This was a small grove off to the right side of Route 102. At the end of the grove lay the next destination—
Oldale Town. A peaceful town where vibrant flowers and lush greenery competed in beauty. It sat at the intersection of Route 101, Route 102, and Route 103, making it an important hub despite its modest size.
Although its population was small, the abundance of forest and freshwater nearby supported a wide variety of wild Pokémon. Some even claimed to have spotted starter Pokémon—Grass and Water-type Royal Three—roaming in the area.
In the Pokémon world, the Royal Three refers to the three Pokémon typically offered to new Trainers at the start of their journey—usually one each of Grass, Fire, and Water types.
These Pokémon are known for their three-stage evolution lines, massive potential, and final-stage base stats that can reach up to 530. They're well worth raising.
Because of this, many Trainers came here in hopes of encountering one.
However, the Royal Three Pokémon in every region were actually managed by the Pokémon League. Only a very small number of wild specimens existed in the wild—making a random encounter extremely rare.
Ethan wasn't even sure if Mega Evolution had been discovered in this timeline yet...
Lost in thought, he decided to take a break and try his luck later. Maybe—just maybe—he'd run into the Pokémon he had in mind.
Resolved, Ethan stroked his chin and stepped into the Oldale Town Pokémon Center.
After handing Onix's Poké Ball to Nurse Joy, he leaned quietly against the counter, observing the busy lobby.
Trainers of all kinds came and went, each accompanied by their own unique Pokémon. Ethan's eyes danced with curiosity. Aside from the usual Machop, Geodude, Marill, and Nidoran♂, he even spotted a few rare Pokémon.
To his surprise, he saw Trainers with Treecko and Torchic—actual Royal Three Pokémon!
Just then, an older man exited the Center and released a Dragonite—which spread its wings and took to the sky with him riding on its back.
A collective gasp of excitement filled the hall.
Ethan rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
"No way… a Dragonite?! That's a Quasi-Legendary from the Kanto region!"
Before he could recover from his excitement, Nurse Joy's voice drifted over gently.
"That's an Alliance Search Officer, you know~"
Snapping out of it, Ethan quickly took the Poké Ball Nurse Joy handed back to him.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy!"
"You're welcome," she said, smiling. "But as for why the Search Officer is here—that's a secret, little one. Leave matters like that to the adults in the Alliance."
Ethan twitched slightly at the "little one" remark, but he could only accept it silently.
"The important thing for you right now," Nurse Joy continued kindly, "is to get to Littleroot Town and register as a Trainer."
Tch… calling me 'little one' again…
Ethan sighed helplessly and stepped outside under Nurse Joy's gaze.
Just then, a nearby conversation caught his attention.
"Did you hear? Someone spotted a Mudkip in the wetlands near Route 103!"
"Seriously? You think that's real or just some rumor?"
"I'm telling you, it's real! You know Xiao Wu from Rustboro City? He fought one in the wetlands!"
"Did he catch it?"
"Nope. His Geodude got flattened by the Mudkip."
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go! If we catch it, that's like winning the lottery!"
"Let's move, let's move!"
Ethan watched the excited Trainers rush off and frowned slightly.
Even if the rumor is true… with that many people hunting it, what are the odds it'll still be there?
Even if it is, how could anyone get close with all that commotion?
He sighed and shook his head. It was already noon anyway—Mudkip liked humid environments and likely wouldn't show up at this time of day.
Better to eat first. Littleroot Town is nearby. I'll meet Professor Birch, get officially registered, and then come back to search. There's still time.
To Ethan, catching Pokémon was a matter of fate.
He released Onix and laid out its food and Energy Cubes. Then, from his backpack, he poured out a small collection of stones and minerals he had brought from home.
Meanwhile, Ethan sat down and ordered himself a plate of chicken curry rice.
"Onix, go underground at night, okay? Absorbing different kinds of rocks helps your growth."
"Roar!"
Onix, being a subterranean Pokémon, naturally lived underground. It could dig tunnels at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour, devouring rocks and minerals as it went.
These hard materials strengthened its body, and as it matured, the composition of its rocky shell would evolve—eventually becoming hard as black diamonds.
