Chapter 11: A feathered friend
The soft melody of Juliana's alarm clock gently roused her from sleep, signaling the start of another day at Naranja Academy. Blinking away the remnants of slumber, she glanced at the date displayed on her Rotom Phone— it was the first day of her second week at the school.
With a stretch and a yawn, Juliana sat up in bed, feeling the cool morning air against her skin. She glanced down at her pajamas, a cozy set adorned with colorful patterns. Among the vibrant designs were the familiar faces of the three first partner Pokémon of Paldea: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
And speaking of which, beside her, Sprigatito stirred, her fur ruffled from sleep as she blinked awake. Juliana smiled at her little grass type reaching out to stroke her fur gently, making her purr in response.
"¡Buenos días, señiorita!" Juliana greeted her with a smile, her voice carrying through the quiet room.
"Tito, Tito!" Sprigatito chirped happily, nuzzling closer to her hand as she continued to pet her.
Feeling refreshed and ready to start off the day, Juliana swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. It was a new week, full of possibilities and adventures waiting to be discovered. With Sprigatito by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After having gotten dressed, Juliana stood before her full-length mirror, her eyes glued on her reflection as she adjusted the collar of her freshly pressed uniform. The soft morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over her features as she assessed her appearance. She smoothed down the very fabric of her uniform, ensuring every crease was perfectly aligned, and straightened. With nimble fingers, she straightened the tie, ensuring it lay perfectly against her chest.
As Juliana shifted her stance, she examined her reflection from various angles, taking in every detail of her appearance. Sprigatito, ever attentive, mirrored her movements, perched directly on her shoulder.
"I'd say we make quite the team, wouldn't you say so, Sprigatito?" Juliana remarked, her voice soft yet resolute.
"Spri, Spri!" Sprigatito chirped in agreement, her eyes reflecting the same determination and loyalty as her Trainer.
After getting ready, Juliana and Sprigatito made their way through the outside dormatory towards the main campus, they were surrounded by a bustling scene of students and their Pokémon companions. The morning air buzzed with energy as Trainers and their partners prepared for the days ahead. Pokémon of all shapes and sizes frolicked alongside their human counterparts, their playful antics adding a vibrant charm to the surroundings.
Juliana continued her stroll, the morning sun casting long shadows across the path. As she walked, Juliana couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant scene around her. A group of Fidoughs chased each other in circles, their tails wagging excitedly, while a Slaking basked in the sunlight, its deep snores reverberating through the air. Nearby, a pair of Deerling practiced their Tackle attacks under the watchful eye of their Trainer.
Suddenly, a loud screech echoed from the edge of the nearby forest, jolting the edge of the nearby forest, jolting Juliana and her grass type out of their shared reverie. Intrigued, she quickened her pace and approached the source of the noise with cautious curiosity, wondering what could be causing such a commotion.
As the girl ventured deeper into the forest, the once distant screech grew louder, morphing into a desperate cry that sent shivers down her spine. Without hesitation, she broke into a sprint, her heart pounding in her chest as she dashed through the dense undergrowth, propelled by a sense of urgency and concern.
The tangled branched clawed at her arms and legs, leaving scratches in their wake, but Juliana paid them no heed as she pressed forward, her only focus on reaching the source of the distressing sound. With each step, the urgency of the situation weighed heavier on her mind, fueling her determination to find whoever— or whatever— was in trouble.
Despite the uncertainty of the situation and the potential dangers lurking in the unknown depths of the forest, Juliana's instincts kept her going forward with unshakable resoluteness. Behind her, Sprigatito bounded through the foliage, matching her Trainer's pace with unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Both the girl and her partner Pokémon halted in their tracks, their eyes widening in shock at the distressing sight before them. In the clearing ahead, a small Pokémon cowered on the ground with fear as it endured a relentless barrage of pecks from a larger, more aggressive counterpart,
The cowering Pokémon, with its predominantly black feathers, stood out starkly against the verdant backdrop of the forest. Its chest was adorned with patches of grayish light-blue plumage, complemented by vibrant yellow covert feathers on its wings. A distinctive yellow crescent adorned its face, framing its nub-head and elongated orange beak. Despite its small stature, its eyes burned with a mixture of defiance and terror, their white sclerae contrasting sharply against the deep black irises and teal pupils.
