Chapter 113: Route 31
~Third POV~
[Johto Region, Next Day, Route 31]
Professor Elm is in the New Bark Town General Hospital, upset about his injuries. His assistant says the real problem is that someone broke into his lab. The assistant says that at least the Egg they had wasn't stolen.
Suddenly, Gold calls them with his Pokégear and says that Silver may have stolen Totodile, but with his Cyndaquil, he will catch Silver. Professor Elm and his assistant are shocked to realize that Cyndaquil has been taken too.
Meanwhile, Joey returns Gold's Pokémon to Gold's mother, who says that Polibo is missing. Joey calls Gold and tells him, and Gold sets out to find Polibo. Gold fails to find Polibo, so he decides to stay on Silver's trail. Meanwhile, Silver sees his wanted poster and does a double-take in Violet City.
But currently, Gold is on Route 31, swimming in the river as he thought, concerned, 'Where are you Polibo?!'
*Splash*
Coming from the river, Gold mutters as he releases a whole herd of Chinchou on land in an annoyed tone, "It's no use! Polibo's nowhere around here! Does that mean… Polibo got carried further downstream? So many false leads… Dead ends… where are you Polibo..."
Packing up his things, Gold got prepared to leave as the Chinchou hopped back into the river as he yelled straight ahead, "But I'm not giving up! I've got to stay on Silver's trail now… but it'll come back for you, Polibo!"
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[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Route 31 – Dark Cave]
Meanwhile, as Gold heads to Violet City from Route 31, Azure himself took a slight detour from Route 31 to Dark Cave. Along the way, he battled other trainers and Wild Pokémon as he instructed his Pokémon team, leading to victory.
Azure adjusted the strap of his backpack, gazing at his Arc Phone Map app to see if they were following the right tracks. Pikachu, his loyal partner, perched happily on his shoulder, its electric sacs sparking faintly with excitement. On top of him, Eevee, a study in fluffy brown elegance, padded softly, its large eyes taking in the new surroundings with cautious curiosity.
His journey through the Johto region had only just begun, a tapestry of verdant routes and bustling towns unfurling before him. His team, still fledgling but full of potential, mirrored his youthful ambition.
Larvitar, a sturdy Rock/Ground type, rumbled softly in his Pokéball, eager for a chance to battle. Misdreavus, a mischievous Ghost type, floated playfully around his head, its spectral wails occasionally startling wild Pidgey.
Wooper, a perpetually cheerful Water/Ground type, waddled along behind, its antenna twitching with delight. And then there was Houndour, a recent addition, a fiery Dark type with a fiery spirit that Azure was slowly learning to tame.
He'd breezed through Cherrygrove City, stocking up on necessities – Potions, Pokéballs, and a generous supply of his favorite berry-flavored Pokéblocks. Now, instead of heading directly to Route 31, as most trainers would, Azure had decided on a detour.
The allure of the Dark Cave was too strong to resist. Azure asked, a grin spreading across his face, "Pikachu, are you ready for some exploring?"
Pikachu chirped, thumping its tail against Azure's shoulder, "Pika!"
Eevee let out a soft cry, sounding less enthusiastic, "Bui…"
Caves weren't exactly her favorite. Azure chuckled as he said, rubbing her head, "Don't worry, Eevee. We'll be careful."
He knew his team trusted his judgment, even when that judgment led them into dimly lit, potentially dangerous locales. The entrance to the Dark Cave was a gaping maw in the earth, a humid breath of cool air escaping its depths.
The air hung thick with the scent of damp earth and something indefinably ancient. Azure pulled out his Arc Phone, activating the flashlight feature, the beam cutting through the gloom.
*Pop*
He instructed, releasing Larvitar and Houndour from their Pokéballs in a calm tone, "Okay, team, let's stick together."
Both nodded in understanding of Azure's words. Larvitar immediately began munching on a nearby rock, while Houndour sniffed the air, its red eyes gleaming in the dim light, ready to detect danger.
The further they ventured into the cave, the more the temperature dropped. The ground became slick with moisture, and the air grew heavy with the sound of dripping water.
*Fwp*
They encountered Geodude and Zubat, battling a few to give their team some experience. Houndour, especially, thrived in the darkness, as it adapted using its Oduor Sleuth to sniff them out.
Hours passed, marked only by the steady drip, drip, drip of water and the occasional echoing screech of a Zubat. Azure was beginning to think the cave was just a long, winding tunnel when they stumbled upon a large cavern.
And then he saw it. In the center of the cavern, bathed in a faint, ethereal glow emanating from phosphorescent moss clinging to the walls, was a Pokémon Egg.
It was large, almost as big as Wooper, and a light brown colored egg and moon crescent adorned its smooth shell.
But the Egg wasn't unguarded. A pack of Sneasel, their beady eyes gleaming with predatory intent, surrounded it.
They were agitated, hissing and snapping at one another, their sharp claws clicking on the cavern floor. They seemed to be arguing over the Egg, perhaps fighting for possession of it to eat.
Azure's heart pounded. He couldn't just leave the Egg to these creatures.
