Chapter 213: Wood Gecko Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Hours Later, Littleroot Town – Birch's Lab]
After Azure brought Sapphire and Chic back to Littleroot Town, he went to Birch's Lab. He met the Professor as he explained everything upon encountering Ruby and Sapphire, being unaware of Ruby's runaway plan.
While Prof. Birch proceeded with the information, Azure used his PC to send his Dragonite back to Kanto, where she was safely delivered, much to his relief. Prof. Birch sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration as he muttered helplessly, "Sigh… seems like I'll have to notify Ruby's parents about this. Oh boy…"
Azure apologized, rubbing the back of his head in a sheepish voice, "Yeah… if I had known, I would've stopped the kid…"
While Azure said that what he truly thought was in a helpless tone, 'Even if I did… he had a Ralts that knows Teleport. No way I'm catching him with a teleporter on his team.'
Birch sighed helplessly at this but ultimately shook his head. But he returned to a bright smile as he said calmly, "Sigh… what's done is done. But first…"
Professor Birch exclaimed, extending a hand to him in a friendly tone, "Welcome to Hoenn! We've been expecting you."
Azure replied, shaking his hand firmly, greeting the Professor properly in a respectful tone, "Professor Birch, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Your region is even more beautiful than I imagined, despite the small hiccups."
Birch chuckled, ushering him inside his lab as he said happily, "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet! But first things first. Your Pokedex!"
He presented Azure with a sleek device—the Hoenn Pokedex. Birch explained cooly, "It's loaded with all the regional data, ready for your discoveries."
Azure said, thankfully, his fingers tracing the smooth surface of the device, "Thank you, Professor."
Professor Birch announced, leading him to a small enclosure where one Poké Ball rested on pedestals as he sheepishly said, "And now. The moment you've been waiting for. Hoenn's finest! We have Treecko, the nimble Grass-type. Torchic, the fiery Fire-type. And Mudkip, the versatile Water-type… but well…"
Azure chuckled, understanding Birch's concern. He knew that Ruby got Mudkip and Sapphire Torchic.
No words were needed to be said as Azure approached the only Poké Ball left. His heart was pounding with a familiar excitement.
*Bdmp*
Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, chirped inquisitively. Eevee, at his feet, tilted her head, observing the choices with keen interest.
He knelt, taking a moment to simply gaze at the one, feeling the subtle energy emanating from within. Treecko's Poké Ball pulsed with a quiet, confident energy, hinting at speed and precision.
Both they're eyes locked together as he grinned. Azure picked Treecko's Poke Ball, hurling it into the air as he declared, "There's no wait for suspense between us. Treecko! I choose you!"
*Pop*
The Poke Ball materialized Treecko onto the floor. Treecko is a small, green, bipedal reptilian Pokémon. It has yellow eyes with long, narrow pupils. Treecko's hands and feet each have three digits covered with tiny spikes.
These spikes allow it to scale vertical walls with ease. Its stomach and throat are red. It also has a line across its stomach resembling a pouch. Treecko has a large, dark green tail with two separate lobes that it uses to sense humidity.
Landing on the ground, Treecko gazed at Azure, tilting its head curiously. Azure leaned down, introducing himself happily, "Hey there Treecko, my name's Azure Sky. I'm gonna be your new trainer."
Treecko gives him a once-over and nods in satisfaction. Treecko accepts him with a confident cry, "Treecko!"
Treecko climbs over its free shoulder, greeting its new neighbors. Those neighbors are Pikachu and Eevee.
Azure chuckled lightly as he put the Pokedex away and got his Arc Phone, checking Treecko's data. Professor Birch's lips twitched as he thought, 'If you were going to use your Rotom Phone, why need the Pokedex…'
Ignoring the Professor, Azure checked Treecko's data. He smiled contentedly, reading the data obtained from it.
[Treecko the Wood Gecko Pokémon. Treecko has a large, dark green tail with two separate lobes that it uses to sense humidity. This ability allows it to predict the next day's weather. Treecko is rarely found in the wild and is more common in captivity.
However, when in the wild, Treecko lives inside overgrown forests. It makes its home in tall trees and will attack anyone who comes near its nest. Because of its territorial nature, it is known to be the protector of the forest's trees.
