Chapter 153: Route 40
~Azure S. POV~
[Johto Region, Olivine City – Route 40]
The salt spray kissed my face as I stood on the edge of Olivine City, the vast expanse of Route 40 stretching before me. The rhythmic crash of waves against the dock was a soothing backdrop to the thrill that always accompanied the start of a new adventure ahead of us.
Pikachu, perched on my shoulder, twitched his nose, absorbing the salty air. Eevee, nestled in my arms, peeked out, her brown eyes wide with curiosity. I asked, a wide grin spreading across my face, "Ready, guys?"
Pikachu chirped an enthusiastic, "Pika!"
Eevee nuzzled against my arm in response. I adjusted my backpack, making sure the Poké Balls were secure.
My team back at Pallet Town had been instrumental in my growth as a trainer, but the Johto region demanded a different approach, a new strategy. I'd carefully curated this team for the challenges that lay ahead, and I was eager to see what they could do.
The gym battle with Jasmine had been exhilarating. And Will made me realize I had to train my other Pokémon to sharpen their senses.
But for the upcoming sea route, I needed Pokémon more suited to the water. That was why I changed my current team and prepared to enter Route 40.
I stepped onto the pier, already feeling the change in the air. The gritty pavement of Olivine City gave way to the weathered wood of the docks, each step echoing the call of the ocean… they're soothing.
Reaching into my belt, I pulled out six Poké Balls. I smirked as I began to hurl them out, "Alright, let's get acquainted with the new crew!"
*Pop*
First came Blastoise. The enormous Water-type emerged in a swirl of blue energy, his powerful cannons swiveling as he took in his surroundings. He let out a deep, rumbling roar, a sound that echoed across the water, "Blastoise!"
*Pop*
Next was Lapras, graceful and serene, her smooth, blue hide shimmering in the sunlight. She released a gentle cry, a melodic sound that soothed the soul, "Laaaaa~"
*Pop*
Kingdra, the Dragon-type seahorse, appeared in a flash of light, his elegant form a testament to her dual typing. She circled us once, a regal air about her.
*Pop*
And finally, Dragonite, a gentle behemoth, her orange scales gleaming in the sun, greeted us with a happy bellow. She came to me with a happy cry, "Dooo!"
Rubbing her head, getting her intent, I smiled excitedly, "Yeah, great to have yeah around, girl. Just like old times."
*Pop*
Then both Gyarados and Quagsire came out. They greeted their seniors respectfully as they talked amongst each other.
I smiled happily that my Pokémon are relying on each other. But soon I said, addressing them all, "Welcome to the team for this leg of the journey. I'm counting on you to help us navigate these waters and face whatever challenges lie ahead."
Blastoise let out a puff of air, a sign of acknowledgement. Lapras nudged my hand with her snout, a gesture of affection.
Kingdra circled again, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Dragonite rumbled her agreement her eyes glinted in excitement.
Gyarados roared, and Quagsire squeaked to acknowledge. With my team ready, I started down the docks, the salty air thick with the scent of seaweed and fish.
Route 40 was known for its diverse marine life, and I was keen to explore. I always held a deep respect for Pokémon in their natural habitat; capturing them was a responsibility, not just a game like some people carelessly capture Pokemon.
As we walked, I felt Celebi stir within its Poké Ball. Currently, it's relaxing taking the time to sleep inside its Poke Ball for the journey ahead.
I rarely used it in battle, but its healing powers, amplified by its innate connection to nature, were invaluable for training. I murmured, patting the Poké Ball on my belt, "Don't worry, Celebi. We're not looking for trouble. Just a bit of sightseeing."
We reached the edge of the pier, where a small cove provided a natural launch point. I called out Blastoise and Lapras excitedly ordered, "Alright, you two, let's get on the water! Time to start this adventure!"
*Splash*
Blastoise lowered himself into the water with a splash, his powerful limbs making short work of the waves. Lapras followed, her graceful form gliding effortlessly alongside him.
I climbed onto Lapras' back, Pikachu settling comfortably between my shoulder blades, and Eevee snuggled into my lap, her fur soft against my skin. Gyarados and Kingdra followed suit and jumped into the water.
Quagsire stood nearby on land and let out a cry as it followed suit. Azure smiled before giving the Pokémon a wave.
I shouted, and Lapras surged forward, cutting through the waves with ease, "Alright, everyone! Let's go!"
Route 40, as they have in the map description, as you can hear the waves on this path from west Olivine City to the sea. The ocean was a vibrant tapestry of blues and greens.
Schools of Tentacool pulsed beneath the surface, their tentacles swaying in the current. Pidgey soared overhead, their cries echoing across the water.
The air was alive with the sounds and smells of the sea, a symphony of nature that resonated deep within my soul. We cruised along the coastline, enjoying the scenery we encountered thus far.
Rocky cliffs rose majestically from the water, their faces carved by centuries of wind and waves. Hidden coves beckoned with promises of secluded beaches and undiscovered treasures.
I spotted a group of trainers engaging in a battle on a small island, the clash of Pokémon echoing across the water. I decided to give them some space, continuing along the coastline chilling around.
