The golden rays of dusk washed over Ashwin's expanding farm, where the soothing rustle of wind through berry trees mingled with the subtle hum of activity. From above, one could see patches of cultivated land, makeshift recovery shelters, the partially constructed breeding pens, and the glimmering dome of the greenhouse at the edge of the field.
But beneath the peaceful surface, urgency simmered.
Ashwin leaned over a wooden table where a weakened Poochyena lay, its breathing shallow, fur ruffled unnaturally, and eyes glazed. He gently poured warm, herb-steeped water over its back. Nearby, Vespiquen hovered quietly, observing her trainer's movements with a queen's patience and healer's concern.
Earlier that morning, a wandering Sentret had stumbled onto the property, sick and scared. Ashwin had helped it recover, thinking it was an isolated case. But as the day passed, more Pokémon began appearing—staggering, coughing, or collapsed in exhaustion at the edges of his land.
They were all suffering from the same unknown condition.
As Ashwin wrapped the Poochyena in a dried moss blanket, a new notification slid across his vision.
[Main Quest Update – The Withering Veil]Pokémon Treated: 9 of 10Illness Classification: Spore-based, origin unknownNew Objective: Collect environmental samples – 0 of 3 collected
His jaw tightened.
[Ongoing Mission: Breeding Grounds of Tomorrow]Progress:One egg successfully hatched – TurtwigBond development in progressNext breeding batch initiated – Skiddo lineObjective: Hatch a Pokémon with a rare abilityAdditional Goal: Align breeding program with farm ecology
He sighed. "One challenge after another."
Outside, Gogoat tilled the soil with methodical patience, its sturdy hooves softening the ground. Combee buzzed from flower to flower, collecting medicinal pollen and nectar, occasionally dropping supplies near recovering Pokémon. Zigzagoon, always alert, had begun sniffing around the perimeter, tail flicking with subtle tension.
Ashwin's attention snapped to the woods as a ragged Pikachu stumbled through the undergrowth, its fur discolored with patches of black spores. Sparks fizzled weakly from its cheeks before it collapsed at his feet.
"That's the tenth…" Ashwin whispered as he gently picked it up.
[Quest Complete – Pokémon Treated: 10 of 10]Rewards Unlocked:Access to Forest-Type Herbarium VaultRare Breeding Component – Photosynthetic CorePlant Essence Capsule ×3Passive Bonus: Healing zone expansion around farm improved
A wave of relief hit, but it didn't last.
[Alert: Unusual Pokémon movement detected near farm perimeter]Detected Source: Migratory groups seeking refugeProbable Cause: Habitat degradation from unknown factorRecommended Action: Investigate or bolster support infrastructure
Ashwin stood silently for a moment. He could feel the shift in the forest—the unease in the air. Whatever was happening, it wasn't just an isolated sickness. Something was driving these Pokémon toward his land.
That evening, within the underground Grotto now expanded with its own breathable climate zones, Ashwin checked the incubators. The Skiddo line eggs pulsed with a warm glow. One stood out, wrapped in pale green energy.
[Rare Trait Detected – Skiddo Egg]Hidden Ability: Grass PeltEstimated Hatch Time: 7 daysBond Progress: Minimal – interaction required
He reached out and gently tapped the shell. "You'll be special."
As he turned to leave, a new message flashed.
[Optional Quest Triggered – Guardians of the Green]A growing number of afflicted Pokémon are being drawn to your land. Construct a dedicated recovery facility, recruit support, and uncover the origin of the outbreak.Objectives:Treat at least 30 wild PokémonConstruct a permanent healing structureCollect and analyze three environmental samplesDevelop or discover a curative method
Ashwin felt the weight of it settle on his shoulders.
He wasn't just a breeder anymore. He was becoming a guardian for Pokémon that had no one else. The farm—once a humble dream—was now becoming a lifeline for the region.
Ashwin stood beneath the canopy of a warm afternoon sun, wiping sweat from his brow as the last of the wild Pokémon were gently placed into the temporary healing pens. The scent of herbs, warm earth, and faint traces of pollen from the nearby Vespiquen and Combee swarm lingered in the air. His farm, once a modest patch of land nestled beside the woods, now buzzed with life—and concern.
The afflicted Pokémon that had stumbled into his farm over the past few hours were not mere coincidences. A young Shroomish wheezed heavily in a wooden enclosure lined with medicinal moss. A wild Buneary shivered under a heat lamp, her breath shallow but even. Several Oddish and a weary Lotad lay nestled among soothing herbs in shaded corners of the recovery shed.
Ashwin crouched beside the Buneary, gently placing a hand on its paw. "Hang in there, little one… You're safe now."
From the nearby fields, Gogoat bleated softly, its saddlepacks full of freshly gathered herbs. Behind it, Munchlax trotted with a determined look, carrying a basket of berries that had been specially curated for the sick Pokémon. Even Zigzagoon (Galarian) zipped past occasionally, patrolling the edge of the woods with sharp ears twitching, scanning for signs of more trouble.
Then came the [System Notification], blinking softly in Ashwin's vision.
[Quest Updated: Breeding Grounds of Tomorrow]Objective 1: Provide treatment and shelter for a minimum of 20 wild Pokémon. (Progress: 13/20)Objective 2: Investigate the source of the wild Pokémon illness.Objective 3: Implement preventive infrastructure to avoid outbreak on the farm.
[New Sub-Quest Unlocked: Whispers in the Wild]Objective: Communicate with a high-level empathetic or psychic Pokémon to understand what is affecting the wild Pokémon.
Ashwin frowned, reviewing the objectives mentally. The sickness wasn't natural. While a few of the Pokémon showed signs of common ailments, others—like the Budew with oddly discolored petals or the Zigzagoon with faint tremors—exhibited signs of toxin exposure or deeper corruption.
A sudden cry drew his attention. From the path to the forest, a young girl—a rookie Trainer—was running toward the farm gates with a limp in her step. In her arms, a fainted Pidgey. Ashwin met her halfway, Gogoat flanking him protectively.
"Please… someone said there's a breeder here… My Pidgey just collapsed!" she cried out.
Ashwin didn't hesitate. "Come. We'll help her."
As he led her to the recovery shed, the girl's presence triggered another [System Notification].
[Quest Triggered: Community Healer]Objective: Treat Pokémon brought in by Trainers from surrounding regions.Progress: 1/?? | Rewards scale with total Pokémon treated.
Inside, Vespiquen floated silently through the shed, guiding healing Combee to apply pollen on fresh bandages. Ashwin swiftly assessed the Pidgey—fever, dehydration, and a strange discoloration along its wings. Whatever was infecting the wild Pokémon was now affecting trained ones too.
This was bigger than just his farm.
He handed a cup of berry tonic to the girl. "She'll be alright. Rest here a while."
Outside, Gogoat gave a soft huff, nudging Ashwin toward the woods. Zigzagoon let out a low growl. Something—or someone—was nearby.
Ashwin narrowed his eyes and turned to his team. "Alright everyone, we may need to split efforts. I want Vespiquen, Combee, and Munchlax to continue tending to the patients. Gogoat, Zigzagoon, come with me—we're going scouting."
As they entered the shaded path of the woods, Ashwin felt the weight of the moment press on him. His role as a breeder had grown far beyond raising and healing Pokémon. He was now a guardian of a delicate balance—one tipping under unseen threats.
Behind him, his farm shimmered with warmth, buzzing activity, and the distant call of Pokémon seeking help.
Ahead, the wild whispered warnings he could no longer ignore.