Chapter 291: Gripper Pokémon
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Fortree City – Pokémon]
After the intense battles and managing to win the bets I made, I can finally relax a bit. I've had all my Pokémon healed from my idea.
Taking the chance to relax, I had Pikachu and Eevee both on my laps as I waited in the seating area. I checked my Arc Phone briefly, smiling at the progress my Pokémon has made over the last couple of days.
|Name: Metagross (Iron Leg Pokémon)
|Type: Steel/Psychic
|Level: 51
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Expert Belt]/[Metagrossite]
|Ability: Clear Body
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Cosmic Power, Gravity, Telekinesis, Reflect, Light Screen, Agility, Hone Claws, Iron Defense, Miracle Eye, Zen Headbutt [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Bullet Punch [A][S], Flash Cannon [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Meteor Mash [A][S], Psychic Noise [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Protect (TM), Hammer Arm [A][S] (IM), Magnet Rise (IM), Confusion [A][S] (IM), Metal Claw [A][S] (IM) (2 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Ninetales [Alpha] (Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 49
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Charcoal]
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Disable, Nasty Plot, Calm Mind, Roar, Attract, Confuse Ray, Will-O-Wisp, Safeguard, Pain Split, Agility, Flamethrower [A][S], Ember [A][S], Inferno [A][S], Fire Blast [A][S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Incinerate [A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Hex [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Extrasensory [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Protect (TM), Mystical Fire [A][S] (IM), Healing Wish (IM), Hypnosis (IM), Power Swap (IM), Heat Wave [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Golduck [Alpha] (Duck Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 49
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]
|Ability: Cloud Nine
|Nature: Hardy
|Moves: Screech, Hypnosis, Skill Swap, Soak, Psych Up, Amnesia, Disable, Yawn, Taunt, Haze, Flip Turn [A][S], Bubble Beam [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Aqua Tail [A][S], Hydro Pump [A][S], Liquidation [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Clear Smog [A][S], Psychic Noise [A][S], Protect (TM), Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Future Sight [A][S] (IM), Simple Beam (IM), Psychic [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Sceptile (Forest Pokémon)
|Type: Grass
|Level: 48
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]/[Sceptilite]
|Ability: Overgrow
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Screech, Agility, Detect, Double-Team, Grassy Terrain, Dragon Dance, Leafage [A][S], Giga Drain [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Grass Pledge [A][S], Grass Knot [A][S], Frenzy Plant [A][S], Leaf Storm [A][S], Grassy Glide [A][S], Solar Beam [A][S], Slam [A][S], Fury Cutter [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Assurance [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Drain Punch [A][S], Protect (TM), Dual Chop [A][S] (IM), Leaf Blade [A][S] (IM), Synthesis (IM), Leech Seed (IM), Magical Leaf[A][S](EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Crawdaunt (Rogue Pokémon)
|Type: Water/Dark
|Level: 48
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]
|Ability: Adaptability (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Dragon Dance, Harden, Hone Claws, Taunt, Protect, Swords Dance, Water Pulse [A][S], Liquidation [A][S], Bubble Beam [A][S], Crabhammer [A][S], Knock Off[A][S], Night Slash[A][S], Razor Shell [A][S], Liquidation [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Double Hit [A][S], Vice Grip [A][S], Dig [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Swift [A][S](IM), Aqua Jet [A][S](IM), Metal Claw [A][S] (EM) (2 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Gardevoir (Embrace Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Level: 48
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Gardevoirite]
|Ability: Telepathy (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Teleport, Double Team, Heal Pulse, Hypnosis, Calm Mind, Wish, Recover, Gravity, Imprison, Telekinesis, Attract, Pain Split, Disarming Voice [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Draining Kiss [A][S], Psybeam [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Moon Blast [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Dream Eater [A][S], Aura Sphere [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Protect (TM), Dazzling Gleam [A][S] (IM), Magical Leaf [A][S] (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Disable (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Milotic (Tender Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 56
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Flame Orb]/[Leftovers]/[Mystic Water]
|Ability: Marvel Scale
