Chapter 596: Nature Preserve
~Third POV~
[Unova Region, Sunset, Nature Preserve]
The Unovan sky blazed with a fierce, ethereal beauty as the sun, a molten orb of orange and crimson, began its slow descent. Far above the sprawling landmass, high amidst the wispy streaks of cirrus clouds, Azure felt a thrilling surge of exhilaration.
The unmistakable silhouette of the Unova region now dominated the horizon, its urban sprawl and wildlands a promise of new adventures laid out beneath them. Alpha Braviary, a magnificent raptor whose powerful wingbeats sliced through the thin air with practiced ease, held steady, its keen eyes fixed on the approaching land.
Perched comfortably on Azure's shoulder, a curious Zorua, its dark fur shimmering faintly, peered out, its intelligent gaze taking in the unfolding panorama with silent awe. Reaching for his Arc Phone, Azure instinctively checked their progress.
A glance at the glowing screen showed their current position, still a considerable distance from their intended destination of Nuvema Town. Azure murmured, stroking Braviary's feathery neck, "Looks like we'll need to make a pit stop for the night."
*DING*
A chime from the Arc Phone drew his attention. Rotom's cheerful, digitized voice chirped from the device, its screen flickering with a map overlay, "Warning! Warning! Energy levels low! User requires rest! Potential camping site detected! Nearby location: Nature Preserve! Unregistered on standard maps! Not found in Habitat List! High probability of interesting discoveries! Bzzzt!"
Azure paused, his mind sifting through the vast repository of Pokémon knowledge he'd accumulated from his previous life on Earth. The Nature Preserve… that name sparked a memory, a flicker from the games he once played.
A smirk touched his lips as he muttered excitedly, "The Nature Preserve… that's where the Shiny Haxorus was in Black and White 2, wasn't it? It was located far from the common routes, almost hidden, which explained why it wasn't on standard maps. What a stroke of luck!"
Azure chuckled, adjusting his grip on his partner Pikachu, who was nestled on his shoulder, and Eevee, who was comfortably draped over his head, their small bodies vibrating with anticipation, "Well, Rotom, you've picked a prime spot! Braviary, let's head for that Preserve. We'll set up camp there for the night."
*FWP*
A resonating cry echoed from Alpha Braviary, its powerful wings adjusting course, "BRAAAVIR!! (Roger, boss!)"
*FWP*
The majestic bird began its graceful descent, the wind whistling past them as they swooped lower, closer to the verdant expanse of the Nature Preserve. The air grew thicker, rich with the scent of damp earth and blooming foliage.
Azure felt a thrill course through him. He recalled the legend – a magnificent, rare Pokémon hidden away, a prize for those who dared to venture off the beaten path. This wasn't just a pit stop for the night; it was an opportunity.
He imagined a magnificent Haxorus with scales of a pure black colored hue, its tusks a striking bloody red for coolness. He mused, a competitive glint in his eyes, "Might as well use this chance to scout the area and see if I can find it, or at least one of its evolutionary stages…"
/////
~Azure S. POV~
[Unova Region, Sunset, Nature Preserve – Haxorus Territory]
*Thump*
The descent ended smoothly; Braviary landed with a soft thump near a shimmering waterfall, its cascading waters creating a soothing rhythm against the backdrop of rustling leaves…
*Thud*
The sound of their arrival, a gentle rustle of leaves and the soft thud of Braviary's landing, was quickly absorbed by the dense forest around them. The moment Braviary's talons touched the earth, I dismounted, my feet finding purchase on the soft, mossy ground.
I called out, my voice clear and carrying easily through the twilight air, "Alright team, let's get camp set up!"
*POP*
With a series of clicks and pops, I released the rest of my Unova journey team from their Poké Balls: my loyal Zorua, who had already disembarked my shoulder and was now observing his surroundings with telepathic curiosity; the fiery Alpha Larvesta, whose small, fluffy form glowed with a soft, internal warmth; the brooding Zweilous, its two heads scanning the dense undergrowth; Drilbur, already testing the soil with its drill-like claws; Golett, its ancient, stony form standing sentinel; and Tepig, snorting little puffs of smoke as it sniffed for berries.
