AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 16 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. This time, they, and their cousins, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa, meet up with Professor Birch. One thing that baffles me to this very day is the statistics of Wurmple's branched evolution because it's so random. So I decided to dig a little deeper into the mystery. You'll see what I mean when you read this chapter.
TEASER: After a good workout and some battle training, Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins meet up with Professor Birch and learn about Wurmple's branched evolution. But as usual, Taz is out to ruin the fun.
Chapter 16: THE BRANCH EVOLUTION MYSTERY
(Opening Title 1997-1998 (as heard the second time at the end of "Pokémon Emergency!"))
Today, we find our heroes still on Dewford Island. They're training hard so they can be in top shape for the challenges ahead, specifically Tristan's second Gym Battle against Brawly and Wayne's rematch against him.
"One, two, one, two, one, two..." Tristan led Hillary on a morning jog with Pikachu on the beach as Wayne, Marc, and Lisa followed, eagerly wanting to catch up to him.
Wayne was beginning to show improvement in his stamina. "Jogging really works wonders," he panted.
Lisa nodded in agreement. "All of us have to be in the best shape we can for anything."
"Yeah, with all of us doing it together, there's no doubt we'll be tough to beat," put in Marc.
"And with my debut as a Coordinator coming up soon, I can't afford to put off jogging for even one more day," added Hillary. "Well, except under certain circumstances."
Togepi trilled in agreement.
They kept on jogging for what seemed like hours.
After the workout was over, everyone sat down to rest.
"What should we do next, Tristan?" asked Hillary.
"Well, I'm not sure," replied Tristan. Then he suddenly got an idea. "How about some battle practice? Wayne, how about you against me?"
"You bet!" agreed Wayne.
"Treecko, I choose you!" shouted Tristan as he excitedly threw a Poké Ball.
Tristan's Treecko emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
(Music Cue: Today's Hoenn Pokémon Curiosity (full version))
Wayne, Marc, and Lisa were a little surprised.
"Wow!" said Lisa. "Tristan's got a Treecko, too!"
"Tristan caught it in the Petalburg Woods on our journey to Rustboro City," explained Hillary.
"That gives me an idea," said Lisa excitedly. "Hey, come on out, Treecko!" She threw her own Poké Ball.
Her Treecko emerged from the white light that shot out of it and walked over to Tristan's Treecko.
Both Pokémon shook each other's tails.
"Hey, maybe I can introduce my Mudkip," said Marc to himself. He then took out his Poké Ball and tossed it in the air.
His Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Tristan and Lisa's Treecko saw Marc's Mudkip and happily rushed over to play with it.
"Looks like they're all hitting it off right," remarked Hillary. "But weren't you and Wayne going to battle, Tristan?"
"Well, yes, I was, but I couldn't resist seeing two Treecko together along with Marc's Mudkip," replied Tristan. "I do need to have that battle though, otherwise I won't be able to gain any experience and get any stronger."
"Yes, Tristan certainly does have a point," agreed Lisa. "Come on, Treecko, let's watch Tristan's battle. You can play with his Treecko later."
Lisa's Treecko reluctantly complied and walked back to Lisa.
Tristan's Treecko felt a little sad.
"It's okay, Treecko," said Tristan. "Lisa said you could play with her Treecko later. But right now, you need a little experience in battling. Come on, let's show Wayne what you can do."
His Treecko nodded in agreement and prepared itself for battle.
Wayne was excited. "Since Treecko's a Grass-type, then I'll use Taillow! Go!" He threw his Poké Ball.
Taillow emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
Marc came to judge the practice battle. "First up, it's Taillow vs. Treecko. Begin!"
(Music Cue: Hoenn Wild Pokémon Battle (full version))
"Go get it, Taillow!" commanded Wayne. "Use Quick Attack!"
Taillow flew at Treecko at blinding speed as a white line streaked behind it.
"Go, Treecko, use Quick Attack too!" instructed Tristan.
Treecko charged at Taillow in the same way.
Both Pokémon came at each other over and over without giving an inch.
"Wow, Taillow and Treecko are really giving their all out there," said Hillary excitedly. "And their speed attacks are top-notch."
"And with both of them as fast as they are, there's no doubt they'll push each other to be at their very best," added Lisa.
Pikachu and Togepi also agreed.
