Chapter 21
As we leave Levincia, we find ourselves in East Province Area 2, determined to train our Nymble and guide it toward its evolution into a Lokix. Our strategy involves engaging in Tera Raids and battling various Pokémon to accumulate valuable experience points. Gradually, we witness Nymble's transformation into a formidable Lokix. Furthermore, we diligently teach it the powerful Axe Kick technique.
Lokix: The Grasshopper Pokemon: Bug Type. Evolve from Nymble at LV:24. It uses its normally folded third set of legs when in Showdown Mode. This places a huge burden on its body, so it can't stay in this mode for long.
And so, our training session continues until a sudden gasp from Serena captures our attention. She exclaims, "Ash! Look over there... it's Tandemaus, and it has a little one!"
"What? A child?" I'm taken aback as we spot a small child Pokémon standing behind the two Tandemauses. Confused, I inquire, "What's happening here?"
Golly reassures us, "Don't worry, Brother. Your Tandemaus is evolving into Maushold!"
"Maushold?" Serena and I exchange puzzled glances. Serena voices our confusion, saying, "But there's no known evolution sequence for this! It's really unusual..."
"That's what makes Maushold special," Drandon explains. "Maushold possesses its unique move, 'Tidy Up,' which can clear hazards like Stealth Rocks, Spikes, or Substitutes. It's an excellent move to have. Moreover, what you're witnessing here is exceptionally rare—a family of three Pokémon. Typically, they evolve into a family of four."
"Well, I suppose we're quite fortunate," I respond with a nonchalant shrug.
Motivated by our newfound understanding of the unique evolution path of Tandemaus, we set out to capture another one with the intention of witnessing its evolution into the Family of Four. As we observe the process this time, we finally begin to discern the remarkable differences that set this particular evolution apart from the more common forms.
Maushold (Family of Four): The Family Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolve from Tandemaus at LV:25. The two little ones just appeared one day. The group might be a family of related Pokémon, but nobody knows for sure.
Maushold (Family of Three): The Family Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolve from Tandemaus at LV:25. The little one just appeared one day. They all live together like a family, but the relationship between the three is still unclear.
Our attention shifts to Smoliv, our next Pokémon in line for evolution. As it undergoes the transformation, we're astounded to witness its human-like appearance. However, it differs significantly from Gothitelle, resembling more of a doll-like figure rather than a traditional human form.
Dolliv: The Olive Pokémon: Grass and Normal Type. Evolve from Smoliv at LV:25. It basks in the sun to its heart's content until the fruits on its head ripen. After that, Dolliv departs from human settlements and goes on a journey.
We decide to pair Swellow with Wattrel for joint training sessions. It turns out that the Wattrel I caught is a female, and surprisingly, Swellow, who has become accustomed to absorbing Electric-type attacks, forms a strong bond with her in a short span of time.
I find myself musing aloud, "Why do our Pokémon seem to develop romantic feelings for each other so easily?"
Serena, who's hugging me from behind, offers a compassionate perspective, "Ash, you shouldn't complain about it. They have emotions just like we do."
I relent with a sigh, conceding, "I suppose you're right."
After the rigorous training, we're overjoyed to witness Wattrel's evolution into Kilowattrel, an achievement that fills us with pride and satisfaction.
Kilowattrel: The Frigatebird Pokémon: Electric and Flying Type. Evolve from Wattrel at LV:25. Kilowattrel inflates its throat sac to amplify its electricity. By riding the wind, this Pokémon can fly over 430 miles in a day.
With the successful evolution of Wattrel into Kilowattrel, we decide to give our two feathered friends some well-deserved time to enjoy themselves. Watching Swellow and Kilowattrel soar through the skies and engage in playful aerial maneuvers brings a sense of relaxation and camaraderie to our beloved companions.
Eager to further our team's strength, we focus on training Fidough with the assistance of Gengar. Gengar, always the mischievous prankster, continues to play its tricks on us during our training sessions. However, our patience pays off as Fidough evolves into a more composed and disciplined Pokémon, resembling baked bread in its newfound maturity.
Dachsbun: The Dog Pokemon: Fairy Type. Evolve from Fidough at LV:26. The pleasant aroma that emanates from this Pokémon's body helps wheat grow, so Dachsbun has been treasured by farming villages.
Excitement fills the air as I command Gengar to unleash a Will-o-Wisp, expecting a powerful attack. However, to our surprise, the move doesn't work as anticipated. In an unexpected twist, Dachsbun's unique ability, "Well-Baked Body," activates, causing it to take no damage from the Fire-type move and sharply boosting its Defense stat.
Serena consults the Pokédex and shares the revelation, "Dachsbun's ability is Well-Baked Body. The Pokémon takes no damage when hit by Fire-type moves. Instead, its Defense stat is sharply boosted."
I express my amazement, remarking, "This really changes things significantly... But I find it fascinating. With so many new Pokémon and moves, we have a multitude of strategies to explore."
