[Jangmo-o has learned a new move: X-Scissor.]
Summer paused for a moment, surprised by the alert from his Ranger Assistant. Jangmo-o had mastered another move—no, more likely, it was the result of its training with Vikavolt.
Even if that was the case, it was still impressive. Was it a natural prodigy or a relentless hard worker? Either way, Summer was getting more and more excited about its future.
"Summer? Why'd you stop?"
"Nothing, Marnie. I think I know where Jangmo-o is. Follow me."
If learning X-Scissor was the outcome of its training with Vikavolt, then it was almost certainly in the Rainforest.
"Oh, I heard Jangmo-o has a heart-shaped scale on its forehead. I bet it looks super cute in person, right?" Marnie asked, glancing down at Deino, who was still waddling forward awkwardly. Hmm, mine's definitely more of a goofy type…
"It's cute, sure, but don't be fooled—it's a born warrior."
"…A diligent one then? I like that even more~"
Marnie's tone was full of admiration. To her, every hardworking Pokémon shone brightly. Right now, her own team members were all training hard somewhere in Sunset Forest.
You guys better give it your all!
Jangmo-o's small claws shimmered with a yellow-green glow, as two distinct energies—Bug-type and Dragon-type—clashed within its body.
One represented frailty and perseverance, the will to overcome greater foes. The other symbolized ancient power and dominance, radiating natural intimidation.
Dragon Pokémon, especially in their juvenile stages, were uniquely suited to learning Bug-type moves. Their undeveloped forms often mirrored insects—weak and vulnerable. This was even more pronounced in species like Goomy, which lacked any real means of self-defense.
It was this very fragility that allowed Jangmo-o to perceive Bug-type energy. And thanks to Vikavolt's demonstrations, along with its own unyielding determination, it had swiftly mastered X-Scissor.
"Jangmo~!"
With a burst of strength, Jangmo-o leaped into the air. Crossing its small arms in an X-shape, it unleashed a yellow-green slash against a sturdy tree trunk, leaving behind two deep claw marks.
A closer look revealed that the tree was already covered in various scratches, all from Jangmo-o's relentless training. But this time… these were by far the deepest.
"Jangmo…"
Despite its progress, Jangmo-o wasn't satisfied. The marks Vikavolt left behind were deeper—embedded into the wood itself. It still had a long way to go.
Vikavolt, hovering nearby with a faint hum, had an entirely different opinion. Jangmo-o was an absolute prodigy.
Most Pokémon first learned moves of their own type since they could naturally sense that energy. Moves from similar typings—like Water and Ice, or Ground and Rock—came next.
But Dragon and Bug?
They were completely unrelated, with no natural overlap. And yet, in just a few days, Jangmo-o had not only learned X-Scissor, but was already refining it.
It's amazing… I can see why I was drawn to this little warrior.
"Jangmo-o, looks like you've mastered a new move. That's incredible!"
"Jang!"
Recognizing Summer's voice, Jangmo-o turned with an excited chirp. Alongside him was a cool-looking girl with dark hair… and a completely clueless dragon.
Marnie's eyes lit up instantly.
"Yep, definitely cute!"
Jangmo-o pouted slightly. Cute? What did that matter?!
A warrior's worth wasn't in appearances!
"Oops, did that upset you? Would 'cool,' 'dignified,' or maybe 'hardworking' be better?" Marnie mused.
"Jang!"
Hardworking was just fine! That was a warrior's true badge of honor! (Though, dignified and cool weren't bad either…)
Vikavolt's pincers gleamed with an amused glow. Jangmo-o might be serious, but it was still a kid.
Marnie crouched down and beckoned to Deino. "Come on over! This is your first time meeting another Dragon-type~"
Deino sniffed the air curiously. A fellow dragon? Did that mean… it was something delicious?
Thinking it had found more food, Deino perked up excitedly and charged straight at Jangmo-o.
Jangmo-o blinked. Was this some kind of dragon greeting?
Regardless, a true warrior never backed down from a challenge. Whether it was a friendly hello or a battle, Jangmo-o was ready to take it head-on.
Bracing itself, Jangmo-o dug its claws into the ground and prepared for impact.
A loud CLANG! echoed through the rainforest as Deino's head collided directly with Jangmo-o's armored forehead scale, ringing out like a bell.
Jangmo-o barely flinched. Its head scales were designed for head-on collisions.
Deino, on the other hand, staggered back, disoriented. Its whole world buzzed from the impact.
But despite the setback, its hunger was stronger than ever.
Even dazed, it instinctively lunged forward—this time, attempting to bite Jangmo-o's scales.
The metallic taste immediately threw it off. Why did this "food" taste like steel?!
Realizing its mistake, Deino let go, looking utterly heartbroken. This wasn't food at all.
Jangmo-o looked horrified. It tried to EAT me?!
Then it sighed, shaking its head. Whatever. It's still a baby. A warrior doesn't hold grudges against babies.
"Deino, you little glutton! Do you ever stop thinking about food?" Marnie scolded playfully before turning to Jangmo-o. "Sorry about that. My little troublemaker caused you some trouble."
Crouching down, she gently scratched the top of Deino's fluffy head, then stuffed a berry into its mouth to cheer it up.
Food?
The disappointment in Deino's expression vanished instantly as it chomped down happily.
Jangmo-o tilted its head. So it really was just that hungry?
But its trainer had just fed it, so… was it one of those Pokémon with a massive appetite?
Jangmo-o had met quite a few big eaters in Sunset Forest.
Perhaps Deino was one of them.
Well then—it had definitely come to the right place.
"Jangmo!"
With a confident stride, Jangmo-o motioned for Deino to follow.
It knew exactly where the best food was.
Deino's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Come, little one. Let this warrior show you the true meaning of a feast.
Watching the two young dragons march off together, Summer couldn't help but smile.
Maybe that was just the kind of Pokémon Jangmo-o was—one that always looked out for its own.
(End of Chapter)