"Ivysaur finally got Exeggutor into a paralyzed state; we can't let Vileplume clear it," Feng Che noted. "Ivysaur, use Frenzy Plant!"
Ivysaur's body pulsed with a vibrant green light. Massive, hardened vines erupted from the earth, weaving a cage around Vileplume.
[Vileplume: No, no! I hate pain! Victreebel, help me!] Its inner cries went unanswered as the giant vines coiled around it, dragging it into the thicket. Seizing the opening, Victreebel spat a massive volley of Acid toward Ivysaur.
"Acid? Perfect timing," Feng Che smirked.
Ivysaur used its vines to hoist the paralyzed Exeggutor into the air, using the tall tree-Pokémon as a living shield. The acid struck Exeggutor instead, causing it to let out a blood-curdling shriek. Its six heads emitted a high-frequency wail that made Feng Che's ears ring. Moments later, the Exeggutor collapsed, unconscious.
Now, only Victreebel remained. Serperior watched with approval as Ivysaur systematically dismantled two opponents of equal level.
[Serperior: I thought it would take a while, but this Ivysaur is a force of nature. Even with Victreebel left, the outcome is just a matter of time.][Serperior: Such a strong bond... that item would suit them perfectly. It's the treasure the old Venusaur left with me. Returning it to a worthy descendant of his clan makes sense.]
The Mysterious Garden
The Elder Venusaur suddenly bolted upright from his nap, looking around suspiciously.
[Venusaur: The brat is gone, so why do I feel so uneasy? Wait... I remembered! I left the Clan Relic with Serperior!][Venusaur: I only left it in the Fountain of Life to nourish it for a while and forgot to take it back. Serperior wouldn't give it to that troublemaker, would she?][Venusaur: No, stay calm. It'll be fine.]
He tried to go back to sleep, but then his eyes snapped open again.
[Venusaur: NO! That snake LOVES to spite me! I'm ruined... the relic is as good as gone!] The old frog felt his heart sink as he realized his family heirloom was likely being "fleeced."
The Underground Medicine Field
Seeing its companions fall, Victreebel's primal ferocity was triggered. Its body began to swell, doubling in size—a massive application of the move Growth. A three-meter-tall behemoth now loomed over the grass.
It launched a series of Razor Leaves so sharp they sliced through solid rock like butter.
"Ivysaur, use Power Whip!"
Ivysaur's vines unfurled, spinning with such speed they created a defensive dome of green wind. Sparks flew as the razor leaves struck the vines and shattered. Once the volley ended, Ivysaur's vines slithered across the ground in a zigzag pattern like snakes. In less than a second, the giant Victreebel was bound tight.
Just as Ivysaur prepared a final Solar Beam, Serperior called out.
"That's enough, Ivysaur. I acknowledge your strength."
Ivysaur released its grip, and Victreebel tumbled away, scurrying into the underbrush.
"You have earned your place in the Fountain," Serperior said. "However, the ceremony must wait. The full moon tomorrow night is the peak time for Grass-type evolution."
As Serperior prepared to nap, Feng Che called out. "Wait, I have a question. Come out, Rowlet."
He presented the sleeping owl. "He's perfectly healthy, but he sleeps almost twenty-three hours a day. I can't find a way to keep him awake."
Serperior touched Rowlet's forehead with its tail, channeling green energy. After a moment, it pulled away. "His Grass-type origin is incredibly dense, and his health is peak. But I cannot find the cause of this lethargy."
"I can offer a suggestion, though," Serperior added. "Seek out the Pitch-Black Pokémon, Darkrai. It dwells on Newmoon Island in Sinnoh. It may have the answer to this dream-state."
The Serperior then looked at Feng Che warily. [Serperior: This kid's Pokémon have absurd potential. I hope he doesn't come back to fleece the field for the owl too.] "The Fountain only has enough energy for one major evolution. Don't go getting any ideas about the bird. You've fleeced enough today."
"Is there anywhere else for perfect Grass evolutions?" Feng Che asked.
"In Sinnoh, the Gardenia family specializes in this. They have their own sacred sites, but the price is high. For now, let Ivysaur soak in the Fountain to attune to the energy. Oh, and one more thing: we trade by barter here. If you have rare herbs or high-quality Pokémon food, you can trade with the residents."
Feng Che smiled. This was a great chance to restock his inventory while Ivysaur prepared for its big moment.