Chapter 111: Dark Pokémon [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Johto Region, Later, Route 29]
After leaving Silver on his own, Azure gazed in awe at the sprawling vista of Route 29. The Johto region was a breath of fresh air after Kanto, a land teeming with unfamiliar sights and Pokémon.
His trusty partner Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its yellow fur gleaming in the afternoon sun, while Eevee trotted faithfully beside him, its bushy tail swaying gently. Now, his team consisted of a curious Larvitar, a playful Misdreavus, and a perpetually smiling Wooper – a motley crew brimming with potential.
He had been walking for a few hours, the gentle incline of Route 29 a welcome change after the bustling city of New Bark Town. Wild Pidgey soared overhead, while the rustling grass hinted at the presence of hidden Hoppip and Bellsprout.
He breathed in the fresh, crisp air, a sense of anticipation filling him. This was it, the start of his Johto adventure.
Finally, his stomach announced it was time for a break. He found a small clearing nestled beside a babbling brook, the perfect spot for lunch.
He released Larvitar, Misdreavus, and Wooper from their Poké Balls. Larvitar immediately began gnawing on a nearby rock, Misdreavus playfully floated around Pikachu, attempting to startle it with its mischievous illusions, and Wooper hopped towards the brook, eager to splash in the cool water.
Azure unpacked his backpack, pulling out a selection of sandwiches, berries, and Pokémon food. He shared his meal with his team, watching with amusement as Larvitar devoured its rock, Misdreavus nibbled delicately on a Pecha Berry, and Wooper slurped down its Pokémon food with gusto.
Pikachu and Eevee happily munched on their specially prepared treats. The lunch break was peaceful, filled with the sounds of nature and the contented murmurs of his Pokémon as they enjoyed their meal in peace.
He stretched out on the soft grass, letting the sun warm his face. Moments like these, surrounded by his Pokémon family, made him truly appreciate his journey.
As they finished eating, Azure clapped his hands together. Azure said, a grin spreading across his face, "Alright, team. Time for some training! We need to get stronger to take on the Gym Leaders of Johto!"
Pikachu crackled with anticipation, its cheek pouches sparking. Eevee wagged its tail excitedly.
Larvitar, surprisingly, stopped chewing on its rock and looked at Azure with curious eyes. Misdreavus stopped its playful haunting and focused its spectral gaze, while Wooper hopped back from the brook, eager to participate.
Azure smiled, seeing their focus as he began to instruct what each Pokémon would do, "Larvitar, I want you to work on your Crunch attack. Focus all your energy into your jaws and try to make them even stronger."
Larvitar nodded, its small body trembling with effort as it prepared to bite into a nearby tree trunk. He turned his attention to Misdreavus, instructing her, "Misdreavus, focus on Shadow Ball. Try to concentrate more energy into it and make it bigger!"
Misdreavus bobbed in the air, its eyes glowing with an eerie light as it began forming a swirling ball of shadowy energy. Then he turned his attention to Wooper as he instructed, "Wooper, practice your Water Gun. Accuracy is key! Let's see if you can hit that leaf dangling from the branch."
Wooper puffed out its cheeks and aimed a small stream of water towards the leaf, missing by a wide margin. Azure watched his Pokémon train diligently, offering encouragement and guidance.
He knew they had a long way to go, but he was confident in their potential. He had chosen these Pokémon for a reason, each possessing a unique strength that he hoped to unlock.
Unbeknownst to them, the savory scents of their meal had drifted through the air, attracting unwanted attention. From the shadows of the nearby forest, a Wild Pokémon that blended well in the dark, eyed Azure's team, its eyes glowing with predatory hunger.
As he was packing away the last of the lunch remnants, a sudden, low growl ripped through the peaceful afternoon, "Grrr…."
It wasn't the playful growl of a Pokémon wanting more food, but a predatory snarl, sharp and resonant. Before Azure could even fully register the sound, a blur of charcoal black erupted from the undergrowth, sleek and menacing.
*Woooosh*
It was a Houndour, its fiery red eyes blazing with feral intensity, jaws agape, lunging straight for him using a Bite attack. Unfortunately for it picked the wrong foe this time.