From my ever-present shadow, a shimmering distortion indicated the presence of my more powerful, unseen allies. Marshadow and Darkrai merged subtly from the darkness, their forms barely perceptible to the untrained eye, ready to assist.
Pikachu, always on my shoulder, gave a happy pika! of agreement, while Eevee, still on my head, purred contentedly, her gaze darting between the unfolding wilderness and her teammates.
I requested, already pulling the compact camping gear from my bag, "Alright, Gengar, help me with the tent."
A mischievous, giggling presence solidified beside me as my Gengar materialized Gengar's voice, a gravelly whisper brimming with playful malice, drew my attention to a nearby tree trunk, "Heehee! Boss, look here!"
Her ghostly finger pointed to a series of deep, unmistakable gouges etched into the bark. She warned me, "These marks… they scream 'territory'! And the depth… definitely not from some weakling."
I nodded, the observation already having registered in my mind, confirming my initial suspicion the moment we landed. I explained, "You're spot on, Gengar. These are territorial slash marks, and quite fresh too. They're from the Axew line."
I ran a hand over the rough bark, tracing the deep grooves, continuing, "Axew and their evolutions use their tusks for many things – foraging, defense, and in this case, marking their borders. It's their way of announcing, 'This land is ours, stay out.'"
*RMBL*
Almost as if on cue, a rustling in the undergrowth grew louder, accompanied by the distinct snap of twigs and the soft thud of paws. The air around us seemed to thicken, charged with a primal energy.
The sounds grew closer, evolving into a symphony of growls and chirps. My senses, honed from years of adventuring and battling, screamed "presence." My head snapped up, my eyes focusing beyond the camping gear.
*RUSTLE*
Through the dense foliage, I could make out distinct shapes moving, their forms growing clearer with each passing second. A pack. A large one. First, I saw the smaller, more agile figures of Axew, their small tusks glinting in the faint light.
Then, the more formidable forms of Fraxure, their scythe-like tusks poised aggressively. And finally, standing taller, broader, and radiating raw power, were the unmistakable forms of Haxorus.
Two of them, both Alpha-sized, their massive tusks gleaming like obsidian blades. Besides them, a female Haxorus of normal stature observed us with wary eyes. A whole pack of dragons, and we had just set up camp right in their living room.
I paused from unrolling the tent, my movements slow and deliberate. Raising my right hand, I extended my Aura, pushing it outwards in a calm, non-threatening wave. It was a silent broadcast, a telepathic message directed at the pack.
*HUMMM*
My message flowed, clear and concise, through the forest, hoping to quell any immediate aggression, "We mean no harm. We are merely passing through, seeking a place to rest for the night. I have a specific request, one that might benefit your pack."
The pack, however, did not immediately calm. The two Alpha Haxorus, magnificent and terrifying in their wild majesty, began to let out deep, rumbling growls, a chorus of warning that vibrated through the very ground, "Graaaaaaawr…"
It was a sound that spoke of ancient territories and fierce protection. Their eyes, like chips of amber, narrowed on us, their massive bodies tensing, ready to spring into action. My own eyes, reflecting the challenge, began to glow with a soft, ethereal blue.
I wasn't trying to intimidate them, merely to convey the immense power I wielded, to show them I wasn't just some naïve traveler. It was a show of strength, a subtle flex of my Psychic and Aura capabilities, meant to communicate that an engagement would not be in their best interest.
The growls, though still present, did calm slightly, their volume diminishing from a roar to a low snarl. They still didn't like my presence, but the overt aggression had receded. Zoura's telepathic voice, calm and steady, reached my mind, 'Oi! Azure, they are wary, but not yet hostile. Their Alpha feels your power… and the power of our closest allies.'
