Chapter 284: Hoenn's Safari Zone [Bonus]
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Morning, Route 121]
My gaze swept across the unfamiliar landscape, a canvas painted in verdant greens and splashes of exotic flora. This was Route 121, and it felt distinctly different from the familiar paths of any Region I've encountered yet...
The air was warmer, thicker with humidity, carrying the scent of rich earth and blooming flowers I couldn't yet name. My Pokémon, a carefully curated selection for the journey ahead, rested within their Poké Balls, awaiting their turn to explore this new world.
As my eyes scanned the horizon, a structure in the distance caught my attention. It was a sizeable building, nestled amongst the trees, its architecture distinct from anything I'd seen in Hoenn so far.
Curiosity piqued, I decided to investigate. A trainer's journey wasn't just about gym battles and league challenges; it was about discovery, about the unexpected turns and serendipitous encounters that shaped your path.
As I drew closer, the building resolved into clear focus. A large, ornate sign, emblazoned with the image of various wild Pokémon, proudly declared it the "Safari Zone."
A slow smile spread across my face. Of course. How could I forget? Hoenn had its own Safari Zone, a prime opportunity for any trainer with a penchant for adding unique Pokémon to their roster.
I paused, considering. Did I need a new Pokémon?
Realistically, with the powerhouse team I already possessed, the answer was a resounding no. My current lineup was more than capable of tackling anything Hoenn could throw at me, and then some.
But "need" was a subjective term in the world of Pokémon training. For me, it wasn't just about having the strongest team; it was about the potential, the flexibility, the strategic depth that a diverse roster offered.
A new capture here could be an asset for future journeys in other regions, a key component for a specialized recovery team. Or simply an interesting project down the line.
Plus, there was an undeniable thrill in the hunt, in the challenge of outsmarting a wild Pokémon on its home turf. I said excitedly, a spark in my eyes, in an excited voice, "Alright, guys. Let's see what Hoenn's Safari Zone has to offer."
With that, we began to march our way through. I wonder what kind of Pokémon I'll find here in the Hoenn Region Safari Zone.
From recalling my memories… the Pokémon you usually find are Pikachu, Oddish, Gloom, Doduo, Natu, Girafarig, Wobbuffet, Psyduck, Goldeen, Magikarp, Rhyhorn, Pinsir, and a few I don't remember…
Smiling at this, I don't think I care. Whatever Pokémon catches my eye, I'll train it to be a beast. Let's see what this Safari Zone has.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Route121 – Safari Zone]
Reaching inside, the Safari Zone attendant greeted me with a cheerful enthusiasm endemic to the Hoenn region as she said, "Welcome to the Hoenn Safari Zone, Trainer! Fifty Safari Balls, five hundred steps, one hour of adventure! You know the rules, no Pokémon battles otherwise… Good luck!"
I paid the fee, the weight of the thirty specialized Safari Balls in my hand feeling lighter than usual, a testament to the thrill of the chase. I put my Pikachu and Eevee in they're Poké Balls for now as I took the chance to explore the Safari Zone.
Stepping out into the sprawling wilderness, I felt an invigorating rush. The air was different here, wilder, filled with the rustle of unseen creatures and the calls of exotic birds.
My senses sharpened, scanning the tall grass, the placid ponds, the dense thickets. This wasn't a battle, not in the traditional sense, but it required a different kind of strategy – observation, patience, and a dash of luck.
My first few encounters were a mixed bag. A vibrant Lotad bobbed in a small pond, but its Quirky Nature didn't quite align with the kind of special attacker I envisioned.
I preferred something more focused, more decisive. A couple of Zigzagoon scampered past, their energetic antics amusing, but their Natures were either Bashful or Docile; while not bad, they weren't what I was actively searching for.
I encountered a Nuzleaf, its sly grin hinting at a Serious Nature, which could be useful, but its move set seemed limited for what I wanted. I passed on a couple of Oddish with Lax Natures, knowing their physical defense wasn't their strong suit.
My internal calculus for potential captures was precise. I looked for Natures that maximized a Pokémon's inherent strengths, or compensated for weaknesses in a way that offered unique strategic opportunities.
A good Nature, coupled with a useful Ability, could turn an ordinary capture into an extraordinary asset. It just comes down to luck in the end. Time, however, was a relentless opponent in the Safari Zone.
The attendant's warning about the one-hour limit echoed in my mind as I made sure to keep track of time. I probably had less than fifteen minutes left, and while I wasn't desperate, the thought of leaving empty-handed nagged at me.
My gaze darted from rustling bush to swaying tree, hoping for one last, meaningful encounter. And then, I saw it.
*Rustle*
Near a cluster of jagged rocks, a peculiar scene was unfolding. A Gloom, its large, red-petaled head bobbing, had just unleashed a cloud of sickly green dust at a small, bat-like Pokémon hovering nearby.
*Poof*
Poison Powder, I instantly recognized. The target, a Gligar, was caught in the cloud. My eyes narrowed, focusing.
The Gligar shuddered, but even as the powder settled, there was no sign of the purple sheen, no visible indication of being poisoned. A flicker of recognition ignited in my mind, recognizing the ability.
I whispered, barely audible, "Immunity."
It was a Hidden Ability for Gligar, one that prevented it from being poisoned. This was rare and incredibly useful, especially for its evolved form, Gliscor, which often relied on its Poison Heal ability, activated by self-inflicting poison.
But Immunity opened a different, equally potent path. I quickly brought my Arc Phone up using the Pokedex App, scanning the Gligar. Its data flashed across the screen: "Gligar, the Fly Scorpion Pokémon. Careful Nature."
