Chapter 503: Great Marsh Encounters (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Pastoria City – Great Marsh]
*Clack-clack*
*Clack-clack*
The Marsh Train lurched forward, its silver body cutting through the thick morning mist. Inside the passenger car, Diamond had his face pressed against the glass, holding a pair of binoculars he'd paid for at the observatory, "Hey, look! A shadow!"
Diamond pointed, but just as he focused, the shutter on the binoculars slammed shut. A red light blinked on the side. REFILL COINS TO CONTINUE VIEWING.
Diamond drifted back, reaching into his pocket as he mumbled, "Aw, man… I have some allowance left, but..."
Pearl stood up, striking a pose as he spoke excitedly, commencing with their routine, "Never mind the coins, Dia! We've got a captive audience! Let's practice our new routine. 'The Marsh and the Mush'!"
Diamond grinned, his melancholy vanishing as he followed up in an excited tone, "Right! So, about train travel..."
Pearl barked, playing the straight man, "What about it?"
Diamond said, checking his watch with a goofy smile, "I'm really glad we took the Marsh Train. It's leaving at 13:30 sharp, I guess you could say we've... trained ourselves to be on time!"
*SMACK*
Pearl's hand connected with the back of Diamond's head in a perfectly timed Manzai strike as he said, "That's enough out of you! We're here to catch Pokémon, not puns!"
Platinum watched them, her expression one of utter bewilderment as she asked, "Is this... normal? I usually take a private limousine to the family estate. I have never seen a public transit performance before."
Pearl sighed, rubbing his temples as he exclaimed, "Don't mind him, Platinum. We're only on this train because you said you wanted to see the scenery up close!"
Azure laughed, leaning back with Eevee curled in his lap as he added, "Actually, this is a great setup. In Hoenn, we had to bike or walk through the tall grass. A train that drops you off in different sectors? That's luxury, even for a Safari."
*SKREEEEEE*
The train slowed to a crawl as the brakes squealed and the conductor's voice crackled over the intercom, "Area 1. Entrance to the deep marsh. Please watch your step. The mud is deeper than it looks."
The doors hissed open. The group stepped out into the humid air, now dressed in bulky, yellow rubber suits that reached up to their chests.
*Squeak-squelch-squeak*
Pearl muttered, trying to lift his leg out of the thick, black mire, "I feel like a giant Togepi wearing this…"
Platinum was undeterred. She led the way into the tall, swaying reeds. Suddenly, the grass to their left rustled violently…
*Rustle*
*Snap*
A purple, segmented creature with twin tail-pincers skittered out. A Skorupi. It hissed, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent, "Skoooor!! (Get off my swamp!)."
Platinum cried, "There!"
She reached into her pouch, pulled out a Safari Ball, and threw it with a graceful overhand arc cried out, "Go!"
*BONK*
The ball hit the Skorupi's head and drew it inside in a flash of red light. The ball fell into the mud and began to shake…
*Wiggle*
*Riggle*
*POP*
The Skorupi burst out, looking absolutely insulted. It let out a shrill shriek! and dived into the deep water, disappearing with a splash, "Skreee!"
Platinum stood there, her arm still extended, a look of pure shock on her face. Azure let out a light chuckle, shaking his head. Azure teased gently, "The 'Berlitz Curse' strikes again. Your luck with a Poké Ball is about as good as Diamond's luck with a diet."
Platinum pouted, her cheeks reddening as she denied his words, "It is not a curse! The ball was... defective. The mud interfered with the locking mechanism!"
Pearl shouted, waving his arms as he stated casually, "It takes practice, Platinum. You can't just throw and hope! You must read the Pokémon's mood! We've only got 30 balls each. If you keep throwing them like confetti, we'll be out of here in ten minutes!"
They continued deeper into the marsh, the water rising to their knees.
*Squelch-squelch*
Another rustle. This time, a small, green bud-like Pokémon emerged.
A Budew.
It looked timid, its head swaying in the breeze. Pearl coached Platinum, "Try the bait first. Calm it down."
Platinum nodded and tossed a handful of specialized Pokémon food. The Budew chirped, leaning forward to nibble on the pellets. While it was distracted, Platinum threw the Safari Ball…
*BONK*
*Wiggle*
*Riggle*
*POP*
Wait, no click. The ball snapped open at the last second, and the Budew, spooked by the mechanical sound, vanished into the brush.
Platinum slumped, her shoulders dropping. She whispered, "I am a failure."
Pearl yelled, though his voice was more encouraging than usual, "Hey, none of that! It's the Safari Zone! It's designed to be frustrating! Even the best trainers lose more than they catch here."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, 1 Hour Later, Pastoria City – Great Marsh]
An hour passed in a blur of failed attempts. Platinum tried for a Marill (escaped), a Hoothoot (flew away), a Wooper (dived in the swamp), and even a Barboach that slipped through her fingers like wet soap.
Platinum cried, tripping over a submerged root, "This is impossible!"
*SPLAT*
As she fell, a glob of thick, black mud splashed up right into her eyes as she exclaimed, "Ah! I cannot see! My vision has been compromised!"
