Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Liam silently followed Giovanni into the forest, curiosity burning in his chest. He wondered how Giovanni planned to track down the poachers hiding among the trees.

After walking for some time, Giovanni suddenly stopped, prompting Liam to quickly duck into a nearby bush to remain unseen.

Giovanni glanced around the area, then turned to his companion, Takeshi.

"This spot should do. Takeshi, it's your turn."

Takeshi grinned, pulling out four PokeBalls and tossing them high into the air.

"Come out, my scouts!"

Four PokeBalls burst open simultaneously, releasing four Spearow. With a loud screech and a flutter of wings, the Spearow scattered into the forest, moving swiftly and expertly. It was clear they had done this many times before.

Liam crouched even lower as one Spearow flew past, his heart racing. Now he understood Giovanni's plan—it was a clever way to locate the poachers.

"Boss," Takeshi said with a grin, "if there's a fight later, be careful. Your Beedrill is still recovering and won't be at full strength. Let me take the lead."

Giovanni smiled faintly. "Don't worry about me. Beedrill isn't my only Pokémon. Just focus on yourself."

Takeshi chuckled and said no more, knowing Giovanni's mind was made up.

SPPEEAAARRROOOOW!"

Suddenly, a piercing cry echoed from the right, loud enough to carry for a mile. It was a signal from one of the Spearow.

"They've found them! Let's move!"

The two rushed toward the source of the sound, with Liam trailing close behind. Giovanni and Takeshi reached the location first, where the scout Spearow perched on Takeshi's shoulder, pointing its wing toward a direction deeper into the forest.

Pushing through the undergrowth, they spotted a group of burly men loading iron cages onto a cart. The cages were covered with black cloth, but faint noises from inside hinted that they held captured Pokémon.

Giovanni wasted no time. He hurled three PokeBalls into the air, releasing a Beedrill, a Meowth, and a Nidorino. Takeshi followed suit, releasing a fierce Fearrow while the other scout Spearow closed in from other directions.

"Take them down!" Giovanni commanded, leading the charge. Takeshi shook his head and followed closely behind.

"Beedrill, use Pin Missile! Meowth, Pay Day! Nidorino, Poison Sting!"

"Fearow, Wing Attack! Spearow scouts, Fury Attack!"

Their combined assault overwhelmed the poachers, who scrambled to defend themselves. In the chaos, they abandoned the captured Pokémon and fled.

"Hmph. At least they ran fast. Let's free the Pokémon," Giovanni muttered.

Takeshi nodded, and the two approached the cages, pulling back the black cloth.

"What?!?" Giovanni and Takeshi froze. Inside the cages were not Pokémon but a black radio emitting recorded Pokémon cries.

"It's a trap! Retreat!" Giovanni barked, but it was too late.

A giant net dropped from above, ensnaring both of them. Their Pokémon rushed to help but were caught in additional capture nets that shot out from the surrounding trees.

"Ha ha ha! I knew it was you, Giovanni!" A man in a black trench coat emerged with four other poachers, his face smug with triumph. "You've ruined my business one too many times, so I set this trap just for you. Did you really think I wouldn't notice your loud little bird earlier? Too easy."

Giovanni's eyes blazed with anger. "Cowards! Hiding behind tools and tricks. Face me in a fair fight if you dare!"

"Oh, still acting tough?" The trench-coated man sneered. "You're already in my hands, but you're still mouthing off. I'll show you what happens to pests like you. Boys, break their legs and bury them together. I'm feeling generous today—your heroic deaths can be a package deal!"

The poachers raised their weapons—guns aimed directly at Giovanni and Takeshi.

Takeshi strained against the net, positioning himself in front of Giovanni as a shield. "Boss, stay behind me!"

"Takeshi, move!" Giovanni barked.

"For once, I'm not listening to you," Takeshi replied with a determined smile.

Giovanni's frustration was replaced by a pang of guilt. He regretted rushing in without proper planning, putting everyone at risk.

The poachers hesitated at the sight of Takeshi's resolve, glancing at their leader for confirmation.

"Heh, why act so touchy feely all of a sudden? Do you think your heartfelt performance will move me and I'll let you all go? Don't even think about escaping today. It doesn't matter who's dealt with first, it's all the same. What are you guys waiting for? Get them already!" the trench-coated man snapped. 

"Break their arms and legs, then dump them together. No one will find them here!"

As the poachers' fingers tightened on their triggers, the trapped Pokémon thrashed against their nets, letting out desperate cries.

At that time—

"Ekans, use Acid! Nidorino,Poison Sting! Gible, use Crunch on the nets!"

Liam's voice rang out, clear and commanding. A hero always appeared last.