He was right. The pack's unease was palpable, particularly concerning my most powerful companions. Pikachu, always ready, had already flared a faint electrical charge around his cheeks.
Eevee, bristling slightly, let out a soft warning growl. Gengar, eyes glowing red, floated a few inches off the ground, a malicious grin playing on her face. Marshadow and Darkrai, though still mostly veiled in shadow, exuded an almost suffocating aura of power, enough to make even wild Alpha Pokémon hesitate.
The Alpha Haxorus, a creature of instinct and immense strength, undoubtedly sensed that the true danger wasn't just my Pokémon, but me – the one who commanded such formidable forces, the one whose own Psychic and Aura abilities were easily on par with, if not exceeding, their own natural power.
Hmm, I thought, surveying the impressive display of draconic power before me. This is a rather big pack now that I'm standing here. My estimation quickly put their numbers at easily over 30 to 40 Pokémon, a vibrant ecosystem of ancient draconic power. Such a large, cohesive pack suggested strong leadership, which was evident in the Alpha Haxorus's cautious stance.
I called out, my voice ringing clear and calm through the tense air, projecting my intent with my Aura once more, "I am looking for someone to come along with me. Someone to become my friend, and to work together with me to become the strongest Haxorus they can be!"
I scanned the pack, my gaze lingering on each Axew, Fraxure, and Haxorus. None of them moved. Their eyes, a mixture of wariness, suspicion, and outright indifference, remained fixed on me. They were a formidable audience, unmoved by my declaration.
I guess there isn't any interest, I thought, a flicker of disappointment. It wasn't uncommon for wild Pokémon to be uninterested in joining a human, especially a strong, well-established pack like this one. Perhaps I'd simply misjudged the situation, or the legendary Shiny Haxorus was merely a myth, or perhaps it was well-hidden within the pack, not wanting to come forward.
Just as I was about to signal to my team that we'd move camp elsewhere, a vivid blur of lighter, olive-tinted teal shot out from the edges of the pack. A shrill cry pierced the air, laced with a surprising aggression and desperation, "AXEW!"
*Zooom*
The blur, smaller and faster than the others, hurtled towards me with reckless abandon. Its neck collar, usually a dull green, was a vibrant magenta or purplish-pink scarf. My eyes widened slightly. A Shiny Axew!
*Bang*
Before it could reach me, before it could even get close enough to launch an attack, I simply raised a hand. A wave of telekinetic force, swift and invisible, slammed into the charging Axew.
It cried out, a surprised squeak, as its momentum was violently arrested. Its small body, suspended for a moment in mid-air, then went crashing to the ground with a soft thump, landing roughly but not painfully.
The Shiny Axew lay there, struggling against the invisible bonds of my telekinetic grip, its small claws scrabbling uselessly at the earth. It looked up at me, a fierce, defiant glare in its eyes, its small fangs bared in a snarl.
But it was futile.
My power, my raw Psychic strength, was so far superior to its own that it could only twitch, attempting to extend its tiny claws in a futile gesture of defiance. I scanned the rest of the pack, expecting a reaction, a burst of aggression in defense of their struggling member.
But nothing.
They remained where they were, their expressions ranging from wary curiosity to almost complete indifference. It was as if this Shiny Axew held little importance to them, or perhaps even less.
Slowly, deliberately, I began to walk forward, my steps measured and calm. As I approached the struggling Axew, I knelt, bringing myself to its level. By the size of its tusks, small as they were, and its overall build, I deduced it was a male.
But what truly drew my attention were the marks of a hard life. A deep, jagged claw mark marred its face, a testament to past skirmishes, and one of its precious tusks, so vital for an Axew, was visibly broken, a jagged stump where a sharp point should have been.
My gaze flickered back to the pack, a fresh wave of understanding dawning on me. Wild Pokémon really do not treat Shiny Pokémon right, I thought with a pang of empathy. It was a harsh truth of the wild, where unique traits could often be seen as weaknesses or simply made them targets.
