Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Ten - Catch Fourty-Six!

As he and Nidoran ventured deeper into the woods, they searched high and low for a wild Pokemon to battle, and perhaps catch. Time passed as they continued their search, the forest alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant Pokemon cries. Raido's excitement was palpable and he could see the same spark of eagerness in Nidoran's eyes.

In their searches, they stumbled upon some half-opportunities, but nothing clear enough for Raido to waste his one chance. A sleeping Ledbya fled quickly into the dense leaves of the trees as they crept closer, and a group of Pidgey flapped their wings to kick up an evasive dirt cloud, escaping into the clouds before Raido could ever get a clear shot. These missed chances only spurred on the young, budding trainer, as he knew that eventually... he would get his chance.

Eventually, they heard movement in the forest ahead of them. Nidoran's ears twitched, singling out the direction of the rustling grass. Peering over a bush carefully, Raido spotted a wild Poochyena grooming itself in the opening. The dog-like Pokemon had a sleek. Dark gray coat with a black face and paws. It's eyes were a striking yellow, and despite it's impressively tuned senses, it seemed completely engrossed in cleaning it's dark fur with it's small pink tongue.

Raido's heart pounded with excitement and nerves s he watched the Poochyena in the clearing, wondering if this might be his first ever catch. The Poochyena, unaware of their presence, continued it's grooming routine, it's tail wagging slightly.

Raido looked down at Nidoran, who looked back at him.

"Is this the one, girl?" he questioned, looking for reassurance. Nidoran smiled with her large red eyes, and nodded. "Nida" she chirped, giving the clear seal of approval of this opportunity.

Unable to contain his excitement any longer, Raido burst and leaped out of the bushes dramatically, screaming at the top of his lungs, "Poochyena, you're mine!"

He poined at the wild Pokemon, which was startled by his sudden declaration.

Gripping the Pokeball tightly in his hand, he glanced his own reflection in the red shades. He threw his arm up high, holding the ball in the air. "Pokeball... GO!" he yelled, cocking his arm back and launching the Pokeball towards the startled wild Pokemon.

Time seemed to slow down as the Pokedball soared through the air. It's smooth surface gleamed in the sunlight, catching the rays and reflecting them in it's dazzling flashes. The Poochyena, still startled, didn't have time to react. As the ball hurtled towards it, the device cracked open with a whimsical sound, a bright light emanating from it's core.

A beam of red energy shot out from the Pokeball, enveloping the Poochyena and pulling it inside. The wild Pokemon's form dissolved into the light, shrinking and transforming as it was absorbed into the ball. The device snapped shut with a loud click, falling to the ground and rolling slightly before coming to a stop.

Raido's nerves pumped through his body as he watched the Pokeball intently. Could this be it? Could this be the young trainer's first capture? The Pokeball trembled on the ground, shaking vigorously as the Poochyena inside struggled to break free.

Time stood still as the ball rocked once, and then paused, as if considering it's fate. Raido and Nidoran stood frozen in time as their eyes transfixed on the device. The ball rocked again, and paused. Raido's heart pounded in his chest, his breath caught in his throat as he waited for the final outcome. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white with tension. Nidoran stood beside him, eyes wide with anticipation, her ears perked up and twitching with each movement of the ball. The seconds felt like hours as they watched the device struggle to contain the wild Pokemon within.

Suddenly, the Pokeball gave one final, voilent shake, and burst open dramatically. The red glow dissipated as the Poochyena escaped at the final moment. The ball lay empty and open on the ground, reflecting Raido's failed attempt at ghis first capture.

Stood before them, the Poochyena stood, growling aggressively, it's fur bristling with anger. The hairs on its back and tail stood to attention, and its sharp teeth glinted menacingly in the light.

As disappointed as Raido was, he knew this now meant a fierce battle after the failed attempt, especially since he had no other Pokeballs to use. Nidoran tensed her muscles, standing to attention, ready to fight. Both of them expected the Poochyena to pounce forward, but to their surprise, the Poochyena lifted its head and howled into the sky ominously. The sound echoed through the forest, chilling Raido to the bone.

A moment passed in the forest, when a number of deep howls returned from the neighbouring trees. Over the next minute or so, Raido and Nidoran were shocked and terrified as one by one, more Poochyenas emerged from the trees, their yellow eyes gleaming with hostility. They growled and snarled, baring their sharp teeth and closing in on Raido and Nidoran.

The pack of Poochyenas, numbering at least half a dozen, approached with fierce, predatory intent. Their growls grew louder, and their eyes locked onto Raido and Nidoran, clearly ready to attack.

Raido's breath quickened, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew they couldn't dream of taking on so many wild Pokémon at once, especially with an already tired Nidoran.

Raido trembled in his place as he stepped backward, frightened. "Nidoran..." he whispered from the corner of his mouth, trying to keep his voice steady.

"RUN!"