Chapter 25

Redwald, Greta and Eusine were on their way through Route 3 to their next destination. The day was sunny, and it gave Greta some happiness inside. She was enjoying the heat with her Metapod on her arms and watching the blue sky above. Redwald was walking along with Sandshrew in order to make him feel less strange and get to know each other better. Sandshrew, due to his nature, was already quite friendly. Redwald did not have to pay so much effort on him to make feel comfortable. However, he was more of an independent Pokémon. As much as he was friendly, he was also careless about Redwald and the others. While Redwald was talking to him about his goal to compete in Kanto League and he was training all of his Pokémon to be good enough to face against other trainers, Sandshrew stopped listening to him and ran over flowers without giving any signals. Redwald was not even sure if Sandshrew was listening to him, to begin with. As a last resort, Redwald called Eevee out to make bonds with Sandshrew. After all, Eevee was Redwald's oldest team member since the beginning and if there was a team member to solve this issue, it could be no one else than Eevee.

Greta saw Eusine holding a paper which was cropped from a newspaper. Greta approached Eusine to see the paper, however, Eusine quickly hid the paper in his pocket and pretended he was not doing anything unusual. Greta felt offended by Eusine's attempt of hiding something. She trusted him with her life and she would not attempt to hide something from him. But she barely knew anything about him, and still, she did not ask anything to not make him feel uncomfortable. However, his behaviour made Greta think that he had secrets and maybe, after everything, Eusine was not someone to trust completely. But when Eusine smiled at Greta and gently asked if she was alright, Greta forgot all the negative thoughts in her mind and kept trusting in Eusine once again.

When the time hit almost midday, Greta offered a lunch break. They stood by a river and Eusine got started to cook. Redwald watched Eevee and Sandshrew improving their relationship. In the other hand, Greta was cleaning Metapod's body. "It is getting harder, Metapod." Greta said. "I believe your evolution is close."

Metapod only stared at her. Ever since she evolved, Greta felt disconnected with Metapod a little since Metapod was emotionless, motionless and dull. She could not talk, response or even smile. At times, Greta felt afraid that she was doing something wrong with him but had no chance to know about it. If Metapod hated Greta, she would have no chance to know that. Deep down, she was afraid that Metapod would hate her when she evolves. She never felt comfortable to ask Eusine about it out of the fear of being judged. Greta could not take the risk of possibility that Eusine would think "How do you expect to be a Pokémon Breeder if you can't even take care of Pokémon in the most basic way?"

"I hope you don't hate me, Metapod…" Greta said softly, made it impossible to be heard, probably even by Metapod.

All of a sudden, Metapod's body glowed bright and got back to normal in seconds. Greta was shocked, could not believe the truth of the moment. Did Metapod really glow, like Eusine said she would when she gets closer to her evolution.

Did it really happen, or did Greta just imagine?

Greta walked towards Eusine. She was carrying Metapod along with her. She gently put her hand on Eusine's shoulder. Eusine turned his back to see. He was surprised. "What is it, Greta?" He asked. "Do you need something?"

"I was just thinking… If Metapod glows once she gets closer to her evolution phase, how long does it take to repeat?"

"It depends." Eusine said. "It's all about the Pokémon's personality and treats. It may take a day, or just five minutes. However, it repeats faster every time and eventually the Pokémon glows so bright that upon it, it just evolves."

"Why are you asking?" Redwald interrupted. He was back from training. It looked so that Redwald tried Sandshrew's power. Sandshrew seemed to be pleasant and happy with training, so did Redwald.

"I am not quite sure, maybe I just imagined… But I thought Metapod glowed." Greta said. She was not excited, rather she was confused.

"It is possible." Eusine responded. "I expected it to happen any time soon. It's been weeks which is enough for Metapod to get ready for evolution."

"I hope you are right." Greta said.

Redwald and Eusine discussed Sandshrew's training during the lunch. Greta was silent. She watched Metapod with the hope of witnessing it happening once again. Eusine knew what was off with her, but he wanted to not get involved, and let her live what she was supposed to as a want-to-be Pokémon Breeder, even though it was unnecessarily harder.

