Unbeknownst to Su Feng, the older Cubchoo was eavesdropping from around the corner of the cave.
"Cubchoo's mucus is crucial to their health…"
"The sick Cubchoo is in serious condition. Without treatment, it could develop long-term issues…"
"I should be able to cure it…"
The older Cubchoo's eyes widened in shock. This human knew everything about their species! And he claimed he could heal his brother!
Watching his sibling writhe in pain, the older Cubchoo wrestled with his thoughts. Trusting this human could lead to disaster—or salvation.
With their mother nowhere in sight, the decision fell to him.
Peeking out from behind the rock, the Cubchoo glanced at Su Feng by the fire and the intimidating Combusken and Haunter.
If this human meant harm, he'd have attacked already.
Steeling himself, the Cubchoo stepped out and shouted, "Roar! (Please, save my brother!)"
Su Feng turned, surprised by the Cubchoo's sudden appearance.
[Wait, is that little bear asking for help?]
[It's so cute but looks so fierce!]
[I can't get past the snot…]
[It's just a baby! Let it have its snot!]
[What's it saying? Is it trying to scare Feng off?]
Su Feng stood, pulling berries, herbs, and a mortar and pestle from his backpack.
"Let's go."
The Cubchoo eyed the tools warily but recognized one of the berries. Their mother always brought it when they were sick.
Seeing it, the Cubchoo relaxed slightly.
"Roar! (Uncle, please help! When Mom gets back, I'll ask her to bring you treats!)"
Su Feng winced and lightly tapped the Cubchoo's head.
"Call me brother."
"Roar? (Brother?)"
Satisfied, Su Feng nodded. "Don't worry. I can't promise an instant cure, but he'll feel better."
[Wait, Feng's playing doctor now?]
[Since when could he heal Pokémon?]
[What if Pokémon get sick? Are there even Pokémon doctors yet?]
[Feng's a jack-of-all-trades. Nothing he does surprises me anymore.]
Ignoring the chat, Su Feng followed the Cubchoo to its sick sibling.
Placing a hand on the younger Cubchoo's forehead, Su Feng frowned. Its temperature was alarmingly close to his own—far too warm for an Ice-type.
In contrast, the older Cubchoo's icy touch sent a shiver down Su Feng's spine.
"Cubchoo, can you use Icy Wind? Cool your brother down gently."
The older Cubchoo hesitated but obeyed, blowing a chilly breeze over its sibling.
The younger Cubchoo's furrowed brow relaxed slightly.
"Good. Keep it steady—not too cold," Su Feng instructed.
Meanwhile, he ground the herbs and berries into a paste. The bitter smell made him grimace.
How can anyone drink this?
Adding a spoonful of Combee honey to mask the taste, Su Feng stirred the mixture.
The older Cubchoo's mouth watered at the sweet aroma.
Su Feng chuckled, feeding the Cubchoo a spoonful of honey. "Take a break. I've got this."
"Roar! (Thank you!)"
With Haunter's help, Su Feng propped up the sick Cubchoo and fed it the medicine.
The younger Cubchoo gulped it down, licking its lips at the honey's sweetness.
"Now, let it rest," Su Feng said, relieved.
The older Cubchoo, now brimming with gratitude, tugged at Su Feng's sleeve.
"Roar! (Brother, it's cold outside. Stay here!)"
Su Feng considered the offer. The cave's warmth was far more inviting than the blizzard outside.
"Alright, I'll stay."