Chapter 221: Petalburg Woods
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Petalburg Woods]
Moving forward ahead I had my team out as we skipped Route 104 straight to the Petalburg Woods. Soon enough, I saw that we had entered Petalburg Woods. There was another purpose of coming to Peatlburg Woods, though, finding the last key to my strategy to battle against those Legendaries.
I stretched, rolling my shoulders, feeling the familiar thrum of excitement that always preceded a new adventure. Perched on my left shoulder, Pikachu twitched his nose, his ears swiveling, little sparks crackling at his cheeks.
At my feet, Eevee stretched languidly, her fluffy tail wagging a slow, anticipatory rhythm. Petalburg Woods, a place famed for its lush canopy and diverse Pokémon, was a perfect testing ground for my team before we tackled the Rustboro City Gym.
I was quickly flanked by blossoming trees and patches of wildflowers I didn't recognize. Hoenn was already proving to be distinct, a region bursting with life and a vibrant, almost tropical energy. The air felt thicker, warmer, sweeter.
After a solid few minutes of walking, the road sign for Petalburg Woods appeared, almost swallowed by the overgrowth. I pushed through a curtain of thick vines, and suddenly, the world changed.
The sounds of the city faded, replaced by the symphony of the forest: the rustle of leaves, the chirping of unseen Bug-types, the distant coo of a Pokémon. Sunlight dappled through the dense canopy, painting shifting mosaics on the forest floor.
The scent here was different too – rich, earthy, mingled with the sweet perfume of exotic flowers. This was my element. I announced, pulling out my Poké Balls, "Okay, everyone! Time to stretch those legs."
*Pop*
First out was Metang, materializing with a low, metallic hum. It's two segments, connected by a powerful magnet, floated steadily above the ground, its single red eye scanning the surroundings with an almost mechanical precision.
Metang was a powerhouse, a fortress of steel and psychic energy, and incredibly intelligent. It was a Pokémon I could always rely on for stoic defense and immense power. It spun slowly, assessing the new environment, then settled into a low hover, its mind seemingly already mapping the terrain.
Next, a flash of green. Grovyle burst from its Poké Ball, landing lightly on a moss-covered log. Its sharp, leaf-like blades on its wrists shimmered in the dappled light, and its eyes, keen and focused, darted about.
Grovyle was all speed and precision, a natural hunter. He might have been a bit overconfident at times, but his agility and power were undeniable. He let out a sharp cry, a challenge more than a greeting, eager for action.
A much softer, almost ethereal presence followed. Ralts shimmered into existence, her small, delicate form seeming to absorb the light around her. Her large, red horns vibrated subtly as she took in the emotions of the forest, her wide eyes, usually so full of innocent curiosity, now reflecting a gentle awe.
Ralts was sensitive, empathetic, but when needed, her Psychic abilities were surprisingly potent. She looked up at me, a silent question in her gaze, and I offered her a reassuring smile.
Then came Vulpix, emerging with a graceful prance. Her six curled tails fanned out behind her, a cascade of fiery orange fur. She sniffed the air, her dark eyes evaluating the surroundings with an almost regal air.
Vulpix possessed a quiet beauty and an inner fire that belied her gentle appearance. She was quick, elegant, and could unleash surprisingly powerful flames. She gave a small, contented sigh, then began meticulously grooming one of her tails.
Psyduck wobbled out next, a hand pressed to his temple, his usual look of mild confusion plastered across his face. He blinked at the sunlight streaming through the leaves, then at Metang, then back at me.
He might seem perpetually dazed, but I knew better. Psyduck's Psychic powers, though often triggered by his headaches, were incredibly strong and unpredictable. He was my wildcard, and despite his quirks, I wouldn't trade him for anything.
He let out a small, confused, "Psy-aye?"
*Thud*
… and then promptly tripped over a root, landing in a heap of yellow feathers. Ahh… good old Psyduck.
But first, I spoke to my team. I said happily, spreading my arms wide, taking in the sight of my diverse companions, "Look at this team, we're in Petalburg Woods, but we have to remain cautious and look out for each other's backs, got it? We'll use this chance to explore and train battling Wild Pokémon if we can, so stick together, got it?"
Pikachu hopped off my shoulder, joining Eevee to sniff at a patch of interesting moss. Grovyle was already darting between trees, observing the wild Pokémon.
Ralts floated serenely, Vulpix was preening, and Psyduck was trying to untangle himself from a vine… then I helped him out of it.
We spent the next hour or so just enjoying the immediate surroundings. I set up a small training exercise, nothing too strenuous, just to get everyone warmed up and accustomed to the Hoenn environment.
Grovyle practiced his Quick Attack, weaving through a series of natural obstacles with ease. Metang practiced its Confusion, delicately lifting heavy rocks with its mind, then placing them back down.
Vulpix showed off her Ember, charring small patches of dry leaves. Even Psyduck, in a moment of clarity, managed to send a perfectly aimed Water Pulse at a distant tree. Ralts practiced her Teleport, appearing and disappearing in short bursts, a shy smile on her face each time.
Pikachu and Eevee sparred playfully, their movements a blur of yellow and brown. But we were always on guard in this place.
As we continued through the core of Petalburg Woods, the ambience shifted. The familiar sounds of Pokémon cries and the rustling of leaves accompanied us and led to a primal level. The forest was the largest ecosystem, and each Pokémon played its part in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
"ROOOOOARR!!!"
