The Pantheon

Saffron City

Ashley had set in the clearing for the day. Ashley sat cross-legged on her sleeping bag, a TM case open in her lap. She held the Giga Drain TM disc carefully between her fingers, its surface gleaming faintly in the firelight.

"Alright, Neptune," she said, looking up at her Lapras, who was lounging comfortably in the grass nearby. His sleek shell glimmered faintly under the sun, his large, gentle eyes focused on her with curiosity. "Time to teach you something new—Giga Drain. It's going to give you an edge when things get tough."

Neptune let out a melodic trill, bobbing his head in understanding, allowing Ashley to press the TM against his forehead. There was a light glow, before Neptune shook his head in disorientation. Before Ashley could get started, Proserpina waddled into view, her stubby legs kicking up faint puffs of dust as she approached the Lapras with purpose. The Gloom's petals swayed slightly, and her expression carried an intensity that made Ashley blink in surprise.

"Uh, Proserpina?" Ashley raised an eyebrow. "You okay there?"

Proserpina didn't respond directly. Instead, she pointed one of her leaves at the TM in Ashley's hand, then at Neptune. Her intent was clear.

Ashley tilted her head, confused but intrigued. "Wait, you want to help him master the move yourself?"

Proserpina nodded firmly, her petals quivering as if to emphasize her point.

"Alright then." Ashley held up her hands in surrender, a small grin tugging at her lips. "You know Giga Drain better than anyone else on the team. If you think you've got this, go for it."

Neptune let out a soft hum, tilting his head as he watched Proserpina shuffle closer. The Lapras seemed curious, his large eyes following every deliberate movement of the Gloom.

Proserpina turned to Neptune, her petals drooping slightly, and let out a quiet hum of her own. Ashley could see it now—there was something more going on here. Proserpina wasn't just eager to teach; she was still processing her loss to Erika's Weepinbell. The usually easygoing Gloom carried a weight today, and Ashley chose not to interfere. Whatever was driving Proserpina, it was important enough for her to take charge.

Proserpina raised her stubby arms and began to sway gently, demonstrating the glowing green tendrils of energy that emanated from her petals. The soft hum she emitted grew into a deeper, resonant sound, and the tendrils reached out toward a small bush nearby. The moment they connected, the plant seemed to wither slightly as energy flowed back into Proserpina, causing her petals to glow faintly brighter.

Neptune blinked, watching intently. Proserpina repeated the process, this time slower, her movements more deliberate. The tendrils glowed vividly in the dim light, almost hypnotic in their movement. She then gestured with her leaves, motioning for Neptune to try.

The Lapras hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between Proserpina and the bush. He let out a questioning trill, unsure if he could replicate the move.

"You've got this, Neptune," Ashley encouraged, leaning forward slightly. "Just focus and follow her lead."

Proserpina nodded, her expression softening as she hummed again, urging Neptune to attempt the move. The Lapras closed his eyes, his body glowing faintly as he concentrated. Slowly, tendrils of green energy began to form, wavering unsteadily at first.

"That's it!" Ashley cheered, her hands clapping softly. "Keep it steady, big guy!"

Neptune's tendrils reached out, connecting with the bush. The transfer of energy was shaky, the tendrils flickering like a weak flame, but they managed to draw a faint pulse of energy back toward him. The bush drooped slightly, its leaves losing some of their vibrancy.