Chapter 218: Nixing Nuzleaf
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Morning, Petalburg City]
*ZWOOOSH*
Ruby reaches Petalburg City using his Running Shoes. He moved extremely fast, causing a gust of wind in his tracks.
*SKREEECH*
Stopping himself, turning his head, Ruby talked to Mumu in an impressed tone, "You know, once you get used to them, these running shoes aren't half bad! Isn't that right, Mumu?"
Examining his area, his eyes widened, and he removed his sunglasses in an excited tone, finding some berries, "Hey, look! Oran berries and Pecha berries! Let's pick'em!! Mumu Water Gun!"
*PFFT*
*THNK*
After using Mumu to pick some Berries, Ruby declared in a happy tone, cautiously moving around Petalburg City, "Fantastic!! And now let's see if we can't find a hotel for tonight. We'll have to sneak around town though… 'cause you-know-who is bound to get around here someplace! I'll avoid the main streets and – huh?"
*RSTL*
*RSTL*
Just as Ruby decides to find a place to stay for the night, due to his father being in the vicinity, till heard rustling from nearby bushes. As he sneaks through the streets, he is jumped, "Whoa!! Whose jumping me?!"
Ruby is attacked by two Seedot, a Nuzleaf, and three Lotad. Mumu's eyes narrowed as it reacted accordingly, opening its mouth and unleashing a Water Gun.
*SPLASH*
Mudkip managed to one-shot the Seedot and Lotad. But Nuzleaf charged in without fear as it used Razor Leaf.
*Wooosh*
Mumu dodged them as it caught its leaf head. Then, twirling its body around managed to grab hold of Nuzleaf's nose as its eyes widened, targeting its weak point, and tossed it to the side, easily defeating it.
*Toss*
After Mumu managed to beat the Nuzleaf, Ruby grabbed Mumu as he used his Pokedex, understanding the situation, "That Pokémon is… Nuzleaf. How about that…?! You must have grabbed its nose so you wouldn't fall and check this out! So that's its weak spot! Way to go, Mumu!"
Mumu smiled happily, flapping its fin joyfully, being praised. But it got Ruby curious as he decides to investigate what startled the Pokémon, curiously mutters, "But how come all those… wild Pokémon came jumping out like that?"
Ruby decides to investigate what it was that startled the Pokémon. But then he heard a sound of pain, "Owww…"
He discovers another boy, keeled over in pain from being attacked by the Pokémon. Ruby asked, concerned, "What's wrong?! Did those Pokémon do this to you?!"
But the boy shook it off, looking a bit pale as he responded in an embarrassed tone in a pained voice, "I messed up… again. All I want is to capture a wild Pokémon… I heard there are a lot of them around here, so I've been trying… over and over again, but… huf… huf… well, you can see for yourself…"
The boy thanks Ruby for defeating them and compliments Mumu's strength in a genuine, awed tone. The boy says, "Anyway, thank you. You must have scared them off; you're so tough. You've got a really tough Pokémon there. I'm so-o-o jealous!"
*Ting*
Once the boy said those words, Ruby gained a sparkling glint in his eyes as he said proudly, going into a passionate tangent, "What'd you just say…? That's my Pokémon… tough?! Well, you've got a good eye for Pokémon, at least! Friends forever!!"
Ruby immediately asks the boy to be friends with him after the compliment and introduces himself and his goal, passionately declaring to the boy, "And you're right. Pokémon should be… Tough. Cool. Cute. Smart. And Beautiful. I'm Ruby!! This Pokémon is Mumu, my Mudkip!! We're on the journey together!! Our dream is to become a Pokémon Contest Champion!"
Ruby decides to help the boy capture a Pokémon as he searches in a happy tone, "Since you're such a good judge of character… let's give it another try, okay?!"
The boy nervously replied, "Hey, thanks…!"
Ruby grins happily as he gets close to the boy's face. He says confidently, "And if by some weird coincidence you ever happen to get to judge a Pokémon Contest someday… remember to vote for me, all right?!"
The boy nervously nods his head as he scratches the back of his replying sheepishly to Ruby, making him freeze in place, "Uh, yeah… sure. Hey, it's really great that you're offering to help me and all, but I've already found somebody to teach me the ins and outs of capturing Pokémon."
*BRRR*
Ruby felt a chill run down his spine, nervously shook as he thought cautiously, 'I've got a bad feeling about this…'
*KRNCH*
*TMP*
Ruby's sixth sense immediately causes him to have an idea about who is coming to help the boy. It didn't take long, as the boy said excitedly, "And there he is! He's really nice. I'll introduce you to – Ahh!!"
Ruby yells as he goes to hide in the bushes with the boy, "Hide!"
Hiding in the bushes, the figure yelled out loud with a Vigoroth, revealing the boy's name, "Wally? Wally…!"
Hiding in the bushes nearby, Wally asked in a confused tone, baffled by Ruby's choice, "Why are we hiding? You know him?"
