Chapter 117: Chapter 117: After the Battle
"Charizard, use Dragon Rush!"
"Rhyperior, use Rock Tomb!"
Struggling to rise from the crater, Crobat launched a final assault under Omar's command.
The dragon energy surrounding Charizard shattered Crobat's Cross Poison in an instant, and Charizard's Dragon Claw followed, leaving three deep gashes across Crobat's body.
Blood flowed freely as Crobat collapsed, utterly incapacitated.
Massive rocks descended under Rhyperior's control, burying Omar and Dodrio together as they tried to flee.
Descending from his Pidgeot, Marlon retrieved Crobat's Poké Ball from Omar's body.
Even with Dodrio as a shield, Omar couldn't escape his demise.
Locking the ball to ensure Crobat remained contained, Marlon decided against capturing it. Instead, he planned to hand it over to the League in exchange for contribution points and commendations.
Just like the Hunters' Guild, the League had methods to tame Pokémon captured from poachers. Whether through kindness or force depended on the Pokémon's behavior.
Otherwise, facing constant attacks from poachers, Team Rocket, and other factions, even the League's vast resources would eventually be depleted.
Securing his spoils of war, Marlon commanded Charizard and Rhyperior to rejoin the battle.
With two Elite Four-level Pokémon on the field, the remaining Pokémon, all of lower ranks, stood no chance.
Within minutes, the three poaching groups that had attacked were either defeated or surrendered.
Looking at the bodies on the ground, the ruined village walls, and the aftermath in the village, Marlon couldn't help but wonder how many families had been torn apart today.
The thought left Jovanni, the village chief, uncertain whether to feel relief or sorrow.
"Stay strong, Chief Jovanni. You're the leader and pillar of this village. If even you falter, what hope do the others have?"
Beside him, Ron, sensing Jovanni's emotions through his Kirlia, spoke softly.
Hearing Ron's words, Jovanni snapped out of his daze.
"You're right—I can't fall now."
"Inform Thomas and Wesson immediately. Begin treating the wounded and give proper burials to the fallen warriors and Pokémon!"
Jovanni's voice rang out, and the dazed villagers seemed to awaken.
Everywhere they looked, they saw comrades and loved ones lying lifeless on the ground.
Victory had come at a steep cost—far too steep to celebrate.
In this sorrowful atmosphere, the villagers of Moonshade began following Jovanni's instructions.
The forest rangers divided their efforts: some patrolled the area to ensure no remaining poachers or other threats lingered, while the rest joined the villagers in their tasks.
By the time everything had settled, night had fallen.
In the silence of the night, only the heart-wrenching cries of grief could be heard. Many fathers, sons, and brothers had lost their lives today.
Through the sleepless night and into the next morning, Ron stayed to help rebuild Moonshade.
Though the villagers had repelled the three poaching groups with their lives, the defenses of Moonshade had been reduced to ruins.
The Heracross habitat in the surrounding forest had been nearly half destroyed by fire.
The Elite Four-level trainer Marlon had already departed, leaving Lugo and some forest rangers behind to assist the village while addressing its lack of defensive strength.
It took nearly half a month for the village to begin recovering from the shadow of war.
The young people of the village trained with renewed determination—none of them wanted to endure such a tragedy again.
Daniel, in particular, seemed to have matured overnight, becoming more composed and steady.
Jovanni was pleased with Daniel's growth, though the cost had been immense.
The village's guard force had lost two-thirds of its members, with even more severe losses among the villagers.
The Heracross population had been halved, and the Elite Four-level Heracross was barely clinging to life after the battle.
Thomas and Wesson's main Pokémon were severely injured, and due to delayed treatment, lingering damage might prevent them from ever reaching the Elite level.
Jovanni's Charizard and Heracross faced similar limitations.
Thankfully, Ron's fighting aura silently healed their hidden injuries, restoring their potential for future growth.
Despite the devastating losses, those who survived were transformed, both humans and Pokémon, becoming the foundation for Moonshade's future.
Through countless battles during the war, Machamp's level had risen to 41, and Persian's to 38. Bellossom had reached level 35.
However, neither Nidorino nor Kirlia participated in the battles, so their levels remained unchanged.
Having stayed in the village for so long, Ron prepared to continue his journey.
"Chief Jovanni, I'm here to say goodbye. I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Approaching Jovanni's office, Ron addressed the busy village chief.
"I understand. It may sound trite, but I must say this—"
"Your contributions during the war and afterward have been invaluable to Moonshade. I cannot thank you enough!"
Jovanni stood and bowed deeply to Ron.
"You're too kind—it's the least I could do."
Dodging the bow, Ron quickly helped Jovanni to his feet.
"Don't be so modest. From today forward, you're the best friend of Moonshade!"
"Oh, and you came at the perfect time. I have something for you."
Clapping Ron on the shoulder, Jovanni turned to retrieve a fiery red Pokémon egg.
"This is my gift to you—a token of gratitude for everything you've done for Moonshade. Please accept it."
Jovanni handed the egg to Ron, leaving him no chance to refuse.
"A little hint—it's a Fire-type Pokémon, but not a Charizard. You'll find out when it hatches."
"Now, go say goodbye to Daniel."
After giving the egg, Jovanni felt a small sense of relief.
"Thank you for the gift," Ron said, leaving with the egg to find Daniel.
In addition to the egg, Ron received 10,000 contribution points from the forest rangers as a reward for his efforts.
The forest rangers also publicized the battle, emphasizing that Moonshade was home to an Elite Four-level Pokémon.
This news would deter poaching groups lacking comparable strength from daring to target the village again.
Even the prospect of a battle involving Elite Four-level trainers would make anyone think twice before targeting Moonshade Village. They had to carefully weigh whether they possessed the strength necessary to take on such a challenge.
In addition, the Rangers were preparing to establish a base near Moonshade Village to ensure its safety as much as possible.
The next morning, Ron resumed his journey, continuing his travels.
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