Chapter 234: Longevity Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Route 107]
The sky above Hoenn was a canvas of deep, comforting blue, mirroring the vast expanse of the ocean below. Azure, Sapphire, and Ruby shortly departed Dewford Town by sea, riding upon Lorry the Wailord.
The dynamic between the two younger trainers was a constant source of amusement for Azure – a simmering competition veiled in playful jabs and mutual, though often unacknowledged, respect between them, along with tension. But at times quite annoying of they're constantly arguing.
Their departure from Dewford was as memorable as their arrival. Sapphire's chosen mode of transport was 'Lorry', her magnificent Wailord, whose immense size dwarfed even substantial fishing vessels.
Lorry glided through the turquoise waters of Route 107 with effortless grace, a living, breathing ferry. Ruby, surprisingly, was also aboard, a reluctant third passenger.
His presence stemmed from a long-standing bet with Sapphire – a spirited rivalry over who would achieve their regional goal first. Ruby, the aspiring Coordinator, was dedicated to collecting all the Ribbons in Pokémon Contests, while Sapphire was committed to the traditional Gym Challenge.
Ruby, ever practical despite his flamboyant nature, needed to move on quickly to find new contest halls, and hitching a ride on Lorry was the most expedient way. Sapphire, for her part, had grudgingly agreed, muttering something about not wanting to win their bet, being petty by leaving him stranded.
The sun beat down, warm and pleasant, as Lorry pushed steadily eastward. The gentle rocking motion of the Wailord, combined with the rhythmic lapping of waves against its massive sides, created a tranquil atmosphere.
Azure sat cross-legged near Lorry's dorsal fin, a fishing rod held idly in his hand, its line disappearing into the deep. Pikachu was asleep on his lap, as was Eevee, chilling by his side, sleeping contentedly.
Sapphire sat beside him, occasionally trailing her fingers in the cool water, while Ruby, ever the perfectionist, was meticulously polishing a Poké Ball, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Sapphire began, breaking the comfortable silence as she said to Ruby, annoyed, "You know, Ruby, if you spent less time polishing your Poké Balls and more time training your Pokémon, you might win a few more battles."
Ruby sighed, not looking up. He explained passionately as he cleans his Poké Balls, "My dear Sapphire, contests are about presentation, grace, and the bond you share with your Pokémon. A gleaming Poké Ball reflects the gleaming spirit within. Besides, battle is so… uncouth. And you, if you weren't so obsessed with collecting those silly badges, you might appreciate true artistry."
Azure chuckled softly, listening to the two bicker. He chimed in with his Good Rod, "Both battle and contests demand a unique artistry, in their ways. One is a dance of power, the other a dance of elegance. Yet, both require a deep understanding of your Pokémon and a harmonious partnership."
Ruby finally looked up, a glint in his eye. He cast a wistful gaze at the endless ocean as he said passionately, "Precisely! And if I could just find a Feebas, or even better, a Milotic, my entire contest team would be complete. Milotic's beauty is unparalleled; it would elevate my routines to a whole new level. I've spent time casting lines, searching for that elusive beauty."
Sapphire rolled her eyes, clearly not amused. She replied, casting her own Good Rod, "Still chasing that white whale, Ruby? You're going to empty the entire ocean before you find one. Just catch something else, something useful. Like a Wingull!"
Ruby pouted as he primly stated, cleaning his Poke Balls while keeping attention on his own Good Rod, "A Wingull lacks the innate grace, Sapphire. It simply wouldn't do! This ocean, vast as it is, must hold the secret to its habitat."
Azure, his gaze thoughtful, reeled in his line momentarily before casting it out again. He added calmly, "It's true that some Pokémon are remarkably rare, requiring patience and sometimes, a little luck. But the pursuit itself can be just as rewarding as the capture. It forces you to observe, to learn, to adapt."
*Dip*
Reeling his line again, trying to find anything in the sea, Azure continued, turning his attention to Sapphire, "Speaking of adapting… Your Wailord Lorry is magnificent for travel, truly. But you're heading into more Gym Battles, aren't you?"
Sapphire nodded, a slight frown creasing her brow. She replied curiously, asking him, "Yep. Next up is Wattson in Mauville or Flannery in Lavaridge. Depends on the path Master suggests."
Genuinely curious, Azure asked softly, a gentle challenge in his tone, "And how do you plan to use Lorry in those battles?"
