The mystical realm Kenji found himself in was a Warrior's paradise. A large mossy boulder dominated the clearing, making even the elder trees surrounding him seem normal. Grass Energy spread from the enormous rock, filling the air and enriching the earth. It nourished the spiritual plants in the glade, likely giving them unique properties that even a Warlord would appreciate.

  Pokémon abounded, from musical bugs to flying Beautifly to fluffy brown rabbits.

  It was one such rabbit, a decidedly feminine evolution, glaring him down that broke Kenji out of his captivation with the mystical glade. She shielded her fluffle with pawed fists and a powerful leg raised to strike at him. Ears larger than a shield covered her sides, protecting the beast.

  Staring at the beast nervously, he realized that the other Pokémon in the glade were either fleeing from his presence or preparing to attack.

  The impression of trespass grew when a ripple passed through the verdant Grass Energy. Stepping from beyond the mossy boulder, a small, colorful Pokémon swayed towards him. Bouquets of red and blue roses grew from its arms while a large white rose bloomed from atop the beast's head.

  The creature's aura was thick in the air, merging with the ambient Energy as it weighed down on Kenji. Despite the difference in size, he felt himself cowering. It felt as though one of the ancient trees was bearing down upon him. The Pokémon's white petaled head, gave the beast a matronly appearance and enhanced the sense of disapproval.

  Kenji shuddered as a measure of the beast's killing intent bled through. The Grass Energy filtered into a haze of red, and threatened to carve through him. Kenji held still, fearful that a wrong movement would enrage the clearing's denizens.

  The similarities to the Pokémon from his first intrusion into a similar glade, a 'Roselia', were clear to his eyes. A part of him wondered if the thorny beasts was a seedling of this one. The other was dedicated to its glade as well and he furiously tried to recall his interactions with the Roselia.

  If he remembered correctly, the beast took a bow or lifting of arms as a threat. Likely as a result of the attacks it could spray from the. The plant Pokémon was also incredibly concerned with the state of its field, spending time to position leaves or flowers just so.

  As a result, Kenji kept his arms by his side and forced himself to remain unbent by the Pokémon's substantial aura.

  While he struggled against the beast's power, the Pokémon slowly glided its way towards him. Root colored limbs strode across the forest floor, easily avoiding even the smallest blade of grass. However, looking closer, it was as though the plants themselves bent out of the creature's path.

  The life around the beast made way for its path.

  "Rose," it cooed lightly, sparing a glance for the other beasts in the clearing.

  The humanoid rabbit relaxed slightly, dropping its leg and standing straighter. The fluffle of bunnies peeked around its powerful lower limbs in curiosity, still afraid but confident in their more evolved form.

  Similarly, plants lifted their petals upwards, with leaves tilting back towards the sun. What Kenji took to be hanging flowers or drooping branches were revealed to be strange bugs, their spindly limbs interwoven with the plants.

  The sight caused Kenji to falter slightly, as more and more Pokémon were revealed. Familiar worms trailed down the trunks, their popping feet heralding the appearance of silk orbs. Bright pink fruits turned and opened their eyes, staring at him with concern.

  There was even a small swarm of hexagonal bees, their several faces bent towards him with a glare while the rest carefully surveyed the surroundings. Much like the large rabbit, they seemed to be guarding each other, circling as a swarm constantly.

  Mouth falling open in surprise and awe, he was unsettled by a sudden thought.

  What if this was not just a mystic glade? he wondered with even greater wariness. What if it is a sanctuary?

  The more he thought it over, the more sense it made. Unlike other Pokémon he interacted with in the forest, these were clearly wary of him.

  Which meant they were familiar with humans.

  Humans such as the Pokémon Hunters.

  Kenji's mouth dried and his eyes bulged as he suddenly understood their response to his arrival.

  While he wanted to do nothing more than fall to his knees and proclaim his innocence, doing so would achieve little. Instead, Kenji forced himself to watch as the powerful Pokémon approached.

