As Sam ventured deeper into the Cerulean Cave, he observed carefully, hoping to find a new partner to join his team.
Along the way, Sam spotted several rare Water-type Pokémon—Squirtle, Totodile, and even a group of Togepi huddled near the water's edge. It was clear how well-supported this sanctuary was, almost like a mini-ecosystem of Water-types thriving in harmony. Sam couldn't help but marvel at how strong and well-established these habitats were.
Eventually, Sam reached a serene lake deep within the cave. He was debating whether he should secretly catch a few Pokémon to raise at his ranch when something suddenly surfaced. A serpentine head with two elegant ear-like wings popped out of the water, startling him. Floating in front of him was a Dragonair.
Dragonair
Base Stat Total: 420
Ability: Marvel Scale
Level: 45
Nature: Naughty
Moves: Dragon Rush, Aqua Tail, Twister, Dragon Tail
Potential: Outstanding
Dragonair stared at Sam with curious, glimmering eyes. Sam, using his ability of telepathy, reached out.
"Hey there, little one. Why are you staring at me like that?"
"I've never seen someone like you before," Dragonair replied. "Every Pokémon here has a group, but you… you're different."
Sam noticed a trace of longing in Dragonair's voice when it mentioned the word group.
"What about your group? Where's your family?"
"I don't have one. I've always lived here alone… I don't belong anywhere."
Through telepathy, Sam could sense Dragonair's deep loneliness. It had grown up in isolation, bullied by other Pokémon, and constantly struggling to survive.
Sam knelt down by the water. "How about coming with me, then? I'll take you out into the world. You'll see others like you, make new friends, and never have to be alone again."
Dragonair stared deep into Sam's eyes and saw sincerity, trust, and kindness. It hesitated for a second, then nodded.
"I'd like that. I want to see the world."
Sam smiled and temporarily transferred Dragonair to his ranch, not wanting to alert the Cerulean Gym sisters by showing up with a newly caught non-Water Pokémon. He continued deeper into the cave, using the opportunity to train his Froakie.
While battling a wild Totodile, Sam found himself suddenly surrounded by a hostile Croconaw and its tribe. They seemed aggressive and territorial. Sam instinctively called out Dragonair, Lucario, and Charizard.
Dragonair glanced at the Croconaw and growled. "These are the ones that used to bully me. They prey on Pokémon who don't have a group."
Suddenly, a mission alert rang in Sam's mind.
> Elite Mission Triggered
Objective: Help Dragonair take revenge and defeat the Croconaw tribe.
Reward: Luxury Lottery Ticket ×1
Time Limit: 24 hours
Sam focused his attention on the leader of the group—a powerful Feraligatr.
Feraligatr
Base Stat Total: 530
Ability: Torrent
Level: 50
Nature: Rash
Moves: Screech, Water Gun, Ice Fang, Agility
Potential: Excellent
Just as he was preparing for battle, a figure leapt between Froakie and Feraligatr—a Croagunk!
Croagunk
Base Stat Total: 300
Ability: Dry Skin
Level: 45
Nature: Brave
Moves: Bubble Beam, Mud Bomb, Earth Power, Water Gun
Potential: Perfect
Croagunk faced Feraligatr bravely, shielding Froakie without hesitation. Feraligatr roared and charged. Sam, realizing Croagunk couldn't hold on alone, quickly called for backup.
"Lucario, use Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario charged into the fray, followed by Charizard and Dragonair. Croagunk bravely took on Feraligatr, but after a brutal clash, Feraligatr pinned it to the ground. It opened its jaws for an Ice Fang finishing move.
"Lucario, use Extreme Speed and follow up with Thunder Punch!"
Lucario vanished in a flash, reappearing in front of Feraligatr and smashing it with a crackling punch. Feraligatr collapsed with a thud.
With the enemy tribe subdued, Dragonair rushed to Croagunk's side, visibly concerned.
"Do you know each other?" Sam asked.
"It saved me once when I was cornered by that tribe. It didn't hesitate."
Sam, touched, used his Evergreen Aura to heal Croagunk. Through telepathy, he learned more: Croagunk had a strong sense of justice. It protected the weak and stood up to injustice, even at the cost of being shunned by its own kind. Banished from its tribe for causing trouble, it had survived alone in the cave.
"Croagunk," Sam said, "you're a protector, just like me. You don't have to be alone anymore. Come with me. Together, we can protect others, and I promise to help you grow stronger."
Croagunk looked at Sam, then at Lucario, recalling the powerful strike that defeated Feraligatr. It nodded solemnly.
Sam gently held out a Poké Ball. Croagunk touched it, and the ball clicked shut without resistance.
Sam smiled.
His trip to Cerulean Cave had been more than worthwhile. With new bonds formed and justice delivered, Sam, alongside Charizard, Lucario, Dragonair, and now Croagunk, made his way toward the exit of the cave—stronger and more united than ever.