"All right, time for something different," said Wayne. "Taillow, hit it with Wing Attack!"
Taillow quickly flew at Treecko as its wings glowed.
"Treecko, wait till the last second, then dodge it when I say," instructed Tristan.
Treecko gave a nod as it prepared to dodge.
Just when Taillow was within striking distance...
"Dodge it!" ordered Tristan.
Treecko nimbly ran over to the side and dodged Taillow's attack just in time.
"Whoa! What a dodge!" exclaimed Wayne. "Not bad, Tristan. I have to say, I'm impressed. But don't think I'll be taking it easy on you. Okay, Taillow, hit it with a series of Wing Attacks!"
Taillow flew at Treecko again as its wings glowed.
Tristan kept a sharp eye out for Taillow and patiently waited for the right time to dodge. "Dodge to the right!"
Treecko dodged to the right, avoiding Taillow's Wing Attack at the last second.
Taillow quickly turned around and flew on the other side.
"Dodge to the left!" ordered Tristan.
This time, Treecko dodged to the left.
Taillow tried attacking again.
"Dodge right again!" commanded Tristan.
Treecko dodged to the right at the last second.
Then Taillow flew low for its next attempt.
"Now jump!" shouted Tristan.
Treecko jumped as high as it could, dodging Taillow's fourth attempt to strike it. Then it landed neatly on the ground.
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed Wayne. "Treecko dodged all four Wing Attacks!"
"I think Tristan's using the strategy Brawly used in his Gym Battle with Wayne from yesterday," said Hillary.
"Do you think Tristan's testing out Wayne to see if he can keep up?" wondered Lisa.
"Maybe," replied Hillary. "But maybe he's just testing out Treecko's strengths. You know, just to see what it can do when it attacks and defends."
"Your Treecko's pretty fast, Tristan," smiled Wayne. "But let's see how you handle this. Taillow, hit it with Peck attack, go!"
Taillow flew in for the attack as it prepared to strike.
"Here it comes, Treecko," advised Tristan. "Use Quick Attack to dodge it!"
Treecko nodded and prepared to dodge. Then it nimbly sped off to the side with a white line streaking behind it, causing to Taillow to just miss its mark.
"Now, Treecko, Pound attack!" shouted Tristan.
Treecko used its tail to strike Taillow hard, sending it careening toward the ground.
"Taillow!" gasped Wayne.
"And that's it!" declared Marc as he raised his right hand in the air.
Wayne hurried over to Taillow. "How are you doing, Taillow?"
Taillow got back on its feet and gave a happy reply.
(Music Cue: Fortree City (full version))
"Aw, man, I didn't get in one hit," groaned Wayne. "And I was so sure that Taillow's attacks were connecting."
"Great job, Treecko," commended Tristan. "That Taillow's pretty good."
Treecko gave a happy reply.
Tristan turned to Wayne. "You and your Taillow are getting faster, Wayne. So I decided to use Treecko to match it speed for speed."
Wayne sighed. "And I was so sure that I'd win using type."
"Well, you're on the right track, Wayne," replied Tristan, "but it takes more than just type to win a battle. You see, you have to use skill and strategy to win."
"Tristan's right," agreed Marc. "I saw the way Treecko was dodging Taillow's attacks at the last second. Does that look familiar to you, Wayne?"
Wayne thought back to his Gym Battle against Brawly from the day before and remembered that even though Machop was taking damage, it still managed to right itself. Then he thought back to his last battle against Treecko, but Treecko didn't have to take hits to right itself. "So that was your plan, wasn't it, Tristan? You wanted to help me prepare for my rematch the way Brawly used his Pokémon, right?"
Tristan nodded. "I imagined Taillow as a tidal wave coming right at Treecko, so I decided to wait patiently until the last second to dodge its attacks. I think if you practice the art of patience in nature over and over, you'll be sure to get that second badge for sure."
"Thanks, Tristan," smiled Wayne. "But how are we gonna get to practice patience in nature?"
"See that forest? I think this'll be a good place for us to begin."
"You know, I think I heard Brawly say that somewhere before," said Wayne.
"But that's not all," continued Tristan. "Maybe we'll find some rare Pokémon."
"Rare Pokémon? Really?!" exclaimed Marc happily.
Everyone was getting excited.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" And Lisa started racing toward the forest.
