ALL NOVEL Chapter 158 – Return
"Gyarados, use Waterfall!" Floyd's voice boomed across the field.
With a mighty "ROAR," Gyarados unleashed the formidable Waterfall attack.
In response, Nidorino, fiercely protective of his mate, counterattacked with a spirited Fury Attack, charging towards the surging water with unyielding bravery.
As the two forces collided with a thunderous clash, Nidorino let out a sharp cry of pain, the impact sending him reeling backwards through the air.
Nidorina, witnessing her partner in distress, leaped forward with a series of rapid Fury Swipes aimed at Gyarados.
But the attacks seemed to barely register against Gyarados's robust form.
Floyd issued another command, "Use Aqua Tail!" Gyarados's tail glowed with a powerful aqueous energy, creating a surge of water that propelled with great force towards Nidorina.
BANG!
The water's impact was immediate and forceful.
Nidorina, like Nidorino before her, was sent flying backward, eventually collapsing in a heap. Both Nidorino and Nidorina lay on the ground, unconscious.
In the aftermath of the battle, Kanraku's voice, filled with concern, rang out, "Is everyone okay?" His worry was evident as he scanned the area for any injured.
At that moment, Cherubi, previously asleep who nestled safely in the warmth of Kanraku's bosom, was jolted awake by the noise.
It quickly surveyed its surroundings, its eyes landing on its comrades. With a sense of urgency, Cherubi hopped down and rushed towards them, chirping "Cheru~ Cherubi~" in a concerned tone.
Cherubi's gaze then turned to their leader, Cherrim, who was visibly bruised and battered. A wave of worry washed over Cherubi as it approached Cherrim.
"Cherrim~," it inquired softly, its voice tinged with anxiety. The rescued Cherubi relayed the events that had transpired.
After a few moments of conversation and understanding, the group's attention shifted towards Floyd and Kanraku. With a sense of gratitude, they thanked them for their timely intervention and rescue.
As the atmosphere began to settle, Kanraku interjected with a sudden thought, "Uhm, there's something I wanted to say to you. Would you mind joining us?"
His question hung in the air, leaving Cherrim and Cherubi visibly surprised and somewhat perplexed as they exchanged glances, unsure of what Kanraku's invitation entailed.
...
Several hours later, after roaming around the area, the group returned to their base. Floyd's attention was drawn to a cluster of slender green leaves, each marked with prominent pinkish-purple bases and fresh shoots, resembling rhubarb.
These were the 'Medicinal Leeks' he had discovered in a grassy area during their excursion. He had gathered a substantial quantity of these herbs before making their way back.
Nearby, Floyd observed 8 star-shaped yellow leaves, each outlined in a light green hue, radiating like a vibrant, sun-like flower. These were the King's Leaves, vital ingredients for awakening Dragonite.
The herb, given to them by Cherrim as a token of gratitude for their rescue, was often overlooked due to its tasteless nature.
However, when mixed with other materials, its true potency could be unleashed. These leaves were not well-known among Pokémon, making them a lucky find for Floyd.
Floyd pondered the materials he still needed, particularly the elusive Vivichoke. Despite their extensive exploration to the North, this final ingredient remained out of sight.
As they returned to the Beast's Sanctuary, the clock had just struck 7:00 am. The newly arrived group of Cherrim and Cherubi were immediately struck by an overwhelming sense of fear. The sanctuary was teeming with various Pokémon, many of which they had only ever encountered in the wild. The sight of Rattata and Arbok, in particular, filled them with dread.
These were the Pokémon that had always posed a threat to them in the wild, frequently attempting to make them prey. Confronted with these familiar predators, the Cherrim and Cherubi wanted to flee but were paralyzed, unsure of where they could possibly go for safety.
Their anxiety peaked, bracing for an attack they were certain was imminent. However, to their surprise, the Rattata and Arbok merely glanced in their direction and then nonchalantly continued on their way.
This unexpected indifference wasn't limited to just Rattata and Arbok; several other Pokémon also cast brief looks at the newcomers, acknowledging them with a nod before going about their business.
Their journey through the sanctuary led them to Beedrill's territory, reigniting their fear, especially at the sight of the formidable Beedrill. But, just like the others, Beedrill did not attack. Instead, it nodded at them, its gaze quickly turning to the sleeping Weedle and Kakuna, observing them with an excitement.
After spending a few minutes exchanging greetings, the elder Gyarados, having completed its task, soared gracefully back towards the river. Floyd also bid a warm farewell, accompanied by his loyal Fraxure and Gyarados.
"We're here; let's greet your comrades there," Kanraku said, turning to the Cherrim and Cherubi with a reassuring smile.