Redwald, Greta and Eusine kept walking on the road the whole day. Although Greta waited for the right moment, Metapod never glowed again until the sunset.

"We can't keep walking in the darkness." Eusine said. "We should camp here."

"What a shame, we don't have any Pokécenter around this area." Redwald responded. "Not every Pokémon is lucky enough to encounter trainers like us who are able to cure."

"According to the Guide Book, there used to be one." Eusine said. "But the Pokécenter made the third route more popular area to be visited by trainers who are aiming for the Kanto League, just like you are."

"But the popularity was a trouble for the local Pokémon. Their natural enemies are the other species. But then, they also had to deal with trainers as well. Eventually, all the Pokémon declared a ceasefire and united as one to destroy the Pokécenter. As it is recorded, Fearow and Pidgeot herds destroyed windows and walls. Onix and Sandslash attacked underground and wiped off the map."

"Later on, people were not forbidden to enter the area, but a new Pokécenter is strictly forbidden, in order to not disturb the nature and the Pokémon inside."

"That would be wise." Greta commented. "I can see why all the Pokémon are disturbed. Humans come to destroy, after all."

After that, Redwald, Greta and Eusine settled on a clean area and spent the night there. Eusine cooked once more with Greta's help. Greta was more than happy to be in contact with Eusine. Very happy, even. But she kept an eye on Metapod constantly to catch if she gets to glow again. All night, Metapod never glowed, however.

After the dinner, Greta got in her sleeping bag and took Metapod in her arms. She covered the tiny, hard Pokémon all around her cocoon. "I can't wait to finally see you smiling at me again, Metapod." Greta said. "It's been really long time. Do you remember when I offered you my food for the first time? I was so stressed to see if you'd enjoy it. It was prepared exclusively for your species with Eusine's help. Your liking it or not would mean a lot for me as a Pokémon Breeder on her way."

Metapod was staring at Greta with the empty look as ever. Greta closed her eyes and imagined Metapod, inside her cocoon, smiling at her with happiness and excitement. "I know, you are happy and peaceful now, Metapod… I know…" Greta said, before she fell asleep.

The scream on the arid road echoed throughout the mountains. As soon as the loud voice woke Greta up, she jumped quickly and got out of her sleeping bag. She got alarmed automatically. All of a sudden, she hugged her Metapod, grabbed her backpack and got ready to run off. But something was off. Redwald and Eusine were staring at a point shocked instead of hurrying like Greta.

"What is going on?" Greta asked while she put her bag on the ground. She was confused. Eusine, unpleasantly, rubbed his eyes. "Why are you screaming like crazy, Madison?" He complained.

"I am sorry!" Madison responded. She was standing right there, holding her Kakuna. "When I saw Metapod glowing really, I mean really bright, I couldn't hold it. She is evolving almost simultaneously as my Kakuna!"

"Is this the Weedle you caught earlier?" Greta asked. Madison nodded her head. "Correct." She said. "We are wasting no time. You are almost catching up with us, Greta. How lovely!"

Redwald turned on his Pokédex to scan the Pokémon.

Greta knew Madison's goal was to piss her off. Greta did not take the bait. She responded as calm as she could be. "We are not falling behind as you claim, Madison. Metapod has been like that for a while now. I am not sure who would evolve earlier."

"Why not stick around together and find out?" Madison offered. She was really putting so many efforts for the rivalry between her and Greta. If Greta were to be really honest, she would reject Madison without a second thought. Not only because she was afraid of the unspoken challenge, but because she couldn't stand her. But she would never give her a chance to think that Madison was better than her. So, she had to accept the offer. "Do as you wish, Madison. You might be looking for someone else to escort you all the way to the end as well, as this road is a bit scary for a girl like you."

Madison knew Greta was using the bait to piss her off. Instead, she calmly responded. "Says the one never travels alone."

Greta was getting mad. "It has nothing to do with being afraid of what is to come." She said. She didn't know at the time, but she sounded louder than usual, as a typical reaction that people do when they are getting angry. "We learn and teach each other a lot all the way."

