If I had to describe one thing about Camphrier Town I enjoyed over the other towns I have been. It would probably be how much more spacious this place feels. The city seemingly has wider streets and more open areas than the previous two urban locations I had visited. Well, its either that or the fewer people moving about. I would have thought that there would still be a considerable amount of people moving about but there is relatively few compared to the other locations. Not sure why that is though.
The city space is a lot more basic that both Santalune City and Lumiose City, most buildings being a tan, grey, or other basic colours used in urban settings. There were a few exceptions with one store being bright yellow and pink. Another was a bakery that was vibrant blue with a line extending out of the door onto the sidewalk and stretching a few meters along. I guess the place is popular.
Of course, the major attraction stood high above everything else, but we had plenty of time to explore. Although Sune and Lumi both weren’t too happy about spending so much time out and about with people all around. The three of us drawing plenty of looks as well unfortunately. I use to be a fairly average bloke back on earth. I didn’t stand out in any crowd and was fairly quiet so even in small groups, I was just there. Now I draw looks from all sorts. I even had a child run up and hug me! At this point I just hope no unsavoury people try to kidnap me again. A sudden flash of light catches my eye and I see a person holding a camera that’s aiming at me before they hurry into the crowd. Not the first time today.
“Hey Oliver, you want to check out the Camphrier Gardens?” Jennifer asked her brother who just nodded. I don’t recall that ever being a location in game. Although from what I have gathered, I am something like 40 years afterwards from the games and anime. And considering my previous world, a lot of urban development can happen in that time.
The walk wasn’t too much longer till we reached the garden, and it was impressive. I had personally seen gardens in my otherworld that took up for more space but the intricacy of the layout was astonishing. From what I could see, the garden consisted of various flowering plants planted in a variety of gardens. In what seems to be the centre, there was a large willow tree covered in small purple flowers that had a large, at least 5 meter tall hedge with white flowers all around it. Just looking at it gave me for some reason both a sense of joy and fear. Like I could enjoy the beauty of it all until someone ruins it. Which is both a relaxing and seriously concerning thought. But a question suddenly came to mind as I looked at all the flowers.
What season is it?
Of course, it could just be spring as everything tends to be green and blooming. But I have absolutely no idea what season it could be. I am at least confident its not winter cause lack of snow. But then again, winter in Australia is just cooler overall and you could only find snow in New South Whales and the other states further south. Lets just put this thought into the ‘deal with it later bin’, and admire the well-kept garden. The garden covered a large area, and very well maintained. I had noticed several signs about general things like not damaging the flowers and no littering which all seem to be followed to the letter. Maybe those signs about not damaging the beauty are more for one’s safety than actual common sense. Although I’m not sure why you would ruin the garden anyway There were several flabebe and floete on various coloured flowers moving about tending to the flowers. The flowers were placed in patterns that I couldn’t tell what their whole image was meant to be.
Is there anywhere we go to get a better look? I asked Jennifer, somewhat startling her from whatever world she placed herself in. It took her a second to register my question before answering.
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“We can ride on the ferris wheel.” As she points it out. I don’t even know how I missed it. A large red and white ferris wheel that stood to the side of the garden. Walking along the dirt paths to the large wheel, I looked towards the centre of the garden and observed it. The sense of foreboding and relaxation still emanating from whatever is behind the hedge. At least the walk to the ferris wheel was very peaceful as I heard all the sounds of the garden.
Once there, the line was short, so we were able to get a carriage quickly. The woman managing the tickets and the ride commenting on my appearance and the addition of Sune and Lumi. It happens so often now it is more background noise than anything else at this point. At least on the open road its quiet. We got seated and the wheel started to cycle around, stopping to allow people to leave and board. As we rose higher, the images made of flowers become more visible. The gardens entire shape looks like it was placed here after the area was designed. The shape just basically a blob in the centre of a park and a somewhat uneven terrain. The outer edge of the garden consists of three large gardens. The first had a large black and green snake, next was a large red and black egg. The final was a silver tree with various colours dotted on the edges of the branches. It was pretty obvious what those three images were meant to be.
Inside the garden were 17 separate flower patches of various sizes, each with upwards of five designs grown into them, and well-trodden dirt paths between them. There were a few pokemon, different evolution stones, a large purple and white flower, the words ‘the queen of the garden’, and a few random shapes and symbols which I guess are meant to represent something. Directly in the centre is the large willow tree and the surrounding hedge. Despite my high altitude, giving me a overhead view of the garden and the central hedge, the willow prevented me from viewing into the enclosed area. Although if I had to guess what was in there, I would place my money that it is a florges. Mostly because its prior evolutions are present. Although I could be very wrong. But something is telling me I’m right. Do I have some sort of super intuition now? What else is new with this body? Why couldn’t I just know all the new tricks about this body?
Are you okay? I hear Sune ask. I turn to see both vulpine looking at me concerned. Jennifer and Oliver seemed to notice something was off as well as they looked at me.
Is something bothering you? Lumi asks shyly next.
Yeah, I’m fine. I respond, not entirely sure myself. Just thinking about something.
“Are you sure?” Jennifer adds to which I nod and look out the window to admire the view. I can feel their various gazes for a bit longer as we descend before they also look away to view out the windows.
As we reach ground level, we hop out of the carriage, and start walking around the garden some more. The place had a few others out and about walking. I just kept my gaze away from the central willow tree and hedge, instead just admiring the flowers around us. All of us quietly walked around, not being bothered as everyone had their own paths to walk along.
After about ten more minutes, we started to walk away from central paths, planning to head off. My body just froze as I felt something looking at me. I didn’t stop because of a move or someone doing something to me. My body just froze from the sudden gaze that came from behind me. Froze out of pure fear of the shear power disparity between us. The fear disappeared as fast as it appeared, and I could move. I turned around to look towards the origin of the stare. Hovering above the willow tree, was a pokemon. A shiny white florges simply standing above the tree. I could make out her facial features with my improved vision and could see her curious gaze. After a moment, it turned to a smile as she suddenly vanished.
“That is the Queen of the Garden.” Oliver said. His voice being flat except for a slight ping of fear in his voice. I looked down to see both foxes shivering in fear.
You are an interesting one. A feminine voice said from nowhere in particular. Never in my 14 hundred years have I seen one quiet like you. Come back soon for a visit.
I glanced around but couldn’t see the queen near us, but I could see on both twins faces and several onlookers that they clearly wanted to leave. So, with that, I created a copy with Puppeter, grabbed both foxes who were still completely afraid to move, and we carefully, but swiftly, left the garden.