Treecko is known for its calm and collected personality. It will never panic under any circumstances, even when faced with a bigger foe. Treecko has been observed occasionally moving its feet while asleep. It is believed that Treecko is dreaming about climbing walls. Treecko has four different sleep styles: Seated Sleep, Face-Rubbing Sleep, Dream-Scaling Sleep, and Atop-Belly Sleep.]
|Name: Treecko (Wood Gecko Pokémon)
|Type: Grass
|Level: 10
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Overgrow
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Leer, Pound, Leafage, Mega Drain, Quick Attack, Synthesis (IM), Leech Seed (IM), Magical Leaf (EM) (5 Moves left to learn)
*THUD*
While Azure was getting used to Treecko over his shoulder, a door from the side of the lab burst open. Chic came out along with a surprised Sapphire, "Hey, Dad! How the heck did you – "
Sapphire's eyes froze as she saw Azure and her father. Azure chuckled lightly as he commented on Sapphire's jungle-like attire, "Haha… Professor Birch, your daughter certainly has… interesting taste in clothing."
Sapphire is a young girl with bright, inquisitive eyes and carrying a Poké Ball clutched in her hand. This was Sapphire Birch.
Her gaze immediately locked onto Azure, and her eyes widened in recognition. Her voice was a mix of awe and disbelief, "Dad! Is that... is that Azure Sky?! The Ninth and Tenth Kanto Champion Azure Sky?!"
She practically vibrated with excitement. Azure turned, a polite nod acknowledging her as he replied sheepishly, "That would be me, yes. And you must be Sapphire."
Sapphire nearly dropped her Poké Ball. She was practically hyperventilating, her Torchic Poké Ball shaking slightly in her hand as she fangirled on him, "Oh my! It is you! I've watched all your League matches! Your strategy against Red's Aerodactyl in the ninth League, and how you dismantled the Legendaries with just your Pokémon in the tenth tournament matches back-to-back! It was incredible! My dream is to become the strongest Pokémon Battler, too, and you're my absolute idol!"
Azure chuckled, amused by her fervent admiration. He rubbed the back of his head as his Pokémon chuckled at his status, replying calmly, "It's good to meet a fellow enthusiast, Sapphire. I hope your journey here in Hoenn is fruitful."
Sapphire snapped out of her fan-girl daze, her eyes suddenly glinting with a competitive spark. Her voice echoed with eager challenge as she declared, "Azure Sky, I just got my first Pokémon, Torchic! You're a Champion, the best! Please, Azure, would you battle me?! Just a small one! I need to test myself against the very best!"
Professor Birch looked on, a knowing smile on his face. He knew his daughter's ambition and dreams as he helplessly sighed, thinking, 'Sigh… I suppose it was inevitable, knowing my daughter's dreams. And who else to start her first battle than with the very best that ever was…'
Azure considered it. A battle, even a friendly one, was a perfect way to bond with a new team member and gauge the talent of a rising trainer.
And Sapphire's enthusiasm was infectious. He grinned as he said the rules coolly, "A battle, you say? Very well, Sapphire. How about a 2-on-2? It will give us both a good feel for the Hoenn style."
Sapphire's face lit up. She was shaking in excitement as she exclaimed, "Yes! Perfect! Thank you! Let's go to the backyard!"
The backyard of Professor Birch's lab was a surprisingly spacious arena, complete with a small rocky outcrop, a patch of tall grass, and a neatly manicured battling field. Pikachu and Eevee watched from the sidelines, their expressions alert and interested.
Treecko, now free from its enclosure, stood confidently beside Azure, its new Poké Ball clipped to its belt. Azure began, his voice calm and clear, "Alright, Sapphire. You can make the first move."
Sapphire beamed, clutching her Poké Ball. She grinned as she yelled, "Right! Chic, let's go and do this!"
*Pop*
She tossed the ball, and with a flash of light, her Torchic appeared, a bundle of orange fluff and fiery spirit. It chirped excitedly, ready for its first battle, "Torrr!!"
Azure used [Observe] on Torchic. He mildly smiled as he thought curiously, 'Torchic. Female. And level 14, she must have raised her Pokémon recently. In that case, why not make it official, starting my first battle in Hoenn with Starter vs Starter Pokémon?'
Azure said calmly, focusing his gaze on his newest partner, "Alright, Treecko. Your first official battle. Let's see what you can do. Use Quick Attack!"