"What did you teach so far?" Madison asked quickly. She apparently tried to make Greta feel that she was nothing but a burden.

"She taught us that any Pokémon can be tamed if approached properly." Redwald interrupted. Redwald had nothing against Madison personally. But not only Greta was his one of best friends, but also people like Madison would annoy Redwald anywhere. He only wanted the fight to be over. He couldn't recognize Greta when she gets in a childish pissing contest with Madison. Redwald's interruption served its purpose, however. Madison stopped rounding on Greta. Instead, everyone took their time to sit down and relax.

For the safety of the two cocoon Pokémon, Eusine suggested to stay around for a while until they evolve. Redwald took the advantage of the situation and trained with his Pokémon. He mainly focused on Eevee and Sandshrew. Eevee was once again improving his skills on Bite and Double Team. Sandshrew impressed both Redwald and Eusine by showing off his skills Scratch and Dig. Redwald did not realize, or maybe Sandshrew didn't get to show off well enough due to his illness at the time, but Sandshrew's Scratch attack was quite powerful. It could leave a Pokémon in pain for so long and cause deep scars on them. He was also digging holes pretty fast. Redwald thought, he could use it for protection in battles.

"I want to try a medicine." Madison said. "Since you are escorting me here, I could share it with you."

"What medicine?" Greta asked, tried to look as uninterested as possible, although she really was.

"According to my Remedy Book, there is a medicine that could help cocoon Pokémon, like ours, to get ready faster and safer." Madison said. "The fluids in the plants help the Pokémon improve the process better."

"That's a very convincing explanation, Madison, really." Greta responded. "If a book says so, it must be true then. I rather let my Metapod improve herself in a natural way, rather than giving her what so ever."

"This is your loss." Madison said. "This book was heritage to my mother from my grandmother. My grandmother claims that she received it from a very special person, known as Eshmun."

Greta's pupils grew. She was shocked to hear the name. For a moment, she remained in silence. Could it be real, Greta thought. She approached the book slowly and checked the cover. It was a really old book and was worn out quite a lot. All the action caught Eusine's attention. He thought, it was all about the name.

"Who is Eshmun?" He asked. Greta and Madison looked at Eusine surprised. Although it was never mentioned with words, Greta was sure ever since then that Eusine was not from Kanto. Anyone from Kanto would know who Eshmun is.

"How come you've never heard of the name Eshmun, Eusine?" Redwald even got involved to the conversation. Madison looked at Eusine as if she dared to accuse him with something. "That's because he is not from Kanto." She said. "Where are you from?"

Eusine remained in silence for a moment. When he put his finger with white glove on his throat to take a breath, Greta realized that Eusine was not comfortable for being asked such a question. Although Greta would like to know the answer more than anyone, she followed her heart and decided to save Eusine from that situation by changing the subject.

"Eshmun is a man who is known as the Healer." Greta said. "Around one century before, the big war affected Kanto more than anywhere else. The war known as the World War."

Eusine was listening to Greta with full attention.

"In the war, many was lost, and many was hurt. Those who hadn't died were still hoped to survive. After all, they had families and loved ones."

"But the natural sources were not even close to be enough. Not only the people, but even the Pokémon were dying out. It is recorded that even some species went extinct. Just as people were hopeless and desperate, Eshmun appeared. The rumour has many descriptions on how he looks like. Some say that he had so dark skin that people would often confuse him as a Pokémon. Some say that his skin was so pure and bright that people believed he was carrying the divine light underneath his skin. I believe he was just an ordinary person."

"He saved more than half of the hurt people and Pokémon. He worked with all his strength. Half of our nation was grateful to him. After the disengagement, with the help of people of Kanto, Eshmun's book had over one thousand copies. People handed it over and over all around the nation and cured their folks and Pokémon with the guidance of this book."

Eusine was speechless. "I researched all the myths and legends all around the world, even Kanto, with attention and care. I never came across that name… How, how come?"

