Pokémon: My Name is Lucario

Chapter 18: Forest Investigation Team

As Vileplume cast healing spells on Squirtle Leader, she asked, "What's going on with Snorlax? Why would he attack Sunrise Valley? He has such a good temperament, he wouldn't just do something like this without reason..."

Vileplume couldn't find the right words.

Squirtle Leader's face grew serious. "I don't know. I was patrolling with Scyther, and suddenly, he just appeared and attacked us."

Scyther, leaning against the mountain wall with his arms crossed, coldly added, "There's something wrong with Snorlax."

"And," he looked at the wound on Squirtle Leader's body. "I don't think his usual power could have caused you such serious injuries, even if you were caught off guard."

"Snorlax's state is definitely off. His strength and the power of his moves have increased significantly compared to before."

The surrounding Pokémon fell silent.

Finally, Squirtle Leader spoke up, making a decision. "No matter what, let's carry out the plan we discussed earlier. We need to investigate what's been happening in the forest."

"We can't delay the investigation any longer. Machoke, you're going to handle the investigation. You're experienced and knowledgeable, so see if you can uncover anything."

Machoke nodded in agreement.

"And," Squirtle Leader suddenly turned to Riolu, who was hiding behind them. "I'd like you to join the investigation as well. Would you be willing?"

Riolu was momentarily startled. "Me?"

Scyther, furrowing his brow, chimed in, "What could someone with such a low level like him contribute?"

A smile appeared on Squirtle Leader's face. "I have a feeling this little one will surprise us."

Scyther just shrugged, noncommittal.

"And what's your opinion?" Squirtle Leader turned to look directly at Riolu.

Riolu hesitated for a moment, knowing the investigation would be dangerous. However, his love for adventure sparked something deep inside him. He couldn't resist the call of the unknown. After all, wasn't that why he had left his stable life in his previous world to pursue a career in combat?

Squirtle Leader continued with the arrangements.

"Vileplume, you should return to the valley and calm the others. Scyther, stay here to guard the valley. I'll go and investigate another area. If things go as bad as they might..." He hesitated, before resolutely adding, "Then we'll have to abandon the valley and move elsewhere."

"Why?" Both Machoke and Vileplume asked, clearly shocked.

"Last time, when we went out to find those mischievous little ones, we encountered a group of Pidgeot subordinates, and their state was identical to Snorlax's today. They were filled with that aggressive, ominous energy, and seemed to have lost their sanity. They attacked any Pokémon they saw without reason."

Squirtle Leader glanced at the Sunrise Valley Pokémon, who were chattering animatedly in the distance.

"I'm worried that this phenomenon might spread, and that my partners could fall into the same frenzied state."

"If we see any signs of this happening..."

Upon hearing Squirtle Leader's decision, Vileplume seemed to want to say something but remained silent, a worried look in her eyes.

"Then let's go." Squirtle Leader stood up, stopping Vileplume from continuing her healing work. He stretched his limbs and gestured for Vileplume to lead the Pokémon back to the valley while Riolu and Machoke stayed behind.

In a flash, Scyther disappeared, heading off to patrol the area.

Once only the three of them remained at the valley's entrance, Squirtle Leader's face grew serious again. "Little one, besides Snorlax and the Pidgeot group we encountered last time, we're not sure which other Pokémon might be in the same state. That's why I want you and Machoke to investigate."

Machoke cleared his throat and laid out the investigation plan.

Riolu listened attentively.

"This investigation has two main objectives."

"First, we need to investigate the cause of this strange state. We know Snorlax and the Pidgeot family have been affected."

"Second, we need to assess the extent of the infection in Moonlit Forest. If this anomaly has spread on a large scale, we should try to find its source."

"Now, let's go back, gather our things, and set out immediately."

Once Machoke finished, Squirtle Leader added, "If possible, I hope we can find a way to treat this condition."

Squirtle Leader paused for a moment. "Although there's always been conflict in the forest, I don't want to see my Pokémon like this. Please, help us."

"Understood!"

After arriving in this world of Pokémon, Riolu finally had the chance to put his training to the test, and the spark of adventure inside him burned brightly.

As Squirtle Leader watched Machoke, the knowledgeable one, and the eager Riolu discuss the investigation, his mind wandered briefly back to the scene in his dreams:

In the midst of fog, countless shadows of various forms lay scattered. The sky was filled with a blinding purple-pink light, and a terrifying surge of energy erupted, bringing a catastrophic wave of destruction. But amidst the chaos stood an unmoving figure, glowing with blue light that reached to the heavens, shielding those behind it from the violent energy. And that resolute figure wore a cloak that flickered with a deep blue radiance...

---

As Riolu sat at the entrance of Sunrise Valley, waiting for Machoke, he glanced at his attributes.

"Sigh, I didn't get a chance to fight in the Snorlax battle. No experience at all."

"I'm still at level 13, attack 37, speed 32, other attributes in the 20s... Looks like I'm going down the high-speed physical attacker path. As for my moves, Quick Attack, Detect, and Metal Claw are all at level 1. Only Revenge is still at level 0, and the move I learned from Geodude..."

"I'm ready. Let's go."

Machoke's voice interrupted Riolu's thoughts as he walked out of the valley.

In front of them stood the sturdy Machoke, who carried a large, packed backpack on his back.

Curious, Riolu asked, "I've always wondered, where did Squirtle Leader's sunglasses and your backpack come from?"

Machoke adjusted his heavy backpack and said, "This backpack is from when I was exploring with the professor. It holds many treasures. You'll see soon."

"As for Squirtle Leader's sunglasses..." Machoke's voice trailed off, "Do you ever notice the scar on his right eye?"

Riolu was startled, recalling the scar he had seen on Squirtle Leader when he removed his sunglasses.

"Those sunglasses have been with him for a long time. Honestly, I don't know where they came from. We asked him once, but he never wanted to talk about it."

Machoke sighed. "But every time we mention it, his mood gets dark, so we just stopped bringing it up."

A level 36 Squirtle still had a lot of untold stories.

"Have you packed your things in your backpack?"

After spending so much time in the valley, Riolu hadn't hidden the fact that he had an unusual backpack, and the other Pokémon knew about it.

"I've got all my belongings. Vileplume even organized some of the Pokémon to gather fruits, so food supplies won't be a problem."

"Good. Let's go!"

Riolu clapped the dust off his body and followed Machoke.

---

As they left the valley, the rest of the Pokémon stood at the entrance, watching them depart.

"Could things really get that bad?" Vileplume asked, finally unable to hold her concern.

"This place... we worked so hard to find it, and it's the only place these little ones can survive..." Her words faltered, and she turned away, tears falling down her face.

"Humph, no matter who comes, I won't let them destroy this place!"

Scyther's words were as cold as ever, but in his narrow eyes, there was a flash of sharp, blade-like intensity.

At this moment, Squirtle Leader comforted them. "Things may not get that bad. What we can do now is prepare and do our best."

Just then, an Machoke rushed out of the valley, shouting, "Boss, Vileplume, hurry, Weedle and Caterpie are fighting again!"

"This group of little troublemakers, still causing a ruckus at this time," Vileplume muttered, shaking her head as she stormed back into the valley.

Scyther, not one to deal with these matters, pondered for a moment, then vanished, continuing his patrol around the valley.

Squirtle Leader shook his head, smiling, and followed Vileplume and Machoke back to the valley.

As they passed the wide, neatly arranged entrance, Squirtle Leader quietly muttered, "Protect this place, not just for these kids and my partners, but for..."

"...the belief that keeps me alive..."