Chapter 60: Prelude to the battle
In the midst of their labor, the group of Rattatas, diligently hauling wood, were halted in their tracks by the approach of a figure, a familiar one - Floyd. Initially, confusion painted their tiny faces; yet upon recognizing Floyd, a wave of relief replaced their caution. Memories of Floyd's kindness, particularly the tasty treats he often shared, cemented their trust in him. Similar to popular figures here like Kanraku, Blastoise, and Chansey, Floyd was also known by them.
As he reached them, urgency lacing his tone, Floyd declared, "Rattata, this time is urgent! I need you to rush and call Blastoise and others. We have a crisis at Kemonohaji forest. Spearows are preparing to strike! There's no time; please, we need to act swiftly."
The mere mention of Spearows was enough to send a shiver down their spines. Without hesitation, they released the wood they were carrying, nodding in understanding of the gravity of their new task. Like a whirlwind, they darted toward the Beast's Sanctuary.
Drawing even more attention, Floyd took a whistle from around his neck and blew it with such vigor that its echo seemed to resonate in the very heart of the area. "PRRRRRRRRRT."
Around him, various Pokémon ceased their activities, their gazes locked onto him, awaiting instructions. With a heavy heart but a commanding voice, Floyd addressed the gathering. "There's a dire situation unfolding at Kemonohaji forest. Spearows are on the attack! I beseech anyone willing to join me in a rescue mission. If you choose not to, I understand, but please alert the rescue teams. We need unity now, more than ever. Panic will be our downfall; we just need to stay calm."
There were murmurs and discernible shock amongst the Pokémon, yet they knew their roles. Calls of affirmation echoed:
"Machoke!"
"Tweeet!"
"Free~"
...
Several Pokémon, seeing Floyd's determination, decided to accompany him, following on his back for swifter travel.
Floyd, looking at Growlithe, advised, "It's best you retreat to the sanctuary. to the beast's sanctuary;" Floyd urged, addressing Growlithe with a look of deep concern.
"You too, it's no longer safe here. And you too," His gaze then shifted to the five Goomys and Munchlax, hoping they would heed his warning.
"Goo~"
"Goomy~"
"Gooom~"
"Goomy~"
"Goo… Goomy~"
"Munchlax"
Each of them shook their heads firmly, their expressions defiant. Rejecting Floyd's plea to retreat, their actions spoke volumes. Their bond with Floyd was undeniable. Not just a friend, he was their haven, their home. The idea of leaving him alone in danger was unthinkable. They were determined to stand by him, to protect him.
Seeing their unwavering loyalty, Floyd felt a wave of emotion, touched by their gesture. He nodded slowly, eyes glistening, and managed to say, "Okay, but promise to be cautious! Everyone, let's move out!"
"Free~"
"Machoke~"
"Tweet~"
"Axew~"
"Ehew~"
Without hesitation, the group began their dash towards the ominous forest.
Behind them, Growlithe seemed caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Deep in contemplation, his thoughts were a tangled web of fear and loyalty. He pondered on Floyd's warning, the haunting thoughts consuming him. 'What if Chansey was gone? What about the Professor? If everyone I cared for was taken away, who would be there for me?' He dreaded the thought of falling into the clutches of a cruel human again. His past was a painful memory, and he knew all too well the reality of his limitations in battle. The notion of returning to the life of being slaves was a nightmare.
However, as his thoughts spiraled, memories of the warmth and kindness showered upon him by Chansey, Kanraku, Floyd, Blastoise, and others flooded his heart. The idea of losing them was unbearable. Gathering his courage, with newfound resolve shining in his eyes, Growlithe made a monumental decision.
With determination fueling his every step, he followed Floyd towards the looming dangers of Kemonohaji forest.
…
Flashback
Ren Mingzhe and Nguyen Thanh Cuong had their peace shattered by the frantic return of their Starly and Pidgey. Their birds' gestures pointed towards an impending threat in the skies.
Peering into the distance, Nguyen grabbed binoculars, only to have his worst fears confirmed. A flock of Spearows and Fearows, their numbers overwhelming, were rapidly approaching. Fear gripping him, he cried out, "FUCK!"
Alarmed, Ren took the binoculars for confirmation, his reaction mirroring Nguyen's. In desperation, he blew a whistle, its shrill note a clear signal of retreat.