"Wait for us, Lisa!" called Tristan and Hillary as they raced after her.
"And us, too!" put in Marc and Wayne as they followed them.
Sure enough, the forest was very quiet place with birds singing and a gentle breeze.
"This is perfect," said Tristan. "Perfect for us to start our training. Except..."
"Except what?" wondered Marc.
"Who's that?"
A familiar person wearing shorts and a a white lab coat was seen just ahead. He turned around and saw Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins approaching. "Now there's something you don't see every day."
(Music Cue: Oldale Town (full version))
"It's Professor Birch!" said Tristan excitedly.
"Hi there!" added Wayne, Marc, and Lisa together.
Pikachu also happily greeted him.
Professor Birch turned toward Tristan and his cousins. "If it isn't Tristan, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa! And another person as well. How are you all doing?"
"It's good to see you again, Professor Birch." smiled Tristan.
"Who's Professor Birch?" asked Hillary.
"Oh, that's right, Hillary, you haven't met him yet," said Tristan. "This is Professor Birch. He gives Pokémon to first-time Trainers in the Hoenn region: Mudkip, Torchic, and Treecko." He turned to Professor Birch. "This is my sister, Hillary. She's just decided to train to become a Pokémon Coordinator."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Hillary," smiled Professor Birch as he shook her hand.
"You too, Professor Birch," replied Hillary. "Aunt Amy and Uncle Greg told me that you do fieldwork a lot of the time."
"And you find new discoveries and come back to the lab to write it all down," put in Marc.
Professor Birch gave a chuckle. "Yes, that's right."
"So what brings you to Dewford Island, Professor Birch?" asked Wayne.
"Well, I've been doing some research on how Wurmple evolve," answered Professor Birch. "Just the other day, I was with Ash and his friends, which was when I saw May's Silcoon evolve into a fine Beautifly while Team Rocket's Cascoon evolved into a Dustox."
"What does that have to do with Wurmple?" wondered Lisa.
"You see, Wurmple have a branched evolution," explained Professor Birch. "Like Eevee, who can evolve into one of five different Pokémon, or Slowpoke, who can evolve into either Slowbro or Slowking, depending on the situation. But Wurmple has always been a complete mystery to me. Oh, look, here comes a pair of Wurmple now."
A couple of small caterpillar-like Pokémon crawled out of some nearby bushes. Their bodies were mainly red with a cream underside and face with tall erect red spines on their foreheads.
"Wow, so those are Wurmple," said Tristan as he scanned them with his Pokédex.
"Wurmple, the Worm Pokémon. Wurmple live primarily off of sap from trees. The suction cups on their feet keep them from slipping."
"Those Wurmple sure are cute, aren't they?" smiled Hillary.
"Why don't we stay here for a while and observe them?" suggested Professor Birch. "Maybe we'll get a better idea of what they do each and every day as they live out their lives."
"Great idea, Professor Birch," agreed Marc. "I think a certain someone could use a lesson in what we call patience."
"Watch it, pal!" snorted Wayne. He seemed offended.
"And it'll help me prepare for my Gym Battle, too," put in Tristan. "Right, Pikachu?"
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Theme 2000 (as heard in the Japanese version of "Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei"))
Little did everyone know that Tristan and Hillary's old enemy, Taz, was watching them from the sky in his Electabuzz-shaped balloon.
"So, a bunch of Wurmple, eh?" smirked Taz to himself. "Bah! Those Wurmple are so weak, they're not even worth the effort. Besides, I came to look for strong and rare Pokémon, not little weak ones." He looked through his binoculars at Tristan and Hillary. "Those kids always ruin my plans every time I come up with a perfect one. There has to be some way to beat them. Well, I'll show them." And he flew out of sight to prepare his next undisclosed plan.
A little while later, Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins were quietly watching the two Wurmple crawl around, climbing trees and eating leaves.
"Those Wurmple must've been hungry," remarked Lisa.
"Yes, they sure were, weren't they?" agreed Professor Birch. Just then, he spotted something on some tree branches and pointed up. "Look up there, everyone."
A trio of brown Pokémon shaped like acorns was hanging on those branches by their heads.
"Those Seedot sure look like they're enjoying themselves, don't they?" smiled Lisa.