  The flowery beast stopped several spans away, though well within range of an offensive technique he was sure. Kenji suppressed a shudder at the thought of the creature's petaled blades slicing through him. Focusing back on the glade's protector, he met the beast's steady gaze. The rose tipped head was upturned towards him, with thick pollen drifting free.

  The Pokémon's eyes dug through his own, searching his spirit for any hint of ill will. Flower petals furled and twisted, reacting to the guardian's mood. Glistening thorns were revealed, no doubt poisoned.

  A cold sweat broke out on his brow. The beast's inspection was lasting longer than he anticipated, the aura probing for his own. Unable to respond in kind, he stood straighter, hoping that by doing so he would appear more respectable and trustworthy.

  The Pokémon broke the stare first, dropping its eyes towards his mother's pendant. The red orbs narrowed and the Grass Beast's mouth turned down in distaste. A matching frown threatened to break out on his own face, but he quickly smoothed it away.

  The evaluating gaze was turned on Flutter, who was quickly dismissed. The butterfly released a subdued trill, mimicked by the other Beautifly in the glade.

  It was Sprout who appeared to consume the majority of the Pokémon's attention. The beast stared the turtle down, the aged eyes taking in his flaking scales and dusty shell. Despite Kenji's efforts, the beast's appearance changed little. While the young Pokémon was able to travel further before tiring and mastered the technique of withdrawing into his shell, the beast continued to appear sickly.

  Part of Kenji was starting to believe that the turtle was meant to appear in such a state while the other dreaded the future.

  Sprout warbled at the elder Pokémon, tired from the race to the clearing.

  "Roo," the beast cooed back. "Ade."

  The turtle chirped happily and trundled forwards.

  Kenji tensed, worried for the young Pokémon.

  Faster than he could see, the guardian twirled around the turtle, shielding the younger Pokémon even as it readied to attack. The red and blue bouquets were raised towards him, the rose petals unfurling to clear the way for the hidden thorns.

  Paling, Kenji forced his muscles to relax and retreated slightly. The evolved Pokémon was incredibly fast and far more powerful. Before he even understood what it was doing, the beast was ready to attack.

  Flutter bobbed in place, trilling at the protective Pokémon. The butterfly dropped in front of him when the flowered beast did not relent, squealing at the creature.

  Sprout joined in with an upset warble, trying to shove the Pokémon from behind. When that did nothing to move the Grass Pokémon, he started to bite at the guardian's leafy cape.

  Kenji was not sure what the turtle was hoping to achieve by doing so, as he doubted that even a full strike from his half-carved staff would so much as ruffle the Pokémon's petals.

  The guardian seemed surprised at his companions coming to his defense. The elderly looking Pokémon looked over its shoulder with a raised eye, the yellow lids crooking in an amused stare.

  While he was partially mortified, Kenji found the turtle's attempt at dissuading the powerful beast touching. The beast was often fearful, and to see him attempting to help Kenji was stirring.

  The Pokémon turned its eyes back to Flutter and him.

  "Rose," it cried. The beasts gestured with a bouquet, and a cloud of glimmering pollen was released. The cloud blew forwards, with a stream enveloping Sprout as well.

  Alarmed by the sudden technique, Kenji was still too slow to react. The dust spread over his body, quickly absorbed by his skin even as he inhaled it.

  Immediately, Kenji felt more relaxed, as his muscles loosened. The technique soothed his body further, aches fading quickly. The soreness in his arms and legs disappeared, causing Kenji to sigh with gratification as a constant strain was eased.

  Flutter drifted to the ground, enjoying the sensation as well. The butterfly was still recovering from the battles it was forced to engage in while searching for nectar.

  Equally, Sprout sagged to the ground with comforted warbles, his beak still gripping the evolved Pokémon's leaf cape.

  "Serade," the beast cried, beckoning towards the clearing.

