There's an old saying: "The honey may be sweet, but the bee stings."
It means — don't do anything half-heartedly, even if it's a mistake.
The Beedrill, each with a deadly stinger, tend to move in swarms. Even elite trainers struggle to challenge them.
Once, a band of Nidoran and Ttukbokcho (wild mushroom Pokémon) got greedy and devoured some Beedrill honey.
When the Beedrill returned and saw a predator with honey still clinging to its mouth, fury followed.
The mistake of Nidoran and Ttukbokcho would be remembered for a long, long time.
What use is it, no matter how vast the broken world?
Even in ruin, flowers bloom.
It was only when I first lived among people that I came to understand what beauty truly meant.
Could He, the so-called creator god, have made these flowers as well?
Did He also hear their soft whispers?
The hillside was alive with blossoms — a breathtaking, gentle sea of color.
Below, the city lights shimmered like stars fallen to earth.
To find such a view, hidden from the eyes of others, was pure fortune.
Beauty… brings life to all things.
Green trees rooted deep in the soil offered cool shade, and fruits that refreshed both humans and Pokémon.
Joyful cries drifted on the wind. Wildflowers clustered in vivid colors, and weeds danced freely — untouched by human hands.
Then, something purple caught my eye.
A cluster of delicate buds with soft lavender petals. Its scent was both gentle and cleansing, calming my heart.
Before I knew it, I was smiling.
"This is…"
I murmured aloud.
"It's lavender."
At that moment, I heard quiet footsteps treading through the dirt.
When I turned, a woman in a kimono stood there, studying me.
"Your name is…?" she asked softly.
"Call me Platinum."
"...A traveler, then?"
Her voice carried the weariness of someone used to solitude. She looked like a woman attuned to nature itself.
Her kimono sleeves were the color of fresh spring leaves, and a red obi, embroidered with flowers, tied it neatly. Beneath it, she wore a pleated crimson skirt that swayed lightly in the breeze.
Though she hadn't told me her full name, I already had a faint idea who she was.
"You could say that, Minhwa."
"I see… This is our first meeting, but you already seem to know me."
"The Gym Leader's reputation travels far," I replied.
Even without explaining how, she seemed to understand. She brushed the comment aside and instead said what she truly wanted to say.
"Lavender is a truly wonderful flower, isn't it?" Minhwa said softly.
"Did you know it's called the queen of fragrances? Its scent has a calming effect."
Because of its rich purple hue, it's often seen as the very symbol of elegance. Lavender was beloved not just for its fragrance, but also for its quiet, noble beauty.
Minhwa's gaze lingered on me, her eyes shimmering faintly as she continued.
"Did you come here by chance?"
"Yes," I replied lightly. "It just happened. I guess I'm lucky today."
Her eyes widened slightly at my answer.
Her instincts—those faintly sharpened ones that humans seldom notice—flared to life. I could almost feel her unease. Perhaps she thought I had wandered into her sanctuary.
I smiled to myself.
"Isn't it amazing," I said, "that these flowers grew here all on their own, untouched by human hands?"
This place lay deep within the forest — far beyond where ordinary travelers would tread. Even if you climbed over the mountain, you wouldn't find this hidden colony.
It was the kind of place you stumbled upon only by fate.
And I had found it.
My own little treasure.
But what came next… changed something in me.
Instead of blame, there was awe.
"Isn't it beautiful?" I murmured. "I sincerely hope that only those with warm hearts can see such a sight."
I had expected suspicion. Instead, Minhwa smiled. It wasn't forced — her expression was genuine, brightened by honest joy.
"It's strange," she said. "I want to tell everyone about this place, yet… I also don't want anyone to find it. Maybe that's just my selfishness, but I want this colony to last forever."
My first impression was right. She was a girl who truly loved nature — someone torn between sharing beauty and protecting it from those who would spoil it.
"I understand," I said quietly. "Flowers will eventually wither and fall… but the memory of them never fades. That's what makes memories beautiful. Even these flowers will one day become memories."
"Oh my," she laughed softly. "That's… quite poetic."
"Well, that's what I was trying to say," I replied with a faint grin. "But you know what? When someone calls something emotional, it usually means they've been touched by it too."
"Haha, you're so kind."
"Maybe," I shrugged lightly.
The forest fell silent for a while — so quiet that even the sound of the wind brushing the leaves seemed to hold its breath.
Then, timidly, Minhwa spoke again.
"...Excuse me."
I tilted my head slightly.
"I just—" she hesitated, eyes soft as lavender petals. "I get the feeling that… something happened to you."
"What do you mean?" I asked with a small chuckle. "This is just my usual expression."
Her smile was gentle, almost knowing.
"Even memories of hardship," she said, "feel refreshing once time has passed."
It was a strange tone — the kind of voice that carried quiet curiosity.
