Pokemon: Legacy

Chapter 33: 33. Hunting



----

Klawf is a territorial predator that thrives in rocky environments, particularly near cliffs and mountainous terrain. It has adapted to a unique hunting style, blending into the craggy surfaces by pressing its rocky body against the walls, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey.

Its design appears to be inspired by the mythical snowmen of mountainous regions, particularly those found on Mount Glaseado in the Paldea region.

Interestingly, Klawf's large, claw-like pincers occasionally shed naturally under unknown conditions. These naturally shed claws are said to be far more flavorful than those lost during battle.

Eric and Luxray had followed the Lechonk all the way to this point, where they discovered a pair of massive Klawf claws lying on the ground.

The memory of finding a similar windfall in the past brought a smile to Eric's face, but neither he nor Luxray moved to claim the prize immediately.

It wasn't a matter of morality or sportsmanship this wasn't the time to play the noble bystander. It was because such situations often came with a catch: these shed claws were rarely unguarded.

Hidden in the dense bushes nearby was a Klawf, its fresh and shiny pincers glinting faintly in the dim light. The Pokémon lay in wait, its stealthy posture belying its readiness to strike.

Eric and Luxray crouched silently in the underbrush, observing the scene as the Lechonk sniffed at the discarded claws. The Pokémon's black snout wrinkled with delight as a look of pure bliss crossed its face.

With no immediate threats in sight, Lechonk began cleaning its coat and hooves with meticulous care. Clearly, it planned to savour one claw immediately and take the other as a trophy, perhaps to impress a potential mate.

However, the Klawf lurking nearby had other plans. Slowly and silently, it extended its enormous pincers from the bush. As the icy sheen of Frost Punch began to form around its claws, its target remained oblivious.

Just as the frost-laden air began to brush against Lechonk's face, the sharp scent triggered its survival instincts. With a panicked squeal, it ducked just in time, dodging the Klawf's heavy blow.

Though it narrowly escaped injury, frost formed on Lechonk's head, leaving it shaken and stunned.

Without a moment's hesitation, the pig Pokémon turned and fled, its muscular legs propelling it out of sight in seconds.

Klawf looked down at its missed attack, then at its retreating prey. Defeated, it sulked back into the bushes, waiting for the next opportunity.

Eric smirked as he whispered to Luxray, "That's our cue."

Standing from their hiding spot, Eric and Luxray made no effort to mask their presence, their movements rustling the foliage loudly. The sound quickly caught the attention of Klawf.

Far from being discouraged, Klawf's spirits rose as it realized fresh targets had appeared. Today's hunting luck seemed promising!

Just as it prepared to lunge, the ground beneath it began to glow. Countless dazzling points of light emerged from the earth, converging into a radiant beam that shot skyward.

"What the—?!" Eric froze, exchanging a stunned glance with Luxray.

The brilliant pillar of light lasted only a few seconds before fading, revealing Klawf in its newly transformed Tera form. Behind it stood a shimmering Tera crystal, pulsating with energy.

"KLAAAWRF!!"

Klawf roared triumphantly, its massive claws now radiating raw energy. A giant Fighting-type fist symbolized its Tera type, proudly displayed atop its crystalline crown. In its Tera state, Klawf's confidence soared. It felt invincible.

"Luxray, you seeing this?" Eric muttered. Before Luxray could respond, a faint glow emanated from Eric's pocket.

Reaching in, Eric pulled out his Tera Orb, which had suddenly recharged. "Guess it's time to test it out," he said with a smirk. "Luxray, it's your turn. Terastallize!"

Luxray stepped forward, its sharp gaze locked onto the now-emboldened Klawf. Eric tossed the Tera Orb into the air, unleashing a cascade of crystalline energy that enveloped Luxray.

With a resounding crack, the crystals shattered, leaving Luxray gleaming like a polished gemstone. Its mane and fur shimmered, and atop its head, a giant lightbulb symbolized its Electric Tera type.

"RAAAAWX!!"

Luxray roared, its overwhelming presence sending nearby bird Pokémon scattering from the trees. Even Klawf, now regretting its earlier bravado, seemed to shrink under Luxray's intimidating gaze.

Klawf's primal instincts screamed at it to flee, but the Tera crystal behind it pulsed with energy, anchoring it to the battlefield.

Realizing escape was impossible, Klawf raised its claws in a pitiful attempt to surrender.

Eric chuckled at the sight. "Seriously? You're trying to back out now?" He shook his head and commanded, "Thunderbolt!"

Golden lightning coiled around Luxray like serpents before striking forward in a blinding arc. The Thunderbolt, amplified by Luxray's Tera energy, tore through the air and struck both Klawf and the Tera crystal behind it.

For a moment, the entire mountainside was illuminated in brilliant gold.

When the light subsided, Klawf lay unconscious amid the shattered remains of the crystal. Eric and Luxray stood victorious.

"Well, I guess we'll be taking these claws after all," Eric said, picking up the prized pincers. The mere sight of them made his mouth water.

Luxray, noticing Eric's eagerness, shook its head in exasperation. It wasn't until a small droplet of drool escaped its own mouth that it realized it wasn't above temptation, either.

Eric ensured Klawf's injuries were treated before leaving it in the safety of the bushes.

The Tera crystal, having been drained of energy, faded into nonexistence, leaving only a couple of Fighting Tera Shards behind.

Luxray picked up the shards and handed them to Eric. "Thanks," Eric said, pocketing the valuable fragments.

Looking at the shards, Eric couldn't help but grimace. Memories of spending endless hours grinding Tera Raids during the launch of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet resurfaced, and his muscles ached in sympathy.

"Let's hope this doesn't turn into a repeat of that," he muttered, turning to head back.

----

Don't forget to drop some Power Stones!

For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.

P@treon/iamxeno

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.