Chapter 267: Chick Pokémon [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Lavaridge Town]
The air shimmered, thick with the scent of sulfur and steaming earth. Lavaridge Town emerged from the desert haze like a mirage, a vibrant oasis nestled at the foot of Mt. Chimney.
Hot springs bubbled freely, sending tendrils of mist dancing through the narrow streets, painting the ancient stone with a perpetual sheen of moisture. After the arid expanse of Route 112 and the tense confrontation with Team Aqua at the volcano's summit, the sight of the cozy, steam-wreathed settlement was a welcome balm.
Azure, and his renowned Partners Pikachu perched on his shoulder, and Eevee nestled comfortably in the crook of his arm, exhaled slowly, the lingering tension in his shoulders finally easing. Beside him, Sapphire, his eager companion and unofficial student, bounced on the balls of her feet, her eyes wide with unbridled excitement.
She exclaimed, a grin splitting her face, "Lavaridge Town!"
She took a deep, exaggerated sniff, inhaling the mix of minerals and something faintly sweet, like exotic spices carried on the steam as she exclaimed excitedly, "It's even more amazing than the guides say! Hot springs, a gym battle, and… oh, the smells!"
Flannery, the fiery gym leader who had just been saved from Team Aqua's disruptive plans, chuckled, a warm, resonant sound that perfectly matched her vibrant red hair. Her eyes watched the duo with clear excitement in their eyes.
She gestured towards a cluster of traditional bathhouses, their wooden facades softened by veils of steam as she said fondly, "Welcome to my humble hometown, you two. It's certainly got its own unique charm, doesn't it? There are public baths, private springs, and even some wild, natural pools further up. Take your pick, Sapphire."
Sapphire's eyes gleamed at the idea of taking a small break as she exclaimed excitedly, "I've earned this! We've earned this Master! Battling Grunts, climbing a volcano… a hot spring sounds like paradise right now."
Professor Cozmo, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, added, "Indeed, a well-deserved respite for all of us. And speaking of things well-earned, Azure."
He turned, producing a small, shimmering object from a padded case. It was the Meteorite, once a tool for Team Aqua's ill-conceived ambitions, now a harmless, beautiful geological specimen, as he said calmly, "Given your… exceptional abilities and the role you played in securing this, I believe it would be safest in your possession for the time being. I trust you implicitly with its care."
Azure's brow furrowed slightly in surprise, then softened into a grateful smile. He reached out, his fingers carefully brushing against the cool, smooth surface of the Meteorite.
It pulsed faintly, a dormant power within. He carefully tucked it into a secure compartment within his satchel, the weight a tangible reminder of the day's events and the responsibility entrusted to him as he said gratefully, "Professor, thank you. I'll safeguard it as if it were my own."
Pikachu nudged the satchel curiously, then gave a satisfied sound, as if approving of the new addition. Eevee, ever observant, offered a soft nuzzle against Azure's cheek.
*Clap*
Flannery clapped her hands together, a spark of renewed energy in her eyes as she said excitedly, "Right then! Sapphire, let me show you some of the best spots. Azure, you mentioned wanting to explore Lavaridge's unique Pokémon culture, didn't you? I promised you a tour of our renowned Fire-type breeding house. It's just on the outskirts."
Sapphire, already halfway towards a particularly inviting bathhouse, gave a thumbs-up as she said eagerly with a cheeky grin, "I'll catch up with you later, Master! Good luck with your… Pokémon quest!"
As Sapphire, accompanied by Flannery's helpful guidance, disappeared into the steamy labyrinth of bathhouses. Azure soon found himself alone with his thoughts and his loyal Pokémon.
He glanced down at Pikachu, who seemed to share his calm focus, and Eevee, whose ears swiveled, taking in all the new sounds. His team, a formidable collection of power and versatility, rested within their Poké Balls.
Each represented a chapter of his journey, a testament to his unique connection with Pokémon. Now, a new chapter was about to begin.
Flannery soon returned, a fresh spring in her step. She gestured to him to follow her in a thankful tone, "Alright, Azure, follow me! It's a bit of a walk, but worth it, I promise."