A short while later, the group observed Cherubi, Mime Jr., Togepi, Ekans, and Eevee engaged in playful antics. The sight of familiar faces seemed to uplift the spirits of the new Cherubi.
They were particularly excited upon spotting their own kind behind Pidgeot, jumping joyously. They eagerly rushed to their leader, bubbling with excitement to share the news of their arrival.
Minutes later, the two Cherrim groups came together, initiating a lively exchange with new Cherrim, while the new Cherubi looked on curiously.
Togepi, ever the enthusiastic host, happily introduced the newcomers to each member of the group however, when Togepi introduced them to Ekans, the new Cherubi hesitated, their old fears resurfacing.
They looked ready to retreat in fear, causing Ekans to feel disheartened. It was only due to the old Cherubi's initiative and reassurance that the new Cherubi remained, gradually easing into the new environment.
Meanwhile, Floyd, along with Fraxure and Gyarados, had made their way back to the Safe Zone. There, they observed Dratini, Growlithe, and Goomys diligently practicing their moves.
In a serene corner, Horsea was lying contently on Munchlax's head, while Munchlax himself was busily engaged, skillfully mixing berries with Floyd's berry blender.
As Floyd surveyed the area, his eyes fell upon numerous scattered failed attempts at pokeblocks, remnants of Munchlax's earnest efforts.
A gentle smile graced his lips as he began to walk towards them. Noticing his approach, all the Pokémon eagerly rushed toward him. Floyd lovingly patted each of their heads, sharing a moment of connection with them. However, he noticed that two of his Pokémon, Munchlax and Dratini, held back.
Munchlax stood a little distance away, his expression one of embarrassment and self-doubt. Surrounded by his failure, he felt unworthy of approaching Floyd, believing he had failed in his aspirations to become a skilled breeder.
Sensing Munchlax's distress, Floyd approached the disheartened Pokémon with a comforting presence. "Young lad," he began with an encouraging tone, "Remember how many days you have just started? Do you know how long it took me to make a decent pokeblock? More than a month, and you've only been at it for a few days. Remember, being a breeder requires immense patience, whether in communicating with beasts or crafting pokeblocks. Patience is key, understand?" His words seemed to ignite a spark in Munchlax's eyes, a renewed sense of determination and purpose.
Turning his attention to Dratini, Floyd noticed his deliberate avoidance. Dratini was deeply engrossed in practicing with a huge rock, seemingly indifferent to Floyd's presence.
It was apparent that Dratini was harboring some feelings of being left out earlier. Floyd approached gently, "Are you mad at me?" he inquired softly. Dratini continued his practice, acting as if he hadn't heard, clearly still holding onto his sulk.
Floyd, understanding the need to mend their bond, made an offer, "Next time, I will bring you, how about that?" This suggestion made Dratini's eyes light up momentarily, but remembering his resolve to sulk, he quickly resumed his act of ignoring Floyd.
Attempting another approach, Floyd shared some exciting news, "I've almost gathered all the materials to awaken your mother. I only lack one more, and then I can start." Dratini's mood lifted as he turned his head toward him, but then he remembered that his mother was on the verge of awakening, and he was still just a Dratini.
'Why is evolving into Dragonite so difficult?' Dratini wondered silently to himself.
Shaking off the doubt, Dratini's spirits rose again, filled with determination. "No, I must keep training," he resolved, motivated to work even harder.
This outburst seemed to reignite Dratini's determination. "No, I must continue training," he resolved, his spirit reinvigorated by the thought of working harder.
Observing Dratini's newfound motivation, Floyd sighed, a mix of helplessness and pride filling him. He then walked away, allowing Dratini the space to train, while he continued to guide and nurture each of his Pokémon.
Five days passed, and during this time, Dratini made remarkable progress, catching up to Growlithe and Goomy, all reaching level 21. Floyd now had four Pokémon at level 21 – Growlithe, Dratini, Goomy, and Horsea. Understanding Horsea's reluctance to push herself too hard, Floyd didn't insist on rigorous training for her, but her brothers had successfully caught up with her in training.
The leader Goomy had achieved a significant milestone. With the assistance of the youngest Goomy, it mastered the Acid Spray technique. This accomplishment was partly due to Arbok's contribution, who had generously provided its poison for their training.
Meanwhile, Munchlax, although not primarily focusing on rigorous training like the others, had shown commendable progress. Munchlax successfully reached the Pro level.
As for the rest of the Goomys, they were steadily advancing as well. Their levels now ranged between 15 and 17.
Perhaps the most gratifying development was Growlithe and Goomys. The Hisuian percentage in Growlithe was now reduced to only 23%. Additionally, the five Goomys had shown remarkable improvement, upgrading their proficiency from 73% to an impressive 84%.
...
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