Adventure log of Dr Tom - #014

It was now a couple of hours after our encounter with Shaymin by the riverside. The afternoon sun had crept back below the canopy and the warm orange glow of encroaching evening bathed the jungle in an almost otherworldly haze that filled me with wonder. A family of Morelull meandered blithely between the trees and before long, they were joined by myriad other similar groups. Hundreds of the tiny Pokémon moved as one towards a clearing some distance ahead of us. They appeared each to be drawn to the place by some alluring call that was imperceptible to Acerola and I. Eminently curious to discover what it was that had arrested the attention of the Morelull so completely, we followed them from a distance so as not to disrupt their silent pilgrimage.

The Pokémon led us into the clearing, which was actually more like a meadow, ringed by jungle on all sides. Innumerable species of flowers in all the colours of the rainbow grew from the moist soil and Acerola let out a contented sigh as she regarded the beauty and tranquillity of the place. The Morelull made their way into the field and began weaving their bodies in between and against the many flowers. Before long, the entire meadow was alive with the swaying movements of hundreds, if not thousands of the Pokèmon. We sat by the edge of the jungle and watched on for some time, bewitched by the sheer joy exuded by each and every one of the Morelull. As the warm orange of evening faded to the gentle lilac of oncoming night, the crowds of Pokèmon began to filter out of the meadow and back into the jungle. The mushrooms on each of their backs now radiated a comforting light of their own and as they waddled away, they illuminated the darkness of the jungle.

Shortly after the final few Morelull had left the meadow, we began to hear an ominous buzzing. Acerola suggested that we hide so we sought shelter in a dense patch of bushes near to where we had been sitting. Moments later, a swarm of Beedrill soared over our heads. The Pokémon split up and began suckling at the flowers they deemed most enjoyable. My experience with Beedrill up to this point had been woefully limited so I was fascinated as I watched them slurp down nectar. Each specimen stood on their spindly back legs and they released a strange but not unpleasant chittering as they ate. I admit, I had not expected the swarm to be so peaceful. When they had landed, I had expected a fight to break out or that there would be some bickering at the very least. To the contrary, the Beedrill seemed wholly content to be enjoying a meal in the company of their fellows. Perhaps the tranquillity of the meadow had mellowed the Pokèmon. Whatever the reason, I felt most fortunate to be able to observe the swarm in this moment of peace.

- Dr Tom