Chapter 25: New Allies and Old Legends! Training at Union Cave
Location: Union Cave, Johto Region
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the trees as Alex, Daniel, Cynthia, and their Pokémon packed up their campsite.
"Union Cave is just ahead," Daniel said, adjusting his backpack. His newly evolved Blastoise walked beside him, causing the ground to tremble slightly with each heavy step.
"If we cut through it, we'll reach Azalea Town faster... and the next gym challenge."
Alex nodded, his Riolu perched on his shoulder, still full of energy despite yesterday's intense battle. Lucario walked nearby, alert and focused, his aura senses constantly sweeping their surroundings.
Cynthia smiled softly.
"But Union Cave isn't just a shortcut. It's known for housing some of Johto's rarest and oldest Pokémon. Trainers dream of meeting them."
Daniel's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Perfect place to catch some powerful new team members before the next gym!"
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Inside Union Cave
The inside of Union Cave was breathtaking.
Jagged stone pillars rose from underground lakes, glowing faintly from natural crystals embedded in the rock.
Wild Zubat fluttered above, Wooper splashed in shallow pools, and shadows of larger creatures moved deeper in the darkness.
Alex's group carefully made their way forward.
Suddenly, Daniel froze, pointing toward a nearby tunnel.
"There!"
A flash of red and yellow disappeared into the shadows.
Alex grinned.
"No hesitation—let's check it out!"
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Daniel's Capture: Axew!
As they ventured down a winding corridor, they stumbled into a small cavern where a wild Axew stood its ground, fiercely battling a swarm of aggressive Zubat.
Daniel's eyes lit up.
"An Axew! Perfect dragon potential!"
Daniel didn't waste a second.
"Blastoise, Rapid Spin to scatter the Zubat! Then Water Pulse on Axew!"
Blastoise obeyed, spinning rapidly and blasting water in all directions, scattering the Zubat like leaves. Then a precise Water Pulse struck near Axew—not hurting it, but startling it enough to focus entirely on Daniel.
Axew snarled and leapt at Blastoise with Dragon Rage.
Daniel pulled out a Pokéball.
"Now! Umbreon, assist—Confuse Ray!"
Umbreon materialized, sending a shimmering pulse of confusion at Axew.
The little dragon staggered, dazed.
Daniel threw a Great Ball with pinpoint accuracy.
The ball shook violently—once, twice, three times—click!
Daniel pumped his fist.
"Yes! Welcome to the team, Axew!"
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Alex's Encounter: Larvitar Awakens!
Meanwhile, Alex and Cynthia had ventured deeper into the cave.
Following a strange energy reading from Lucario's aura sense, they entered a hidden chamber glowing with blue crystals.
At the center, sleeping peacefully atop a stone pedestal, was a Larvitar—but not an ordinary one.
Its body shimmered slightly, hinting at a unique mutation.
Alex knelt beside it.
"A rare one... maybe even a proto-variant."
Suddenly, the Larvitar stirred, sensing their presence.
It opened its crimson eyes—and roared with surprising power, shaking the cave.
Wild Battle Begins: Alex vs. Larvitar!
Larvitar immediately launched Rock Slide, raining boulders down toward Alex and Lucario.
"Lucario, Detect!"
Lucario dodged swiftly, weaving between falling rocks with perfect timing.
"Aura Sphere, non-lethal!"
Lucario charged a small Aura Sphere, hitting Larvitar gently but enough to slow it down without injuring it badly.
Larvitar, surprisingly intelligent, adjusted. It used Sandstorm, masking itself completely.
Alex narrowed his eyes, feeling the storm.
"Lucario, Pulse Scan!"
Lucario closed his eyes, sensing the auras in the sandstorm. He found Larvitar's location instantly.
Alex smirked.
"Bone Rush—surround and trap it!"
Lucario spun his Bone Rush staff into multiple spinning copies, surrounding Larvitar and locking it in a cage of aura energy.
Larvitar struggled briefly before tiring out.
Alex pulled out an Ultra Ball and tossed it.
One shake.
Two shakes.
Three—click!
Alex caught Larvitar!
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Rest and Revelation
After regrouping, the team camped by a glowing lake deep inside Union Cave.
Daniel's new Axew was surprisingly affectionate, climbing onto Daniel's shoulder like a parrot.
Alex's Larvitar, though grumpy, quickly bonded with Riolu and Snorlax, showing signs of leader-like behavior.
Cynthia took notes, fascinated.
"That Larvitar... it has a rare gene strain. When it evolves into Tyranitar, it might be able to access a unique form or ability."
Alex rubbed Larvitar's head gently.
"Good. We're gonna need every edge we can get."
Meanwhile, Daniel was already mapping training plans for Axew.
"Once Axew evolves into Haxorus... oho, that Azalea Gym won't know what hit them!"
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Unknown to them...
Deeper inside the cave, a mysterious figure watched from the shadows, stroking a black Pokéball.
"So... the legendary brothers of Ketchum and Oak rise at last. Perfect... the pieces are falling into place."
Their journey was only just beginning—and darker forces were already preparing to challenge them.
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Chapter End
Next Chapter: Azalea Town Arrival! Meeting the New Gym Leaders and New Rivals!
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Would you like me to continue immediately with Chapter 26? (It will introduce new original rivals and gym challenges!)