She asked as if she already knew I had a story.
But really… is there anything in this world without a story?
Of course not.
The times when I lived as a human,
and the times when I lived as Giratina —
both were full of stories I no longer had the heart to tell.
Since I didn't feel like explaining, I gave an answer that suited the moment.
"Do you know the flower language of lavender?"
"...If I remember right," Minhwa murmured, "it means silence."
"Yes," I said softly. "That's my answer."
Minhwa gave a quiet laugh.
"You're an interesting person."
"Thank you," I replied with a small smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Then —
A faint rustling stirred behind Minhwa.
It was the kind of sound that only ever came from deep in the mountains — wild and unsettling.
Her expression changed instantly, sharp and alert — the look of a true Gym Leader.
The noise grew louder, closer… until I realized what it was.
Nidoran and Ttukbokcho were dashing through the underbrush, panic in their eyes — and right behind them swarmed a group of furious Beedrill.
Ah… so that's what this was.
What could those little ones have done to make Beedrill this angry?
Their legs were short, their cries desperate.
They must've made a small mistake — a misunderstanding, nothing more.
Minhwa moved without hesitation. She pulled a Poké Ball from her sleeve and threw it forward.
As expected from a Grass-type specialist, a trio of Pokémon appeared in shimmering light — a Tangrowth, a Victreebel, and a Vileplume.
It seemed she intended to protect the smaller Pokémon.
[Save us!]
The Nidoran's frightened voice echoed in my mind.
[We thought it was wild honey! We didn't know it belonged to anyone! I swear!]
[You little thieves!] buzzed one of the Beedrill furiously.
[That was our honey!]
Judging by the exchange, I could piece together the story.
Nidoran and Ttukbokcho had stumbled upon Beedrill honey — and eaten it.
A simple mistake… that had turned into a small disaster.
If a battle broke out here, the entire forest would fall into chaos.
We needed a peaceful solution — no fighting, just calm.
Minhwa's mind worked quickly. She glanced at me, and I could already tell she was thinking the same thing.
All we needed… was more honey.
Before her Pokémon could act, I stepped forward.
"I'll handle this," I said. "Beequeen — come forth."
A bright golden light burst from the Poké Ball, and from it emerged the regal form of Beequeen — the Hive Queen Pokémon.
Her wings shimmered like amber glass, and her presence alone seemed to calm the angry Beedrill mid-flight.
"Beequeen," I said gently, "I'll give you plenty of honey later. But for now, could you share some of yours with our upset friends?"
Beequeen gave a graceful nod.
[Heh. You seem to be in quite a hurry,] she hummed, voice rich and patient.
[Very well — but make sure you bring me something sweet and high-quality next time.]
"I promise," I said with a faint smile. "The finest I can find."
And just like that, a bit of golden honey — sweet, fragrant, shimmering like sunlight — began to flow from Beequeen's hive.
The Beedrill paused midair, the anger in their buzzing slowly softening into curiosity…
Minhwa was startled by my request.
The reason was simple. Honeybees normally collect honey for their hive, and taking it would usually enrage them. After all, they raised their young with that honey. Who would willingly hand it over to outsiders?
That was the usual rule. But my Beequeen had no young to raise. And her personality had softened considerably through friendship with others. There was no need for anger — I simply swallowed the tension.
At first, the Beedrill flinched at the sight of the queen. But when they took in her dignified, elegant form, they all bowed.
Seizing the moment, Beequeen shared the honey she had stored. Shocked at first, the Beedrill quickly softened, delighting in the delicious sweetness.
"This… this is the first time I've seen a queen like this…"
"It's not that she's kind. Look at her expression. She's just calculating… probably planning her next move," Minhwa muttered.
"But… how did you know the Beedrill were after the honey?"
"I have a good sense for these things," I said lightly.
Because, after all, I am a Pokémon.
Who would believe me if I said I could understand them? Even if someone did, I had no desire to reveal my ability.
Meanwhile, Nidoran and Ttukbokcho, still shaken from the chase, looked up at me with wide, nervous eyes. I could see they were drained from the ordeal, their small bodies begging silently for relief.
"Please… Turtle King," I murmured.
Of course, I adjusted the Hydro Pump to gentle power.
The Turtle King fired a soft stream, like a playful fountain. Nidoran and Ttukbokcho laughed and squealed as the cool water splashed over them, washing away the heat and fear.
[Thank you!]
[You're our savior!]
"Be careful next time," I said softly.
A strange warmth fluttered in my chest. Their gratitude was sincere, unguarded, and somehow… touching. I gave them one last nod before slipping quietly from sight.
"...You are truly amazing," Minhwa whispered.
Her face was tired, but there was something in her bright eyes — a sharpness, almost like a glint of admiration mixed with awe.