Chapter 13: The Victors

On the purple marsh, a large-scale group battle was finally coming to an end. After a long and arduous fight, the Poison-type Pokémon of the rebels began to show signs of collapse due to their overwhelming numerical disadvantage. In the end, the rebel Poison-type Pokémon were almost entirely wiped out.

However, a few particularly powerful rebel Poison-type Pokémon managed to survive the onslaught of the loyalist Pokémon and earned their respect. The loyalist Pokémon eventually made way for these survivors to enter the central area of the marsh and challenge their current leader. The rule that the strongest Pokémon must lead the group has been an unchanging principle for millennia.

The Pokémon challenging Muk was a black Grimer. Although he had not yet evolved into Muk, his size was comparable to a typical Muk. During the chaotic battle, no other Grimer dared to compete with him, and he stood still on the battlefield until the group battle concluded, seizing the opportunity to challenge Muk.

Three Golbat challenged Crobat. Despite being covered in wounds, the three Golbat did not give up on the chance to compete for the leader's position and the fruit of the toxic demon tree, joining forces to challenge Crobat.

A scarred Venusaur dared to confront Arbok. This latecomer demonstrated masterful Vine Whip techniques and powerful regeneration abilities, making him invincible in the group battle. All challengers became his fertilizer, and like Grimer, he issued his challenge at full strength.

Lastly, a gigantic Venomoth challenged Gengar. Nearly three times the size of a typical Venomoth, she was the most aggressive challenger, using her psychic powers to slaughter numerous Pokémon during the group battle. Both loyalist and rebel Poison-type Pokémon feared her, and she was the only challenger to survive taking on all four leaders simultaneously before the group battle ended.

With the appearance and rapid maturation of the fourth fruit on the toxic demon tree's branch, the final challenge began.

In the eastern sector of the toxic demon tree, Venomoth launched her attack against Gengar with a wave of psychic energy. Gengar, with a sinister laugh, disappeared into thin air, dodging the psychic wave, and reappeared above Venomoth, launching three Shadow Balls. Venomoth avoided the attack with an elegant aerial maneuver and countered with a Mind Headbutt, hitting Gengar and sending him flying. Gengar vanished into the wall at the last moment.

Venomoth, thinking she had driven Gengar away, moved towards the fruit, only to be immobilized by a shadow cast by the fruit's purple glow. Gengar emerged from the shadow with a sinister laugh, forming a massive Shadow Ball. He launched it at Venomoth, obliterating her into pieces.

Seeing his challenger easily defeated, Gengar laughed maniacally until a wave of psychic energy enveloped him. Two identical Venomoth emerged, glaring at the bound Gengar.

In the southern sector, Muk and black Grimer began their battle after a brief exchange. Despite Muk's larger size, black Grimer overpowered him, slamming Muk to the ground. Muk's supporters cheered. Black Grimer taunted Muk, who responded by healing himself with a purple glow. Black Grimer's attacks were blocked by Muk, who then crushed him with a body slam. Black Grimer's struggles were futile as he was gradually consumed by Muk's purple sludge, ultimately splitting himself to escape.

Muk, now larger after absorbing black Grimer, looked down disdainfully at the diminished Grimer, mimicking his taunting gestures.

In the western sector, Crobat fought fiercely against three Golbat. Despite their perfect coordination, Crobat managed to fend them off. Crobat created a massive whirlwind, but the Golbat countered with a larger whirlwind, temporarily overpowering Crobat. As Crobat broke free and counterattacked with Shadow Balls, the remaining Golbat turned on each other. The victor evolved into a new Crobat and resumed the fight against the original Crobat.

In the northern sector, Arbok and Venusaur were in a fierce standoff. Venusaur's roots anchored him while his Vine Whips attacked Arbok. Arbok evaded with lightning speed, countering with Acid aimed at Venusaur's roots. Venusaur's regeneration was disrupted, and his roots were dissolved. Despite his injuries, Venusaur used his remaining roots to trap Arbok and deliver a fatal blow.

The battle's outcome was decided.

Venomoth defeated Gengar but was cursed and incapacitated before Gengar died. Muk retained his leadership by defeating and absorbing black Grimer. The newly evolved Crobat defeated the original Crobat. Venusaur outlasted Arbok, who eventually died from exhaustion.

The final victors were Muk, the new Crobat, and Venusaur. However, with four fruits and three winners, a new dilemma arose.

The three Pokémon eyed each other warily and retreated, causing the atmosphere in the purple marsh to become tense once more.

To be continued...

---

(End of Chapter)