{T/N: Correction, the Wyrdeer from the previous chapter is incorrect, it's just a stronger Stantler.}
Boom!!!
Cole's sudden disappearance caused the large Stantler's attack to miss. The blow struck the ground instead, creating a huge crater with soil and grass debris flying everywhere.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh!
Pidove seized the opportunity, transforming into a streak of light. In the blink of an eye, it soared above Stantler, flapping its wings to release a series of wind wheels.
But Stantler's reaction and speed proved impressive. With a forceful stomp, it leaped away from its original position and shot an energy ball toward Pidove.
"Coo Coo Coo~~"
Pidove twisted nimbly in mid-air, easily avoiding Stantler's attack.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, the sound of air being sliced filled the area.
Lopunny arrived, dropping from the sky behind Stantler. It activated Double Kick, its long legs striking rapidly and creating ripples of sound as they cut through the air.
This Stantler's strength was truly remarkable. As if it had eyes on its back, it reacted without even turning around, leaping away from its position once more.
Boom!!!
Lopunny's kick missed Stantler and hit a nearby large tree instead. The tree — so massive it would have required several people to encircle with their arms — was forcefully kicked in half.
Seeing this display of power, Stantler's pupils contracted as it realized it might have met its match.
Whoosh!
Stantler shot another energy ball, but Lopunny intercepted it with a kick, immediately sending it back toward its source.
At the same time, Pidove's attack connected. Its Air Slash formed wind wheels that sliced toward Stantler while its Super Luck ability activated.
Boom!
Hit simultaneously by its own energy ball and Pidove's Air Slash, Stantler's head tilted to one side as it collapsed to the ground, unable to continue battling.
Battle over!
Lopunny dragged the five Stantler together and waited quietly for them to regain consciousness.
Cole realized they needed to navigate the forest, and from experience, he knew a local guide would be best. Since the Stantler had come to them, why not use them!
Before long, the Stantler gradually regained consciousness. As they awoke, they fearfully hid behind their large leader, looking anxiously at Cole and Sabrina.
"Tell me, why did you try to deceive us?" Cole asked, looking directly at them. When the Stantler remained silent, he added firmly, "If you don't speak up, don't blame me for being impolite!"
As he spoke, he gave Lopunny a meaningful look. It understood immediately, jumping lightly to land in front of a giant tree. With a raised foot, it delivered a powerful kick.
With a crack, the giant tree was cut in half at the trunk.
Cole narrowed his eyes at the large Stantler and said, "Stantler, you wouldn't want your companions..."
The threatening look in his eyes was unmistakable.
The other four Stantler trembled with fear, looking pitifully at their leader. Finally, the large Stantler compromised for the sake of its companions.
(●皿●) Despicable humans!
From Stantler, Cole and Sabrina learned that a powerful Pokémon deep in the forest had instructed them to prevent humans from entering the depths of Viridian Forest.
They also discovered that the Revival Herb they were looking for had been planted in Viridian Forest by that same Pokémon; in fact, Revival Herb didn't grow in Viridian Forest at all until recently.
"Take us to see that Pokémon!"
Hearing this, Stantler hesitated, but after seeing Lopunny threateningly kick another giant tree in half, it could only nod in agreement.
Cole and Sabrina recalled their two Dodrio and switched to riding Stantler instead.
With Stantler leading the way, their journey became much easier. They no longer had to worry about navigating the forest's complex maze.
Sabrina compared their route with the map in her hand and found that the path the Stantler were taking closely matched the route Nurse Joy had given them. It seemed the Revival Herb might indeed have been planted by that mysterious Pokémon.
After traveling for quite some time, the Stantler suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Cole asked, puzzled.
Stantler explained that another powerful Pokémon was blocking the path ahead, also trying to prevent trainers from entering the depths of Viridian Forest.
"Let's go take a look." Cole said, patting its neck.
Although Stantler was reluctant to continue forward, it finally yielded under Lopunny's threatening gaze.
Carrying Cole and Sabrina to a grassy area, the Stantler all stopped at once and began howling continuously at the surrounding forest.
