Bulk Up to boost offense and defense, while Poison Powder helps control the battlefield?
"Onix, use Dig! Then Harden and strengthen yourself!"
With remarkable skill, the Onix quickly burrowed into the ground, neatly avoiding the onslaught of Poison Powder as it fortified its defences.
Seeing the colossal serpent disappear underground, the Breloom felt a moment of panic but quickly regained its composure. Green energy surged around it, elevating its stance slightly before it sprang into action, leaping up to the branches of a nearby tree.
First, it would enhance its physical attack and power, then find a vantage point to avoid any disadvantages from the Onix's tunnelling.
Impressive! Two consecutive buffing moves, its battle intelligence is off the charts!
Ben couldn't help but admire this opponent. He called out to his Pokémon, "Since you're up there, don't come down!" and pointed at the battlefield.
"Quick reduce it's mobility! Onix, use Sand Tomb!"
Sand Tomb was a highly adaptable ground-type move. Not only could it alter the terrain and create sand, but it also summoned sandstorms to inflict continuous damage on opponents. It was a perfect strategy against melee attackers like the Breloom.
Suddenly, the earth began to tremble as the dry soil transformed into loose sand, forming a sinking quicksand field at its center. A sandstorm kicked up, sweeping away clouds of paralyzing powder, leaving the Breloom to jump down from its perch and take front position.
"Breloom!"
With a fierce cry, it channelled white energy into its hands and swung its fists into the swirling sandstorm. The force of its punches pushed back against the wind, effectively countering the effects of the storm!
Incredible! That's Mach Punch a signature move with such speed that it alters airflow itself!
"Stop, Onix!" Ben commanded, gesturing for the snake to calm the storm and revert the ground. He addressed the Breloom, "I have no intention of harming your kind. The Onix has just learned this technique and isn't yet proficient. Let's face off directly instead!"
"Loom! Loom!" The Breloom nodded, soothing its frightened companions before returning to battle. Energy enveloped its fists once more.
"Hey!"
"Very well! Out you come, Onix! Use Slam!"
With a powerful "Boom!" the Onix erupted from the ground, its massive tail crashing down towards the Breloom. Armed with fighting energy, the Breloom swiftly defended itself, blocking the tail strike with a flurry of punches.
The damage from the fighting moves still stung the Onix, but it held firm, bolstered by its training and hardened defenses.
"Don't back down! Iron Tail, counterattack!"
"Onix!" The pain-fueled rage of the Onix surged as silver-gray energy encased its tail, striking back with unwavering force.
"Boom!" The clash sent dust flying, creating a shockwave that rippled through the area.
"Bre Loo~!" The Breloom cried out, getting knocked back and crashing into a large tree.
The disparity between a fully mastered Iron Tail and an inexperienced Mach Punch was evident, the raw physical strength and skill mastery widened the gap!
What a powerful Onix!
"Oniii..." The Onix revelled in its successful attack.
Meanwhile, the surrounding Shroomish rushed to aid the Breloom, which was struggling to stand. They hopped anxiously, concerned for their fallen leader.
"Breee~" It waved its hands to reassure them, signalling that it was alright. The Breloom rose again, panting heavily, but quickly rallied its strength for another attack, launching itself towards the Onix with Mach Punch once more.
What a warrior! It truly protected its kin and pushed itself to its limits!
"Onix, Iron Tail!"
The scene repeated, another confrontation between the giant tail and the courageous fists! The explosive clash of Ssteel against Fighting types! Determination against attributes, embodying the fighting spirit to protect loved ones!
"Loom!"
"Onix!"
A series of Mach Punches met the oncoming Iron Tail!
Ultimately, the Breloom was repelled again, collapsing to the ground, gasping for breath. The Onix stood tall, not only boasting strong physical defense but also ample stamina!
"Breloom! Do you wish to continue?"
Ben couldn't help but be moved by its fighting spirit. "I'm merely passing through; we don't need to fight to the end!"
The Breloom shook its head stubbornly.
"Bre!" It opened its arms, drawing in a wave of green energy from the Onix, partially restoring its strength and continuing to absorb energy without interruption. Despite the toll, the Onix regarded its opponent with newfound respect.
"Do you feel it too? That unwavering spirit and resolve!"