He didn't know why, but he felt drawn to it, a powerful instinct telling him that it needed his help. Azure said, his voice firm, adrenaline coursing through him, "Pikachu, Eevee, Larvitar, Houndour, Misdreavus, Wooper – we need to help that Egg! We can't let those Sneasel get it."
Pikachu sparked with determination. Eevee, though still hesitant, stepped forward, ready to defend her trainer.
Larvitar stopped munching on his rock and let out a low growl. Houndour bared its teeth, a low rumble vibrating in its chest.
Misdreavus cackled, her ghostly form flickering with anticipation. Even Wooper puffed out its chest in a show of bravado.
The Sneasel, sensing the intrusion, turned their attention to Azure and his team. Their hissing intensified, and they began to circle, their movements quick and menacing.
Azure remained calm as he shouted, pointing towards the Sneasel, giving orders, "Okay, team, let's show them what we're made of! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the Sneasel to the left! Eevee, Quick Attack on the one to the right! Larvitar, Rock Throw on the big one in the back! Houndour, Flamethrower, on the rest! Misdreavus, Confuse Ray! Wooper, Mud Shot for support!"
*Zzzz*
The battle erupted in a flurry of energy and movement. Pikachu unleashed a blinding bolt of electricity, sending one of the Sneasel skittering backward, temporarily paralyzed.
*Zooom*
Eevee, with surprising speed, darted forward, slamming into another Sneasel with a powerful Quick Attack. Larvitar hurled a large rock, striking another Sneasel squarely in the chest, knocking it off its feet.
*Sssss*
Houndour unleashed a torrent of flames, forcing the remaining Sneasel to retreat. Misdreavus fired off a Confuse Ray, causing a Sneasel to stumble around, disoriented and confused.
Wooper launched a stream of Mud Shots, hindering the Sneasel's movements. The Sneasel were fierce, their claws razor sharp.
They retaliated with Ice Shard and Fury Swipes, but Azure's team fought valiantly, protecting the Egg with everything they had. Azure directed his team strategically, calling out commands and encouraging them with words of praise.
After a grueling battle, the Sneasel, battered and bruised, finally retreated into the shadows, their hisses fading into the depths of the cave. Using his Viridian Force, he healed his team in the process.
Azure let out a sigh of relief, his body aching, but his spirit soaring. He exclaimed, clapping his hands, "We did it! Good job, everyone!"
His Pokémon responded with happy cries, reveling in their victory. Pikachu nuzzled against his cheek, while Eevee licked his hand.
Larvitar rumbled contentedly, Houndour wagged its tail, Misdreavus giggled, and Wooper hopped with joy. Azure cautiously approached the Egg, his heart pounding with anticipation holding it.
He reached out and gently touched its smooth surface. It felt warm to the touch, almost alive. He wondered aloud, his voice hushed with awe, "What Pokémon do you think is inside?"
He carefully picked up the Egg, cradling it in his arms. It was surprisingly heavy, but he held it securely, determined to protect it as he said to the Egg, "We need to get you out of this cave. It's too cold and damp in here. We'll find a safe place for you, where you can hatch in peace."
With the Egg carefully secured, Azure and his team began to retrace their steps, heading back towards the entrance of the Dark Cave. The journey out seemed shorter, fueled by the adrenaline of the battle and the excitement of the unknown from the Dark Cave.
As they emerged from the cave, the sunlight felt warm and welcoming on their skin. Azure took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the fresh air.
He looked down at the Egg in his arms, a sense of responsibility settling over him. Now, the question was, what to do with it?
He couldn't just carry it around indefinitely. It needed warmth, care, and a safe place to hatch.
But since it was almost harmed or concerned, Azure used his Viridian Force to heal the egg, as he wasn't certain it would be fine. He wasn't a Breeder, but he thought it couldn't hurt to pour some of his Viridian Force, slightly comforting the egg.
*THUD*
But it was that moment that they heard footsteps. They turned to see a pair of Ursarings come out with narrowed expressions, but didn't attack the group.
Seeing the usual angry Ursarings not attacking it made Azure quick to realize, as he asked bluntly, giving the Egg to them, "You saw our fight defending your Egg and just came to reclaim it."
Both nodded, hearing Azure's words as he handed them the Pokémon Egg. One of the Ursarings sighed, holding the Pokémon Egg affectionately as the other gazed at Azure before they turned to leave deeper into the Dark Cave.
Leaving Azure's group alone, his Pokémon, except for Pikachu and Eevee, let out a sigh of relief seeing this. Azure simply smirked, gesturing for his team to follow in a nonchalant tone, "Alright, team, let's go. We've lingered long enough here. Time for us to head to Violet Town! Adventure awaits us!"
All of them cried out happily, hearing the news. They quickly left the cave as sunlight hit their faces, and they began to move forward to Route 31, leading to Violet Town.
As they leave, Azure already has an idea in mind for his next as he thought, 'And I have a feeling we're about to find our next teammate soon enough. From what I heard in the story that Falkner was searching for a Skarmory in Violet City…'
Having the idea of getting Skarmory before Falkner, Azure was determined to capture that Pokémon. As of now, he currently lacked any Flying Pokémon on hand, and having a Steel/Flying-type like Skarmory was ideal.
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A/N: Alright reach the new goal of 50 PS to get a bonus chapter!