Sapphire blinked. It was something she hadn't thought across as she paused, then grimaced, replying, "Well… I… I haven't really thought about it. He's so big. I guess… I wouldn't. Lorry's more for getting around…. Oh. Right. It would be a bit hard to fit a Wailord into a Gym, wouldn't it?"
She looked deflated once she realized that idea. She replied embarrassingly, "So I guess he's just… a ride."
Ruby snickered from the side, causing her to glare at him. Azure smiled reassuringly as he said calmly, gazing at his casting line, "And a very good ride at that. But a trainer needs a diverse team for battles. You have your Ralts, Lairon, and Combusken. You're doing well for a starter trainer, but having Pokémon with mobile abilities and type coverage – oh look at that..."
*Splash*
He gestured to Sapphire's fishing rod, which was now vibrating violently in the holder. The line, taut as a guitar string, stretched into the depths, singing with protest.
Sapphire exclaimed, grabbing the rod with both hands in a surprised voice, "Whoa! That's not just a bite, that's a monster!"
Ruby, momentarily forgetting his Milotic obsession, leaned over, eyes wide. He exclaimed, equally surprised, "Holy cow! Sapphire, that's a strong pull! You've hooked something there, alright!!"
Azure's eyes, usually serene, sharpened with interest. His voice was calm, instructive, a quiet current flowing beneath the excitement as he said, "Careful, Sapphire. Whatever it is, it's powerful. Let the rod do the work, reel when it slackens, give line when it pulls."
*Splash*
Sapphire gritted her teeth, muscles straining. The line zipped sideways through the water, creating a V-shaped wake.
She braced her feet against Lorry's smooth skin, pulling back with all her might. The rod bent almost double, creaking ominously. She declared, determination flashing in her eyes, "I've got it! I'm not letting go!"
Minutes dragged on, feeling like an eternity. Sweat beaded on Sapphire's forehead, her arms trembling with effort. Just when she thought her grip would fail, a dark, rocky mass broke the surface with a mighty splash.
*SPLASH*
It was a Pokémon unlike anything she had seen before – ancient, craggy, resembling a living fossil, with two distinctive fins and eyes that gleamed with prehistoric wisdom. It was a Relicanth, the Longevity Pokémon, a creature thought to have remained unchanged for a hundred million years.
Ruby gasped. His eyes widened, recognizing that Pokémon from Mr. Briney's book, as he explained, shocked, "A Relicanth! Incredible! They're incredibly rare, living deep in the ocean trenches!"
Sapphire grinned, her fatigue momentarily forgotten, replaced by a surge of pure adrenaline and excitement. This wasn't just a fish; it was a potential partner.
She yelled, tightening her grip on the rod, reeling it in, "Alright, you old barnacle! Let's see what you're made of!"
*Splash*
Azure nodded, a subtle approval in his gaze as he said calmly, "A powerful water and rock type. A challenging opponent."
Knowing a full battle was the only way to genuinely capture such a formidable wild Pokémon, Sapphire quickly changed her grip on the rod, allowing it to become a tether. With her free hand, she reached for a Poké Ball as she called out excitedly, "Kirly, let's do this!"
*Pop*
From a flash of light emerged Kirly the Ralts, Sapphire's loyal Psychic and Fairy-type Pokémon. Ralts, typically shy and empathetic, seemed to sense the immense challenge before them.
*Shiii*
It floated gracefully, its red horn trembling slightly as it regarded the ancient Relicanth, which now thrashed on the surface, its powerful tail sending spray high into the air. It grinned excitedly, a fire in its eyes lit up at the challenge.
Sapphire commanded, her voice ringing with newfound authority, "Alright, Kirly! Let's start with Confusion!"
*Shiii*
Ralts focused its psychic energy, and a swirling vortex of blue light erupted from its head, impacting Relicanth. The Relicanth roared, surprisingly agile for its bulk, and responded with a powerful Water Gun, a concentrated blast of water that shot towards Ralts.
*SPLASH*
Sapphire urged fiercely, "Dodge it, Kirly! Teleport!"
*SWF*
Kirly, though not the fastest, shimmered slightly, narrowly avoiding the attack as it teleported to the side. Its eyes narrowed, gazing at the Relicanth as Sapphire ordered, "Now Kirly! Use Magical Leaf!"
*SWOOOSH*
A cascade of glowing, sharp leaves manifested around Ralts, swirling and then launching themselves at the Relicanth. They struck with surprising force, embedding themselves in the Relicanth's tough, scale-armor hide.