Instinct, honed by years of quick thinking, kicked in. Azure commanded, his voice calm despite the suddenness of the attack, "Pikachu! Agile Style! Iron Tail!"
*Zoooom*
Pikachu, roused from his nap with astonishing speed, moved like a yellow bolt of lightning. His tail, usually flexible and playful, became a steel-hard weapon, glowing with metallic energy. With a swift, upward arc, he intercepted the charging Houndour mid-leap.
*CLANG*
The impact was a dull thud, not violent enough to seriously injure, but perfectly timed to deflect the attack. Houndour yelped, tumbling backward a few feet, skidding to a halt, "Arf! Grrr…"
Azure sighed, a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, and regarded the snarling Pokémon. His eyes were on the Pokémon that attacked him, revealed to be the Dark Pokémon Houndour.
Fierce, proud, and usually found in packs, deep within the mountains or dark forests. To see a lone one, out here on a relatively open route, was unusual, as Azure noticed its distinct features, noticing that it was female.
Her hackles were raised, sharp fangs bared, a low, guttural rumble vibrating in her chest. She was magnificent in her raw aggression, a spirit untamed, "Grr…"
He mentally chuckled, having a strange sense of déjà vu as he thought curiously, 'Heh. This reminds me of how I met Scyther in Kanto. She's got guts and with Hasty Nature… and I do need a Fire and Dark Type on the team…'
Azure mused aloud, a smirk playing on his lips as he said curiously, "Well, well… Feisty one, aren't you?"
Houndour merely snarled, a puff of smoky breath escaping her nostrils. She eyed Pikachu, then Eevee, assessing the threat.
Her gaze then drifted to the current array of Azure's new Johto team: the naive Wooper, the curious Misdreavus, and the utterly unthreatening Larvitar who, oblivious to the tension, had just unearthed a particularly stubborn root.
A flicker of contempt, bordering on amusement, crossed her fiery eyes. Houndour thought in an arrogant tone, 'This trainer, with his weak-looking Pokémon, surely couldn't be much of a challenge.'
Azure, keenly observing her, understood the silent assessment. This was a proud creature, one that valued strength.
He had an idea as he thought confidently, 'If it worked with Scyther once… surely it'll work again, offering a deal.'
Holding up a still-wrapped piece of premium, cured meat he'd been saving for a special occasion, he said casually, "Alright, listen up."
Its rich, savory aroma drifted on the breeze, instantly catching Houndour's attention. Her nostrils flared, and her tail gave an involuntary twitch. Getting her attention, Azure said in a confident tone, "I'll make you a deal, Houndour. See this? Best jerky in Johto. If you win, it's all yours."
Houndour's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on the meat. It was a tempting offer, a rare treat for a wild Pokémon.
Azure continued, his voice dropping slightly, "But if you lose... You join my team."
He gestured vaguely towards his current lineup. Houndour looked from the meat to Azure, then to the collection of seemingly 'weak' Pokémon.
Wooper splashed again. Misdreavus giggled. Larvitar finally ripped the root free, looking quite pleased with itself.
Houndour found his line-up laughable as it thought proudly at Azure's team, 'This was almost laughable. A swift victory, a delicious reward, and no real consequences. What was there to lose?'
With a curt, almost dismissive nod, Houndour accepted the challenge. Azure grinned, "Excellent! Larvitar, you're up!"
Larvitar, startled by its name being called, looked up from its root-gnawing. Its eyes, small but intense, fixed on Houndour.
The wild Pokémon, still bristling, looked far more intimidating than any rock or root it had ever faced. Azure said proudly, kneeling to meet Larvitar's gaze, "This is your chance to show what you're made of, buddy. Houndour is fast and strong, but you're tough. Use your defenses, then hit hard. Don't back down."
Larvitar rumbled, a deep tremor in its small body, a surprising sound that hinted at the enormous power latent within it. It shuffled forward, its short legs digging into the earth, ready.
*Swoosh*
As soon as Larivtar took its battle stance, Houndour preemptively made the first attack. It lunged forward, its jaws glowed in the darkness, using the Bite move, making a surprise attack against the Rock Skin Pokémon.
