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The Venusaur clan commanded respect throughout the forest due to their incredible strength. No wild Pokémon dared to challenge them, knowing that such foolishness would likely result in death. This dominance allowed the grass-type giants to live peacefully in their botanical paradise, spending countless hours connecting with the natural world around them.
These were Eddie's observations, though he couldn't be entirely certain of their accuracy. Regardless of the specifics, having the Venusaur clan's favor would make capturing a Pokémon from their territory much simpler.
"I was recommended by Erika, the woman who wears traditional kimonos and tends to flowers," Eddie explained to the assembled Venusaur. "I've come here hoping to choose a Bulbasaur as my partner for upcoming adventures."
Eddie addressed the three massive Venusaur directly, recognizing them as the clan's patriarchs or leaders. Speaking with them showed proper respect for their hierarchy.
"Saur? Saur saur saur~~~" The largest Venusaur's deep voice rumbled through the garden as it processed Eddie's words. While unfamiliar with the term "kimono," the Pokémon clearly recognized the description of someone who carried nature's essence and floral fragrances. After a moment of reflection, memories surfaced of a recent visitor who possessed those exact qualities.
"Saur saur, saur, saur saur saur." The patriarch's response carried approval and understanding, though Eddie couldn't comprehend the complex meaning behind the simple-sounding calls.
Eddie found himself grateful for the Power of Viridian flowing through him, automatically translating the Pokémon's communication. According to this translation, the Venusaur had said: "If she recommended you, then there's truly no concern. Moreover, even without her endorsement, the natural aura surrounding you would make our young ones eager to accompany you."
The situation exceeded Eddie's expectations. The Venusaur had agreed to his request immediately, bypassing the recognition tests and trials that Erika had warned him about completely.
"Saur saur, saur, saur saur." The patriarch continued, gesturing toward the younger Pokémon with its massive head. "You may select from our Bulbasaur. The Venusaur and Ivysaur serve as our guardians and cannot abandon their duty to protect our territory."
"I understand completely," Eddie replied with genuine appreciation. "I'm planning to raise my chosen partner gradually from the beginning, so a Bulbasaur will be perfect."
Eddie already had a powerful grass-type in his Sceptile, so he wasn't seeking immediate battle strength. Instead, he wanted a Pokémon that could grow alongside him, gaining experience through training and the Exp. Share device. This choice would also serve his longer-term strategy of keeping certain team members hidden from public view, revealing them only when necessary in wild areas where other Pokémon couldn't expose his secrets.
"Saur, saur, saur!" The clan leader's commanding voice echoed across the garden, summoning the Bulbasaur forward.
The response was immediate and enthusiastic. Young Bulbasaur throughout the area called out happily, rushing to form an orderly line before Eddie. Their excitement was palpable as they waited hopefully for selection, each one eager for the chance to explore the world beyond their garden home.
However, not all the grass-types shared this joy. The Ivysaur watched with obvious longing, wishing they too could join Eddie's adventure. Unfortunately, their status as the clan's backbone prevented them from leaving their protective duties. Some of the more recently evolved Ivysaur began questioning their decision to evolve so quickly, wondering if they should have remained Bulbasaur longer.
"Now, let me see which Bulbasaur has the greatest potential," Eddie murmured to himself, pulling out his Pokédex.
The eager Bulbasaur seemed to forget that only one of them would be chosen. Eddie intended to make his selection based on potential and compatibility rather than enthusiasm alone.
"This one shows Peak-level potential, this one also Peak, this one could reach Gym Leader level, another Gym Leader..." Eddie worked his way down the line, using his Pokédex to assess each candidate while marveling at the results.
The reputation of the Kanto starter families proved well-deserved. Even the weakest Bulbasaur displayed Peak-level potential, with several showing promise of reaching Gym Leader strength. This was far beyond what Eddie had expected to find in the wild.
"This one has Elite potential!" Eddie's eyes widened as he discovered an exceptional specimen. He nearly made his decision immediately but forced himself to continue the evaluation. "There are still a few more to check. I should examine them all before choosing."
