Chapter 436: Route 201
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Sandgem Town – Rowan's Lab]
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the lab's polished floor, the discussion shifted from the echoes of the past to the realities of the present. The photographs of Hisui were tucked away, replaced by a holographic map of the Sinnoh region, with the massive, snow-capped peak of Mt. Coronet dominating the center.
After the topics of Hisui were satisfied by the two, the group shifted to topics regarding Azure's role. Mr. Berlitz explained, his expression softening as he spoke of his daughter proudly, "The journey is more than just a trial of strength. For the Berlitz family, it is a rite of passage into scholarship and maturity. Platinum must reach the peak and gather the raw materials—minerals and gemstones unique to the mountain's highest strata—to forge her own accessory. It's a physical manifestation of her lineage and her personal growth."
Professor Rowan let out a weary huff, crossing his arms over his broad chest as he added, "And I still maintain it is a fool's errand to send her now. The ecosystem of Mt. Coronet is in a state of flux. The Pokémon there are aggressive, and the terrain is treacherous for someone who has barely stepped outside a tutor's study."
Mr. Berlitz replied calmly with a helpless shrug as he sighed, "I don't disagree, Professor. But you know Platinum. Once she has set her sights on a goal, she is immovable. She sees this as her duty to the family and a chance to prove her worth as a budding scholar. She even insisted on assisting you with the 3 Pokédex project to ensure the trip had 'maximum scientific utility.'"
Azure leaned against a lab table, his hand absentmindedly scratching Eevee behind the ears as he said, "Stubbornness can be a survival trait in this world, as long as it's backed up by the right protection. That's why I'm here. Between my partners, she'll be in the safest hands in the region."
He glanced at his shadow, where his Darkrai and Marshadow awaited patiently. A silent reminder that while this started as a traditional hike, he was prepared for a war at a moment's notice.
Rowan nodded, though his stern gaze didn't waver as he helplessly stated, "I am grateful for that, Sky. If anyone can navigate the anomalies of this region, it is a man who has faced down trouble without flinching. However, we have a slight logistical hitch."
Azure raised an eyebrow, hearing that. Pondering a bit, Azure asked, already sensing the answer, "The Sinnoh Starters?"
Rowan nodded his head, admitting to Azure's words as he explained, "Exactly. Because you arrived ahead of schedule, the trio I've selected for this year's researchers—Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup—are currently undergoing a final health screening and behavioral synchronization at my secondary facility. They won't be ready to be officially handed out for another three days."
Azure didn't look bothered. If anything, a few days of downtime sounded like a luxury after his recent cosmic battles.
Then Mr. Berlitz, a man of impeccably tailored suits and an aura of refined authority, began, his voice smooth and measured, "So, Azure. You understand the parameters of your assignment, then? Platinum's safety is paramount, naturally, but her unhindered experience of the tradition is equally vital."
Azure nodded, a small, almost imperceptible dip of his head as he replied, "Completely, Mr. Berlitz. My priority will be her well-being while ensuring the integrity of her journey to Mt. Coronet remains intact. I'm a bodyguard, not a chaperone."
Azure began pondering a bit before explaining his plans, letting them know in advance, "I'll use this time to get to know the land. I heard Lake Verity is quite picturesque."
Eevee let out a soft vee! of approval, nudging his ear, "Bui! (Yes! Swimming time! Let's go!)"
Mr. Berlitz offered a faint smile as he replied, "An excellent choice. It is a place of profound natural beauty."
But then Azure suddenly recalled Rowan's earlier words. Azure interjected, a slight furrow in his brow, "Professor Rowan… You mentioned 3 Pokedexes... I understand one for Platinum, but why three? And two starter Pokémon, where would they go, if I'm only overseeing?"
Rowan chuckled, a dry, rumbling sound from deep within his chest, "Ah, yes, that. Blame Professor Oak."
Azure felt a familiar, internal groan as he thought, 'Of course, Oak.'
Prof. Rowan began to explain the extra Pokedex as he stated, "He was most… insistent. Apparently, since you steadfastly refused a Pokedex from Professor Birch back in Hoenn, handing it instead to a young man named Wally, Oak has been adamant that you should finally become a Dex Holder."
Azure's eye twitched. He muttered the title with a genuine annoyance that bordered on disdain, "A 'Dex Holder'?"
The very idea felt… pretentious to Azure. He'd navigated three Leagues and the Battle Frontier without needing a grand title. His journey was about discovery, challenge, and his partners, not a glorified certification.
Pikachu, sensing his trainer's mood, let out a sympathetic cry, "Pika! (You know how it is with that old man…)"
Rowan continued, seemingly oblivious to Azure's internal struggles, though a knowing glint suggested otherwise, "Indeed. He feels it's long overdue. As for the additional two starter Pokémon, I'm hoping to observe their evolutionary processes under your guidance. You have a knack for raising strong, unique Pokémon. Platinum will, of course, have the first pick of the three. The remaining two would be perfect for your… experimental observations, shall we say?"