They left the bustling heart of Lavaridge, the steam thinning as they walked along a winding path that skirted the town's perimeter. The air grew warmer, infused with a different, earthier scent – not sulfur, but something akin to embers and rich soil.
Soon, a large, well-maintained building came into view, constructed from dark, volcanic rock and sturdy timber, smoke curling lazily from multiple chimneys. It was flanked by expansive, fenced-off enclosures, each containing various Fire-type Pokémon basking in the heat or playing energetically.
Flannery announced with a sweeping gesture as they made it to the breeding house, "Welcome to the Lavaridge Fire-Type Breeding House! We're famous for our healthy, spirited Fire-types, bred for both battle and companionship."
As they stepped inside, the heat intensified, a comforting warmth that permeated the very air. The building hummed with activity.
Trainers and breeders moved purposefully, tending to Pokémon of all shapes and sizes. Numel lumbered contentedly, their humps occasionally erupting with steam. Torkoal slowly ambled across the floor, leaving trails of warmth.
There was the cheerful chirping of Vulpix, the soft cooing of Slugma, and the occasional, enthusiastic roar of a well-behaved Growlithe in a larger pen. The scent of roasted berries and specialized Pokémon food mingled with the natural musk of the creatures, creating an intoxicating aroma.
Azure, with Pikachu and Eevee quietly observing from their perches, felt a familiar resonance awaken within him. He subtly activated his Viridian Force, as he often thought of it, using it to find a suitable partner that resonated with him.
He wasn't just looking; he was feeling, sensing the unique energies of each Pokémon around him. Flannery explained, leading him through a series of immaculate, climate-controlled enclosures, "We specialize in breeding for specific traits. Speed, endurance, raw power… whatever a trainer seeks, we aim to provide. And our Torchic are particularly well-regarded."
They passed through a heavy, insulated door, and the sounds shifted from a general hum of activity to a chorus of high-pitched chirps and playful squawks. They had arrived in the backyard enclosure, a vast, open space covered in soft, volcanic ash, dotted with climbing structures and small, bubbling pools of warm water.
Dozens of Torchic, in various stages of their growth, scampered and tumbled, their small, fiery crests bobbing with every movement. Azure's eyes widened slightly as he thought, 'This was it. This was where I would find my new partner.'
Flannery encouraged, leaning against a sturdy fence post as she said, "Take your time. Observe them. They're all healthy, full of spirit."
Pikachu, sensing Azure's intent, hopped down and began to cautiously approach the gaggle of juvenile Fire-types, its tail twitching with curiosity. Eevee, always more reserved, stayed closer to Azure, but her ears were perked, her gaze sweeping over the scene.
Azure closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and then opened them, allowing his Viridian Force to expand. He didn't just see the Torchic; he felt their individual sparks, their youthful energies.
He saw the boisterous ones, the shy ones, the ones that were already demonstrating impressive pecking power. He walked slowly, thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on individual Pokémon.
He knelt occasionally, extending a hand, allowing some of the bolder Torchic to approach and curiously peck at his fingers. He felt their distinct auras – some bright and fiery, others more contained and focused.
He was looking for something specific, though he couldn't quite articulate it even to himself. A spark of potential that resonated with his own journey, a spirit that complemented his existing team.
He sought not just a powerful Pokémon, but a true partner. He had almost completed a full circuit of the enclosure when his eyes landed on one Torchic.
It was smaller than many of its peers, but there was an undeniable vibrancy about its movements. It wasn't engaging in a wrestling match or a pecking contest like the others. Instead, it was doing something else entirely: it was darting.
The Torchic would sprint a few feet, suddenly change direction with an almost impossible pivot, then accelerate again, leaving a blur in its wake. It wasn't running from anything, nor was it running to anything. It was simply running, reveling in its own speed, its little legs a blur of motion.
But there was something else. As the Torchic briefly paused, its small body catching the sunlight filtering through the volcanic haze, Azure noticed it.
Its feathers, usually a bright, fiery orange, were a distinct, slightly deeper, almost coppery-gold hue, and its fiery crest had a subtle, iridescent shimmer. Its eyes held a captivating, almost molten gold glow.
A Shiny Torchic.
A thrill of recognition, more profound than mere surprise, shot through Azure. He knew, instinctively, what this meant.
