Eric couldn't sit still after reading the story about Red and Blue. It had been a while since he went to the forest to train, so he decided to go there today.
Soon, it would be time for him to leave Redwood and explore all of Kanto. He wanted to let his Pokemon digest what they gained in the tournament first, then he'll head out.
After entering Redwood forest, Eric went straight to the Butterfree territory. Their was something different about the place today.
The Butterfree, who are usually battling in the training grounds were nowhere to be seen. The Caterpie and Metapods were still there, but no Butterfree.
'Are they deeper inside?'
Eric had never gone deeper than the training grounds, so he didn't know what lay ahead. He knew that the leader of this territory was further ahead, but nothing other than that.
While he was wondering what to do, a Butterfree finally showed up, and upon noticing Eric, she went up to him.
She then gestured Eric to follow her inside.
As Eric walked deeper into the territory, he noticed the area was a lot more developed.
There were many different berry trees , and he even saw a lot of Pokemon Honey!
He also saw a bunch of plants he's never heard of. His system added them to its database and told him they are very useful to bug pokemon.
(The system has all the data available in the games and anime, but nothing else. Everything new in the Pokemon world needs to be updated manually, after Eric observes them.)
The energy in the area was a lot denser as well. So much so that even Eric, who can't sense energy, felt a difference in the air.
Eric's curiousity kept increasing the deeper he went. He also began to see a lot more Butterfree now.
After about 20 minutes of walking, Eric reached the area where the Leader Butterfree resided.
Once there, he saw that there was actually a big man made house!
"Phree"
The Butterfree who got him here called out, and a few strong Butterfree came out of the house to greet him.
There were 5 of them in total.
All of them were at the intermediate level!
As Eric was trying to make sense of this place, he heard a human voice from inside the house, and jumped up, alert.
"Who're you all going out to meet?"
Eric looked alertedly as he watched a man come out of the house.
He was dressed like someone who lived in the woods, with brown hair and emerald green eyes.
"Are you the guy Butterfree told me about? The one who comes here to hang out from time time?"
"…Yes. You are?"
Eric asked cautiously.
"Me? I'm Her trainer."
As the man gestured with his thumb, the leader Butterfree appeared beside him.
"So she really is not a wild pokemon?"
"Nah, She only settled here about a year ago."
The man recollects fondly,
"Back then we visited Redwood Forest to get something from the central area. It was then that we found this small group of Caterpie that were being chased by a Beedrill Swarm."
He pats Butterfree's head as he continues.
"This girl over here was furious. She sent that entire swarm packing. After that we took care of the Caterpie while we were there. Butterfree got attached. I could tell she didn't want to leave them behind, otherwise she'll always be worried"
He sighed as he continues,
"I couldn't take so many Caterpie with me back then, so after some consideration, I chose to let Butterfree stay here. We both hesitated, not wanting to part ways, but eventually decided this was the best."
"Phree"
Butterfree looks sad as she rubs her head against the man.
"I thought of releasing her, but Butterfree didn't want that. And honestly, neither did I. So I helped her settle here and build this territory. I make sure to visit at least once every month, and bring resources for her training. We even grew a lot of excellent resources for Bug Pokemon here so that the other Caterpie and Butterfree could also grow strong."
" Phree!"
" You've seen the training ground right? It's pretty cool right? That was also built by me. The names Maverick by the way."
" I'm Eric."
" So Eric! Nice to meet ya. I heard from Butterfree that you've kept them company. I was a bit late this time, so I imagine Butterfree must be quite worried. So thanks."
"Phree!"
" I know, Butterfree. But don't worry. I've made arrangements so that I can relocate this whole territory. We won't have to stay apart much longer."
Maverick comforted Butterfree.
" Wait, relocate this entire territory? Do you have such a big space of your own?"
" Haha, I finally got my own island!"
" Wait what? An entire island of your own."
" Hm? It's very expensive but many strong trainers have one. There are thousands of small islands scattered around just Kanto. They use it to keep all their Pokémon on their own. Not everyone wants to keep their Pokemon under someone else you know. These trainers have set up the PC in a way that they can teleport Pokemon back and forth from their own Island!"
Eric had considered what he'd do if he caught too many Pokemon. He didn't want to leave them under someone's care, even if they were verified by the league. This was a huge dilemma that Eric finally had an idea how to solve!
"Alright, kid. As a token of our meeting today, I'll give you the opportunity to ask me any one question about Pokemon. Keep in mind, I am a very experienced trainer. So think carefully and choose wisely before asking."
Maverick gave Eric a smirk as he waited for his question. He was someone with a lot of experience, and could read Eric's character quite well. And he liked him. Not to mention, Butterfree likes him too. So he gave him an opportunity.
Eric fell in thought. There were many things he needed answers for. But what would be the most crucial to him right now? After thinking for a bit, Eric decided what he wanted to ask. He was never someone who struggled with indecision.
Eric then looked at Maverick and asked,
"How do you go about improving a Pokémon's potential?"
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