On the beach west of Petalburg City, Ben is busy preparing lunch.
By the shore, Onix is coiled up, diligently undergoing water resistance training, while Mudkip practices its Rock Smash technique against a massive boulder nearby. If you look closely, you'll notice that it has 5kg weights strapped to its little hands and legs, special weights designed for smaller Pokémon, which range from 5kg to 40kg and are available at department stores.
For a Mudkip weighing under 8kg, suddenly doubling its weight poses a significant challenge, even for the most talented ones, it requires time to adapt.
As for supervision? There's a system in place, so Ben doesn't have to worry about Mudkip slacking off.
[Ding! Mudkip training complete! Gain 1 training point and a small amount of experience!]
[Ding! Mudkip training complete! Gain 2 training points, along with some experience, and improve proficiency in Rock Smash!]
How reliable!
After saving the training points for future specialized training, Ben wraps up the sessions for both the Onix and the Mudkip. Now, he needs to prepare for their upcoming adventure into the Orange Forest. It's crucial to be well-prepared and rest up, especially since it's the largest forest in the Hoenn region.
As they face the sea breeze, Ben enjoys a peaceful moment with his two Pokémon, sharing their lunch together.
The Petalburg Woods lies along Route 104, connecting Petalburg City and Rustboro City. There are three entrances: two are situated in the western suburbs of Petalburg City to the south, and one to the north, which leads directly to Rustboro City.
Near the northern entrance, there's a hidden path leading northwest into the woods. Rumor has it that a multitude of Treecko inhabit this area, claiming an ancient giant tree as their home.
Inside the Petalburg Woods, the towering trees block much of the sunlight, yet the path ahead remains visible. However, the dim light can lead travellers astray, resulting in many getting lost. The forest is teeming with wild Pokémon. You'll find a variety of low-level Bug-types nesting in the grass, as well as some rarer Pokémon like the Slakoth and Shroomish, which can only be found here. Additionally, the tall trees provide an ideal habitat for Flying types, making it a haven for countless bird Pokémon such as Taillow and, Wingull.
Many species of Pokémon, along with the lush jungle resources and wet climate, have contributed to the unique ecosystem of Petalburg Forest. Despite being natural enemies, the Flying, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon coexist here, forming a balanced ecological environment where these three types dominate, alongside others, maintaining equilibrium and thriving together, an important habitat for wild Pokémon in the Hoenn region.
Leaving the beach, Ben passes by an old man's hut but decides not to disturb him and continues north along Route 104. As he observes the thickening jungle along the road and the increasing number of trainers, he realizes he's approaching the Petalburg Woods.
The deep, dense jungle creates a suffocating atmosphere. Sunlight struggles to pierce through the lush canopy, and even the sporadic rays fail to bring any comfort. Shadows cast by the towering trees create eerie shapes, accompanied by the sounds of chirping birds and various Pokémon, evoking a strange, eerie familiarity reminiscent of horror stories from another life.
What am I thinking? Why frighten myself?
Ben shakes his head to dispel those irrational fears and steps into the Petalburg Woods.
As expected, there are countless Pokémon here. Along the way, various Bug-type Pokémon scurry in and out of the grass, showing no fear of humans. In groups, they can easily cause chaos if stepped on, chasing after you until they snag a snack without hesitation.
All around, young bug catchers wield insect nets, trying to catch Bug Pokémon, while trainers engage their beloved Pokémon in battles.
Ben encounters some interesting Pokémon, such as Slakoth. However, being a Normal type with a frustrating temperament, he decides to pass.
Venturing deeper into the jungle, he notices fewer trainers and the light grows dimmer. Here, due to the moisture, fallen leaves decompose into rich black soil, a favourite for Grass-type Pokémon.
At the base of a large tree, clusters of beige mushrooms with green spots thrive, densely packed and taking over the ground. As Ben approaches, the mushrooms begin to undulate rhythmically, releasing clouds of beige powder from their tops, blocking his path.
What's this?
Pokémon: Shroomish, Lv. 15. prefers humid places, thrives on the moist forest floor. During the day, it hides beneath fallen leaves, feasting on the rich, damp soil.
