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The first thing the Golurk had sighted was a small bird, flying through the updrafts.

Even Arashi didn’t’ have the heart to strafe it out of the skies. The two observed quietly as the Tailow soared past them, and he then instinctively pat the Golurk’s shoulder.

“No, no need. We don’t go after the little ones. We let them grow, okay?” he said to the sentient golem, who gave a grating noise of inquiry before the head nodded slightly in approval. “Let’s keep going. I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to find something we can definitely make good use out of around here.”

Off the two went further out along the water route they were traversing at the moment.

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The next Pokémon they would eventually come across was something—a familiar sight—that would bring a grin to his lips. Seeing the Noivern soaring on the updrafts, he wondered if that was how it tried to fly with its stubby little wings—like a Wingull’s own erratic flight pattern.

Soaring on the updrafts, gaining airtime, until they could stretch their small, short wings and truly soar among the clouds.

…unfortunately, it wasn’t on the list of ‘things that I want’ either.

“No, Alfons. Let’s keep going,” he said, leaving the Noibat alone to its own fluttering. He already had one in Ava, anyway.

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The last Pokémon that they came across drew his attention—simply because it was something so achingly familiar to him, that reminded him of home—a region so far away now. Hoenn was technically his home now, considering he didn’t have a place to return to back in Enju…

Maybe this one would be a good addition to the team.

Without warning, though, the Croconaw that was minding its own business took aim at the Golurk and released a powerful spray of water—a Hydro Pump attack!

“Whoa!” he yelped as he ducked down and urged the Golurk to fly out of the way—which it did so, although in its maneuver it was strafed by the powerful Water-type attack.

Wait, powerful?

The evilest of grins spread across his face as he pointed. “Alfons, strike it with your Shadow Punch attack! Look, I don’t care how many times you have to try—we’re bringing him with us!” he said as another powerful spray of water rocketed towards them.

Wasting no time, the Golurk took aim and released both its fists in a rocket punch-esque Shadow Punch attack combination, one fist missing but the second striking it upside the head as the Croconaw attempted to shoot them down with another Hydro Pump blast.

Seriously, this Croconaw was giving them a run for his money—and he liked that.

“Again, Alfons!” he called out, and another one-two series of Shadow Punch attacks came screaming down on the Croconaw as it tried to snipe one of the fists out of the air. While it had provided a temporary distraction, the other fist managed to find its mark—slugging the Water-type into the sky.

Taking aim, Arashi then flung an empty Pokéball at the Croconaw and hoped for the best.