Chapter 223: Ruffian Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Sunset – Nighttime, Route 104]
The Hoenn region unfurled before Azure like a vibrant, emerald tapestry, woven with threads of deep sapphire sea and sun-kissed golden sands. The air, thick with the scent of salty ocean breeze and blooming flowers, hummed with energy.
Azure, a seasoned trainer whose journey had already spanned multiple regions, took a deep, contented breath, a familiar sense of adventure stirring within him.
Beside him, perched on his shoulder, Pikachu's ears twitched, its keen eyes scanning the unfamiliar landscape with an excited curiosity. At his feet, Eevee pranced, its fluffy tail wagging a rhythmic beat to the thrill of discovery.
Azure murmured, a wide smile gracing his lips, "Alright, guys. Route 104, it is."
Pikachu chirped in agreement, a spark dancing on its cheeks, while Eevee let out a joyful bark. This wasn't Azure's first rodeo, nor his first region. His trainer's license was well-worn, and his bond with his Pokémon was something many trainers aspired to.
He had seen countless sunsets, faced formidable opponents, and forged unbreakable friendships. But Hoenn felt different. It was a region of vibrant biodiversity, of ancient legends whispered on the wind, and of a unique spirit that promised both challenge and wonder.
Within the carefully organized compartments of his backpack, nestled securely in their Poké Balls, lay the rest of Azure's carefully assembled team for this Hoenn Journey. This was a diverse group, each member chosen with care, their combined strengths and personalities forming a unique powerhouse.
As they ventured further along the winding path of Route 104, past groves of lush trees that dappled the sunlight, Azure noticed the subtle shift in the sky. The brilliant blue sky slowly began to deepen, bleeding into hues of orange and rose as the sun dipped lazily towards the western horizon.
The air grew cooler, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. It was a sign, a familiar one, that the day's journey was ending.
Azure announced, gesturing towards a small, sheltered clearing near a tranquil, reed-lined lake, "Looks like we'll be making camp here tonight. Perfect spot to rest up before we hit the city tomorrow."
Pikachu hopped down from Azure's shoulder, stretching its small limbs, and Eevee immediately began sniffing around, exploring the new scents of the Hoenn wild. Azure unslung his backpack, setting it down with a soft thud.
*Thud*
The familiar ritual of setting up camp was a comforting rhythm. He unfurled a compact tent, its sturdy poles snapping into place with practiced ease. Pikachu helped by sparking static electricity into the small portable lantern, illuminating their space as twilight deepened.
Eevee, meanwhile, gathered small, dry twigs for a small, contained campfire. Soon, a modest fire crackled merrily, casting warm, dancing shadows around the clearing.
The tantalizing aroma of Pokémon food, a special blend Azure had made himself, rich with nutrients and savory spices, began to waft through the air. He carefully portioned out bowls for Pikachu and Eevee, and then for himself, preparing a simple yet hearty stew that simmered gently over the flame.
The three of them settled down, enjoying the peaceful quiet, broken only by the gentle lapping of water on the distant shore and the occasional chirp of a Bug-type Pokémon as Azure continued cooking. Setting up camp was a well-practiced ritual.
Azure unrolled his sleeping bag and laid out a small tarp for the Pokémon. Pikachu, ever resourceful, began gathering small twigs and dried leaves for a fire, while Eevee helped arrange the larger sticks.
Soon, a small, cheerful campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding trees. The aroma of pine needles and woodsmoke filled the air, a comforting scent that always signaled a night of rest and reflection.
As he unpacked a few rations for dinner, letting the food shimmer, Azure's gaze drifted to the lake. The water looked inviting, brimming with the promise of life.
A thought sparked in his mind – he hadn't fished since his previous journey through Kanto and Johto. A fresh catch would be a welcome addition to their meal, and it was a relaxing way to unwind after a long day of travel.
He asked curiously, pulling out his collapsible fishing rod from his backpack, "Anyone up for some fresh fish?"
Pikachu's ears perked up, and Eevee let out an excited bark, both eager simply to watch from the sidelines. Azure found a comfortable spot on the bank, a smooth rock serving as his seat.
He cast his line into the still water, the lure creating small, concentric ripples that expanded and faded into the darkness. The only sounds for a while were the gentle lapping of the water against the shore, the distant chirping of unseen Bug-type Pokémon, and the occasional soft crackle of the campfire.
It was peaceful, a moment of pure serenity. He waited patiently for what felt like several minutes, but could have been longer.
The Hoenn region was full of surprises, and its waterways were no exception. Just as he was beginning to wonder if he'd picked the wrong spot, there was a sudden, sharp tug on his line.