Most Rock-type Pokémon shared this habit: swallowing minerals to increase body hardness and accelerate growth.
Take Tyranitar, for instance—a Rock/Dark-type Quasi-Legendary from the Johto region. Even as a Larvitar, it had to devour an entire mountain just to grow strong enough to evolve into the mighty Tyranitar.
Speaking of which… Tyranitar is a must-have someday. A Quasi-Legendary Rock-type… I've gotta catch one! I wonder if I'll get the chance…
Tyranitar…
As Ethan thought about it, his plans for choosing a starter Pokémon began to shift.
If I contribute enough, maybe the Alliance will grant me a chance to receive a Quasi-Legendary someday…
After finishing his meal, he recalled Onix and resumed his journey toward Littleroot Town.
Leaving Oldale Town, he headed south along Route 101, entering a path lined with shrubs and overgrown grass. Occasionally, a Wurmple or Caterpie would crawl out of the underbrush. Now and then, a Pidgey soared overhead—and the Wurmples vanished soon after.
As Ethan walked, a faint groan came from behind a nearby tree on the right. He immediately tensed, released Onix, and instructed it to stay on guard. Then he cautiously approached the sound.
Behind the tree, he spotted a Pokémon slumped against the trunk. It had the appearance of a small child: brown skin, a pointed nose, and a leaf sprouting from its head.
That's… Nuzleaf?!
"System, scan!"
"Pokémon: NuzleafLevel: 15Species: The Wily Pokémon. Lives in dense, lush forests. Occasionally emerges to scare people. Hates it when its long nose is grabbed.
Gender: MaleType: Grass + DarkNature: NaughtyAbility: Chlorophyll – Speed increases in sunny weather.
Known Moves:– Razor Leaf (Beginner)– Fake Out (Beginner)– Absorb (Beginner)– Astonish (Beginner)– Tackle (Beginner)
Inherited Moves:– Extrasensory (Beginner)
TMs: None
Status: Weakened, Poisoned"
Poisoned and weak?
Ethan stepped closer. Nuzleaf's eyes were closed, its right hand clutched a wound on its left arm. Its face was twisted in pain as it let out faint groans.
This looks bad!
He immediately dug into his backpack, pulled out an Antidote, and sprayed it onto Nuzleaf's wound. Then he wrapped the arm with a clean bandage.
"Kuo nuo~"
Nuzleaf's tense expression eased slightly. Ethan let out a breath of relief.
Lifting Nuzleaf into his arms, he climbed onto Onix's back.
"Onix, hurry—let's get to Littleroot Town! Professor Birch needs to take a look!"
"Roar!"
Onix nodded, then galloped along the path at full speed.
As Ethan glanced down at the weak Nuzleaf in his arms, a troubling thought crept in.
How did it get poisoned? There aren't supposed to be any aggressive Poison-types in this area…
He mentally listed the possibilities.
Beedrill? Venomoth? Dustox? But they wouldn't normally attack a Nuzleaf… Could it have been a territory dispute?
"Bzzzz…"
Hm? That sound…
Ethan's brows furrowed.
"Bzzz…"
It's familiar. Where have I…?
His eyes widened.
Oh no!
"Onix—speed up, now!"
That buzzing—he knew it. It was the sound of Beedrill wings!
Sure enough, Beedrill began rising from the bushes around them, taking to the air and slowly surrounding them!
A few Venomoth joined them. The trees were covered in Weedle, Kakuna, and even more Wurmple.
Did I stumble into a bug nest?! But I never left the main road!
Seeing the swarm grow, Ethan had no choice.
"Onix, stop!"
He jumped down, cradling Nuzleaf carefully in his arms.
Facing the largest Beedrill, he raised his voice.
"We didn't invade your territory! Why are you attacking us?!"
But something about the leader Beedrill felt… off.
"System, scan!"
"Pokémon: Beedrill (Leader)Level: 24Type: Bug + PoisonNature: ImpatientAbility: Swarm – Boosts Bug-type moves when HP is low.