"Those Pokémon..." Juliana's voice faltered as she lifted her Rotom Phone, aiming it at the two creatures locked in the distressing altercation before her.
As the beam of light emanated from the device, it swept over the two-winged Pokémon casting a brief glow that caught their attention. They momentarily paused their tumultuous interaction, their eyes fixating on the source of the sudden illumination.
"Wattrel, the Storm Petrel Pokémon. When its wings catch the wind, the bones within produce electricity. This Pokémon dives into the ocean, catching prey by electrocuting them."
"So, that's a Wattrel," Juliana murmured, her tone turning serious as she observed the distressed Pokémon. "Hey, you, tonto! Quit picking on that poor little thing, leave it alone."
The menacing electric flying type fixed its gaze on Juliana, its sharp eyes narrowing with extreme intensity. A piercing screech escaped its beak, sending a shiver down Juliana's spine as she braced herself for a possible attack.
The downtrodden Wattrel brushed away its tears, its expression shifting from anguish to disbelief as it gazed at Juliana. Just as it seemed to register the act of defense, Sprigatito leaped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of her Trainer, prompting a moment of stunned silence from the bullied bird.
Sprigatito's fur bristled as she let out a low, ferocious growl, her eyes narrowing into fiery slits. With fur standing on end and tail held high, she puffed up her chest and bared her tiny fangs, emitting an intimidating hiss towards the enemy flying type, ready to defend her Trainer if need be.
The opposing Wattrel's eyes crackled with electricity as it unleashed a powerful Thunder Shock attack aimed directly at Sprigatito. Its feathers stood on end, charged with static energym as it prepared to strike with full force at the brave Pokémon standing before it.
"Dodge it, and then Quick Attack!" Juliana cried out, her heart pounding.
With lightning-like reflexes, Sprigatito sprang into action, narrowly evading the crackling Thunder Shock that sizzled through the air, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. As the attack scorched the ground below, Sprigatito took advantage of the opening, hurtling through the air with a burst of speed from Quick Attack, closing in on the airborne foe with determination.
Sprigatito collided with the enemy Wattrel, sending it skidding backward on its feet before it regained its footing, steadying itself against the force of the impact.
On the sidelines, the picked-on Wattrel watched, still astonished, momentarily forgetting its fear as it witnessed its bully getting hit. However, its brief respite was shattered when the aggressor Wattrel fixed it with a piercing stare, causing a wave of apprehension to wash over it. With a cry of terror, the bullied Wattrel darted towards a nearby tree, seeking refuge on a high branch, far out of reach of the menacing glare.
Redirecting its focus to its adversary, the Wattrel lunged forward, aiming to land a direct hit with its beak using Peck. However, Sprigatito remained nimble, gracefully evading each strike with a combination of swift sidesteps and agile leaps. With precise movements, the grass type Pokémon danced around its adversary, narrowly avoiding the sharp attacks with each graceful maneuver.
As Sprigatito continued dodging each incoming attack, Juliana observed with a focused gaze. Rayos, that's a relentless barrage of Peck attacks. It's super effective, if even one of those connects, it'd do a lot of damage, we can't let this thing keep attacking like this, we need to be the ones on the offensive... she thought. With a fierce resolve, she instructed her Pokémon. "Sprigatito, wait for the right moment, then Scratch!"
The first partner Pokémon's movements remained swift and precise, dodging each incoming Peck with calculated agility. With each near miss, tension mounted in the air, as both Pokémon engaged in a high-stakes dance of offense and defense. Finally, seizing the perfect opening, Sprigatito lunged forward, claws extended, and delivered a powerful Scratch attack. The sharp claws made contact with Wattrel's face, leaving behind deep scratches and causing the bird Pokémon to cry out in pain.
Recoiling from the blow, Wattrel flapped its wings frantically, launching itself upward into the air in a desperate attempt to put some distance between itself and its opponents. With a pained screech, it ascended higher, the wind whistling past its feathers as it sought refuge from the ongoing battle below.
Wattrel, still airborne, began to dart through the air in a frenzied display of agility, its wings beating furiously as it maneuvered through the sky. With graceful yet erratic movements, it swooped and soared in an attempt to disorient Sprigatito and gain an upper hand. Its swift and unpredictable movements made it challenging for Sprigatito to anticipate its next attack, forcing the grass type Pokémon to stay vigilant and agile to evade its opponent's strikes.
