Capturing Castform was both expected and unexpected.
Terrance's primary goal was to obtain a Water Type Pokémon that he liked, and in a sense, Castform's ability to change forms fulfilled that requirement.
"Castformmm――"
Castform sluggishly nodded, acknowledging Terrance for the time being.
Next, Terrance took out a green Safari Ball. After Castform entered it, it temporarily marked the end of the trip to Safari Zone.
"That makes five..."
Beautifly, Altaria, Mismagius, Growlithe, and now Castform formed the nucleus of Terrance's team.
There was still one spot left before the team reached the full strength, but Terrance wasn't in a hurry. With Castform joining, it was already the biggest catch in recent times.
Terrance then left the Safari Zone.
The staff was slightly surprised to see Terrance only use one Safari Ball, and to capture a Castform at that.
Trainers like him weren't unheard of, but typically, when they only capture one Pokémon, it's almost always a Pokémon who were quite strong, but rare outside.
A Pokémon like Castform, even if outside the Safari Zone, could be spotted near Fortree City.
This capture... was puzzling.
After completing the necessary procedures, Terrance asked a question.
"Yes, the Safari Zone undergoes regular modifications. I remember there used to be several rivers connected to the ocean..."
After thanking the staff, Terrance left, with some of the mystery surrounding the Dragon Orb cleared up.
If the Safari Zone was not completely closed off since its establishment, then it is not so strange for Castform to obtain Dragonair's Dragon Orb.
The road from Lilycove City to Fortree City resembled a tropical rainforest, with many grasses reaching Terrance's waist. Fortunately, there were several paths cleared, or else Terrance would have to let Altaria fly all the way.
Having captured Castform, Terrance wasn't in such a hurry to rush to the Weather Institute west of Fortree City. Getting to know his new partner became his top priority.
"Castform, let me get to know you again."
"This way, I can develop a suitable training plan based on your needs."
In an open area, Terrance stopped and called out Castform.
Besides Castform, there were Beautifly, Altaria, Mismagius, and Growlithe.
The purpose of calling them out was twofold: first, to introduce the new companion, and second, to understand Castform's personality. When Castform saw the four Pokémon beside Terrance, it glanced over, especially at Mismagius, giving it a disdainful look.
"Castformmm~~~" Castform ran to the side, waiting for Terrance's command.
However, there was a spark in Castform's eyes, indicating its desire to give it its all and not embarrass itself in front of Terrance's other four Pokémon.
"Listen up, the first move is... Hail."
Hail, like Rain Dance, was a move that could change the weather conditions in an area.
At Terrance's command, Castform began to mobilize its energy. However, Hail was not as swift as Castform's Rain Dance.
About ten seconds later, the unique thin, floating clouds in the sky began to condense and release snowflakes, and then... it wasn't until it transformed into Hail that Castform's form began to change.
All of this lasted about ten seconds.
Terrance suppressed his thoughts and continued to command: "Blizzard... no, use Powder Snow, and then gradually increase the power of Powder Snow. If you can transform it into Blizzard, do so with all your strength."
Castform nodded, and the trajectory of the Hail in the sky began to change, slowly dispersing. Then, within the clouds, a strange wind arose, sweeping up ice chips and howling past with a whistle.
"The power is barely adequate, unable to unleash Blizzard." Terrance nodded, noting the strength of the "Snowy Castform" under Hail.
"Change the move, use Sunny Day."
After Hail, Terrance issued a new command to transform the weather into the scorching sun with the move Sunny Day.
However, the transformation speed of Sunny Day was two seconds slower than Hail.
Whether it was because of the previous Hail or due to having good mastery over rainy weather, the speed of Sunny Day was slower.
If Snowy Form Castform resembled an old man with a beard of clouds, then Sunny Form Castform looked like a big sun wearing an apron, while the big sun was surrounded by a circle of smaller suns.
"Use the Fire Type move you know." Terrance said.
Sizzle~~
A flame burst forth, then vanished.
Terrance frowned.
"Phew~~"
Taking a deep breath, Terrance shook his head after seeing Castform's proficiency with the other two weather. It appeared that due to Castform's average level and due to it being too focused on rainy weather, Castform was relatively unfamiliar with the timing of these two weather.
"No wonder no Trainer likes to capture Castform. In battles, a ten-second transformation time means many things would already be decided by the time the weather appears."
"This won't do."
Terrance wasn't very satisfied with Castform's Sunny Day and Hail, but he was prepared for this result. As a wild Castform without special experiences, this level was to be expected.
But!
In rainy weather, Castform's performance was different.
Rumble!
A simple Rain Dance, and the dark clouds began to coalesce as lightning flashed within the black clouds, moving violently.
In just three short seconds, a torrential rain poured down. Compared to the previous Hail and Sunny Day...its aura was completely different.
"This is more like it...Dragon Orb seems to have achieved a perfect compatibility with Castform, and the power of this Rain Dance..."
Boom! Boom! Boom!
After the feeble attempts with Sunny Day and Hail, Castform finally unleashed its full power.
Only in Rain Dance could Castform proudly raise its head and face Terrance's other four Pokémon.
Boom! Boom!
Following Terrance's command, Castform entered the Rain Dance phase and began to freely unleash its abilities.
First was the Thunder move. In the densely packed dark clouds, the swirling thunder and lightning roared towards the ground at every moment. Thick bolts of lightning struck down accompanied by loud booms, causing Terrance's heart to pound in his chest.
Then came the Hydro Pump move. It was called Hydro Pump, but Terrance felt that calling it "Water Arrow" was more appropriate. It was similar in thickness to Water Gun, but more condensed and with astonishing speed. As raindrops hit Castform, its Hydro Pump seemed inexhaustible, sweeping forward continuously!
With speed, power, and accuracy all in play, this Hydro Pump alone was enough to make some Pokémon who fear Water Type moves regret their existence.
Hey everyone, please vote and review. Thank you.
****Please support on pat*eon for extra chapters.
https://www.pat*eon.com/dmtranslations [7-day trial is available.]