"Nixxx!" The Onix, undeterred by fatigue, let the absorbed energy fuel its defences, recognizing the determination of its adversary, even if it didn't fully understand why they fought so fiercely.
"Bre!"
The Breloom charged forward again, "Show respect, with your most powerful Iron Tail!"
"Onixx!"
Boom!
Once again, the mighty form of the Breloom fell, this time unable to rise again, collapsing to the ground.
"Ding! The battle is over. The Onix wins, earning 10 training points and gaining significant experience. Its level has risen to 26. Proficiency in Dig has increased, Harden has improved, and Iron Tail has reached its maximum proficiency level, unable to improve further!"
Whew! It's finally over, what a determined fighter!
"Thank you, Onix! Come back and rest." With a flick of his wrist, Ben recalled the Onix, ignoring the glares from the nearby Shroomish and Breloom observing from the treetops. He approached their leader, pulling a bottle of wound ointment from his backpack to treat its injuries.
"Bre~"
The slight sting drew a yelp from the Breloom, but the surrounding Pokémon's hostility began to fade.
"Although I don't fully understand why you fought so hard, I want you to know that I'm really just passing through with no ill intentions. I hope you recover well."
Leaving the rest to its companions, Ben made his way past the watchful eyes of the Shroomish and Breloom, pressing on toward Rustboro City.
As he walked, he spotted something remarkable ahead.
In the heart of the wetland stood a massive dead tree, its trunk half hollowed out with a large hole at its base. Inside that hole, a nest made from withered branches cradled beige Pokémon eggs adorned with green spots. Surrounding the tree, many mushrooms were huddled close, watching him warily, while the Brelooms took a defensive stance, ready for a challenge.
So that's it! This was the reason behind the fight.
Ben quickly realized they were defending these soon-to-hatch Pokémon babies, striving to protect the next generation of their kind!
Ah!
A self-deprecating smile crossed his lips; he had been mistaken for a threat. Glancing back at the leader of the Breloom, supported by its companions, Ben saw the determination in its eyes, a willingness to protect its offspring, even to the point of risking its life!
Love truly is the greatest power, and parental love is the most selfless of all!
Smiling at the leader, he proceeded to the nest. Gently, he pulled out a generous amount of Pokémon food from his backpack and placed it on the ground. He then patted a small Shroomish on the head, as if addressing both the little creature and himself.
"Humans and Pokémon are part of this world. We coexist, grow together, and form bonds of friendship and partnership. While humans have certainly made mistakes, please know that most people are kind and willing to treat Pokémon with respect. Today, you've shown me the true beauty and strength of love! Thank you!"
As the mushrooms relaxed, the Breloom lowered their defenses. Ben stood up, realizing that Pokémon are some of the kindest and purest creatures. He waved goodbye, aware that it was time to move on.
"Farewell! I hope we can be friends next time!"
With that, he left their territory. The mushrooms bounded back to their home, while the leader of the Breloom smiled and nodded at its companions, slowly disappearing into the woods.
"Loom?"
"Here…"
Once outside the Breloom's territory, Ben set up camp for the night on a clear patch of grass. Nearby, the Onixlay quietly, resting after being treated with ointment, while the Mudkip arranged berries on a makeshift dining table.
"Thanks, Mudkip!"
"Mud!"
"Do you miss your parents, Mudkip?"
"Kip? Kip!" It tilted its head, pondering before nodding.
That's right! They're the best in the world.
"Mud!"
"Don't worry. When we return to Petalburg City, I'll take you back to see your family," Ben reassured, ruffling the Mudkip's head. "The same goes for you, Onix. Let's all go home together and express our gratitude!"
"Onix~!"
As I reflect on my parents from both my past life and this one, I see two very different pairs. One set is an ordinary middle-aged retired couple, while the other represents social elites with some wealth. Despite the differences in time and space, there's a common thread, they both gave their all for me, working hard to support me as I grew.
Tears well up in my eyes.
"Goodbye, Mom and Dad," I whisper, a farewell to my previous life.
"Thank you, Mom and Dad," I say, expressing my gratitude for this life.
"Now, let's get started on dinner! What should we have today? How about some berry curry?"
"Kip! Kip!"
"Onix!"
"Alright, alright, we'll be done soon!"
Looking at my two Pokémon, Onix and Mudkip, I realize that you are also my family.