  Instantly, the clearing felt less hostile. The Energy in the air calmed, flooding towards him while the other beasts settled. While not prepared to attack, the protector's invitation shifted their wariness to curiosity.

  Kenji did not feel welcomed, not entirely, but he at least felt safe.

  Remembering how the Roselia reacted, Kenji leaned backwards keeping his head and limbs from presenting a threat. He whistled low and soft, trying to make the sound as pleasing as he could manage.

  "This one thanks the guardian of the mossy boulder," he said after the whistle. "This one and his companions will not disturb the protector for long," he assured.

  While time within the mystical realm was highly beneficial, both to health and cultivation, too long would see the opposite made true. The foreign Energy needed to be made his own, and his body given time to adjust. Only a high rank Warrior would find such a clearing pleasant, as even now Kenji felt as though his skin was crawling.

  Despite the discomfort and danger, he forced himself to remain.

  Sprout had the most to gain from the abundance of Grass Energy, with even Flutter able to the changes the power brought to the sanctuary. The soil was richer, loamy from both the power of nature and the presence of the numerous Pokémon. Plants were more vibrant, shades brighter as they closed with the dominating boulder. As a result the pollen and fruits were more nutritious, likely with additional properties that did not require a chef's skills to draw out.

  "Roser," the protective Pokémon croon in response. "Rade, serade."

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  Having said its piece, the beast danced around Sprout, easily freeing the leafy cape from the young Pokémon's beak.

  The turtle was too distracted by burrowing into the soil to notice. He warbled happily, nudging the dirt into place around him.

  Kenji grinned, approaching to help the young beast plant himself. He piled dirt onto the turtle's soft shell, patting it down thickly. His companion chirped contentedly, nearly disappearing into the environment.

  He was sure to keep the guardian within eyesight, with the humanoid rabbit a close second. While he was sure that there were other Pokémon in the clearing that posed a danger to him, those two appeared to be the most likely to attack.

  Many of the other Pokémon seemed to be younger, or unevolved. Not only were they smaller, but few stood their ground to make eye contact with him as he peered around the clearing.

  "A tree sheltered is the first to fall come storm," he murmured quietly, his father's words echoing in his mind.

  For the wild beasts, the Energy-laden glade was both a blessing and curse. Without adversity, they would not grow, remaining unevolved and at the mercy of their protector.

  While he was inspecting the clearing, Flutter bounced into the air. The bug flew towards the other Beautifly and started to chirp eagerly with them. Together the small swarm moved around the glade, with Flutter eagerly tasting the nectar and pollen. Several times, other Pokémon took umbrage with the butterfly's approach by crying out.

  The Roserade kept the peace, whistling at the loud beasts. They all quieted and Flutter retreated, keeping to the regular plants scattered throughout. Nevertheless, Kenji could tell that the flying bug wanted to taste the other flowers and he was sure a fight would break out if they overstayed their welcome.

  With his two companions settled, Kenji dropped the pack from his shoulders. Rolling the joints, he stretched lightly before jogging back to the abandoned sled. It was not far, with the only difficulty in retrieving it the arduous process of dragging it back to the sanctuary.

  The sight of the unfamiliar frame attracted the wild beasts' interest. Several Starly and a trio of familiar white and blue squirrels bounded forward, their beaks and noses investigating the silk blanket. Watching the thieving Pokémon carefully, he scolded them when they attempted to snatch bunches of berries.

  The leader of the trio chittered back, sparks dancing around the spikes on its bushy tail. Kenji simply glared back, refusing to rise to the squirrel's bait, especially with the guardian watching so closely. The wiry Pokémon was the first to stand down, and Kenji nodded in recognition.

  Both as thanks and to help the others warm up to him, Kenji plucked a handful of fruits free and offered them to the gathered Pokémon.

  "It's not much," he admitted, staring at the bounty growing in the glade. "But it is all I have to offer."

