Chapter 46: Mantis Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Route 16]
After the whole debacle, what happened to the Game Corner Azure bid his farewell, feeling his Pokémon won't grow stronger staying under Erika's home. He said his goodbyes to Erika and her allies, continuing his travels and promises to battle Team Rocket.
The neon glow of Celadon City faded in Azure's rearview mirror as he steered his modified, off-road Mach bike down Route 16. The city, with its towering department store, ruined game corner, and tranquil gym, had served as a crucial training ground.
Days bled together in a montage of focused drills, strategic battles, and meticulous care for his Pokémon. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose and a team honed to a razor's edge, Azure was ready to resume his journey.
His team, a vibrant tapestry of personalities and strengths, was his family. Partner Pikachu, perched on Azure's shoulder, his yellow fur gleaming in the afternoon sun, was constantly chattering about the surrounding scenery.
Growlithe, a fiery powerhouse, followed closely behind, his burning spirit brighter with each challenge. Graceful Dragonair glided through the air beside them, her scales shimmering like a thousand pearls.
Eevee, a ball of fluffy potential, bounced excitedly, eager to prove herself. And finally, mischievous Gastly, phased in and out of visibility, leaving a trail of ethereal laughter wherever he went, along with mischief tolling to anybody unfortunate to meet her.
Route 16, a narrow path shadowed by tall grass and overgrown trees, offered a stark contrast to the city's manicured streets. Azure gripped the handlebars, his senses on high alert.
He knew this route was notorious for its hidden trainers and aggressive wild Pokémon, all eager to test his mettle. It didn't take long.
A young trainer, barely a teenager, stepped out from behind a thicket of bushes. He clutched a battered Poké Ball, his eyes wide with a mixture of nervousness and determination as he yelled, "Hey! You! I challenge you to a battle!"
Azure dismounted his bike, a calm smile playing on his lips. He looked at Pikachu, nestled comfortably on his shoulder, as he said excitedly, "Alright, I accept. Let's make it a good one. Pikachu, you're up. Hit'em with a Zippy Zap!"
Pikachu, hearing his name, crackled with electricity, leaping from Azure's shoulder with a surge of energy. As the opposing trainer sent out his Dodrio, Pikachu was already charging forward with Zippy Zap.
*Zap*
The Dodrio, overwhelmed by Pikachu's speed and power along with his Light Ball, was quickly defeated in one hit, landing a critical hit. The young trainer froze as his Pokémon got one shot.
The young trainer, though disappointed, showed a spark of admiration. He retrieved his Dodrio and offered Azure a polite bow as he said respectfully, "Wow, you're really strong! Thanks for battling me. Good luck on your journey!"
Azure watched him leave, a feeling of warmth spreading through him. These small battles were more than just tests of strength; they were opportunities to learn, to grow, and to connect with other trainers who shared his passion.
As he continued down the route, the challenges escalated. A pair of biker trainers, notorious for their rough tactics and intimidating Pokémon, blocked his path.
Azure gazed at Growlithe, eager for a fight, and roared with anticipation, his flames dancing in the air, wanting a challenge, "Arf! Bark!"
Dragonair weaved between the bikers, cutting off their bikes. Azure knew he couldn't back down.
He chose his team carefully, sending out Growlithe to face their Koffing and Wheezing in a two-on-one battle. The battle was fierce and relentless.
Poison Gas filled the air, forcing Azure to strategize quickly. Growlithe, however, was relentless, using Flamethrower with precision, burning away the toxic fumes and weakening his opponents.
With a final, powerful Strong Style Ember, he defeated the two Poison-type Pokémon with relative ease with a battle cry, "Arf! Bark!"
The bikers, defeated and disgruntled, grudgingly stepped aside, muttering about their bad luck. Azure, however, knew it wasn't just luck.
It was the result of countless hours of training, of understanding his Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses, and of unwavering trust in his team. Further down the path, Azure encountered a different kind of challenge: a group of wild Pokémon blocking the route, their eyes filled with fear and confusion.
A Weepinbell was tangled in thorny vines, its cries of distress echoing through the forest. Sensing an opportunity to help, Azure approached cautiously as he said calmly, "Dragonair, can you help me?"
Dragonair nodded, her eyes radiating compassion. With a gentle application of her Twister, she shook the thorny vines off, allowing Azure to carefully free the Weepinbell. The other wild Pokémon, witnessing this act of kindness, calmed down.
Azure offered the Weepinbell a berry, which it gratefully accepted. He knew that not all challenges required brute force. Sometimes, the best solution was compassion and understanding.
*Rustle*
They were so engrossed in helping them that they almost didn't notice the rustling in the nearby bushes. A glint of metal flashed in the sunlight, and a creature exploded from the foliage, a blur of green and silver.