His suspicions are confirmed when his father, Norman, appears. Ruby reveals in a serious tone, his voice cautious, "Yeah. Real well. That's Norman, the Gym Leader of Peatlburg City! Or as they call him, 'A man in pursuit of power!' Also… he's my dad."
Ruby tries to keep the boy named Wally he met, quiet as he hides from his father. As Ruby tries to prevent the boy from exposing both…
*BOINK*
… a wild Breloom attacks Norman, as he shouted, "A Wild Pokémon!"
*Swish*
Breloom used Mach Punch by extending its arms. However, Norman countered, "Vigoroth! Aerial Ace!"
*SLASH*
*SMASH*
Vigoroth's arms glowed pure white as it mercilessly slashed at Breloom. With one hit, the Breloom falls fainting on the spot.
*Flump*
Having been defeated by his Vigoroth. Norman examines the Wild Pokémon, lightly boasting to himself in a pose, "Hurmm… A Breloom. A Pokémon characterized by swift movements and punches that stretch out a long way. But it's no match for my Vigoroth! Aerial Ace never misses and fails!"
While Norman explained he was directing it towards the person hiding, unaware of Ruby's presence, as he continued sternly, "All right then… I don't know why you're hiding… but you can come out now. In fact, you had better another Pokémon might happen along at any moment… Wally."
*Rustl*
Wally stood up from his hiding place, replying, "Yes, sir!"
Wally stood up as he continued in an excited tone with a tired voice, "I'm sorry, Mr. Norman. I wasn't feeling well, but thanks so much for coming here today. Will you teach me how to capture a Pokémon now?"
Wally asks if Norman came to teach him how to capture Pokémon. However, Norman says bluntly, "No."
Wally, shocked by this, asked, stunned, "But… you promised."
However, Norman bluntly says with a stern expression, but says softly, pointing out Wally's illness that he wasn't informed of, "Wally, when you first asked me to teach you how to capture Pokémon… you neglected to mention your illness. That was intentional, wasn't it? I talked to your parents about it… and apparently, your condition is quite serious… so serious that you're moving to a place where you can get the medical treatment you need. You observed this battle just now, didn't you? Between my Vigoroth and that Wild Breloom…? Handling a Pokémon entails more risk than you realize. Even a healthy trainer could end up in grave danger."
Norman turned his back on Wally, looking visibly distraught as he continued, "You've never had a Pokémon of your own… and I cannot take responsibility for you getting hurt… so again–no."
Due to Wally being sick and his parents making him move to a faraway place to get better, Norman can't ensure that Wally will be safe. But when Norman took a step…
*Tmp*
Norman quickly senses another presence as he mutters seriously, "Strange… I feel another presence nearby…
*BOM*
Hurling his Poke Ball out, he ordered swiftly, "Slaking! Swagger!"
*KRASH*
Slaking materialized as it used Swagger, roaring. It roared so loudly that it destroyed any trees and rocks, carving a path in its wake.
Using Kiki, Ruby manages to escape as Norman yells out loud in the direction of what he assumed to be the other presence, "I know you're hiding out there! Come out, whoever you are! You must be wandering around confused thanks to Slaking's Swagger!"
*KRNCH*
Norman waits a bit, seeing if anyone is there, unaware that Ruby and Kiki are underneath him. Norman frowned as he turned, leaving as he thought, 'Hmm… guess I imagined it… I thought for sure…'
Turning, Norman left Wally, returning to his search for Ruby. Ruby comes out from his hiding spot as he mutters in relief, "I'm glad Kiki used Safeguard to protect me from Confusion and make the area soundless. Talk about lucky–oh no!"
Ruby notices Wally has collapsed. He quickly grabbed him as he said seriously, "Wally! Hold up, I'll take you home, bestie!"
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Route 102]
Meanwhile, Azure with his Ralts, Pikachu, Eevee, and Grovyle were wandering around Route 102, taking on Wild Pokémon battles. Currently, he was having his Ralts gain confidence, though still quiet, was slowly beginning to shed its shyness, and Grovyle was testing out its new moves taught to it during combat.
Its movements became a little more assured, its Confusion attacks a touch stronger. There was a faint hum of growing energy about it, a testament to its latent power.
Azure often had it practiced its Teleport, too, encouraging it to zip short distances, developing its agility and evasive capabilities. As the sun climbed higher, casting longer shadows, Azure decided they had had enough of easier battles.
He wanted to push them a little further, to see how Ralts reacted under more pressure. He led them deeper into a patch of denser foliage, where the wild Pokémon were rumored to be a little stronger.
*Rustl*
Suddenly, a rustle echoed from the undergrowth, far more forceful than a normal wild Pokémon. A shadow detached itself from the deeper woods, moving with surprising speed. It was large, green, and muscular, its mushroom-like head bobbing menacingly.
Two sturdy arms, ending in vibrant red mushroom caps, were raised in a threatening posture. It was a Breloom. And it looked angry.
The Breloom didn't hesitate. With a guttural growl, it launched itself forward, directly at Azure and his team.
