Chapter 43: Gas Pokémon
~Azure S. POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Celadon City – Gym]
It was a new day as Erika allowed me to stay at her Gym for the foreseeable future during my stay here in Celadon City. And thanks to her, I got the Ice Stone prepared as I have Eevee ready along with my team.
[Would you like to use this item [Ice Stone]?]
[Which Pokémon will you use it for?]
Pressing the Ice Stone over Eevee's head, we saw the miracle of evolution. Eevee was enveloped in a blinding light as my Ice Stone was used up. Well, that sucked but having Eevee get a new move is the real key here.
*Shiii*
Eevee's form began to change. I smiled seeing her small figure grow a bit in size, revealing himself to be a Glaceon.
Glaceon is a quadrupedal, mammalian Pokémon covered in light-blue fur. It has long, pointed ears, dark eyes, and a small nose. A teal crest with two dangling flaps adorns its head, resembling hair or headgear. Glaceon has two dark blue, rhombus-shaped markings on its back; the tip of its tail, feet, and flaps are the same shade of blue.
Smirking, I checked Glaceon's status on my Arc Phone. And of course, Eevee gets a new move too boot.
|Name: Glaceon (Fresh Snow Pokémon)
|Type: Ice (Fire/Water/Electric/Grass/Normal)
|Level: 25
|Held Item: None
|Gender: Female
|Ability: Snow Cloak
|Nature: Mild
|Moves: Covet, Tackle, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, Bite, Mimic, Icy Wind (IM),Razor Leaf (IM),Ember (IM), Thunder Shock (IM), Water Gun (IM), Yawn (EM) (6 Moves to learn)
[Glaceon the Fresh Snow Pokémon. By controlling its body temperature, it freezes the moisture in the air, producing ice crystals or diamond dust surrounding it. It can freeze its fur into sharp, needle-like icicles, which it can fire at opponents or use as protection as it tackles its prey.
Glaceon can also perform this defense mechanism while sleeping. It can quickly drop its body temperature below −75 °F (−60 °C). Glaceon is rather popular in ski resorts due to its ability to create powdery snow. Those captivated by Glaceon's beautiful snowfall will be instantly frozen without realizing it.]
Glaceon, in his new form, barked out gracefully, "Buoow!"
*Shiii*
Moving around, Glaceon got into the new form. But then, in a light show, reverted to Eevee barking happily, "Eeveow!"
Smirking at this, I checked if Eevee got her status changed. And yup, she retained her power from Glaceon.
|Name: Partner Eevee (Evolution Pokémon)
|Type: Normal (Fire/Water/Electric/Grass/Ice)
|Level: 25
|Held Item: None
|Gender: Female
|Ability: Adaptability
|Nature: Mild
|Moves: Covet, Tackle, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, Bite, Mimic, Icy Wind (IM),Razor Leaf (IM),Ember (IM), Thunder Shock (IM), Water Gun (IM), Yawn (EM) (6 Moves to learn)
Smiling as Eevee got her new form bouncing around happily, I smirked, rubbing her head affectionately as I said, "Good job on your new evolution, Eevee. With this, I think it's time we train on your moves."
Eevee barked happily, agreeing to train. All my other Pokémon joined in agreeing, as it's time we raise their levels. With that, it's time to level up!
/////
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Route 7]
The neon glow of Celadon City faded behind Azure and his team as they ventured onto Route 7. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and the promise of open sky. Winning against Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader, had been a hard-fought victory, and Azure knew his Pokémon needed to hone their skills further.
Beside him trotted Pikachu, his best friend and partner, tail crackling with contained energy. Behind them followed Growlithe, a fiery glint in his eyes, and Dragonair, whose graceful movements seemed to ripple through the very air.
Eevee, with its perpetually curious gaze, brought up the rear, sniffing at the unfamiliar scents of the route. Azure said, his voice ringing with enthusiasm, "Alright, team. Let's focus on speed and agility today. Pikachu, work on your Agility. Growlithe, let's see if we can train to help you learn the move Flamethrower by condensing your fire. Dragonair, practice your Fly Move. And Eevee, focus on dodging those attacks, okay?"
