Heart of Battle and Love!
10: Chapter 10: Battling Breloom!
Heart of Battle and Love!
Using Work Up to boost both its Attack and Special Attack, and Stun Spore for crowd control?
“Onix, Dig!
Then use Harden to boost yourself!” Having completely mastered Dig, Onix rapidly burrowed underground, dodging the Stun Spore.
A silver-gray flash swept across its body as it began to boost its defense.
Seeing Onix disappear, Breloom panicked slightly but quickly calmed down.
Green energy flashed across its body as well, seemingly making it grow a size taller.
Then, pushing off with its strong legs, it utilized its powerful jumping ability to leap up into a tree.
First using Growth to boost its Attack and Special Attack, then moving to high ground to observe—perfectly avoiding the disadvantageous position brought about by Dig.
‘Good heavens, two consecutive stat-boosting moves!
Its combat awareness isn’t bad either!’ Leo inwardly complained that this guy was a sneaky one, but continued commanding out loud.
“Since you’re up there, don’t come down!” Pointing at the battlefield, the boy shouted, “Turn the field into quicksand!
Onix, Sand Tomb!” Sand Tomb was a highly versatile Ground-type move.
Not only could it alter the terrain and create quicksand, but it could also whip up a sandstorm, dealing continuous damage to the opponent.
With both control and attack capabilities, it was extremely effective against close-combat fighters like Breloom.
The earth began to shake.
Under the influence of Ground-type energy, the soil dried up and gradually turned to sand, forming a quicksand pit that sank inwards toward the center.
A faint sandstorm blew through the air, dispersing all the Stun Spore.
Seeing the quicksand spread toward the Shroomish colony, Breloom hurriedly leaped down from the tree and stood at the very front.
“Breloom!” With a loud shout, white energy gathered around its fists.
The aura tore through the air as it rapidly punched the ground.
The continuous, fierce punch wind kicked up the surrounding air, and the resulting air current actually blocked the advancing sandstorm!
The heavy punch carved a trench in the ground.
The quicksand immediately flowed into it, but judging by its speed, filling the trench wouldn’t be difficult.
Still, Leo was amazed by Breloom’s reaction.
Impressive, as expected of its signature move, Mach Punch.
It’s so fast it affects the airflow!
And its power is so strong too!
“Stop, Onix!” Commanding Onix to stop manipulating the quicksand and restore the ground, Leo looked at Breloom, who had protected the Shroomish colony, and said, “I have no intention of harming the Shroomish.
Onix only recently learned this move and isn’t proficient with it yet.
Since it’s come to this, let’s fight head-on!
Breloom!” “Breloom!
Breloom!” Nodding, Breloom pacified the frightened Shroomish and returned to the battlefield.
Fighting-type energy coated its hands.
“Breloom!” “Good.
Come out, Onix!
Use Slam!” Boom!
Accompanied by a loud crash, Onix burst from underground, its massive tail carrying tremendous force as it slammed toward Breloom!
The opponent refused to back down and didn’t dodge.
It swung its fists, striking back with Mach Punch!
Carrying Fighting-type energy, it struck later but landed first.
Wrapped in a white aura, it hammered heavily onto Onix’s tail!
Bam!!!
Bam!
Bam!
Bam!
The shockwave scattered wildly.
Breloom successfully blocked the offensive!
At the same time, it continuously struck Onix’s tail.
The damage from the Fighting-type moves still made Onix wince in pain.
Fortunately, thanks to its specially trained tail and the boost from Harden, it could still endure it.
“Don’t show weakness!
Strike back with Iron Tail!” “Roar!” Stinging from the pain, Onix angrily twisted its body.
Silver-gray energy coated its tail, gleaming with a metallic luster!
Carrying an unstoppable momentum, it smashed down once again!
Bang!
The collision of energy, accompanied by flying dust, produced violent shockwaves that erupted violently!
“Breloom~!” Breloom screamed as it was sent flying backward, crashing into a large tree.
A Mastered-level Iron Tail against a Beginner-Proficient Mach Punch.
The massive gap couldn’t be covered up by type advantage.
Both were physical moves, and at the same level, the degree of move mastery was the main factor that widened the gap!
“Good job, Onix!” “Roar!” Onix was also quite satisfied with its attack.
In the distance, the Shroomish gathered around the struggling Breloom, jumping up and down anxiously.
“Breloom~” Waving its hand to signal them to quiet down, indicating it was fine, Breloom stepped in front of Onix once more.
Panting heavily, it swung both fists and charged at Onix again—Mach Punch!
What a warrior!
Protecting its colony, pushing itself to unleash its maximum energy!
“Onix, Iron Tail!” The scene repeated itself—the clash of the giant tail and the fists!
The detonation of Steel-type and Fighting-type moves!
The determination to win despite type disadvantages, and the heart of battle to protect its colony!
“Breloom!” “Roar!” Relentless Mach Punches against the tremendously powerful Iron Tail!
Ultimately, Breloom was repelled once again.
It fell to its knees, panting heavily.
Meanwhile, Onix’s massive body provided not only formidable physical defense but also abundant stamina!
“Breloom, do you still want to continue?” Leo was won over by its fighting spirit and couldn’t bear to see it continue.
“I’m just passing by.
We don’t need to fight to the death!” Breloom shook its head and stubbornly stood up.
“Breloom!” It spread its arms wide, and green light gleamed on Breloom’s body.
Immediately after, a stream of green energy surged out from Onix and flowed into its body!
Visibly, its condition suddenly improved significantly.