|Nature: Bold
|Moves: Protect, Refresh, Recover, Rain Dance, Attract, Safeguard, Coil, Aqua Ring, Life Dew, Haze, Toxic, Dragon Dance, Hydro Pump [A][S], Scald [A][S],Aqua Tail [A][S], Flip Turn [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Flail [A][S], Twister [A][S], Wrap [A][S], Disarming Voice [A][S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Blizzard [A][S], Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Water Pulse [A][S] (IM), Mirror Coat (IM), Dragon Breath [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Slaking [Alpha] (Lazy Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Level: 48
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Silk Scarf]
|Ability: Truant
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Yawn, Slack Off, Encore, Rest, Endure, Sleep Talk, Uproar [A][S], Furry Swipes [A][S],Snore [A][S], Covet [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Mega Kick [A][S], Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Chip Away [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Brick Break [A][S], Throat Chop [A][S], Night Slash [A][S], Play Rough [A][S], Protect (TM), Swagger (IM), Focus Punch [A][S] (IM), Counter [A][S] (IM), Body Slam [A][S] (IM), Crush Claw [A][S] (IM), Slash [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Shelgon (Endurance Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon
|Level: 47
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Overcoat (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Naïve
|Moves: Leer, Scary Face, Iron Defense, Roar, Dragon Breath [A][S], Dragon Claw [A][S], Twister [A][S], Draco Meteor [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Dragon Rage [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Hydro Pump [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Thunder Fang [A][S], Protect (IM), Dragon Dance (IM), Dragon Rush [A][S] (EM) (4 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Manectric (Discharge Pokémon)
|Type: Electric
|Level: 45
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Magnet]/[Manectite]
|Ability: Lightning Rod
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Thunder Wave, Double Team, Howl, Odor Sleuth, Roar, Charge, Electric Terrain, Magnet Rise, Protect, Agility, Spark [A][S], Thunder Fang [A][S], Shock Wave [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Volt Switch [A][S], Wild Charge [A][S], Rising Voltage [A][S], Thunder [A][S], Charge Beam [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Ice Fang [A][S], Electro Ball [A][S] (IM), Discharge [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Swampert (Mud Fish Pokémon)
|Type: Water/Ground
|Level: 45
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]/[Leftovers]/[Swamperite]
|Ability: Damp (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Relaxed
|Moves: Screech, Protect, Supersonic, Foresight, Curse, Amnesia, Liquidation [A][S], Earth Power[A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Water Pledge [A][S], Mud Bomb [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Hydro Pump [A][S], Hydro Cannon [A][S], Flip Turn [A][S], Rollout [A][S], Rock Smash [A][S], Rock Throw [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Hammer Arm [A][S], Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Muddy Water [A][S] (IM), Mud Shot [A][S] (IM), Ice Ball [A][S] (IM), Mirror Coat (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Blaziken (S) (Blaze Pokémon)
|Type: Fire/Fighting
|Level: 42
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Black Belt]
|Ability: Speed Boost (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Feather Dance, Baton Pass, Double-Team, Detect, Bulk Up, Protect, Mirror Move, Swords Dance, Flamethrower [A][S], Flame Charge [A][S],Fire Punch[A][S], Blast Burn [A][S], Fire Pledge[A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Sky Uppercut [A][S], Flare Blitz [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Slash [A][S], Bounce [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Blaze Kick [A][S] (IM),Double Kick [A][S] (IM), Agility (IM), Crush Claw [A][S] (IM), Flame Burst [A][S] (EM) (3 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Dusclops (Beckon Pokémon)
|Type: Ghost
|Level: 42
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Spell Tag]
|Ability: Pressure
|Nature: Impish
|Moves: Gravity, Disable, Foresight, Confuse Ray, Curse, Will-O-Wisp, Protect, Mean Look, Telekinesis, Astonish [A][S], Night Shade [A][S], Shadow Sneak [A][S], Hex [A][S], Poltergeist [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Absorb [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Sucker Punch [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Shadow Punch [A][S] (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Pain Split (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
My Hoenn team was an eclectic mix, each Pokémon chosen for its distinct abilities, its unique spirit, and the way it complemented the others. But more than that, each was a friend, a companion on this grand adventure.