"Hold on...Seedot?" Wayne scanned them with his Pokédex.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex (as heard in "Seeing is Believing"))
"Seedot, the Acorn Pokémon. Seedot resembles an acorn when hanging its head from branches. It jumps down suddenly to the surprise of passersby."
"Wow, I'd just love to have a Seedot!" smiled Wayne as he ran off to the tree to try and catch one. But just as he ran under the tree branch, one of the three Seedot suddenly fell from it and bopped Wayne on the head. "Ow! Hey, watch it, little guy!"
"Wayne, you okay?" asked Hillary as she and the others ran over to him. "Looks like you used your head for a change."
Everyone couldn't help giving out a chuckle after Hillary's joke.
"Ha-ha, very funny," snorted Wayne. He turned to the Seedot and said, "Why'd you go and drop on me, you little acorn?"
Seedot shook its head and apologized.
"Aww, that's all right," smiled Wayne. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. You were just having fun, weren't you?"
The Seedot in Wayne's hands nodded.
"I was with Ash and his friends just the other day, and these Seedot had to find a new home," explained Professor Birch. "Their old trees were running very low on moisture."
"So if the trees don't have enough moisture, then the Seedot can't hang from them?" asked Marc.
"Bingo."
"That explains why they moved here, but why did one of the Seedot drop on Wayne like it did?" wondered Lisa.
"Do you think it was pulling some kind of prank?" asked Tristan.
"Seedot are known to do that sometimes," answered Professor Birch. "But I'm sure those three Seedot mean no harm."
(Music Cue: Team Rocket Appears (as heard in "Espeon...Not Included"))
Just then, a mechanical hand grabbed the the Seedot from the branch and the third one from Wayne's arms.
"The Seedot!" gasped Wayne.
Just then, a cackle was heard as everyone turned toward Taz. "What you seed it what you get, and in this case, I got three Seedot."
"And who are you?!" demanded Professor Birch.
"It's Taz!" exclaimed Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins together.
"Youse got it! Now go, Nincada!" shouted Taz as he threw his Poké Ball.
Nincada emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"Oh, no, you don't! Mudkip, I choose you!" yelled Tristan as he threw his Poké Ball.
Mudkip emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Tristan's orders.
"Use Water Gun to stop Nincada!" ordered Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth and scored a direct hit on Nincada.
But Taz wouldn't give up so easily, for he still had the three Seedot in his grip. "You're gonna have to do better than that, little boy. Nincada, return!" And he quickly recalled Nincada. "Well, I'd love to chat, but I'll 'seed' ya later, okay?"
But before Taz could make a clean getaway, a pair of String Shots was aimed at Taz's feet, causing him to trip and fall to the ground with a thud, losing the three Seedot in the process.
Wayne caught the first Seedot, which was the one that bopped him in the head; Marc caught the second; Lisa caught the third.
Everyone turned to see two familiar red caterpillar Pokémon.
"It's those Wurmple!" said Hillary excitedly. "Their String Shot attacks were awesome!"
"They must've come to help us out," added Wayne.
Suddenly, both Wurmple were bathed in bright white lights as a shimmering tone was emitted.
Everyone gasped in surprise.
"Look at that!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Both Wurmple are starting to evolve!" added Professor Birch.
Sure enough, both Wurmple were transforming as they did. When the evolution was completed, they looked like cocoons, though Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins didn't know the difference between the two at first.
"What did they evolve into?" wondered Wayne.
"Looks like both of them evolved into Silcoon," answered Lisa.
"Silcoon, huh?" And Wayne scanned them with his Pokédex.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex (as heard in "A Corphish Out of Water"))
"Silcoon, the Cocoon Pokémon. Silcoon is the evolved form of Wurmple. Using its thread to attach itself to a tree branch, it waits to evolve to its next stage. When it grows thirsty, it drinks the dew it collects on its string."
"Wow, those Silcoon are wonderful to see," remarked Marc. "And they evolved at the same time!"
"Awesome!" put in Wayne.
"Yeah? Who cares?" snorted Taz. "Go, get 'em, Nincada!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Trainer Battle (as heard in "A Corphish Out of Water"))
Nincada charged forward again.
However both Silcoon and the other Cocoon Pokémon bashed into Nincada, sending it careening into Taz before Nincada had a chance to attack.