Behind them, Le Mai Linh, along with others, heard the whistle's warning. With her Tyrogue and Mankey, she dashed forward, seeking answers. Ivan with Spinarak, Jonathan with his new beasts, Growlithe, Hu Tianyi with Eevee, and others swiftly followed.
"What is it?" Meeting the panicked duo of Ren Mingzhe and Nguyen Thanh Cuong, Le Mai Linh demanded an explanation.
"Captain! We must fall back! There are scores of flying Pokémon, I reckon more than 50!" Nguyen reported.
"WHAT?" Le Mai Linh, faced with this unforeseen calamity, was left in sheer disbelief.
"What happened?" Ivan, along with others, hastened their steps, urgency evident in their strides.
"GO BACK! RETREAT! THERE'S NO TIME FOR EXPLANATIONS NOW! RETREAT AND BLOW THE WHISTLE!" Le Mai Linh's voice pierced through the air, dripping with panic and desperation.
"Prrrrrrrrt"
"Prrrrrrrrt"
"Prrrrrrrrt"
Acknowledging her command, Ivan declared, "Alright, let's head back," and they swiftly made their exit.
…
Present time,
As Floyd sprinted alongside the Pokémon, he quickly accounted for the numbers. There were 18 of them: Four Rattatas, Three Pidgeys, Three Butterfrees, Two Bidoofs, Two Geodudes, a Machoke, a Mankey, a Flaafy, and a Pidgeotto. Coupled with his nine Pokémon, that made a total of 27.
Many of these Pokémon held Floyd in high regard, recalling how under his leadership, they had once deflected missiles. Some remembered the gentle touch of his healing hands on their injured young, while others fondly reminisced the times he fed them.
"Flaafy, Bidoof, Goomy, Horsea, Geodude! You are all pivotal in our strategy," Floyd began, outlining the plan, "Horsea, Goomy and Bidoofs, combine your water moves with Flaafy's electric abilities. Water first, then electricity. Clear?"
"Flaaaaaa~fy"
"Bidoooooof" x2
"Goomy~" x5
"Horsea~"
They nodded affirmatively.
"Geodudes, I need your strongest Rock Moves," Floyd's gaze was earnest.
"Geo~dude," The Geodudes expressed uncertainty.
"You're unsure?" Floyd asked a hint of surprise in his tone.
"Geo~dude," They responded with evident disappointment.
"What about 'Rollout'? Can you use that?" Floyd suggested, remembering this was a Rock Move.
"Geo~dude," They nodded enthusiastically.
"Excellent! Use it against our foes. Understand?"
"Geo~dude" x2
Turning to the flying types, Floyd continued, "Pidgeotto, Pidgeys, Butterfrees, you won't directly combat them. Instead, cause disturbances with your broad-ranged moves."
"Tweet"
"Pidgeott~"
"Free~"
All nodded in agreement.
"Machoke, Mankey, Rattatas, focus on throwing stones. If they get close, unleash your strongest moves. Got that?"
"Mankey~"
"Machoke~"
"Rattata~"
They signaled their affirmation.
A sigh of relief escaped Floyd's lips, watching their determination.
As they pressed on, they encountered Le Mai Linh and her team.
"Youngest, why are you here?" Le Mai Linh's voice held a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Sister Linh, it's my fault. I provoked these creatures earlier. I deeply regret my actions," Floyd said, bowing deeply in apology.
"We need solutions, not apologies, at this hour," Ivan interjected.
"These Pokémon behind me are here to help," Floyd gestured toward the Pokémon trailing him, "I need to borrow all of your Pokémon. Time is urgent. I need to communicate with them."
Le Mai Linh seemed lost, "Then what's our role in this?"
"Sister Linh, everyone, your safety is important. Retreat for now, there's nothing you can do here. I've already signaled for Blastoise's help. They will join us soon," Floyd's voice held a plea.
"But what about you?" Le Mai Linh's voice was edged with worry.
"Trust me, I can handle this," Floyd's eyes shone with unwavering resolve.
"They're approaching!" Nguyen Thanh Cuong's voice echoed, his gaze fixed through binoculars.
EEEEEEEEEEEHHH
"I trust Floyd, he knows what he's doing," Jonathan said, remembering how Kanraku described how he used the beasts to defend missiles. His tone holds reverence for Floyd's past actions.
"I understand. Just be careful," Le Mai Linh murmured.
"Youngest, you must be careful," echoed the voices of the team, filled with genuine concern, as they retreated to safety.
"I will," Floyd nodded with determination.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone