Chapter 281: Tender Pokémon
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Earlier at Night, Lilycove City – Team Aqua's Base]
*Shiii*
The shimmering distortion fractured the air just above the cerulean waters of Lilycove City, then dissolved, leaving Gardevoir and me standing on the pristine, white sands. The Hoenn night beat down, a vibrant, unfamiliar warmth that carried the scent of salt and exotic flowers.
I took a deep breath, the unique aroma filling my lungs, a stark contrast to the familiar, earthy musk of Kanto's forests. I murmured, a smile touching my lips, "We're here, Gardevoir."
My partner, ever graceful, lowered her hands, her emerald eyes scanning our surroundings with an almost human curiosity. She'd done well, navigating the vast distance with such precision with her Teleport.
Teleporting with pinpoint accuracy was no small feat, even for a Psychic-type as powerful as she. With my steadfast companions, Pikachu and Eevee, by my side, we're about to rush into Team Aqua's base.
My gaze drifted across the vibrant cityscape, a kaleidoscope of modern architecture blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the coast. But my destination wasn't Lilycove's tourist attractions or its bustling markets.
My target, for now, was more insidious. Team Aqua.
Their presence, a major pain in my ass.
Infiltration. It had always been my preferred method, especially when dealing with organizations like Team Aqua or Team Magma.
Striking in broad daylight was reckless, a show of force, perhaps, but not of intelligence. No, true impact came from the shadows, from the element of surprise, from hitting where they least expected it.
We spent the day observing, blending in with the tourists, though my senses were hyper-alert, sifting through the layers of ordinary life for any sign of the grunts. I felt the low hum of anticipation in my veins, a familiar thrill that always preceded a challenge.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft lavenders, a cool breeze swept through the city, carrying with it the promise of night. Lilycove transformed.
The bustling pier quieted, the shops shuttered, and the neon signs flickered to life. Under the cloak of darkness, the city's underbelly began to stir.
It was then, as the last remnants of twilight faded, that I made my move. I asked, my voice a low whisper, "Gardevoir, ready?"
She merely extended a hand, a silent affirmation. Her psychic prowess would be invaluable.
My target was a nondescript warehouse nestled on the outskirts of the city, its windows dark, its exterior unassuming. Too unassuming, in fact, for a mere storage facility, but my Arc Phone says otherwise.
My research, gathered from various sources and a few well-placed questions, strongly indicated this was a forward operating base for Team Aqua, a hub for their nefarious activities in the region. Of course, they cover it up as an eco-friendly organization, but with recent events on Mt. Chimney?
People are doubting. And that brings suspicion that Archie doesn't want.
We approached silently, my steps light, barely disturbing the gravel path. Two Team Aqua grunts stood guard by the main entrance, their silhouettes outlined against the faint glow of the city. Their posture was relaxed, their chatter low – exactly what I had anticipated.
Their guard was down; time to seize my chance. I instructed, my voice barely audible, "Gardevoir, Confusion, non-lethal."
*Shii*
A faint blue shimmer emanated from her hands, then shot forward, striking both grunts simultaneously. They stiffened, their bodies spasming subtly, then collapsed, unconscious but unharmed.
*Thud*
I preferred swift, incapacitating tactics to brute force whenever possible. There was no need for unnecessary violence, just efficiency.
I moved quickly, relieving them of their communication devices and any weapons they might carry. I whispered, patting Gardevoir's arm, "Good job, girl."
Gaining entry was straightforward enough; a quick electromagnetic pulse from Manectric's Poké Ball, and the electronic lock gave up its secrets with a soft click.
*Click*
The interior was a labyrinth of crates and machinery, dimly lit by emergency lights. The air hung heavy with the scent of stale ocean water and something metallic. This wasn't just a warehouse; it was a base.
I opened the Map App from my Arc Phone, showing a diagram of the whole base. It wasn't perfect, but it gave me a general layout.
My primary objective wasn't to demolish the entire facility, not yet. It was reconnaissance, to understand their operations, and, if the opportunity arose, to rescue any Pokémon they might be holding captive.
My heart ached at the thought of any creature suffering under their cruel regime. Following the map, I navigated the maze of corridors, my senses alert for any patrolling grunts.
Gardevoir, just a step behind me, acted as an early warning system, her psychic abilities piercing the darkness, sensing presences long before they became visible. Pikachu and Eevee by my side were cautious and on full alert.
We encountered a few more grunts, easily subdued with a combination of Gardevoir's psychic attacks and my own quick reflexes. They were ill-prepared for an experienced Trainer operating in the shadows.
The map led me to what was marked as "Pokémon Storage." My stomach tightened with a mix of dread and hope. This was it.
*Thud*
I pushed open the heavy, reinforced door, stepping into a large, cavernous room. The stench intensified here, a potent mix of fear, ammonia, and something undeniably aquatic in the Pokémon storage room.
Cages lined the walls, some empty, others holding various Pokémon, mostly Water-types, looking disheveled and agitated. Tentacool, Carvanha, even a few Sharpedo whose eyes gleamed with a desperate, trapped fury.
My heart ached for them. I made a mental note to free them all once my primary objective here was complete.
I scanned the room, my eyes searching for any Pokémon that seemed particularly distressed or out of place. Most of the caged Pokémon were common finds in Hoenn's waters, suitable for Team Aqua's goals, but my gaze lingered on a larger, more elaborate cage at the far end of the room.
It stood apart, almost isolated, its steel bars thicker, its locking mechanism more complex than the others. Gardevoir moved then, a subtle gesture of her hand, her gaze fixed on something within that cage.
I followed her lead, my footsteps echoing faintly on the concrete floor. As I drew closer, the dim light finally revealed its occupant… It was a Milotic.
My breath hitched. Milotic were known for their unparalleled beauty, their serpentine bodies shimmering with iridescent scales, their graceful movements captivating. This one… she was magnificent, even in her current state of captivity.
Her scales, usually a vibrant pastel, were dulled by grime and neglect, and her usually serene eyes held a flicker of deep sadness, resignation. But what truly caught my attention, what Gardevoir had likely sensed, was the cruel mark marring her perfection.
A jagged, angry scar slashed across her beautiful tail fin, disrupting the smooth flow of her elegant form. It was a fresh wound, still pink and inflamed, a testament to recent cruelty just a few days old...
Whoever had done this had deliberately sought to defile her, to break her spirit. Empathy surged within me, a familiar, powerful current.
*Shiii*
This was the moment. I knew it. Without a second thought, I extended my hand, palm open, and activated my Viridian Force.
A soft, verdant glow emanated from my hand, spreading up my arm, a warmth that was both comforting and invigorating. It was less about raw power and more about connection, about life energy.
The air around me seemed to hum, the psychic residue of Gardevoir's presence mingling with the nascent energy flowing from me. Milotic, previously lethargic, slowly raised her head, her beautiful, intelligent eyes focusing on me.
I saw a flicker of apprehension, then curiosity, in their depths. The soothing sensation of the Viridian Force, gentle yet persistent, seemed to calm her agitated spirit.
Cautiously, tentatively, she pushed her magnificent head closer to the bars, her large eye fixed on my glowing hand. Emitting the Viridian Force, I whispered calmly, my voice soft, reassuring, "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
She nudged her head against the bars, closer, closer, until her snout almost touched my outstretched fingers. It was an act of profound trust, or perhaps, desperation.
As her physical form contacted the Viridian Force, the energy intensified, seeking out the deepest parts of her being, not just her body, but her mind.
And then, the memories flooded my mind, not my own, but hers, raw and vivid, as clear as if I had lived them myself. I saw the serene, sun-dappled waters she had called home. The playful dances with other Water-type Pokémon, the abundant food, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being free.
Judging from the area, it used to live close to the cove of Lilycove City. Then, a shadow fell. Not a cloud, but a fleet of Aqua Submarines, their dark forms slicing through the water, their nets unfurling like predatory webs.
Panic. The frantic struggle. The desperate attempts to escape. Her incredible speed and agility allowed her to evade capture for a time, diving deep, weaving through coral reefs. But they were relentless. Team Aqua.
Then, the faces. Grinning, cruel, greedy faces. Shelly, her sharp, calculating eyes glinting with amusement. Matt, a hulking figure whose brute force was evident even in the memory, his hands wielding some kind of electrified harpoon.
And Amber, the sneering, self-important admin, his voice booming as he directed the assault. The chase ended in a narrow, rocky cove.
Cornered. No escape.
I felt Milotic's terror, her heart pounding with an almost unbearable intensity. The Admins, relishing the hunt, had decided to make her a gift to Archie.
Amber, on Matt's command, had lashed out with his Crawdaunt with a razor-sharp Crabhammer, not aiming for a swift kill, but for a deliberate, painful injury. The searing pain as the claw sliced through her tail fin, tearing flesh and scale.
The shock. The violation. Then… the rage.
Being a proud Pokémon that she was, Milotic retaliated with fierce intensity. It made those expressions of the Admins falter into concern as it unleashed a Hyper Beam, managing to destroy their submarines and then…
Then the darkness as she was dragged, bleeding and helpless, into their cruel confinement. The memory ended there, leaving me with a visceral understanding of her suffering, her humiliation, her burning desire for retribution.
My jaw tightened, a cold fury settling deep in my chest. These Admins, Shelly, Amber, Matt – they would pay for this.
They would pay for every Pokémon they had captured, every memory of fear they had implanted. Drawing upon the full extent of my Viridian Force, I focused the healing energy given to me.
*Shiii*
The scar on Milotic's tail, which had looked so angry and inflamed, began to shimmer. The raw edges of the wound softened, the torn scales knitting back together with an almost miraculous speed.
The painful pinkness faded, replaced by the natural, iridescent sheen of her healthy scales. The jagged line smoothed, then vanished, leaving her tail as pristine and beautiful as it had been before the attack.
