The sudden flash of evolution drew everyone's attention. After all, wasn't this exactly why so many had come-to witness the moss-covered rock's miraculous effect?
"Leafeon!"
"Leafeon, the Verdant Pokémon. A Grass-type and one of Eevee's evolved forms. Its body photosynthesizes like a plant, so the air around it is always fresh and clean."
"Eevee~!"
The little Eevee in Silas's arms tilted her head, bright eyes fixated curiously on the newly evolved Pokémon.
Would she one day evolve into that, too?
Her furry ears perked up, twitching with interest.
Silas smiled and stroked her soft fur. "Don't worry, Eevee. If you want to evolve into Umbreon one day, that'll be perfect. But if it's any other form… I won't force you. It'll always be your choice."
In his heart, though, he knew: unless Eevee became Dark-type, she would never be part of his main battle team. At best, she'd become a support Pokémon, maybe even just a pet. Silas had already resolved to specialize in Dark-types above all else.
.....
The following days brought heavy rain, keeping everyone trapped in camp. Even so, two more trainers' Eevee successfully evolved into Leafeon, and the discovery of the Moss Rock attracted a steady stream of newcomers, tents sprouting all across the clearing.
"Brother Silas, we're heading out to search for Shroomish-want to come with us?"
Silas was inside his tent, carefully studying a trainer's manual. He looked up at the voice, setting his book aside before stepping out.
It was the twin brothers, the girl, and sanyechi already geared up in their expedition clothes, eager to scour the forest right after the rain.
Silas shook his head. "No, you four go ahead. The ground's still too muddy. I'll set out in a couple of days."
They looked disappointed, but nodded and headed into the forest's core.
Silas exhaled softly. He preferred to hunt alone anyway.
"Shroomish spores and fallen caps… perfect for medicines. And just what I need for a few Pokéblocks formulas."
Of course, he had no intention of raising Shroomish as a main battler. Instead, one would serve as a logistics Pokémon-simple to care for, needing only damp leaves and soil to survive, while providing a steady supply of spores and mushroom caps.
A very worthwhile investment.
....
Two days later, the sun had dried the forest paths. Like most campers, Silas set out on the hunt.
Shroomish thrived in damp places, usually hiding beneath layers of rotting leaves deep in the forest. When threatened, they shook their bodies and released clouds of toxic spores-so poisonous they could wither plants in seconds and cause searing joint pain if inhaled by humans.
Silas moved carefully, Eevee perched in his arms, nose twitching.
"Vee~!"
She nodded firmly. Her sense of smell was sharp.
Silas crouched, brushing aside leaves. His eyes widened.
"There… beige upper body with green spots, a wrinkled ring around its base… That's Shroomish!"
"Shroom! Shroomish!"
He grabbed a Luxury Ball and sent out Crawdaunt.
"Crawdaaaunt!"
"Razor Shell-lightly! Don't knock it out."
Crawdaunt raised its claw, blade glowing, and slashed down. The startled Shroomish bolted, joined by several others scuttling on tiny legs.
"Shroom! Shroom!"
"Carvanha, left one!" Silas snapped, releasing the savage piranha Pokémon.
"Car-van-haaa!"
"Fearow, right side's yours!"
"Feeeeearow!"
The two Pokémon moved swiftly, cutting off the escape routes. Still, the fleeing Shroomish puffed out bursts of toxic spores.
"Shroooom!"
"Fearow, blow them away!"
Fearow beat its massive wings, scattering the spores harmlessly. One by one, the Shroomish were subdued.
"Poké Ball, go!"
Click!
Click!
Click!
Three captures, clean and easy.
Beep-beep-beep~~
________________________________________
Shroomish, the Mushroom Pokémon. Grass-type.
It dwells in damp forest floors, feeding on composted leaves.
Height: 0.4 meters.
Weight: 5 kilograms.
Ability: Poison Heal.
Known moves: Tackle, Absorb, Stun Spore, Leech Seed, Mega Drain.
Inherited move: Drain Punch.
_________________________________________
Silas grinned. "Tsk… this one inherited Drain Punch and has Poison Heal. Perfect for tactics."
He decided to keep that one for himself, while planning to sell the other two later.
"If I can get an Everstone someday, raising it could be worthwhile. Breloom's strong, but Shroomish… only it can learn Spore, that near-guaranteed sleep move."
He knew the truth: Spore's accuracy wasn't 100%, but close enough that it felt like it. And only three evolutionary lines could learn it-Shroomish, Paras, and Foongus.
But Shroomish had to reach level 40 before evolving to keep Spore. Otherwise, it would evolve into Breloom at level 23 and lose its chance forever. That's why an Everstone was essential.
.....
Back at camp, most trainers returned empty-handed, disappointed. Their noisy group hunts had only scared Shroomish further into hiding.
Silas didn't bother showing the two extra captures. Selling Pokémon was forbidden by the League, and he wasn't about to stain his record.
No-if he were going to offload them, it would be in Rustboro City's black market.
He glanced at the two Poké Balls tucked safely away.
"Until then, you stay put."
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(End of chapter)