Juliana pondered aloud; her brow furrowed in concentration as she searched for a strategy. "We're going to need a way to strike it down while it's midair... but how?" Suddenly, inspiration struck. "Sprigatito, use Hone Claws, vamos!"
Sprigatito focused her energy, her claws glowing as it sharpened them with precision, honing its accuracy and power to strike its opponent with greater effectiveness.
"Great! Now use your Leafage and stop it from going anywhere!" Juliana's voice cut through the attention as she directed her Pokémon.
As Sprigatito's eyes blazed with an intense emerald hue, she tracked the frenzied movement of the airborne Wattrel, which darted frantically between the trees, desperately seeking refuge from the impending assault. In a split second as the flying type attempted to dodge and weave through the dense foliage, Sprigatito seized the opportune moment. With immaculate timing, she released a single razor-sharp leaf from her Leafage attack, astonishing speed and accuracy.
The leaf sliced through the air with unparalleled precision, catching the Wattrel off guard. With a swift and fluid motion, it struck true, pinning the struggling bird Pokémon to a nearby tree by one its feathers. The Wattrel let out a startled cry as it found itself immobilized, unable to evade or escape the deftly aimed attack.
"¡Excelente trabajo, señiorita!" Juliana cheered with delight. "Alright, let's finish this with another Scratch attack!"
Fueled by her Trainer's cheers, Sprigatito knew she couldn't let her down. With a determined gleam in her eyes, the grass type focused her energy, her eyes glowing a vibrant shade of green, as if charged by nature's power itself. Suddenly, in a swift and fluid motion, Sprigatito vanished from sight only to reappear behind the tree where Wattrel was trapped.
With lightning speed, Sprigatito had unleashed its Scratch attack, slashing the bird Pokémon and through the tree with such force that it seemed like time itself slowed down. The tree began to splinter and crack under the pressure, the sound of wood snapping filling the air. Inch by inch, the tree began to lean, until finally, with a resounding crash, it toppled over, taking Wattrel along with it.
The sight was awe-inspiring, like something out of a blockbuster movie. Sprigatito stood triumphantly amidst the fallen tree, its attack having not only freed Wattrel but also dealt a decisive blow to its opponent. Juliana couldn't help but marvel at the sheer power and skill of her Pokémon, a true testament to their bond and trust.
"Tito!" Sprigatito cried out victoriously, her voice echoing through the forest clearing. With a proud flick of her tail, she turned to face her beaten opponent, her eyes shining with fierceness and pride.
"You did it, Sprigatito!" Juliana exclaimed, her eyes glowing with pride as she clasped her hands together, a wide smile spreading across her face.
Perched atop the branch high above the forest floor, the bullied Wattrel watched utterly amazed. Its teary eyes widened as it observed the scene below. The once-aggressive attacker was now sprawled out flat on the ground, next to it, the once-tall tree lay split in half.
"Watt... rel..." The defeated Pokémon let out a weak groan as it laid unconscious, one of its wings twitching slightly in pain.
Setting her first partner Pokémon cradled to the ground, Juliana lifted her gaze towards the branches above. "I'm really sorry that other Wattrel was harassing you like that, pajarito," she said softly, addressing the unconscious Pokémon. "But it's safe now, I promise."
The flying type, still distant, appeared visibly nervous. Its feathers ruffed, and its body trembled slightly as it glanced around with wary eyes, unsure of what to make of the situation.
As Juliana approached, she maintained a gentle yet determined expression, her eyes meeting Wattrel's with understanding and empathy. "Listen little buddy," she began, her voice soft and soothing. "I'm Juliana. Juliana Quintanilla. I promise you I mean no harm. I came here as fast as I could when I heard the sound of someone in distress, I just want to make sure you're okay." She spoke with sincerity, her words carrying a sense of reassurance as she reached out a hand, offering it in friendship to the trembling Wattrel.
Wattrel felt a surge of surprise and relief wash over him as he sensed Juliana's warm aura. There was something about her presence that felt reassuring and inviting. With a hesitant squawk, the Pokémon caustiously flew down from the branch, landing gently on the girl's outstretched arm. Her giggle of delight echoed through the forest as she welcomed the bird Pokémon.