*Zoooom*
Treecko, agile and fast, blurred across the field, a green streak aimed directly at Torchic. It was raw speed, unrefined but potent.
Sapphire commanded, her voice surprisingly steady for a rookie, "Torchic, Feather Dance, then Ember!"
*Shiii*
Torchic, a burst of energy, flapped its small wings, creating a mesmerizing dance of feathers that momentarily disoriented Treecko, reducing the impact of its Quick Attack as it was hit by -2 stages.
*BAM*
Azure smiled lightly, taking note of Sapphire's skills, 'Good. She has a talent for first choosing to debuff the attack with an advanced move.'
*Ssss*
Then, with a defiant chirrup, it spat a small but hot Ember at Treecko. The attack landed, singeing a few of Treecko's leaves.
Treecko recoiled, hissing slightly, unaccustomed to battle damage. Azure noted the slight hesitation as he steadily ordered, "Treecko, focus! Use Mega Drain!"
*Shiii*
Treecko, shaking off the burn, sprang forward, extending a hand and draining a small amount of Torchic's energy with the verdant glow of Mega Drain. Torchic stumbled, its fiery spirit momentarily flickering.
Sapphire countered, trying to lower Treecko's attack, "Torchic, use Growl!"
A low growl emanated from Torchic, and Treecko felt a brief dip in its confidence, but Azure's calm presence was a grounding force as he ordered, "Treecko, you're doing well. Remember your speed. Quick Attack to dodge and move around!"
*Zooom*
Treecko's body glowed faintly as it blitzed around the field using its speed, becoming even more nimble in the battlefield. It was a blur of green, dodging subsequent Ember attacks from Torchic with subtle ease.
Azure pressed, sensing an opening, "Now, Leafage!"
*Wooosh*
*Shinng*
Treecko spun, unleashing a volley of sharp, green leaves. Torchic, still a little disoriented from the Absorb and Treecko's newfound speed, took the brunt of the attack. It cried out, singed leaves fluttering around it.
Sapphire urged, hoping for a close-range hit, "Torchic, no! Use Peck!"
Torchic, gritty and determined, charged forward, beak extended. But Treecko, now fully in its rhythm, sidestepped with an almost practiced grace, demonstrating the agility it had just enhanced.
*Wooosh*
Azure commanded, sensing the end, "Finish it with Pound!"
*SMACK*
Treecko, using its momentum, landed a solid blow with its tail, sending Torchic skidding across the ground, faint. Professor Birch announced, stepping in as the impromptu referee, "Torchic is unable to battle!"
Sapphire rushed to her Torchic, scooping it up with a worried but quickly resolute expression. She said, thankfully, "You did great, Chic! You were amazing in your first battle against him!"
She looked at Azure, a newfound respect in her eyes. She said in an excited tone, "Wow. Your Treecko is so strong. And you barely even seemed to be trying!"
Treecko puffed its chest in pride, winning its first battle and the praise from Sapphire. Azure chuckled as he smiled gently, replying, "He's got potential. It was a good first battle for him and your Torchic as well, Sapphire. You both showed great spirit."
He knelt beside Treecko, gently stroking its head. Using a bit of his Viridian Force healed it in the process, surprising it as he said softly, "You did well, partner. A little rough around the edges, but you'll shine."
Treecko chirped, a look of pride in its eyes. Sapphire declared, returning Torchic to its Poké Ball, "Alright! Round two! My next Pokémon is... Rono the Aron!"
*Pop*
She tossed another Poké Ball, and a small, armored Pokémon with a single horn emerged, its metallic body gleaming in the Hoenn sun. Rono let out a confident cry, "Arrrro!"
Azure considered his options. He had Pikachu, Eevee, Metang, Vulpix, and Psyduck as he considered his choices carefully, 'Aron is a Steel/Rock type, strong defensively. A direct attack might not be ideal…'
He looked at Psyduck within its Poké Ball, who was currently staring blankly at a passing Pidgey. Azure smiled as he said calmly, "Alright, Psyduck, it's your turn."
*Pop*
Hurling the Poke Ball open, Psyduck materialized. Psyduck blinked slowly, then gave a dazed nod, waddling onto the field.
Aron snorted, clearly unimpressed by the perpetually confused duck Pokémon. Sapphire commanded, eager to press her advantage against what looked like a clumsy opponent, "Rono, use Tackle!"