I remembered the battles, the training sessions, and the quiet moments of companionship we'd shared that had forged these bonds. I saw their individual strengths, their growth in battle, and their developing strategies.
Yet, I also saw the dormant power, the unreached potential that lay within each of them, waiting for the right moment, the right catalyst, to fully awaken. A sly smile touched my lips, thinking of one of them being ready.
That catalyst, for one of them at least, was about to arrive. I murmured, my gaze settling on a particular Poké Ball, "Alright, big guy… I think it's time."
*Pop*
With a soft click, I released Dusclops. The Ghost-type Pokémon materialized before me, its single, glowing red eye fixated patiently on me. Dusclops was a creature of quiet power, its movements deliberate, its presence heavy and unnerving, yet completely gentle when around me.
It had a way of observing the world that suggested a depth of understanding beyond its spectral form. Pikachu chirped inquisitively from my shoulder, and Eevee lifted her head from my lap, her ears perked.
I began, my voice soft but firm, laden with the weight of a long-held promise, "Dusclops. Do you remember Mt. Pyre?"
A subtle, almost imperceptible nod from Dusclops. How could it forget? That solemn mountain, shrouded in mist and ancient spirits, was where our bond had deepened immensely.
Dusclops, even then, had shown incredible resilience, enduring blow after blow, from Milotic's Hydro Pump with its spectral form, its single eye burning with an unyielding will. In the aftermath of that victory, I gained a new ghostly friend.
I had looked at Dusclops and made a promise to make him strong. A silent vow, understood between us, that I would help it grow even stronger, reach its next stage, when the time was right. I'd felt its quiet anticipation ever since.
I declared, reaching into my bag, "The time is now."
My hand closed around a small, dark, intricately woven piece of fabric. It felt cool, almost ethereal, to the touch, carrying a faint, ancient scent. I slowly brought out the [Reaper's Cloth], holding it between my thumb and forefinger.
Dusclops's single eye widened fractionally, a rare display of overt emotion. It gazed at the item with an intensity that seemed to pierce through its spectral form, recognition dawning in its crimson orb.
The ancient artifact, rumored to connect the living with the spirit world, hummed with a subtle energy in my hand, drawing not just Dusclops's attention, but Pikachu's and Eevee's as well. Pikachu tilted his head, a spark of curiosity in his eyes, while Eevee let out a soft cry of wonder, "Eevee?"
I said calmly, my voice rich with pride and conviction, eyeing Dusclops, "You're ready. All those battles, all that training, all that inner strength… It's culminated in this moment. You've grown beyond what I could have imagined at Mt. Pyre. Now, it's time to become the strongest version of yourself."
Hearing these words, the culmination of a promise made in a place of sacred spirits, Dusclops's eye narrowed, not in confusion, but in fierce determination. It was a silent acknowledgment, a solemn acceptance of the path ahead.
With a slow, deliberate movement, it extended one of its stubby, spectral arms. Its ghostly digits carefully, almost reverently, grasped the [Reaper's Cloth] from my hand…
*SHIII*
The moment its spectral flesh contacted the ancient fabric, a blinding, emerald light erupted, consuming both Dusclops and the item. The light pulsed, growing brighter, threatening to overwhelm my vision.
Pikachu shielded his eyes with a paw, and Eevee buried her face against my arm, whimpering softly, but I kept my gaze fixed, unwilling to miss a single second of this momentous transformation. The light swirled, coalescing around Dusclops's form, stretching and reshaping it. I could vaguely perceive the outlines of its body lengthening, its form becoming more substantial, less ethereal.