The Shiny Pokémon growled out, still struggling, trying to muster some hidden strength to attack, "Axew!"
It was a fighter; that much was clear.
I asked softly, my voice devoid of threat, my expression calm and cool, "So you're a tough guy, huh?"
I stared into its angry eyes, unafraid. I trusted my Pokémon implicitly. Pikachu and Eevee were on high alert, Gengar was shimmering with readiness, and Marshadow and Darkrai were poised to intervene instantly if I were truly in danger.
The Axew's head thumped against the ground again with another frustrated growl, its tiny, powerful body straining against my psychic hold. I continued, my voice gentle despite the Axew's aggression, "I guess you would have to be, given where you are. Let me guess, you've had it pretty rough here, haven't you?"
I looked at the little dragon, who glared back with undimmed fury. Slowly, carefully, I reached out my hand, extending it towards the Axew. The Axew, still held by my telekinesis, turned its head with all the strength it could muster, its jaw opening wide.
*CHOMP*
It wasn't a focused Bite attack, not with its energy so fragmented by my power, but it bit down on my outstretched fingers with all its might. Its tiny fangs met the invisible barrier of my Aura shield, a faint, almost imperceptible zing sound in the air around my hand.
He's got guts, I thought, a genuine smirk gracing my lips. This little guy had spirit, a fire that refused to be extinguished.
My Pokémon, seeing the Axew's attack, began to twitch, ready to act, but I raised my other hand, calling out with a calm tone, "It's alright, guys. He's fine."
It was a dumb move, a very dumb move by conventional standards – letting a wild, aggressive Pokémon bite you, even if it was just an Axew. But I saw something in its eyes, a raw desperation beneath the anger.
While the Axew kept its jaws clenched on my aura-shielded hand, letting out a constant growl of defiance, my free hand went to pet its head. The Axew flinched, a clear, involuntary jerk of its head. It paused its biting for a fraction of a second, surprised by the unexpected touch.
I said softly, my fingers gently stroking the olive-tinted teal fur on its head. "It's okay. I don't plan to hurt you."
The Axew kept its jaws clenched, its fangs pressing against the transparent Aura field, but its struggles lessened. Its wide, angry eyes stared up at me, a flicker of confusion mingling with the defiance. As I continued to pet it, my fingers subtly pulsed with a gentle, verdant energy – my Viridian Force.
*HUMMM*
The healing energy flowed into the Axew, seeking out its wounds. The deep claw mark on its face began to fade, the skin knitting together seamlessly. More importantly, the broken tusk, an Axew's pride and weapon, slowly, miraculously, began to regrow, pushing out like a tiny, perfect spear, restoring its natural, formidable shape.
The Axew's eyes widened, its growls dying in its throat. It could feel the tingling sensation, the impossible restoration happening within its own body. Its jaw slowly relaxed, the pressure on my Aura shield easing.
Its fangs pulled out, letting my hand go completely. It just lay there, staring at me, no longer struggling, no longer glaring, but completely bewildered. I smirked, seeing the change in its demeanor. It was looking at me now, not with anger, but with a complex mix of awe and bewilderment.
I continued to rub its head gently, feeling the newly whole tusk beneath my fingers. I said softly, my voice warm, "That is quite the bite you have there already. I bet if we trained hard, we could make it a lot stronger. What do you say?"
I pulled out an Ultra Ball, its sleek design glinting in the fading light, and held it out to the Axew. The little dragon looked at my hand, then back to me, then back to the Ultra Ball, as if expecting me to do something.
It seemed to be processing everything that had just happened – the unexpected kindness, the miraculous healing, the offer of companionship. Then, ever so slowly, it moved its head. With a tiny, deliberate motion, it bopped its own nose on the Ultra Ball.
*CLICK*
A soft click sounded, a quick flash of red light enveloped the Axew, and the ball rattled once, twice, then settled, a triumphant ding signaling a successful, willing self-capture. I smiled, a wide, genuine grin spreading across my face.