Larvitar instinctively crossed its arms, showing no fear. A year spent sparing with Scizor using False Swipe, adjusted to seeing Houndour attack as it smirked, slamming its foot down hard.
*RMBL*
Shot from the ground were rocks colored in a purple aura as they levitated from the ground under Larvitar's command. Azure commanded as the Houndour was caught off guard, "Agile Style. Ancient Power."
*Swooosh*
Hurling the empowered rocks at Houndour, its eyes widened in alarm. And instantly, it was overhauled to the Dark Pokémon.
*SMASH*
A pained yelp escapes Houndour, "Awoo…"
Its black fur was now strewn with bleeding cuts. Rather than looking weak, it appeared even more ferocious, growling, "Grrr…"
Azure, seeing this, wasn't even phased. He'd seen his Arcanine be fiercer than what Houndour was putting as he commanded, "Dragon Dance."
*Shiii*
Purple and red aura swirled around Larvitar, increasing its speed and attack power. It noticed this and unleashed a Flamethrower at Larvitar, noticing the danger.
*Sssss*
Unleashing a stream of fire, Azure countered, "Sandstorm!"
*WOOOSH*
Flamethrower was completely blocked with Larvitar summoning a Sandstorm from its body, controlling the flow of the sand into a whirlwind, shielding it from Houndour's fiery attacks. Not only that, but it provided a raise of 50% buff in Sp. Def for Rock Type Pokémon in the process.
Not only that Larvitar's Sandstorm blocked the attack. It also caused Houndour to be attacked by a hail of stone and sand at it in the process causing to cause chip damage, forcing it to flinch, closing its eyes, afraid of losing its sight.
Houndour barked, frustrated at its situation at the Rock Skin Pokémon, "Arf!! (Alright, that's it, you little pebble!)"
Azure mentally said to himself, almost instinctively, a part of him admiring her battling spirit even as his own Pokémon fought, 'Stay focused, Houndour!'
Still, Houndour displayed remarkable adaptability. It jumped back using its nose to sniff Larvitar using Odor Sleuth as it now began circling the Rock Skin Pokémon, keeping its distance.
Without missing a beat, Houndour started launching rapid Smog and Ember tactics as it was swallowed up in Larvitar's Sandstorm. It was clear that it couldn't harm it normally, so it decided to go with the chance of poisoning or burning it instead!
*Shiii*
Its plan worked as the Smog managed to inflict Poison, as Larvitar's expression had a purple hue, signaling it was poisoned. Seeing this, it rushed forward, seeing that the Sandstorm had ended as Larvitar lost focus.
*Sssss*
Seeing the Sandstorm fail, Houndour unleashed a powerful Flamethrower at Larvitar. But it failed to notice that a red aura shone around Larvitar, smirking, activating its Guts ability, increasing its power.
Azure smirked as he ordered with his arms crossed, eyeing the battle, "Don't give up, Larivtar! It's time to end this! Strong Style! Rock Throw!"
*RMBL*
With its enhanced strength, Larvitar punctured the ground as it grabbed hold of a large piece of rock from the earth. Houndour's eyes widened as Larvitar chucked the massive rock in its direction.
*Swooosh*
*BASH*
The powerful strike landed cleanly on Houndour's body, sending it flying as the rock burst from the impact. It crashed into the nearby trees, stunned, seeing what it first thought was a 'weak' Pokémon clobber it completely.
Houndour collapsed, panting heavily, her eyes still burning defiance, but her body refusing to obey. The battle was over.
Larvitar stood triumphant, though panting, its small chest heaving. It had won its first true challenge.
Azure approached the defeated Houndour slowly. She lay there, defeated but not broken, her gaze still fiery.
No whimpering, no tantrums. Just a grudging acceptance of her loss, as Azure thought happily, 'She truly is a proud creature. And one I hope to earn its trust.'
Azure said softly, holding up a vacant Poké Ball as he knelt, "A deal's a deal, Houndour. You fought well. You'll be an excellent addition to the team."
Houndour glared at the Poké Ball, then at Azure, then at the exhausted Larvitar, who gave a small, tired rumble of victory. A moment of hesitation, a flicker of internal debate.
