Chapter 56: Seafoam Island
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Route 20]
*Splash*
Continuing on his journey, Azure felt the sea breeze hit his face as he was riding on Lapras, his newly caught Pokémon, using Surf to ride the waves, traveling down to Route 20. On the shell of Lapras were Pikachu and Eevee, observing the seas happily.
Horsea was swimming, practicing her Surf along with Dragonair, happily teaching her how to use the move. Being both Dragon Pokémon, they hit it off well together, along with Lapras discussing certain moves to use or traveling in the soothing sea of Route 20.
Route 20 stretches from east to west with the Seafoam Islands in the middle. A labyrinth of rocks around Seafoam split the route in half. Normally, the only way to cross them is by travelling through the underground caves on the islands.
The northern cave can be accessed from the east, and the southern cave can be accessed from the west. From the southern entrance to the caves, Route 20 curves west, passing south of the northern cave through a narrow channel before expanding to the full width of the route.
There is a small rest platform just west of the Seafoam Islands. This rest area is occupied by Trainers as they train the local Pokémon around here.
As the group continued to surf, Lapras swam alongside Dragonair and Horsea, the three were graceful in creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Pikachu squealed with excitement, pointing towards a cluster of rocky islands jutting out from the sea.
Seeing the rocky islands, Azure announced, a glint of determination in his eyes as he said calmly, "Those are the Seafoam Islands. We'll be training there for the next few days. Get ready to sweat, everyone!"
The group traveled towards the Seafoam Island as Azure thought, seeing the frosty island ahead, 'The home of Articuno, and if my knowledge is right, then there will be a chance to capture a Legendary Pokémon, and with my 5 Gym Badges, it should be easy for me to command.'
Shaking in excitement, Azure opened his Arc Phone. He checked the best ways for his team to train effectively…
/////
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Seafoam Island]
Over the course of the next few days, the Seafoam Islands became Azure's team's training ground. The islands were a rugged landscape of jagged rocks, icy caverns, and crashing waves, providing a diverse environment for honing their skills.
Azure started with the basics, focusing on refining each Pokémon's existing moves. He worked with Pikachu on his Thunderbolt, teaching him to channel his electricity with greater precision and control.
He guided Eevee through a series of agility drills, helping her to become even more nimble and quick on her feet. Not only that, she worked on perfecting her Partner moves and shift changes in her other forms.
Arcanine's Flamethrower was already a formidable attack, but Azure pushed it to increase its range and intensity. Scizor's Metal Claw became sharper and more deadly with each passing day, as Azure helped him refine his technique.
Dragonair, with her natural grace and power, perfected her Surf, Fly, and Dragon Rush attacks, becoming an even more formidable force. Gengar, still adjusting to her recent evolution, presented a unique challenge.
Azure worked with her on controlling his spectral powers, helping him to master Shadow Ball, Hypnosis, and its natural intangibility. He encouraged Gengar to embrace her mischievous nature while ensuring she used her abilities responsibly.
He didn't neglect Horsea and Lapras either. Horsea, though small, possessed surprising power. Azure focused on developing his Water Gun and Bubble Beam attacks, helping her to become a more confident battler.
Lapras, with her immense strength and gentle nature, learned to harness the power of Ice Beam and Body Slam, becoming a powerful defensive asset to the team. While in the process, Lapras began to teach Ice Beam to Dragonair, Horsea, and Eevee as Glaceon.
Azure was curious if Eevee in her other forms learned their respective Type powerful moves like Ice Beam or Flamethrower, could help her improve her move pool. He waited to see if such a thing was possible.
But the training wasn't just about mastering moves. Azure understood the importance of building trust and understanding between himself and his Pokémon. He spent hours simply talking to them, listening to their needs, and reassuring them of his unwavering support.
He learned that Pikachu, despite his initial reluctance to evolve, cherished his bond with Azure and wouldn't trade it for anything. He discovered that Eevee, with her adaptability and boundless curiosity, was eager to learn and grow alongside him.
He realized that Arcanine, with his unwavering loyalty and protective instincts, would always be there to defend him and his team. He understood that Scizor, with his sharp mind and calculated movements, was a valuable strategist and a loyal comrade.
He appreciated Dragonair's gentle nature and her deep connection to the ocean, finding solace in her calming presence. He recognized Gengar's mischievous spirit and her surprising loyalty, learning to appreciate her unique perspective.
He saw Horsea's eagerness to please and his growing confidence, and he knew that she had the potential to become a powerful force. He felt Lapras's gentle wisdom and her unwavering compassion, and he knew that she would always be a guiding force for the team.
One evening, as the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the Seafoam Islands, Azure gathered his team around him. He said, his voice filled with pride and affection, "We've come a long way together. You've all grown stronger, not just in terms of your moves and abilities, but also in terms of your bond with each other and with me."
He paused, looking into the eyes of each of his Pokémon. Taking a moment to breathe, he said in an honest tone, "I know the journey ahead will be challenging, but I have faith in you. I know that together, we can overcome any obstacle."
Pikachu nuzzled against Azure's cheek, letting out a comforting, "Pika."