The faint hum from the [Reaper's Cloth] intensified into a resonant thrum, a sound that seemed to vibrate through my very bones. The light began to recede, slowly at first, revealing a form that was undeniably Dusclops, yet utterly transformed.
Where once there was a shadowy, wraith-like being, there now stood a formidable presence. Its body was taller, more robust, with a solid, almost metallic-looking exoskeleton that still retained its ghostly essence. The arms, which had been stubby, were now long and powerful, ending in three formidable, clawed fingers on each hand—the Gripper Pokémon, indeed.
A single, large, glowing red eye still dominated its face, but it was now recessed within a helmet-like head, framed by a serrated 'mouth' that never quite opened, and a pair of yellow, glowing horn-like protrusions on either side of its head. From its back, a jagged, spiked collar-like structure ascended, giving it an even more intimidating silhouette.
The light finally dissipated, leaving behind a new, powerful being. The air shimmered with residual spiritual energy, a silent testament to the raw power that had just been unleashed before my eyes.
Dusknoir. The Gripper Pokémon.
It stood there, motionless, for a long moment, allowing me to take in its new form. Its presence was even more commanding than before, radiating an aura of ancient power and stoic resolve. The single eye, now larger and more intense, slowly scanned its surroundings, as if assessing its newfound capabilities, its new place in the world.
A wide grin spread across my face. I breathed, the name feeling natural, fitting the powerful entity before me, "Dusknoir. You did it. You're truly magnificent."
Pikachu, having recovered from the brilliant light, let out an excited cry and bounced on my shoulder, "Pika-Pika! (Congrats, man!)"
While Eevee, her apprehension replaced with awe, let out a soft, congratulatory cry, "Eevee! (Congrats!)"
She nudged Dusknoir, a gesture of friendship and welcome. Dusknoir turned its massive head towards me, and though its face was unmoving, I felt a surge of silent acknowledgement, a deep gratitude emanating from it.
Its new form exuded raw power, but within that power, I still felt the quiet, loyal spirit of my Dusclops. The promise made on Mt. Pyre had been fulfilled, and the bond between us had deepened, strengthened by this evolution.
This was more than just a power-up. It was a testament to perseverance, to shared goals, and to the unwavering trust we placed in each other. Dusknoir was a formidable addition, a beacon of strength that would undoubtedly anchor my team in the challenging battles to come.
While Dusknoir gets used to its new form, I looked up my Arc Phone. I murmured, reading the info provided.
[Dusknoir the Gripper Pokémon. The antenna on Dusknoir's head allows it to receive transmissions from the spirit world, which tell it to bring people there. Dusknoir usually appears to those who are dead and bring their souls to the afterlife. Because of this, people fear Dusknoir.
Sometimes, Dusknoir may accidentally take away the souls of those still alive, though this rarely happens. However, Dusknoir has been shown it protect innocent people from being taken to the spirit world. It is unknown if Dusknoir has a will of its own, or if it is forced to follow the bidding of the transmissions it receives. The band on its body can open, like a mouth.
Dusknoir can use its belly mouth to swallow its target whole. It also uses this ability to take spirits into its body and carry them home or as it travels to unknown places. Dusknoir only consumes spectral essence, leaving only the empty remains of living beings untouched. Dusknoir can eat with its mouth on its stomach.]
Reviewing the info regarded Dusknoir, I slowly smiled, seeing a new inherited move as I murmured out loud, "It learned the Inherited move Power Shift? With its natural bulk stats… it could come in handy in dire fights."
I smiled seeing this as Pikachu and Eevee play with Dusknoir. I looked out across Foretree City, the verdant canopy stretching towards the horizon. Giving some time to rest and allowing Dusknoir to get used to his new body…
I think it'll be time to challenge the 6th Gym Leader soon enough. But for now, I'll allow my Pokémon to enjoy they're rest and peace.
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A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!