Petalburg Woods — a forest deep in Hoenn, located along Route 104, connecting Petalburg City and Rustboro City.
It was home to countless low-level Bug-type Pokémon, such as Wurmple.
But rumors on the forums spoke of rarer encounters here — a Slakoth seen napping high in the branches, or a wild Shroomish spreading spores beneath clusters of mushrooms.
"Corphish, use Bubble Beam!"
"Carvanha, Psychic Fangs!"
"Fearow, take the skies — don't let it escape!"
Sounds of battle echoed through the woods.
High above, Fearow burst from the canopy, wings spread wide, its sharp gaze sweeping the forest floor.
"FEAAAROW!"
A wild Taillow darted skyward, certain it had escaped the human below — only for Fearow's long beak to strike ruthlessly against its wing.
CRACK!
The Taillow's wings faltered, blood beading at the tip of its feathers. Even with Taillow's fierce spirit, the pain forced its body to tilt
and spiral downward.
"Poké Ball, go!"
Whoosh!
The red-and-white ball struck the falling Taillow, bursting open in flash of light.
Shake…
Shake…
Shake…
Ding!
The Poké Ball clicked shut.
Silas exhaled in relief, stepped forward, and scooped it up. Flipping open his Pokédex, he scanned.
Beep! Beep!
________________________________________
Pokédex Entry:
Taillow — the Tiny Swallow Pokémon. Normal/Flying-type.
Height: 0.3 m
Weight: 2.3 kg
Condition: Well-developed
Known Moves: Growl, Peck, Focus Energy, Quick Attack, Supersonic (inherited).
________________________________________
Taillow has outstanding courage. No matter how large the opponent, it will never back down. When hungry, it cries loudly for food.
....
A smile tugged at Silas' lips.
"Finally. After catching four, I found one with an inherited move… Supersonic. That should meet the task requirements."
He had already subdued three Taillow before this, but none carried genetic moves. All were common. This one, however, was different — a valuable auxiliary skill that could confuse opponents.
"This one goes toward the mission. The others… I'll sell them off in the black market."
He tucked the Poké Ball into his space backpack and exhaled softly. This trip wasn't just about finishing missions for Alliance points — it was also the perfect chance to train and strengthen his team.
"Cor-phish!"
Corphish scuttled up, waving its pincers expectantly with eager look on its face.
Silas chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get your share too."
He pulled a strip of dried jerky from his backpack a snack mixed with special Pokémon-safe ingredients.Corphish grabbed it instantly, chomping down with delight.
"Phish! Phish!"
Meanwhile, Fearow circled overhead on guard as Silas unfolded his high-tech tent and began sketching a rough topographical map of the area.
It was likely others had mapped this outer region before, but better to submit something than nothing. Besides, it gave him valuable practice.
By nightfall, the forest had gone eerily quiet. Silas zipped into his reinforced sturdy tent, its materials were strong enough to withstand a Pokémon attacks below level 40. Even if damaged, it would buy him enough time to escape.
"Definitely worth the money," he murmured, lying back. The tent not only shielded against attacks but also regulated temperature and humidity.
"I hope tomorrow's missions go smoothly…"
His consciousness blurred as sleep claimed him.
But elsewhere in the forest, the silence was broken by feral roars.
A Seviper, its scales patterned with vicious markings, clashed against a towering Zangoose, its white fur streaked with blood.
Their hatred burned in their eyes - the primal enmity of predator and rival, carved deep into their bloodlines.
Even with their bodies scarred and battered, neither showed any sign of retreat.With roars, they lunged once more, locked in deadly combat.
....
The next morning, Silas stirred awake.
"Good morning, everyone~"
He prepared a simple breakfast , biscuits, water, and a bottle of nutrient solution. The Pokémon mart sold it as an Trainers staple: one small vial could sustain a person's energy for an entire day.
His team dug in happily — Corphish crunching through an Pokéblocks with its meal, Carvanha gnashing its meal, while Fearow gulped down its portion before taking to the skies.
Silas retracted the tent with the press of a button, folding neatly into storage. Before leaving, he had his Pokémon erase all traces of their camp, scattering skills over the ground to destroy lingering scents.
"Fearow, scout from above. If there's danger, return immediately — and don't stray too far."
"FEAAROW!"
With a piercing cry, Fearow shot skyward and disappeared into the canopy.
At first, the forest buzzed with cicadas and birdcalls. But as Silas pressed deeper, silence fell.
"I must have reached the core of Petalburg Woods… The Pokémon here are much stronger than those on the outskirts. I'll need to stay cautious."
It was his first true adventure in the wild. Nerves knotted in his chest but when he glanced at Corphish seeing him scuttling beside him, full of energy, his resolve steadied.
"FEAAROW!"
A cry split the silence.
Silas' eyes narrowed. " That's Fearow!"
He sprinted toward the sound and soon saw his partner dive back, wings beating frantically, kicking up clouds of dust.
"Fearow, what is it?"
"Fearow! Fear… row!"
Through its cries and gestures, Silas understood.
"Two Pokémon… fighting up ahead? And they're stronger than you?"
Fearow's level had already reached 24 the lowest on his team, but far from weak.
"Stronger than Fearow…?" Silas' heart pounded.
Even if they were stronger, they were locked in combat. If he intervened now… it would be the perfect chance to strike when they were weakened.
"Let's move," Silas decided, eyes glinting. "Fearow, lead the way and stay quietly. Don't disturb them yet until we are close."
Pushing aside undergrowth, the sounds of battle grew louder, until at last he saw them and froze.
There They were -
Seviper and Zangoose!
Locked in a savage clash of bloodline hatred.
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(End of chapter)