Serena nods in agreement, and we continue our training session, eager to uncover more surprises and refine our team's skills.
As our journey progresses, it's time for Wiglett to evolve, and to our astonishment, it takes on a form we didn't expect. When I see the Pokémon that emerges, my reaction is immediate. "What the hell?"
Wugtrio: The Garden Eel Pokemon: Water Type. Evolve from Wiglett at LV:26. It has a vicious temperament, contrary to what its appearance may suggest. It wraps its long bodies around prey, then drag preys into its den.
"Wugtrio?" Serena inquires, puzzled.
"Diglett evolves into Dugtrio, and Wiglett evolves into Wugtrio..." Drandon explains, "But some believe they might share similarities."
Lucine's revelation about Wugtrio's signature move, Triple Dive, captures our attention. "The user performs a perfectly timed triple dive, hitting the target with splashes of water three times in a row," she explains.
"Wow," I respond, thoroughly impressed. "That's truly amazing."
With the addition of this unique move to Wugtrio's arsenal, our Pokémon team becomes even more diverse and formidable, offering us exciting possibilities for battles and adventures ahead.
As we prepare to return to school, we spot Director Clavell once more, this time disguised as Clive. He stands before Team Star's Fire Base, a mysterious and ominous presence in our path.
"Ah, it's you six..." Clive acknowledges as we approach.
"Director Clavell?" Lucine asks, clearly recognizing him.
"Like I said before, the name's Clive. Please don't forget it." Clive shakes his head and then continues, "Anyway... I owe you one. Thanks to you, I've been accepted into Operation Starfall."
"Okay," I say, still somewhat skeptical. "But why do you want to join Operation Starfall?"
"I need some answers, that's all," Clive replies, emphasizing his quest for information. "How do I resolve this situation with Team Star... and what's causing its members' odd behavior?"
"What situation?" Serena inquires, her curiosity evident.
Clive elaborates, "Team Star is the subject of more than a few nasty rumors swirling around the academy, you know. Some say their bullying has caused a worrying number of students to drop out of school… Others say they are holed up in their bases, plotting to cause trouble for the academy."
We exchange concerned glances, realizing that there's indeed more to this situation than mere rumors. Clive explains further, "But these are rumors. The matter I am directly confronted with is something else... I'm talking about Team Star's persistent truancy. They've all been skipping class for a while now... Five of them in particular—the so-called "bosses" of Team Star—haven't so much as set foot inside a classroom for over a year. And it seems the team's rank and file have recently started stirring up mischief as well."
As Clive speaks, I can see a deep frown on his face. "That's why I took it upon myself to issue a direct order to Team Star to disband. I informed them that should they refuse, I would have no choice but to expel all students affiliated with their team…"
All of us are left in a state of shock at the revelation. Golly stammers, "You... you're going to expel them?"
Clive continues, "But I'm afraid there's been no response. And the deadline I set for them to make their choice between dissolution or exclusion is nigh upon us. So you see, when I overheard you talking on the phone to Cassiopeia, it couldn't have come at a more crucial time..."
I nod in understanding, realizing the gravity of the situation. Just then, my Rotom Phone begins to ring again, indicating that Cassiopeia is calling us once more.
"It's Cassiopeia. Can you hear me?" Cassiopeia's voice comes through.
"Urk..." Clive mutters, clearly torn between the call and our current conversation. He whispers, "Another time, then... Be careful..."
After Clive takes his leave, the six of us turn our attention to the phone, and I answer, "Cassiopeia?"
"I see you're coming up to one of Team Star's bases. Was there... someone with you just now?" Cassiopeia asks with a note of concern.
"There's just us," I respond.
Cassiopeia's voice carries a hint of worry as she warns us, "Well... be warned that Team Star will have its guard up after losing one boss to you already. This base won't go down as easily as the last one. Proceed with extreme caution. I'll be in touch."
We acknowledge her advice, fully aware of the challenges that await us as we approach the next Team Star base. After Cassiopeia ends the call, we make our way to the gate, only to be confronted by a Team Star grunt standing guard.
"Whoa, whoa, you can't be here. This base belongs to Team Star," the grunt warns us. "If you don't clear out real quick-like, I'll hafta come at you in self-defense. You get me?"
"We're not turning back," I assert firmly. "We have a mission to do."
The grunt, undeterred, decides to engage us. "Well, all right! Time for me to self-defense the snot right outta ya!" He sends out a Houndour to battle.
In response, I choose Finizen as my partner for the battle. Thanks to the rain that's currently falling, we have the advantage, and Finizen unleashes a powerful Water Pulse that quickly defeats the Houndour.
"I defended myself all right... But it wasn't enough!" the defeated grunt mutters as he recalls his Pokémon. "Man, you're crazy strong..."
The defeated grunt seems to recognize us and asks, "Wait... Are you those six kids who declared war on Team Star?"