  The large rodents squealed, urging their suddenly reluctant leader forwards. The beast hesitated before dashing towards him to snatch up a berry. Stuffing the misshapen orb inside its mouth, the squirrel ferreted away two more before retreating back to its friends.

  Eying the Starly, Kenji rolled a few others to them when they refused to approach. They pecked curiously at the fruit before, in a flurry of activity, they consumed the lot. Their juice soaked beaks were more than a bit off-putting and he was glad when the birds returned to their flock.

  While many beasts kept their distance, he was intrigued by the ones that did not. The soundful bugs, whose antennae chimed like overlapping bells, were loud but polite. They emitted their strange chimes in harmony upon receiving a small bunch of berries. After consuming the food, they began to coordinate their music better.

  Though there were a few moments where Kenji had to plug his ears.

  Bundles of leaves scuttled forwards, spindly black limbs the only view he had of their disguised bodies, before fleeing back to the safety of hanging shrubs. Small eyes peered at him, and he was startled to realize that the flowering bushes were Pokémon.

  It was while staring at the disguised beasts that Kenji saw a flicker above. Tilting his head upwards, he saw flashes of purple furred beasts, with exposed beige skin peered down at him. Mouths were upturned and eyes crinkled in obvious mischief. Behind them, long tails ended in a broad palm, the appendage waving.

  "Hello, up there!" Grinning back, Kenji waved with a fruit still closed in his fist. "You're welcome to partake," he offered.

  Several of the brightly colored Pokémon chittered eagerly as he raised his arm, bouncing up and down. Their tails twitched, the three-fingered palms opening and closing.

  "Ai, ai, pom," their screeches overlapping.

  Kenji paused, staring up at the beasts in thought. To test it, he dropped his arm and lifted it up once more.

  "Do," he started hesitantly. "Would you like me to throw it?"

  The troop of monkeys squealed, leaping around each other. Their tails waved at him, ready to catch. At least, to his eyes.

  "Pom!"

  Before tossing up the fruit, he flickered his eyes back to the glade's protector. The bouquet beast was watching in amusement, completely at ease.

  Taking the smile as consent, Kenji plucked free a round berry. Moving backwards, he pulled his arm.

  "Ready?" he asked, receiving squeals and chitters in response. "Then here we go."

  Jerking his arm forward, Kenji threw the fruit as hard as he could. The troop of beasts resided high off the forest floor, where the branches from the massive trees grew. He was scared that he was going to miss, and it seemed that he was right.

  The berry flew through the branches, further than he anticipated, completely passing by the purple monkeys. Instead of being upset by the turn of events, the beasts were overjoyed. They screeched widely, lunging over each other as they raced after the fruit.

  Unconcerned with the long fall, the beasts leapt from branch to branch, going so far as to even slap each other away.

  "I have more!" he shouted up after them, concerned that they would hurt each other. His calls were ignored in favor of the falling berry.

  Right when one of the beasts seemed about to catch the fruit, a tail reached out and high-threed the lead monkey's own. In a flicker of light, the leader was replaced by another who eagerly caught the berry with a screech of victory.

  Eyes lifted in surprise, Kenji could not help but laugh and throw up another. Tossing up the fruits, he played with the Pokémon troop, giving away far more of his supplies than he should have.

  "Sorry, guys," he shouted up at them, sweat dripping from his brow. "That's all I can afford to give you," he explained.

  The Pokémon howled back, wanting to continue playing. Kenji merely waved, turning the motion into a stretch for his shoulders. While the monkeys seemed able to flex their limbs in nearly any direction without worry, the same could not be the same for him.

  After the interaction with the high-living Pokémon, Kenji noticed that the others were more at ease. The upright rabbit was no longer keeping its fluffle close and the hexagonal bees were busy gathering pollen from flowers. The swarm stayed separate from the Beautifly, forming a wall when Flutter attempted to steal a taste of their honey.