It was as she stared at it while it rested on her arm when she noticed something distinctly unusual about its appearance. Its beak was not just slightly curved, but visibly crooked, unlike any other bird Pokémon she'd ever seen. The sight of the crooked beak intrigued her, sparking a wave of curiosity.
She leaned in closer, examining it with fascination. "Well, aren't you a unique one," she mused, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, she reached out her hand to gently stroke Wattrel's feathers. As Wattrel hopped onto her shoulder, Juliana felt a rush of warmth and connection with the Pokémon. It was as if fate had brought them together, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was destined to be something special.
"Alright, Trainers, let's see if you've been paying attention. Can anyone tell me how a Pokémon's type affects its evolutionary path?" Jacq inquired; his voice filled with enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Jacq scanned the classroom, his eyes catching the eager hands of several students waving excitedly in the air, each hoping to be called upon. However, amidst the sea of raising hands, one remained conspicuously still. Juliana sat at her desk, her gaze drifting beyond the confines of the classroom window, lost in thought. Despite the lesson unfolding before her, her attention remained fixed on the world outside, where Pokémon roamed freely, and adventures awaited.
"Ahem, Juliana," Jacq's voice cut through the classroom, drawing the attention of his students. "We haven't heard from you in a while. Would you care to answer the question?"
The girl's attention snapped back to the classroom as Jacq's voice cut through the reverie. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before focusing on her teacher's expectant gaze. It took a moment for her surroundings to fully register— she was back in her 4th period Biology class, taught by her homeroom teacher. Yet despite the lesson unfolding before her, her mind continued to linger on the encounter with the Wattrel earlier in the day, its image vividly etched in her thoughts, distracting her from the subject at hand.
Juliana's cheeks flushed as she felt the weight of the entire classroom's collective gaze on her. "Um, could you... could you go over the question one more time?" she stammered, her voice tinged with nervousness. Beside her, a fellow student couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh, their hand instinctively moving to cover their face in a facepalm gesture.
Jacq chuckled lightly, "Ah, the classic 'can you repeat the question' move," he quipped, earning a few laughs from the class. "Alright then, how can a Pokémon's type affect its evolutionary path?"
Juliana started off a bit hesitantly, then gathered her thoughts and answered confidently. "Oh, that's easy. A Pokémon's type influences its evolutionary path by determining the moves it learns, its strengths, weaknesses, and even the conditions required for evolution. For example, a water types often evolve when exposed to a water stone, or by reaching a certain level near water bodies."
The teacher's eyes brightened with approval as he nodded in Juliana's direction. "Very true, Juliana. That's an excellent answer." He commended, taking a step towards the chalkboard. "As you all know," he began, his voice projecting across the classroom. "A Pokémon's type plays a crucial role in its evolutionary path. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, which can influence the forms a Pokémon may take as it evolves. For instance, a fire type Pokémon may evolve into a more fiery and powerful form, while a water type may adapt to aquatic environments."
Jacq's explanation was accompanied by swift strokes of chalk on the board, forming diagrams depicting evolutionary pathways. With each illustration, he elaborated on the influence of Pokémon types on their development.
"Consider this example of Eevee," he continued, sketching the familiar outline of the Evolution Pokémon. "Depending on certain conditions and elemental stones, Eevee can evolve into various different forms, each corresponding to a different type. This demonstrates how environmental factors and type compatibility can shape the evolution of a Pokémon."
As his chalk glided across the board, the students followed his explanations attentively, absorbing the lesson Pokémon biology. Just as Jacq reached the climax of his explanation, the door to the classroom swung open with a creak, drawing everyone's attention.
Jacq paused, his chalk mid-stroke on the board as he turned his attention to the doorway, his expression souring at the interruption.
The tall student stood in the doorway, his back slicked-back hair giving him an air of defiance. Over his slightly modified school uniform, with the tie loosely hanging around his neck, he wore a blue varsity jacket with various eye-catching patches, featuring Poké Ball symbols, Pikachu silhouettes, and other Pokémon motifs intricately stitched into the fabric. His choice of footwear, a set of new expensive basketball shoes.
Juliana's stomach churned as she caught sight of the boy, a feeling of unease washing over her. "Ugh, Mercer..." she muttered, her annoyance evident in her tone. She had the misfortune of sharing two classes with him—Biology and Gym— and in both, his arrogant and irritating act grated on her nerves.