He focused his Viridian Force, extending his senses, and the unique aura of the Shiny Torchic pulsed back at him, strong and clear. He didn't just sense its unique coloration; he felt its essence, its core ability.
Azure muttered, seeing it run faster than the others in an awe-filled voice, "Its ability is Speed Boost. Now that's useful."
The realization was immediate, electrifying. This wasn't just a rare coloration; it was a perfect manifestation of its innate gift. This Torchic wasn't merely fast; it was built for speed, designed to become utterly untouchable in battle.
Azure dropped to one knee, ignoring the fine ash that dusted his pants. The Shiny Torchic, sensing his attention, paused its frantic darting.
It cocked its head, its molten golden eyes meeting Azure's. There was no fear, no hesitation, only a bright, curious intelligence. He extended a hand, slowly, offering a silent invitation.
The Torchic took a tentative step, then another, its small, quick movements a testament to its ability. It approached him, not with the immediate eagerness of some, nor the shyness of others, but with a cautious, assessing grace.
It sniffed his outstretched fingers, then, with a burst of confidence, gently nudged his palm. There was a warmth in its touch, not just from its Fire-type nature, but from its spirit.
Pikachu, who had watched the entire interaction from a respectful distance, let out a soft sound of approval, "Pika-Pika!"
Eevee nudged Azure's leg, her gaze fixed on the Shiny Torchic, acknowledging the special connection, "Bui!"
Azure felt a surge of elation, a quiet joy that resonated deep within him. This was the spark he had been searching for.
A new journey began not just with a new region, but with new partners. This Shiny Torchic, with its incredible speed and unique spirit, was destined to be a part of it.
Flannery, who had been observing the silent communion, smiled knowingly. She asked, her voice soft, "Found your partner, have we, Azure?"
Azure looked up, a bright, genuine smile on his face. The Shiny Torchic, in turn, chirped softly, rubbing its head against his arm, a tiny engine of pure potential buzzing against his skin.
He said, his voice brimming with anticipation, "Yes, Flannery. I think I have."
Flannery smiled as she handed over the Shiny Torchic's Poké Ball. He recalled the Shiny Torchic as he said proudly, "Welcome aboard, Torchic!"
Being sucked into its Poké Ball, the Torchic let out a soft cry of agreement, "Cheee!"
Holding onto Torchic's Poke Ball, Azure quickly gave it a check over, seeing its status and info provided. He smiled, seeing that he wasn't wrong in his ability.
[Torchic the Chick Pokémon. Within Torchic's belly, this Pokémon has a flame sac filled with burning fire. This internal flame causes Torchic to feel warm if hugged. The warmth feels like a warm water bottle.
As long as Torchic is alive, the internal flame will burn continuously. When attacked, it will shoot fireballs of 1,800 °F (1,000 °C) at its foes, leaving them scorched black. It dislikes darkness, as it cannot see its surroundings. Torchic will follow its Trainer with unsteady steps.
While Torchic is rarely found in the wild, it is known to inhabit grasslands. Its fluffy body is warm enough to sleep next to. Torhic has four different sleep styles: Curled-Up Sleep, Warm Sleep, Rocking Sleep, and Atop-Belly Sleep.]
|Name: Torchic (S) (Chick Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 13
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Speed Boost (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Growl, Sand Attack, Detect, Ember, Flame Charge, Scratch, Peck, Agility (IM), Crush Claw (IM), Flame Burst (EM) (3 Moves left to learn)
Azure smiled, holding Torchic's Poké Ball as Flannery came up, asking curiously, "With that settled, I suppose it's time for our Gym Battle, right?"
Hearing that, Azure nodded as he grinned smugly with Pikachu and Eevee by his side as he replied excitedly, "Yup! But first, let Sapphire have her battle with you, as I'll need to plan which Pokémon would be useful against you. And… test out those Hot Springs you mentioned around here?"
Flannery grinned happily, nodding her head in understanding as she replied excitedly, "I get it! But when it comes our time to battle, I'll show you my firepower!"
Azure simply nodded his head with a determined expression on his face. With that, the two left the breeding center as they proceeded to prepare for their upcoming Gym Battle.
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!