In a small forest located to the right of Route 102, the path leads to Oldale Town, a charming little settlement adorned with vibrant flowers and lush green trees, all vying for attention. This town sits at the crossroads of Routes 101, 102, and 103. Though its population is small, the rich surrounding forests and water sources nurture a diverse array of Pokémon. Locals even claim to have spotted the Kanto starter trio here.
When starting their journey, new trainers often choose from one of three starter Pokémon: Grass, Fire, or Water types. Each has three stages of evolution and significant potential, boasting final base stats of around 530, which attracts many trainers. As a result, even a small place like Oldale Town has a Pokémon Centre.
Ben couldn't help but wonder about the current timeline; had Mega Evolution been discovered yet? A base stat of around 630, now that would be a true powerhouse.
After some thought, he decided it was best to take a break first before trying his luck in finding those elusive Pokémon.
Determined, Ben rubbed his chin and walked into the Pokémon Centre in Oldale Town. After handing his Poké Ball to Nurse Joy, he leaned against the counter, quietly watching the bustling hall. Trainers came and went, each accompanied by different Pokémon, leaving Ben momentarily dazed. Among the common faces of Wurmple, Pidgey, and Rattata, he also spotted rarer ones like a Charmander. At one point, he even saw an older man leave the Pokémon Centre and release a Dragonite to fly away, causing quite a commotion.
Wiping his eyes in disbelief, he exclaimed, "I can't believe I just saw a Dragonite here, a Pseudo-Legendary from the Kanto region!"
"That's the League Investigator~" Nurse Joy chimed in before Ben could finish his thought.
Snapping back to reality, Ben accepted the Poké Ball she handed him, thanking her quickly. "Why is the League Investigator here, Nurse Joy? Is something happening in Oldale Town?"
"That's a secret, kiddo. Just leave it to the adults from the League~" Nurse Joy winked playfully. "You're still a rookie, so your priority should be to register in Littleroot Town as soon as possible."
Feeling a mix of disappointment and curiosity, Ben left the Pokémon Centre under Nurse Joy's watchful gaze.
As he stepped outside, a nearby conversation caught his attention.
"Did you hear someone spotted a Mudkip in the wetlands of Route 103?"
"Really? Or is it just another rumor?"
"No way! You know Donny? He battled it…"
"Did he catch it?"
"Uh, no. His Rockruff got beaten by it."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go! If we catch it, we'd be set!"
"Okay, let's hurry!"
Listening to their excitement, Ben frowned. He wasn't sure if the rumors were true, and with so many trainers out looking for it, was there even any chance the Mudkip would still be around? Overwhelmed by thoughts, he shook his head. Finding the Mudkip wasn't urgent; it was already noon, and filling his stomach felt more important. Littleroot Town wasn't far, so he could register first and come back to search for the Mudkip later that night. After all, capturing a Pokémon was more a matter of fate.
Releasing Onix, he took out some Pokémon food and energy cubes for it to eat, then ordered a plate of chicken curry. "Onix, you'll need to dig underground for rocks and minerals on our way."
"Onixx~."
Rock-type Pokémon like Onix typically thrive in the fields. It could dig underground at speeds of up to 50 mph, consuming rocks and minerals to strengthen its body. As it grew, its composition changed, becoming more like black diamond.
This was a common trait among most Rock-types. They relied on devouring rocks and dense minerals to increase their hardness and accelerate growth, much like the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar in Johto, who consumed entire mountains to evolve.
Thinking back on Tyranitar made Ben wonder if he'd ever encounter one in Johto.
After finishing his meal, he returned Onix to its Poké Ball and set off toward Littleroot Town. Leaving Oldale Town, Ben followed Route 101 south, making his way through bushes and undergrowth. Occasionally, he spotted a few Caterpies and Wurmples crawling along the sides of the path, nature at work.
As he walked, a low sound came from behind a tree on his right. Releasing Onix for vigilance, he approached the noise. There, he found a Pokémon leaning against the trunk, resembling a small child with brown skin, a pointed nose, and a blade of grass sprouting from its head.
"System, scan!" he commanded.
Pokémon: Nuzleaf lv.15. A Pokémon that dwells in dense, lush forests. It occasionally leaves the forest to scare people, particularly disliking anyone who scratches its long nose.
Status: Weak, poisoned.
Hmm? Poisoned? Ben approached the weak Nuzleaf, noting its closed eyes and the way it cradled a wound on its left arm. Realizing the urgency, he hurriedly pulled out a bottle of antidote, spraying it on the wound before wrapping it with a bandage.
"Nuzzz~," the Nuzleaf's expression relaxed slightly. Ben sighed with relief, lifting the Pokémon onto Onix. "Let's get to Littleroot Town quickly; it needs to be checked by Professor Birch."
