Leaving behind the warmth of the Kangaskhan Sanctuary, Ash, Misty, and Brock arrived at the outskirts of Fuchsia City, filled with anticipation for the renowned Safari Zone.
The area was a vast expanse enclosed by fences, meticulously designed to mimic natural ecosystems. It was said to be home to a staggering variety of wild Pokémon, including species rarely seen anywhere else in the world. For any trainer aspiring to become a Pokémon Master, this place was nothing short of a treasure trove.
At the entrance stood a small wooden cabin with a rugged, wilderness charm. Inside the warden's office, they met the man in charge a dark-skinned middle-aged man with a weather-beaten face named Kaiser. Ash's first impression of Kaiser was that he was stern and rigid, his sharp eyes scanning each visitor with intense scrutiny.
"Welcome to the Safari Zone," Kaiser said, his voice low but powerful, carrying an unquestionable air of authority. "Here, you must follow strict rules. First, you may only use our specialized Safari Balls for catching."
He pointed to a row of unique Poké Balls lined up on the counter. They were heavier than standard Poké Balls and colored in an earthy ochre. "Second, each entry is limited to thirty minutes. Third, there is a limit on the number of Pokémon you can take with you.
Most importantly, any form of violence is strictly prohibited. You must rely solely on throwing Safari Balls and bait to attract and capture Pokémon. Anyone who violates these rules will be banned permanently!" He emphasized the final point with a heavy glare.
While Kaiser explained the rules, Ash's gaze inadvertently swept across the office walls. He was immediately drawn to a yellowed, framed photograph.
The photo showed a vibrant young man with a brilliant smile vaguely recognizable as a younger Kaiser with his arm affectionately draped over the neck of a Pokémon. The creature was slender and elegant, covered in lustrous, pearl-like light blue scales, with a small protuberance on its forehead. It was a Dratini, a Pokémon Ash had only heard of in legends!
Ash's heart skipped a beat, but he suppressed his excitement and asked as calmly as possible, "Mr. Kaiser... is that a Dratini in the photo? Have you actually seen one?"
Kaiser's expression darkened instantly. A complex mix of emotions flashed through his eyes longing, deep regret, and a sudden surge of wariness.
He turned abruptly and slammed the photo face-down on the desk. His tone became exceptionally harsh. "Don't go prying into that! It's none of your concern! Remember, your purpose here is to catch Pokémon within the rules. Aside from that, don't ask questions!"
Ash didn't press him. Having the advantage of foresight, he knew Kaiser had his own painful reasons for being so guarded. Taking his Safari Balls, he headed into the Safari Zone with Misty and Brock.
However, the conversation about Dratini had been intercepted. Lurking like ghosts outside the window, the Team Rocket trio hadn't missed a single word.
"A Dratini! I heard it, meow!" Meowth's whiskers trembled with excitement.
"That's a super-rare, priceless Pokémon!" James's eyes turned into Beli symbols.
"Since we heard it, it belongs to Team Rocket!" Jessie declared, hands on her hips as if Dratini were already in their grasp. "We'll sneak in and find it!"
Equipped with the specialized Safari Balls and limited bait, Ash and his friends stepped into the vast expanse of the Safari Zone. The terrain was incredibly diverse, featuring thick grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, damp marshes, and rugged, rocky slopes it was a miniature world of its own.
Ash took a deep breath and allowed his Aura Power to slowly radiate outward.
Instantly, the contours of his surroundings, the rustle of the flora, and countless life energy fluctuations some strong, some weak presented themselves clearly in his mind like a three-dimensional map. This allowed him to detect targets in advance and avoid unnecessary trouble.
He recalled how in the original story, a stampeding herd of Tauros had constantly gotten in the way, resulting in the trainer catching nothing but Tauros. Because of this, he kept a sharp eye out for the restless energy fluctuations that represented a herd.
