Safari Zone

Safari Zone


The Johto Safari Zone is a special Pokémon preserve where Trainers can capture certain types of Pokémon. It is located at the Safari Zone Gate, a bazaar that sprung up due to the Safari Zone's popularity. It is owned by Baoba, the owner of the former Kanto Safari Zone, which was, by then, made into a Pal Park by his son.
For 500, the player will receive 30 Safari Balls. Akin to previous Safari Zones, there is a large area to cover, but the six areas of the Zone can uniquely be rearranged to suit the player. Also, there is no time or step limit to how long the player can try to catch Pokémon. The only ways to leave are to retire, to walk back through the entrance or to run out of Safari Balls.

Fushidara's Journey

I looked back at the Safari Game Warden as I walked inside. He was back to talking on the phone, probably to settle another deal with some other guy who needed help or information or else. I walked towards the receptionist.

"If you're participating in the next Safari game, please step to the right."

"Wait," I responded, "Don't you want the fee?"

"Oh no, Mr. Fushidara," she said politely. "The Warden has let you join for free. Here's your 30 Safari Balls and good luck~"

I nodded in thanks as I walked over to the right. There was a large crowd of people waiting. There were children and adults alike, all anxious to start the round.

The doors suddenly swung open as a voice proclaimed on the PA. Sadly, I couldn't hear a thing over the rushing footsteps of the crowd. I was dragged off into the Safari Zone in the wave of eager trainers.

I closed my eyes as the people around me continued to push. My mind, previously overwhelmed by the rush, was now clear. All noise ceased. Despite the shouting and stomping, it was quiet in my head. There was, however, a small cry. A child's cry? No, rather like a Pokemon's cry. Small but gruff. Beyond the crowd and in the bushes. It sounded like "...ish" "....roomish." Shroomish?

I made my way through the crowd and sensed the silhouette of a small mushroom.

"Shroomish!" the voice cried again.

I found it already.

The Shroomish, angered from its sleep, spread a large powder across the field. It was Spore. I held a handkerchief to my mouth to protect myself from sleeping. Around me, people slumped over and fell asleep. It was only me and the Shroomish now. It leapt at me, aiming a swift Headbutt towards my chest. I dodged left, and Shroomish landed at its side. As it prepared a second attack, I reached for a Safari Ball. I clutched it at my side as the mushroom charged. Shroomish collided into me, but touched the button on the Pokeball. The Pokeball captured it, and fell to the ground with a silent plop. The ball shook once...twice...three times...KSHAA!

The Shroomish popped back out, angrier than ever. I stepped towards it, as I reached into my left pocket. From it, I revealed a block of Pokemon food. I laid the bait down as the curious Shroomish came over. It sniffed the food and proceeded to take a nibble. The anger on its face faded away as it looked up at me for more food. I held out another block with a Pokeball beside it. The Shroomish seemed vexed but then touched its forehead on the Pokeball. It stayed shut this time.

I walked towards the Gate, Pokeball in hand. Standing there waiting was the Warden. He seemed content enough. "Well," he said. "I guess someone's determined to get to know things."

Mariel sprinting without noticing Fushidara, called out the giant ice-dragon pokemon Kyurem and immediately hopped onto his bac, not caring about the wierd looks she would get. "LET'S GO!"

Kyurem used Fly!

[Exit to New Bark Town]

I jumped back to see the giant Dragon take off into the air. I spotted a woman standing on top of him...Mariel?! I turned to the Warden for some sort of explanation. He laughed a laughed heartily.

"About time she let that thing out for a walk." he said in his gruff voice.

I stared at him dumbfounded. What as that thing? The Warden put his hand on my shoulder.

"Listen, kid. You're here for information, right? Well a long whiles back, Mariel blew up some of the old construction site for this here Safari Zone. She didn't tell anyone until one day she showed up with that Giant Ice Dragon. I berated her about using Safari Zone property like this, so she made a deal with me for her to keep using it. See? I have connections everywhere. Still, kinda annoys me that she kept that from me all that time. Also annoyed me that I couldn't find that place ever again. Wonder why..."

"Well, that's a nice story and all," I interjected. "But what does this have to do with me?"

"That Dragon you saw," he said quietly. "Is Kyurem. A Unova Legendary Pokemon. If you're looking for a Legendary, Mariel's probably the gal to go to."

I thought a moment. It made sense to ask someone who already has a Legendary to look for another Legendary. But knowing Mariel, it won't be easy to get information from her.

"Thanks for the tip, Warden. I'll think on what you said," as I handed the Pokeball.

I turned and thought of where my next lead would be. Maybe I should find more things on Meloetta. It's a music oriented Pokemon so...maybe the Dance Theater, then?

I sent out Hydreigon. "Let's go, Sazandora. To Ecruteak."

[exit to Ecruteak City]