Chapter 93 - Poachers

Julian awoke to the warm embrace of sunlight, its golden rays gently kissing his face. Blinking his eyes open, he was met with the sight of their tent having vanished, leaving only the memories of their peaceful night behind. Gengar and Electivire were conspicuously absent, leaving Julian to conclude that they were likely responsible for the tent's disappearance.

Julian mused aloud, "Well, it's already morning."

As he rose to his feet, Julian stretched his tired muscles, savoring the delightful sensation of the morning's energy seeping into his body. Scanning his surroundings, he couldn't help but smile as he spotted Infernape in deep meditation, a serene aura surrounding him. Nearby, Treecko was locked in an intense training session with Venusaur, their determination to improve evident in every leafy blow and powerful vine whip.

Julian, intrigued by Treecko's progress, decided to access his System to check Treecko's stats in detail.

Julian: "System, show Treecko's stats."

System: "Affirmative."

Treecko

Type - Grass

Level - 6

Age - 8 months

Bond - 40%

HP - 40

Attack - 39

Defense - 30

Sp. Atk - 56

Sp. Def - 44

Speed - 70

Move set - Leer, Pound, Absorb, Bullet Seed

Ability - Overgrow (Locked), Unburden (Locked)

Julian nodded in approval as he reviewed Treecko's stats, mulling over the data.

Julian: "He has good speed and special attack, and considering he's still at level six, his move set is quite impressive. Treecko is shaping up nicely."

Julian's heart swelled with happiness as he gazed upon Treecko's promising potential. A sense of pride filled him as he reminisced about his other Pokémon and how far they had come since their humble beginnings. A contented smile played on his lips, appreciating the growth and bonds they had developed.

However, a sudden realization interrupted his reverie. Gengar and Electivire were conspicuously absent, and Julian couldn't help but worry.

Julian inquired, "Where is Gengar and Electivire?"

Just as he voiced his concern, a majestic Pidgeot descended gracefully nearby and pointed with a graceful wing towards a cliff on the other side of the river, silently communicating the location of his missing Pokémon.

Julian watched Gengar and Electivire return with a mix of relief and amusement, listening to their joyous laughter that echoed through the tranquil setting. He couldn't help but smile, the worry of their absence dissipating as he realized that they had been off having their own adventures.

Julian, with a chuckle, remarked to himself, "I guess I can't do anything about those two."

As they continued to laugh and share their unspoken tales, Julian finished packing his belongings and settled in, content in the company of his Pokémon.

Julian couldn't help but surmise, "They must have gone pranking others again, I guess."

With a firm but affectionate tone, he addressed his Pokémon, "Get in your Poké Balls, you two."

Gengar and Electivire obediently returned to the confines of their Poké Balls, ready to rest and recuperate. However, Julian couldn't bring himself to encase Treecko in its Poké Ball. He wanted the young Grass-type to savor the world outside the forest, giving it a chance to explore and experience the wonders of their journey together.

With Treecko perched comfortably on his shoulder, Julian's excitement was palpable. As he hopped onto his trusty bike, he shared his plans with Treecko.

Julian: "Treecko, hop on my shoulder."

Treecko obediently climbed up, finding a snug spot from which to observe the world around. Julian kicked off, pedaling toward Petalburg City.

Julian: "We're heading to Petalburg City, where we'll have our first gym battle together."

Treecko gazed at Julian with curiosity, letting out a questioning, "Koo?"

Julian: "Ah, I forgot to mention, we're going to travel around Hoenn, challenge other trainers, and take on gym leaders to grow stronger together."

Treecko comprehended the journey that lay ahead and nodded its head happily, ready to face the adventures and challenges alongside its trainer.

Julian's determination to train and capture new Pokémon was met with Treecko's eager approval. The little Grass-type reveled in the sensation of the wind on Julian's shoulder as they rode.

However, their journey took an unexpected turn as an earth-shattering roar pierced the air, startling Treecko. Julian immediately brought his bike to a halt, his eyes scanning the direction of the tumultuous sound. He couldn't ignore the pain and anger emanating from that roar, a sensation that tugged at his heart and demanded his attention.

Julian's curiosity got the best of him as he pondered, "What could it be?"

Without hesitation, he made a decision.

Julian: "Let's go and check what's happening."