*SPLASH*
The Relicanth retaliated with a mighty Head Smash, lunging forward, its stony head aimed directly at Ralts. The attack was devastatingly powerful, but also risky for the user.
Sapphire cried, "Quick, use Teleport!"
*SWF*
Ralts vanished in a flash of light, reappearing a safe distance away from the charging Relicanth, which slammed into the water with a thunderous impact, creating a massive splash.
*SPLASH*
The Relicanth, annoyed, turned its attention back to Ralts, its ancient eyes gleaming. Ralts, though managing to avoid direct hits, was starting to look weary as the battle progressed.
The battle was intense, pushing Ralts to its limits. Suddenly, Ralts began to glow with a brilliant, white light…
*SHIII*
The light intensified, swirling around the small Psychic Pokémon, causing its form to elongate and mature. Its short-legged body became more elegant, its head took on a more distinctly humanoid shape, and graceful, flowing arms extended from its sides.
Ruby exclaimed, momentarily speechless, his jaw dropping, "It's… It's evolving!"
Sapphire's eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. She roared happily, "Kirly! You're… you're evolving!"
The light pulsed one last time before fading, revealing the graceful, refined form of Kirlia. Its horns were now shorter, forming a delicate crown, and its long, flowing hair-like strands had grown. The change in its aura was palpable; a new surge of power emanated from the evolved Pokémon.
Kirlia seemed to stand taller, its newfound energy invigorating it for battle. It looked at Sapphire, a silent understanding passing between them, before turning its confident gaze back to the Relicanth.
Sapphire breathed, a thrill coursing through her. She grinned happily as she checked her Pokedex, grinning as Kirly learned a new move and ordered, "Kirlia! Amazing Kirly! Okay, Kirly, let's show them your new strength! Use Psyshock!"
*Shiii*
Kirlia's eyes glowed with even greater intensity than before. A wave of raw psychic energy, visible as shimmering purple distortions in the air, surged from it and slammed into the Relicanth.
*BOOM*
The Relicanth roared in pain, its powerful body shuddering. Psyshock was a strong special Psychic move, but calculated as if it were a physical attack.
The Relicanth, dazed but not defeated, attempted another Head Smash, its movements sluggish. But Sapphire commanded, seizing the opportunity, "Kirly, end this with Magical Leaf!"
*Woosh*
Kirlia floated forward, a soft, pinkish aura enveloping it. It then sent multiple magical leaves towards the Relicanth as it took the full brunt of the attack, landing a 4x Super Effective hit from Kirlia.
The Relicanth, weakened and exhausted, finally ceased its struggles. It floated listlessly on the surface, its ancient eyes half-closed.
Sapphire shouted, tossing a standard Poké Ball with a practiced flick of her wrist, "Now, Poké Ball, go!"
The ball flew true, striking the Relicanth squarely on its head. It opened, absorbed the massive Pokémon in a flash of red light, and then snapped shut…
…It fell into the water, bobbing gently. One shake...
*Riggle*
Two shakes...
*Wiggle*
Three shakes…
*BON*
… then a satisfying click!
A triumphant cheer erupted from Sapphire. She scrambled to retrieve the Poké Ball, her face alight with pure joy, "Yes! I got it! I caught Relicanth!"
Ruby, momentarily forgetting his envy, clapped. He said proudly to both her and Kirly, "Remarkable, Sapphire! A truly excellent catch! And your Ralts… or rather, Kirlia's evolution mid-battle was quite the spectacle!"
Azure, a serene smile on his face, nodded in approval. He said happily, congratulating her, "Well done, Sapphire. A Relicanth is a formidable addition to any team, durable and powerful. And Kirlia's evolution shows just how much potential it and you possess."
Sapphire cradled the Poké Ball in her hands, her grin wide enough to split her face. She released Kirly, who floated happily, its new form radiating quiet confidence as she said proudly, "Thanks, Master! I can't believe it! After Lorry, I really needed a good Water-type for battles, and now I have one, and a Rock-type too! And Kirly, you were amazing!"
The journey on with the Lorry continued carrying them, but the atmosphere had shifted. Sapphire was buzzing with excitement, already planning strategies with her newly evolved Kirlia and her ancient Relicanth.
Ruby, though still fixated on his Milotic, seemed to have gained a new appreciation for Sapphire's battling prowess, even if he doesn't show it. Azure, ever the mentor, watched over them, satisfied.
But his gaze lingered ahead as the responsible adult in the group, he frowned slightly as he thought seriously, 'Almost time to meet Team Magma's Admins… let's see what they're made of…'
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!