Chapter 272: Young Foul Pokémon [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Peatalburg Woods]
The humid Hoenn air, thick with the scent of damp earth and blossoming flora, was a welcome change from the crisp winds of Kanto. For Azure, it was a breath of fresh air, enjoying himself alongside his faithful partners, Pikachu and Eevee.
His arrival in Petalburg City, however, had been less a triumphant entry and more a strategic retreat. Only moments ago, he had stood on the fringes of the city, using his elegant Gardevoir's Teleport prowess to whisk himself away from his companion, Sapphire, to the bustling hub from the quiet woods.
Sapphire, a bright-eyed and eager student, had traveled with him for weeks, soaking in his wisdom, but an honest conversation had revealed her growing unease. She felt she was relying too heavily on him, her own journey stifled by his shadow.
Azure, understanding the crucial need for self-discovery, had agreed to part ways. It was a bittersweet moment – a mentor's pride mixed with a pang of loneliness.
With Sapphire now charting her independent course, Azure felt a distinct shift in his own purpose. He needed distance, not just from Sapphire, but from the well-trodden paths of his past.
Norman, the formidable Gym Leader of Petalburg City, was his next target, a challenge he anticipated with a familiar thrill. But first, there was work to be done.
His current team, a carefully selected roster of Hoenn natives and adaptable powerhouses, included the towering Metagross, the agile Sceptile, the graceful Gardevoir, the fiery Ninetales, the sturdy Golduck, the tenacious Crawdaunt, the evolving Shelgon, the electrifying Manectric, the ground-shaking Marshtomp, the surprisingly strong Slaking, and his newest, most vibrant addition: a shiny Torchic, its crimson plumage a beacon of potential.
Among these, Manectric, Marshtomp, and the little Torchic were the latest to join his ranks, their raw power undeniable but their battle experience still budding compared to his seasoned veterans. It was time to nurture that potential.
He wouldn't rush towards Norman; instead, he would dedicate the day to hardening his youngest members, focused on gaining experience. And where better to do so than the very place he'd just left: Petalburg Woods.
Retracing his steps, Azure allowed himself to fully absorb the forest's embrace. Towers of ancient trees filtered the sunlight into dappled mosaic patterns on the forest floor.
The air thrummed with the chirps and rustles of unseen Pokémon, a symphony of wild life. He found a relatively open clearing, sheltered by a canopy of leaves, and released Manectric, Marshtomp, and Torchic from their Poké Balls.
*Pop*
Manectric immediately began to charge its mane, faint crackles of electricity dancing around it, its blue fur practically glowing with suppressed energy. It was fast, a blur of motion, eager for action.
Marshtomp, a Ground/Water-type, stretched its sturdy limbs, its orange gills flaring slightly as it took in the humid air, its expression one of quiet determination. Torchic, a vibrant, cheerful Pokémon, puffed out its chest, a tiny but fierce ember flickering in its gaze.
Its small size belied a fiery spirit, a trait Azure deeply admired. Azure said softly, his voice calm but authoritative, "Alright, everyone. We're focusing on speed, endurance, and adapting to multiple opponents today. This isn't just about winning; it's about pushing your limits and learning to work together."
*RUSTLE*
As if on cue, a rustling in the undergrowth announced the arrival of new company. From behind a thicket of ferns emerged a group of Makuhita, their short, stocky forms radiating an aura of disciplined strength.
*THUD*
Trailing behind them, significantly larger and more imposing, were two Hariyama, their massive hands resembling powerful paddles, their gazes serious and focused. They appeared to be engaged in a training session of their own, their grunts and heavy thuds echoing through the woods.
Azure's eyes lit up. This was precisely the kind of organic training opportunity he sought for his group.
Approaching the wild Pokémon slowly, his hands held open in a gesture of peace, Azure spoke in a low, respectful tone using his Viridian Force, "Greetings. My name is Azure. I hope we're not disturbing your training."
*Shiii*
Unleashing a soothing aura around him, the Wild Pokémon were at ease. But one of the Hariyama, a particularly burly specimen with scars hinting at many battles, grunted, its eyes narrowed slightly.
Its Makuhita charges paused their shadow boxing, watching Azure with wary curiosity. Azure continued, gesturing to Manectric, Marshtomp, and Torchic, who stood bravely beside him, "My Pokémon are eager to grow. They could greatly benefit from sparring with experienced fighters like yourselves. We're looking for partners for a few friendly matches. In return, I'm happy to share some of my finest Poké Blocks."
He produced a small pouch, the sweet, fruity aroma of the specialized treats wafting through the air. The Hariyama's expression softened almost imperceptibly.
Poké Blocks were a prized commodity among wild Pokémon, offering not just sustenance but a boost in condition and appeal. The Makuhita, their eyes gleaming, began to nudge their larger leader.