*Ripple*
It wasn't the gentle nibble of a small Magikarp; this was a powerful, determined pull. Azure grunted, bracing himself, "Whoa!"
*RIPPLE*
The tip of his rod bent dramatically, and the line sang with tension. This was no ordinary catch. He dug his heels into the soft earth, steadily reeling in, feeling the immense struggle on the other end as he muttered, "Whatever was on the line was strong, fighting with surprising vigor. Come on!!"
*SPLASH*
Finally, after a brief but intense tug-of-war, a splash broke the surface of the water near the shore, and a robust, red-shelled Pokémon with powerful claws emerged, thrashing angrily. It was a Corphish, its beady eyes glaring defiantly at Azure.
Its pincers snapped the air, looking far more aggressive than the average wild Pokémon. Azure murmured, a flicker of admiration in his eyes, "So I brought out a Corphish, huh?"
This wasn't the usual easy meal. This was a challenge. He asked curiously, "You're a strong one, aren't you?"
*Splash*
The Corphish, seemingly understanding, splashed water defiantly. Azure felt an immediate pull to battle it.
He saw the spark of a true fighter in its eyes, a tenacity that resonated with his spirit. He already had his team ready for Hoenn, but there was always room for a Pokémon with this kind of raw potential.
Azure said confidently, reaching for a Poké Ball on his belt, "Alright, then. Let's see just how strong you are. Grovyle, I choose you!"
*Pop*
With a flash of red light, Grovyle materialized, landing lightly on the damp earth between Azure and the Corphish. Its lean, agile form was coiled, ready for action, eyeing the Ruffian Pokémon.
The Corphish, undeterred by Grovyle's appearance, immediately shifted its stance, its claws raised in a menacing posture, "Cor! (Bring it on, grass Gecko!)"
Azure commanded, wanting to test the Corphish's speed, "Grovyle, start with Quick Attack!"
*Zooom*
Grovyle shot forward, a blur of green, aiming to strike the Water-type before it could react. But the Corphish was incredibly crafty. Just as Grovyle was about to land a direct hit…
*Wooosh*
… it scuttled sideways with astonishing speed as it span using Dragon Dance, veiling its body with a purplish aura, disappearing in a quick burst of movement that stirred up dirt and water. Grovyle zipped past, missing its target entirely.
Azure noted, surprised by its quick thinking, ordered, "It's fast! Alright, Grovyle, keep your eyes on it! Leaf Blade!"
*Shiii*
Grovyle spun, its arm blades glowing with verdant energy, ready to unleash a powerful slashing attack. The Corphish reappeared, not on the land, but surprisingly, it dove into the shallow edge of the lake, using the water as cover.
*Splash*
It then burst out, launching a rapid-fire volley of Bubble Beam attacks. The bubbles, unexpectedly large and forceful, forced Grovyle to leap and dodge, narrowly avoiding getting soaked.
*POP*
*POP*
The Corphish had used the water to enhance its movement and launch a coordinated counter-attack. Azure murmured, a grin spreading across his face, "Clever. This wasn't just a strong Pokémon; it was intelligent… Alright then! Grovyle, don't let it get away with that! Use Pursuit!"
*Woosh*
Grovyle, adapting quickly, changed its strategy. Instead of a direct charge, it began to circle the Corphish, anticipating its next move. The Corphish, however, wasn't content to simply react.
*Shiii*
It lunged forward with a powerful Crabhammer, its massive claw glowing. Azure quickly instructed, "Dodge and use Leech Seed!"
*Wooosh*
Grovyle, with its innate agility, sidestepped the sweeping Crabhammer, the force of the attack kicking up a spray of water. Before the Corphish could recover its balance, Grovyle retaliated, firing a precise, hard, green seed.
*PEW*
The Leech Seeds struck the Corphish's shell with vines growing out, wrapping around the Ruffian Pokémon, but the attacks seemed to glance off its sturdy exoskeleton, doing minimal damage. The Corphish merely shook its head, seemingly unfazed as it used Harden to increase its defenses.
Azure observed, his respect for the wild Pokémon grew with every exchange, "Its defense is solid too."
Pikachu and Eevee, perched nearby, watched with intense focus, their small bodies tensed with every move. The Corphish, sensing an opening, charged again, this time aiming for Grovyle's legs with another Crabhammer.
*Wooosh*
Grovyle jumped back, but the Corphish was swift, keeping the pressure on. Its attacks were relentless, weaving together speed and raw power.
Grovyle was forced onto the defensive, its movements becoming more strained as it tried to parry the powerful Water-type. Azure called, wanting to push through the Corphish's defense, "Grovyle, use Leaf Blade!"
