Chapter 51: 'Legendary Pokémon'
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Fuchsia City – Pokémon Center]
However, Prof. Oak stopped the Azure process as he said in an embarrassed tone, "Woops! I forgot you need to be here to begin the process. When you come to Pallet Town, I'll begin registering you. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Azure, having his dream of getting paid, froze. He shook his head as he said in an understanding tone, "Right. I'll be sure to visit when I have the time, Prof. Oak. I'll be sure to be around when I get the chance."
Prof. Oak nodded as he began to end the call he is saying excitedly, "I'll be expecting you, Azure. Till then, my noodles are done! So see you later and bring your Scizor so I can study its abilities!"
*Beep*
Red rubs his head sheepishly, seeing the interaction as he says bluntly, "Seems like the Professor needs you for something. With that done, I'll be heading around Fuchsia City, seeing any Pokémon to capture. Later, Azure!"
Before Red left, Azure spoke up as he said curiously, "Hey Red! Do you have a Rhyhorn!"
Red paused briefly, considering his words as he shook his head, as he said curiously, getting his attention, "… No. I don't. Do you have one?"
Azure revealed Rhyhorn's Poke Ball as he never intended to keep it. He replied curiously, asking Red, "Yeah. I happened to capture this one when it tried to attack my team, but Scizor beat it up. But it was badly injured afterward only managed to keep it to the Pokémon Center to be healed. I was gonna release it, but I figured you need it for your Pokedex."
Red grinned as he brought out his Pokedex. He looked through as he replied, happily agreeing, seeing his info is missing No.111, "Yeah. I've seen him before but haven't caught a Rhyhorn to fill my Pokedex entry. But if you want, I can trade it for one of my Pokémon in my PC. Come here and see which one ya want."
Azure looked at Red's Pokedex as he saw what Pokémon he caught with a Poke Ball symbol next to the entry number. Azure blinked, surprised by the number as he thought, 'Huh… in the manga, he only caught a few, but he caught some good ones outside of the series. Then again, I'm heavily basing it on the manga rather than reality.'
They settled down at a nearby table and opened Red's Pokedexes, comparing entries. Azure scrolled through Red's caught Pokémon, his eyes widening in surprise. He had a good mix of Pokémon, many of which Azure hadn't even encountered yet.
Then, his gaze landed on one entry in particular: Horsea. A small, Water-type Pokémon with a delicate, seahorse-like form. A wave of longing washed over him. He'd been feeling the lack of a Water-type on his team.
The cycling road made him think about adding one. He thought, gazing at Horsea's entry in a serious tone, 'I need a Horsea. Or to be exact, a good Water-type Pokémon. Since I have a bigger budget and a future job, having her tag along would do me some good in the future. Plus, it's good to have options just in case.'
Azure said, pointing to the Horsea entry. He asked Red curiously, "Red, I know you're offering to be fair, but would you… Would you be willing to trade the Rhyhorn for your Horsea?"
Red looked surprised. He checked their levels, noticing a difference as he asked, "Horsea? Really? You sure? Horsea is a bit under leveled when compared to your Rhyhorn."
Azure replied, nodding his head, understanding, but resolutely said, determined, "I am, but Horsea… I could use a Water-type on my team. And honestly, I think it would be a better fit for me than Rhyhorn, in the long run. But only if you're okay with it. It's your Pokémon."
Red considered for a moment, then nodded. He smirked as he said confidently, "Alright, Azure. You know what? I think Horsea would thrive with you. I haven't been able to give it the attention it deserves. It's a deal!"
Azure's heart leaped. He'd always admired Horsea's potential, picturing it evolving into the majestic Seadra, and eventually, the powerful Kingdra.
But before he finalized the trade, he knelt, holding out the Poke Ball containing Horsea. Azure said softly, wanting her opinion first, "Hey Horsea, Red's a wonderful trainer, but I was hoping you'd consider joining my team. I promise I'll train you hard, and we'll have amazing adventures together. But I want to make sure you're happy with your decision."
*Pop*
He released Horsea from the Poke Ball. The little seahorse hovered in the air, its intelligent eyes looking from Azure to Red, taking them in. It chirped softly, nuzzling against Red's hand for a moment, then turning towards Azure, its tail swaying gently.
It nudged Azure's cheek with its snout, then playfully squirted a jet of water at Pika, who squeaked in surprise. Azure smiled, seeing Horsea's response in a happy tone, "I take that as a yes."
Red laughed. Red replied, seeing Azure's connection with his Pokémon in a satisfied tone, "Looks like Horsea's made its choice! Good luck with it, Azure. I know you'll do great things together."
They completed the trade, Azure receiving Horsea's Poke Ball and Red receiving Rhyhorn's. Red bid him farewell and wished Azure the best of luck with the Fuchsia Gym Challenge.