"Saur? Saur saur saur!!" The clan leader's urgent cry suddenly shattered the peaceful selection process, its voice carrying clear alarm and warning to the entire tribe.
"Buzz buzz buzz~~" Multiple threatening sounds filled the air, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of rapidly beating wings.
"Drill drill~" More aggressive calls joined the chorus, growing louder by the second.
Eddie spun around to see a massive swarm of Beedrill approaching from the forest. His heart sank as he realized the direction of their approach matched exactly with his own entry path into the garden.
"Oh no," Eddie grimaced, his expression darkening with understanding. "That's the same direction I came from. When I broke through the Vine Whip barrier, I must have created an opening that allowed this swarm to find their way in."
The irony wasn't lost on him. His arrival, meant to be beneficial for both himself and the Venusaur clan, had instead brought serious trouble to these peaceful Pokémon.
The situation made perfect biological sense, Eddie realized. The seeds and flowers adorning the Venusaur family's backs produced sweet nectar that many Pokémon found irresistible. Bug-type Pokémon, driven by instinct to collect such resources, would naturally be drawn to this concentrated source of nutrition. The swarm had likely been searching for exactly this kind of treasure.
"Saur! Saur saur saur!!" The clan leader's battle cry rang out across the garden, rallying its family for the coming conflict.
The Venusaur had no intention of surrendering their precious nectar. These natural secretions provided essential nutrients for their growth and health. Allowing the Beedrill to harvest them would weaken the entire clan significantly.
Unfortunately, this particular swarm appeared far more formidable than typical wild encounters. Eddie's quick assessment revealed not only overwhelming numbers but also two Peak-level Beedrill and three at Gym Leader strength. The Venusaur clan, despite their natural advantages, seemed outmatched by this aerial assault force.
"These must be all the Beedrill in this section of forest," Eddie muttered, guilt weighing heavily on his conscience. "I can't believe my actions caused this situation."
Without hesitation, Eddie stepped forward into the space between the two opposing groups. The trouble had originated from his presence, and he refused to let the innocent Venusaur clan bear the consequences of his mistakes alone.
"Come out, Charizard! Sceptile! Greninja! Lucario!" Eddie's voice carried absolute determination as he summoned his team.
The Poké Balls opened in brilliant flashes of light, revealing an impressive force that immediately changed the dynamic of the entire confrontation. Four Gym Leader-level Pokémon and five Peak-level Pokémon materialized before both the Venusaur clan and the Beedrill swarm. The overwhelming presence of such powerful Pokémon created an intimidating aura that forced even the boldest wild Pokémon to retreat several steps.
The Peak-level Pokémon on both sides showed visible signs of nervousness under this pressure, though the Gym Leader-level combatants managed to maintain their composure somewhat better.
The reactions from both sides were dramatically different. The Venusaur clan expressed clear relief and gratitude at having such powerful allies suddenly appear in their defense. The Beedrill swarm, conversely, grew visibly more aggressive as they recognized the obvious threat to their intended raid.
However, the natural temperament of Beedrill worked against strategic thinking. Instead of retreating in the face of superior numbers and strength, their inherent aggression and territorial instincts overrode caution. Interpreting Eddie's defensive positioning as a direct challenge, the entire swarm launched into a coordinated attack formation.
"So you want to fight despite being clearly outmatched?" Eddie's voice carried both amusement and annoyance at their reckless behavior. "Fine then, I'll give you exactly what you're asking for."
The sight of the Beedrill charging forward like a suicide squadron despite the obvious power disparity struck Eddie as both foolish and somehow admirable. Their aggressive nature had apparently overridden any sense of self-preservation, leaving them with tunnel vision focused solely on the battle ahead.
Eddie couldn't help but laugh grimly at their determination, even as he prepared to demonstrate why their decision was catastrophically poor. If they wanted to fight so badly, he would certainly oblige them with a battle they would never forget.