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Gallade and Gardevoir had spent a long time in this forest.
They were well aware of how many powerful Pokémon resided there.
During their previous stay, they had challenged numerous Ghost-type Pokémon. Much of their strength had been honed through training in this forest.
However, Pokémon are highly mobile creatures. Having been away for a long time, many of the Pokémon they once knew might have left or been captured. Consequently, they couldn't be certain if the Pokémon in the forest still recognized them.
After setting up the tent, Evan began preparing the ingredients for a meal. At the same time, he asked Charizard and the others to collect some dry firewood.
Although it was still early morning, the sky was as dark as night, with gloomy clouds obscuring the sun. Logically, the sun should have been high in the sky by now, but in this forest, the perpetual gloom made it an ideal habitat for Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon.
Once Evan had prepared the ingredients, Gallade had already set up the stove, and Charizard returned with firewood, promptly igniting it with a puff of flame.
As Evan started cooking lunch, the smell of curry filled the air. It was a popular meal for camping—easy to prepare yet incredibly fragrant. Evan's cooking had a special touch, as he prepared everything himself, which made the aroma more enticing. The curry was enjoyed by both humans and Pokémon alike, though it didn't contribute to the Pokémon's strength the way energy cubes did.
Evan's Pokémon mostly ate energy cubes to maintain their strength, with occasional snacks like ketchup for Pikachu or hot sauce for Charizard. On rare occasions, when Gallade cooked, the Pokémon indulged in his dishes. However, it was unusual for them to see Evan cooking himself.
Gallade cast a resentful look at Evan, thinking, "You're such a good cook. Why did you always make me handle it at home?"
Evan, indifferent to Gallade's thoughts, handed him a task. "Gallade, peel these beans and cut them into pieces."
With a roll of his eyes, Gallade began processing the ingredients.
Interestingly, the potatoes in this world cooked faster than those Evan had encountered in his past life, which sped up the process considerably.
Otherwise, Evan would not have cooked the curry first and added the potatoes afterward. Instead, he would have cooked the ingredients first and added the curry last.
After placing all the ingredients, including the potatoes, into the pot, Evan paused and called out to Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir, come here and keep an eye on the pot. Stir it while I fry the meat and prepare the steak."
Hearing Evan's instructions, Gardevoir quickly stepped forward, took the spoon, and began stirring the mixture.
As Evan continued preparing lunch with precision, the enticing aroma began to waft through the forest, catching the attention of nearby Pokémon. One by one, they were drawn toward the scent, unable to resist its allure. However, they kept their distance, intimidated by Dragonite's imposing presence and the powerful dragon energy it exuded.
The wary Pokémon could only watch from afar, their mouths watering as they stared at the food.
"This human must be crazy—coming here just to spread poison like this," some thought bitterly. Unable to bear the tantalizing aroma, a few Pokémon gave up and left to forage for berries elsewhere in the forest, grumbling about their misfortune.
Meanwhile, a few kilometers away by a secluded lake, a gray, smoke-cloaked humanoid Pokémon sat under the shade of a tree, munching on tree fruits. Suddenly, it paused mid-bite and turned its gaze toward the direction of its home.
Marshadow tilted its head curiously, sensing several powerful presences. Among them, two were all too familiar.
Could it be? Had someone come looking for it?
Driven by curiosity, Marshadow hastily finished the fruit in its hand before melding into the shadows. It moved swiftly, covering kilometers in mere minutes, its shadowy form flitting through the forest unseen.
As it approached, Marshadow halted abruptly, catching a whiff of the tantalizing fragrance that filled the air. Its mouth watered as it took in the smell.
What kind of feast is this?
It hesitated, feeling conflicted.
Among the auras, two were distinctly familiar—old acquaintances, no doubt. But why were they here? Did they bring someone new? Was this a challenge for its territory? The thought made Marshadow's paranoia spike.
For a moment, it considered leaving. Had its former allies betrayed it? Rage bubbled within Marshadow, but uncertainty tempered its reaction.
Should it investigate or retreat?
Indecision paralyzed Marshadow, its shadowy form flickering as it debated its next move.
To go or not to go?
Hidden in the shadows, Marshadow instinctively suppressed its aura entirely. Even if other mythical Pokémon arrived, they wouldn't immediately detect its presence.
After a moment of deliberation, it reached a decision. The mouthwatering aroma in the air was simply too enticing, sparking its curiosity. Who was cooking such incredible food? Could it snag a taste?
Once the thought of stealing a sample crossed its mind, it couldn't shake the idea. Determined, it resolved to sneak closer for a look. If it sensed danger or discovered the group had indeed come for it, Marshadow would grab some food and escape as fast as possible.
With that plan in mind, it moved silently, slipping through the forest like a shadow, undetected and noiseless. The closer it got, the stronger the delicious aroma became, making Marshadow's craving grow. It wanted a bite—no, it needed a bite.
Finally, Marshadow arrived at the scene and took in the sight. There, Gallade and Gardevoir, Pokémon it recognized, were sitting with a group of others—including a human—enjoying a meal.
Its eyes flickered between Gallade and Gardevoir before settling on Dragonite.
That fat dragon is absurdly strong, it thought, sensing the immense power radiating from the Pokémon.
Marshadow's gaze then shifted to Evan. A human?
Hmm… what a peculiar human. Why is the Psychic energy surrounding him so overwhelming?
Fear prickled at Marshadow's shadowy form. It hesitated, teetering on the edge of retreat. So what if the food smelled delicious? Facing someone this intimidating wasn't worth the risk.
Marshadow silently cursed Gallade and Gardevoir for bringing such terrifying companions.
As it debated fleeing, Evan suddenly turned his head and looked directly at it.