Deep within the neglected gym, groups of Shroomish and Breloom watched Feng Che with hostile, wary eyes.
Shroomish, the small mushroom-like Pokémon, shook their bodies. When threatened, they scatter toxic spores from the openings on their heads that can wither hardy trees. If inhaled, these spores cause agonizing joint pain and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.
Standing guard over them were the Breloom. Looking like a cross between a kangaroo and a mushroom, these Pokémon are masters of physical combat. Their elastic wood-like arms allow them to throw punches at the speed of sound (Mach Punch), and the seeds on their tails can release concentrated bursts of toxic powder.
Shroomish: [Is this human here to steal our kin?] Breloom: [Damned poachers. They won't stop until we're all gone. Let them taste our spores!]
At a high-pitched signal from the lead Breloom, the pack raised their tails. A thick cloud of purple dust—Stun Spore and Poison Powder—swirled toward Feng Che.
"Go, Venusaur!"
The giant flower on Venusaur's back created a powerful suction, vacuuming the toxic clouds out of the air. Then, Venusaur opened its massive maw and launched a glowing green orb—a Seed Bomb. It detonated in the center of the wild pack, the concussive force knocking the Breloom and Shroomish off their feet instantly.
Breloom: [Damned human... defeated us in one move. I couldn't protect the tribe...]
"I see... a Shiny Shroomish," Feng Che noted. Tucked in a corner, shielded by an Oddish, was a Shroomish with a distinct, orange-tinted coloration.
"Venusaur, use Grassy Terrain."
Faint green light washed over the floor, turning the dusty gym interior into a lush field of flowers. The healing energy flowed into the fallen Pokémon, mending their bruises.
Breloom: [Why is he helping us? What's his scheme?]
"I have no ill intent. I am the newly appointed Leader of this Gym. My name is Feng Che," Feng Che said, using the Power of Viridian to project his thoughts directly into the Breloom's mind.
"A human... that speaks?" The Breloom's pupils contracted.
"I'm using the Power of Viridian—the gift of the forest—to communicate with you," Feng Che explained, placing a glowing hand on the Breloom. The Pokémon's wounds knit together and scars vanished within seconds.
"The Power of Viridian is only granted to those with a pure heart," the Breloom conceded, its anger softening. "But if you have this power, why are you helping the ones who hunt us? My friend was wounded by poachers... it's dying. Please, save it."
The Breloom led Feng Che to the back of the gym, where a group of Tropius were huddled together. Tropius, the "L Rolls-Royce of the Sky," are large sauropod-like Grass/Flying types with leaf-wings and fruit hanging from their necks.
Feng Che saw a young Tropius lying on the ground, twitching. Its abdomen bore a jagged wound oozing putrid, purple-black blood. The stench of rot was overwhelming.
"We've been using Grassy Terrain to keep it alive," Breloom pleaded, "but this poison is eating it from the inside."
"Venusaur, use Leech Seed."
Venusaur fired a seed that sprouted vines upon touching the wound. The vines began to suck out the blackened blood, withering and dying as they absorbed the toxin. Feng Che repeated the process six times until the blood turned a healthy dark green. Meanwhile, he ground medicinal herbs in a mortar.
"This isn't standard poacher poison," Feng Che observed grimly. "This was specially formulated."
After applying the antidote, the Tropius's breathing finally stabilized, and it fell into a deep, healing sleep.
"It's over, Breloom. It will recover," Feng Che said. "Now, tell me exactly what happened—"
BOOM!
A massive explosion at the gym's entrance cut him off.
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