"Mercer," Jacq's voice rang out with authority, setting the chalk down on the tray of the chalkboard. "You're twenty minutes late. Care to explain why?"
"Oh come on, teach," Mercer's casual tone echoed through the classroom as he strolled to his seat, his pants sagging loosely. "I was just hanging with my lady friend, you know how it is. But hey, better late than never, right?"
Mercer slouched into his seat, just one row behind Juliana. She couldn't shake the feeling of annoyance as she thought of the unfortunate seating arrangement, longing for a spot anywhere but in front of him. Sitting behind him would have been a welcome relief, she mused silently.
As Jacq resumed his lecture, Juliana diligently took notes, her focus momentarily broken by a crumbled paper hitting the back of her head. Irritated, she turned to see Mercer chuckling, his hand extended as a friend gave him a high-five.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Juliana gathered her belongings and headed out of the campus, feeling relieved that the school day was over.
Juliana's footsteps felt heavy as she traversed the familiar path away from school. Today wasn't necessarily terrible, but it was the first time the girl had found herself yearning for something beyond the classroom walls. Nature beckoned her, its call stronger than any lesson taught within those halls. Thoughts of Wattrel, the bullied bird Pokémon she'd encountered earlier, consumed her mind, urging her to seek solace in the great outdoors.
The girl retraced her steps along the familiar path that led to where she had her first encounter with Wattrel. There was an inexplicable pull drawing her back to that spot, a yearning to see the Pokémon once more. She couldn't quite articulate the reason behind why, but something within her urged her to seek out the flying type once more.
She had arrived at the forest clearing, the same serene spot where she had intervened in Wattrel's distress. However, to her disappointment, there was no sign of the Storm Petrel Pokémon anywhere in sight. The clearing lay tranquil and undisturbed, devoid of the presence that had drawn her there in the first place. Sprigatito stood faithfully by her side, silently sharing in her search for their feathered friend.
Juliana scanned the surroundings, her eyes darted from tree to tree, searching for any sign of movement. Yet, the forest remained eerily quiet, devoid of the familiar flutter of wings.
Frustration crept into her voice as she turned to her loyal grass type friend. "It's hopeless," she sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I don't even know why I bothered coming here. That Wattrel's probably long gone now."
"Spriga..." Sprigatito let out a soft sigh, her eyes drooping as she lowered her head in resignation, mirroring her Trainer's disappointment.
As Juliana's pivoted feeling bummed out, a faint chirping sound caught her attention. With a glimmer of hope, she whirled back around, locking eyes with a small Wattrel perched before her, its gaze fixed upon her with a blank stare.
"Watt." The tiny Wattrel uttered, tilting its head as it fixedly observed the two standing before it.
"¡Ah, eres tú de verdad, pajarito!" Juliana exclaimed, her voice filled to the brim with enthusiasm. "I've been hoping I'd run into you here. Ever since we parted ways earlier, I couldn't stop thinking about you!"
As the girl approached, the Wattrel's demeanor changed. Its breaths became heavy and labored, almost as if it were struggling to contain something within. Its eyes flickered with uncertainty, and its feathers bristled as it emitted a low, guttural sound, sending a shiver down Juliana's spine.
"Huh, Wattrel?" Juliana halted, her voice filled with concern. "Are you feeling alright? It's me, remember?" She took a cautious step forward, her eyes fixed on the troubled Pokémon.
Wattrel's breath became heavier, and froth started to foam around its beak. Its eyes, previously calm, now darted furiously between Juliana and Sprigatito, it lunged forward, its claws outstretched, aiming straight for Sprigatito, who instinctively leaped in front of Juliana, ready to defend her Trainer.
As Juliana watched in awe, the Grass Cat Pokémon's eyes shimmered a vibrant green as she unleashed Leafage with a fierce determination. The leaves swirled around her, forming a powerful cyclone of green energy that struck Wattrel head-on. The force sent Wattrel crashing into a nearby tree, the impact causing the tree to shudder and topple over, leaving Wattrel dazed and disoriented on the forest floor.
Sprigatito remained steady on all fours, her fur bristling with fury as she emitted a low, menacing growl. Her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, reflecting her fierce resolve to protect her Trainer and stand up against any threat. With her claws flexed and her muscles tensed, she exuded an aura of primal aggression, ready to defend Juliana at any cost.
