrugged casually. "Nah, my Gogoats know what to do. They can handle this on their

own."

Geeta blinked. "That's... not quite the battle I was expecting."

Geeta took a step back, she gave a playful grin. "Forget it. If your Gogoat doesn't need any commands, then I won't give any orders to Kingambit either. Fair is fair!"

She narrowed her eyes, studying Naoki with intrigue. 'Let's see what kind of talent you've got.'

"Kingambit, fight on your own!"

Kingambit gave a solemn nod, shifting into a battle stance. Its long blades gleamed under the sunlight, fully focused on the Gogoat standing before it.

The battle begins.

Gogoat charged forward, majestic green energy swirling beneath its hooves as it summoned a

vibrant Grassy Terrain. The lush grass spread rapidly across the field, restoring Gogoat's stamina and filling the air with the scent of fresh greenery.

Suddenly, thick, serpentine vines burst from Gogoat's body-this wasn't just any Vine Whip.

The tendrils were massive, like the coiled roots of ancient trees, lashing through the air toward Kingambit with overwhelming force.

Geeta's sharp instincts kicked in. "That's no ordinary Vine Whip. You can't treat this Gogoat

like just any Pokémon!"

Kingambit remained calm and composed, assessing the oncoming attack with icy precision.

Its blades glinted brightly as it swiftly raised its arm.

Slash!

With one fluid motion, Kingambit's blade cleaved through the thick vine, cutting it in two.

The severed halves thudded to the ground, scattering dust into the air.

Neither side yielded the upper hand.

More massive vines whipped toward Kingambit, slicing through the air like coiled serpents.

But Kingambit, unmoved, leaped forward, cutting through the onslaught with swift,

calculated slashes.

Each of Kingambit's strikes was precise and elegant, like a knight wielding its sword in

perfect harmony. The vines tried to twist and ensnare it, but the sharp glint of Kingambit's blades carved them apart effortlessly.

For a brief moment, Gogoat hesitated, startled by the relentless precision of Kingambit's

counterattacks.

Seizing the opportunity, Kingambit surged forward, breaking through the wall of vines. Its blade-like arm shimmered in the sunlight as it swung downward in a decisive slash. Gogoat staggered, knocked to the ground by the powerful blow.

Naoki clenched his fists, worry flickering across his face. "Gogoat is strong, but Kingambit has

far more battle experience. This isn't going to be easy." Kingambit stood still, its cold gaze locked on Gogoat, as if waiting for the battle to end.

"We're going to lose..." Naoki murmured, feeling a sense of dread creeping in. "Is this the end

of the Green Grass Trial?"

Just as hope seemed to wane, something extraordinary began to unfold.

The Grassy Terrain pulsed with renewed energy, flowing into Gogoat like a river of life.

Kingambit's gaze shifted sharply, sensing the sudden change in the air.

The vibrant grass field shimmered, sending waves of healing energy into Gogoat. Slowly, the

Pokémon rose to its feet, glowing with newfound vigor. Its curved horns sparkled with

energy, growing sharper and more radiant with power.

"Mea!"

Gogoat lowered its body slightly, then propelled forward like an arrow released from a bow.

In a flash of white light, it closed the distance in an instant.

At some point during its charge, a massive blade of grass glowing with emerald energy

appeared in its mouth.

Before anyone could react, the shimmering leaf blade struck Kingambit squarely.

The impact was so powerful that Kingambit's sturdy form was launched backward, sending it

tumbling through the air. The blow caused it to involuntarily release a pained grunt, and a faint gurgling sound escaped its throat.

For a brief moment, everything seemed to stand still.

Naoki, stunned, quickly snapped back to reality.

It was the same combination: closing the gap with Aerial Ace and striking with the grass blade

at the perfect moment!

'Could it be... the Gogoat had actually taken down a champion-level Pokémon?'

The thought struck Naoki, leaving him speechless.

He wasn't the only one in disbelief. Geeta stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock. The

situation had changed in an instant, and Kingambit-one of her most reliable Pokémon-had

fallen.

Her gaze fixated on the Gogoat, replaying the scene of its swift and precise attack, the

enormous blade of grass slicing through with such elegance and force.

"What kind of move is that?"

A question mark appeared on Geeta's head.