After a moment to catch my breath outside the old warehouse, I knew I couldn’t give up. The Koffing was still lurking inside, and it was time to confront it head-on. “Let’s head back in, Staryu,” I said, determination fueling my steps.
As I pushed through the creaking door, the musty smell of dust and decay hit me again. The dim light filtered through broken windows, casting eerie shadows on the walls. “Remember, we need to be cautious,” I reminded Staryu, who floated beside me, ready for whatever came next.
I stepped carefully over debris and made my way toward the back of the warehouse, where I’d last seen the Koffing. As I approached, I could see it hovering near a pile of old crates, emitting a faint hissing sound that sent shivers down my spine.
“Alright, Koffing,” I called out, trying to sound confident. “I’m here to help you find a better place than this.”
The Koffing seemed unfazed, slowly drifting closer. It released a cloud of gas, and I could feel the air growing heavier. This was not going to be easy.
“Staryu, let’s start with Rapid Spin to clear some of that smoke!” I commanded. Staryu nodded and began to spin rapidly, creating a whirlwind that swept through the warehouse and dispersed the noxious fumes.
As the smoke cleared, I could see the Koffing more clearly. It looked curious but also defensive, hovering slightly back. “Now, let’s follow up with Water Gun!” I called out.
Staryu shot a stream of water toward the Koffing, but it quickly dodged to the side, evading the attack. “It’s faster than I thought!” I muttered as the Koffing retaliated, launching another cloud of gas toward us.
“Staryu, cover your… uh, whatever you have!” I shouted, turning my back to shield my Pokémon from the fumes. We needed to act quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.
Once the gas cleared a bit, I scanned the area for an opportunity. “We need to outmaneuver it, Staryu. Let’s try Rapid Spin again to create some distance!”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Staryu spun again, this time launching itself toward the Koffing. The spinning attack caught it off guard, pushing it back slightly. “Good job!” I encouraged. “Now follow up with Water Gun!”
Staryu unleashed another blast of water, but the Koffing, regaining its balance, released another cloud of gas. The room filled with the thick stench again, and I felt my stomach churn.
“Let’s retreat a little,” I said, backing away toward the entrance. “We need to regroup.”
As we moved back, I could see the Koffing hovering warily, its gas swirling around it. “This isn’t working as planned,” I admitted, feeling the pressure mounting. I needed a new strategy.
“Staryu, let’s draw it toward the entrance. If we can lure it out of here, maybe we can find a better way to help it,” I suggested, thinking on my feet.
Staryu nodded, and I took a deep breath. “Use Rapid Spin again to create a distraction!”
Staryu spun quickly, the movement creating a swirling gust that momentarily distracted the Koffing. I could see it moving to follow Staryu, and I took my chance. “Now, let’s try Water Gun one more time!”
Staryu shot a powerful stream of water straight at the Koffing. The attack hit, causing it to recoil, but it wasn’t defeated yet. It retaliated with another gas attack, filling the space around us.
“Let’s go for it, Staryu! Use Rapid Spin to push through the gas!” I encouraged, watching as Staryu spun through the thick cloud, clearing a path and getting closer to the Koffing.
With a final push, I shouted, “Now, Staryu! Use Water Gun with all your might!”
Staryu unleashed a powerful blast, and the Koffing, caught off guard, was hit squarely. In the chaos, I reached for a Poké Ball, but my foot slipped on the wet floor, causing me to lose my grip. The ball flew from my hand, hitting one of the nearby crates instead.
“Wait, no!” I exclaimed, realizing my mistake too late. The crate toppled over, sending a cascade of debris crashing down. The Koffing, startled by the sudden commotion, floated backward, trapped between the falling crate and the thick gas.
“Staryu, we have to save it!” I cried out. “Use Rapid Spin to clear a path!”
Staryu launched into action, spinning fiercely and creating a gust that pushed back some of the debris. The Koffing, sensing the opening, attempted to escape but was still caught in the thick gas.
“Come on, Koffing!” I shouted, feeling a mix of urgency and compassion. “We’re not here to hurt you!”
As Staryu continued to clear the gas, I moved closer, reaching for another Poké Ball. “Please, Koffing, let us help you!” I pleaded.
With the gas dissipating, the Koffing hesitated, its eyes darting between Staryu and me. “We’re on your side!” I urged. “Just trust us!”
In that moment, the Koffing seemed to sense my sincerity. I threw the Poké Ball again, this time with hope instead of desperation. It opened, enveloping the Koffing in a flash of light.
The Koffing was sucked inside, and the ball shook violently. “Come on…” I whispered, my heart racing. It shook once… twice… and then clicked shut.
I stood there, breathless, staring at the Poké Ball in my hand. “We did it, Staryu! We caught the Koffing!”
Relief washed over me as I looked around the warehouse, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I hadn’t just faced a challenge; I had helped a Pokémon find a new path. “Let’s take it back to the Pokémon Center,” I said, feeling hopeful about what we could do together.