Rustle~ Rustle~ Rustle~
Cole and Sabrina both noticed shadows constantly flashing back and forth in the tree canopy around them.
Whoosh!
A sound of air being sliced through the atmosphere rang out as a Pokémon with two long legs and a brown, bald body appeared before Cole and Sabrina.
It was the Fighting-type Hitmonlee!
"Hwoah~~"
Hitmonlee's two legs moved rapidly as it stared at the duo with vigilant eyes. This was the formidable Pokémon the Stantler had warned about — the second guardian blocking their path.
Cole opted for diplomacy rather than immediate confrontation, "Hitmonlee, we just want to pass through to collect Revival Herb. Please let us through."
But Hitmonlee showed no interest in negotiations. The moment Cole finished speaking, its spring-like elastic legs stomped the ground, launching its body toward Cole like a cannonball.
In a flash, Lopunny leaped into the air, positioning itself protectively in front of Cole. It kicked out swiftly, its foot colliding directly with one of Hitmonlee's extended legs.
The impact between the two Pokémon was intense. Lopunny quickly stepped back twice, while Hitmonlee staggered upon landing. Only they knew the true force behind that brief collision.
Hitmonlee's eyes widened with astonishment as it gazed at Lopunny, its surprise quickly transforming into admiration and affection.
"Hwoah~ Hwoah~ Hwoah~" — If you leave this beautiful lady to be my wife, I'll let you pass.
After staring at Lopunny for a moment, Hitmonlee turned to Cole with a serious expression and made its proposition.
Cole: "..."
Both Lopunny and Hitmonlee belong to the Humanshape group of Pokémon, making breeding between their species biologically possible.
But upon hearing this proposal, Lopunny became furious with embarrassment. In an instant, it vanished from its position, reappearing beside Hitmonlee a split second later and unleashing a relentless Double Kick attack.
Bang Bang Bang!!!
Lopunny's legs kicked out frantically, creating a series of afterimages as it attacked Hitmonlee. Though Hitmonlee raised both arms to defend itself, the barrage was too intense, forcing it to retreat.
Boom!
Finally, Lopunny sent Hitmonlee flying with a powerful kick. Hitmonlee crashed into a large tree behind it, snapping the trunk in half.
Lopunny then used Jump Kick, soaring high into the air with its two long ears glowing with intense flames, diving fiercely toward Hitmonlee below.
Seeing this, Hitmonlee was terrified and quickly used its exceptional jumping ability to leap away, thinking to itself: This female rabbit is amazing!
Boom!!!
Lopunny's flaming ears pounded the ground, creating spider web-like cracks and leaving large patches of scorched earth.
The Stantler watched in shock as Hitmonlee dodged Lopunny's attacks. In their minds, Hitmonlee was supposed to be powerful, but now it seemed... surprisingly weak.
After missing its strike, Lopunny refused to give up. It used Jump Kick again, leaping into the air with its flame-covered ears poised to smash down on Hitmonlee.
In response, Hitmonlee placed both hands on its chest, condensing a blue energy ball and launching it toward Lopunny.
Lopunny gracefully spun in mid-air, skillfully kicking the Focus Blast back at Hitmonlee's face, then immediately followed with a merciless Fire Punch.
Boom!!!
Hitmonlee crashed to the ground, the earth beneath it cracking from Lopunny's powerful punch.
"Phew~"
Lopunny retracted its ears, let out a long breath, and kicked the unconscious Hitmonlee before returning to Cole's side, clearly satisfied with its victory.
Seeing the fierce bunny approach, several Stantler instinctively backed away.
Too... too terrifying!
Though Lopunny had delivered a severe beating, it had avoided Hitmonlee's vital areas. Before long, Hitmonlee regained consciousness — but surprisingly, its gaze toward Lopunny grew even more admiring.
Who would have thought this Hitmonlee was masochistic? There really are all kinds of Pokémon!
At this moment, the mischievous Cole released Heliolisk.
Seeing Heliolisk, Lopunny was overjoyed, skipping lightly to its side and shyly kissing it on the cheek.