Friendliness: -15
Whoa, looks like I've stumbled into Shroomish territory. Quickly covering his mouth and nose, Ben backs away. Those beige spores are highly toxic! When threatened, the mushrooms shake and release poisonous spores that can wilt plants and trees. Inhaling them would lead to unbearable pain throughout one's body.
While dealing with individual Shroomish isn't particularly challenging, they tend to gather in large groups, which can make them troublesome foes in the forest.
I didn't expect to find them here.
With the area swarming with Shroomish, taking a detour would take too long. In this case, I'll just have to bite the bullet and confront them!
"Shroomish! I'm just passing through; please let me go! I mean no harm!"
Pokémon are generally simple creatures. Perhaps they were just startled, and if he approached carefully, they might allow him to pass.
"Shroom, Shroom!"
"Shroo, mish, Shroo, Shroo~!"
The Shroomish respond by vibrating wildly, releasing even more toxic spores into the air. So they're angrier now? Since negotiations failed, fighting seems to be the only option.
"In that case, let's battle, Shroomish! Send out your leader! If I win, you let me pass; if I lose, I'll leave immediately. How does that sound?"
Feeling confident, Ben believes that despite the Shroomish' higher level compared to the Mudkip, their lack of skill proficiency will give him the upper hand. After all, how strong could their leader really be? He feels ready!
"Go, Mudkip!"
"Mud~!"
Releasing the Mudkip, he awaits the appearance of the mushroom leader.
As the mushrooms grow increasingly agitated,
"Shroom~!!!"
A distinctly different cry emanates from the base of a large tree, followed by a figure leaping down to stand before Ben and Mudkip.
Its build resembles that of a kangaroo, primarily green and beige, with two red claws on its limbs. The mushroom on its head resembles a bamboo hat, with red orbs growing symmetrically on either side, featuring air holes in the centre. The tip of its tail is adorned with four green orbs hardened by toxic spores.
It's the evolution of the Shroomish! Breloom!!
Pokémon: Breloom, Lv. 24. Prefers warm, humid climates and uses agile footwork to approach its foes. Its short, extendable arms strike with incredible speed, delivering blows that could rival any boxer.
Gender: Male
Type: Grass + Fighting
Nature: Lonely
Ability: Poison Heal - when poisoned, it becomes stronger rather than weaker.
Friendliness: -10
Skills: Tackle (166/1000), Mega Drain (200/100), Growth (530/1000), Poison Powder (120/1000), Stun Spore (510/1000), Headbutt (342/1000), Mach Punch (200/1000), Leech Seed (110/1000), Spore (800/1000), Toxic (110/1000), Counter (100/1000)
Egg Move: Bulk Up (190/1000)
…
Mudkip timidly inches back to Ben's side, tugging at his trouser leg.
Hey! Hey! I want to go back!
Exasperated, Ben pulls back his now timid Mudkip. Grabbing the Luxury Ball containing Onix, he sees the formidable Breloom standing before them and mentally kicks himself. How could he forget that the Shroomish would likely have a Breloom protecting them? Otherwise, with their timid nature, they wouldn't dare confront a human.
Fortunately, while the Breloom's dual Grass and Fighting types pose a disadvantage for the Onix, its skill proficiency seems lacking. The mastery of Mach Punch appears rather low, indicating it hasn't seen much use. In terms of Grass-type skills, only Mega Drain poses a real threat, and the effectiveness of Leech Seed is questionable. And as for Poison-type? Whats that? Onix snorted with disdain.
With Onix's proficiency in Iron Tail, this may not be an unwinnable fight.
"Go, Onix!" Ben tossed the Poké Ball lightly, and the massive figure of the Onix, nearly 8 meters long, materialized on the field.
"Onixxx!"
The Breloom, undeterred by its opponent's size, responded with its own challenge, letting out a spirited cry. It then unleashed a cloud of paralyzing powder from the air holes atop its head, enveloping the entire arena.
"Loom!"
The Onix's muscles tensed as it shook off the effects of the powder, surrounded by a white aura that radiated from its body.
With fierce determination shining in Breloom's eyes, it roared again, triggering its Bulk Up ability.
The battle was on!