The swarm of Beedrill filled the sky, their buzzing loud and angry.
After Ash's Metapod was taken by the Beedrill, the boy dressed as a samurai had bolted without hesitation.
"Hey, Zephyr! You're out traveling too?" Ash called out, surprised as he saw Zephyr running toward him.
Before he left Pallet Town, Ash had asked Zephyr why he hadn't started his journey yet. After all, they were the same age and had grown up together.
"No time to talk!" Zephyr shouted. "Look at the Beedrill! They're going crazy! We need to hide, or we're in serious trouble."
Ash glanced up. The swarm above made his stomach drop.
"Beedrill! So many Beedrill… I'm terrified!" Misty screamed, her face pale. She clung to Ash's arm for support, trembling.
"Follow the samurai kid! He knows this forest better than anyone," Ash said, snapping out of his panic. He started running after the samurai, dragging Misty along.
The samurai led them to a wooden cabin hidden deep in the Viridian Forest. The group barely made it inside as the Beedrill swarmed the structure, their stingers stabbing at the wooden walls but unable to break through.
Inside, Ash paced the small room. Pikachu sat in his arms, looking just as worried.
"My Metapod… What do I do?" Ash muttered, his voice shaky.
Zephyr leaned against the wall, silent. No one would suspect I caused this mess, he thought, smirking internally.
[System activated: Growth Mission triggered. As a villain, remain hidden while doing bad deeds and gain gratitude from others. Task: Help Ash retrieve Metapod. Reward: 500 points.]
Zephyr's grin grew wider. Perfect.
"Calm down, Ash," Misty said. "The Beedrill will settle down by night. We can think of a plan then."
Ash sighed but nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I'll wait."
Zephyr finally spoke, his voice steady. "Ash, at night, the Beedrill will return to their nest. That's when we'll go. I'll help you get your Metapod back."
Ash's face lit up. "You'd help me? Thanks, Zephyr! But wait… I don't think you've started your journey yet. What Pokémon are you using?"
Zephyr smirked and pulled out a Poké Ball. He tossed it in the air, and Gastly appeared, its round body surrounded by purple gas and its eyes glowing mischievously.
Gastly's gaze instantly landed on Misty. A mischievous glint appeared in its eyes as it floated closer, sticking its tongue out playfully.
"AHH! A ghost!" Misty screamed, backing into a corner.
Zephyr groaned and grabbed Gastly by the top of its head, pulling it back. "Cut it out, you idiot!"
Ash's eyes widened. "That's Gastly? It looks so cool!"
Zephyr shrugged. "It's decent."
The samurai boy, watching from the corner, sighed. "You people from Pallet Town are unbelievable. Every trainer I've fought from there has beaten me. Now I see your Gastly, and it's stronger than any Pokémon I've seen. I need to leave this forest and get stronger elsewhere…"
---
Night fell.
The forest was silent except for the occasional chirp of bug Pokémon. The Beedrill had calmed, resting in their hive.
Zephyr, Ash, and Misty crouched in the tall grass near an ancient tree. Dozens of Metapod hung from its branches, their hard shells blending into the leaves.
"Is that your Metapod?" Zephyr whispered, nudging Ash and pointing toward a specific branch.
"That's right, that's my Metapod! What do we do? I'm heading there now," Ash said urgently.
"Wait, don't rush. Let's figure out a plan first," Zephyr replied calmly.
While they spoke, Zephyr noticed two figures nearby. Among them was a Meowth with a gold coin on its head.
"James, didn't we just see Ash and the others leave? Where did they go?" Jessie asked, annoyed.
"Yeah, I followed them earlier. How come they're gone now?" James grumbled.
"Meowth, stop arguing! Focus and watch carefully. If we catch Pikachu, we can finally get some credit with the boss," Meowth scolded.
Hearing this, Ash and Misty immediately recognized them as Team Rocket.
"It's them again! They're here for Pikachu," Misty whispered.