"Maybe because it is neither a legend, nor a myth." Madison responded. "It is not ancient times. It is only one century ago and there are still people alive who witnessed that time, as well as Eshmun himself."

"But if you are so interested in myths and legends, Eusine, you should look up the origin of the name, Eshmun." Redwald interrupted. "His name is derived from an ancient god called Eshmun. The god himself was a healer as well. The god is believed to be from Kanto."

"I have many things to learn from you as well." Eusine said. What he heard definitely left him in shock for a while. He probably could not believe that he missed something like that despite of Madison's explanation.

"If you are coming along, I am off to collect the required plants and make the medicine, Greta." Madison said. She pulled her stuffs and stood up. Greta took a look at Metapod. "I am not going to try it on my Metapod, but I want to see what happens. I am coming." Greta said, as she also stood up and walked away with Madison.

"Be careful!" Redwald shouted. Greta waved her hand, before the two disappeared in the yellow field of Route 3.

While the two got lost in the forest side of the road, Madison checked her book to see what they needed. "There must be some fennels here. We need the bulb of it." She said.

"How does it look like?" Greta asked. Madison showed the page. There was a hand drawn fennel on the paper. It was green and looked almost like it was made of only bulb.

"Did you know that the fennel is called Emperor's Grass in some other regions?" Madison noted, but she clearly read the whole text on the paper.

"How should I know that while I don't even know how it's called in my region?" Greta scolded. She felt a bit off to act like Madison had been one of her closer friends all of a sudden. She could still remember how she threatened her in front of Redwald when they first encountered at Oak's laboratory. Somehow, Madison knew why Greta dropped the school before the graduate, and she had the potential to tell it everyone if she felt like it. She could not get along with someone like her.

"I am here for my Pokémon." Greta said, as she looked at Metapod once more. Metapod was emotionless as ever. It broke Greta's heart. But knowing that Metapod will eventually show emotions upon evolution gave her power inside.

"I've found it!" Madison suddenly screamed. She was pointing out to a plant. It was green, and it had a bulb. It made sense to Greta then, as that was the only way to draw a plant like that on paper. No characteristic features, just a simple, green plant.

Madison asked Greta to hold her Kakuna. Greta took Kakuna from her gently and placed her besides Metapod. Both Pokémon were staring at each other. Greta thought of what could be in Metapod's mind. However, Madison's scream distracted her. Suddenly, a long, purple, sneaky Pokémon appeared out of the ground. The Pokémon covered Madison's arms in a second. Madison was screaming in fear.

Greta could not decide what to do all of a sudden. She placed the two Pokémon on the ground, ran to Madison and tried to pull the Pokémon. But when she touched the purple one, his skin was so moist that Greta felt disgusted and stopped holding him.

"Do something!" Madison screamed. In the meantime, the Pokémon covered Madison's arm completely. His head was around Madison's neck. She was scared that the Pokémon could bite her.

Greta took a branch and hit the Pokémon on the head. The Pokémon stumbled and was stupefied. Greta took the advantage of the moment and grabbed the Pokémon from his tail. Then, she threw the Pokémon towards the tree.

"He must be really pissed off, Madison. We have to run for our lives now!" Greta screamed, as she ran back to her Metapod. She grabbed the Pokémon in a sudden and began to run as fast as she could. Madison did not fall behind. She was following Greta with her Kakuna right behind.

The purple Pokémon pulled himself together and began to follow the two. He was so fast that it took only seconds to catch up with them. Greta knew that the Pokémon was particularly angry at Greta for hitting him. When the Pokémon reached Madison, he only grovelled towards her and caught Greta from her feet. Greta tripped and fell down. She let go of Metapod from her arms. Metapod rolled on the grasses for a while, and then stopped.

For a moment, Greta remained in silence and no one moved a muscle. Madison and Kakuna were standing behind Greta. Madison was looking at Greta shocked. Greta was almost hypnotized on the Pokémon's chest. There was a pattern of a pretty much sinister face. The yellow eyespot on the red background irritated Greta more than she could imagine. The Pokémon showed his tongue, which seemed to be venomous.

