Although the leaves and grass were green, the sudden drop in temperature sent a chill through Yong and Kofu as they walked through the forest.
Fortunately, both were in fairly good shape, and they soon began to adjust to the climate.
The feeling of hidden eyes watching them kept Yong and Kofu on guard. Though they sensed little hostility, being constantly treated as enemies by the wild Pokémon gave the two boys a profound understanding of what Parker had said.
"Here, humans have already lost the trust of Pokémon!"
"They're even less friendly than I imagined..."
Kofu stopped, looking at the figure standing in the middle of the path.
Standing beside him, Yong sighed and stepped forward. Looking at the Pokémon blocking their way, he said gently,
"Hello, Sawsbuck. We mean no harm. We're just here to look for some ruins. We won't hurt any of you..."
"Mwee~!"
Sawsbuck pawed the ground with a forehoof, poised to charge!
Red leaves hung down from the antlers on this Sawsbuck's head. Small red spots dotted its body, fur grew around its neck, and its lower legs were cream-colored.
This was Sawsbuck's Autumn Form!
Sawsbuck! Spring, summer, autumn, and winter! A form for each season!
Sawsbuck were usually very gentle Pokémon, but...
Rumble...
White energy enveloped its antlers. Sawsbuck leaped forward and charged straight at the two boys!
"It's Headbutt!"
"Get out of the way!"
They shouted and hurriedly threw themselves onto the grass on either side!
Bang!!!
Sawsbuck slammed into a large tree. The tremendous force tore through the bark, leaving a gouged-out hollow in the trunk.
Kofu got to his feet, looked at Sawsbuck, and called out again,
"Sawsbuck! We really mean no harm!"
"Mwee!"
Green energy began to gather, condensing into a round Energy Ball in front of Sawsbuck's mouth!