My smile widened. Careful, which boosted Special Defense while lowering Special Attack, was an excellent Nature for a physically defensive Pokémon like Gligar, especially one with its unique typing and potential as a wall or pivot.
Coupled with Immunity, this Gligar was a genuine diamond in the rough. This was exactly the kind of thoughtful capture I sought – unexpected, strategically viable, and with long-term potential.
The Gloom, having apparently done its worst, suddenly seemed to notice me. Its large, vacant eyes widened slightly, and with a surprisingly agile hop, it scurried away into the undergrowth, leaving the Gligar alone.
The Gligar, still hovering, then slowly turned its attention to me, its small, beady eyes fixing on my form. It froze for a moment, then, sensing my intent, a primal instinct kicking in, it flared its wings, preparing to make a hasty escape.
I muttered, my hand already reaching for one of my Safari Balls, "Oh no, you don't!"
Time was of the essence. I didn't bother with bait or throwing rocks; a direct approach was my only option. With a flick of my wrist, the red-and-white capsule arced through the air, sailing towards the fleeing Gligar.
*Wooosh*
*THWACK*
The Safari Ball connected, a satisfying thwack echoing in the clearing. But even as the red light engulfed the Gligar, it was already beating its wings frantically. The light flashed once, twice, a struggle within...
*CRACK*
… Then, with a final, desperate surge of power, the Gligar broke free, soaring upwards and disappearing into the darkening sky. I frowned, a sigh escaping my lips.
Just had it. Almost had it. The Safari Zone was fickle, and sometimes, even the best throws weren't enough.
It was a shame that Gligar had serious potential. Just as I was about to turn away, the Safari Ball, which had fallen harmlessly to the ground, began to shake. Then, it wobbled… catching my attention.
*Wiggle*
*Niggle*
My eyebrows shot up. It shook again, more violently this time, before a triumphant ding echoed through the air, signaling a successful capture.
*BON*
I blinked, thoroughly surprised. The Gligar had clearly gotten away.
What had the Safari Ball hit instead? Curious, I walked over and picked up the now-still ball containing a mystery Pokémon.
The weight felt different, lighter somehow than the Gligar I'd just missed. I murmured, pressing the release button, "Well, let's see who decided to join the team."
*Pop*
A beam of bright red light shot out, materializing into a small, brown-feathered bird Pokémon. It was a… Pidgey.
My surprise was evident on my face. A Pidgey, here, in the Hoenn Safari Zone? I do recall getting a Pidgeotto in ORAS here, but a Pidgey?
It wasn't unheard of for regional variants or unexpected Pokémon to appear, but a Pidgey, a staple of Kanto's Route 1, was certainly a curveball. The small bird tilted its head, chirping inquisitively, its bright eyes reflecting the last rays of sunlight, "Pidoo?"
I pulled out my Arc Phone again, overriding the last scan, and pointed it at the Pidgey. The screen flickered, displaying the new information.
[Pidgey the Tiny Bird Pokémon. Pidgey has an extremely sharp sense of direction and homing instincts. It can travel straight back to its nest regardless of how far away it might have flown. It is a docile Pokémon and prefers to flee from its enemies rather than fight them.
Flapping its wings rapidly can whip up dust clouds and create whirlwinds to protect itself and flush out potential prey. Pidgey is common throughout its range and can often be seen in meadows and temperate forests. Ekans and Sneasel are natural predators of Pidgey.]
|Name: Pidgey (Tiny Bird Pokémon)
|Type: Normal/Flying
|Level: 10
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Keen Eyes
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Sand Attack, Mirror Move, Tackle, Gust, Feather Dance (IM), Foresight (EM) (6 Moves left to learn)
My eyes scanned the details, then paused. The small, unassuming bird possessed a Nature that made me do a double-take.
I read aloud, my voice tinged with disbelief, "Modest Nature?"
Modest. A Nature that boosted Special Attack while lowering Attack.
For a Pidgey, whose final evolution, Pidgeot, was predominantly a physical attacker, this seemed... counterintuitive. A Modest Pidgey was usually dismissed, considered suboptimal for most Trainers.
But then, a slow, knowing smile began to spread across my face. I remembered something I received from my journey.
Something I had acquired on a whim after a chance encounter with a Pokémon Manic, obtaining the Mega Stones back in Kanto. Tucked away in my secure [Sub-Space], carefully secured, with multiple shimmering stones.
A Mega Stone. More specifically, a Pidgeotite.
Mega Pidgeot. A powerful Flying/Normal-type, known for its incredible speed and, crucially, its sky-high Special Attack when it Mega Evolved. A Modest Mega Pidgeot, with its already boosted Special Attack, could become an absolute airborne terror, a hurricane of wind and special moves.
My gaze lingered on the little Pidgey, its innocent chirps now sounding like a symphony of strategic possibilities. It was an unexpected turn, a serendipitous capture that had absolutely no place on my current Hoenn team, nor any immediate use, but suddenly, its potential shimmered before me like a mirage.
I said excitedly, a genuine excitement bubbling up inside me as I rubbed its head, "Well, little one. It seems you and I have a future together. A future in Kalos, perhaps, when the time comes to soar even higher."
I carefully returned the Pidgey to its Safari Ball, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over me. The Safari Zone had delivered, not in the way I expected, but in a far more intriguing fashion.
It was a reminder that the path of a Pokémon Trainer was never linear, always full of surprises. With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned, leaving the Hoenn Safari Zone behind, my mind already envisioning a powerful, Modest Mega Pidgeot sweeping through the skies of Kalos, a testament to an unexpected Hoenn capture.
He would be vital for the future fights ahead. That's one Mega secured, but I wonder which ones I should add to my future teams…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!