As Red walked away, Azure crouched down to introduce Horsea to the rest of his team as he announced, "Guys, this is Horsea. She's going to be joining us on our journey. She's the Dragon Pokémon like you, Dragonair."
Pikachu seemed particularly excited, showering Horsea with static sparks of welcome. Growlithe barked happily, while Dragonair gracefully circled around the newcomer, interested in another Dragon Pokémon.
Eevee tilted its head curiously, and even Haunter seemed to give a spectral nod of approval. Scizor, ever stoic, simply clicked its pincers in acknowledgment.
Azure gently touched the Poke Ball containing Horsea. He felt a surge of excitement and responsibility. He knew he had a lot of work ahead of him, training Horsea and integrating it into his team. But he was ready for the challenge. He felt his team getting stronger together.
Later that day, Azure began Horsea's training. He started with the basics, focusing on accuracy with the Water Gun and building Horsea's stamina. He took it to the beach outside Fuchsia City, letting it swim and practice using Surf under Dragonair's guidance, learning.
Horsea proved to be a quick learner, its natural affinity for the water shining through. It listened attentively to Azure's instructions and seemed eager to please. Soon, it was effortlessly hitting targets with a Water Gun and gracefully gliding through the waves.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the ocean, Azure sat with Horsea on the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore. He felt a deep sense of connection with this new member of his team.
He knew that Horsea had the potential to become a powerful ally, and he was determined to help it reach its full potential. He opened his Arc Phone as he checked his Pokémon info, increasing their levels.
|Name: Partner Pikachu (Mouse Pokémon)
|Type: Electric
|Level: 40
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Light Ball]
|Ability: Lightning Rod (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Thunder Shock [A][S], Quick Attack [A], Double Team, Agility, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball [A], Iron Tail [A][S], Feint, Spark [A], Zippy Zap [A], Floaty Float [A], Splishy Splash [A], Pika Papow, Discharge [S], Thunderbolt [S], Light Screen, Brick Break (TM), Surf (HM), Volt Tackle (EM), Wish (EM) (6 Moves to learn)
|Name: Dragonair (Dragon Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon
|Level: 38
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Dragon Fang]
|Ability: Marvel Scale (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister [A][S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Thunder Wave, Dragon Rage, Iron Tail [A], Protect, Agility, Slam, Dragon Pulse [A][S], Dragon Breath [A][S], Aqua Tail, Bubblebeam [A] (TM), Hyper Beam (TM), Surf (HM), Fly (HM) Extreme Speed [A][S] (IM), Dragon Dance (EM) (3 Moves to Learn)
|Name: Growlithe (Puppy Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 36
|Held Item: [Eviolite]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Ember [A][S], Leer, Howl, Bite [S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Helping Hand, Agility, Iron Tail [A][S], Fire Fang [S], Endure, Retaliate, Crunch, Flamethrower, Close Combat, Flare Blitz, Take Down, Protect (TM), Raging Fury [S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (3 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Scizor (Pincer Pokémon)
|Type: Bug/Steel
|Level: 35
|Held Item: None
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Technician
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Quick Attack, Leer, Fury Cutter, Focus Energy, False Swipe, Double Team, Double Hit, Slash, Agility, Wing Attack, Metal Claw, Iron Defense, Steel Wing, Bullet Punch (IM), Roost (EM) (2 Moves to learn)
|Name: Partner Eevee (Evolution Pokémon)
|Type: Normal (Fire/Water/Electric/Grass/Ice/Fairy/Psychic)
|Level: 32
|Held Item: None
|Gender: Female
|Ability: Adaptability
|Nature: Mild
|Moves: Covet [A], Tackle, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Quick Attack [A], Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift [S], Bite [S], Mimic, Copycat, Veevee Volley, Confusion (IM),Disarming Voice (IM),Icy Wind (IM),Razor Leaf (IM),Ember [A] (IM), Thunder Shock [S] (IM), Water Gun [A] (IM), Yawn (EM) (9 Moves to learn)
|Name: Haunter (S) (Gas Pokémon)
|Type: Ghost/Poison
|Level: 30
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Levitate
|Nature: Gentle
|Moves: Lick [A][S], Hypnosis, Spite, Confuse Ray, Mean Look, Payback, Curse, Protect, Night Shade [A],Hex, Shadow Ball [A] (TM), Psychic (TM), Substitute (TM), Thunderbolt (TM), Shadow Punch (IM), Perish Song (EM) (7 Moves to learn)
|Name: Horsea (Dragon Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 20
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Sniper
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Bubble, Smokescreen, Water Gun, Twister, Focus Energy, Dragon Breath, Aurora Beam (EM) (10 Moves left to learn)
Azure smirked seeing his team's progress as he pondered to himself in a serious tone, checking his team training, 'Training Horsea will be getting used to. She needs to catch up with the team. Not only that, but I'll also need to have my Growlithe learn Play Rough from Eevee, how to use Fairy-type moves.'