*Shiii*
Grovyle's forearms crossed, glowing with emerald energy, and it lunged, connecting squarely with the Corphish. A grunt of pain escaped the Water-type as it was pushed back, "Cor!!"
*Shinng*
But even then, the Corphish immediately countered, shaking off the hit and launching itself into a relentless Vice Grip attack, its claws swinging wildly and powerfully, showcasing its inner strength and tenacity.
Azure countered sternly, "Alright, Grovyle! Protect!"
A shimmering green barrier flickered into existence around Grovyle just in time, deflecting the furious barrage of Metal Claw. The Corphish, seeing its attacks blocked, let out a frustrated growl, "Corphish!!"
Azure took this time to examine Corphish as he muttered curiously, "This Pokémon is exceptional. It wasn't just strong; it was cunning, tenacious, and incredibly resilient. It utilized its environment, speed for evasion, and power for offense, never giving up. That's rare for a Wild Pokémon to develop strategies."
Azure felt a familiar spark ignite within him—the desire to train a Pokémon that exhibited such raw, untamed potential, slyly grinning as he muttered, "This Corphish is special, a true diamond in the rough. You don't often see an experienced Pokémon like him out in the wild, too often."
Azure said excitedly, his voice filled with admiration, "Grovyle, this guy's amazing! Once more, Grovyle! Energy Ball!"
*PEW*
Grovyle gathered a sphere of vibrant green energy between its hands. The Corphish, sensing the power of the incoming attack, tried to evade by darting sideways, but Grovyle had anticipated its move.
*BOOM*
The Energy Ball shot true, striking the Corphish with a concussive blast. The Corphish cried out, stumbling backward. It was clearly hurt, but still defiant, its eyes narrowed in a stubborn glare, its claws still raised, ready to continue the fight.
It shook its head, refusing to fall, its fighting spirit undimmed. Azure said seriously, with a profound respect in his voice, "That's enough. I've seen enough. Grovyle, return!"
He didn't want to overpower it, not when it had shown such heart. Grovyle blinked, a little surprised to be recalled mid-battle, but obeyed, disappearing in a flash of red light.
Pikachu and Eevee looked up at Azure, puzzled. Azure then reached for an empty Poké Ball on his belt.
The Corphish watched him warily, still poised for a fight. Azure stated his voice calm but firm, "You're incredible. Your strength, your speed, your will to fight... I want you to join my team. I believe we can become even stronger, together."
With that, he tossed the Poké Ball. It spun through the air, a bright red beacon against the darkening sky, and connected with the still defiant Corphish. There was a bright flash of light, and the Corphish was drawn inside.
*Thud*
The Poké Ball landed on the ground with a soft thud. It wobbled once, twice, then a third time, each internal struggle of the Corphish a tense moment for Azure...
*Wiggle*
*Riggle*
… Pikachu nudged his leg, and Eevee let out an anxious whine. Then, with a definitive click, the light on the Poké Ball ceased its blinking, signaling a successful capture.
*BON*
Azure walked over, picking up the Poké Ball. It felt heavier, somehow, imbued with the wild spirit he had just witnessed. He whispered, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Welcome to the team, Corphish."
Pikachu chittered joyfully, rubbing against his leg, and Eevee jumped onto his shoulder, purring its approval. The unexpected battle and capture had added an exciting twist to their first night in Hoenn.
Azure grinned as he picked up his Arc Phone and checked its data. He was genuinely surprised to see its info, reading it clearly.
[Corphish, the Ruffian Pokémon. A hardy creature, Corphish can live in polluted water and eat nearly anything. Though not native to Alola, Corphish set free by Trainers there have easily adapted and thrived in the region.
Feebas and Corphish are the only Pokémon known to be able to live in stagnant ditches. Corphish and its evolved form Crawdaunt are the only known Pokémon that do not flee when a swarm of Basculin appears in the lake they live in.]
|Name: Corphish (Ruffian Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 20
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Adaptability (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Dragon Dance, Harden, Leer, Taunt, Water Gun, Bubble, Bubble Beam, Vice Grip, Knock Off, Double Hit, Crabhammer, Dig, Aqua Jet(IM), Metal Claw (EM) (4 Moves left to learn)
Azure blinked, seeing Corphish's moveset, stunned as he muttered excitedly, "Well damn… this guy's moveset is certainly a beast. Dragon Dance and Crabhammer? Very useful to know early on."
Azure looked up at the vast, star-dusted sky. The cool night air carried the promise of adventure. He had a strong feeling that this Hoenn journey, already off to such an electric start, was going to be an unforgettable one.
He couldn't wait to see what other challenges and companions awaited him on the path ahead. For now, a hot meal and the comforting glow of the campfire would do, along with introducing his team to the Ruffian Pokémon.
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!