A (Shiny) Dragon-Type!

To Grunt's surprise, it turns out to be an Axew that hatches from the Egg. In addition, it's coloring is different from the usual members of it's kind. The easiest to note is the red collar around it's neck, typically green in an average Axew. It's skin tone is also somewhat warmer. Naturally, this was above and beyond anything the ex-Rocket might've expected.

While it is one of the weaker members among the Dragon-Types, an Axew is certainly not the most disappointing thing that could have hatched from the egg.

"Looks like that gamble was worth it after all," Grunt told himself.

The Axew took notice of the voice and turned it's head to face Grunt. It regarded him with curiosity before standing on its hind feet. After some initial struggle with walking for the first time, it made its way to Grunt and nuzzled the former henchmen affectionately.

'This is good! I forgot, a Pokemon that recently hatches often imprints on the first thing it sees. Loyalty shouldn't be an issue in the future.'

Satisfied with his first acquisition, Grunt allowed himself to be affectionate with the miscolored Axew and gently patted its head. Just because it would ultimately be a useful tool against the young Trainer from Pallet Town didn't mean that the Pokemon had to be a hardened fighting machine.

The tiny Dragon quickly found itself tired and fell asleep against Grunt. With nighttime quickly approaching, he decided to join the newborn and rest up as well. Tomorrow, he'd see just how far he'd have to go to get the most value out of Axew's abilities.