Whenever he locked onto a desired target and prepared to throw a Safari Ball, if he sensed a herd of Tauros charging toward him, he would focus his mind. He extended his weak Aura Power like an invisible hand not to attack, but to gently guide, soothe, or create a minute energy disturbance. He skillfully nudged the galloping bulls to veer slightly off course, bypassing his immediate area.
This precise manipulation was mentally exhausting, but the results were remarkable. Like a seasoned hunter, he began picking his prey across the vast wilderness with surgical precision.
On the sun-drenched plains, he encountered a shy Oddish and a swaying Bellsprout. He even managed to lure and capture their evolved forms, Weepinbell and a Victreebel hidden within a giant flower.
In the rocky terrain, he found a Nidorino and a Nidorina facing off. He successfully captured the "couple" together. A swift Raticate, a Diglett hiding in its hole, and a Sandshrew curled into a ball also failed to escape his perception.
Near the water's edge, he didn't just catch a Goldeen and its evolution, Seaking; he also encountered the Staryu and Starmie that Misty pointed out excitedly. (Misty already had them, but she insisted Ash catch one for "company.")
In a peaceful forest clearing, they were lucky enough to stumble upon a Chansey holding an egg. Looking endearingly clumsy, Ash used his gentle Aura and delicious bait to earn its trust.
Furthermore, Ash added a variety of Pokémon to his collection: a vine-tangled Tangela, a pair of somewhat sorrowful Cubone and Marowak, a cunning Meowth, a noisy Dodrio, a spirited Poliwag and a robust Poliwrath, a Paras carrying mushrooms on its back, an Ekans lurking in the grass, a Koffing floating in the air, a loyal and brave Growlithe, and even a leisurely strolling Exeggutor.
The most shocking catch occurred on a meadow blooming with wildflowers. Just as Ash was preparing to catch a Nidorina, his Aura sensed a pure and vibrant fire energy. He turned to see a Ponyta that looked as if it had stepped out of the moonlight. Its coat wasn't the usual creamy white; instead, it flowed with a silver radiance like moonlight. Its mane and tail were silver flames, flickering with tiny, starlike sparks!
"It's a Shiny!" Misty gasped.
Ash held his breath and approached cautiously. He placed his best bait gently on the ground while pushing his Aura Power to its limit, projecting nothing but goodwill and admiration. The Shiny Ponyta watched him curiously, seemingly drawn to the warm and unique Aura. After a moment of hesitation, it stepped forward to enjoy the food and affectionately nuzzled Ash's hand. The capture followed naturally.
[Ding! Host has captured a Shiny Ponyta. Reward: 500 World Origin Points.]
The rewards by the water continued to surprise him. Using a fishing rod, Ash pulled up a Magikarp whose scales shimmered with an unnatural, brilliant golden light. Though it only knew Splash for now, Ash caught it because of its unique color.
[Ding! Host has captured a Shiny Magikarp. Reward: 100 World Origin Points.]
In a shallow area near the river, Ash's Aura detected a unique Horsea. It wasn't a Shiny, but its energy fluctuations were exceptionally pure and condensed, and its eyes appeared remarkably sharp and intelligent. Clearly, its aptitude was outstanding. Ash patiently used bait to lure it and threw the Safari Ball at the perfect moment. This Horsea possessed immense potential.
[Ding! Host has captured a high-aptitude Horsea. Reward: 200 World Origin Points.]
Naturally, he didn't miss the Safari Zone's iconic Tauros herds. He waited for the right moment, using his Aura Power to communicate and soothe them. He successfully captured the strongest and most intelligent-looking leader of the herd, as well as another younger individual he sensed possessed extraordinary latent potential.
Just as Ash was tallying his impressive haul having caught 28 different species and reflecting on the success of the trip, Kaiser came running toward them, panting and frantic, his usual composure completely gone.
"This is... this is bad! Ash! Those sneaky characters... Team Rocket! I don't know how, but they found 'that place.' They're trying to force a capture of Dratini!"
