Chapter 42: The Two Strong Pokémon of Obsidian Fieldlands

"Summer, we are now on the western edge of the Obsidian Fieldlands. After crossing this river, we will officially enter the area," Arezu explained, pointing at the map with a branch. Her tone became serious. "The sands are divided into territories by three powerful Pokémon: Toxicroak in the north, Torterra in the center, and Goodra in the south. The Silverglow Flowers we need are in Goodra's territory."

Obsidian Fieldlands, located in the Jubilife Village area, is a fertile land rich in vegetation, attracting many strong Pokémon. In ancient Hisui, a trial involved surviving and returning from here, thus the name Obsidian Fieldlands.

"We need to follow the river to bypass the territories of the first two Pokémon and then find the Silverglow Flowers in Goodra's territory," Arezu explained her plan.

"That takes too much time. Starting from our current position, taking a direct path to Goodra's territory will save more time," Summer suggested.

"But isn't it very dangerous to go directly through Toxicroak and Torterra's territories?" Arezu asked, worried.

"What happened to the brave Arezu who rescued a Petilil despite the danger?" Summer replied. Petilil, now nestled in Summer's arms, had been saved by Arezu from a Carnivine, which then chased her. Petilil had since accepted Arezu as its partner.

"Don't worry. I have a plan to deal with these strong Pokémon," Summer reassured confidently.

"Okay, I trust you," Arezu decided to believe in Summer.

In the northern part of Obsidian Fieldlands, the boss Toxicroak wandered aimlessly around a swamp. It was bored today; bullying the weak no longer satisfied its desire for battle. It wanted to challenge the strong.

However, upon considering the nearby strong Pokémon, it gave up. The big tortoise (Torterra) could manipulate the ground, and getting hit by it hurt a lot, plus its shell was impossibly hard. Only a fool would provoke it.

The purple snail (Goodra) was even worse; Toxicroak's proud poison was useless against it. Once, it was nearly crushed by a falling meteor when fighting Goodra, a memory that still made it shudder.

Then, its yellow eyes spotted Summer and Arezu in the distance, followed by a yellow-green monkey.

Oh, they look tougher than Psyduck. They are perfect opponents for a fight!

Toxicroak croaked and charged at the two, making enough noise to draw their attention.

"It's Toxicroak!" Arezu exclaimed.

"I see it. Thwackey, use Grassy Terrain," Summer instructed.

"Wait, Summer, are you planning to fight it head-on?" Arezu looked at the small monkey beside her, doubting it could handle the fearsome Toxicroak.

Grass sprouted under Thwackey's feet. Summer reassured the worried Arezu, "If the opponent is at this level, Thwackey can handle it."

"Thwackey, watch out for its claws. Use Grassy Glide, then Acrobatics."

Thwackey nodded, moving like a green flash and kicking Toxicroak in the knee. Toxicroak croaked in surprise, leaning forward and extending its poisonous claws. However, Thwackey was prepared. It struck Toxicroak's shoulders with its wooden sticks, making the ground under Toxicroak's feet sink and causing it to miss its attack.

Toxicroak quickly adjusted its stance, reaching up, but Thwackey dropped its sticks and, shining with a sky-blue light, used Acrobatics, dodging the second strike and pummeling Toxicroak with kicks and punches. As the boss, Toxicroak had never been humiliated by a weaker foe like this.

"Croak~~~!"

Toxicroak yelled, wildly swinging its claws. This random attack hit Thwackey during its second Acrobatics attempt, leaving a scratch.

"Croak!" Toxicroak cried joyfully. It had landed a hit!

It fell backward, battered by two Acrobatics. But it was happy, believing its poison would paralyze its opponent for a day, making it the winner when it stood up first!

Thwackey staggered from the poison, but Summer quickly administered an antidote, curing it.

Toxicroak's eyes widened. How could my poison be cured so easily?!

Noticing Toxicroak's shock, Summer showed the antidote bottle and said, "Human technology, pal."

You! Toxicroak felt a rush of anger before blacking out.

"Thwackey is amazing, and you are too, Summer. It seems your words hurt Toxicroak more than Thwackey's attacks," Arezu commented, seeing the fainted Toxicroak.

When Toxicroak woke up near sunset, it sat up, feeling dejected and occasionally croaking in disappointment.

Human technology, pal!

What is technology? Toxicroak didn't understand but knew its poison was easily neutralized. What's the point of its practiced poison attacks now?

Thinking about Thwackey's agile moves, Toxicroak wondered if it could beat the big tortoise and purple snail with similar skills.

Suddenly enlightened, Toxicroak started jumping, realizing its strong legs were a valuable asset. From that day on, Obsidian Fieldlands lost a bully Toxicroak but gained one pursuing martial arts, honing its skills, later even earning the respect of the Plateau King, Ursaluna.

"Is it really okay?" Arezu asked Summer, looking at the huge Torterra occupying the entire swamp.

"It's fine, as long as we don't show hostility."

Having gained more trust in Summer after the earlier encounter, Arezu overcame her fear and followed closely.

Suddenly, the sleeping Torterra woke, taking a step forward, making the ground tremble.

Its territorial instinct outweighs its natural friendliness? Summer took out a Sitrus Berry, signaling Arezu to move ahead while he approached Torterra, hoping to gain its favor with the berry.

Torterra slowly looked at Summer, then its eyes widened.

Hostility! Summer, attuned to grass-type Pokémon's emotions thanks to Thwackey, sensed it wasn't directed at him. Could it be aimed at Arezu?

Glancing back, he saw Arezu hiding in the grass, safe for now. So, who was the hostility directed at?

"Roar!"

Torterra stomped, causing a stone edge to erupt from the grass, flinging three Croagunk away.

"I see, thank you, Torterra," Summer understood the hostility was directed at the Croagunk that had followed them.

"Roar~" Torterra looked at the berry in Summer's hand, as if saying, "Aren't you giving it to me?"

Summer nodded, placing the Sitrus Berry in Torterra's mouth, adding a few Oran Berries as a thank-you gift.

"Summer, he's amazing, feeding Torterra by hand," Arezu whispered in awe from her hiding spot, her admiration for Summer growing.

(End of Chapter)