After the encounter, the Pokémon turned his back and grovelled towards Metapod. When Greta realized that he was about to attack Metapod, after all the time she tried so hard to protect her Pokémon, Greta forced herself to stand up. Although she wanted to stop the Pokémon, Greta could not get rid of the feeling of the shock. She raised her hand, wanted to stop the Pokémon, but she could do nothing.

Once the Pokémon wrapped Metapod all around her body, Greta found the strength and courage inside to respond. She raised her right hand as she stepped forward.

"Don't touch her!" She screamed. But she felt something on her foot. Madison was holding it. She had a desperate look on her face, as Greta saw when she turned her head.

"Don't…" Madison said, almost like begging. Greta could not be sure if Madison was saying it with the thought of protecting Metapod or Greta, or only because she was too scared, but Greta could not sit back and watch everything.

Once the Pokémon covered Metapod all around, he used Wrap. The move would take away all the freedom Metapod could have. However, she did not have many in that form ever since either way. The Pokémon's teeth glowed bright, as he opened it big. He was going to use Bite.

"Don't you dare touch my Pokémon!" Greta screamed again, as she began to run towards the Pokémon. However, once the Pokémon bit Metapod's body, he screamed in pain and let go of Metapod all of a sudden. Greta was shocked, she did not expect to witness that.

"What is going on?" Greta thought. The Pokémon not only let go of Metapod, but also, he was getting ready to run off.

"I know what it is!" Madison responded. "Metapod used Harden as defence. That's why he was hurt!"

"Metapod… used… Harden?" Greta repeated. She could not make any sense out of it.

"Harden is a move that hardens the Pokémon's body. Metapod learned it after all. That means, Greta, Metapod will evolve really soon. She is so ready for it."

Greta walked towards Metapod. She was still shocked and had no expression on her face. She was only trying to figure everything out. She took Metapod from the ground and put it on her arms. Metapod's body was so hard and tough that even Greta was surprised.

"So, you are ready now…" Greta said. She was still trying to understand the fact that a long-awaited evolution was near.

Suddenly, Greta felt something on Metapod's body. She turned the Pokémon around. There was a tiny crack on her body. "Look at that!" She showed the crack to Madison. "It must have happened when that Pokémon attacked."

Madison checked the crack with her hand. "It must." She confirmed. "Let me help you." She said then. "Let me prepare the potion for her. It will cure her. Believe in Eshmun."

Greta was holding Madison's hand, and her eyes were watery. "I will collect the required plants and meet you there." Madison said.

"I can't leave you alone." Greta responded. "What if you get attacked when you're on your own?"

"Don't worry about me." Madison said. "Just go."

Greta nodded her head and ran away with Metapod. "Don't worry, Metapod. We will save you." She said. Metapod stared at Greta as usual.

When she got back, Redwald and Eusine were training. Charmander used Scratch on a wood, and then destroyed it with Ember. When Greta came with Metapod, she had no energy to stand up anymore. She was breathless and tired. She fell on the ground and fainted.

When Greta opened her eyes, she saw Redwald and Eusine waiting by her side. Charmander and Metapod were watching her as well. Greta forced herself to stand up, but she could only lift her head.

"Is my Metapod alright?" She asked. Metapod was fine, watching over her.

"She is fine." Eusine said. "What happened to you?"

Greta tried to pull herself together. "We were under attack of a Pokémon. Metapod was hurt." She said. Redwald and Eusine worried about her. But their loud reactions hurt Greta's head. Later, she explained everything from the beginning. Redwald checked the Pokémon on his Pokédex. Eventually, he found the record of the right Pokémon.

They waited for Madison to come. After around 15 minutes, she appeared holding Kakuna. "I found all the herbs and plants." She said. "All in my bag. Let me settle them up."

She put all the things she collected on the ground and prepared everything in order. Eusine's small boiler for long travels and other devices were great help. It took only 45 minutes for Madison to get everything done according to the book. Eventually, the potion was ready to be served.

Madison handed the potion over Greta. "Use it well." She said. Greta put her index and middle fingers in the bottle and rubbed the potion on Metapod's crack. Greta thought Metapod shook for a moment, but she could not be sure if it was real or just imagination.