"W-Wattrell, I don't understand, what's going on with you?" Juliana's voice trembled as she took a closer look at the fallen Wattrel, a perplexed frown etching across her face. Something about the Pokémon seemed different, off-kilter. With a keen eye, she observed the creature's beak, which should've been as crooked as she remembered, appeared perfectly normal.
Realization slapped Juliana across her face. "You... you're not the Wattrel I was looking for," she stammered, her voice tinged with astonishment. "You're the other one... the one that was attacking it!" The realization flooded her mind with a mix of confusion and dismay.
The Wattrel lying prone on the ground suddenly snapped its eyes open, its gaze piercing through the dim light of the forest. Its movements were eerily fluid as it rose to its feet, almost as if controlled by some unseen force. Each step it took seemed to echo with an unsettling rhythm, sending a jolt of unease through Juliana.
"Wattrel..." The enraged bird Pokémon uttered, its voice reverberating through the air like a haunting melody. With each syllable, it seemed to grow louder, filling the forest with an ominous resonance. Its cries pierced the silence, casting a foreboding shadow over the scene as Juliana watched, unsettled by the display of raw emotion.
Juliana's voice quivered as she stumbled backward, her eyes wide with fear, "W-what's it doing?" she whispered, her breath catching in her throat as she watched the strange and unsettling behavior of the enraged Wattrel.
Spigatito stood alert, her fur bristling as she prepared herself for whatever sinister intentions the enraged Wattrel had in store. She stood beside Juliana, a steadfast guardian, her eyes fixed on the unpredictable foe before them.
As the eerie cries of Wattrel echoed through the forest, a larger, more menacing avian creature descended beside it. Towering over the smaller Wattrel, this imposing figure possessed a majestic presence. Its feathers, predominantly black, contrasted with a dark blue hue along its lower body. Yellow accents adorned its wings, eyes, and neck, where a distinctive throat sac pulsated with energy. With light blue irises set against black pupils, its gaze held an intensity that evoked a feeling of dread in both Juliana and Sprigatito. Its long, hooked beak, reminiscent of a formidable weapon, glistened in the dappled sunlight, while its maroon feet stood firmly planted on the forest floor.
The towering Pokémon locked its fierce gaze onto Juliana and Sprigatito, its eyes piercing them like icy daggers making their skin crawl.
Juliana's hand trembled as she pointed at the imposing figure before them. "W-what kind of Pokémon is that?" she stammered, her Rotom Phone floating from her back pocket, its screen glowing as it scanned the mysterious creature.
"Kilowattrel, the Frigatebird Pokémon. Kilowattrel inflates its throat sac to amplify its electricity. By riding the wind, this Pokémon can fly over 430 miles in a day."
"K-Kilowattrel...?" Her voice trembled as she whispered in disbelief. "T-that has got to be the evolved form of Wattrel; this isn't good..." Her heart raced as she locked eyes with the formidable Pokémon, standing menacingly alongside the Wattrel assailant.
Feeling the upmost confidence, what with its evolved form beside it, Wattrel's malicious laughter began to echo through the clearing, a sinister sound that would've grated on Juliana's nerves if she wasn't so scared. But the flying type's sneering laughter ceased as Kilowattrel unleashed a defeaning screech, sending shockwaves through the air that reverberated across the forest. The sheer force of the sound knocked Wattrel off its feet, silencing its mocking laughter in an instant.
As Kilowattrel silenced its screech, a crackling aura of electricity enveloped its massive form, shimmering with intensity. Sparks danced along its feathers, casting an eerie glow around the clearing, and the air crackled with the raw power emanating from the imposing Pokémon. With each movement, bolts of lightning flickered around Kilowattrel, illuminating its dark form with an electrifying energy.
Despite her fear, Sprigatito leaped forward with determination, her claws extending from her paws as she prepared for a Scratch attack. However, before she could reach her target, Kilowattrel unleashed a single powerful flap of its wings, sending forth a razor-sharp Air Cutter. The attack struck Sprigatito head-on, knocking her backward with a forceful impact, causing her to slump to the ground, unconscious.
"Sprigatito, no!" Juliana's gasp echoed through the forest as she watched in horror. The super-effective attack from the fully evolved Pokémon proved to be too overwhelming for her small grass type companion.