Ralts gasped, shrinking back behind Azure's leg, its psychic aura flickering with alarm. Even Grovyle tensed, its leafy blades instinctively rising.
Most trainers might have reacted with surprise, perhaps even fear, at such an unprovoked assault from a powerful wild Pokémon. But Azure Sky was not like most trainers, as he thought, gazing at Breloom calmly, 'Too weak. It barely reached Lv.23, meaning it just evolved, but it is good practice for Ralts and Grovyle.'
As the Breloom bore down on them, its caps flaring with readiness, a slow, calculated grin spread across Azure's face seeing this. His eyes, far from being panicked, sparkled with an almost predatory delight.
He murmured, his voice calm and even, saying calmly, "Well, now. It seems we've found exactly the challenge we needed."
This wasn't just a wild Pokémon; this was an opportunity. A chance for Ralts to truly test its mettle against a formidable opponent, to learn to fight not just for experience, but for survival and confidence.
And a chance for Grovyle to truly shine as a combat partner, guiding and defending its smaller teammate. Azure commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, cutting through the Breloom's charging roar, "Grovyle, quick! Detect!"
*Wooosh*
The Grass-type Pokémon reacted instantly to the attack. Its body shimmered, and it vanished an instant before the Breloom's powerful Mach Punch ripped through the air where Grovyle had been dodging it.
The Breloom skidded to a halt, its eyes narrowing. Azure called out, already planning the next move, "Ralts, get ready! Confusion! Wait for my signal."
The Breloom, frustrated at missing, let out another snarl, "Breee!!"
Its red caps vibrated, and it extended one arm, firing a flurry of poisonous spores. Azure calmly ordered, "Ralts! Confusion Sphere!"
*Shiii*
Ralts confined the spores within the sphere of Confusion. This made Breloom wary as Azure followed up, "Now! Confusion Blast!"
*BOOOM*
Ralts focuses its Confusion into a psychic blast, hitting Breloom while getting rid of the spores at the same time. Breloom recoiled in pain, "Breee!"
Taking a step back, Azure followed up calmly, ordered, "Grovyle, Agility, and use your new move! Fury Cutter!"
*Zooom*
Grovyle reappeared, a green blur, zipping around the Breloom. Its leaf blades on its arms began to glow as it used Fury Cutter, zipping past Breloom using the nearby trees to bounce off and land Fury Cutters from all over.
*Shinng*
*Shinng*
Breloom growled as it launched a Mach Punch. But Azure ordered, "Ralts! Disable!"
*Shiii*
Ralts' horn glowed as Brelooom flinched, having been halted by Disable. This left Grovyle enough time, having built enough hits of Fury Cutter to deal the final blow, "GROVVV!!"
*SHINNG*
Grovyle lunged, its arm glowing, slicing into the Breloom's chest just as the effects of Disable ended. Breloom was sent flying, crashing into a nearby tree as it fainted once it flopped down onto the ground. It woke up frightened seeing them and ran away soon after.
*Thud*
Grovyle grunted but held its ground with a sly grin. Meanwhile, Ralts, spurred by Azure's command, hid behind his legs, its little body trembling.
Azure smiled, feeling happy as he congratulated the two for their teamwork, "Good work, you two. You've done an excellent job and teamwork."
Grovyle smirked, taking a nearby tree branch with a leaf. Grovyle nodded, placing the branch into its mouth, trying to look cool, "Grovyle! (Of course, sir Sky!)"
Ralts, sensing Azure's unwavering confidence, shyly smiled. Its horns glowed intensely, sensing his emotion as she said telepathically in a childish tone, '… Of-f course! We-e make a great-t team!'
Azure smiled, seeing Ralts being a bit bolder while using its Telepathy ability. Ralts was overcoming its fear of challenging stronger opponents, channeling it into confidence, much to its pleasure.
Azure walked over to Ralts first, kneeling. He said softly, offering another Berry, "You were incredible, Ralts. You overcame your fear step by step, and you fought with amazing power. I'm so proud of you."
Ralts looked up, its large eyes shining. A faint, almost invisible smile touched its lips as it delicately accepted the Berry.
Its aura, though still gentle, felt stronger, more confident. Next, Azure turned to Grovyle, who was leaning against a tree, catching its breath. He clapped the Pokémon gently on the shoulder as he said proudly, "And you, Grovyle. Your speed, your precision, your resilience. You were the backbone of that battle. And you protected Ralts beautifully."
Grovyle gave a small, tired nod, a flicker of pride in its sharp eyes. It had taken a beating, but it had pushed through, aiding its newly joined teammate.
Pikachu and Eevee, who had watched the entire battle unfold from a safe distance, now scampered over, chattering their congratulations to their teammates. Ralts had taken a massive leap today, and Grovyle had further solidified its role as a capable fighter.
Azure announced proudly, standing up and scanning the path ahead, "Alright, team! A job well done. Let's keep going. Just 30 minutes or an hour to reach Petalburg City! The sooner we get there, the better."
The group nodded as they proceeded forward, heading to Petalburg City. Azure grinned lightly at the challenges ahead…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!