Standing at the doorway was Arezu, her once-short hair now styled into fashionable curls. Though her youthful features had matured, her lively personality remained unchanged.
With a bright, energetic smile, she studied Summer with excitement.
"Long time no see, Arezu," Summer greeted.
"Ah… Yeah! It's been so long! Ugh, I really thought I'd never see you again…"
Watching from the sidelines, Ingo and Rei exchanged surprised glances.
The Diamond Clan's 'big sister' was crying?
Just what had Summer done in the past to make this happen?
"When I heard you left, Arezu was miserable for so long. Even when I explained the situation, she refused to believe it," Adaman said, exposing her past struggles without hesitation.
"Oh, like you weren't just as bad!" Arezu shot back. "You have the nerve to call me out? If you ever come back to my shop, I'm shaving your head bald!"
Adaman instinctively touched his hair, looking like he had just escaped a disaster.
Arezu huffed but then softened her expression.
"Yeah… I really was devastated back then. But—" She took a deep breath and smiled again. "You guys were in the middle of something important, right? I'll wait a little longer. Just don't disappear on me again, Summer~!"
With a gentle click, she closed the door and jogged away.
Summer could tell—this time, she finally had the chance to properly express her feelings.
Adaman sighed in relief. "Good thing she didn't actually go through with that threat. I can't imagine myself with a head like Iscan's… Alright! Back to business—we've wasted enough time."
Summer nodded and raised three fingers.
"In modern Sinnoh, the starter Pokémon given to new Trainers are Chimchar, a Fire-type, Piplup, a Water-type, and Turtwig, a Grass-type."
Adaman's eyes lit up.
"Oh! Three Pokémon with balanced type matchups! And they're common in Hisui, so it wouldn't be difficult to find them! Hey, borrowing knowledge from the future—not bad at all!"
"They also gain dual typings when fully evolved," Summer continued. "Fighting, Steel, and Ground. Even when facing type disadvantages, they can still hold their own. More importantly, they grow fast."
"Hmm… Turtwig is easy to find in the Crimson Mirelands. Chimchar and Piplup live in the Obsidian Fieldlands and Cobalt Coastlands, but they're not too far away either. Perfect! I'll start drafting the official documents!"
Being a man of action, Adaman immediately grabbed a quill and began writing.
"Adaman," Summer said, watching him scribble notes with enthusiasm. "These three should be just one option for beginner Pokémon. There should be other ways for new Trainers to bond with Pokémon."
"Yeah, exactly," Ingo agreed.
A nostalgic smile crossed his face. "My brother and I started with Bug-types we caught in the tall grass. I wonder… how has my old partner been doing? No doubt Emmet is taking good care of it."
Adaman chuckled. "I still remember how I met Leafeon. Thinking back on it sure brings back memories."
"Come to think of it," Rei chimed in, "Professor Laventon also gave Dawn one of those three starters back then. I remember she picked Oshawott."
Hearing that, Ingo's expression turned nostalgic.
"Oshawott… That Pokémon is actually a starter from my homeland. In Unova, its final evolution, Samurott, is noble and honorable. But in Hisui… its Hisuian form is ruthless."
Rei's curiosity piqued, and he immediately launched into discussion with Ingo about regional differences.
Meanwhile, Adaman turned to Summer.
"Summer, why don't you go talk to Arezu now? She definitely has a lot she wants to say to you."
"Yeah, you should," Ingo added. "Don't worry about us—this meeting was too well-timed to be a coincidence."
Summer nodded, standing up.
He was also curious about how much Arezu had changed over the years.
As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Arezu leaning against the wall, waiting.
In her arms was a small, neatly wrapped box.
"Arezu."
"That was fast," she mused, pushing off the wall. "I thought Adaman was gonna hold you hostage in there for hours."
She grinned and waved him over.
"Hey, let's go somewhere quiet. How about Lake Valor?"
Lake Valor—one of Sinnoh's three legendary lakes.
It was said that Azelf, the Being of Willpower, resided here. Summer had already met it earlier in his journey.
There were many legends about how the lake was formed. Some said it was the result of a volcanic eruption, while others believed it was created from a fierce battle between two powerful Pokémon. Even in the modern era, the truth remained unknown.
As soon as they arrived, a Dragon-type Pokémon greeted them.
With a metallic shell covering its tail, the Hisuian Goodra let out a welcoming cry.
"Goodra, you remember Summer, don't you?" Arezu gently patted its head.
"Gu~!"
Its eyes sparkled with recognition.
"But, Arezu… You never caught Goodra?" Summer asked.
She shook her head.
"Nope! It has a whole family to take care of."
Her gaze drifted toward the trees near the lake.
Dozens of Goomy and Sliggoo peeked out from behind the foliage, watching them curiously.
"I have my own responsibilities—as a Warden, as a stylist at Jubilife's hair salon… Keeping Goodra with me would've been too selfish."
Summer nodded in understanding.
"I see… In that case, I think it's time for them to meet again."
He grabbed a Poké Ball and released his Rillaboom.
As soon as the Grass-type appeared, Arezu's eyes widened.
"Wait… No way… Is that Grookey?!"
The fully evolved Drummer Pokémon smirked, casually setting down its wooden drum and tapping out a familiar beat.
Arezu and Goodra froze.
Then, as the melody filled the air, their expressions softened—the song carried countless memories.
Their past selves, wandering alone.
Their friendship, built over time.
Their growth, now standing side by side.
And now—they were no longer alone.
Arezu wiped away a tear.
"Man… I never thought I'd hear this song again."
Taking a deep breath, she beamed and reached for her own Poké Balls.
"Okay, Summer! Now it's my turn—let me introduce you to my new team!"
With a flick of her wrist, three Poké Balls opened, revealing:
Hisuian Lilligant – "This little lady evolved from the Petilil you met before! She totally inherited the Queen's grace."
Bronzong – "We've been together since it was just a little Bronzor. Its Rain Dance helps crops flourish!"
Glameow – "Soft, fluffy, and so nice to pet! She looks grumpy, but trust me—she's a total sweetheart."
Arezu happily petted Glameow, who squirmed in reluctant enjoyment, while Goodra sulked jealously nearby.
Summer chuckled.
"They're all fantastic partners."
Then, with a knowing smile, he pulled out three more Poké Balls.
"Then let's make this a proper reunion—meet my team!"
As he released his Pokémon, Arezu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Whoa!! They all look so cool!"
Her mind spun with ideas.
Summer's Pokémon were strong, stylish, and full of personality.
New faces. New bonds.
And—most importantly—new inspiration for hairstyles.
(End of Chapter.)