Chapter 24: Misfortune to Fortune
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Route 24 – 25]
For the next few days, Azure dedicated himself to rigorous training in Route 24 and Route 25, the areas surrounding Cerulean City. He pushed Pikachu to master the unique Partner Moves he had learned: Zippy Zap, a lightning-fast charge; Floaty Fall, a graceful aerial maneuver; Splishy Splash, a surprising water-type attack; and Pika Papow, a devastatingly powerful electric surge.
He worked on Dratini's endurance and power, teaching it to harness its dragon-type energy. Growlithe honed its flame-based attacks, learning to control the intensity of its fire and developing strategic maneuvers.
Azure was a demanding trainer, but he always ensured his Pokémon were happy and healthy, prioritizing their well-being above all else. The memory of their shared adventure with Red and Misty on Mt. Moon was still fresh in his mind.
Fighting alongside them against the insidious Team Rocket had been an eye-opening experience. He remembered the claustrophobic caverns, the constant threat of danger, and the relief of finally emerging into the moonlight.
He knew he had a lot to cover in that short amount of time. Thus, he used the TM Protect on Growlithe, allowing him to share his knowledge of the move with his fellow Pokémon.
As the day wore on, the team's efforts began to bear fruit. Growlithe's Protect became stronger and more stable, able to withstand more powerful attacks. Dratini's shield grew more resilient, requiring less concentration to maintain.
The training continued for several days, with each Pokémon pushing itself to improve. Azure made sure to incorporate fun activities into the training, like swimming in the nearby stream and inspiring Growlithe to increase their training to keep their spirits high.
Not only that, but he also began to venture further ahead of Route 24. Eventually, he went forward to Route 25, where there were more trainers in the area for the group to battle against.
Thankfully, Misty allowed him and Red to sleep in her mansion as they began their training session and paid for the Pokémon food they needed. Azure made sure he wasn't a part of theirs as he wanted to be prepared against Misty when he was ready, to which she nodded in understanding, wanting to see how far Azure had grown to challenge her.
Heading to Route 25, where he fought some more trainers. Thankfully, there were no Bug Catchers, so he was able to have his Pokémon battle more efficiently than before. The Pokémon that these trainers had were Geodudes, Machops, Nidorans, Oddish, and Bellsprout.
One Hiker even had an Onix as well. Azure made sure to use Pikachu to effectively gain some levels against the Rock Type and Grass Type Pokémon with his new moves, practicing them.
Growlithe took to these challenges happily, as they were a lot more fun than fighting Caterpie and Weedle. Dratini had the same fighting experience as trainers handling them using the move Protect at crucial moments as practice.
Although Growlithe was kind of struggling as he had some disadvantages with the various Rock Types, he was showing how strong he was, and he finally managed to pull off some wins.
Azure said as Growlithe landed on the ground after taking out someone who had a Nidorino in a happy tone, "Alright! Nicely done, Growlithe."
Growlithe looked pleased with himself as he cried out, "Bark~"
Growlithe, though eager, was significantly behind Pikachu and Dratini in terms of experience. Azure focused on building its stamina and mastering basic fire-type moves, battling other trainers.
Later, they'd found a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city, a small clearing near a gently flowing stream, perfect for honing their skills. It was during one of these training sessions, amidst the flickering flames of Growlithe's Ember attack, that Azure's eyes widened in disbelief.
A Squirtle, its shell gleaming in the dappled sunlight, was cautiously approaching the stream. He froze, hardly daring to breathe. Squirtles were relatively rare in this area, preferring the more temperate regions to the south.
This was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss as he thought excitedly, 'I do need a Water Type traveling the sea. And with Blastoise High Def. Stats would be a great help. And… I mean, come on, who wouldn't want another Kanto Starter Pokémon!'
Azure whispered urgently, his voice barely audible above the rush of the water, getting the Puppy Pokémon's attention, "Growlithe! Use Ember, but be gentle. We don't want to hurt it too badly."
Growlithe, sensing the urgency in Azure's voice, straightened up. It locked its gaze on the Squirtle and unleashed a small, controlled burst of flames.
*Brrr*
The Squirtle, startled, recoiled, its eyes widening in alarm. The battle had begun as Growlithe roared, "Bark!"
*Splash*
The Squirtle was surprisingly agile, dodging and weaving through the undergrowth, using the stream as cover. It countered with Water Guns, forcing Growlithe to take cover behind a large rock.
The battle was a flurry of flames and water, a back-and-forth struggle that tested both Pokémon's skills and determination. Growlithe, fueled by Azure's encouragement, began to find its rhythm.
It expertly dodged a jet of water and retaliated with a well-aimed Ember, singeing the Squirtle's shell. The Squirtle stumbled, its movements becoming sluggish.
This was Azure's chance. He commanded excitedly, "Now, Growlithe! Ember one more time!"
Growlithe mustered its remaining energy and launched a final, powerful Ember attack, managing to hit. The flames engulfed the Squirtle, leaving it weakened and dazed.
*Brrr*
Azure knew this was it. He reached for a Poké Ball, his heart pounding with anticipation. He took a deep breath, aimed carefully, and threw.
*Swooosh*
The Poké Ball soared through the air, striking the Squirtle squarely on the head. It clicked open, engulfing the tiny turtle in a red energy field.