After a moment of consideration, the lead Hariyama rumbled, a sound that Azure took as an affirmative. Azure smiled as he said excitedly, "Excellent! We'll rotate. Marshtomp and Manectric, you're up first. Let's see how you handle those Hariyama. Torchic, you'll be with the Makuhita."
The wild Pokémon rearranged themselves. Two Hariyama stepped forward to face Azure's duo, their stances wide and powerful.
The Makuhita spread out, forming a loose circle around the eager little Torchic. Azure called out calmly, "Remember your training, Marshtomp, Manectric! Focus on your strengths, adapt to theirs!"
*Zooom*
Manectric darted forward, a flash of blue lightning. Its first move was a quick Spark, aiming to disorient one of the Hariyama.
*Wooosh*
The Hariyama, surprisingly agile for its size, countered with a sweeping Arm Thrust, forcing Manectric to leap back, narrowly avoiding the blow. Marshtomp, meanwhile, channeled its energy.
*RMBL*
The ground beneath the second Hariyama began to ripple and crack as Marshtomp unleashed a powerful Mud Shot. The attack splattered against the Hariyama's chest, slowing its movements slightly.
The Hariyama were formidable. Their Heavy Slam attacks could send tremors through the forest floor, and their Knock Off attempts were precise and powerful.
Manectric, however, compensated with speed and electrifying counterattacks. It would weave around the Hariyama's slow, powerful swings, delivering quick Thunder Fangs to exposed limbs, the electric shock visibly jarring its foe.
*CHOMP*
Marshtomp, more suited to a defensive and grinding style, used its natural bulk to absorb some of the blows, then retaliated with Water Pulse and its ground-based moves. It dug its feet in, creating a small trench, using the earth as both shield and weapon.
Its attacks slowly built up, releasing bursts of stored energy that rattled the Hariyama. Azure watched intently, offering guidance when needed, "Manectric, feint left, then right! Use those quick bursts to get in close! Marshtomp, remember your footing! Use the terrain to your advantage, then counter with Mud Bomb!"
The battle was a masterclass in contrasting styles. Manectric, a blur of electric speed, danced around its opponents, delivering precise, shocking blows.
Marshtomp, a bastion of earthy power, absorbed impacts and retaliated with slow, devastating force. Both learned to anticipate the Hariyama's powerful, but predictable, movements.
They took hits, grunted in pain, but never gave up. Azure saw their determination, the way their eyes sharpened, the way they instinctively covered for each other when a Hariyama pressed too hard.
Marshtomp used a Protect to shield Manectric from a particularly strong Force Palm, then followed up with a Rock Slide that momentarily trapped the Hariyama. Manectric responded by unleashing a powerful Discharge, shocking both Hariyama and giving Marshtomp room to recover.
Meanwhile, Torchic was having an equally intense, if smaller-scale, battle. The Makuhita, though smaller than Hariyama, were energetic and surprisingly coordinated.
They moved in pairs, attempting to flank Torchic with their Low Kick and Fake Out attacks. But Torchic was a ball of fiery determination.
It dodged with surprising agility for its size, its tiny legs a blur. Its Ember attacks, though small, were precisely aimed, forcing the Makuhita to break their rhythm.
It used its quick bursts of flame to create distance, then followed up with a surprising Quick Attack, a burst of speed that allowed it to land a solid hit before retreating. Azure observed the little shiny Pokémon with pride.
Its scarlet feathers practically glowed in the shade of the woods. It wasn't just physical prowess; it was developing, it was strategic thinking, the ability to read an opponent and exploit their openings.
One Makuhita tried to grab Torchic with a Vital Throw, but Torchic, anticipating the move, suddenly unleashed a Flame Burst from its mouth, a move far more powerful than its usual Ember. The blast of fire pushed the Makuhita back, singeing its knuckles.
The intensity of the training reached a crescendo. Manectric unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, its fur bristling with energy, directly hitting one of the Hariyama, sending it staggering.
Marshtomp, seizing the opportunity, used a perfectly timed Surf, a wave of water sweeping over the second Hariyama, knocking it off its feet. The two Hariyama, though not defeated, were clearly winded, their deep grunts now sounds of exhaustion rather than aggression.
Then, it happened. Torchic, still battling two Makuhita, found itself cornered. One Makuhita went for a powerful Arm Thrust, while the other attempted a Focus Punch.
Instead of panicking, Torchic took a deep breath, its small body trembling, its internal flame roaring. It let out a defiant cry, a burst of energy erupting from its core. Its red plumage intensified, glowing with an almost blinding light.
*SHIII*
Its body elongated, its beak hardened, and its small, feathery wings transformed into powerful, muscled arms. The two Makuhita suddenly found themselves facing not a small chick, but a bipedal, avian fighting machine.
Azure exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face as he brought his Arc Phone to read its info, "Congrats, Torchic! You evolved into Combusken! And it looks like you inherited your move, Double Kick. Nice."