*BAM*
Suddenly, the ambient sounds shifted to a cacophony of roars and punching. My curiosity piqued, and I quickened my pace.
Stepping into a natural formation of rocks, I was met with a breathtaking sight – a secluded area with a gentle water flow surrounded by a myriad of Pokémon, each engrossed in their activities. All, however, were centered around a massive sleeping behemoth.
Its rhythmic breathing seemed to echo through the serene space. The other Pokémon, paying their respects or engaging in various activities, acknowledged the presence of this behemoth. It was a scene that spoke of the importance of him to the group.
[Observe].
[Slaking [Alpha] (M) Lv.69 Lazy Pokémon]
A closer look at the surrounding Pokémon revealed a diverse tapestry of species cohabiting harmoniously. Slakoth, the pre-evolutionary stage of Slaking, lazed about in the tree branches, mirroring their future evolution's leisurely nature.
Vigoroth, the second stage form, tempered its typically hyperactive tendencies in acknowledgement of Slaking's regal presence. Nearby Pokémon lived their lives, continuing their activities.
Welp… here goes nothing.
*Shiii*
Using my Viridian Force, giving off a calm sensation, I walked towards the Alpha Slaking. It looked at it straight in the eye –
*SHIVER*
A subtle shift in the atmosphere caught my attention. The air seemed to change as the Alpha Slaking loomed over me with a powerful presence, even in its state of sleep. Its eyes, previously closed in slumber, slowly opened, revealing a gaze that sent a chill down my spine.
Its eyes bore into mine, and time seemed to stand still. It used Scary Face on me. But I pushed forward, eyes narrowing as I declared, "Slaking. I want one of your kin to follow me in my journey."
Vulpix and Psyduck followed up, glaring, not letting down. They showed off their status of being Alpha Pokémon in the making, which seemed to catch the Alpha Slaking's attention, glancing at them before it returned to its sleepy spot.
But before then… the Alpha Slaking roared.
"ROOOOOAR!!!"
My thoughts were broken as I saw it fully awakened. The smell of Oran berries, mixed with different kinds of fruits and some burping smell fucked their way into my nose. But my Vulpix and Psyduck remained determined, standing by my side.
*THUD*
After the roar, Slaking nodded as if accepting or praising our courage. To the shock of everyone, Slaking gently picked up a Slakoth from the side, placing it in front of me before retreating to its happy slumber.
Seems like Slaking deemed me worthy of capturing one of its kids. Or it was simply too lazy to respond properly. Turning my attention to the Slakoth that is bigger than its kin, now stood before me.
I asked curiously with a smile, "Do you want to follow me?"
The Slakoth responded with a sleepy yawn, nodding in agreement, "Slaaaa~…"
Swiftly, I retrieved a Poké Ball and held it out towards the Slakoth. In a surprising turn of events, all three beeps beeped one after another, marking the fastest capture I had ever witnessed, making me blink in disbelief.
*BON*
I just don't know whether it is due to the willingness of Slakoth or just being lazy to protest the Poke Ball effects. Maybe a combination of both, but I have a feeling that most of the contribution was being lazy. I checked on it using my Arc Phone, seeing its status and info about it.
[Slakoth the Slacker Pokémon. Slakoth lolls around and sleeps for more than twenty hours a day, which can make those around it drowsy. Since it does not move very much, it does not need much food and only eats three leaves each day. Its heart only beats once a minute.
It makes its nest in tropical forests and keeps the same one during its entire life. However, it can travel far by swimming in rivers. Drowsy Power is the only thing that makes Slakoth move to sleep near Snorlax.]
|Name: Slakoth [Alpha] (Slacker Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Level: 10
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Truant
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Yawn, Slack Off, Encore, Scratch, Mega Punch, Mega Kick, Counter (IM), Body Slam (IM), Crush Claw (IM), Slash (EM) (4 Moves left to learn)
… what the fuck? No, seriously, WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS MOVESET?!!
Adamant Nature?! COUNTER?!!
My eyes widened seeing this future powerhouse and potential key member I needed for my plan to defeat the Legendaries. They're my key is because of its Ability Truant, as I plan to have Psyduck use Skill Swap with one of the Legendaries to weaken it beyond belief with this shitty ability.
But this Slakoth? This is a true Alpha Pokémon in the making!
Regardless, though, my Pokémon came through as we passed by them moving forward. I let the group know in a dumbfounded tone, "Well then, everyone… we have a new member joining our team. Slakoth and his an Alpha Pokémon like you, Vulpix and Psyduck."
Vulpix and Psyduck both nodded at the idea. While the others looked skeptical, seeing the other Slakoth be this lazy as I chuckled, seeing their doubtful expressions.
But Pikachu and Eevee nodded, accepting our new member into the fold. After all, they once doubted Wooper in Johto, and he became a vital core teammate in the finals despite his appearance.
Not only that, but Legendary Pokémon Slaking has a base stat total of 670. The same power as Legendary Pokémon Base total stats if it weren't for its Truant Ability holding it back… but with Counter on Slakoth?
I might've found a way for it. But it would require some refinements of how to proceed forward first… Fortunately, I'll look up my Arc Phone to find some answers, but also some guidance on how to raise one…
/////
A/N: Reach for the goal of 300 PS to get a bonus chapter!