Beneath the enormous canopy of Petalburg Woods, it was hard to tell what the weather was like that day.
Scattered rays of sunlight filtered through the interwoven branches, stripped of the sun's warmth.
As the woods grew denser, the air grew more humid, and the earth gave off the fragrance of fresh grass.
In the undergrowth, Bug-type Pokémon crawled lazily up and down, exercising their bodies. Occasionally, one or two would give the human on the path a curious look before returning to their morning exercises, paying him no further attention.
Startled Oddish and Lotad by the roadside shed aggrieved tears as they darted into the grass and disappeared. Up in the treetops, a lone Skwovet happily munched on a Berry.
And so another lovely day began.
Walking along the path, Yong had shaken off yesterday's dejection. Refreshed, he observed everything around him, quietly savoring nature's beauty.
After yesterday's battle with Breloom, Onix had grown stronger again. For the rest of the journey, as long as there was no danger, battles against wild Pokémon and other Trainers would go to Mudkip. Otherwise, the gap between his two Pokémon would become too great, affecting their future training and tactical arrangements.
As he was planning Mudkip's training, a figure emerged from the grass. Wearing a straw hat and carrying a bug net, the boy energetically blocked the middle of the path.
"I've been waiting for you, Trainer! Want to get past? Then let's have a Pokémon battle!"
"Go, my Bug-type champion! Wurmple!"
"Mudkip, Tackle!"
Bam!
"Ah, my Bug-type champion! Darn it! You really are strong! I'll be back!"
With that, he vanished into the grass again.
Yong stared speechlessly after the departing Bug Catcher. A Bug-type champion... a level 5 Bug-type champion. Beating that offered no satisfaction whatsoever. Even the system couldn't be bothered to appear.
Sigh!
"Come back, Mudkip!"
He continued on his way.
However, the Bug Catcher's appearance seemed to have opened Pandora's box.
Trainers kept appearing along the way to challenge him.
Plenty of Grass-type and Bug-type Pokémon also leaped out of the undergrowth to block his path. All of them became experience for Mudkip, allowing the little Pokémon to reach Lv14 and learn Supersonic and Protect, greatly improving his strength.
Mudkip was now on the verge of evolving, fulfilling one of the goals of this journey.
The forest's landscape was ever-changing.
Leaving behind the vast stretches of wet ground and grass, Yong reached a rare open area.
The trees here grew straight toward the sky, unlike the enormous trees earlier, whose varied shapes had formed a massive canopy that blotted out the sun.
Here, tall trees lined both sides of the path in neat rows. Their branches spread from their trunks in orderly layers, weaving an enormous net that inspired awe at nature's craftsmanship.
"Hello, are you a Pokémon Trainer?"
A polite voice reached him. A boy wearing a black T-shirt, yellow cargo pants, and a red sports cap bearing a Pokémon League Badge was smiling at Yong.
"Uh, yes. Hello."
"I'm Kong, from North Petalburg City. I set out on a journey to become a Normal-type expert like Mr. Norman. Please battle me!"
Have I run into a fan of Mr. Norman? Unsure whether to laugh or cry, Yong scratched his head and said,
"As a Pokémon Trainer, I certainly won't turn down a challenge!"
Finally, a proper opponent!
"I'm Yong, from Dewford Town. My goal is to become a Rock-type and Ground-type Pokémon Master! I accept your challenge!"
Kong clapped happily.
"Great! I'm all fired up! Let's make it one-on-one! Go, my warrior, Taillow!"
Brimming with energy, the boy tossed his Poké Ball, and a small, swallow-like Pokémon appeared in midair.
Dark blue feathers covered most of his body, while his belly was pure white. Red feathers adorned his head and neck. His eyes were gray and his beak yellow, while his feet were the same dark blue as his plumage.
It was Taillow! Small but exceptionally brave, he would boldly challenge any opponent, no matter how powerful, and had the grit to keep his spirits up even after losing.
"Taillow!"
Pokémon: Taillow Lv16. Small but exceptionally brave. Although he can hold his own against a huge Skarmory, he becomes timid when hungry. Type: Normal + Flying Gender: Male Nature: Haughty Ability: Guts. When affected by a status condition other than fainting, Attack increases by 50%, and the effect of a burn halving Attack is ignored. Moves: Growl (proficient), Focus Energy (proficient), Quick Attack (proficient), Double Team (beginner), Wing Attack (proficient) Egg Move: Hurricane (beginner) TMs: None Combo Move: Hurricane Wing
Taillow.
A combo move!?
Yong froze.
He's actually developed a combo move?
Looking at the Taillow in the air, he couldn't help remembering Ash's, so full of grit and fighting spirit. I wonder how this one compares. Let me find out!
"I'm counting on you!"
The Poké Ball burst open in midair!
Amid the white light, a spirited Mudkip appeared on the battlefield and looked up at his airborne opponent.
"Mudkip!"
Kong's eyes lit up.
"The perfect opponent! Taillow, Focus Energy!"
"Taillow!"
Opening his beak, Taillow took a deep breath. White currents swirled upward, and his gaze sharpened as he reached peak condition!
"Powering up? Ignore him, Mudkip! Test him with Water Gun!"
Blue Water-type energy gathered in Mudkip's mouth, forming a jet of water that shot skyward. With a flap of his wings, Taillow dodged easily.
