"Bzzzz…"
"It really is a Beedrill nest," Ash whispered, crouched behind a thicket, his face partially hidden by two thin twigs he used to camouflage himself.
Just ahead, a massive tree loomed, its branches densely covered in motionless Kakuna. Ash's heart stirred with excitement—this was exactly what he was hoping to find.
At that moment, three Beedrill flew in formation toward Ash's hiding spot—not because they had spotted him, but simply because they were headed out to forage and happened to pass directly over the bush he was concealed in.
Beedrill were infamous. Ordinary people and even Trainers called them "Bandits of the Forest," and they were listed among the most dangerous wild Pokémon to avoid during field expeditions. But Ash, who had read a detailed academic paper published by Professor Oak, knew that the truth wasn't so black and white.
Unlike Butterfree—who were described in the report as "free-spirited and romantic," often neglecting their own families and not caring for their species—Beedrill were diligent, united, and fiercely protective of their own.
Fully evolved Beedrill spent nearly every waking moment gathering food to feed the Weedle in their nest. Any enemy who dared to invade their home would be swarmed without hesitation. They would fight to the death to protect their kin and their territory.
Both Caterpie and Weedle were weak Bug-types, but the difference in their survival was stark. Caterpie, with no structured group or guardian, lived in constant fear—just stepping out to chew a leaf meant risking being swooped up by bird Pokémon.
But Weedle thrived under the protection of their colony. With Beedrill defending them, they had ample food and territory. Even powerful predators like Fearow or Pidgeot had to think twice before attacking a nest guarded by Beedrill.
It was clear—anyone who took the time to study Beedrill would discover they embodied surprisingly noble qualities.
After discovering the nest, Ash had immediately activated his Aura Perception to inspect it more closely. The results were impressive: over 80 Weedle crawled through the base of the nest, more than 60 Kakuna hung suspended from the branches, and at least 30 Beedrill stood guard within the nest.
Including those currently out foraging, the total number of Beedrill in this colony was close to 50—a medium-sized, well-organized swarm.
But Ash hadn't used his Aura just to count their numbers.
He wanted to know if any among them were sick or injured.
If he could find the wounded, he could use his psychic healing powers to aid them—offering help in exchange for a favor: the Beedrill's assistance in dealing with Team Rocket.
After all, wild Pokémon faced not just the harshness of the environment, but constant battles with other Pokémon over food, water, and space. Illness and injury were common.
Sure enough, Ash sensed several cases of both sickness and injury in the nest. Most of the sick were the fragile Weedle, while most of the injuries had been sustained by the Beedrill—likely while foraging or fighting.
Though Ash's Viridian Blessing ability, [Natural Affinity], was incredibly effective, he couldn't be sure that this notoriously aggressive and territorial species would be friendly toward him.
Still, with so many in need of healing, Ash figured he had a solid 90% chance of striking a deal.
"Beedrill," he called softly as the three that had flown overhead drew near, "I can heal your wounded companions… but I need a small favor in return."
He quickly activated [Natural Affinity], using the calming force of the Viridian Power to halt the trio mid-air and initiate communication.
"Bzzzz…"
"Bzzzzt…"
The moment they spotted the human suddenly appearing before them, the three Beedrill instinctively prepared for combat. But then… something changed.
The aura radiating from Ash didn't feel hostile. Instead, it was warm, soothing—even familiar. It reminded them of their own kind. The aggression melted from their minds like snow under sunlight. Not a trace of killing intent remained.
And when they heard that Ash could heal their injured companions, the trio immediately became excited, buzzing and waving their twin stingers.
Escorted by the three, Ash was soon brought before the queen of the hive.
"Bzzzzz… Human boy. You say you can cure the wounds and illness of my people… and in return, you ask for a favor. But how can we trust your words? Humans are known for deception."
Although the Beedrill Queen could sense the natural aura surrounding Ash, and though she harbored no hostility, she was still the leader of the colony. Her strength and intelligence far surpassed that of the other Beedrill.
Cautious and wise, she withheld judgment.
"I can treat your injured companions right now," Ash offered calmly. "Once you've seen the results for yourself, then you can decide whether to help me or not."
There was no time to bargain. Team Rocket could arrive at any moment.
Ash chose to lay all his cards on the table.
"Bzzzzz… Fine. But first, tell me what favor you seek."
"There are bad people chasing me," Ash said, eyes sharp. "They are evil humans who use tranquilizers and steel cages to capture wild Pokémon. They sell them on the black market. Worse… they experiment on them while they're still alive."
Ash's voice remained steady as he continued, "They've targeted me. I think they want my psychic powers. I'll heal your wounded. In return, when those humans come this way… I need you to help me stop them."
Ash didn't sugarcoat it. He explained exactly who Team Rocket was and why they were chasing him.
Wild Pokémon were pure-hearted. Only honesty could earn their trust.
"Bzzzzz… Capturing wild Pokémon… selling them… experimenting on them… Such wicked humans… deserve to suffer!" the Beedrill Queen buzzed, her tone venomous with rage.
"Bzzzzz… Human boy. Heal my people. And when those monsters arrive, I will lead my colony to give them the punishment they deserve."
"Thank you!" Ash beamed, his heart finally relaxing a little.
Without wasting a moment, he got to work—moving swiftly and methodically to heal every injured and sick Beedrill brought before him.
And all the while… the hive began to stir.
For soon, the forest would be painted in vengeance.
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