The team responded with eager cries, and soon the air was filled with the sounds of training. Pikachu darted between trees, a yellow blur against the green, while Growlithe practiced his Fire to condense, trying to form a stream of fire on a nearby rock, the flames dancing in the afternoon sun.
Dragonair gracefully weaved through the air, a serpentine ballet of power and control. Eevee, though smaller, diligently practiced dodging, weaving under and around the training exercises of the others.
They were so engrossed in their training that they almost didn't notice their trainer thinking as Azure thought carefully in a serious tone, 'Still, it would be best to add another Pokémon to the team. Having Eevee is a boon and one that can change forms. But I'll need a Pokémon that's always out and ready… guess it's time to return to Pokémon Tower. I still need that Ghost Type.'
Having decided to return to Pokémon Tower, Azure was determined to obtain a Ghost-type Pokémon. One that'll balance his team out.
/////
[Kanto Region, Later, Lavender Town – Pokémon Tower 1F]
Having returned to Lavender Town using Dragonair Fly HM, he arrived back. He quickly went into Pokémon Tower with Pikachu over his shoulder, Growlithe in front acting as his light, and Eevee hiding inside his Spatial Backpack.
Dragonair was within her Poke Ball, slightly exhausted from traveling after training. Having returned, it would be a lie to say Azure wasn't feeling fearful.
He was aware of the personality of Gastly and its evolutionary chain's personalities, at least most of them. There was a reason that Lavender Town stayed lit at night, always; it was directly due to these three!
Azure entered the Pokémon Tower after climbing the stairs to the place. Walking through the door, he saw a lobby filled with chairs and tables. The floors were tiled, while the main walkway had white tiles.
All the furniture was purple, while the tables were made of standard brown wood. The people who were mainly here were elderly women and some Pokémon Channelers. They greeted him warmly as the one who liberated Team Rocket control, allowing them to pray to their dead Pokémon.
Azure, with the people of Lavender Town around, briefly saw that they had set up to prevent Ghost Pokémon like Gastly and the rest from causing mayhem. He walked over to the entrance to the second floor, allowing him to pass through easily.
/////
[Kanto Region, Lavender Town – Pokémon Tower 2F]
Arriving on the second floor, he was greeted with strange purple mist everywhere. There were tombstones with flowers arranged on a few of them; some even looked freshly placed.
Gastly and its evolutionary forms had personalities that differed. They weren't all evil and insane; some were tricksters and killers, while some just loved to scare you. This Pokémon group was far from dumb and could even be called geniuses.
Gastly to Gengar was mandatory for Azure to catch; he needed them badly for his plans, for many plans. But because of Team Rocket and Admin Koga, there weren't any Ghost-type Pokémon at the time.
Coming here, he didn't plan to leave without at least catching one if he could. There was nothing on this floor, but he had his Pikachu, Eevee, and Growlithe.
Of course, they were confused why they were here again for Pikachu and Growlithe. Eevee was new to seeing this place as he said in a calm tone, "Let's go, guys; this place is where we need to capture an important addition to the team."
Suddenly, a mischievous cackle echoed through the floor, "Gas… Gas…!"
*Fwp*
A swirling wisp of blue gas coalesced before them, its two glowing eyes fixed on Azure with unsettling glee, revealing it to be a wild Gastly. Azure announced, his hand instinctively reaching for a Poké Ball, "A wild Gastly! No, wait, a Shiny Gastly!!"
He hadn't expected to run into one. Much less of a Shiny Gastly. Pikachu tensed, ready to defend. Eevee instinctively huddled closer to Azure.
Even Growlithe's calm demeanor faltered momentarily. Dragonair eyed the Gastly with a mischievous grin, prepared for trouble within her Poke Ball.
But Azure held up a hand, silencing them. From the smoke, a Gastly emerged, its round eyes wide and filled with… loneliness?
It floated nervously; its wispy form was almost transparent against the backdrop of the dark halls nearby. The Gastly let out a faint, mournful wail, "Gas… Gastly…"
It floated closer, its eyes fixated on him. Azure felt a pang of sympathy for the Gastly as he asked calmly, "Are you… Are you lost?"
The Gastly nodded slowly, a barely perceptible movement in its form. Then Azure asked gently, "Are you… lonely?"
The Gastly wailed again, a sound filled with a deep-seated yearning. It floated closer, reaching out with a spectral hand towards them.
