Elliot walked east, cutting through the dense forest, his mind set on Vermilion City.
His next Gym battle would be against Lt. Surge—a man more than just a Gym Leader.
Surge was a survivor of the Kanto-Johto War.
More than that—he was also one of Giovanni's most loyal members within Team Rocket.
That meant his Gym wasn't just a battle.
It was a test.
And Elliot planned to be ready.
Days passed as he trekked through the wilds.
Food wasn't an issue.
Pidgey were abundant, and with Charmeleon's fire, smoking the meat was easy.
But Spearow?
He left them alone.
Not because they were stronger—but because Spearow didn't operate in small flocks.
They were like Team Rocket.
Mess with one?
You had the whole forest against you.
Not worth the trouble.
As the scent of smoked Pidgey wings filled the air, Elliot shredded some Pokéblocks, adding them to the pot over the campfire.
Charmeleon, Deino, and Weedle stared, eyes practically glowing with hunger.
Even though they had eaten just hours earlier, Elliot's cooking was unmatched.
They waited like good Pokémon, but their salivating mouths made it clear—
They were dying to eat.
"Alright, alright, dig in."
The second Elliot handed out their portions, they chowed down.
Charmeleon was in heaven.
Weedle devoured the food like it was his last meal.
Deino cooed happily, savoring every bite.
As Elliot ate his own small portion, he noticed something.
His Pokémon—all of them—were pushing their half-full plates toward him.
They wanted him to eat more.
For a moment, he was silent.
Then—he laughed.
"You are my Pokémon."
His Aura flickered, just slightly.
"If I don't help you, who else is going to make sure you eat?"
Hearing that, his Pokémon hesitated—then continued eating.
They understood.
As the fire crackled, Elliot laid down, closing his eyes.
His Pokémon stayed awake.
They looked at each other.
They nodded.
Elliot trusted them like no one else ever had.
And they wouldn't let him down.
Then—
A glow filled the campsite.
Weedle's body stiffened—its golden shell hardening.
A green light engulfed it, shifting its form.
By the time the glow faded, a Green-Shelled Kakuna stood in its place.
Kakuna felt… different.
It couldn't move.
It couldn't eat.
For a moment, it felt sadness.
Then it looked at Elliot—sleeping soundly, completely vulnerable in the wilderness.
No.
Kakuna wasn't weak.
It was evolving to protect him.
Even if it couldn't move now—one day, it would be strong enough to return the favor.