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"Saur saur~Saur saur~" The massive Venusaur patriarch approached Eddie with slow, deliberate steps, its deep voice carrying genuine gratitude and respect.
"You're welcome," Eddie replied with what he hoped sounded like genuine modesty. "Since I was here, I couldn't just stand by and watch. Besides, I still need your help with selecting a partner, right?"
Eddie maintained his righteous tone, presenting himself as someone naturally inclined toward heroic actions. He conveniently avoided mentioning that the Beedrill attack had occurred because his destruction of the Vine Whip barrier had created the opening they used to invade the garden.
The incident was resolved successfully—why complicate matters by dwelling on its origins? Sometimes it was better to let sleeping Snorlax lie.
"Saur saur~Saur saur~" The patriarch's response carried notes of admiration and recognition, as if confirming something important about Eddie's character and natural abilities.
The translation provided by Eddie's Power of Viridian indicated the Venusaur had said: "As expected from someone blessed with Nature Power. I rarely encounter humans with such a strong connection to the natural world."
Eddie felt his cheeks warm slightly at the praise. While he appreciated the recognition, he also felt somewhat undeserving given his role in creating the problem he'd just solved.
"Ahem, well, I should continue with the selection process," Eddie said, clearing his throat to mask his embarrassment. "Their arrival interrupted us earlier, so let's pick up where we left off."
Despite his tendency toward shamelessness in certain situations, Eddie wasn't quite thick-skinned enough to completely ignore his guilt. The praise made him genuinely uncomfortable, though he was determined to complete his original mission.
He reached for his Pokédex again, preparing to resume evaluating the Bulbasaur he hadn't yet examined.
"Saur saur~ Saur saur saur saur~ Saur saur~ Saur saur." The patriarch's rumbling voice stopped Eddie mid-motion, drawing his attention back to the massive grass-type.
Eddie raised his eyebrows with interest as the translation reached him: "Don't bother with that process. We actually have a Bulbasaur with the greatest potential hidden away. Wait here—I'll call it out for you."
This development impressed Eddie considerably. The Venusaur patriarch had been holding back their most promising young member, likely as a test of Eddie's character and abilities. If Eddie had failed to help during the Beedrill attack, or if his strength had proven insufficient, or if he hadn't demonstrated proper moral character, this exceptional Bulbasaur would probably never have been revealed.
It was a clever strategy that spoke well of the patriarch's wisdom and protective instincts.
"Saur saur saur~~~" The patriarch called toward the massive flowering tree that served as the centerpiece of their garden sanctuary.
Apparently, the Bulbasaur with the greatest potential had been residing within that ancient tree, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
As the patriarch's call echoed through the garden, a Bulbasaur emerged from a hollow at the tree's base. Even from a distance, Eddie could sense that this individual possessed significantly more presence and power than any of the other young Bulbasaur—or even the evolved Ivysaur—in the tribe.
The grass-type starter ran toward Eddie with obvious excitement, its movements displaying coordination and strength that exceeded what should be possible for its evolutionary stage. Upon reaching Eddie, it immediately began rubbing against him affectionately, its bulb releasing a pleasant, sweet fragrance that indicated exceptional health and vitality.
"Wait a minute," Eddie muttered, studying the Bulbasaur's aura more carefully. "How does this Bulbasaur have a stronger presence than the Ivysaur around here?"
The anomaly was unmistakable. This particular Bulbasaur radiated power that rivaled some of the patriarch's own offspring, despite not having evolved even once. Eddie pulled out his Pokédex to investigate this unusual situation.
Name: Bulbasaur
Type: Grass/Poison
Ability: Chlorophyll (Speed doubles in harsh sunlight or Sunny Day conditions)
Level: 36 (Advanced)
Potential: Elite Level
Known Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Growth, Double-Edge, Solar Beam, Petal Dance
"Incredible," Eddie breathed, studying the data with amazement. "No wonder your presence rivals the Venusaur—you've reached level 36 without evolving even once."
The implications were staggering. This Bulbasaur had deliberately suppressed its natural evolution to remain in its base form while gaining the strength typically associated with its final evolutionary stage.
Eddie's mind immediately jumped to a comparison from the anime series. "You wouldn't happen to be planning a career as a 'lonely traveler,' would you?"