Zephyr listened to the trio's nonsense and sighed inwardly. "So, these are the infamous Team Rocket grunts. My 'father' runs this whole operation, and I'm technically their young master, but these two are... hopeless. Total failures."
He shook his head. "Forget it. Let's use them to my advantage."
From his system's shop, Zephyr exchanged his remaining points for two Red Fragrant Fruits, leaving his balance at zero. Breaking the fruits in half, he threw them directly at Jessie and James.
"Huh?"
"What's this? Overripe fruit? Who threw that?" James asked, confused.
"Yeah, it just hit us out of nowhere!" Jessie added.
In the dim forest, the two hadn't noticed Zephyr's actions. Zephyr smirked and quietly picked up a few stones, hurling them at a nearby tree. The disturbance woke a swarm of Beedrill resting there, and soon, dozens of glowing green eyes appeared in the darkness.
"Gastly, use Hypnosis to make them provoke the Beedrill," Zephyr instructed.
Gastly emerged silently, floating close to Team Rocket's backs. A faint glow surrounded them as Hypnosis took hold.
Under its influence, Jessie, James, and even Meowth approached the Beedrill's nest without hesitation.
The swarm, already annoyed, turned their attention to the intruders. Jessie and James reeked of the Red Fragrant Fruit, further enraging the Beedrill.
Suddenly, the trio snapped out of the trance, only to find themselves surrounded by the furious Pokémon.
"Oh no, we're doomed!" Jessie screamed.
"Run! They're going to kill us!" James shouted, bolting.
"Why are they only after us? Meowth, help me out!" Jessie cried.
Meowth dodged a Beedrill's sting and yelled, "Why are you using me as a shield? This is insane!"
As the Beedrill relentlessly pursued them, Zephyr, Ash, and Misty slipped away.
"Quick, Ash! Get Metapod back!" Zephyr urged.
Ash threw a Pokéball, safely recalling his Metapod. "Thanks, Zephyr. You really saved us!"
Misty looked at Zephyr, admiration in her eyes.
"Ding! Mission completed. 500 points awarded," the system notified Zephyr.
Zephyr smiled but said nothing. His plan had worked perfectly.
He glanced back at the Beedrill's nest. "Honey from Beedrill nests is valuable. It can be used for training Pokémon or even traded for points."
Climbing the tree, he scooped out the golden honey, filling several jars.
"Ding! Beedrill honey recovered. 1,000 points awarded."
Satisfied, Zephyr climbed down, wiping his hands. "This is a good way to earn points outside of missions."
Turning to Ash and Misty, he said, "Let's move. If those three manage to escape, the Beedrill will come back."
As they left, Gastly hovered near the remnants of some Kakuna, its eyes gleaming.
Without hesitation, Gastly opened its mouth and devoured three Kakuna in quick succession. It floated back to Zephyr, looking smug.
"Ding! Gastly has devoured Kakuna x3. Combat power +15. Evolution progress: +10%."
Zephyr smirked. "Good work. Keep this up, and you'll evolve soon."
The next morning, Zephyr bid farewell to Ash and Misty.
"Zephyr, are you sure you don't want to come with us to Pewter City?" Ash asked earnestly.
"Yeah, come with us! I can handle the cooking," Misty added shyly.
Zephyr shook his head. "Thanks, but I have my own path. I'll be heading to Viridian City next. Our paths will cross again someday."
After parting ways, Zephyr opened his system panel:
Host: Zephyr
Identity: Son of the real Team Rocket leader (Giovanni is a puppet leader).
Pokémon:
Gastly (Combat Power: 90 | Skills: Lick, Night Shade, Hypnosis, Venoshock, Dark Pulse | Special Ability: Devour | Evolution: 30%)
Shiny Weedle (Combat Power: 25 | Skills: Poison Sting, String Shot | Special Ability: Bloodthirsty Power | Evolution: 0%)
Points: 2500
Zephyr grinned. With Gastly growing stronger and more opportunities ahead, his journey was just getting started.
###
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