Chapter 6: Capturing Froakie
Countless rare Water-type Pokémon had been caught throughout the day, including Lanturn, Corsola, Clamperl, Pyukumuku, and Luvdisc. Almost all of them had above-average potential, with a few having exceptional talent, but there were practically no weak ones. However, Ryan hadn't captured a single one. After rapidly training his three Pokémon through intense battles, he'd discovered the difference between top-tier and high-tier Pokémon potential. Beedrill was even faster than Charmeleon and the others in terms of move learning and power development.
Not to mention average-potential Pokémon, which were even more limiting. So unless it was a top-tier potential Pokémon or a high-tier one he really wanted to capture, he wouldn't bother with lesser specimens. High-tier Pokémon could theoretically reach top-tier levels with enough training and rare items, but the resources required were enormous. Average-potential Pokémon would need even more investment to reach that level - a wasteful endeavor.
He'd also caught several high-tier Water-types earlier, but none of them were what Ryan truly wanted, so he had to release them. After all, he had a personal goal: to assemble a team of six exceptional Pokémon to compete in the Indigo League Championship.
He cast his line again and waited for a Pokémon to take the bait. This continued fishing had attracted quite a few tourists, especially those amazed by his rapid catch rate. The occasional exclamations of surprise from onlookers boosted Ryan's confidence.
"Hey there, young man! Are you visiting Akala Island? You're quite the skilled angler!" a mature woman's voice called out.
Ryan looked back, stunned, and said, "You're... Kahuna Olivia!"
Behind him was a tanned woman riding a Sharpedo, her beach attire revealing her athletic figure. Olivia smiled at him, "Looks like you know about the Alola region, young man. I'm Olivia, the Kahuna of Akala Island. What's your name?"
"I'm Ryan from Pallet Town. You can just call me Ryan," Ryan said, reeling in his line and releasing an average-potential Krabby back into the sea.
"Well, Ryan. Are you some kind of fishing prodigy? Your speed is truly remarkable," Olivia said, having Sharpedo swim up to Lapras. With a graceful leap, she landed on Lapras's back and patted Charmeleon's head.
"It's just natural talent, I guess," Ryan said with a grin. "By the way, shouldn't a Kahuna be busy with Island Challenge duties? Taking time for a beach vacation?"
"Haha. I'm still a person, you know. Everyone needs a break now and then," Olivia laughed. "Ryan, you've caught so many Pokémon - aren't you going to keep any of them?"
"I'm pretty selective about my team members. They have to have strong potential, but more importantly, it's about the connection I feel with them. If we click, I'll catch them. If not, I let them return to the sea. After all, forcing a partnership never works out well," Ryan said thoughtfully.
"That's a wonderful philosophy, Ryan. I respect that approach," Olivia said with an approving smile.
They were chatting casually when Ryan's fishing rod suddenly bent dramatically. He quickly began reeling in his line, excitement building. As soon as the Pokémon emerged from the water, Ryan was overjoyed. He'd finally found what he'd been waiting for.
A blue, frog-like Pokémon landed on Lapras's back. It was a Froakie! And from what Ryan could sense, it had exceptional potential! While it wasn't quite top-tier, thinking of its final evolution and Greninja's unique Bond Phenomenon ability, Ryan couldn't contain his excitement. His Water-type ace had finally arrived!
"Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage to weaken it," Ryan commanded. He could gauge the Pokémon's strength and roughly estimate its level. Froakie was only about level 10, and a single Dragon Rage from Charmeleon at level 28 would be enough to bring it to critical health without causing serious harm.
Froakie had just been pulled from the water when Dragon Rage struck, leaving it weakened but not severely injured. Ryan happily took out a Poké Ball and captured Froakie. He high-fived Charmeleon and said, "Olivia, I've found the Pokémon I was looking for! I should head back now. Lapras, thank you for the ride!"
Olivia congratulated Ryan and leaped back onto Sharpedo. Ryan patted Lapras's head and fed it the remaining Pokémon food as a thank-you. Just as he and Olivia were about to part ways, a haunting cry echoed from the ocean depths.
Olivia's expression grew serious, and she exclaimed, "That's Tapu Fini! What's it doing near Akala Island?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a massive water spout suddenly erupted from the seabed into the sky. A purple Pokémon appeared before them, resembling an ornate shell with a dark, mystical beauty housed within its purple exterior. It was Tapu Fini!
At the same time, a melodic cry echoed from the depths of Akala Island. A pink light quickly approached the surface, leaving a trail of glittering scales in the air. It was Tapu Lele, the psychic guardian deity resembling a butterfly-fairy.
Ryan looked at the shimmering scales and immediately released Froakie. The newly caught Pokémon's injuries instantly healed upon contact with Tapu Lele's Life Dew ability. Froakie bowed respectfully before Tapu Lele in gratitude. Then, turning back to Ryan who had captured it, Froakie leaped onto his shoulder in a gesture of acceptance and partnership.
Olivia watched Tapu Fini and Tapu Lele in amazement. The two guardian deities exchanged what seemed like conversation, and Tapu Fini tossed a crystalline stone through the air to Ryan. After regarding him with an inscrutable look, it dove back into the sea and disappeared.
Tapu Lele, however, circled Ryan with obvious interest. Then, with a playful gesture, it lightly tapped Charmeleon on Lapras's back, causing the Fire-type to suddenly feel overwhelmed with psychic energy. With what seemed like a mischievous giggle, Tapu Lele sprinkled healing scales to restore Charmeleon's energy before quickly departing.
Charmeleon, now standing proudly on Lapras's back, instinctively breathed a powerful stream of fire into the sky - it had somehow learned Flamethrower, a signature move of its evolutionary line.
Ryan patted Charmeleon's head and said, "Feeling frustrated about being toyed with? Don't worry, I'll train you to become incredibly strong. Maybe someday we'll have a proper battle with that Tapu Lele."
Charmeleon turned to meet Ryan's determined eyes, nodding and clenching its claws with renewed resolve. It trusted Ryan completely as a trainer. After all, his training methods allowed for rapid growth, and Charmeleon believed wholeheartedly in Ryan's promises.
Olivia watched the determined trainer and Pokémon, speechless. "Do you really think legendary Pokémon are so easy to challenge?" she wondered silently.
Glancing at the stone Tapu Fini had given Ryan, Olivia's eyes widened with recognition. "Ryan, could I examine that stone? I'll take it back to my workshop and return it to you tomorrow with some modifications."
Ryan nodded and handed the stone to Olivia. He had already recognized it as a Sparkling Stone used to craft Z-Rings. Since he didn't know how to work with such materials, he decided to leave it to an expert.
After parting ways with Olivia at the beach, Ryan suddenly remembered something important and called out mentally: "System! I just encountered two legendary Pokémon! Where's my bonus reward?"
"Ding. The Pokédex can currently only record Pokémon from the Kanto region. Pokémon from other regions will be unlocked in subsequent story arcs."
"So no rewards until I officially explore the Alola region later?"
"Correct."
Ryan sighed in mild frustration, but his mood quickly lifted as Froakie croaked happily on his shoulder. At least he'd found his Water-type partner.
To be continued...
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