He then sighed out loud as he checked the moves he needed his Pokémon to learn as he thought in a serious tone, 'Still, I need my Pokémon to be in top shape after this Gym challenge. Maybe I should ask Red for some help evolving my Haunter into Gengar and afterward finally evolve my Growlithe.'
A brief image of Gengar and Arcanine flashed through his mind. He thought to himself curiously, 'I'll need a stronger team soon, too. If Koga is just like the games, he'll be in the level 40 range, and there's no telling when he'll attack. My safety is needed.'
Nodding his head finally decided Azure saying softly, beckoning the Puppy Pokémon, "Growlithe, come here."
Growlithe bounded over, his tail wagging expectantly. Azure knelt, meeting Growlithe's gaze as he said happily, "Growlithe, you've been with me since Route 3 after we saved you. You've grown so much and fought so bravely. I'm incredibly proud of you."
Growlithe whined softly, nuzzling Azure's hand. Azure said, pulling the Fire Stone from his backpack, getting the Puppy Pokémon's immediate attention, "I think... I think it's time, old friend."
The stone pulsed with a warm, vibrant energy, its surface shimmering with fiery light. Growlithe tilted his head, confused.
Pikachu, perched on Azure's shoulder, perked up, understanding dawning in his eyes. Azure explained, "This is a Fire Stone. It has the power to evolve you into Arcanine, a much stronger form. But the decision is yours, Growlithe. Do you want to evolve?"
He held out the Fire Stone, allowing Growlithe to accept or refuse. Growlithe stared at the stone, then back at Azure. He seemed to sense the significance of the moment, the potential for greater power and responsibility.
After a moment of contemplation, Growlithe let out a determined bark and nudged the Fire Stone with his nose, "Bark! Arf!"
He was ready. He trusted Azure, and he trusted in his strength. Azure smiled as he said, "Alright, Growlithe. Let's do it."
He held the Fire Stone aloft, a crackling energy building around it. Growlithe stood firm, his eyes fixed on the stone, anticipation etched on his face.
[Would you like to use this item [Fire Stone]?]
[Which Pokémon will you use it for?]
*Shiii*
A blinding light erupted, engulfing Growlithe in a torrent of fiery energy. His form began to shift and expand, his fur growing longer and more luxurious. His bark deepened into a powerful roar, echoing through the beach.
The light subsided, revealing a magnificent Arcanine. Arcanine is a quadrupedal, canine Pokémon with an orange pelt marked by jagged black stripes. It has diamond-shaped ears with beige insides, black eyes, a round, black nose, and two pointed teeth protruding from its upper jaw.
Its head, muzzle, and chest are covered in shaggy, beige fur, except for two oval sections around each eye and ear. Long tufts of fur grow behind its elbows and around its ankles. Its underside is black, and it has a billowing, beige tail that is bent in the middle. Each paw has three toes and a round, pink pad.
Azure gasped, awestruck by the transformation. Arcanine turned to him, his tail swishing proudly. He nudged Azure gently, a sign of his unwavering loyalty.
Azure breathed, reaching out to stroke his new companion, "Arcanine, you look incredible. Awesome even."
Pikachu, usually so vocal, was speechless, his jaw practically on the floor. Eevee peeked out from behind Azure's legs, her eyes wide with wonder.
Haunter let out a ghostly giggle, impressed by the show of power. And Scizor, ever stoic, simply nodded in approval. Horsea, new to the group, widened her eyes seeing Arcanine's majestic form.
He checked his Arc Phone and grinned, reading Arcanine's info and status. As he did so, he changed Arcanine's held items with the Charcoal wrapped around his neck.
|Name: Arcanine (Legendary Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 36
|Held Item: [Charcoal]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Ember [A][S], Leer, Howl, Bite [S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Helping Hand, Agility, Iron Tail [A][S], Fire Fang [S], Endure, Retaliate, Crunch, Flamethrower, Close Combat, Flare Blitz, Take Down, Protect (TM), Extreme Speed (IM), Raging Fury [S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (3 Moves left to learn)
With his newly evolved Arcanine by his side, Azure felt a surge of confidence. He knew that Koga and his Poison-type Pokémon would be a formidable challenge, but he was ready.
He had his team, stronger and more united than ever, and he had the unwavering support of his partner. Gazing at his team, he spoke up in a determined tone, "Everyone. I'll give you all 1 week to train to prepare for Koga and his poison types. And be sure to give your all when the time comes, you've got it!"
His six main Pokémon all cheered in agreement. Azure grabbed Horsea as he smiled, preparing their training needed for them to win.