  "Leave them alone, you greedy bug," he chided lightly. "They've suffered enough."

  Barely a five-day had passed since he witnessed the Pokémon Hunters capture an entire swarm. Their strange tools, capable of disappearing Pokémon in a beam of light, were disquieting. He feared to think of what would happen should the Ronin find the mossy boulder.

  Flutter's attempts at tasting the bee's honey forced the small swarm closer to him. It appeared that they were more wary of the butterflies than they were of a single human. In order not to further disturb them, Kenji sat next to Sprout and kept silent.

  He briefly considered cultivating before deciding otherwise. His spirit itched to absorb the Grass Energy directly, and he struggled to ignore the feeling. While his body absorbed the Energy passively, he could increase the rate considerably with simple meditation. However, to do so would strengthen his spirit and make repairing it all the more difficult.

  Kenji no longer believed that he was irreparably limited. Instead, his spirit was a seed, one that needed to be 'planted' before it could truly grow, blooming into aura. The discovery of his link, and the earth that was his body, gave rise to the idea that his body was the earth that needed to receive the spirit.

  Meditating and thinking upon the issue gave him the sense that he was missing something from his physical body. Either it was not 'rich' enough, lacking the Energy and nutrients needed to support the spiritual seed, or something else.

  In the hope it was the former, Kenji was careful to avoid cultivating his spirit, forcing the seed to absorb the Energy through his body. The process was slow but steady, strengthening his muscles and bones.

  He fell into a light meditation, remaining aware of his surroundings while he assisted with the passive absorption of Energy. Doing so allowed him to keep watch over Sprout and observe the angular bugs near.

  "Bee, be, bee," they buzzed with annoyance, as the Beautifly continued to move freely around the glade. "Commmm," the swarm hummed lowly.

  There was a purpose to the small swarm's movements. He counted less than two dozen individual bees. They moved around each other, constantly watching the glade despite the protective Roserade.

  You're protecting something, Kenji thought silently. Or some-bee.

  For he finally spotted a difference among the numerous bugs.

  They all bore three faces, one for each hexagon that formed their bodies. Interestingly, the back of their flat faces was round like a sphere. Two antennae, two wings, and a single thickly striped insectoid abdomen. Their bodies were yellow, rimmed with orange, with the only other color darkening their abdomen.

  All except for one.

  A single Combee, near the center of the swarm, rarely partook of the pollen and nectar. Instead, the other bees brought pollen to it. The few flowers it interacted with were ones that even Kenji could tell were special. Decorating the lower face was a simple red stripe, marking the Combee as different from the others.

  The swarm flew closer and one finally took notice of him and Sprout.

  "Be, Bee!" it wailed in warning, turning to face Kenji with fierce expressions. The rest of the bugs took up the cry, regarding him with furious expressions.

  Kenji tensed, worried that the overprotective beasts were going to attack him. He had no idea what was causing the bugs to act as they were, and there was nothing he could do to protect himself.

  Almost in response, Kenji felt his mother's amulet shiver. Blinking in surprise, he grasped in a fist and held it close. At the same time, there was a shudder from the link connecting him to his bond.

  Before anything more could happen, the Energy in the clearing roiled, as a shout pierced the air.

  "Rade!" the protector of the clearing cried out.

  Approaching, it planted itself at an angle between Kenji and the swarm.

  "Ro, rose," it crooned, anger tinging its voice.

  "Com, co," the bees buzzed back.

  The sound awoke Sprout, who warbled tiredly, annoying the Roserade further. A sickly sweet smell emerged, as nectar began to drip from the Pokémon's flowers. The beast directed a bouquet of roses at the bees, who locked together into a small wall to protect the red-striped Combee.

  Kenji watched bewildered, as they continued to argue. Flutter joined his side, the butterfly's proximity not helping matters. He was confused, as he never interacted the swarm of bees, not this group nor the ones captured by the Pokémon Hunters.