"I hope it helps, Metapod." Greta said. Then, she turned to Madison. "I can't thank you enough, Madison." She said. "You saved me and my Metapod probably."

"I am happy to do it." Madison responded. She smiled gently. Greta smiled back at her. Redwald was not only surprised, but deep down glad to see their friendship. The hate and rivalry would turn Greta into someone she was not.

"Now, we have to wait and see." Madison said.

For the rest of the day, the group did not do much of anything. Redwald did not train anymore. Instead, he let his Pokémon rest. Eusine studied and read book. Greta was tired and exhausted. She just lied down alongside Metapod and watched the sky, having countless thoughts and worries about her journey. Although she never forgot her promise that as long as she had her Pokémon by her side, she would keep on going, what happened over there with Arbok affected her and her feelings strongly. She wouldn't know if she could find courage inside to step forward and go alone in the nature.

Understanding nature sounded like a utopic belief at the moment.

When the darkness covered the whole sky after sun disappeared, Eusine lighted a fire and read his book some while more. Once he felt that he was tired, he set his sleeping bag and got lost in his sleep. Redwald and Madison followed him not so late. Greta, grabbing Metapod all around her body, whimpered something that even she couldn't remember, before she fell asleep. At some point in the night, Greta opened her eyes almost like she felt something inside. She was worried, as she lifted her head and checked around. The fire was already gone. Redwald, Eusine, Madison… Everyone was in deep sleep. Why did she wake up all of a sudden? What time was it?

She realized that Metapod was glowing. She was glowing even brighter than ever. Greta held the Pokémon and lifted her higher. Greta could swear that Metapod was smiling.

"The time finally had come!" Greta thought. Suddenly, a sound that she heard coming behind the bushes worried her. Could Arbok be back to attack? But no, instead a man in the shadow appeared. He was not too long but looked like he was not older than 17. His voice, however, sounded like someone much older.

"Bring Metapod to the forest-side." He said. "It is safer for her." He sounded very calm. He was not in a rush or worrying about something. After he told what he intended to tell, he disappeared in the bushes again.

"Hold it!" Greta shouted behind. But her voice did not make any difference. He was already gone. Greta pulled herself together and grabbed her bag quickly. She grabbed Metapod carefully and ran off to the forest side.

"Don't worry, Metapod. You will be fine!" Greta said, as she rushed to the forest. Once she got in the forest side, the cold breeze made it obvious even if she could not feel it. Such cold breeze would not be felt on the sand-side. It was always either hot or warm. While she kept running, she tripped over some branches on the ground. As she fell on the ground, she let go of glowing Metapod. Metapod rolled on the ground for two meters or more, and finally stopped.

"Metapod!" Greta shouted. However, Metapod was finally ready to evolve. The crack on her back grew bigger until it was big enough to let the evolved form out. The new evolved Pokémon was glowing just like the cocoon. Finally, a Pokémon with wide wings and small body came out of the cocoon. The wings were spread wide and floated in the sky. In the moonlit night and pure darkness, the elegant Pokémon was the only thing that was a source to the light.

Greta reached to her Pokédex and scanned the newly evolved Pokémon.

"Butterfree…" Greta repeated. "Welcome!" She was having a euphoric moment. Nothing could make her prouder than witnessing her beloved Metapod evolving into a Pokémon like Butterfree.

A sound was heard from behind. Greta turned her back worriedly. Could it be Arbok, she thought. But it was the sound of someone running towards her. "Who is it?" She shouted out. It could be the man in the shadow as well. Once the person came close enough and revealed himself, Greta breathed out calmly. It was no one else than Eusine.

"What are you doing here on your own?" Eusine asked. He was tired of running. Greta presented him the newly evolved Butterfree, floating in the air.

"Finally, it was about time…" Eusine responded. He wanted to analyse the Pokémon, but he preferred to let her enjoy the moment of freedom first. After being stuck in the cocoon for so long, she must had felt better finally.

