Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Fishing
In an open area, Meowth kept a vigilant watch over the surroundings, while Machop alternated between using Focus Energy and Meditate to prepare.
On the other hand, Gloom appeared much more relaxed. It had found a comfortable spot and was using Sweet Scent, releasing an enticing fragrance.
Sweet Scent wasn't just a move to slow down opponents in battle; it was a perfect technique for luring prey in the wild.
Whether it was Pokémon or other creatures, they couldn't resist the allure of Sweet Scent and would inevitably be drawn to its source.
Ron's plan was simple: let Gloom attract wild Pokémon, then have Machop and Meowth handle them, maximizing results in the shortest possible time.
The pinkish mist spread outward, and even standing behind Gloom, Ron could feel its pull. This gave him a clear sense of how potent Gloom's Sweet Scent was.
The wind carried the fragrance further, diluting its color but retaining its rich, sugary aroma.
For Pokémon with a sweet tooth, it was irresistible, and they began following the trail to find its source.
Before long, a Rattata appeared.
Hidden in a nearby thicket, Machop, already in a heightened state of focus thanks to Focus Energy, remained unaffected by the drifting Sweet Scent.
In contrast, the approaching Rattata grew more dazed the closer it got to the aroma, completely oblivious to the danger lurking nearby.
A gray blur streaked by, hitting Rattata with the force of a speeding car. The unfortunate Pokémon flew backward and landed motionless, the gray figure looming over it.
Moments later, silence returned, as if the Rattata had never been there.
Perched atop a tree, Ron silently gave Machop a thumbs-up. He then used Fighting Aura to restore Gloom's energy, ensuring it could continue producing Sweet Scent.
Not long after the Rattata, another Pokémon—a Weepinbell—appeared.
Compared to the unsuspecting Rattata, the Weepinbell was noticeably more cautious but still fell into Meowth's sights from the shadows.
Although Meowth hadn't yet mastered Shave (Soru), its rigorous training had significantly improved its speed and agility.
Silent and stealthy, Meowth approached the Weepinbell, activating Fake Out before it could react. Three deep cuts appeared on Weepinbell's body before it could register the attack.
Meowth immediately followed up with Hypnosis. Even though the pain jolted Weepinbell into momentary awareness, it wasn't enough to stop Meowth from landing additional attacks.
Using Iron Tail, Meowth sent the Weepinbell flying. Watching the Pokémon's trajectory, Meowth closed in on its landing point and delivered another Iron Tail, followed by a swift Fake Out, finishing the battle quickly.
The appearance of Rattata and Weepinbell seemed like a prelude, as more Pokémon began to show up around the area soon after.
Unaware of the looming danger, they walked straight into the hunting net set up by Machop and Meowth, unwittingly becoming stepping stones for their growth.
"All right, Gloom, you can stop now."
Seeing Machop defeat the final Venonat, Ron instructed Gloom to cease releasing its scent.
In just two hours, Machop and Meowth had defeated nearly twenty wild Pokémon.
This pace was far faster than if Ron had led them to search for targets individually.
Next, Ron planned to move to a new area.
The wild Pokémon in this spot, having experienced their trick once, wouldn't fall for it again so easily.
Some might even band together to retaliate against Ron and his team for setting traps.
While this scenario was unlikely, Ron wasn't taking any chances—he wasn't about to let his plan backfire on him.
After assisting the defeated wild Pokémon to recover in hiding, Ron set out with Machop and Meowth to quickly leave the area.
Once in a new location, Ron focused on finding a suitable hiding spot for himself while setting up ambush positions for Machop and Meowth.
By the time he finished preparing, it was already 4 PM.
From the treetops, Gloom began releasing Sweet Scent again, drawing in nearby Pokémon who hadn't yet learned the hard lessons of survival.
As dinnertime approached, the sweet aroma hinted at a bountiful feast, luring in new prey.
Patiently waiting in their hiding spots, Machop and Meowth didn't move a muscle, no matter how much the wild Pokémon lingered near the edge of their range.
Meanwhile, Gloom gave it everything it had, pouring its strength into producing Sweet Scent.
In just twenty minutes, two more wild Pokémon were defeated and hidden away to avoid scaring off future targets.
Another fifteen minutes later, as Meowth finished dealing with another Pokémon, its ears perked up at the sound of buzzing from behind.
A group of Beedrill, drawn by the scent, was now heading straight for Gloom in the treetops.
There was no time to hide. Meowth and Machop immediately dashed back toward Gloom.
Unfortunately, the distance was too great. Even though Machop used Shave to close in, it couldn't arrive in time.
Before the Beedrill could attack, Gloom unleashed Secret Power.
Due to their treetop location, Secret Power's added effect was Sleep, instantly incapacitating two of the nearest Beedrill.
The remaining Beedrill, sensing trouble, emitted a piercing alarm.
"All in! Finish them quickly!" Ron shouted, realizing the Beedrill were calling for reinforcements.
Gloom reacted first, activating Secret Power again.
Machop leapt from the ground, using Close Combat to attack the Beedrill Meowth had immobilized with Hypnosis.
With a coordinated pincer attack, most of the Beedrill were defeated within seconds, and the few that remained were left injured.
The battle was over in less than fifteen seconds.
Fearing retaliation from a larger swarm, Ron abandoned his fishing plan for the day. He returned Gloom to its Poké Ball and fled with Machop and Meowth.
Even during their retreat, Ron maintained a strict formation:
Machop led the way, clearing any obstacles.
Meowth stayed vigilant, watching their flanks.
Ron kept a moderate distance behind Machop, ensuring he could avoid direct danger while remaining close enough to receive protection if needed.
By the time the enraged Beedrill swarm arrived, Ron and his team had long since disappeared, leaving the Beedrill fuming at their failed chase.
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