The Pokémon World's Slumping Economy

"Jifei, have Hippopotas use its Sand Stream Ability on that red Berry."

Dian gave the brief instruction, then opened his Capture Styler and began taking readings.

He wanted to see how much Hippopotas's Ability had developed after consuming Pure Smooth Rock for so long.

He also needed to collect some of the sand it expelled to study whether it was connected to the Sand Stream Ability, and how it differed from the Soft Sand expelled by Hippowdon.

Yue Jifei nodded and stroked the Hippopotas at her feet. "Do as Dian says."

"Hippo!"

Hippopotas nodded happily. It turned, raised its forelegs sharply, then slammed them back down. A whirlwind of shifting sand surged from the ground, forming a vortex that struck the red Berry on the Rock Wall.

Smack!

The red Berry swayed twice in the swirling sand, then fell.

"Hippo!"

Hippopotas immediately ran over and opened its mouth to catch the Berry.

Dian glanced at the recorded data, then left Hippopotas to enjoy its Berry.

Three days had passed since his battle with Michael. During that time, he had Larvitar familiarize itself with the skills of its new domain one step at a time. He also asked Misdreavus to teach Larvitar how to control Ancient Power and shape it into effective weapons.

Misdreavus and Teddiursa, meanwhile, had the daily task of planting Sour Berry trees.

Teddiursa was delighted, of course, but after a day or two, Misdreavus lost patience completely. Only Dian's insistence kept it tending the seeds in its care each day.

Clearly, Miss Misdreavus had grown tired of waiting for them to sprout.

As for the connection Dian had hoped for, it remained as elusive as a mirage.

Beedrill, on the other hand, had finally mastered Toxic Spikes through its daily talks with Drapion. Now Poison Sting was