Milotic gasped, a soft, astonished sound that resonated through the cage, "Miii! (Nani! How did you – )"
Her eyes widened, focusing on her newly healed tail, then back at me, a profound disbelief mingling with dawning hope. She thrashed slightly, testing the restored mobility, her body coiling and uncoiling with renewed grace.
The pain was gone. The scar, a symbol of her torment, had vanished.
I whispered, withdrawing my hand as the Viridian Force receded, "There. All better?"
She looked at me, a silent question in her gaze. I understood.
It wasn't just the physical healing; it was the empathetic connection, the understanding of her pain that truly reached her.
I reached into my bag, pulling out a Poké Block, rich in nutrients and designed to restore stamina and vitality. I offered kindly, sliding it through the bars, "Here. For your strength and stamina."
She took it cautiously, then devoured it with a hunger that spoke of prolonged deprivation. While she ate, I framed my next question carefully, appealing not just to her immediate needs, but to her deep-seated desire for justice.
After all this powerful Tender Pokémon was powerful enough to force the Admins to team up against it. I began, my voice earnest, "Milotic, this isn't a life for you. You deserve freedom, beautiful waters, and partners who respect you. I can offer you that. I can offer you a team, a family, where you'll never be harmed like this again."
Her eyes met mine, filled with an intelligence that went beyond instinct. She listened as I continued, a hint of steel entering my voice, "But more than that. I saw what they did to you. Shelly, Amber, Matt. I know you want to make them pay. I can help you do that. We can take them down, together. Would you join my team? Would you leave this place and help me bring justice to Team Aqua?"
Milotic's eyes, already wide with wonder and gratitude from her healing, widened further at my explicit mention of revenge. The memories I had seen, the injustice, the pain – it wasn't just something I understood, but something I was offering to help her rectify.
It was an invitation, not just to safety, but to empowerment. A low, rumbling purr emanated from her throat, a sound of profound affection and agreement…
*Wooosh*
Then, with a sudden surge of strength, she pressed against the bars, wrapping her long, serpentine body around me as best she could through the confines, effectively hugging me. Her head nudged my cheek, her tail, now perfectly healed, wagging happily, a ripple of joy passing through her entire form.
She was saying yes. A triumphant grin spread across my face.
This was exactly what I had hoped for. A new partner, not just for strength, but for conviction. I whispered, returning her embrace as much as the cage allowed, "Welcome to the team, Milotic. Glad to have ya."
I retrieved an empty Poke Ball from my belt, its pristine white and red a stark contrast to the grime of the room. This wasn't just a capture; it was an invitation, a promise.
I presented the Poké Ball to her, a silent question. She looked at it, then at me, her trust absolute. Without a moment of hesitation, without any resistance, she touched the tip of the Ball with her snout.
A flash of red light enveloped her, sucking her magnificent form into the small device. It clicked shut, confirming the capture.
*BON*
[You have captured a Milotic!]
I felt the familiar, gentle thrum of a newly befriended Pokémon. Milotic was now my partner and friend. Taking out my Arc Phone, I read her ability and status, stunned.
[Milotic the Tender Pokémon. Milotic is said to be the most beautiful of all Pokémon. In fact, it is said to have inspired many artists in their works. However, some Trainers prefer Feebas over it, seemingly disappointed after it evolves from said Pokémon.
When fights are going on, it has the power to calm angry feelings and end arguments by releasing a wave of energy. In addition, it can move by floating in the air. It lives at the bottom of large lakes.]
|Name: Milotic (Tender Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 55
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Marvel Scale
|Nature: Bold
|Moves: Water Sport, Refresh, Recover, Rain Dance, Attract, Safeguard, Coil, Aqua Ring, Life Dew, Hydro Pump, Water Gun,Aqua Tail, Hyper Beam, Flail, Twister, Wrap, Disarming Voice, Dragon Tail, Dragon Pulse, Dive (HM), Whirlpool (HM), Waterfall (HM), Surf (HM), Water Pulse (IM), Mirror Coat (IM), Dragon Breath (EM) (7 Moves left to learn)
I sucked in a deep breath, reading the info on Milotic. No wonder those Admins had so much trouble, against her…
I clipped the Poke Ball to my belt, a sense of profound satisfaction warming me. This wasn't just a successful infiltration; it was a rescue, a new beginning for a majestic Pokémon.
My focus sharpened, the mission to dismantle Team Aqua now infused with a deeply personal stake. But my moment of quiet triumph was abruptly shattered.
"Hey! What's going on here?!"
The shout came from the doorway, followed by the heavy thud of boots. I spun around, my hand instinctively going to my belt.
Three more Team Aqua grunts stood there, their faces grim, their Pokémon, a trio of Carvanha, baring their sharp teeth. One of them yelled, reaching for his own Poké Ball, alarming the others, "Looks like we got an intruder! Quick, sound the alarms!!"
My grin didn't falter, though it now held a sharper edge. I muttered, my eyes gleaming in anticipation, "Perfect timing! Just in time to test out my new, tender Pokémon."
I unclipped Milotic's Poké Ball. Her chance for payback, for proving her strength and reclaiming her dignity, began now.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!