Azalea Town
Though it was just a small town in the Johto region, Azalea Town couldn't compare to the likes of bustling cities like Cerulean.
But just like how Pallet Town in the Kanto region rose to fame for being home to the renowned Pokémon Professor Oak, Azalea had its own claim to fame. After all, a place didn't need to be big to be special — all it needed was someone extraordinary.
In Azalea Town lived a man known as Kurt, a master craftsman who could use special Apricorns to make Poké Balls with unique functions.
It was also home to Johto's Bug-type Gym.
Ash's destination? Right here. He'd accepted a request from Professor Oak to deliver a mysterious Poké Ball — the GS Ball — to Kurt for investigation.
But ever since they left the forest, the sun had grown hotter with every step. The roads became parched, the fields bone-dry — it was clear the region hadn't seen rain in a very long time.
"Looks like Azalea Town's been in a drought for quite a while..."
"Bayleef, Quilava — take a break and do some training!" Ash called out. With the glaring sun overhead, it was the perfect weather for them to practice.
Sunny conditions boosted both of their performance.
Misty tossed out a Poké Ball of her own. "Staryu, can you sprinkle some water over everyone?"
A cool stream of Water Gun rained down from the sky, refreshing the group. Bayleef basked under the sunlight before soaking in the moisture, its leafy body glistening — it would definitely grow stronger from the session.
Ash, however, didn't join Misty and Brock in cooling off. Instead, he carefully collected some water and handed it to Quilava to drink.
After all, Water Gun was still a Water-type move. For a Fire-type like Quilava, it could be dangerous.
Once they were all well-rested and ready, the group headed into Azalea Town, their spirits lifted.
The drought had dried up the riverbeds, and with the water shortage worsening, the town had implemented strict water rations. Many public places had shut down — including the local Gym.
So Ash and the others decided to visit Kurt first.
As they walked through town, they noticed Slowpokes everywhere. They were moving sluggishly, dozing under trees, or simply staring into the distance — but none of the townspeople seemed to mind. In fact, they walked around the Pokémon with great care.
According to their travel guide, the locals revered Slowpokes and even called them "Divine Slowpoke."
The story went that four hundred years ago, Azalea Town had experienced an even worse drought. The sun was merciless, the skies dry and empty. Not a single drop of rain fell for weeks.
Then one day, a lone Slowpoke wandered into town. It let out a huge yawn — and miraculously, the sky darkened with clouds, followed by a downpour that saved the village.
Ever since, the townsfolk had worshipped Slowpokes as deities. They even built the Slowpoke Well, a special place for the "Slowpoke Gods" to live.
It was said that if anyone dared harm or step on one, the entire town might erupt in outrage — something Ash and the gang definitely wanted to avoid.
But just as they reached Kurt's house — WHAM!
A giant Slowpoke barreled into them!
"Pikachu, stop!" Ash called out instantly.
Pikachu's cheeks were sparking with electricity — a reflexive reaction to surprise attacks.
Ash quickly stopped it before it could fire, and that's when he noticed — this wasn't a real Slowpoke at all! It was someone inside a giant Slowpoke costume!
"Owww, my back!" groaned an elderly voice from inside the costume.
Ash and Brock quickly helped the man up — they weren't too worried; in the world of Pokémon, getting scammed by fake injury claims wasn't much of a concern.
"Are you okay, sir?" Ash asked, concerned.
The "Slowpoke" shook his head. "I'm fine, I'm fine! I don't have time to explain — I've got to hurry to the Slowpoke Well!"
He tried to run, but clearly the earlier collision had strained his back — he winced and stumbled.
"Oof, my back... again..."
"I heard strange noises coming from the well just now! I have to get there!"
Without hesitation, Ash crouched and helped the man onto his back, carrying him toward the well.
"Young man... thank you!" the elder muttered gratefully.
Once they reached the bottom of the Slowpoke Well, they were met with a very familiar sight — Team Rocket.
Apparently, the trio had heard rumors that the Slowpokes here could bring rain, so they'd built another one of their machines and already captured several Slowpokes!
"Team Rocket — it's you again!" Ash growled.
But surprisingly, Team Rocket didn't want to fight this time. They simply activated their digging machine and began tunneling away!
"Give those Slowpokes back!" Ash shouted.
He gently set the old man down and took off after them. But the machine was too fast — within moments, it had vanished.
"Ugh! Cowards!"
Ash clenched his fists, preparing to use Aura to track them — but just then, a Slowpoke, much larger than the others, stepped forward and stared at him.
Then it let out a loud call — a strange, deep voice that echoed around the well.
All the other Slowpokes looked up and responded in unison.
Under the lead of this unusually large Slowpoke, the group began climbing out of the well.
Ash and the others quickly helped the old man outside, just in time to see something remarkable ….
The Slowpokes, now gathered on a hill overlooking the well, all began to yawn.
Not ordinary yawns — these were synchronized and ritualistic, expelling thick mist from their mouths.
It was Rain Prayer — not to be confused with the Yawn move.
Before long, the cloudless sky turned dark, thunder rumbled, and rain began to pour down in sheets.
Cheers erupted from all over town — Azalea was finally saved from the drought.
The heavy rain surged into the well, then flowed into the tunnels that Team Rocket had dug — in moments, they were flushed out of hiding.
With dozens of Slowpokes casting Rain Prayer at once, the downpour was overwhelming. If not for the well's drainage system, the town might've gone from drought to flood!
"Team Rocket! You're not getting away this time!" Ash shouted. Pikachu was already charging up, sparks crackling — Thunderbolt was ready to fire.
But before Pikachu could launch the attack, the large Slowpoke appeared beside it.
It stood tall, eyes alert and gleaming with focus — completely unlike a typical Slowpoke.
"Pika?"
"Pikachu!"
It seemed like Pikachu and the strange Slowpoke had a brief conversation. Suddenly, Pikachu grew excited and turned to Ash, shouting "Pikapi!" enthusiastically.
Ash immediately understood what Pikachu meant — their bond was that strong.
"Alright then... Slowpoke, use Water Pulse!"
The Slowpoke didn't hesitate. With lightning speed — and none of the sluggishness typical of its species — it fired Water Pulse in perfect sync with Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
The electrified water burst through the air, blasting Team Rocket far, far away!
The captured Slowpokes were finally free, rushing back to gather around the large Slowpoke like loyal followers.
But then... that same Slowpoke turned and looked straight at Ash.
The old man in the costume gasped. "Unbelievable! That young man... he's been acknowledged by the Slowpoke God! Truly remarkable!"
"Young man — you're Ash, aren't you? Please, I beg you... capture this Slowpoke. It's chosen you!"
Ash was taken aback, but nodded firmly. He turned to the majestic Slowpoke.
"Alright, Slowpoke — let's do this!"
He threw a Poké Ball.
With just a faint wiggle, the light inside the ball dimmed.
Click.
The unusual Slowpoke was caught.
Slowpoke: 130/180