Eevee rubbed her head against his neck, purring contentedly. Arcanine let out a soft bark, his tail wagging enthusiastically, "Arf!"
Scizor clicked his mandibles in agreement. Dragonair coiled around Azure's legs, her scales shimmering in the fading light. Gengar chuckled softly, her eyes glowing with mischief.
Horsea chirped encouragingly. Lapras nudged Azure gently with her head, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Azure smiled, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for his Pokémon. He knew that he was incredibly lucky to have them by his side.
As darkness fell, Azure and his team gathered inside a cave, seeking shelter from the chilling night. The air was thick with the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, and the distant cries of wild Pokémon.
Azure pulled out his sleeping bag and laid it out on the cave floor. Pikachu snuggled beside him, seeking warmth and comfort. Eevee curled up on his chest, purring softly.
He looked around at his team, each of them finding their own comfortable spot in the cave. He knew that they were all tired from the day's training, but they were also content, knowing that they were together, safe and secure.
As he drifted off to sleep, Azure couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that with his Pokémon by his side, he could face anything.
The next morning, Azure and his team emerged from the cave, ready to face the day. The sun was shining brightly, and the sky was a clear, vibrant blue.
After a quick breakfast of berries and Poke Blocks, Azure led his team back to the shore. Dragonair was already waiting, eager to resume their journey… but then…
*BOOOM*
An explosion that Azure heard made him freeze in place. His eyes narrowed to the other side of the Seafoam Island, clenching his Poke Ball, "That explosion… That means Team Rocket is here to capture Articuno. Arcanine!"
*Pop*
Bringing out Arcanine at the ready, Pikachu perched over Azure's shoulder, eyes narrowed, along with Eevee perched over his head. Azure jumped over Arcanine back as he said in a serious tone, "Arcanine, I need you to hurry to the source of the explosion. And be prepared for any Team Rocket Grunts."
Arcanine's eyes narrowed as he barked fiercely, agreeing, "Arf! Bark!"
Taking a starting stance on all fours, Arcanine leaned down. Then, in that moment, he rushed forward as Azure read Arcanine's bio.
[Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon. Arcanine is a fiercely brave and loyal Pokémon. It can run 6,200 miles in 24 hours with a speed and grace reminiscent of flight. Extreme Speed was its signature move. Arcanine has long been admired for its beauty and speed, and anyone who hears its bark will grovel before it.
The source of its power is a flame blazing wildly inside its body. Being the result of an evolution via Evolution stone, Arcanine is rarely found in the wild, but when found, it is usually seen living in prairies and living in active volcanoes. Arcanine can stash food in its mane and carry it to its nest for its young.
Arcanine is known to sleep at a supremely comfortable sleeping spot. Arcanine, when it sleeps, is said to be like how an innocent child sleeps. In some locations, Arcanine is seen as a Legendary Pokémon, where it's revered for its speed and power; it is also categorized as Legendary.]
*SWOOOSH*
Running full speed, Pikachu and Eevee held on tight to Azure. Azure himself held on tightly to Arcanine's mane as the Legendary Pokémon ran through the Seafoam Island rocky ice terrains.
After recalling his Horsea and Lapras, he sent them into his Boxes for now. He knew that they would be helpful against Team Rocket, but didn't want the off chance to be badly injured as he ordered his main 6 Pokémon into battle.
Azure gazed ahead, seeing blurs of their surroundings while riding Arcanine, jumping over them with relative ease. He thought in a serious tone, 'I can't have them fight. While fighting Wild Pokémon brought some experience, they aren't ready for Trainer fights like my main team. In fact…'
Smiling sinisterly ahead, Azure made sure to train his team as they were effectively in the level 40s. Apart from Gengar being Lv.38, most of his team are around the level 40s range, as he felt fully prepared against Sabrina.
*THUD*
Arcanine jumped from icy terrain to another as he tried to sniff the air to search for any foreign elements in the air. Its eyes narrowed as he barked lightly, getting Azure's attention, "Arf! Arf!"
Pointing its head down, Azure saw the members of Team Rocket as its eyes narrowed. But Azure grinned as he saw his next victims, as he gazed at his team's respective levels on the screen in front of him.
[Partner Pikachu (M) (Mouse Pokémon) Lv.46]
[Dragonair (F) (Dragon Pokémon) Lv.44]
[Arcanine (M) (Legendary Pokémon) Lv.44]
[Scizor (M) (Pincer Pokémon) Lv.42]
[Partner Eevee (F) (Evolution Pokémon) Lv.40]
[Gengar (F)(S) (Shadow Pokémon) Lv.38]
Seeing their strength and how much they pushed themselves, Azure grinned as he prepared his moment. Calmly analyze the situation and then swoop in when things take their peak moment, clenching a Poke Ball at the ready…
/////
A/N: Hey guys, the Author with an interesting deal for you all. If you can give this 100 PS (Power Stones) Goal, I'll give you an extra Chapter.
Wondering if you guys want this kind of deal from time to time or not. Wanna ask since I've read other people's fics doing it?