"That's it! Charge in with Quick Attack!"
Kong swept his hand forward.
"Taillow!"
With a beat of his wings, Taillow became a blue blade diving downward, trailing a long afterimage!
Yong silently gauged the distance. Just as Taillow was about to hit, he shouted,
"You're fast! Now! Use Supersonic! Then bring him down with Rock Throw!"
"Mudkip!"
An invisible sound wave radiated from Mudkip's body and struck Taillow. The bird faltered in midair, slowing slightly, but his momentum still carried him into Mudkip, sending the little Pokémon stumbling back in pain!
Gritting his teeth, Mudkip slammed his hands and tail against the ground. Loose stones rose into the air and were hurled at his opponent as he barely managed to execute the move.
"Taillow!"
Taillow glided unsteadily for a short distance before forcing himself to regain his balance. He beat his wings hard to climb higher, but one of the many flying rocks still grazed a wing, drawing a cry of pain.
After all, although Mudkip was only a Water-type, his Rock-type move was super effective against Flying-types and dealt considerable damage.
Unfortunately, Supersonic hadn't caused confusion.
"Taillow, circle overhead and keep your distance! Double Team!"
Kong wanted to exploit his flight advantage to harass his opponent.
"Not a chance! Use Supersonic Disruption!"
"Don't give him the chance! Hurricane!"
"Taillow!"
His wings beat relentlessly, conjuring a fierce hurricane that swept across the entire battlefield!
Sand and stones flew everywhere!
A powerful Flying-type move-Hurricane!
Amid the howling winds, Mudkip's Supersonic was successfully interrupted, and Mudkip himself was swept into the air! With his feet off the ground, he flailed his limbs in panic and looked to Yong for help.
"Mudkip? Muuudkip!"
What a powerful Hurricane!
For some reason, Mudkip looked rather funny. Holding back a smile, Yong called out,
"Don't be afraid! Calm down, Mudkip! Fire your strongest Water Gun straight ahead and get out of the hurricane!"
"You're too late! Taillow, Hurricane Wing!"
Naturally, Kong wouldn't let the opportunity slip away. He took full advantage of Taillow's speed to attack Mudkip, who had nothing to push off against.
A combo move!
A flash of white light swept over Taillow's body, and Flying-type energy enveloped his wings. They slashed downward like blades as he hurtled into Mudkip!
Bam!!!
Unable to keep his balance or properly control his Water-type energy, Mudkip hadn't even managed to use Water Gun before the attack struck him squarely. With a cry of pain, he crashed to the ground!
The hurricane gradually dissipated.
"Mudkip! Can you still fight?"
Yong took out the Luxury Ball, intending to recall him.
"Mudkip!"
Panting heavily, Mudkip barely managed to prop himself up. Although there had been no same-type boost, the combination of two powerful physical moves had still inflicted heavy damage.
The little Pokémon raised his head to look at his airborne enemy, his gaze utterly resolute. Then he nodded at Yong, making his intentions clear.
It was rare to see such fighting spirit from Mudkip. He was completely different from when he had faced Breloom. This was growth!
"Good! Show him what you can do, Mudkip!"
"Mudkip!"
"You can still keep going?"
Kong watched with mild surprise, then raised a thumb in approval.
"What a tenacious opponent! Then we'll show our fighting spirit and grit too! Let's do it again, Taillow! Hurricane!"
"Taillow!"
With a cry, Taillow unleashed Hurricane again, and fierce winds swept across the battlefield.
"Mudkip, use Rock Smash Ground Grip!"
"Mudkip!"
With a furious roar, his arms shone white. He plunged them forcefully into the ground and drew his body in tight, anchoring himself firmly as he gritted his teeth and held steady against the howling hurricane.
"It's no use! Taillow, Hurricane Wing!!"
At Kong's command, Taillow repeated the same tactic. He stopped flapping his wings and unleashed his combo move again, diving rapidly toward the ground.
"Hang in there, Mudkip! Wait for your chance!"
Signaling for him to hold steady, Yong waited for that opening-a perfect opening!
The hurricane gradually weakened, and Taillow was about to strike!
Now! Yong's eyes lit up.
"Mudkip, let it all out! Use both arms for your strongest Rock Throw!"
"What?"
Kong cried out in surprise.
"Stop, Taillow! Pull up!"
"I'm giving your words right back to you-you're too late!"
"Mudkip!!!"
With his arms buried in the earth, Mudkip suddenly released streams of blue water that enveloped his entire body. His presence surged dramatically.
Perfect timing! It's Torrent!
When his health was low, the power of his Water-type moves increased.
Although it didn't boost Rock-type moves, the recovery in his stamina would restore some of Mudkip's strength as well!
"Mudkip!"
He wrenched both arms out of the ground!
Crack!
Something shattered.
Rising with his arms was an enormous rock!
With every ounce of strength he had, the little Pokémon smashed it into Taillow, who had arrived right in front of him!!
Boom!!!
"Taillow!!!"
Shattered stones flew everywhere! Taillow let out a scream!
What a hit! The momentum of the downward dive, the tremendous raw strength unleashed by restored stamina, and the double damage of a Rock-type move!
This blow!
Everything had come together perfectly!