Azure was by her side in a second. He reached into his utility belt and pulled out a pair of sleek, tactical goggles as he said, "Here. Put these on. I brought them for the dust storms in Hoenn, but they work just as well for swamp mud."
He wiped her face with a clean cloth and secured the goggles. Platinum blinked through the tinted lenses, her breathing hitching for a moment as she looked at him as she said, "Thank you. I... I feel somewhat more prepared now."
Azure said calmly, looking at the counter on his Arc Phone, "You're trying too hard. You've only got three Safari Balls left. And the rest of the guys are getting worn out."
Diamond and Pearl looked exhausted. The humidity was draining their energy, and the constant 'near-misses' were taking a toll on their morale.
Azure, however, still had all 30 of his balls. He hadn't thrown one as he wanted to find a Pokémon that clicks with him.
Azure noted, glancing at the swaying grass, "The group is too loud. We're scaring off the higher-level Grass-types. I think we need to split up."
Pearl wiped sweat from his brow as he muttered, voicing his concern, "Split up? In this place? We'll get lost!"
Azure reminded him as he pointed at his Arc Phone, "The Rotom Phones have GPS. Diamond, Pearl, you two head toward Area 4. I heard there are some Flying-types and different terrain there. I'll stay with Platinum. I'll help her find a Grass-type that fits her style."
Pearl looked at Diamond, who nodded slowly as he said calmly, "Safe travels, then. Don't let the Lady get eaten by a Carnivine!"
Platinum huffed, though she subconsciously moved closer to Azure, "Hmph! I shall be perfectly fine!"
With a final wave, the duo split. Diamond and Pearl headed east, their yellow suits disappearing into the fog...
/////
~Diamond's POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City – Great Marsh (Area 4)]
*Squelch-squelch*
The squelch of my rubber boots was the loudest sound in the swamp as Pearl and I parted ways. Man, it felt weird without Tru or Lax by my side. I mean, I love just chilling with my Pokémon, but walking into the unknown without their presence was… cautious, almost like walking into a buffet without knowing if there's dessert.
You gotta be ready for anything!
Azure was right, though. This whole Safari Zone thing was different. No battles, just pure luck and strategy.
And trying to catch a Pokémon without having my partners around felt a little like being naked. Not literally, of course, because this rubber suit was surprisingly warm. But still, vulnerable.
I decided to head towards Area 4. My team, as awesome as it was, lacked a decent Flying-type. I mean, imagine soaring through the sky, the wind rushing past, taking in all the scenery from above!
Maybe I could even spot some new snack shops from up high!
I got lost in my daydream for a moment, picturing Tru giving me a piggyback ride on his back while flying, if only he could fly. Heh, that'd be funny. But I snapped myself out of it. Focus, Diamond! Flying-type!
The reeds here were even taller, forming tunnels that twisted and turned. The air grew thicker, almost soupy, and the distant calls of unseen bird Pokémon echoed.
"Caw! Caw!"
I kept my eyes peeled, scanning the dense foliage, hoping for a glimpse of something unique, something that would make a good flying friend. Then I saw it.
Tucked away in a small clearing, partially hidden by a cluster of broad-leafed plants, was a Tropius. It was magnificent, with large, green leaves on its back that looked like wings, and a bunch of sweet-looking fruit hanging from its neck.
Even better, it was fast asleep, its massive body gently rising and falling with slow, rhythmic breaths, "Zzzzzzz…"
This was my chance!
A Flying/Grass-type!
Perfect for getting around and maybe even producing some tasty treats!
I crept closer, my movements deliberate, trying not to disturb its peaceful slumber. I pulled one of my precious Safari Balls from my pouch, holding it carefully. I aimed for its side, where the light would reflect less. I took a deep breath, focusing all my energy.
*WHIZZ*
*CLINK*
I threw the Safari Ball. It arc-ed perfectly, landing with a soft CLINK against the Tropius's leathery hide. The ball shimmered, then burst open, drawing the sleeping Pokémon inside with a flash of warm light.
The ball shook once…
*Wiggle*
Twice…
*Riggle*
Three times…
*BON*
…and then settled. It was caught!
I gasped, a wide grin spreading across my face as I yelled, "Alright! Yes!"
I'd done it! My first Great Marsh capture!
I quickly pulled out my Rotom Phone, asking, "Rotom, what've we got?"
*BZZZT*
The Rotom Phone whirred to life, its screen displaying information about the newly caught Tropius, "Tropius, the Fruit Pokémon. It flies by flapping its large leaves. The fruit around its neck is very sweet and nutritious."
Rotom zoomed in on a specific detail, "Gender: Female."
A girl! How cool!
She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping. I thought about a name, something soft and sweet, like her fruit. I muttered in a hushed tone, "Hmm… sweet… peaceful… I know! I'll call her… How about… 'Branch'?"
I liked it. A good, strong name for a big, gentle giant, as I declared, "Welcome to the team, Branch!"
