Spring, League Calendar year 112, May 4. Clear skies.
Nine days had passed since Grovyle arrived at Fairy Tale Ranch.
Over those nine days, Grovyle had done exactly as he had promised. He caused Tong Hua no trouble and remained exceptionally disciplined, never forgetting to train or supervise his companions' training.
Every morning, he woke even earlier than Tong Hua's internal clock.
He also ran to the coast near West Hill every day to watch the sunrise.
In his own words, because he had never seen light in the dark future, even phenomena he had once considered commonplace, such as sunrise and sunset, seemed especially beautiful and should not be missed.
Whenever the morning sun leaped above the horizon, Grovyle would stand quietly on the rocks, letting golden sunlight wash over his entire body. His Leaf Blade glimmered in the morning light, as though absorbing the sun's energy.
After watching the sunrise, he returned to the ranch on time to begin his rigorous morning training.
Riolu was always the first to join him. The two Pokémon honed their skills in the morning mist, Leaf Blade and Bone Club crossing with crisp clashes.
Sometimes, Lucario came to coach the pair as well. Her combat experience was invaluable to both Riolu and Grovyle.
After morning training, the three Pokémon returned to the Wooden Cabin together to eat the breakfast Tong Hua had made.
"Gro, gro."
Grovyle thoughtfully helped Tong Hua carry the dishes and hand out cutlery, inadvertently taking over what should have been Minccino's job.
"Min, min-" "Grotle."
Seeing this, Grotle was the first to step forward and comfort Minccino.
And that was only the beginning. Over the following days, Grovyle helped with all kinds of housework whenever he had time: washing clothes, washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, and hanging laundry. He