"Mudkip, Water Gun attack!" shouted Tristan.
Mudkip unleashed another powerful stream of water from its mouth at Taz and Nincada, soaking their clothes and skin.
"Stop it!" barked Taz. "Can't you see that I hate getting wet?!"
"Now, Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" ordered Tristan.
Pikachu unleashed a yellow bolt of electricity, scoring a direct hit on Taz and Nincada, who were still soaking wet, causing the attack to do double the damage and cause an explosion that sent them skyward.
BOOM!
"WE'LL REMEMBER THIS!" screamed Taz as he and Nincada blasted off into the sky.
"Nincada!"
DING!
"Way to go, guys, he's gone!" commended Tristan.
Pikachu and Mudkip gave happy replies as they and everybody else celebrated their victory.
Wayne turned to the Seedot had in his arms. "I'm glad you're safe, at least."
Seedot gave a happy reply.
"Those Silcoon showed Taz what they could do," put in Hillary. But just then, she noticed something. "Hey, is it me, or is that Silcoon's silk different than this Silcoon?"
"Different?" Tristan, Wayne, Marc, and Lisa were confused.
Even Professor Birch was a little puzzled.
Hillary came and knelt toward the two Cocoon Pokémon. "Hey, guys, could you turn around for me so we can all get a better look at you?"
Both Pokémon happily complied and showed their faces.
Professor Birch was astounded. "You're right, Hillary! There is something different about this one. There's a big difference in their silk and their eyes.
Everyone came to have a closer look as Professor Birch explained.
"See that? A Silcoon has white thread and black eyes, while this one has pink thread and bright, clear eyes."
"Interesting," remarked Tristan. "So that's how you're able to tell them apart. Hillary must've pointed something out to us. But why would we call this Pokémon a Silcoon anyway? I mean, both Pokémon evolved at the same time, right?"
"Yes, that's true," replied Professor Birch. "The best and simplest explanation is that while this is a Silcoon, the other one is actually a Cascoon."
"Cascoon?" repeated Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex (as heard in the 4Kids dub))
"Cascoon, the Coccoon Pokémon. Cascoon is the evolved form of Wurmple. If it gets attacked, no matter how much pain it endures, it remains motionless as it waits for its next evolution. However, Cascoon never forgets the pain it endures."
"Sounds like Cascoon's more suited to be the Vengeance Pokémon," remarked Hillary.
Everyone had to cringe at that joke.
"Why don't we take Silcoon and Cascoon along with us?" suggested Professor Birch. "We can do some research on them. And then, we can get something tasty for lunch. In the meantime, you can all show me your Pokémon."
Everyone agreed that this was a good idea.
(Music Cue: Hope)
A little while later, everyone let their Pokémon out to play as Tristan cooked up another delicious meal.
"So, Hillary, you have a Togepi, Squirtle, Cyndaquil, Pichu, and a Ralts," smiled Professor Birch. "Some of these Pokémon are rare for the Hoenn region. And you've decided to become a Pokémon Coordinator too, right?"
"That's right," replied Hillary. "I was inspired by the Second-Chance Contest in Rustboro City, so I decided that being a Coordinator would be something I could be good at."
"Seems like your Pokémon are all getting along with one another and agree with your idea," remarked Professor Birch.
Sure enough, Togepi, Squirtle, Cyndaquil, Pichu, and Ralts were smiling and sharing their food together.
Professor Birch then turned to Tristan. "And Tristan, I see you have a Treecko as well. Your Treecko and Lisa's Treecko seem to have a lot in common."
"I caught mine in the Petalburg Woods on the way to Rustboro City," explained Tristan. "It's really good in battle."
"And not only that, your Mudkip seems to be enjoying itself. I can tell it's been that way ever since you received it back at the lab."
"Well, we haven't encountered too many thunderstorms, so that's a plus. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot." Tristan opened his backpack and took out his Egg container. Sure enough, it was the Egg that Steven had given to him.
"Now that's impressive," smiled Professor Birch. "I wonder what kind of Pokémon will hatch from it. But when it does, it'll be a big surprise. I can tell it always is."
Tristan nodded in agreement. "The birth of a new Pokémon is special to anyone who sees it."
Pikachu agreed.