Julian skillfully maneuvered his bike through the dense forest, adeptly dodging trees and navigating the uneven terrain. The forest floor seemed to be more of an obstacle course for his airborne bike. When he finally reached the source of the commotion, a scene of chaos unfolded before him. A colossal Tyranitar was surrounded by a menacing assembly of Houndoom, Weavile, and Mightyena, their intentions unclear but the tension in the air palpable.

The grim scene sent a shiver down Julian's spine. He noticed the lifeless bodies of some Houndooms and Mightyenas, crushed beneath Tyranitar's colossal weight. Tyranitar itself was in dire straits, its massive body riddled with deep wounds and hemorrhaging profusely. It was on the brink of its last breath.

As Julian surveyed the chaos, his eyes fell upon two men clad in brown attire. They held a cage, within which an unconscious and bound Larvitar lay, its small form imprisoned against its will. The situation was dire, and Julian knew he had to act swiftly to intervene and make sense of this unfolding crisis.

Julian's eyes turned icy as he pieced together the cruel intentions of the two men before him. They were no ordinary travelers; they were Pokémon poachers, seeking to capture the Larvitar and exploit the Tyranitar for their precious scales, which held significant value in the shadowy world of the black market.

Seeing Treecko's distress, Julian knew he needed to stay calm, reassuring his Pokémon with a gentle pat on the head. As the anger and frustration simmered within him, he realized that it was time to act, to protect these Pokémon and confront the ruthless poachers.

Julian: "Treecko, even though humans and Pokémon live in harmony, there are some who are trash and not deserving of our compassion. However, we cannot resort to killing, as doing so would erase the difference between them and us. Nevertheless, it doesn't mean we can't consider appropriate consequences or smash them."

Julian's words held a profound truth, and Treecko absorbed them with a newfound resolve. It understood that while humans and Pokémon coexisted harmoniously, there were still individuals who caused harm and pain. However, Julian emphasized the importance of not stooping to their level, of not taking a life. Instead, they would confront and stop the wrongdoers, ensuring justice prevailed.

With Treecko's reassurance, Julian approached the two poachers, his eyes cold and unwavering, ready to put an end to their cruel actions without resorting to the same brutality they exhibited.

The poachers were taken aback by Julian's sudden arrival, and their startled expressions quickly turned hostile.

Poacher 1: "Hey, what do you think you're doing? Get lost from here, or we will kill you."

Poacher 2: "Don't let him escape. Let's kill him before he informs the police."

Poacher 1: "Houndoom, Weavile, quickly finish off that Tyranitar and deal with this intruder!"

Poacher 2: "Mightyena, you too!"

The atmosphere grew tense, and it was clear that Julian was facing a dangerous and ruthless adversary. However, he was undeterred in his mission to stop the poachers and protect the innocent Pokémon.

Julian swiftly summoned Infernape and Heatran from their Poké Balls, the fiery pair ready to take on the poachers' Pokémon. As he advanced toward the poachers, Infernape and Heatran moved to engage Houndoom, Mightyena, and Tyranitar.

Weavile, quick to react, lunged at Infernape, its claws poised to strike. However, Infernape demonstrated its power and precision, catching Weavile's arm and delivering a devastating Focus Punch directly to Weavile's abdomen. The impact was so severe that Weavile was sent hurtling through the forest, colliding with tree after tree, until it came to a halt, unconscious and gravely injured but still alive. The forest bore the marks of the fierce collision, but Weavile's threat had been neutralized.

The remaining Houndoom and Mightyena, their confidence shattered by the defeat of Weavile, began to retreat cautiously, their eyes fixed on Infernape. However, their escape was cut short as they inadvertently backed into an imposing presence. When they turned to face the source of their newfound dread, their hearts sank.

Before them stood Heatran, an enormous three-meter-tall Pokémon, its molten body radiating intense heat. The temperature in the surrounding area surged higher and higher, creating an oppressive and sweltering atmosphere. Trapped between Infernape and the fiery giant, their fear and desperation left them paralyzed, unable to escape the suffocating presence of these formidable adversaries.

Heatran, with its molten limbs, relentlessly subdued the remaining Houndoom and Mightyena until they were rendered unconscious, ending the immediate threat.

However, the poachers, realizing the dire situation they were in, resorted to pulling out their guns and pointing them at Julian. Fear dripped from their words as one of them, Poacher 1, stammered, "St...Stop right there or I...I...I will shoot." The tension in the forest was palpable, and the standoff had reached a critical juncture.

Julian displayed extraordinary courage and determination as he continued to approach the poachers despite the gunshot. To their shock and horror, the bullet was halted mid-air by Julian's bare hand, an undeniable testament to his connection with Pokémon and his resolve to protect them.