Until a Pokémon appeared before attacking Butterfree; the very same Arbok.

The Pokémon tossed himself through Butterfree and grabbed her body with Wrap. Butterfree resisted and tried to get rid of the Pokémon, but Arbok was holding on so hard.

"Use her!" Eusine responded. "She is now able to battle again!"

"But how?!" Greta responded. She felt like Butterfree was a brand new Pokémon, and she had no idea how to control her in a battle. It was too soon for it.

"What did the Pokédex record say about her?" Eusine asked. Greta closed her eyes and tried to concentre on the Pokédex entry.

"The Dex claims that Butterfree has magical wings, and she is capable of putting the foe in sleep, paralyzing or poisoning them!" Greta repeated. "But how?"

"These must be referring to the powder attacks." Eusine responded. Unlike Greta, he was trying to be as calm as possible. "They must be Poison Powder-"

Before Eusine finished his sentence, Greta ordered the move, as she could not wait anymore. "Butterfree, use Poison Powder!" She said. Butterfree flapped her wings although being wrapped by Arbok. The wings produced almost transparent, softly purple powders, and the powders stuck on Arbok. But it had no effect apparently.

"What is wrong?" Greta asked.

"Poison Powder makes the foe poisoned. It is incapable of affecting poison type Pokémon." Eusine said. "There are two different powder attacks, however…"

He was trying to remember what they were called. "Maybe… Try Sleep Powder!" Eusine ordered. Greta looked at Butterfree and shouted out the name. Butterfree flapped her wings elegantly once again. The wings produced almost transparent, softly green powders. Arbok suddenly let go of Butterfree and returned to the ground. He used Dig and dodged the move all of a sudden.

"I have to admit that's a good move." Eusine responded. "We have to be ready for his return. We still have a third option… But what could it be called?"

Eusine was trying so hard to remember it. "Tell Butterfree to be ready." He said. Greta told Butterfree what Eusine asked. Eusine put his hand on the ground and waited in silence. After nearly 20 seconds, Eusine told Greta to order Paralyze Powder.

"Paralyze Powder, now!" Greta ordered. Right after Greta said that, Arbok came out of the underground to attack Butterfree. Unlike what Eusine and Greta expected, Butterfree looked at Arbok with no response. Arbok, once again, wrapped Butterfree around her body and began to squeeze her.

"Why didn't she use the move?" Greta asked.

"Probably, I remember the name wrong." Eusine responded. "This could save us… But what was it? The powder move that paralyzes the foe…"

Suddenly, the flashes lighted in Eusine's head. "Of course!" He responded. "Stun Spore! Go, Greta!"

"Use Stun Spore, Butterfree!" Greta ordered. Butterfree flapped her wings elegantly and produced dark yellow, almost orange powders. The powders stuck on Arbok's moist body in seconds, as the Pokémon became unable to move one muscle. Butterfree slipped and came away from Arbok's slippery body, as the Pokémon fell on the ground.

"He is conscious, but he is unable to move." Eusine said. "We have to go away before Arbok pulls himself together."

Greta nodded her head. She told Butterfree to come along, as the two ran back to the camping area. Once they got back to where they began, Greta took Butterfree's Poké Ball out of her bag. "You must be tired now, Butterfree." She said. "Please, rest in your Poké Ball now. I will let you enjoy your freedom of move tomorrow, when you're well rested."

Butterfree nodded her head, as Greta called the Pokémon back in her Poké Ball and put it in her bag gently and proudly. "Tomorrow, we can finally leave this place." She said.

Humans

 * Redwald Walker
 * Greta Parker
 * Eusine Hunter
 * Madison Dickens
 * Eshmun (mentioned)
 * A man in the shadow

Pokémon

 * Wild Fearow (mentioned)
 * Wild Pidgeot (mentioned)
 * Wild Onix (mentioned)
 * Wild Sandslash (mentioned)
 * Wild Arbok
 * Wild Fearow (mentioned)
 * Wild Pidgeot (mentioned)
 * Wild Onix (mentioned)
 * Wild Sandslash (mentioned)
 * Wild Arbok