Just as I was about to turn to Route 41, a Pokémon trainer with medium-length yellow hair, wearing swimming goggles, a purple swimsuit, and yellow flippers, was running toward the waters. Ah… this must be the Swimmer Class Trainer.
Pausing a moment, the trainer called out, waving wildly in my direction, "Hey! Can you wait for a minute?!"
*Splash*
Halting our progress, merely curious, I shouted back, guiding Lapras closer to the shore from one of the nearby islands, "Sure! What's wrong?"
*Shiii*
And as I did, I noticed a faint light coming from Celebi's Poké Ball. I looked around to see where the light was coming from, but realized it was within the Poké Ball as well.
That does not look like a good sign. But the Swimmer trainer said as she approached me, catching her breath, "Thank you, I appreciate it."
She explained, pointing towards a swirling vortex in the distance, getting my attention, "I'm just here to ask if you could help me. I was swimming earlier when I saw this Marill stuck in a whirlpool."
I blinked, hearing that. I asked, determinedly grinning slowly, "A Marill out here? If that's the case… Of course, we'll help!"
She grinned. She clasped her hands as she said, "You will? That will be great!"
I turned to my team. They all nodded as I said in a confident tone, "Alright, team, let's see if we can lend a hand!"
They responded with enthusiastic cries, eager to put their strength to good use. I steered Lapras towards the whirlpool, the water growing choppier as we approached. This would be good practice when we pass the whirlpools ahead in the next Route.
The vortex was powerful, pulling everything towards its center. The Swimmer warned cautiously, "Careful, it's strong!"
I nodded, bracing myself. Let's test how dangerous the whirlpool is first. I commanded, "Blastoise, use Water Pulse to try and disrupt the whirlpool!"
Blastoise fired a powerful stream of water into the vortex, but the whirlpool barely wavered. The Swimmer said, her voice laced with concern, "It's not enough! We need something stronger!"
Nodding my head, understanding this, I instructed my team, "Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse! Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Kingdra unleashed a concentrated beam of draconic energy, while Gyarados unleashed a powerful stream of pressurized water. The combined forces struck the whirlpool head-on, and for a moment, it seemed to falter.
*Splash*
That's when I saw it as clear as day. A small Marill, trapped in the center of the vortex, its eyes wide with fear.
It was struggling to stay afloat, its tiny body being tossed around like a ragdoll. I shouted, my heart pounding as I cried out, "We need to get it out of there! Dragonite, use your strength to pull the Marill out!"
*Fwp*
Dragonite nodded. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing all his energy. Then, with a mighty roar, she shot towards the whirlpool using Extreme Speed.
*Zoooom*
She flew around the Marill twice before grabbing it softly but firmly around its body, and began to pull it away from the vortex. The whirlpool resisted however, pulling Dragonite back towards its center.
I yelled, my voice strained, "Dragonite, hang in there! Kingdra! Whirlpool!"
*SPLASH*
She grunted, her muscles straining. But with Kingdra entering the Whirlpool using its move, it managed to shift the currents, which was natural for it. With a final surge of power, she broke free of the whirlpool's grasp, carrying the Marill to safety.
We pulled the exhausted Marill onto Lapras' back, and Celebi's Poké Ball glows again and starts to heal it with its power. It was weak, but alive.
The Swimer said, her eyes filled with gratitude, "Thank you! You saved its life."
I said, smiling, giving a two-finger salute at the Swimmer, "We were happy to help. It's what trainers do."
The trainer introduced herself as Aqua, and we chatted for a while about our Pokémon journeys. She was a local swimmer and loved the ocean. Even giving me some tips and guides.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, I knew it was time to move on. I said, extending my hand, "It was nice meeting you, Aqua. We should get going."
She said, shaking my hand in a thankful tone, "Likewise. Good luck on your journey!"
I replied happily smiling, "Thanks! You too!"
I steered Lapras back towards the open sea, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The Marill was resting comfortably, slowly regaining its strength.
To hasten the recovery, I used my Viridian Force to heal its vitality. And soon enough, it woke up looking at me warily, as I talked to it, "Hello there, Marill? Are you okay? We managed to save you from the Whirlpool."
Marill blinked, confused, till it remembered. Marill's wariness turned to happiness, jumping up and down, "Marill? Marill! Maril!!"
After having been healed, I suggested that they would like to join us. But shook its head, saying it could find its way back after recovering, to which I let it chill with us till Marill fully recovered.
As we sailed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. We had saved a life, and in doing so, we had reaffirmed my commitment to protecting Pokémon and upholding the values of a true trainer.
*Beep*
Hearing the beeping sounds from my Arc Phone, I checked to see a text message from Daisy Oak. I read the contents with a tired sigh, "Hello Azure, this is Daisy here. I came to text that your Rhydon is getting a bit antsy with the other Pokémon. Your main team managed to calm it down, but it seems to be a bit more disobedient… damn it."
Sighing out loud, I couldn't help but think I'm not giving much attention to Rhydon I've captured in Johto. It would be hard for us to connect if it gets that impatient, which could lead to problems down the line…
If, in the off chance, it doesn't like me anymore or continues to cause trouble… I might have to release it or hand it to another Trainer to give it the attention it deserves. Hopefully it doesn't come down to it…