Juliana's heart fluttered as she instinctively reached into her bag, fingers trembling as they closed around the Poké Ball Arven had entrusted to her. With a swift motion, she flung the ball into the air, releasing the Scarlet Pokémon in a burst of light.
Instead of the fierce and ferocious stance Juliana was expecting. Koraidon appeared confused, glancing around the forest clearing with uncertainty. The Pokémon's gaze shifted from its surroundings to Juliana and the knocked-out Sprigatito, its expression transitioning from confusion to concern as it registered the situation before it.
"K-Koraidon, we need your help! That Pokémon is trying to hurt me and Sprigatito! You's stronger than it. I know you are!" Juliana desperately exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency as she implored the Pokémon to assist them.
Koraidon pivoted its gaze towards the looming Kilowattrel, its eyes narrowing with resolution. But before it could react, the electric type unleashed its devastating Brave Bird attack. With a thunderous roar, the Kilowattrel propelled itself forward like a bolt of lightning, its body surrounded by a swirling vortex of energy. Its sharp talons glinted menacingly as it hurled towards Koraidon with blinding speed, ready to deliver a bone-crushing blow.
"Koraidon!" Juliana's scream pierced the chaos as the colossal Pokémon bore the full brunt of the devastating attack. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, followed by a deafening crash as Koraidon crashed into the ground, kicking up a billowing cloud of dust that engulfed the battlefield in a haze of chaos and confusion.
As the swirling dust settled, the aftermath of the fierce battle was laid bare. Koraidon lay motionless on the ground, defeated and unconscious, while Kilowattrel loomed over it, one of its menacing talons pressed firmly against Koraidon's head, asserting its dominance with a chilling display of power.
Juliana recoiled in shock, her eyes widening in disbelief as she witnessed the Scarlet Pokémon's swift defeat. The sheer speed and efficiency of Kilowattrel's attack left her breathless, struggling to comprehend how one move could take down such a powerful Pokémon like Koraidon so effortlessly. It was as if a completely different Pokémon from the Koraidon that took on Houndoom had stepped out from the Poké Ball.
Clutching two Poké Ball's tightly in her trembling hands, Juliana swiftly recalled her fallen companions, Sprigatito and Koraidon. The weight of their defeat hung heavy in the air as she scanned her remaining options, only to realize she had no one else she could use.
Kilowattrel fixated its intense gaze on Juliana, its eyes crackling with electric energy as if daring her to make a move. Feeling a surge of apprehension, Juliana instinctively took a step back, her voice trembling as she tried to calm the tense atmosphere. "Y-you seem friendly, right? I-I mean you no harm. Let's... let's not escalate things, okay?" She spoke cautiously, hoping to defuse the rising tension.
The fallen Wattrel finally staggered back to its feet, its laughter grating on Juliana's nerves as it pointed mockingly in her direction. However, its amusement was short-lived as Kilowattrel swiftly intervened, striking it with a single powerful Air Cutter that sent the Wattrel soaring through the air. With a crackle of electricity, Kilowattrel's gaze intensified as it turned its attention back to Juliana, the air around it buzzling with energy.
Juliana dropped to her knees, instinctively shielding her face as Kilowattrel unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt straight at her, the crackling energy of the attack enveloping her in a blinding light.
As the attack streaked towards Juliana, something leaped in front of her, taking the full force of the attack. When she looked up, she was astonished to see another Wattrel standing there, unharmed. Its crooked beak caught her attention, reminding her of the Wattrel she had encountered earlier. Despite the danger this Wattrel seemed different somehow.
"It's you!?" Juliana's exclaimed with her eyes widening in disbelief. Her smile spread across her face as she recognized the Wattrel standing before her, and the crooked beak all but confirmed it.
With a swift turn of its head, Wattrel fixed its gaze on Juliana, a glimmer of recognition and resolve shining in its eyes.
The Wattrel fixed its gaze on the imposing figure of Kilowattrel, somehow completely unharmed by the Thunderbolt it had just endured. With a fierce growl, it confronted its evolved counterpart, its eyes blazing with determination and defiance.
The tense standoff continued between Kilowattrel and Wattrel, their gazes locked in a fierce exchange. Neither Pokémon showed any sign of backing down, each one daring the other to make a move. The air crackled with tension as they sized each other up, waiting for the moment when one of them would break the deadlock.
