On the back mountain, Cyclizar and Grovyle were resting side by side.
Earlier, after learning that Grovyle was searching for true love, the warmhearted Cyclizar had immediately volunteered to act as a matchmaker and had specially brought him to the back mountain to meet some companions.
"Cyc~"
(How was it, Grovyle? After meeting Whismur and Exploud and the others, did any of them catch your eye?)
Cyclizar asked, nudging Grovyle's shoulder with a claw.
"Grov!"
A faint blush still lingered on Grovyle's cheeks, yet he instinctively shook his head. He admitted honestly that everyone had been friendly, but that unique feeling of love at first sight had never appeared in his heart.
Seeing his disappointment, Cyclizar spoke in a firm tone.
"Cyc~"
(It is fine. I remember there are still a few single Heliolisk up ahead. Let us go meet them. We will definitely find one that suits you.)
As he spoke, Cyclizar stood up and enthusiastically urged Grovyle to head deeper into the forest.
The two Pokémon ran through the primeval woods, leaving the ranch's territory behind and arriving at the middle section of Route 12.
Cyclizar suddenly stopped, leaping onto a tree branch as his ears twitched. A sudden explosion echoed clearly from ahead.
"Grov?"
(What is wrong, Cyclizar?)
"Cyc…"
(There is a battle ahead. It is coming from the direction of the Heliolisk.)
As Cyclizar answered, his eyes rolled thoughtfully.
Was this not perfect timing?
Over there was a chance to create an opportunity for Grovyle to play the hero and rescue someone in distress. That was how it always happened on television. And a hero saving the beauty was the easiest way to win someone's heart. Cyclizar quickly made up his mind.
"Cyc~"
(Let us go take a look.)
The two Pokémon quickly arrived at the source of the battle. It was a small beach by the sea.
"Not a bad haul. There are actually both Helioptile and Heliolisk here."
The hunter, now reduced to a poacher, stared greedily at the Pokémon that had been driven into a corner.
Helioptile could fetch a high price when smuggled and sold in remote areas. In the hunter's eyes, they were nothing less than money trees. They did not need food or water. They only needed to bask in sunlight to generate electricity endlessly.
The evolved Heliolisk were even more outrageous. The power output of a single one was enough to supply an entire high rise building.
To poachers, Pokémon with such economic value could be sold for enormous profit.
At that moment, three Heliolisk and five Helioptile were surrounded by several Golbat, shrinking into the corner in a dire situation.
"Helio! Helio!"
One Heliolisk, larger and sturdier than the others, stepped forward. Spreading the frill around its neck wide, it assumed an intimidating stance. Clearly, it was the leader of the group.
"You still dare to resist?" The hunter's face darkened. He gave an order to the Golbat. "Golbat, use Wing Attack."
Three Golbat immediately beat their wings and dived toward the Heliolisk with a howling gust of wind.
Brilliant golden electricity gathered instantly across the wide frill. The crackling sound of electric sparks filled the air, and dazzling light enveloped the entire beach.
The leader Heliolisk released its stored electricity with full force, buying as much time as possible and blocking the Golbat.
The Golbat were momentarily blinded by the intense light, their wings faltering mid dive. Even the poacher instinctively raised his arm to shield his eyes, cursing under his breath.
Seizing the opportunity, the leader Heliolisk gave a quick nod to the other two.
The other two understood at once. Each either carried or grabbed the smaller Helioptile, stimulating their leg muscles with electricity before turning and sprinting toward the sea.
They could cover one hundred meters in five seconds, fast enough to run briefly across the surface of the water.
By the time the hunter recovered, the Heliolisk had already fled a considerable distance. Furious, he shouted, "Do not let them escape. Go after them."
The Golbat shook their dizzy heads, and two of them prepared to give chase.
But the leader Heliolisk would not allow it. It unleashed the rest of its stored electricity in a sweeping attack, temporarily blocking their pursuit.
Seeing this, the hunter threw out three more Poké Balls, releasing two Carvanha and one Skarmory.
"You three, go chase them. Drive both the Heliolisk and Helioptile back here."
Just as Cyclizar and Grovyle arrived, they witnessed this scene and immediately understood what was happening.
The human who had appeared was no trainer. He was bullying the weak with superior numbers.
"Cyc?"
(I will deal with those three big bats. Grovyle, can you handle the others?)
"Grov~"
Grovyle nodded. Of course he could.
Out on the sea, the fleeing Heliolisk noticed the pursuing Carvanha and Skarmory. They knew that if they remained on the water, they would eventually be caught.
They immediately changed direction and rushed toward the shoreline, driven by a single thought.
If they could save even one more Helioptile, it would be worth it.
They had just reached land and barely had time to breathe when a loud splash sounded behind them. Two Carvanha leapt out of the water, their mouths filled with sharp teeth snapping toward the Heliolisk.
Above, Skarmory spread its metallic wings, gleaming coldly as it prepared to dive for a lethal strike.
"Grov!"
(Watch out!)
At that critical moment, a green figure shot out of the forest like lightning.
Grovyle leapt high into the air, rich Grass type energy gathering along the leaf blades on his wrists.
A flash of cold light streaked through the air as his Leaf Blade slashed cleanly across a Carvanha's back. The Carvanha screamed and crashed back into the sea, splashing water everywhere.
Using the second Carvanha as a stepping stone, Grovyle pushed off its body and propelled himself higher into the air, his Leaf Blade cutting toward Skarmory.
He was too fast. Skarmory, completely unprepared, was struck head on.
With a sharp metallic screech and a shower of sparks, its steel wing was cut. Losing balance, it fell heavily onto the beach.
Borrowing the recoil from his strike, Grovyle twisted midair and swung his Leaf Blade again, driving back the Carvanha he had used as a foothold.
In the blink of an eye, all three Pokémon were defeated.
Such a swift and decisive fighting style made the eyes of the Heliolisk and Helioptile shine with admiration. He was so cool.
"Grovlye?"
(Are you all right?)
"Helio!"
The Heliolisk shook its head and expressed heartfelt thanks. If not for him, they would certainly have been injured.
Meeting their admiring gazes, Grovyle scratched his head shyly.
"Grov!"
(There is no time to talk. Cyclizar is still fighting over there. I need to help him!)
With that, Grovyle dashed away.
By the time he returned, the battle was already over.
Three Golbat lay sprawled crookedly on the sand, their eyes spinning, groaning in pain. Together, they had not even been able to withstand a single Dragon Tail from Cyclizar.
As for the human who was not a trainer, Cyclizar had not allowed him to escape either. He was pinned firmly beneath Cyclizar's body.
Seeing Grovyle return, Cyclizar said, "Cyc~"
(Grovyle, keep an eye on this human for me. I will go call Silas.)
Having followed Silas for some time, Cyclizar could clearly tell that this human was no ordinary person. Deciding not to handle it alone, he chose to fetch Silas at once.
(End of Chapter)