Luke responds sarcastically, "No, we're not? Of course we are."
The grunt takes this in and then exclaims, "Whoa, thanks for the terrible news! 'Scuse me while I book it back to the rest of my crew! Hasta la vistaaar!" He strikes a pose and then hastily retreats through the gate.
Once the Team Star grunt retreats, Clive suddenly appears and cheerfully greets us, "Heeey! Ash, Serena, Golly, Drandon, Lucine, Luke!"
It's still somewhat unusual to hear Director Clavell address us by our names rather than using "Mister" and "Miss" in front of our names.
"Cassiopeia told me to scope out the Fire Crew's base. I thought I'd come to give you some backup now that I'm through, but it seems you're all set," Clive explains.
"Yeah... I guess we are ready to face the Fire Crew..." Lucine responds, a hint of determination in her voice.
Just as we are discussing our readiness to confront the Fire Crew, a Charcadet suddenly rushes toward us, surprising everyone. Serena inquires, "Is that a Charcadet? What is it doing here?"
Clive seems to recognize the Charcadet and asks, "Wait a second... Is that you? Charlos?"
"Charlos the Charcadet? I thought he was at the academy. What is it doing here?" Drandon adds.
We recall that Charlos the Charcadet is one of the Pokémon cared for within the school grounds, often a favorite playmate for students during breaks.
Charlos rushes toward the gate, and Clive calls out, "Ah! Charlos, wait!"
"He ran off..." I comment. "But it seems like he may have some connection to Team Star's Fire Crew..."
Clive quickly decides to chase after Charlos and assures us, "I'd better chase after him. Don't worry - I'll regroup with you soon enough! You press ahead into the base!"
With that, Clive hurries after Charlos, leaving us to continue our mission deeper into the Team Star base. Just as he departs, Cassiopeia's call comes through, and we prepare to listen to her guidance and insights.
"I see you dealt with the grunt standing guard. Nice work," Cassiopeia acknowledges.
"Yeah... he was not much of a problem," I respond.
Cassiopeia proceeds to provide us with more information, saying, "Stationed inside that base is Team Star's Fire crew - the Schedar Squad. The boss, Mela, is the best all-rounder on the team. She fixes any and every problem thrown her way, though her methods are... heavy-handed. Our declaration of war must have made her blood boil. I bet even now, her grunts are hard at work inside the base, trying to keep her fury under control."
"So she has anger issues," Golly remarks.
"That means your best move is to take down all the grunts nice and quick. Once there's no one left to help Mela keep her cool, she should come out to confront you. Ring the bell on the gates once you're ready to kick off this phase of the operation. Time to wipe the Schedar Squad off the map!"
After the call ends, I sigh and comment, "A Fire Type Leader with anger issues? That doesn't seem surprising at all."
Serena rolls her eyes and responds, "Ash, you do remember that my Dad and my sister are Fire Type users, right?"
"Of course I remember. They are exceptions," I quickly clarify, not wanting to get on my girlfriend's bad side. We then turn our attention to the Rotom Phone, seeking more information about Mela and the Schedar Squad to better prepare for the upcoming battle.
"Mela believes in solving every problem with force, and she is scarier to face than her Pokemon. But she has charisma and always keeps her word, wich has earned her trust of her allies."
With determination, we agree to face the challenges within the base. I press the button, and the door slides open, allowing us to enter.
Suddenly, a voice comes through the speaker, announcing, "Some kids lucked out beating one of our sister squads, and now he thinks he can take us on! Time to give him the boot, gang! Let's show these gate-crashers what Team Star can do! And if you're listening, gate-crashers, know this! Unless you can beat 30 of our Pokemon in 10 minutes, our boss won't lift a finger to deal with the likes of you!"
Houndour, Torkoal, Growlithe, and Numel are sent out to battle us, which strikes me as unusual given their fire-type affiliation with the Hoenn Region. Nevertheless, we respond by sending out Wugtrio, Klawf, Palossand, Kingdra, Flygon, and Midday form Lycanroc.
After we defeat their Pokémon, they continue to heal them before sending them out again. However, we strategically employ large-range moves like Surf, Rock Slide, and Earthquake, making it easy to defeat all their Pokémon. The counter also reaches 30, leaving the grunts in a state of panic.
"Our defenses are breached... It's all up to the boss now!" one of the grunts exclaims as they hastily depart to contact their leader. The memory of the Starmobiles lingers, and we can only hope that Team Star's boss won't resort to such tactics again.
And here is the first part of the Fire Type Team Star Base raid, and trust me, this is also not an easy one if you're going to try this first. But I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the battle with Mela.
Ash and Serena's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Dolliv, Squawkabilly x4, Naclstack, Charcadet x2, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Maschiff, Shroodle, Toedscool, Klawf, Scovillain, Flittle, Tinkatuff, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Finizen, Cyclizar, Flamigo, Clodsire