Chapter 23: Conquer, Marill
The moonlight glimmered over the now-calm lake on Ancient Sword Mountain, its surface settling after the explosive clash of electricity and water. Souichi Kiruma stood by the shore, his campfire casting a warm glow across the grass, where Silk, his oversized Caterpie, coiled proudly, its draconic aura pulsing with satisfaction. The Poké Ball in Souichi's hand gleamed, containing his newest capture—a Marill, its petite form belying the fierce spirit it had shown in battle. Teddiursa's Poké Ball, clipped to his belt with the Lucky Egg, hummed faintly, while the system's panel glowed in his vision, confirming the milestone:
[Task Update: Finishing Touch Proficiency: 59%. Draconic transformation stable. Objective: Wild Pokémon (Marill) captured—task completed. Integrate Marill and pending Charmander (Green's gift) into team. Lucky Egg active (Teddiursa experience gain +50%). Alert: High-profile attention critical—Da Yan's Ghost King (Xia Yi), Kanto elites (Green, Red), and Hoenn factions tracking host. Marill's potential (Huge Power trait, inherited moves) noted. Exercise caution with new bonds.]
Souichi grinned, tossing Marill's Poké Ball lightly in his hand. "Nice catch, Silk. You flushed out a fighter." Silk chirped, its glow flaring—*This water bear's got grit. I'll make it stronger.* The Marill, now healed with a potion, sat on the grass, its round blue body trembling slightly as it eyed Souichi and Silk. Its tail, tipped with a buoyant sphere, twitched, and its bright eyes held a mix of wariness and curiosity. *This human… he's strong. That bug's a monster. But I fought. I can keep up.*
Souichi knelt beside Marill, extending a hand. "Welcome to the team, little dragon slayer." Marill hesitated, then tapped his palm with its tail, a shy *"Luli!"* sealing the bond. Souichi's grin widened. *Huge Power, Water Jet, Belly Drum—this one's a gem. Cheap to raise, too.* His mind flashed to Green's Charmander offer. *Silk, Teddiursa, Marill, and soon a fire lizard. We're building a squad.*
PokéNet buzzed on his Pokégear, the ended stream still trending: *"Emperor caught a Marill?!"* *"Caterpie and dragon slayer duo, let's go!"* Green's Line message lingered: *"Charmander's waiting in Pallet. Two days."* Souichi typed back: *"Caught a Marill. Fierce little thing. Pallet's on—ready for that Charmander."* The system's alert about Xia Yi—*Ghost Otaku*—and her file lockdown kept him sharp. *She's protecting me. But why?*
In Evergreen City, Kanto, Green watched the gym's training arena, where his Charmander practiced Ember, its tail flame blazing. Red leaned nearby, Pikachu dozing. "He caught a Marill," Green said, checking Souichi's message. "Huge Power, inherited moves. Kid's got an eye for talent." Red smirked. "Told you. He's a Cultivator. That Marill's gonna be a beast with his training."
Green nodded, his respect deepening. "My Charmander's perfect for him. Silk's a dragon, Teddiursa's got grit, and now a Marill? He's building a versatile team." He typed in the elite trainer group chat: *"Champion Green: Ai caught a Marill. Huge Power. My Charmander's next. Pallet's gonna be lit."*
*Cerulean Mermaid: Marill AND Charmander? Rookie Cup's toast!*
*I'm just pushing Miss Walnut: Da Yan Kung Fu with a dragon slayer? I'm scared.*
*Gorgeous Water Artist: Sky Pillar's his stage. Hoenn needs him.*
*To purchase precious gemstones, contact Devon: Mikoli, focus. Pacifidlog's critical.*
In Da Yan's Pokémon League headquarters, Xia Yi leaned back in her office, her Gengar grinning as she studied Souichi's sealed file. Her *Ghost Otaku* ID had sent a discreet gift during his stream—a rare berry for Silk. *Marill with Huge Power? Smart pick.* She smirked, her purple eyes glinting. *He's tied to Hoenn's ancients. Sky Pillar's calling.* She typed to an unknown ID: *"Marill captured. Pallet next, then Hoenn. Keep his path clear."*
In Caiyou City, Hoenn, Wallace and Steven watched the replay, Milotic and Metagross alert. "Marill's a perfect fit," Wallace said. "Water, fairy, Huge Power—he's balancing his team." Steven nodded, his Pokégear flashing with Devon's alerts—Pacifidlog's seismic spikes were at breaking point. "Magma and Aqua will move soon. We need him in Hoenn before they strike."
Steven typed to Red: *"Marill's a power play. Keep Ai safe in Pallet—Hoenn's a tinderbox."* Wallace added, "Sky Pillar's his destiny. We'll guide him."
At the campsite, Souichi released Teddiursa, its Lucky Egg gleaming as it sniffed Marill curiously. *Water bear's tough. I'll match it.* Marill's thoughts were fiery despite its small size: *That bug's a dragon. The bear's strong. I'll prove I belong.* Silk chirped, its glow steady—*New allies. Good. We'll crush the gods together.* Souichi grinned, sensing their resolve. "Silk, Teddiursa, Marill—you're my core. Charmander's next. We're building an empire."
His Pokégear buzzed—*Champion Green*: *"Marill's a beast. Pallet in two. Charmander's ready to burn."* Another from *Ghost Otaku*: *"Marill's a dragon slayer. Kanto's your warm-up—Hoenn's the real test."* Souichi typed back: *"Pallet's locked. Marill's ready, Charmander's next. Hoenn won't know what hit it."*
The system pinged: *Combat proficiency: 60%. Team synergy: 20%. Marill integration initiated.* Souichi looked at the lake, its surface calm but hiding power, like his growing team. "Great Flame King's rising," he said, patting Silk, Teddiursa, and Marill. The Sky Pillar loomed in his mind, a blade piercing the heavens, and the Emperor's legend burned brighter with every new bond.