Azure understood. This Gastly wasn't malicious. It wasn't looking for trouble. It was just… seeking companionship.
He looked at his Pokémon. They looked hesitant but trusting; however, they remained skeptical as Azure thought, 'He doesn't seem aggressive. And I'm missing a Ghost Type to have around…'
Azure reassured them as he offered Gastly a small smile. The Gastly hesitated, then slowly, cautiously, floated closer. It settled near Azure, orbiting around him.
Azure offered it a few berries, which it seemed to absorb into its spectral body. The Gastly let out a soft, contented sigh.
Instead, it floated closer, its laughter turning into a series of playful gurgles. Azure observed, hesitantly taking a step forward as he said calmly, "Gastly doesn't seem aggressive."
But he sensed something different about this Gastly, a sense of loneliness that resonated with him as he said softly, extending a hand slowly, "Hey there, little guy. You all alone in here?"
The Gastly tilted its head, its eyes widening as if surprised by the kindness in Azure's voice. It drifted closer, hesitantly bumping against Azure's outstretched hand as his Pokémon relaxed, seeing this interaction.
An idea sparked in Azure's mind. He had been looking for a Ghost Pokémon to help him, as he said, looking at Ghastly in the eye, "Gastly. How would you like to come with me? We can explore together, and I can help you find some friends."
The Gastly's eyes seemed to light up. It bobbed excitedly, letting out a happy squeak, "Ga! Gastly!"
Azure smiled as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a Poké Ball as he said, "Alright then! Let's do this!"
He held the Poké Ball out towards the Gastly. With a final nod of encouragement, the Gastly drifted towards the device. A burst of red energy enveloped the Ghost Pokémon, drawing it inside.
The Poké Ball clicked shut and fell to the floor, shaking once, twice, then…silence. Azure held his breath, his heart pounding. He cautiously reached down and picked up the Poké Ball.
*BON*
A surge of relief washed over him. He had caught Gastly as he explained, smiling, "Gastly, welcome aboard."
Pikachu, Eevee, and Growlithe relaxed, a palpable sense of relief washing over them as well. Azure clipped the Poké Ball onto his belt, feeling a newfound sense of confidence getting his first Shiny Pokémon.
With a new member in their team, the daunting task of understanding the mysteries of the Pokémon World felt just a little less impossible. He raised his Arc Phone to get Gastly's stat info. He smiled, reading her status.
|Name: Gastly (S) (Gas Pokémon)
|Type: Ghost/Poison
|Level: 13
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Levitate
|Nature: Gentle
|Moves: Lick, Hypnosis, Spite, Confuse Ray, Mean Look, Payback, Perish Song (EM) (4 Moves to learn)
[Gastly, the Gas Pokémon. It produces a faint, sweet smell. The toxic gas surrounding the main body can induce fainting and suffocation, and it can enshroud an enemy of any size. Gastly's gaseous form makes it one of the lightest Pokémon in existence. Gastly has a playful personality, often frightening and playing pranks on people for fun.
However, Gastly shows a willingness to preserve or pass on the memories of departed humans, changing form and creating illusions, and it is capable of phasing through solid objects and forming tangible hands out of its gases. Gastly can be found within caves and old, dilapidated buildings, but may also be seen outdoors during nighttime.
Its gaseous body will dwindle when exposed to strong winds, so they huddle together in decent-sized groups under house eaves to avoid the wind. It may also cause flickering lights in abandoned houses. Gastly is known to sleep while floating. A sleeping Gastly is said to give a sudden surprise should someone approach it.]
*Pop*
Calling Gastly out, he hovered around happily with the group as Azure said curiously, "Say, Gastly, can you hide in my shadow for now?"
*Swooosh*
With a nod, Gastly went inside Azure's shadow as he felt a light chill. He muttered calmly, feeling uneasy with the new experience, "Ahh… So that's what it feels like having someone in my shadow."
Growlithe could only sigh, shaking his head helplessly at his Trainer. Pikachu and Eevee merely snickered at the interaction.
It was a reminder that even in the darkest corners, friendship and understanding could bloom, bringing unexpected warmth to the coldest of nights. The echoes of Gastly's lonely wail were replaced by the hopeful whisper.