In a surprising turn of events, Kilowattrel relented first. Despite its formidable strength compared to Wattrel, it inclined its head in an approving nod before turning away. With a powerful flap of its wings, the Frigatebird Pokémon soared off into the distance, leaving the scene behind.
Juliana pointed her gaze upward, tracking the Pokémon's departure until it vanished into the clouds, almost like a departing airplane. The Kilowattrel could have easily dispatched Wattrel and then targeted her, yet it chose not to. It was almost as if Kilowattrel took pride in Wattrel's act of defiance.
Her gaze remained frozen on Wattrel, the two Pokémon standing face to face. Juliana found herself at a loss for words, the silent exchange between them holding her captivated.
"W-Wattrel, you actually did it," Juliana spoke, the words finally coming out of her mouth. In a swift motion, the flying type Pokémon darted towards her, landing delicately on her shoulder, a gesture of trust and gratitude.
"That was amazing, Wattrel! You're the coolest flying type Pokémon I've ever seen, that's for sure!" Juliana exclaimed with genuine admiration. Wattrel fixed its gaze on Juliana's bookbag, its curiosity piqued. With delicate movements, it extended its beak and poked at the bag, as if trying to uncover its contents. Juliana's eyes widened as she watched a hole tear through her bookbag, and she instinctively reached out to catch whatever was falling out.
In her palm rested a solitary Poké Ball, its surface gleaming faintly in the sunlight. Juliana's gaze shifted from the fallen object to Wattrel, who landed gracefully on the ground before her, its eyes reflecting a mix of happiness and adoration as it gazed upon her.
Juliana hesitated, her mind racing as she considered the implications. "You... want me to catch you?" she murmured, the idea dawning on her.
"Wattrel!" The Pokémon cried as it nodded eagerly, chirping happily as it fluttered its wings in excitement, ready to embark on a new adventure with Juliana.
The girl's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with joy. "You've got yourself a deal, pajarito!" With a soft flick of her wrist, she enlarged the Poké Ball and gently tossed it toward Wattrel, who playfully batted it with its head before being engulfed in a brilliant light.
The Poké Ball landed with a soft thud, rolling twice on the ground before coming to a stop. It trembled once, twice, before emitting a series of rapid blinks, signifying Wattrel's capture within.
Juliana knelt down and retrieved her Poké Ball from the ground, cradling it gently in her palm. With a mixture of joy and anticipation, she rose to her feet, clutching the Poké Ball tightly. With a sudden burst of excitement, she leaped into the air, holding the Poké Ball high above her head, a triumphant smile lighting up her face.
"Alright, I caught a Wattrel!" Juliana cheered, raising the Poké Ball towards the sun, its rays casting a warm glow on her face as she celebrated her successful capture.
With Wattrel's Poké Ball nestled in her palm, Juliana cast her gaze skyward, a sense of contentment washing over her. Imagining the future, she envisioned Wattrel soaring through the skies, growing into a formidable force like the Kilowattrel.
Hey everybody, sorry this chapter took a bit longer to make than usual, school and work have been really kicking my butt recently. But better late than never, right?
So, Wattrel! I feel it was a really easy choice, it was either that or Pawmi for an electric type, but Nemona already has a Pawmi, so I felt Wattrel was a great choice. Plus, I love Wattrel too! it and Kilowattrel are far my favorite regional bird, well, second favorite reginal bird after the Unfezant line. I know that's probably confusing everybody reading this since literally everybody hates Unfezant, but White 2 was my first mainline Pokémon, and I had a female Unfezant with me the entire time during my playthrough, and every time I revisit those games, I always make sure to have a Pidove in my team.
One last thing by the way, make sure to check out a fic called Pokémon Legacies: Whispering Echoes. It's a really good fanfic kind of like this one, and it's all about the journey of Ash Ketchum's daughter... it's great stuff, y'know.
Ohhh, I lied one more more thing! Wattrel's crooked beak thing is real. Look up scissor beak if you're interested, I grew up near a lot of animals, and one chicken my family owned had this exact condition. I wanted a reason as to why Wattrel was bullied. At one point, I was gonna make it a shiny, so it'd seem like he was being picked on for being different, but I didn't want to make Juliana's first capture (Koraidon doesn't count as a capture) be a shiny, so yeah, you guys are probably exhausted, lmfao.
So, hopefully I'll get the next chapter out in much shorter time— letsgojojo, signing out.