The Spark of True Potential
Htee and Mudkip continued along Route 116. He passed by a few more common Pokémon – a Taillow flitting through the air (Bronze), another Nincada (Iron), a Whismur hidden in a rocky crevice (Bronze). Each time, Htee's hopes would rise with the rustle in the grass, only to be met with the familiar lower tiers. His resolve was strong, but the constant stream of ordinary potential was beginning to test his patience.
They were approaching the entrance to Rusturf Tunnel, a large, dark opening in the side of the mountain. The air grew cooler here, damp and smelling of earth and rock.
Htee figured the cave itself might hold different species, but before they reached the mouth of the tunnel, a flash of movement in a small, less-trodden patch of tall grass to the side of the main path caught his eye.
It wasn't a common rustle. It was a quicker, more deliberate movement. Something that seemed to be actively hiding.
Htee stopped. "Mudkip, stay sharp," he murmured. He crept closer, his heart beginning to beat a little faster. This felt different.
As he peered into the grass, a small, bipedal Pokémon with a round, orange body, a stubby tail, and large, expressive eyes blinked up at him. Its arms were short, and it had a slightly confused, yet determined, expression. It was a Trapinch.
Htee immediately focused his Potential Sight, a wave of anticipation washing over him. The blue screen flickered, the data
processing, and then –
POKÉMON: Trapinch
TYPE: Ground
POTENTIAL: Diamond (with Hidden Legendary Potential)
Htee's breath hitched. His eyes widened. "It's here!" he whispered, a thrill, cold and exhilarating, shooting through him. Not just Diamond, but Diamond (with Hidden Legendary Potential)! Just like his Mudkip! This was it. This was the kind of Pokémon he had been waiting for, the kind that fit his stringent criteria.
The Trapinch, seemingly sensing Htee's intense gaze, shifted its weight, its large eyes blinking slowly. It wasn't hostile, merely observant.
"Mudkip," Htee said, his voice low but firm. "This is it. Our chance."
Mudkip let out a determined "Kip!" and took a battle stance.
Htee pulled out one of his precious Poké Balls. He had two left after this. He had to make it count. Trapinch was a Ground-type, which meant Mudkip's Water Gun would be effective, but Trapinch's powerful jaws and potential Ground moves could be dangerous.
"Alright, Mudkip, use Water Gun!" Htee commanded, aiming for a swift, decisive strike.
A focused jet of water erupted from Mudkip's mouth, soaring towards the Trapinch. The Trapinch, despite its small size, reacted with surprising speed. It opened its large mouth, and a small amount of sand swirled around it defensively, attempting to deflect the attack. The Water Gun hit, but not as cleanly as Htee had hoped, the sand cushioning some of the impact. Trapinch recoiled, but still stood firm.
"Trapinch, use Sand-Attack!" the wild Pokémon seemed to respond, kicking up a cloud of gritty dust towards Mudkip.
"Mudkip, try to dodge!" Htee yelled, but the attack was fast. Mudkip was partially obscured by the sand, a few grains getting in its eyes. It shook its head, clearly annoyed and slightly disoriented.
Htee clenched his fist. He couldn't afford to waste this opportunity. "Mudkip, even if your vision is blurry, use Tackle! Charge in!"
Mudkip, gritting its teeth (or what passed for them), bravely charged forward, relying on its instincts. It slammed into the Trapinch, knocking it back a few feet. The Trapinch stumbled, clearly more hurt by this physical blow.
Now was the time. Htee wouldn't risk another attack.
"Poké Ball, go!" he shouted, throwing one of his precious spheres with all his might.
The Poké Ball flew through the air, hitting the dazed Trapinch squarely on its head. With a flash of red light, the Trapinch was sucked inside. The Poké Ball dropped to the ground and began to shake.
Shake... shake... shake...
Htee held his breath, his eyes fixed on the ball. This moment always felt agonizingly long.
Click!
The Poké Ball settled. The light on its front blinked once, then solidified, confirming the capture.
Htee let out a whoop of triumph. "Yes! We got it, Mudkip! We got it!"
Mudkip let out an excited "Kip-kip!" seemingly celebrating the new addition.
Htee rushed forward and picked up the Poké Ball, a profound sense of accomplishment washing over him. He now had two Pokémon with the rarest of potentials.
This Trapinch, a seemingly common early-game Pokémon, held a legendary secret. The thought of training it, of seeing what it could become, filled him with an almost overwhelming excitement.
He returned Mudkip to its Poké Ball, then looked at the new one. He couldn't wait to check its full summary and start planning its training. His team, his true team, was finally beginning to take shape.
Back to the Pokémon Center
Htee clutched the newly captured Poké Ball, his heart still thrumming with excitement. "A Trapinch with Hidden Legendary Potential," he murmured, almost unable to believe his luck. This was a monumental catch, a true cornerstone for the elite team he envisioned.
His first instinct, after the thrill of the capture, was practical. He needed to get Trapinch formally registered with his Pokédex and ensure it was in top shape. That meant one thing: back to the Pokémon Center.
"Alright, Mudkip," Htee said, carefully returning his starter to its Poké Ball. "Let's get our new friend checked out."
He made his way back along Route 116, the journey feeling far shorter and lighter than before. The common Pokémon he passed by no longer seemed so mundane; he now had a tangible goal to strive for, a living example of the rare potential he was seeking.
Soon, the familiar modern buildings of Rustboro City came into view. Htee navigated the bustling streets with a renewed sense of purpose, heading straight for the comforting red roof of the Pokémon Center.
Inside, the familiar, gentle hum of the healing machines and the soft chatter of other trainers filled the air. Nurse Joy greeted him with her usual welcoming smile.
"Welcome back! Are your Pokémon in need of healing?" she asked.
"Yes, please," Htee replied, holding out Mudkip's Poké Ball first. "And I've just caught a new Pokémon that I'd like to have registered." He presented the Poké Ball containing Trapinch.
"Of course! We'll get them both feeling refreshed in no time," Nurse Joy said, taking both Poké Balls and placing them carefully into the healing machine.
While his Pokémon were being tended to, Htee pulled out his Pokédex. He knew that once Trapinch was formally registered, he'd be able to access its full summary, including its current moves, abilities, and detailed stats. He was particularly eager to see if the "Diamond (with Hidden Legendary Potential)" translated into any unique starting abilities or higher base stats for a wild Pokémon at this stage.
The wait felt longer than usual, filled with anticipation. He imagined the raw power lying dormant within this small Ground-type, waiting to be unleashed. The journey to elevate it from Diamond to Legendary would undoubtedly be challenging, but the thought alone spurred him on.
A few moments later, Nurse Joy returned, handing him both Poké Balls. "Your Mudkip and Trapinch are fully recovered and ready for adventure!" she announced cheerfully. "And your new Trapinch has been officially registered to your Pokédex."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy," Htee said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He quickly opened Trapinch's Poké Ball, letting the small orange Pokémon appear beside him. It blinked its large eyes, looking a little more comfortable now.
Htee immediately activated his Pokédex, pointing it at Trapinch. The electronic voice confirmed:
TRAPINCH, the Ant Pit Pokémon.
Its jaws are so powerful they can crush boulders. It lives in the desert and waits for prey to fall into its conical traps.
Then, he opened Trapinch's summary. He saw its current level, its stats, and its starting move set. Everything confirmed his initial scan: Potential: Diamond (with Hidden Legendary Potential). This wasn't a dream. This was real. He had two Pokémon with the rarest of potentials, and his team was beginning to look truly formidable.
With a newly healed and registered Trapinch by his side, what will Htee prioritize next in Rustboro City?