"Onixxx!" Onix nodded and surged forward toward Littleroot Town.
Watching the injured Nuzleaf closely, Ben wondered how it had become poisoned. There shouldn't be any poisonous Pokémon around here.
"Om... Om..."
Hearing a familiar sound made him uneasy. Was that…? No way!
"Onix, speed up!" Ben shouted, recognizing the buzzing of Beedrill. He commanded Onix to hasten their escape from the undergrowth. While Rock-types weren't particularly afraid of Poison- or Bug-types, they couldn't afford to underestimate the sheer numbers.
Suddenly, several Beedrills emerged from the short trees surrounding them, along with a few Butterfree fluttering about and hordes of Weedle and Kakuna clinging to the branches.
Had he stumbled into a nest of poisonous insects?
Realizing he didn't have time to waste, Ben called Onix to a halt and jumped off, still holding the Nuzleaf. "Beedrills, we didn't step into your territory. Why are you attacking us?"
He stared down the largest Beedrill and activated his scanning system again.
Pokémon: Beedrill lv.26 (Leader)
Type: Bug + Poison
Personality: Hasty
Ability: Swarm (Increases power of Bug-type moves when HP decreases)
Friendship: -30
Skills:
- Poison Sting (34/100)
- String Shot (30/100)
- Toxic Spikes (66/100)
- Fury Cutter (50/100)
- Focus Energy (45/100)
- Double Team (135/1000)
- Pin Missile (47/100)
- Agility (169/1000)
- Fury Attack (55/100)
Egg Moves:
- Cut (19/100)
- Pursuit (22/100)
Skill Machine: None
It was powerful and had a skill proficiency over 100. For now, winning a one-on-one battle would be difficult, especially with so many surrounding Bug Pokémon.
As he stared at the Beedrill leader, his mind raced, but the Beedrill wouldn't wait for him to strategize.
"Drill!!"
"Buzz! Buzz!" The surrounding Bug Pokémon charged forward, their poisonous stingers glowing menacingly as they attacked Onix.
"Damn it! Let's interrupt them!" Ben urged. "Onix, use your loudest Screech to deter them, then follow up with Rock Slide!"
Onix released an ear-splitting screech that disrupted the attackers, causing them to recoil. Taking advantage of the chaos, it unleashed its tail, sending a cascade of rocks tumbling toward the foes, injuring several of them and forcing them to retreat.
"Ding! In battle, Onix defeated a wild Beedrill and earned 1 training point…"
"Ding!
"Yes!"
"Onix, use Rock Slide against the Leader of the Big Needle Bee!"
"Onixx!" The Onix let out a thunderous Onixx, slamming its tail down and lifting a massive rock into the air. With a powerful flick of its body, it hurled the rock toward the leader of the Big Needle Bee.
The leader's compound eyes flashed a vibrant red as seven identical copies of itself materialized around him clones. The massive boulder thrown by the Onix sailed harmlessly through one of the clones. The Leader of the Beedrill arched its body in mid-air, spread its wings, and sharpened the red light in its eyes. In an instant, it flashed forward, teleporting toward the Onix.
"Drilll~!"
"Uh-oh, it's moving quickly and gathering energy," Ben observed, recognizing the Leader's combat experience. "It's time to target its weak spot! Onix, Harden! Then Dig!"
The Onix glowed brightly as the stones covering its body became tougher and more radiant. With a mighty roar, it burrowed into the ground just as the Leader of the Beedrill lost sight of its target. Momentarily confused, the Leader turned back to attack Ben and Nuzleaf.
"A little lower… a little lower… now!" Ben thought, ready to plug his ears and shield himself from the incoming attack.
"Onix, use Screech!"
As a result of its underground positioning, the Onix unleashed an ear-piercing sound that pierced straight into the mind of the Big Needle Bee. The bee curled up in midair, writhing in pain as its defences weakened, causing the clones to vanish. At that moment, the real Leader was dangerously close to Ben and the ground!
"Onix, come out and bite it!"
Just beneath the Leader of the Big Needle Bee, the Onix burst forth from the ground, launching itself at the unsuspecting foe!
Recovering from the debilitating sound attack, the enraged Leader retaliated, unleashing a stream of purple venom from its tail, aiming directly at the head of the Onix it was a Poison Jab!
"Onixx!" The Onix opened its mouth wide, letting out a cry of pain. Yet, thanks to its rock-type resistance, it managed to withstand the venom and clamped down on the Leader's hind leg with a fierce bite!
"Thanks, Onix!"
"Hiss!" The Leader of the Big Needle Bee screeched in retaliation, its enormous double needles glowing with brown energy as they lunged toward the head of the Onix.
The collision of the two forces erupted in an explosive clash.
Boom!!!