Aron charged, its small but sturdy body barreling towards Psyduck. Azure's voice was sharp, cutting through Psyduck's usual mental fog, "Psyduck, Psychic!"
*Shiii*
Psyduck's eyes briefly glazed over, and a faint psychic aura emanated from its head. Aron, mid-charge, suddenly stumbled, its movements becoming erratic as it tried to shake off the mental assault.
*BASH*
It veered wildly, missing Psyduck completely and slamming into a small rock. Azure followed up, capitalizing on Aron's confusion, "Now, Water Pulse!"
*SPLASH*
Psyduck, still holding the confusion in its mind, opened its beak and unleashed a focused stream of water. The super-effective attack struck Aron directly, washing over its metallic body and causing it to shiver.
Sapphire called out, trying to shore up her Pokémon's defenses, "Rono, Iron Defense!"
*Shinng*
Aron glowed faintly as its already considerable defense stat spiked. It looked more resolute now, glaring at Psyduck.
Azure instructed casually, "Alright, Psyduck, use Screech!"
*SCREEE*
Psyduck bellowed a screech as it hit Aron directly. It lost its advantage of its defenses spiking, making it frustrated.
Sapphire cried, adapting quickly, "Rono, use Headbutt!"
*BAM*
Aron tried a powerful Headbutt, slamming into Psyduck's head. Psyduck wavered, a familiar dull ache beginning to throb behind its eyes.
Its dazed expression intensified, but a strange glint appeared in its eyes. Azure commanded, knowing these head-on collisions often triggered Psyduck's latent psychic powers, "Psyduck, Strong Style! Zen Headbutt!"
*SHIIII*
As the headache intensified, Psyduck's crest began to glow with a potent, purple aura. It charged forward, its headbutting action now infused with raw psychic power.
*CLANG*
The attack was swift and devastating, slamming into Aron's metallic skull with a resounding clang. Aron staggered back, its sturdy body trembling from the psychic impact.
Sapphire urged fiercely, not wanting to give an inch as she ordered, "Rono, keep up the pressure! Take Down!"
*Wooosh*
Aron, still reeling, attempted a powerful Take Down, but Psyduck, now fully channeling its psychic energy, moved with unusual speed, dodging the charge. Psyduck, having a state of mental clarity, glared at Aron fiercely.
Azure's voice was firm, precise, "Now let's end this! Water Pulse!"
*SPLASH*
The headache reached its peak, and Psyduck's eyes squeezed shut for a moment before snapping open, now glowing with intense, focused power. From its beak erupted a torrent of pressurized water, a powerful, swirling vortex that struck Aron with incredible force.
*THUD*
The blast sent the armored Pokémon skidding, impacting the rocky outcrop with a thud. Aron lay still, unconscious. Professor Birch announced once more, his smile widening, "Aron is unable to battle!"
Sapphire slowly returned her Aron, a thoughtful expression on her face. She looked at Azure, then at the dazed but victorious Psyduck. She breathed, amazed, "Wow… I... I really need to train harder. You and your Pokémon are just incredible, Azure."
Her initial fangirl excitement had matured into genuine respect, layered with a burning desire to improve. Sapphire declared, "Thank you for the battles! You really showed me how much I have to learn."
Azure walked over to Sapphire, offering an encouraging smile. He gave her a few pointers, praising her in a chill tone, "You handled yourself very well for your first battles, Sapphire. Your Torchic and Aron are strong, and you showed good judgment. You have the heart and the drive to become an excellent trainer. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll reach your goals."
He gave Psyduck a gentle pat on the head, who blinked contentedly, the headache now receding as Azure used his Viridian Force. Professor Birch stepped forward, his eyes gleaming as he said proudly, "Well, Azure, it seems your journey in Hoenn has begun with quite the flourish! A new partner in Treecko, and a fantastic display of skill. Your reputation certainly precedes you."
He looked at Treecko, now resting comfortably at his feet, and then at Pikachu, Eevee, Psyduck, along with Metang, and Alpha Vulpix inside their Poké Balls. His team was a unique blend of old friends and new potential, a testament to his journey so far.
Hoenn was vast, its challenges numerous, but with this team by his side, Azure Sky felt ready for anything the region could throw at him. The road to the Hoenn League, and perhaps even beyond, had just begun.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!