Misty's Staryu

Misty's Staryu (Japanese: カスミのヒトデマン Kasumi's Hitodeman) was one of the three original Pokémon acquired by Misty in the Kanto region prior to the start of the anime, and the second one seen in her possession. Staryu also appeared in most of the games Misty appears in.
== In the anime ==
=== Kanto ===
Staryu first appeared in Clefairy and the Moon Stone, where it was sent out by Misty to defeat Team Rocket's Meowth at Mt. Moon. It first attacked Meowth with a Swift, followed by a Water Gun that sent him blasting off.
Misty used Staryu in her Gym battle against Ash in the next episode. When Ash did not recognize Staryu, he used his Pokédex on it; he later commented "Leave it to a girl to show off her jewelry!". Staryu demonstrated an Ability similar to Natural Cure, despite Abilities not having been introduced at the time, by diving into the water to negate Butterfree's Stun Spore and Sleep Powder. It also seemed to be rather clumsy, as it missed Butterfree and nearly slipped, almost falling into the water. Despite this, Staryu was able to beat Butterfree by Tackling it into the water.
Staryu was also used for its strong swimming abilities, helping Ash and his friends escape the sunken St. Anne in Pokémon Shipwreck, and also later helped the team escape James's Gyarados. It reappeared in Tentacool & Tentacruel, where it helped Goldeen and Starmie rescue sailors who had been attacked. It also tried to help the group get to the North Pole, along with Goldeen, Starmie, and Squirtle in Holiday Hi-Jynx, however it, along with its fellow swimmers, tired out before they made it.
Misty intended to use Staryu during the Queen of the Princess Festival contest in Princess vs. Princess, but, as is often the case with Misty calling out Staryu, Psyduck came out instead. A similar situation happened in Lights, Camera, Quack-tion, where Misty wanted to have Staryu audition for a movie. However, Staryu did get a role in helping provide the rain effects for the final scene.
In Volcanic Panic, it was sent out to cool off Onix, Geodude, and Pikachu with water as they dammed the erupting Cinnabar Island volcano.
=== Orange Islands ===
Staryu would again be called to help tow a raft to escape a crumbling island made up of Kabuto that were then reviving in Shell Shock!. It also danced on stage in Stage Fight! to help a traveling riverboat show that dubbed acting Pokémon with human voices backstage.
Staryu's strength was called upon in Bye Bye Psyduck, battling Marina's Tentacruel. Upon entering battle, Marina commented that it was an excellent looking Staryu, and Misty responded that Staryu was one of her favorite Pokémon and that she polished it daily. The pampering appeared to pay off, as it was able to take down Tentacruel with one Swift attack. It was, however, defeated by Marina's powerful Psyduck.
Staryu teamed up with Tracey's Marill and Captain Aidan's Team Squirtle in The Pokémon Water War to fight a fire. They managed to help out long enough for Team Wartortle to come and take care of the rest.
In The Stun Spore Detour, a wild Poliwag sought protection from James and Meowth by hiding behind Misty. Staryu defeated James's Weezing by using Tackle, followed by Double-Edge, which not only cut through Weezing's Smog, but also sent Weezing flying.
In Viva Las Lapras, Staryuwas called out, along with Goldeen, Poliwag, and Squirtle, to help defeat the pirate poachers attempting to capture Lapras's mother and family. It joined the other Pokémon in destroying the pirates' cannons with its Water Gun.
=== Johto ===
Although Misty used Staryu quite often in Kanto and during the Orange Islands saga, after she caught her Poliwag, she started to use it less often. By the end of the Johto saga, Misty hardly ever used Staryu, preferring to use her Corsola and Politoed.
In The Fire-ing Squad!, Staryu was entered into the Fire and Rescue Grand Prix with Ash, alongside Ash's Pikachu, his Squirtle, and Psyduck. The group competed against a team of Muk to see who could put out a fire the fastest. Staryu and Squirtle used duel Water Guns while Pikachu kicked dirt at it. Things went well until Psyduck got in the way and ended up getting thrown into the fire. Squirtle rescued it, but the loss in time cost them the match.
Staryu was later used to fight Ash to win a Totodile in The Totodile Duel. It battled his Chikorita, showing high determination, digging in its heels against a Tackle and dodging through Razor Leaf and Vine Whip. It was also able to strike a powerful Water Gun that jetted Chikorita several feet up and across the battlefield. It was, however, beaten to the ground by a powerful Vine Whip. Misty later apologized to Staryu, saying she hoped she had not pushed it too hard and only did so because she had an immense amount of faith in the Pokémon.
In Spell of the Unown: Entei, Staryu was called up against Molly Hale. Being underwater, Staryu showed to be even more capable than on land. It went up against Mantine and scored a couple of Tackles before looping around for another run. Before it was able to hit, Staryu was hit by Mantine's Whirlpool, although the attack, even combined with a direct hit from Bubble Beam, was not able to even affect it slightly. It then easily dissipated the Whirlpool with Rapid Spin and went on the offensive with several high speed Tackles, chasing Mantine through the water in dogged pursuit. The rest of the battle was not shown.
In Mewtwo Returns, Staryu was sent out alongside Misty and Brock's Pokémon to stop Giovanni and the rest of Team Rocket from recapturing Mewtwo. Their distraction gave Ash the time he needed to take Mewtwo to the top of Mount Quena so it could be healed.
Staryu acted as a firefighter again in Great Bowls of Fire!, where it attempted to rescue the Pokémon trapped by a raging fire in the Dragon Holy Land.
=== Pokemon Ruby & Saphirre ===
==== Chronicles ====
In Cerulean Blues, Staryu was used to defend the Cerulean Gym from a challenge by the Invincible Pokémon Brothers. Staryu battled very well, until Kim's Hitmonchan launched a sneak attack on it, knocking it out. Despite not being able to battle, Staryu won by default due to the Pokémon Brother's cheating by using the illegal sneak attack. Kim tried to justify himself, but Nurse Joy's ruling stood.
In Luvdisc is a Many Splendored Thing!, Staryu performed as a part of Daisy's water ballet.
===== Kanto Battle Frontier =====
In The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, Misty used Staryu to battle Dr. Yung's Mirage Aggron. Staryu began with a direct hit with Bubble Beam, which failed to faze Aggron. It was then struck with a strong Sandstorm attack. Misty then ordered Water Gun to be used-this was countered with Thunder Wave-and Staryu was then finished with a volley of Bullet Seed.
==== Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon ====
Staryu's flashing gem when tired
In Alola, Kanto!, Misty sent Staryu out to destroy Team Rocket's mecha with Bubble Beam.
==== Pokémon Journeys: The Series ====
In Rocket Revengers!, Misty sent out Staryu to use Water Gun to stop a Will-O-Wisp from James's Yamask. It then joined Misty and Psyduck in battling him and Jessie's Frillish.
=== Personality and characteristics ===
While Staryu does not seem to have much of a personality due to its extremely un-anthropomorphic features, its core and stance are often indicators of its emotions. Most of its personality is seen in battle, where it is shown to be confident and powerful, often being Misty's top choice. The two have a strong relationship, with Misty having mentioned she polishes Staryu daily.
On land, Staryu's wide array of attacks make it a tough opponent, while its speed is maximized in the water, where it often used by Misty for its strong swimming abilities. It often shimmers when called into battles, and its core glows pink, accompanied by a siren-like noise, when tired or weakened.
== Trivia ==
== Gallery ==
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