Its stamina had been partially restored!
Leo didn’t interrupt its Mega Drain.
Instead, he looked at Onix, who had lost a large amount of stamina and was feeling quite unwell, and then stared earnestly at the warrior opposite him.
“You felt it too, didn’t you?
That guy’s conviction and fighting spirit!
Onix!” “Roar!” Ignoring the stamina loss, Onix allowed itself to be siphoned, enduring the damage from the Grass-type move.
Its opponent’s fighting spirit had earned its acknowledgment, even if it didn’t understand why it was fighting so desperately!
“Breloom!” Once again, Breloom charged forward.
“Give it your respect!
Iron Tail at maximum power!” “Roar!” Silver-white energy surged wildly!
This time, the massive tail cut through the air with a piercing sound, smashing down heavily at extreme speed!
Smash!!!
It was that same figure again, sent flying backward!
It crashed into a tree trunk, and the tree collapsed with a thunderous crash!
Only this time, it didn’t get back up.
It fainted on the ground.
[Ding!
Battle concluded.
Onix wins.
Obtained 10 Training Points.
Obtained a large amount of experience!] [Ding!
Dig and Harden proficiency increased!] [Iron Tail has reached the Mastered level cap and cannot be upgraded further!] [Ding!
Onix leveled up to Lv.26!] Phew~ it’s over.
What a stubborn fellow!
“Thanks for your hard work!
Onix!
Come back and rest!” Recalling Onix, ignoring the hostile glares of the Shroomish and the Breloom that had appeared in the treetops, Leo walked right up to the Breloom leader.
He took out a Potion from his backpack and carefully applied it to its body.
“Breloom…” A slight sting made it cry out, and the hostility in the surrounding Pokémon’s eyes diminished slightly.
“I don’t know why you fought so desperately, but I still want to tell you, I really am just passing by.
I have no other motives.
I hope you recover well.” Leaving the rest to its companions, Leo stepped into their territory under the watchful eyes of the Shroomish and Breloom, continuing onward toward Rustboro City.
Just then, his sight was drawn to what lay before him.
Right in the center of this wetland, a giant, long-dead rotten tree stood.
Its trunk, only half remaining, was hollowed out, and a large tree hollow had been carved near the ground.
Inside the hollow, withered, intertwining branches and decaying leaves were piled up to form a massive nest.
Inside, cream-colored Pokémon eggs with green spots were neatly laid out.
Around the hollow, numerous Shroomish leaned against the rotting stump, looking at him nervously.
The Breloom guarding the outer perimeter of the wetland also assumed combat stances, as if facing a formidable enemy!
So that’s how it is!
Is this the reason for the battle?
Leo instantly understood.
It was protecting these unborn Pokémon eggs, for the sake of the colony’s offspring!
For the continuation of their race!
Heh!
He gave a self-deprecating wry smile.
‘I’ve been treated as the bad guy…’ Looking back at the Breloom leader, supported by its companions, their eyes met.
Leo saw the determination it radiated to protect its children, the resolve to fight even to the death!
Love was indeed the greatest power, and a parent’s love was the most selfless, devoted love of all!
Smiling slightly at the Breloom leader, he walked straight over to a spot not far from the nest.
Taking a large amount of Pokémon food from his backpack, he gently placed it on the ground.
Stroking the head of a tiny Shroomish, he seemed to be speaking to them, yet also muttering to himself.
“Humans and Pokémon are both part of this world.
We live together, grow together; we are friends and partners.” “Although humans have indeed done many bad things, please believe that most people are kind and willing to live in harmony with Pokémon.
Today, you’ve made me realize once again just how great and beautiful the power of love truly is!
Thank you~!” Seeing the Shroomish squint comfortably and the Breloom drop their guard, Leo stood up, smiling warmly.
Pokémon really were the kindest and purest creatures!
Waving his hand, he didn’t linger any longer.
“Goodbye.
We’ll meet again.
I hope next time, we can be friends!” Watching the human gradually fade away into the woods, the Shroomish bounced back to their little homes.
The Breloom leader smiled and nodded at its companions.
“Breloom?” “Breloom…” *** Leaving the Shroomish territory, Leo was setting up camp for the night in an empty clearing.
Beside him, Onix, covered in applied Potion, lay quietly resting.
Mudkip was holding gathered Berries, placing them one by one on the dining table.
“Thank you, Mudkip!” “Mudkip!” “Mudkip, do you miss your mom and dad?” “Mudkip?
Mud!” Tilting its head, Mudkip thought for a moment and nodded.
“Is that so?
It’s only natural; they are the loveliest people in the world!” “Mudkip!” “Don’t worry, when we return to Petalburg City, I’ll take you back to see your family!” Patting Mudkip’s little head, Leo promised.
“You too, Onix.
We’ll all go home together when the time comes.
We have to thank them properly!” “Roar~!” Thinking of his parents from his past life and current life—one pair ordinary middle-aged retired folks, the other pair a bit more well-off social elites—across different times and spaces, what remained the same was that they always gave him the best, painstakingly raising him to adulthood!
Tears welled up in his eyes.
“Goodbye, Mom and Dad!” This was his farewell to his past life.
“Thank you, Dad and Mom!” This was his gratitude for this life.
“Let’s start making dinner!
What should we eat today?
How about some curry?” “Mudkip!
Mudkip!” “Roar!” “Alright, alright, it’ll be ready soon!” Looking at the two Pokémon, Onix and Mudkip, he thought: ‘You are my family too.’ ——————————————————