Why were these two running in the wheat field?
That was Lucas's arrangement.
He'd read in a book at Naranja Academy that Dachsbun's signature ability helped wheat grow. Its aroma sped up wheat's growth, and wheat made into flour or beer after exposure to Dachsbun's scent would have a unique aroma.
Dachsbun was highly valued on farms—just let it run around the wheat field each day, and you'd get a great harvest. Plus, it saved time on dog walks!
"Remember to come for training later, Growlithe!"
Lucas shouted into the field, then turned to leave. Even without reminders, Growlithe always came for special training, eager not to be outperformed by Poliwhirl.
A short walk past the wheat field brought Lucas to the newly fenced-in pasture. The new fence could withstand even a charging Tauros, so Luxray felt much more secure, and didn't have to patrol as often.
The two Sawbuck stopped grazing and ambled over to Lucas.
They looked relaxed and satisfied with the pasture—no longer nervous like in the wild.
That was both good and bad: Lucas's farm gave them a sense of safety, but could also dull their alertness.
He gently touched their antler-like horns, knowing their significance. "You're comfortable here, right? Soon, Comfey will come asking for some flowers from your antlers to make garlands. I hope you'll agree."
The Sawbuck exchanged glances and nodded gently. Comfey had healed them, after all—a few flowers was nothing.
"Thank you on its behalf, then." Lucas stroked their fur and, remembering something, asked, "Have you seen Mudbray? I plan to train with it for a few days—it should be close to evolving."
Mudbray?
The male Sawbuck hesitated, but the female, more attentive, realized he meant their roommate who loved playing in the mud.
"Sawbuck~"
She tugged Lucas's sleeve, gesturing toward the mud pit.
She'd seen Mudbray playing there earlier.
While Lucas searched for Mudbray, something was happening at Thunder Lake.
Though not as large as Casseroya Lake, Thunder Lake was spacious enough, and the three Dragonair loved being able to see Dragonite anytime. They were very happy there.
Lucas had promised to look for their leader, so they could relax and just help with the weather.
Life here was far better than out in the wild, where Gyarados packs eyed them hungrily and they had to fight for food and safety.
"Drago~…"
The Dragonair curled up on the lake shore, basking in the sun.
"Drago~."
Suddenly, a call came from the lake. The shiny Dragonair looked up first—it was Poliwhirl and its three little Poliwag brothers.
Shiny Dragonair tilted its head: "Drago~?" (Do you need something?)
The other two Dragonair also watched curiously.
Poliwhirl hesitated, then spoke up: "Poli~." (I'd like to ask you to teach me Rain Dance.)
After thinking it over, Poliwhirl realized that with Dragonair now handling watering, its own job was almost unnecessary.
But after what had happened before, Poliwhirl wasn't discouraged.
If it couldn't water for now, it would learn Rain Dance from the Dragonair, and then help share their workload!
Lucas had always said he valued long-term growth, and to repay his kindness, Poliwhirl just had to keep improving.
Moved by Poliwhirl's determination, the three Dragonair exchanged glances and agreed to teach Rain Dance to it and the Poliwag.
As they finished negotiating, Swampert watched quietly from the lake, smiling contentedly.
Lucas had asked it to keep an eye on Poliwhirl's mood, but that clearly wasn't necessary anymore.
With mud stains all over his clothes, Lucas wasn't angry. Mudbray had finally asked to play with him, and he was happy to oblige—even if it meant getting dirty.
Even without a washing machine, Poliwhirl's Bubble Beam could handle the stains.
Lucas led Mudbray toward the cottage, where he usually trained with the Pokémon—it was close to home and the storage shed, making things convenient.
Speaking of Poliwhirl, Lucas was a bit worried as he strolled in step with Mudbray. Even though he'd asked Swampert to look after them, he still worried about the Poliwag, especially Poliwhirl.
Smart kids always think more and worry more.
If he demanded his Pokémon to provide returns that exceeded the cost of raising them, he might as well be a capitalist, not a trainer.
Though the Dragonair had temporarily replaced Poliwhirl in watering duties, using a more advanced Rain Dance, that didn't mean Poliwhirl was useless or would be driven away.
"Delibird~!"
A call snapped Lucas back to reality.
He looked up to see a Delibird flying toward him, looking eager to deliver a message.