Heliolisk: (˵¯͒〰¯͒˵)
With a flushed face, Heliolisk returned the kiss on Lopunny's cheek.
What a betrayal!
Witnessing this scene, Hitmonlee froze like stone, not even reacting as Cole and the others walked past.
Heading deeper into Viridian Forest, Cole and company would face more than just Stantler and Hitmonlee. Now, appearing before them was a Tangrowth.
This Tangrowth was far more formidable than the Stantler and Hitmonlee they had faced earlier. Even with Lopunny, Heliolisk, Pidove, Alakazam, and Natu attacking simultaneously, the powerful Pokémon handled them with ease.
Tangrowth's vines extended throughout the forest, firmly ensnaring both Pidove and Natu, who cried out in pain.
"Pidove!"
"Natu!"
Cole and Sabrina shouted in unison, immediately preparing to use their Psychic Powers to rescue their trapped Pokémon.
Just then, a melodious rustle echoed through the forest, seeming to originate from a distant time and space. The entire forest froze in an instant.
Upon hearing this sound, Tangrowth immediately ceased its attacks, releasing Pidove and Natu and retracting all its extended vines.
Cole watched as transparent ripples suddenly appeared in the air before him, spreading outward like waves on water. A moment later, an intelligent and elegant Pokémon stepped through the ripples.
A Gardevoir.
With a simple wave of its hand to Tangrowth, the vine Pokémon respectfully retreated back into the forest.
As Gardevoir turned its gaze toward him, Cole cautiously stepped back, while the Stantler beside him prostrated themselves on the ground in utmost respect.
This was clearly the mysterious Pokémon the Stantler had mentioned — the one preventing strangers from freely entering the depths of Viridian Forest.
Though Cole had learned from Stantler that this Pokémon was powerful, he hadn't anticipated such formidable strength. The aura emanating from it rivaled what he had felt from Milotic — no, it was even stronger.
"Human, you've finally come. I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
Gardevoir suddenly spoke in human language, startling Cole with its unexpected words.
"Do you know this Pokémon?" Sabrina whispered, tugging gently at Cole's sleeve.
As a Psychic, she too could sense the overwhelming power radiating from this creature.
Noticing Cole's bewildered expression, Gardevoir smiled and said, "Aren't you here to find me? For the Revival Herbs, correct?"
After a moment's hesitation, Cole nodded slightly.
"Then follow me." Gardevoir replied.
With a simple wave of its hand, Gardevoir teleported everyone away in an instant.
✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲
When the dizziness subsided, Cole and Sabrina found themselves standing before a wooden cabin. Gardevoir was already at the entrance, beckoning them inside.
"Come in quickly!"
Cole and Sabrina exchanged uncertain glances before stepping into the cabin.
They reasoned that with Gardevoir's immense power, resistance would be futile if it harbored ill intentions. Better to comply for now.
Looking around, Cole noticed the cabin resembled a typical human dwelling, complete with tables, chairs, cabinets, storage boxes, and even a properly made bed with blankets.
"Please, sit down." Gardevoir said, gesturing toward the table, "Would you like some juice?"
The pair sat down obediently and watched as their host used Psychic Powers to squeeze Pecha Berries into juice, mixing in Miltank's milk and Beedrill's honey.
"Drink up, it's delicious." Placing two glasses of juice on the table in front of Cole and Sabrina, Gardevoir smiled playfully, "This juice is made from S-class berries. You generally can't find these outside."
Cole nearly spilled his juice at this revelation, and Sabrina's reaction mirrored his own.
"Hehehe~" Seeing their surprise, Gardevoir covered its mouth and giggled.
It then brought out additional berries to share among Cole and Sabrina's Pokémon — all apparently S-class as well.
Cole took a small sip of the juice and immediately felt a surge of energy coursing through him!
These truly were S-class berries!
Cole marveled silently. Though he had never encountered S-class berries before, the energy they provided clearly surpassed that of A-class berries. There was no doubt about their classification.
He noted, however, that their flavor was slightly inferior to the berries he cultivated himself.
Meanwhile, their Pokémon happily munched on their own berries, clearly enjoying the rare treat.
✲✲✲
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