  An ultimatum seemed to be reached, and the clearing fell silent. The Roserade approached him, the Pokémon's expression marred with sad eyes.

  "It's ok, I understand," Kenji smiled at the protector, grasping at what was happening. "Well, not really, but I will leave nonetheless," he amended.

  He nudged Sprout, cleaning the young beast of soil as he slowly crawled out of the ground. The elder Pokémon cooed softly to his companion while Kenji pulled on his pack. The bees followed his movements carefully, anger still clear on their triplicate faces.

  Ignoring the bugs, Kenji faced the powerful Pokémon. The beast was stronger, more so than even his father's Leavanny. Yet, despite that, the Grass Beast was just as gentle. It allowed them to rest in its mystical territory, where other Pokémon hid from the Pokémon Hunters.

  Leaning back, Kenji had catch himself before the weight of his pack toppled him over. Quickly sliding it off, he returned to his attempt at thanks.

  Leaning backwards, he managed to keep his eyes facing the bouquet Pokémon. Whistling lowly, he extended an arm and spun slowly in place, trying to copy a measure of the beast's gracefulness.

  The Roserade giggled at his attempt, joining in with a twirl of its own. Chuckling at his clumsy movements, Kenji gave up and spoke to the beast directly.

  "This one thanks the guardian of the boulder of moss for allowing him to stay and rest," he said seriously. Kenji had to fight the urge to bow, instead leaning further back. "May the sun shine upon your petals, and rain water your roots."

  Kenji finished and the beast regarded him silently. He stared back, feeling the Energy of the glade move. Smiling at the Pokémon, he grabbed his pack and pulled it on. Turning to leave, he paused when the Roserade cried out.

  Facing the creature again, he watched as it danced to the mossy boulder in a few quick steps. The Grass Pokémon spun around it, disappearing.

  Kenji stared after it, unsure if he should leave or wait. Before the moment could grow too long, the bouquet beast reemerged.

  Cradled with its roses was a large seed. The Pokémon walked back, offering the item towards Kenji with a croon.

  "Ro," it cooed.

  Kenji peered at the strange object. It was unlike any seed he had ever seen, striped in shades of green and large enough to fill his palm.

  "You want me to take it?" he asked uncertainly.

  "Ade," the guardian agreed.

  "Be-" One of the Combee took umbrage with the Roserade's offering and shouted at the beast. However, before it finish its complaint, the bug was dropping to the forest floor.

  Kenji stared at the Pokémon, one of its wings shredded. Behind it, a large thorn dug into the trunk of a tree. With a suddenly dry mouth, he turned his attention back to the powerful beast offering him the seed.

  A single limb was lifted upwards, the bouquet of flowers pointed at the swarm. A harsh frown was directed to the bees, and the others retreated.

  I didn't even see it move, he thought uneasily.

  Offering the Pokémon a weak smile, he thanked it as he reached for the item. When he touched it, he could not help his inhalation of surprise.

  The item was dense with Grass Energy, on a level similar to, or even exceeding, the glade. All contained within a seed that could fit into his palm.

  "Are you sure?" he asked hesitantly. The discovery of Energy-rich items often led to viscous battles where only the victor emerged. Should it prove valuable enough, skirmishes and even wars broke out for possession of the powerful object.

  When the Roserade turned its flat expression on Kenji, he hastily snatched up the item.

  "I don't know if I can repay your generosity," he said honestly. "If there is anything I can do to help you, I will." To emphasize his words, he marked the sign of the Original One across his chest.

  Kenji called for Flutter to spit out some thread, using the silk to wrap around the seed and fashion a harness. Instead of placing it around himself, he secured the item to Sprout. The turtle needed the Energy far more than he did.

  The guardian nodded, pleased that he passed it the young Pokémon.

  Waving goodbye to the troop above, Kenji picked up the sled and left to the chorus of screeches, bells, and croons.