*WOOOSH*
It was a Scyther, its mantis-like arms razor sharp and gleaming. Its body is primarily green and has a thin, cream-colored section between its head, thorax, and abdomen. Its reptilian head has two narrow, triangular eyes and three blunt horns extending from its forehead. Its arms end in large, white scythes, which it uses for both hunting and fighting.
Two pairs of cream-colored wings extend from its back. While these wings do allow Scyther to fly, it rarely does so. Scyther's thighs have large, upward-pointing spikes. Its feet are tall, rounded, and conical, almost extending to its thighs; each foot ends in three small, white claws on its front side.
Azure's eyes widened in surprise as he thought, stunned, analyzing the situation, 'Scyther are not native to this area. They're typically found in more wooded, mountainous regions. To encounter one here and one that looked this aggressive was highly unusual…'
Azure has already made his conclusion based on the aggressiveness of Scyther being one of the rewards in the Prize Corner that could have escaped. The reason is a lack of blood on his blades or merely a wild Scyther.
The Scyther didn't hesitate. It launched itself at Pikachu with the Wild Pokémon running away, its scythes whistling through the air. Pikachu, caught off guard, barely managed to dodge the attack, leaping back with a squeak of surprise.
*Wooosh*
Azure exclaimed, a thrill of excitement coursing through him. He'd always admired these Pokémon, their elegant ferocity a fascinating mix.
He knew this was a dangerous encounter, but a grin spread across his face as he yelled out to both it and his team, "Scyther! Alright, team, stand back! I want to try something."
He stepped forward, meeting the Scyther's fierce gaze. He called out, his voice loud and clear, "Hey, Scyther! You're a long way from home. I'm Azure. I can see you're strong, but you're trying to pick a fight."
*Clang*
The Scyther hissed, its scythes clicking menacingly. Azure continued holding a bag of Silver Powder, getting its interest, "Look, I'm not usually one for unnecessary battles, but I can't let you just attack my Pokémon. So, I'm going to make you a deal. We'll battle. If you win, I'll give you my Silver Powder. I got it from the Butterfree Tribe during my journey. But if I win, you have to come with me."
The Scyther seemed to consider his words. Its gaze flickered between Azure and the Silver Powder that will likely boost its Bug Typing moves, it just knew, feeling its instincts longing for it.
While it thought Azure checked its level and was stunned at what he saw in a surprised tone, 'This might be a bit challenging. That Scyther is Lv.33.'
After a moment, it let out a sharp, triumphant screech, as if accepting the challenge, "Ther! Scyther!"
Azure said, his grin widening, "Alright then! Let's battle!"
He turned to Pikachu. Pikachu nodded as Azure commanded, "Pikachu, you're up! Use Zippy Zap to start!"
*Swooosh*
Pikachu, recovered from the surprise attack, nodded eagerly and charged forward, becoming a yellow streak as he used Zippy Zap. The Scyther, however, was ready, eyes narrowed.
It sidestepped the attack with surprising agility and retaliated with a Fury Cutter. The blades of Fury Cutter struck Pikachu, sending him tumbling back.
*Shinng*
Azure called out, concerned, "Pikachu, are you okay?"
Pikachu shook his head, his fur bristling. He chirped, signaling he was ready to continue, "Pika!"
Sighing a breath of relief, he commanded, "Alright, then use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glowed a steely gray, and he lunged at the Scyther. This time, the attack connected, slamming into the Scyther's side.
*CLANG*
It staggered back, hissing in pain. Azure knew he had to keep the pressure on as he ordered with his cap down, "Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
*Zzzz*
Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt at Scyther, bathing it in electricity. The Scyther, weakened by Pikachu's Iron Tail, couldn't evade the full force of the Thunderbolt. It cried out in pain, stumbling back again, "SCYTHER!!"
*Wooosh*
But the Scyther was far from defeated. It retaliated with a powerful Wing Attack, sending a gust of wind and force towards Pikachu, almost knocking him off balance.
Azure's eyes widened, seeing Scyther standing along with his Pokémon. He thought in an impressed tone, 'This Scyther is strong. Despite being hit by a Thunderbolt by Pikachu with Light Ball, it stood up still. What a fierce willpower this one has… He won't go down easily, only wants me to add to my team even more!!'
Azure instructed Pikachu in a calm tone, eyeing Scyther excitedly, "Quick Attack Agile Style to get close, then use the momentum for an Iron Tail."
*SWOOOOSH*
Pikachu shimmered and became a blur of yellow, too fast for the Scyther to track. It spun around the Scyther, delivering a series of swift blows with its tail, each strike resonating with the power of an Iron-type Pokémon.