… Then, with a resigned huff, she nudged her nose against the Poké Ball. The red light enveloped her, drew her in, and with a soft click, the capture was complete.
*BON*
Azure smiled as he healed Larvitar of its poison using Viridian Force. He drew his Arc Phone to get Houndour's status.
[Houndour the Dark Pokémon. Houndour is an intelligent Pokémon that forms packs to hunt for prey and shows unparalleled teamwork. Houndour will not abandon a pack member who is sick. It communicates using various barks and howls.
Barks are used to determine the location of a pack member during a hunt, which only they can understand, while howls are used as a declaration of ownership over territory. They are known to be loyal and obedient to their Trainers. Houndour can typically be found around rough terrain. Houndour is known to howl while it sleeps. It is believed that Houndour is dreaming of hunting alongside the rest of its pack.]
|Name: Houndour (Dark Pokémon)
|Type: Dark/Fire
|Level: 16
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Ember, Leer, Howl, Smog, Roar, Bite, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Nasty Plot (EM) (2 Moves left to learn)
Azure smirked, seeing that he managed to get Houndour into his team. But then he released Houndour instantly to treat its injuries.
*Pop*
A flash of red light, and she stood before him again, looking remarkably unperturbed by the capture. It still looked wary, but her posture wasn't as aggressive. Houndour lowered its head, signaling its submission.
He extended his hand, not to pet her, but to let her sense him. A soft, verdant glow emanated from his palm as he said gently, "Hold still a moment."
*Shiii*
He gently placed his hand on Houndour's shoulder, where the cuts from the Rock Throw and the strain of the battle had left it. Houndour flinched, expecting pain or perhaps a strange sensation.
Instead, a wave of warmth spread through her body, a soothing current that dissolved the aches and fatigue. Her strained muscles relaxed, her breathing steadied, and the minor cuts and bruises from the fight faded, leaving only healthy skin.
Her fiery eyes widened, staring at the green light, then at Azure. It wasn't like a Potion, cold and chemical. This was purer, infused with a gentle strength. It was... personal.
Her hackles, which had been stubbornly raised, slowly lowered. Her tail, still stiff, gave a small, almost imperceptible wag.
The defiance in her eyes softened, replaced by profound surprise, then curiosity, and finally, a hint of something akin to awe as she thought, 'No trainer had ever healed me like this.'
Azure removed his hand, the Viridian Force dissipating. He asked, a small smile on his face, "Better?"
Houndour let out a low sound of confusion and nascent understanding, "Awooo..."
She looked at her legs, testing them, then back at Azure. He had won the battle, yes, but he had also shown her a kindness, a power, she hadn't anticipated.
He then pulled out the promised cured meat. He repeated, offering it to her, "A deal's a deal. Welcome aboard, Houndour."
Houndour sniffed it warily, then looked at his eyes. She saw no trickery, only sincerity. Tentatively, she took the meat, her sharp teeth carefully tearing a piece. The rich flavor exploded on her tongue, and she devoured it in moments, her tail giving a slightly more pronounced wag this time.
Pikachu nudged her gently with his nose, a soft, "Pika. (Welcome, newbie to the team!)"
Eevee approached, sniffing her with gentle curiosity. Wooper splashed nearby, entirely unaware of the dramatic shift in dynamics.
Misdreavus hovered, its spectral giggles now sounding more welcoming. Larvitar, though still weary, lumbered over, then instinctively leaned its head against Houndour's side in a gesture of exhausted camaraderie.
Houndour looked at them all, at the peculiar mix of seasoned veterans and naive newcomers, at this trainer who had battled her fiercely and then healed her with an inexplicable, personal power.
She had expected to join a team of weaklings, easily dominated. Instead, she found a trainer with a hidden depth, and a team that, while disparate, carried an underlying current of loyalty and acceptance.
She let out a soft huff, a breath that no longer carried the scent of aggression, but of hesitant curiosity. She was Houndour, the fierce, independent scout.
But now, she was also Houndour, a new member of Azure Sky's growing family, as he thought curiously, 'The journey through Johto had just gotten a lot more interesting.'
/////
A/N: Next goal of 300 PS to get another Bonus Chapter!