Known Moves:– Poison Jab (Beginner)– String Shot (Proficient)– Poison Sting (Proficient)– Fury Cutter (Beginner)– Focus Energy (Proficient)– Double Team (Beginner)– Pin Missile (Proficient)– Agility (Proficient)– Fury Attack (Beginner)
Inherited Moves:– Slash (Beginner)– Assurance (Beginner)
TMs: None"
Level 24… and 5 Proficient-level moves? That's bad!
Ethan's face turned serious.
Even if it were one-on-one, that Beedrill is tough. But there's a whole swarm—no way they'll play fair.
Before he could act—
"Hsssss!"
"Buzz! Buzz!"
The Bug-types surged forward!
Glints of purple flashed on their stingers—Poison Sting attacks flying straight at Onix!
"Damn it! What's going on here?! Onix—Screech, now! Then follow with the widest-range Rock Slide you've got!"
He had no choice but to act fast.
Onix let out a powerful Screech, disrupting the swarm's coordination. As the bugs reeled, it slammed its tail to the ground—sending boulders flying in every direction.
Bug Pokémon scattered and tumbled under the hail of falling rocks.
"Ding! In battle, Onix defeated wild Beedrill. +1 Training Point.""Ding! In battle, Onix defeated wild Venomoth. +1 Training Point.""Ding!..."
Looks like the rest of them are low level—good!
Ethan's eyes locked on the Beedrill Leader.
This is the chance!
"Onix, target the leader—Rock Slide!"
"Roar!"
Onix roared, then slammed its tail with force. The ground cracked open as it launched a massive boulder, coated in Ground-type energy, directly at the Beedrill Leader.
But just before impact, a red gleam flashed in the Beedrill's compound eyes—
And seven identical copies appeared around it.
Double Team!
The massive rock passed straight through a shadowy clone. All eight Beedrill figures hovered together, wings buzzing. Then they lunged as one—glowing stingers primed to strike, greyish-white energy coiling around them.
"Hiss!"
It's using Agility and Focus Energy… It's buffing itself for a full-speed strike! This guy… does it have a personal vendetta?!
Ethan clenched his teeth.
"Onix—Harden, then Dig, now!"
"Roar!"
Onix's rocky surface glowed and glistened, solidifying into polished armor. Then it roared and disappeared underground just as the Beedrill lunged.
The leader paused in midair, scanning.
Unable to find Onix, it redirected—eyes locked on Ethan and the unconscious Nuzleaf.
Just a little lower… a little more…
Now!
Ethan's eyes flashed with resolve.
Clutching Nuzleaf tightly with one arm, he covered both their ears with his free hand and shouted:
"Onix—Screech!"
From deep underground, Onix let out a thunderous Screech, its volume magnified through the echoing tunnels.
The high-pitched, piercing sound blasted into the Beedrill Leader's senses, causing it to seize mid-air, its body trembling in agony. Its defense dropped sharply as its concentration broke.
With its focus shattered, the illusionary clones from Double Team vanished in an instant!
And now—Beedrill was dangerously close.
Right above Ethan.And dangerously close… to the ground.
Now's the chance!
"Onix, break out—and Bite it!"
Right below the flailing Beedrill, Onix burst out of the earth like a missile, its massive body lunging upward!
But the Beedrill Leader wasn't done. Its stinger suddenly glowed with a venomous purple hue—
Poison Jab!
It dove downward, aiming directly for Onix's head!
Thud!
The stinger landed, jabbing into Onix's tough hide. The Rock Snake Pokémon roared in pain.
"Roarrr!"
But thanks to its natural resistance as a Rock-type, the poison's effect was muted. Gritting through the damage, Onix lunged forward and sank its jaws into Beedrill's hind leg!
"Now—Return!"
Onix twisted its entire body, harnessing its full strength.
With a powerful swing, it slammed Beedrill down from the air into the dirt below!
BOOM!
A bone-rattling crash echoed through the forest as the Beedrill Leader hit the ground like a falling boulder.
"Hiiiisss!!"
Beedrill screamed in agony!
Even with its higher level, it couldn't completely absorb the blow. Still, it managed to rise, trembling, wings buzzing erratically.
Its twin stingers gleamed again—now glowing with brown Bug-type energy.
Pin Missile? No—Fury Attack, or maybe...
With wild desperation, it shot forward, aiming its razor stingers straight for Onix's head!
And—
BOOM!!!