Professor Birch then turned to Wayne. "And Wayne, that Torchic of yours has gotten even stronger since you first went on your journey with it. Your Taillow, Makuhita, and Aron are all looking great, too. Aron's shiny metal body tells me you've been taking good care of it."
"Well, thanks, Professor Birch," smiled Wayne. "I guess that's what you'd expect coming from a great Trainer like me." He then gave a chuckle.
"Too bad you're not that great," teased Marc.
"Zip it!"
"And I haven't forgotten about you, Marc," continued Professor Birch. "Your Mudkip seems to be happy and healthy as well."
"Well, I did get some pointers from Tristan," replied Marc. "But I do whatever I can to help my Pokémon be as happy as they can be."
Professor Elm nodded in agreement. "And that's the way it should be."
As everyone continued eating their lunch, Silcoon and Cascoon were enjoying the company as they continued watching them.
The three Seedot, including the one Wayne befriended was enjoying the dew from the tree branches above.
Everyone cleaned up and prepared to continue their research with Silcoon and Cascoon.
"So why does a Wurmple evolve into Silcoon or a Cascoon, Professor Birch?" asked Tristan.
"It's a mystery that's been plaguing me for quite a while now, Tristan," answered Professor Birch. "I suppose it could be because of their personalities."
"Personalities? But how come?" wondered Marc.
"This is something we researchers are working countless days to solve," replied Professor Birch. "But there will come a day when all the mysteries in the world of Pokémon will be revealed to us. But in the meantime, we all should have a fun time discovering them as we go, right?"
"Right!" everyone else said.
Pikachu and Togepi seemed to agree.
Suddenly, the ground began to rumble under everyone's feet.
"What's going on?!" exclaimed Tristan as everyone else tried to keep their balance.
(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, & Rayquaza Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of "All in a Day's Wurmple"))
Just then, a giant machine shaped like a Nincada made its appearance as familiar maniacal laughter was heard over a loudspeaker.
"It's a giant Nincada!" gasped Professor Birch.
"It's Taz!" put in Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins.
"You got that right, now prepare for a fight!" replied Taz. "And I'll start by taking all the Pokémon you have!" And he went after them with a vengeance.
"We'll see about that!" challenged Tristan. "Pikachu, give it a Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at the giant Nincada machine, but its Thunderbolt attack was easily bounced off.
"No way!" gasped Tristan.
"Thunderbolt didn't stop it!" put in Hillary.
"Ha-ha!" laughed Taz. "You see, unlike all regular Nincada, this one is immune to Electric attacks."
And the giant Nincada moved forward with one of its claws and prepared to strike Pikachu with it.
Fortunately, Pikachu saw it coming and narrowly dodged the attack.
"All right then. Torchic, shoot it down with Ember!" commanded Wayne as he threw a Poké Ball.
Torchic emerged from the white light that shot out of it and unleashed a stream of fireballs from its mouth at the giant Nincada, but this, too, proved to be futile.
"And unlike most Nincada, this one ain't weak against any Fire attacks neither. Now I'll squash youse like a Bug-type!" And he moved his Nincada machine and prepared to stomp on the defenseless Torchic.
"Torchic!" cried Wayne as he rushed to try and save it.
"What are you doing, Wayne?!" exclaimed Marc.
"If he gets squashed by that giant Nincada, it's over!" added Lisa.
But before Wayne or Torchic could be harmed by the giant Nincada, Silcoon, Cascoon, and the three Seedot suddenly burst onto the scene and tackled the giant claw, stopping the machine and Taz in their tracks.
Everyone gasped in surprise.
Taz, however, was most annoyed. "How dare you!"
Just then, both Silcoon and Cascoon were bathed in bright white lights.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Hillary. "What's happening to Silcoon and Cascoon?"
"They're starting to evolve again!" replied Professor Birch.
Sure enough, they were evolving, and as they did, they both began to grow wings.
When the light stopped, Silcoon looked like a butterfly with wings that had red, yellow, and blue patterns on them, plus it had blue eyes.
Cascoon, however, looked like a moth with a purple egg-shaped body, a pair of yellow antennae on its head, and yellow stylized compound eyes. It had two pairs of green wings with red circles and streaks on them.
"Amazing!" said Hillary excitedly. "Silcoon's now a Beautifly! And Cascoon's become a..."
"A Dustox?" finished Tristan.
"Correct," replied Professor Birch.
