The training routine was straightforward: Eevee used Psychic to hurl nearby stones and branches at Shroomish, while Shroomish's sole task was to dodge.
After sharing Gary's meal, the wild Treecko decided he posed no threat. Some rested, while others fetched water for the dying giant tree.
Only two Treecko—the clan's pair of Elite-potential youngsters—watched Shroomish's training from a branch overhead.
The twig-chewing Treecko destined to become Ash's partner was already impressive. In the original storyline, it lost to a Seviper, mastered a mid-air spinning Pound, and returned to win the rematch—a true fighter who refused to admit defeat. If its host tree weren't withering, it likely would have followed a Trainer long ago.
"Okay, that's enough for now—take a break," Gary called an hour later.
"Vee!"
"Shroom!"
Eevee and Shroomish returned for water. As a Grass-type, Shroomish needed plenty of moisture to keep its mushroom-like body healthy.
"Great work, Shroomish. Keep it up," Gary praised.
Shroomish beamed. Life under Gary meant good food, focused training, and no worries about survival.
Gary then looked up at the two Treecko in the canopy. "So, what do you think? Want to come with me? I'll train you the same way."
Ash's future Treecko turned away without answering and bounded back toward the crater. The other leapt down and walked straight toward Eevee.
Gary and Eevee exchanged a glance, unsure of its intentions.
Suddenly, the newcomer struck—its palm glowing white as it delivered a Pound that sent Eevee skidding backward. Although Eevee's level was higher, the gecko's leverage still knocked it aside.
"Vee?!" Eevee bristled.
Gary smiled. "So you want to test my strength?"
"Treecko!" it nodded.
"Fine. Eevee, Quick Attack!"
WHOOSH!
Eevee became a blur. Treecko hadn't expected such speed; it tried to hop back, but Eevee caught it mid-air, slammed into its abdomen, and hurled it several meters.
BANG!
Treecko hit the ground and fainted on impact.
The surrounding Treecko gathered but didn't interfere, knowing their comrade had chosen this.
"Brave little guy," Gary murmured, "but you picked the wrong opponent."
He tossed an empty Poké Ball. It struck Treecko, opened, and pulled the gecko inside. One shake… two… click.
Captured.
Gary retrieved the ball and checked the readout:
Pokémon: Treecko ♂
• Type: Grass
• Level: 17
• Potential: Elite
• Ability:Overgrow – When HP falls below one-third, Grass-type moves gain 50% power.
• Moves:Pound, Leer, Leafage, Quick Attack, Detect
• Friendship: 110 / 255
In game terms, the stats looked ordinary, but Sceptile's real-world agility and cutting power could rival even Blaziken.
Gary released Treecko, sprayed a Potion on it, and let it wake naturally.
"Say your goodbyes. We leave tomorrow," he told it.
"Treecko." It nodded, first visiting the elders, then the stubborn twig-bearer beside the dying tree.
All the Treecko had hatched in that canopy. As the giant weakened, most relocated, but the twig-chewer refused to abandon its birthplace. It would stay until the very end.
The newly captured Treecko tried once more to persuade its friend, but the other remained unmoved.
Latios translated their exchange for Gary: the two had hatched on the same day and grown up as rivals and closest companions. When the tree sickened, the twig-chewer devoted itself wholly to nursing it, abandoning their friendly contests. The captured Treecko feared its partner was throwing its future away.
"If it stays that stubborn," Gary said gently, "a worthy Trainer will take it someday. Follow me, train hard, and maybe you'll meet again in a future League match."
"Treecko?" It tilted its head, puzzled—what was a League match, and how could they meet there?
"You'll understand soon enough," Gary chuckled. Some things were easier shown than explained.