I pumped my fist quietly. I stood up, feeling a profound sense of satisfaction, stating, "Alright! Yes! Let's go, guys. We got what we came here for."
The Haxorus pack, still arrayed in the background, eyed us warily, their growls now almost indistinguishable from the rustling leaves. But they made no move to stop us. My capture of the Axew had been swift and, more importantly, voluntary.
I thought, projecting my request, 'Darkrai, if you would.'
*Ripple*
With a ripple in space, a small portal of Dark Void opened, swallowing our partially set-up camping gear in an instant. A few seconds later, it reappeared nearby, ready to be reset. With a final glance at the impressive but now seemingly subdued Haxorus pack, I whistled for Braviary.
I then stated, "Let's find a quieter spot for the night."
We relocated a few miles away, deep within the quieter recesses of the Preserve, far from the Haxorus territory. Darkrai effortlessly teleported our supplies, and in mere minutes, my team and I had a new, comfortable camp established. The air was calmer here, filled only with the gentle symphony of the forest.
Once everything was settled, I released my newest team member. I declared happily, "Come on out, Axew!"
*POP*
The Ultra Ball opened, and the Shiny Axew materialized, looking around with wide, curious eyes. It was no longer bristling with aggression, but rather a cautious wonder. I said excitedly, gesturing to the rest of my Unova team, "Axew, this is your new family. Welcome to the Unova Team!"
Zorua approached first, its telepathic voice soft in Axew's mind, 'Welcome. You are safe here with us, newbie! I'm the great Zorua!'
Alpha Larvesta flitted around it, emitting a soft, warm glow. Zweilous, surprisingly gentle for its intimidating appearance, simply observed, a subtle nod from its twin heads. Alpha Braviary landed nearby, its presence commanding but not threatening.
Drilbur, Golett, and Tepig, my younger Unova teammates, looked at the newcomer with bright, curious gazes. The Shiny Axew, no longer scarred or broken, its tusks now perfectly formed and gleaming, looked from Zorua to Larvesta, then to Zweilous and Braviary – powerful, impressive Pokémon.
It seemed to notice how much stronger they were, particularly compared to its own small self. Yet, there was no hostility, only a quiet, friendly curiosity from the younger ones as they began to mill around it.
Axew, still a little shy, took a tentative step towards Tepig, sniffing cautiously. It was the beginning of a new journey, and the integration of a new, special friend. I smiled, seeing this. I checked our new guy's status screen.
[Axew the Tusk Pokémon. Their tusks can regenerate if broken and will regrow if they fall out. This repeated regrowth strengthens and sharpens its tusks. Axew's tusks serve numerous purposes, such as making territorial gashes in trees and boulders, playing with each other, and crushing Berries for eating.
In ancient times, people used Axew's discarded tusks as cooking knives. A forest green collar marking encircles its neck. Axew's limbs and tail are short, with its forelimbs having three digits and its feet having two digits. Axew is skilled at climbing walls and trees. Axew lives in nests made in the ground.]
|Name: Axew (S) (Tusk Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon
|Tera: Dragon
|Level: 30
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Mold Breaker
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Leer, Taunt, Scary Face, Endure, Dragon Dance, Hone Claws, Dragon Claw, Dual Chop, Breaking Swipe, Slash, Dragon Rage, Crunch, Assurance, False Swipe, Razor Wind, Reversal, First Impression, Counter (EM) (3 moves left to learn)
Interesting moveset Axew developed. I'll need to help refine some plans and add some Agile and Strong Styles to make a Mon out of this Dragon yet. For now, I watched them, a profound sense of accomplishment and anticipation washing over me.
The Unova region was already proving to be full of surprises. With a growing team, strong allies, and the thrill of the unknown ahead, I felt a familiar surge of excitement for this adventure. The Unova League awaited, and I was more than ready for the challenges and troubles to come.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!