Torterra quietly watched Aven treating the other beasts.
At the same time, it observed as one beast after another left the camp, returning to the distant Black Forest.
Most of those departing were Ice-type beasts from Mt. Coronet.
They had migrated to the Black Forest due to the harsh winter conditions of Mt. Coronet, and now that the weather was gradually warming up, it was time for them to return.
However, Torterra could sense that some of the beasts kept glancing back as they left, seemingly reluctant to part with Aven.
Thinking of this, it gave a shake of the revived fruit tree growing on its back, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.
Once it was fully healed, it too should return to the Black Forest. But for some reason, it didn't really want to leave.
That fertilizer-like potion was far too intoxicating.
And then there was that Rhyhorn with the white ribbon, who could bring vitality to the land.
Torterra sensed that many other beasts might be feeling the same way.
Just like those Poochyena and Mightyena in the distance—their injuries had long since healed, yet they still hadn't left.
It had a suspicion: those Mightyena might have decided not to return to Mt. Coronet and instead planned to stay with Aven—just like that one large Mightyena.
If that was the case, perhaps they could stay too?
But Torterra still had its worries.
For example, among its group were Cherubi—known to be a favorite snack of many humans.
Previously, it had even rescued one Cherubi from a group of humans; if it had arrived just a bit later, the Cherubi would have likely been eaten.
Torterra believed that if it chose to follow Aven, he would definitely welcome it.
But it couldn't simply abandon its companions.
There were also the Gloom.
Although Aven didn't seem to mind them, it was uncertain how other humans would react—most likely with aversion.
While Torterra was lost in complex thoughts, it saw Petilil walking toward it in the distance.
Since the fruit tree on its back had revived, it had been Petilil who helped it recover its life energy.
Torterra greatly admired Petilil's abilities.
Maybe it could ask for her opinion… Torterra thought, planning to test the waters.
"Lil Lil Lil ~" Petilil greeted Torterra warmly.
Torterra, who had sheltered the entire Grass-type tribe, had earned Petilil's deep respect.
"Terra ~" Torterra returned the greeting as Petilil began healing it.
The leaves on Petilil's head shimmered with green light as she treated Torterra, all the while thinking about Aven's instructions.
She was to find a chance to ask whether Torterra would be willing to lead the Grass-type tribe to live in Fruitvale Village…
She pondered how to bring it up.
Just ask directly!
Petilil thought boldly—she felt Aven was such a good person that Torterra would never refuse.
Before Torterra could even find an opportunity to speak, Petilil asked first.
"Lil Lil Lil ~" Petilil, ever the bold leader, directly asked if Torterra would bring its crew to join them.
Torterra was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting such a straightforward question.
"Lil Lil Lil ~" Petilil continued explaining.
Currently, Fruitvale Village was home to hundreds of Gloom and Oddish, and more than a dozen Tangela.
There was a vast grassy field outside the village, and plenty of fertilizer to go around!
"Terra Terraaa!"
Torterra was shocked. Hundreds of Glooms?
It had been worried about whether others would accept the Gloom in its tribe—yet now it heard there were already hundreds living in Fruitvale Village?
Goodness, that kind of smell—could humans really tolerate it?
Apparently, they could!
"Lil lil lil!"
Seeing that Torterra was still hesitant, Petilil stretched out her arms and loudly explained more.
As she told the story of her and Aven bit by bit, Torterra's eyes began to shine with hope and confidence.
…
As time passed, the knights finally confirmed that the gray fog in the Black Forest would not return.
Kevin let out a sigh of relief—at long last, the crisis facing Aspiration City had come to an end.
Leaving a few knights to maintain a lookout, the rest of the knight order began to withdraw toward the defensive lines.
Once back, they would clean the battlefield, tally the casualties, and complete post-war procedures before returning to their respective camps.
"Aven, aren't you coming back to Aspiration City with us?"
Kevin looked at Aven, who wore a white lab coat, and hesitated for a moment before asking.
In this battle, Aven was undoubtedly the greatest contributor—he deserved to return with them as a hero and be welcomed in triumph.
But Aven didn't hesitate at all—he declined Kevin's offer.
Though he had performed outstandingly, Aven didn't get along well with the city's nobles.
Many of their heirs were still being held in Fruitvale Village, and who knew what these mad nobles might do?
More importantly, there were the beasts in the camp.
The Grass-type tribe led by Torterra, the Mightyena clan, and the Stunky tribe—three major beast tribes had all clearly expressed their wish to follow Aven back to Fruitvale Village.
Besides that, over a hundred other beasts also wanted to return with him.
Most of these had been deeply affected by the gray fog, and their physical strength had suffered greatly.
Even if they returned to the Black Forest, they would likely just become prey.
When Aven gave them the choice to follow him or return to the forest, they chose to follow him without hesitation.
They trusted Aven's promises, and they were filled with hope for the future.
"All right, I understand."
"I will report your contributions truthfully to Her Highness."
"All of Aspiration City will remember everything you've done for it!"
Kevin nodded, deciding not to force Aven.
He glanced at the beasts nearby, opened his mouth as if to speak, then thought better of it and said nothing.
"As long as Her Highness keeps his promise, that's all that matters," Aven replied with a smile.
At this moment, he too felt a growing sense of anticipation.
This meant Fruitvale Village would be his territory.
Within it, he could gradually realize the many visions he had in mind.
Kevin led the knight order away first, marching in grand formation toward the defensive line.
Not long after the knights departed, Aven also left—accompanied by the beasts.
They headed southeast from the Black Forest, toward Aspiration City.
Ahead of them was a brand new life waiting to unfold, and thanks to these Pokémon, Fruitvale Village was about to undergo a dramatic transformation in strength.
(End of Chapter)