"Bulba bulba!" The grass-type responded with determined enthusiasm, clearly understanding the question.
"Listen, little one," Eddie said seriously, "if you're going to travel with me, you'll need to evolve eventually. I notice you know Petal Dance—that's an egg move, isn't it? You've already mastered every technique that Venusaur learns through natural leveling."
Eddie's analysis was correct. The Venusaur evolutionary line shared virtually identical natural movesets, with only Petal Blizzard and Petal Dance being exclusive to the final evolution under normal circumstances. This Bulbasaur had somehow learned the complete Venusaur moveset while remaining in its basic form—a remarkable achievement that spoke to both its potential and its trainer's dedication.
A level 36 Bulbasaur represented the perfect timing for someone who wanted to master all possible techniques before evolving. Beyond this point, further growth would require TMs, specialized training, or breeding moves.
"Saur saur~ Saur saur!" The Bulbasaur's response carried clear determination and excitement.
The translation indicated: "Of course I'll evolve! I only suppressed my evolution to learn all available techniques first!"
As if to prove its sincerity and readiness, the Bulbasaur immediately stopped whatever internal processes had been preventing its evolution. The change was instantaneous and dramatic.
Brilliant white light enveloped the grass-type's body as years of accumulated evolutionary energy finally released. The bulb on its back glowed with intense radiance as its body began to grow and change shape. Eddie watched in fascination as the evolution progressed rapidly through both stages.
First, the Bulbasaur transformed into Ivysaur, its body growing larger and the bulb developing into a flowering bud. Then, without pause, the evolution continued as the bud bloomed into a magnificent flower and the body reached its final, impressive size.
When the light faded, a powerful Venusaur stood before Eddie, its body massive but its eyes still filled with the same affectionate warmth it had shown as a Bulbasaur.
"Saur saur~ Saur saur~" The newly evolved Venusaur's voice carried excitement and anticipation.
"I'm finished evolving! Please take me with you—I want to go out and battle!" The translation revealed a grass-type with an unusually strong desire for combat and adventure.
"That fighting spirit makes sense," Eddie mused thoughtfully. "Most Pokémon with Elite-level potential and this much strength aren't content to stay in one place forever."
Eddie understood the psychology well. Powerful Pokémon with exceptional potential typically craved challenges and growth opportunities. Unless they were naturally lazy or had no interest in combat, they would inevitably seek out stronger opponents and new experiences. The degree of this desire varied among individuals, but it was almost universal among those blessed with significant abilities.
"Alright, since you seem so eager, I'll capture you right away," Eddie decided, producing an Ultra Ball from his belt.
He gently tapped the Ultra Ball against the Venusaur's broad head. The capture occurred without resistance, the ball clicking shut immediately to indicate a successful catch.
Eddie immediately released his new team member, knowing that departure would come soon and wanting to give the Venusaur a chance to say proper farewells to its family and home.
The newly captured Venusaur spent several minutes moving among its former tribemates, exchanging what appeared to be emotional goodbyes and promises. The other grass-types seemed proud of their relative's opportunity while obviously sad to see such a promising member leave their community.
After the farewell process concluded, the patriarch Venusaur approached Eddie once more, its expression serious and purposeful.
"Saur saur~Saur saur~" The massive grass-type's voice carried a formal tone that suggested an important request was coming.
"Our entire tribe recognizes both your character and your strength," the translation revealed. "Therefore, we would like to ask a favor of you."
Eddie raised his eyebrows with genuine curiosity. This was the first time he had encountered wild Pokémon making direct requests for assistance. The situation differed significantly from his relationship with Lucario, where he felt obligated to help because the Steel/Fighting-type had become his partner.
The Venusaur tribe wasn't seeking to join his team—he had already claimed their most promising member. Their request would be something else entirely.
"Tell me what you need," Eddie replied thoughtfully. "If it's within my abilities and seems reasonable, I'll be happy to help."
He wanted to understand the full scope of their request before making any commitments, but his initial inclination was positive given their hospitality and the successful partnership they had just formed.
"Saur saur~Saur saur saur saur~Saur saur saur..." The patriarch began what appeared to be a longer explanation, its voice taking on nostalgic tones.
"The truth is, our home wasn't always like this beautiful sanctuary you see today. It was quite desolate and barren until a certain benefactor arrived and transformed everything..."