The ball landed on the ground, wobbling once, twice… then silence. Azure held his breath, waiting for the telltale BON that signified a successful capture.
But the BON never came. Instead, something even more improbable happened.
*Shiii*
In a flash of blinding light, a small, humanoid Pokémon with large, sleepy eyes materialized directly in front of the Poké Ball. It was an Abra, its fur the color of soft gold yellow.
It had seemingly teleported in from nowhere. And it had teleported directly into the path of the Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball, still in its capture sequence, struck the Abra squarely in the face. The Abra, completely disoriented, blinked in surprise, then promptly disappeared in a flash of red energy.
The Poké Ball wobbled once, twice, three times…
*CRACK*
Azure froze, dumbstruck. He stared at the Poké Ball, lying silently on the ground, only for the Abra to break free.
Pikachu's jaw hung open, making the surprised Pikachu face meme. Dratini popped its head out of the backpack, its eyes wide with disbelief. Growlithe, still panting from the battle, tilted its head in confusion.
The Squirtle, taking advantage of the chaos, scrambled to its feet and darted towards the stream. With a final, desperate glance back, it plunged into the water and disappeared beneath the surface, leaving a trail of bubbles in its wake.
*Splash*
Abra, realizing what had occurred, quickly vanished, instantly using Teleport. Azure slowly approached the broken Poké Ball, his mind reeling as he thought in disbelief, 'This couldn't be happening. It's absurd, ridiculous, utterly… unbelievable.'
He picked up the broken Poké Ball, his fingers trembling slightly. He stared at the small, white, and red sphere, trying to process the impossible events that had just transpired, only to be denied.
He'd been so close to capturing a Squirtle, a Pokémon he'd wanted to add to his team for a long time since childhood. And now… now he had an Abra only to break out and escape as well.
Growlithe looked down, seemingly disappointing Azure with sad barks, "Arf? Bark…"
Noticing this, Azure shifted his expression, rubbing Growlithe's head. Rubbing the Puppy Pokémon's head affectionately as he said happily, "No worries, Growlithe. We'll get that turtle next time. Besides, you did great in battling against a Water-type."
His Pokémon all cried out, agreeing and filled with determination, making Growlithe happy again, licking his face. He glanced towards the stream, where the Squirtle had disappeared. He made a silent vow to return and try again to capture it.
*Clap*
That was when they heard clapping. A girl's voice said, causing them to turn around to see a brunette wearing a black dress clapping her hands where she wore white gloves, "Bravo, bravo. Nicely done."
Pikachu looked curiously as he saw Azure tense on seeing the girl. Azure thought, trying not to look suspicious as he used [Observe] immediately to figure out her identity, 'I know this girl. The heck is the problem, child – she's here to scam me, isn't she?'
Azure said, keeping a wary eye on her, "Thanks."
Green, however, saw the wary look and gave a pout as she asked, wearing her Ditto face disguise in a childish tone, "Oh, come on, what's with the look?"
Azure asked bluntly as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder, "Sorry, but who are you?"
Green said, causing Pikachu to look pleased as she said in an impressed tone, "Oh, you know who I am, Sky. But for now, I'm just someone who was passing by when I saw your battle, you have a strong Growlithe. You must be a great trainer."
Azure said cooly, reaching down and scratching Growlithe's head, "Well, he is one of my Pokémon."
When he finished saying that, Green crossed her arms and looked sad as she said bluntly, shaking her head, "It's too bad that you aren't using him at his Max potential."
Azure frowned. He asked before she grinned and pulled out a box of items, "What do you mean?"
Green said confidently, holding them out as Azure recognized this from the Manga, making her pitch, "These items are standard equipment for any great Pokémon Trainer, and they can boost their abilities."
Now, ordinarily, he would've called her out on that, but for once, something did catch his eye, making him go wide-eyed. He used [Observe] to be sure as he picked up a usual mysterious stone and asked calmly, "Say how much for this stone here? It looks very pretty. Where did you find it?"
Green smirked, seeing he managed to sucker Azure. But for Azure, it was something extremely worthwhile once he had seen the text screen for it.
[Item: Eviolite
Rarity Item: A
Type: Held Item
Description: An item to be held by a Pokémon. This mysterious evolutionary lump boosts the Defense and Sp. Def stats when held by a Pokémon that can still evolve by 50%.]
When he wasn't looking, the girl had a predatory smirk. She thought as she adopted a grateful smile, 'Hook, line, and sinker. Can't believe he's interested in this lumpy stone from the cave nearby here. Score!'
Green explained she found it in someplace random place as Azure simply nodded, just accepting the fact. Then Green said at the end of her explanation, "And that will be four thousand Pokedollars – "
*Smack*
Handing her 4000 Poke Dollars, Azure turned and said, "Here. I'll take this and go have a good day, miss."
Green simply blinked, seeing how easily Azure got scammed, as she grinned happily, speaking in a happy tone once he was away, "Heh. Sorry, Azure, but that item is totally just a shiny rock with no value. Sucker."
Unaware, Azure held the Eviolite as it shone brightly, getting Pikachu to look curiously as he said happily, "Seems like I have a present for Growlithe wearing this. At least he won't be taken down easily, at least till he evolves."
Smirking at today, Azure's misfortune of encountering Squirtle turned into fortune, encountering Green. Having an Eviolite was a good thing for him to have this early on, as he continues training.