I tucked the Safari Ball safely into my pocket, a huge grin spreading across my face. This was a good day. Now, to find Pearl and tell him! And maybe find a good spot for a snack with my new friend.
/////
~Pearl's POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City – Great Marsh (Area 5)]
Hmph!
Diamond's probably already found a Pokémon that smells like food. I thought, navigating a particularly dense patch of reeds in Area 5.
My mind was racing, trying to figure out what my own team lacked. I had a strong physical firepower with Chimlar and Herc.
Ryu, my Dratini, was already set to become a powerful Dragonite, my future flying mount. I didn't really need another Flying-type.
What about a Water-type?
Or maybe something that just caught my eye?
*Whooosh*
*Swish*
I only had three Safari Balls left; I couldn't afford to be too picky.
The fog was rolling in, thick and swirling, making visibility difficult.… It parted and closed around me like a living curtain.
*BZZZT*
I pulled out my Rotom Phone, its screen glowing in the mist, trying to get a bearing on my location. I must have wandered off course.
This wasn't Area 1 anymore. It didn't look like Area 4 either.
I read the small print on the screen out loud, "Area 5, huh? Known for denser fog and… well, I guess dangerous Pokémon."
*Hissss*
Just as I was about to tuck the phone away and backtrack, a low hiss sliced through the fog. Before I could react, a blur of purple shot out from the mist.
*WHOOSH*
An Arbok, its hood flared wide, fangs dripping, lunged straight at me!
I instinctively backed away, stumbling on a submerged root, "Whoa!"
My heart thumped in my chest. No Pokémon allowed out, remember, Pearl!
This is bad!
Just as Arbok coiled for another strike, a shimmering blue outline flickered into existence between us…
*BWOOM*
A powerful psychic wave erupted, sending the Arbok hurtling backward with a surprised yelp, "HGH!"
*THUD*
It landed with a heavy THUD in the mud, then quickly slithered away, disappearing into the fog with a frustrated cry, "HISSS! (Damn you!!)"
I blinked, my eyes widening in surprise. What just happened?
The blue glow faded, revealing… a cluster of six small, egg-like Pokémon, each with a different facial expression. They were hovering slightly off the ground, united by a pale pink core…
An Exeggcute.
One of the eggs, the one with a mischievous grin, let out a delighted chuckle sound, as if immensely pleased with itself, "Hehehe! (Take that, you damn snake! Don't stick your sorry hide in my part of the hood woods!)"
I breathed, staring at the Exeggcute, thanking it for the assist, "Whoa. Thanks! You just saved my hide!"
The Exeggcute cluster bobbed up and down, seemingly chuckling in response, "Gegege! (Heh! No prob, squirt.)"
It looked friendly, despite its powerful psychic display. Hmm…
I looked at my Rotom Phone again. My team lacked a decent Grass-type, and a Psychic-type would be a huge asset. An Exeggcute could evolve into an Exeggutor, a powerful special attacker.
This was perfect!
I began, holding out one of my remaining Safari Balls, "Hey, uh, Exeggcute. You seem… cool. And strong. Would you be interested in joining my team? I could really use a powerful Grass and Psychic-type, a special attacker powerhouse."
The Exeggcute cluster tilted slightly, as if pondering my offer. It let out a soft sound, "Geg-geg-gegg? (Oh? What are you offering?)"
I continued, a sudden surge of Pearl-level pragmatism hitting me, "Look, I promise I'll help you evolve into a super strong Exeggutor. Or… you could just stay here in the Safari Zone, having people throw bait or mud at you for the rest of your life, hoping you'll join them. I'm offering you a chance to see the outside world, to battle, to travel, to get strong!"
I paused, letting the implications sink in. The Exeggcute cluster wobbled, then, with a decisive bob, it seemed to agree. The mischievous egg gave a final, happy cry, "Hehehe! (You can evolve us?! Say no more, brat! We're in!)"
*FLASH*
And then, with a flash of light, the entire cluster used Teleport. My eyes widened in surprise as the cluster of eggs poofed out of existence and reappeared directly in front of my Safari Ball!
*CLINK*
The ball opened, swallowing them whole without any resistance at all, like they were eager to join. It landed in the mud with a soft plip, then gave a single, solid click. The red light turned green.
*BON*
I grinned, picking up the ball, "No way!"
That was… surprisingly easy!
*BZZZZT*
I quickly pointed my Rotom Phone at it as it spoke the info about Exeggcute, "Exeggcute, the Egg Pokémon. A Grass/Psychic type. Though it appears to be a cluster of six eggs, Exeggcute is regarded as a single Pokémon. The six eggs attract each other and rotate as if they are a single being."
I scrolled down muttering, "Gender: Female."
Another girl!
Yes, at least Ryu won't feel alone being in a sausage party as I greeted our new partner, "Alright, let's name you… Coco! Welcome to the team!"
I chuckled, feeling a thrill of accomplishment. This was better than just a Water-type. A Grass/Psychic, a powerhouse in the making!
Now, to find Diamond. He wouldn't believe this. I tucked the Safari Ball into my bag and started to hurry, eager to share the news.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!