Boom!!!
Dust filled the air as a massive collision rang out, accompanied by Taillow's distant scream and the soft sound of rocks tumbling to the ground.
Even Tim, usually calm and composed, couldn't help but gaze worriedly at the scene.
After what felt like an eternity, the smoke and dust began to lift. Among the scattered gravel, Taillow lay unconscious, and not far off, Mudkip rested quietly on the ground.
"Taillow!"
"Mudkip!"
Ben and Tim rushed to their Pokémon's sides to assess their conditions. The Mudkip seemed fine, albeit exhausted from its efforts. After applying some ointment and returning it to its Poké Ball, Ben approached Tim.
"I'm so sorry, Tim! It's my and Mudkip's fault that Taillow got hurt so badly," he said, filled with guilt.
Tim looked up while tending to Taillow, a small smile on his face. "It's alright," he reassured Ben. "This is a Pokémon battle, after all. We give it our all, fight alongside our partners, and have no regrets. I won't blame you. In fact, I'm proud to have faced you."
He gently stroked Taillow's feathers before continuing, "This was a draw; the duel was thrilling, wasn't it?"
As he recalled the sleeping Taillow into its Poké Ball, Tim grinned at Ben.
"Let's save our next duel for the League meeting! You'll be there, right, Ben?"
Seeing the sincerity in Tim's eyes reassured him that there was no anger. Ben nodded earnestly. "I will definitely be there, and I'm going to win!"
"No way, I'll win!" they both declared, their fists colliding in a friendly gesture.
"Deal!"
With a slight smile, they parted ways. Ben set off toward Rustboro City, while Tim headed to Petalburg City to visit Norman and enhance his skills in commanding ordinary Pokémon. Though they were headed in different directions, their shared goal remained the same. One day, they would meet again for another epic duel!
[Ding! The battle is over! The Mudkip tied, earning 5 training points! A substantial amount of experience gained, skill proficiency increased for Water Gun, Supersonic and, Rock Throw!]
Checking the system information, Ben felt pleased. Though he hadn't levelled up, he had made significant progress in skill proficiency, definitely a rewarding experience. It just goes to show that evenly matched battles are the most valuable.
Satisfied, Ben continued along the path, replaying the battle in his mind and analysing his shortcomings.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice that more and more Bug-type Pokémon were creeping closer through the surrounding grass. In the distance, several pairs of Beautifly danced gracefully, releasing clouds of yellow powder.
Suddenly, a barrage of silk-spinning attacks ensnared Ben in a massive net. "What the… silk?!"
He saw Bug Pokémon emerging from the foliage, but instead of panicking like he had before, he calmly called out, "Come out, Onix!"
"Onix!"
With a flash of white light, the Onix appeared. Its level growth, training, and recent battle experience filled it with confidence.
"Onix, target the surrounding Bug Pokémon and unleash the most powerful Rock Slide!"
"Please wait!"
A sudden voice interrupted his command as a young man around 20 rushed toward him. "Let me handle this!"
Turning to face the encroaching swarm of Bug Pokémon, he called out, "Stop! Dustox, Beautifly!"
When the Pokémon didn't respond, the young man sighed. "Not again. Alright, come out, Roselia, use Aromatherapy!"
He tossed a Poké Ball, and a humanoid Pokémon appeared, wearing a mask and cape. Its body was primarily green, with yellow feet and blue and red flowers in hand, concealing poisonous thorns. A white rosette-like structure adorned its head, and its eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.
This was Roselia!
As it waved its arms, a refreshing fragrance wafted through the air, calming the agitated Bug Pokémon and causing them to sway contentedly as if intoxicated by the aroma.
Aromatherapy could cure abnormal states, and Roselia's blend of its own scent heightened the effect on the nearby Pokémon.
"Phew," the young man sighed, watching as the Bug Pokémon gradually retreated back into the jungle. He recalled Roselia. "Thanks, Roselia! Time to rest!"
"Hey there! I'm Ben. What's going on?" Ben asked, putting away the now calmed Onix and approaching the young man, who was watching the departing Pokémon intently.
"Oh, hi! I'm Russel, a new League investigator," he replied sheepishly with a chuckle.
"Then, Mr. Investigator, why are there still Bug Pokémon attacking passersby here?" Ben asked, furrowing his brow.
"Wait, you actually know about this?" Russel exclaimed, surprised.
Ben shared everything he had learned about the previous attacks and how he had been rescued by the investigators from Pierce.
"Ah, so it's Pierce? That makes sense," Russel nodded. "Yes, the situation is mostly resolved, but the lingering effects of the Bug Pokémon will take time to heal."
"So does that mean these Bug Pokémon are still affected by the golden honey?"
"You got it. The honey has a strong influence on Bug Pokémon. While the source has been destroyed and removed by the league, the stimulated Pokémon won't recover quickly. They'll need time to heal naturally, which is why the league has sent investigators to keep an eye on their behaviour."
Ben nodded thoughtfully, "Thanks for the info!"
"Anytime!" Russel smiled, clearly cheerful as a newcomer.
Knowing Russel had tasks to attend to, Ben said goodbye and continued on his way, eager to leave the Petalburg Woods behind.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the jungle, underground, a man in black with a broken arm lay in a hole, beside him a Nosepass covered in numerous injuries.
"Damn it! Damn Drake, damn League!"
Enduring the pain, the man pulled out a Poké Ball. With a flash of white light, a Zubat emerged in the cave. He took out a test tube from his pocket and handed it carefully to the Zubat.
"Take this back. You know where to go!"
The Zubat nodded and flew off into the darkness.
"Huh..."
Feeling the sharp pain throughout his body, the man retrieved another test tube, a hint of madness flashing in his eyes as he stared at the purple liquid within.
"It's almost time... the moment is approaching!"
Rustboro City, home to Devon Corporation, a once-small company that had grown to rival Silver Corporation. Just a few years earlier, they had focused on mining iron ore and refining steel. Now, they developed machines powered by magma for energy generation. The current president, Joseph Stone, was also the father of Hoenn League champion, Steven Stone, who was known for his love of rock collecting, a passion greatly influenced by his father.
Most of Devon's products catered to Pokémon trainers, and they had developed innovative Poké Balls, along with remarkable progress in fossil restoration engineering.
In the president's office, Joseph Stone was engaged in conversation with Drake, the Dragon King of the Alliance's Elite Four.
"I'm counting on you, Drake," President Stone said, his usual playful demeanour replaced by a serious expression.
"I'll inform Steven. I hope I can make it on time!" Drake replied, standing up and moving toward the door.
"I'll keep watch! I'll be in Rustboro City for a while."
President Stone observed Drake as he departed, deep in thought. Then, picking up the phone, he dialled a number.
"There's something important we need to discuss…"