[Combusken the Young Fowl Pokémon. The legs of Combusken possess an equal amount of speed and power. Because of the training Combusken does by running through its grassland habitat, these legs can deliver a barrage of kicks. Its kicks are said to have outstanding destructive power.
Combusken can unleash up to 10 kicks per second. While it is fighting, it is noisy and produces sharp cries that distract and intimidate its opponent. During battles, Combusken's internal flame will burn and become stronger. Combusken's cry is described as loud and distracting when awake.
However, while it sleeps, its cry is much quieter, making this the ideal time to observe it closely. Combusken has four different sleep styles: Seated Sleep, Jumping Sleep, Kicking Sleep, and Atop-Belly Sleep.]
The newly evolved Combusken, its fiery crest flaring, let out a triumphant cry. It moved with newfound power, using its sharp claws to fend off the Makuhita, then delivering a powerful Double Kick that sent both of its former sparring partners tumbling.
Its fighting style had gained a new layer of elegance and power, a clear fusion of Fire and Fighting-type prowess. The wild Makuhita and Hariyama, though initially startled, emitted respectful grunts and nods.
They recognized the power of evolution, a moment of profound growth in nature. Azure approached his newly evolved Combusken, kneeling as he praised his Pokémon proudly, "You did wonderfully, Combusken! Your determination paid off!"
Combusken puffed out its chest, its eyes sparkling with pride. It then turned to its training partners, Manectric and Marshtomp, who both looked at it with a mix of awe and encouragement.
The three Pokémon, tired but exhilarated, shared a quiet moment of camaraderie. Azure distributed the Poké Blocks, offering them to the Makuhita and Hariyama first.
The wild Pokémon gobbled them down with clear satisfaction, their earlier gruffness replaced by contentment. He then gave some to Manectric, Marshtomp, and Combusken, congratulating them on their hard work.
Azure mused aloud, looking at his trio, who'd worked hard praising their efforts, "This is exactly what we needed. Marshtomp, your defensive game and ability to control the field are impressive. Manectric, your speed and electrical precision are growing. And Combusken… you've truly come into your own. This journey is going to be something special with all of you."
Unbeknownst to them, their entire training session had been observed. Norman, the formidable Gym Leader of Petalburg City, had been on his routine patrol of Petalburg Woods.
He often ventured into the forest, not just for exercise, but to keep an eye on the ecosystem and occasionally scout for new talent. His keen eyes, usually focused on the subtle shifts of the natural environment, had been drawn to the intense energy shift emanating from Azure's clearing.
He had watched from behind a thick cluster of trees, remaining perfectly still. He saw the composure of the young trainer using the methodical approach, the respect shown to wild Pokémon.
He noted the varied strengths of Manectric and Marshtomp, their adaptability impressive against the powerful Hariyama. Then, he witnessed the fiery brilliance of the shiny Torchic, its tenacious spirit, and the explosive moment of its evolution into Combusken.
Norman, a man known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind, allowed a rare, almost imperceptible smile to touch his lips. He murmured to himself, his voice a low rumble, "The Indigo Champion, they say… And traveling with such promising Pokémon. He values growth over brute force, respect over dominance. An interesting Trainer, indeed."
He had heard the whispers of a new, exceptionally skilled trainer arriving in Hoenn, one who had already made a name for himself in Kanto and Johto. The reputation preceded Azure Sky, but seeing him in action, witnessing his training philosophy firsthand, was far more insightful.
This wasn't just a powerful trainer; this was a wise trainer. The way he engaged the wild Pokémon, the patience he showed his newer team members, the celebration of their growth – it all spoke volumes.
Norman lingered for a moment longer, watching Azure gather his Pokémon, the setting sun painting the woods in hues of orange and purple. The Gym Leader felt a familiar thrill of anticipation.
His next challenger, it seemed, was not just strong but genuinely formidable, both in skill and spirit. The battle ahead would be a true test for both, as he muttered, "So you're the one who'd been babysitting Sapphire and Ruby. Despite my thanks, I won't show any mercy when we battle Indigo Champion."
Azure, unaware of the esteemed observer, returned Manectric, Marshtomp, and Combusken to their Poké Balls, a profound sense of accomplishment settling over him. He felt invigorated, the humid air of Hoenn now feeling less like a foreign embrace and more like a familiar welcome.
The detour into Petalburg Woods had been more fruitful than he could have imagined. With his younger team members growing stronger and his new Combusken radiating newfound power, the path to Norman's Gym now seemed clearer, the challenge more appealing.
He took a deep breath, the scent of pine and damp earth filling his lungs, and began his walk back towards Petalburg City, as he muttered, "Good progress. But with a few days remaining, though, I have about… 12 days or less to train my team. Can't rush it, everything got to have a time and place…"
Azure began his planning again as he checked his Arc Phone, reviewing the best methods to train his Pokémon…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!