Tristan and Hillary scanned Dustox and Beautifly, respectively, with their Pokédexes.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Pokédex (as heard in "A Different Kind of Misty"))
"Beautifly, the Butterfly Pokémon. Beautifly is the evolved form of Silcoon. It loves sweet pollen and riding the spring breeze from flower to flower."
"Dustox, the Toxic Moth Pokémon. Dustox is the evolved form of Cascoon and is drawn towards bright light. When flapping its wings, it will scatter a poison dust."
(Music Cue: Advance Adventure (Orchestra & Guitar (as heard in the Japanese version of "Taming of the Shroomish"))
At that moment, the newly evolved Beautifly and Dustox flapped their wings fast and furiously, creating huge gusts of wind that knocked the giant Nincada machine for a loop.
"Beautifly's using Gust!" said Lisa.
"And Dustox is assisting with its Whirlwind attack!" added Marc.
"They're really strong." remarked Tristan.
Taz was most annoyed; he opened one of the machine's windows, stuck his head out, and began his ranting. "Hey, you windbags! What's the big idea blowing on me like that?! You could've hurt me, you know!"
"Okay, Torchic, the coast is clear! Use Ember on that giant machine!" commanded Wayne.
Torchic unleashed a stream of fire from its beak at Taz and the machine, causing him to hop all over the place.
"Yeow! Ooh, that's hot! Yeow that's hot! Ouch! Aiee! Ow! Ack!"
The three Seedot also wanted to get in on the action, so they bopped Taz all over without relenting.
"Stop that!" barked Taz. "Can't you mind your manners?! Quit bashing me already!"
"Pikachu, Thunder attack!" ordered Tristan.
"Pikaaaaaaaa-chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" shouted Pikachu as it unleashed a powerful yellow bolt of electricity at Taz, scoring a direct hit on him and his Nincada machine.
"Aaaah! The pain!
BOOM!
"I'll remember this, kiddies! Mark my woids!" screamed Taz as he and the remnants of his machine blasted off into the sky.
DING!
Tristan, Hillary, their cousins, and Professor Birch cheered as they celebrated their victory.
"I'm glad that's over," said Marc.
"Beautifly, Dustox, and the Seedot all seem to be happy," remarked Lisa.
"They sure are," agreed Wayne.
It was then that the Seedot that befriended Wayne came over to him, jumped in his hands, and asked a favor.
"What's up, Seedot?" asked Wayne.
Professor Birch seemed to understand what Seedot wanted. "I think this Seedot wants to come along with you, Wayne."
"With me?" Wayne was a little surprised.
(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting (full version))
Seedot seemed to agree and did little hops in Wayne's hands.
Professor Birch nodded. "Seedot may play a prank or two when it comes to hitting people on the head, but they really can't help themselves, and they certainly mean no harm. I'm sure that little guy will be raised into a great Pokémon."
Wayne smiled. "In that case, I'll be happy to do it." And he gently put Seedot on his head and proclaimed, "All right! I caught...a Seedot!"
Torchic made a happy pose of its own alongside its Trainer.
"Congratulations, Wayne," smiled Hillary.
"Yeah, man, way to go," added Marc.
"You should be proud," put in Lisa. "Except...could we gather some acorns for lunch sometime?"
Everyone had to let out a good laugh.
That evening, Professor Birch prepared to say his goodbyes to Tristan, Hillary, and their cousins from the deck of a large boat. "Well, time to head back to Littleroot Town. I can't wait to write down all that we discovered today."
"Please say hi to Mom and Dad for us," said Lisa.
"And don't forget to tell them we're all doing great," added Marc.
Professor Birch promised as the boat began sailing off.
"Bye, Professor Birch!" called Tristan and Hillary.
"Take care!" added Wayne, Marc, and Lisa.
Pikachu and Togepi called and waved their goodbyes to Professor Birch too.
"Goodbye!" called Professor Birch. "Hope to see you soon! And Wayne, take good care of your new Seedot, okay?"
"I will!" promised Wayne. "You can count on it!"
Our heroes and Professor Birch discovered a new mystery of Wurmple's branched evolution. And Wayne has a new Seedot. Now it's time for Tristan and Wayne to focus on their upcoming Gym Battles once again as their journey continues!
TO BE CONTINUED...