Aven then began teaching the two Pokémon how to learn Ancient Power.
Rhydon was already familiar with this kind of training.
Before long, it began to condense Rock-type energy.
Tangela, however, was completely lost, having never interacted with Rock-type energy before.
"Tan Tan Tan?"
Tangela hurried over to Rhydon to ask for help. If evolution was possible, it would give its all!
"Rhy Rhy Rhy!"
Rhydon, happy to help, patted Tangela on the back.
"Little bro, just stick with me from now on—we'll train together!"
Tangela looked at its small body, then nodded seriously.
"All right, everyone—back to your own training," Aven instructed.
The gathered Pokémon quickly dispersed to begin their individual training sessions.
After handing over all the Gloom saliva he had collected, Pete and a very envious Enel eagerly headed out in search of more Gloom.
Compared to the benefits of joining the patrol team, collecting Gloom saliva was no big deal. Their eyes were set on something greater—earning the trust of a magical beast!
Scanning the grass, they soon spotted a reddish-brown flower peeking out. Their eyes lit up as they rushed over.
This Gloom didn't seem to emit a very strong odor.
Normally, they'd avoid it, but this time their goal was to win the Gloom's trust.
"Gloom?" The Gloom poked its head out of the ground and stared curiously at the humans.
"Hi Gloom, would you like to become my partner?" Pete asked nervously, swallowing hard.
The Gloom tilted its head, then suddenly turned and scurried away. It wasn't clear whether it hadn't understood or had simply refused.
"As expected... it's not that simple," Pete sighed.
Enel, more optimistic, chuckled. "Don't lose heart—we'll take it slow."
He knew earning a Gloom's trust wouldn't happen overnight. It would be a long-term effort.
Through continued interaction, Gloom would come to understand them, and that bond would grow stronger.
That said, Enel knew winning the trust of wild Gloom outside the village would be incredibly difficult.
After all, these Gloom had been trained by Aven and were already strong—there was no reason for them to choose a trainer.
"Actually... I think I know where we might have a better chance of earning a Gloom's trust," Pete suddenly said, as though he'd made up his mind.
Enel looked at him in surprise.
After a moment, his eyes widened. "You mean—those magical beasts Aven brought back?"
Most villagers were aware of the magical beasts that lived beyond the village, but no one dared approach them. Enel hadn't expected Pete to be so bold.
"They're actually very friendly," Pete recalled his own experience.
"I think we can trust them."
But Enel shook his head. "You were just lucky. Aside from the Grass-type ones, that field also has other magical beasts."
"Like the carnivorous Carnivine disguised as plants, or the tanky Skuntanks, or Raticate, Mightyena... That place is really dangerous."
Pete fell silent for a moment, then spoke seriously:
"But Aven said those magical beasts won't hurt us."
That made Enel pause.
Everyone in Fruitvale Village trusted Aven deeply, especially those who had stayed through the harsh winter. But the fear of magical beasts still lingered in Enel's heart.
"No matter what, I want to try," Pete said finally, and walked toward the direction of the magical beasts.
Enel hesitated but ultimately didn't follow. He stood there, watching his friend grow smaller and smaller until he was just a distant silhouette.
"He didn't come with me, huh..." Pete sighed quietly, already regretting mentioning the magical beasts.
But it no longer mattered.
Compared to earning Gloom's trust and becoming part of the patrol team, Gloom saliva was the least of his concerns.
He pressed forward quickly and soon spotted Torterra's massive form.
"Torterra, hello!" Pete greeted nervously, continuing forward.
Torterra nodded kindly in return, which only boosted Pete's confidence in his decision.
Following the scent, he soon found the lounging Gloom basking in the sun. They all looked over as he approached.
…
Outside the village, in the grassy field...
The Gloom leader was instructing its companions on how to use Sweet Scent.
A gentle aroma drifted through the air, and many of the Gloom watching wore expressions of awe.
"Glo Gloom~"
'Like this, like this, just do it like this...' the Gloom leader gestured enthusiastically.
The surrounding Gloom listened attentively, carefully manipulating their Grass-type energy as they tried to transform their natural stench into a pleasant scent.
However, the Gloom leader was no Aven, and its teaching skills were limited.
Without potions to assist them, the Gloom's progress in learning Sweet Scent was very slow, which made the leader sigh.
Although the villagers had already come to accept their odor, learning Sweet Scent would help them better integrate into human society. So, they persisted.
Still... with so many companions, it'll be hard to teach everyone. The Gloom leader thought to itself.
That said, their efforts weren't fruitless. Thanks to the methods it taught, the Gloom's stench had noticeably weakened.
"Gloom, I've come to take you home," a voice called out.
Pete appeared, with Mightyena following behind. The wolf-like Pokémon stopped at a distance while Pete approached the Gloom.
Among them, one Gloom flinched and tried to hide behind its companions.
Pete noticed immediately—it was the one he had bonded with.
He approached with an apologetic smile. "Gloom, I'm here to bring you back."
There was guilt in his voice.
Before heading to the front lines, Pete had worried the other knights would reject Gloom. So, he left it in Fruitvale Village, only taking Mightyena with him.
Since returning, he had visited many times, but Gloom had always refused to go home with him. It made him feel awful.
"Gloom, are you still worried about your smell?" he asked softly.
"You don't need to worry anymore. I bought you a learning session for Sweet Scent at the Pokémon Daycare."
"With just a little training there, you'll be able to master it. That way, you won't have to worry about it around us anymore."
Pete patiently explained. To help Gloom, he had personally gone to Aven for advice. This was the best solution for Gloom's concern.
"Gloom?" Gloom froze.
Honestly, Pete had always treated it well. But its scent clashed with Mightyena's sensitive nose. Even though Pete spent most of his day on patrol with Mightyena, he always made time at night to sit with Gloom.
It did want to return to Pete's side—but didn't want to cause him trouble, so it kept waiting, hoping to learn Sweet Scent first.
The leader had been teaching them, after all.
But now Pete had gone to the trouble of getting it professional help?
Gloom knew how expensive the Daycare was—Pete had often complained about how nearly broke he became when teaching Mightyena Sucker Punch.
To pay again for Gloom's sake... it was deeply moved.
"gloom.."
This time, Gloom didn't run away. It walked up to Pete.
"Thank you, Gloom. I'm so glad you forgave me."
Pete hugged Gloom tightly, and Gloom froze for a moment—then gently patted him with a soft look in its eyes.
The Gloom leader smiled at the scene, happy for its companion.
The other Gloom were also joyful, though their eyes showed a bit of envy too.
Maybe the leader's suggestion makes sense...
Having a human partner doesn't sound so bad. With their help, we can grow even stronger!
(End of Chapter)