*BAM*
The Scyther struggled to keep its footing, its movements becoming sluggish and erratic. It was weakening.
Azure looked to see Pikachu charging at Scyther, using Quick Attack, and followed behind it with Iron Tail as Azure had instructed. Bashing Scyther from multiple angles, too quick to be seen.
*BAM*
Azure commanded as he yelled, "Pikachu, now! Thunderbolt!"
*Zzzz*
Pikachu unleashed another blast of electricity. Scyther, still reeling from a barrage of attacks, was directly impacted again by another powerful Thunderbolt.
The Scyther let out a final, defeated cry before collapsing onto the ground, defeated, "Scy! SCYTHER!!"
*THUD*
Its green body lay still in defeat. Scyther had no choice but to accept this outcome, as in the wild, fighting alone against someone stronger, its life was forfeit for the winner to choose as he pleases.
Azure approached the fallen Scyther cautiously. He smirked as he said, extending his hand in a proud tone, "Well fought, Scyther. You were strong."
The Scyther, exhausted but not broken, looked up at Azure. It seemed to understand what had happened.
With a sigh, it nodded its head in acceptance. Azure said, a triumphant grin on his face, "Alright then. Welcome to the team!"
He retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt. He didn't want to force it, as he knew that Pokémon that don't like their trainer were usually unruly.
He held out the Poké Ball. And asked once more in a serious tone what Scyther wanted, "I hope you'll get along with everyone. I'll ask just to be certain if this is what you want, Scyther. Do you want to join us?"
The Scyther looked up at Azure again and tapped the ball with its scythe. Scyther has accepted the battle and lost, as it cried out kneeling, "Scyther! Scy!"
*BON*
Azure let out a cheer and lifted the Poké Ball in the air. He says in an excited tone, "Alright, I got a Scyther!"
His other Pokémon cheered, celebrating the new addition to their team. With that, Azure brought medicine to heal Scyther.
*Pop*
Scyther appeared as Azure began applying his healing items. After 2 minutes of healing him Scyther looked at his surroundings and was very sad that he was so weak against Pikachu, as he thought that defeating him without any problems.
Azure patted Scyther's shoulder as he said calmly with a cheeky grin on his face, "Scyther, according to our bet, you're my Pokémon now. I know that you are very sad that you lost, but don't worry, I'll make you so strong that you will realize that it is good for you to lose here. If you don't believe me, look at Dragonair. I made her a lot stronger."
Dragonair blushed, recalling Azure's words when she was a Dratini. Scyther nodded as he looked at Azure and, in sign language, said, "You won. I will keep my promise, but I expect you to make me a strong Pokémon."
While Azure didn't understand what Scyther said, he understood his tone. He had a lot of practice and trusted his senses, which told him Scyther wanted to become stronger as he checked his Arc Phone Scyther info.
|Name: Scyther (Mantis Pokémon)
|Type: Bug/Flying
|Level: 33
|Held Item: None
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Technician
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Quick Attack, Leer, Fury Cutter, Focus Energy, False Swipe, Double Team, Double Hit, Slash, Agility, Wing Attack, Roost (EM) (5 Moves to learn)
[Scyther the Mantis Pokémon. Scyther is an adept hunter that tears at its prey with its scythes. Thanks to its green coloration, it can camouflage itself well in the grasslands and forests where it lives. Humans rarely encounter wild Scyther in these areas, however. Said to be like a ninja, Scyther can move so quickly that it cannot be followed, increasing the effectiveness of its scythes.
It maintains the sharpness of its blades through battle as well as by cutting through hard objects, such as trees; it can cut down a massive tree with just a single slice, although it cannot penetrate Tarountula's elastic threads. Wild Scyther form swarms with a single leader chosen through combat.
When a challenger successfully defeats a current leader and replaces it, the defeated leader is exiled from the swarm. Scyther becomes aggressive when faced with the color red.]
As the sun began to set, Azure and his team, now including Scyther, looked at him as he said, setting his Mach Bike in his Sub-Space, said calmly, "Seems like the sun is setting. Alright, everyone, we'll begin to set up camp for the night. Alright!"
Everyone cried out in agreement as Scyther was confused. Growlithe helped Scyther to show them their roles as Azure began to set up the campsite as he thought happily, 'I have a Scyther! Sabrina and Koga you two are fucking cooked! But first, I should ask Scyther's opinion if he wants to evolve.'
/////
A/N: Alright! We finally reached the MC's final team member for the Kanto Region! No worries, he'll catch more just he sticks with his main team for a while.
Quick question, I'm almost finishing up the mini-training arc, after that is the Gold, Silver, and Crystal Arc in the Johto Region. My question is, what Pokémon do you guys think would fit well in his Johto team?