Ash was startled. Just as he expected! He immediately shouted to his companions, "Let's go!"
Guided by Kaiser, they traversed a highly concealed path and reached an isolated lake in the deepest part of the Safari Zone. The water was crystal clear, and the surrounding grass was lush and green, like a hidden paradise. But now, the tranquility was shattered.
The Team Rocket trio was operating a dubious-looking machine equipped with a massive mechanical claw. They were chasing a small, adorable Dratini that was darting around in a panic.
A larger Pokémon, more elegant and slender with blue gems on its neck and tail, was fighting desperately to protect its child. It was a Dragonair, repeatedly firing Dragon Rage to repel the claw, but the attacks seemed ineffective.
"Stop right there, Team Rocket!" Ash roared. Without hesitation, he launched an attack. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Primeape, Cross Chop! Shiny Ponyta, use Stomp!"
The golden lightning, the fierce fighting strike, and the silver phantom-like gallop of the Stomp hit simultaneously. Team Rocket's ramshackle machine erupted in sparks and flying parts. Dragonair seized the opportunity, firing a much more powerful Dragon Rage that directly hit the control console.
"Waaaaah!"
"We're blasting off again!"
The Team Rocket trio, along with their ambitions, turned into a shooting star in the distance.
With the crisis resolved, Dragonair swam slowly to the shore. Its pure blue eyes gazed at Ash with tenderness and gratitude. It seemed to sense the unique and warm Aura within the young human, and more importantly, the sincerity and fearless courage he showed in protecting Pokémon.
It lowered its head and gently nudged the Dratini, who was still shaken and hiding behind its mother. Dragonair let out a few soft, encouraging cries. Then, using its head, it gently pushed the shy but curious Dratini toward Ash.
The look in its eyes was one of entrustment it believed that this strong, kind, and trustworthy trainer could provide its child with better guidance and protection, leading Dratini to see the vast world and move toward a stronger future.
Kaiser stood to the side, watching this silent exchange. He sighed deeply, the stern lines of his face finally melting into an expression of relief and acceptance. "Sigh... for so many years, I've guarded this secret, wanting to protect them from being disturbed. But perhaps... I was too stubborn. Dragonair... it has chosen you. Ash, take good care of Dratini. Don't let that trust go to waste."
Ash felt a heavy sense of responsibility on his shoulders. He nodded solemnly, almost reverently. He pulled out a precious Safari Ball. Instead of throwing it with force, he walked up to Dratini, knelt down, and touched the ball gently to its smooth forehead.
Dratini nuzzled Ash's hand affectionately, letting out a cute "Woo~" before being enveloped in a soft white light. It entered the Safari Ball of its own accord. The ball didn't even wobble once before the "click" of the lock signaled a successful catch.
[Ding! Host has gained the recognition of the Legendary Pokémon Dratini and successfully captured it. Reward: 2000 World Origin Points.]
[Ding! Host has captured 30 different species in the Safari Zone, completing the hidden achievement 'Ecological Observer.' Reward: 1500 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 19,100.]
By now, Ash's haul in the Safari Zone included the Legendary Pokémon Dratini, the Shiny Ponyta, the Shiny Magikarp, the high-aptitude Horsea, and the two special Tauros, totaling 31 Pokémon (including the Kangaskhan caught in the sanctuary).
In short, this trip to the Safari Zone was incredibly fruitful, far exceeding expectations.
He transferred most of the Pokémon to Professor Oak, keeping only Dratini, the Shiny Ponyta, the high-aptitude Horsea, the two special Tauros, and a few others with him.
Carrying the immense joy of obtaining a Legendary Pokémon, the heavy responsibility entrusted to him by Dragonair, and a stronger sense of anticipation for the journey ahead, Ash and his friends set off once more to challenge the next gym and pursue their dreams.
The adventure in the Safari Zone was over, but their story continued.
This "Catching Mega-Bundle" is served are you all satisfied?
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