As the poachers paled with fear, Julian's words resonated with disdain for their actions.

Julian: "You are the dregs of society, exploiting and profiting from the suffering of Pokémon solely for your own greed and monetary gain."

His stern words were a condemnation of their heartless actions and a reminder that justice would be served.

Julian's swift and decisive actions left the poachers in unbearable agony as he crushed their limbs, rendering one with a useless leg and the other with a crippled arm. Their screams pierced the air as they writhed on the ground, their reign of terror having come to a brutal end.

With a sense of justice prevailing, Julian shifted his focus to the Larvitar, the innocent Pokémon caught up in this heinous ordeal. He freed it from the confines of the cage, waking it gently. The young Larvitar's eyes met its mother, heavily injured and poisoned, nearing the end of her life. The heart-wrenching sight of a helpless Larvitar witnessing its mother's suffering only deepened the gravity of the situation.

Tyranitar's soft call and pleading gaze conveyed a poignant message, and Julian understood the mother's wish. She wanted him to take care of her precious baby, Larvitar, who clung to her as if fearing to let go. As Tyranitar's life flickered, she used her last breath to offer her child a final assurance, instructing Larvitar to follow the stranger who had come to their aid.

Julian, with a gentle pat on Larvitar's head, whispered comforting words. "Don't worry, little one. I'll take care of you, I promise."

The moment was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, a testament to the bonds that existed between Pokémon and humans who cared for their well-being.

As Tyranitar drew her final breath and closed her eyes, the forest fell silent, and a somber atmosphere enveloped the scene. Treecko, who had witnessed the events unfold, was undoubtedly shaken, despite his bravery in facing the poachers. It was a harsh and emotional experience, even for a Pokémon.

Infernape, who had an intimate understanding of Julian and his intentions, approached Treecko with empathy. Recognizing the young Grass-type's inner turmoil, Infernape offered comfort and support, knowing that this ordeal was intended to strengthen Treecko's resolve and bond with its trainer. The group, bound by their shared experiences, now faced a future that held both challenges and growth.

Officer Jenny and her team arrived at the scene, taking in the sight of the injured and unconscious Pokémon as well as the defeated poachers. She approached Julian, her expression both professional and compassionate, seeking to understand the situation.

Julian explained, "I heard a roar coming from here, and when I arrived, I found these two had captured the Larvitar and were attempting to kill its mother. I intervened to stop them and incapacitated them, but they sustained injuries during the process."

His words conveyed the essence of the incident, and it was evident that his intervention had been necessary to protect the innocent Pokémon and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Officer Jenny, her duty bound by the seriousness of poaching, nodded in acknowledgment of Julian's statement. Her primary concern was to ensure justice for the captured Pokémon, and given the severity of the poachers' crimes, there was little room for leniency.

Julian's plan to bury Tyranitar and care for her child was a noble gesture, and Jenny recognized his genuine compassion for the Pokémon. She replied, "Thank you for your cooperation as well. I'm glad you intervened in this situation. Please make sure the Larvitar receives proper care. We will continue our investigation into these poachers."

Julian, noting Larvitar's fear and the bond the young Pokémon seemed to have formed with him, made a compassionate decision. He stepped forward and addressed Officer Jenny, his voice gentle and understanding.

Julian: "Officer Jenny, I believe it would be best if I take Larvitar with me. It seems he's been deeply affected by this situation and currently only trusts me. I will ensure he receives the care and support he needs."

Officer Jenny acknowledged Julian's request, understanding that the well-being of the Pokémon was paramount. She nodded in agreement, trusting Julian's commitment to the young Larvitar's welfare.

Officer Jenny: "Very well, Julian. Please take good care of Larvitar, and if you have any information that can help us with our investigation, don't hesitate to contact us."

With her parting words, Julian was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for Larvitar, who had found an unexpected protector and friend in him.

Julian and Larvitar set off, leaving the scene of the harrowing ordeal behind. As they rode away on his bike, Julian and the young Larvitar embarked on a new journey together, with Julian committed to providing care and protection for the Pokémon in need.

Meanwhile, Officer Jenny, who had a nagging sense of familiarity when looking at Julian, shook her head, trying to dismiss the feeling.

Jenny muttered to herself, "I think I'm imagining things."

Unbeknownst to her, Julian's actions that day had left an indelible mark on the Pokémon and the forest, setting a powerful example of compassion and courage in the face of danger.