It was almost noon. Gary stopped to prepare lunch for his own Pokémon and mixed a few extra batches of Grass-type feed.
His plan was simple: attract every Treecko in the area so that choosing one would be easier. He had already gathered all the ingredients he needed while passing through Petalburg City.
The rich aroma spread quickly, drawing wild Treecko from every direction. Because travelers to and from Rustboro City often passed through this grove, the local Treecko were accustomed to people and did not panic at Gary's presence.
"If you're hungry, feel free to try some," Gary offered.
"Tree…!"
The Treecko were intrigued but cautious. They knew many Trainers used food as bait. Still, hunger soon overcame hesitation, and three Treecko crept forward.
[Lv. 8 Treecko ♂ / Normal]
[Lv. 10 Treecko ♂ / Normal]
[Lv. 11 Treecko ♂ / Normal]
Gary tore off broad leaves to use as plates, spooned the feed onto them, and set the makeshift dishes on the ground without approaching.
The trio exchanged wary glances, then each sampled a bite. One taste was enough: the feed was delicious. Their vigilance faded, and they began eating in earnest.
Seeing their companions stuffing their cheeks, several more Treecko joined them. Gary repeated the process—feeding them on leaf plates and letting them approach of their own accord.
Before long, almost every Treecko in the clearing was happily munching.
Even the stubborn male Treecko with a twig in its mouth—the one Gary knew would one day meet Ash—sat down to eat before dashing off toward the distant spring.
Gary guessed it was fetching water to tend the dying giant tree at the center of the grove.
Sadly, the tree's end was inevitable. Still, its seeds would scatter, and a new sapling would someday take its place. Until that day, the twig-bearing Treecko would never leave this forest.
"Tree..."
A different Treecko leapt from a nearby branch, landed beside Gary, and held out its hands expectantly.
Gary blinked—then smiled. "Oh—sorry. Here you go."
He passed over another leaf plate. The newcomer accepted it without fear, sat cross-legged, and dug in.
[Lv. 17 Treecko ♂ / Elite]
Elite-grade potential. Perfect, Gary thought. He had hoped to find at least one Treecko of this caliber, discovering two in such a small colony was a pleasant surprise. In most wild groups, even a single quasi-Elite specimen was rare.
Gary's gaze shifted to the great withered tree. Treecko eggs are traditionally laid in the canopy, drawing nourishment directly from the host. Perhaps so many hatchlings had drained the old giant's vitality over time.
He turned back to the eating Treecko. "How about becoming my partner? Together, we can make you the strongest Sceptile in the world."
Treecko paused, surprised. The clan elders had warned of humans who came to capture forest Pokémon.
Treecko, as a species, were calm and intelligent: they disliked weak or irresponsible Trainers, but would follow a worthy one.
"My name is Gary. I came here specifically to catch a Treecko, and your potential stands out. If you choose me, I promise we'll reach the pinnacle together," he continued.
Treecko offered no reply, merely resumed eating. Gary didn't press, he had identified his target, and this Treecko rarely left the grove. A little patience would pay off.
He spent the next hour observing. In total, he counted twenty-one Treecko—an impressive number—but not a single Grovyle.
Many of the Treecko were high-level (one elder was already level 30), yet none had evolved.
Perhaps some environmental factor in the grove suppressed evolution, much like the natural Everstone fields found elsewhere in the world.
After lunch, the Treecko trooped off to fetch water for their beloved tree.
Wherever Treecko settle, the host tree usually thrives—but even the healthiest giants eventually reach the end of their lifespan.
Afternoon Training
Instead of attempting capture immediately, Gary moved to a nearby glade to train. He paired Eevee with his newly caught Shroomish, focusing on Shroomish's reaction speed.
Once it evolves into Breloom, close-quarters combat will be its forte, so sharpening its reflexes now was essential.
He kept one eye on the forest's edge. The Elite Treecko would come around again—and when it did, Gary would be ready with both kindness and a Poké Ball.