Azure nodded, the corners of his lips curling in a faint, knowing smile. He had his own plans for those two starters, plans that involved a certain boisterous comedian and a quiet, observant artist he knew would soon stumble into Platinum's path.
Azure mused mentally to himself, forming a mental checklist, 'Diamond and Pearl will definitely need them down the line…'
But Azure maintained his friendly expression as he replied casually, "That sounds acceptable, Professor Rowan. I'll take a tour of Lake Verity and be back in three days to begin my duties."
Mr. Berlitz replied happily as he seemed relieved by the news, "Excellent! We shall expect you then. Have a pleasant journey."
With a final nod to both men, Azure turned, Pikachu still perched on his shoulder, Eevee still on his head, and the little Pichu giving a soft chuuu from his jacket, its tiny eyes peeking out. He stepped out of the lab and into the warm afternoon air of Sandgem Town, the salty scent of the nearby sea mingling with the earthy aroma of the land.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Sunset, Route 201]
The transition from the bustling edges of Sandgem Town to the serene wilderness of Route 201 was almost immediate. The paved road soon gave way to a winding dirt path, flanked by tall, swaying grass and clusters of robust trees.
Azure took a deep, invigorating breath, the stress of bureaucratic pleasantries melting away. He murmured, his Pokémon on high alert, "Alright, guys. Let's get a feel for the region."
*Whoosh*
With a soft whoosh, a flash of red and orange, Chimchar materialized beside him, its small flame tail flickering with excitement. It chirped, already darting ahead, scrambling up a low tree trunk with surprising agility, "Chaaarr! (I'll check the trees!)"
Next, a more stoic presence, Riolu, stood at Azure's other side. Its blue-black fur shimmered, and its sharp red eyes scanned the surroundings with an almost preternatural awareness. It confirmed, its aura senses already reaching out, mapping the unseen energies of the route. "Riolu (I'll sense the Aura.)"
*Pop*
Finally, with a gentle pop, Ralts appeared, its delicate white body almost ethereal against the green backdrop. It floated a few inches off the ground, its two green horns twitching, sensitive to the emotions around them. Ralts, though physically frail, possessed an inner strength and a profound connection to its surroundings.
Pikachu, ever alert, remained on Azure's shoulder, while Eevee, now settled comfortably on his head, occasionally twitched an ear at a distant bird call. Pichu (Mew) remained a warm, contented weight in his jacket pocket, occasionally emitting a soft, sleepy cry.
*Pop*
Azure also released another Pokémon, not for training, but for practical purposes. With a more substantial thump, Absol, the Disaster Pokémon, appeared a few paces behind of the group.
Its pristine white fur and dark scythe-like horn gave it an imposing, almost majestic presence. Its ruby eyes, usually piercing with foreknowledge, were calm, yet vigilant, constantly sweeping the tree line.
Absol was his primary lookout, his early warning system, a silent, powerful guardian against any unforeseen threats. Azure instructed, his voice low, "Keep your senses sharp, Absol. We're just scouting, but always be aware."
Absol gave a dignified nod, a soft woosh of its tail across the grass. As they walked, the sounds of nature enveloped them. The gentle rustle of tall grass, the cheerful chirp of Starly in the canopy, the distant croak of a Kricketot.
It was a symphony of wildlife, and Azure found himself smiling. This was where he truly felt at home, navigating the untamed beauty of the Pokémon world.
Chimchar, ever the inquisitive one, poked its head into a patch of rustling bushes. It exclaimed, backing away quickly as a flash of purple and blue darted past, "Chaaar! Chimcarr! (Hey, look over here!)"
Azure observed calmly, watching a pair of the poison spike Pokémon scamper through the underbrush as he whispered, "Nidoran, male and female?"
The male, with its vivid purple hide, nudged the smaller, bluer female playfully before they disappeared. Azure smiled as he praised Chimchar, "Good observation, Chimchar. Remember to respect their territory."
Chimchar nodded, a hint of chagrin on its small face. Riolu, meanwhile, had paused near a cluster of rocks, its head cocked.
It communicated, a low, guttural murmur indicating something unusual, "Riolu… (I sense a strong presence in the area.)"
Azure followed its gaze. Through a small clearing in the trees, he caught sight of a flash of vibrant orange fur.
A Growlithe. Its powerful, athletic body moved with a graceful fluidity, sniffing the ground before letting out a soft, inquisitive bark, "Awwo?"
Azure mused aloud, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, "A Growlithe? That's… unexpected encounter for Sinnoh."
He'd always associated Growlithe with Kanto, Johto, perhaps even parts of Hoenn. Their presence here, while not unheard of, was certainly uncommon. His mind immediately flashed back to the cataclysmic events in Hoenn.
The awakening of Kyogre and Groudon, the climate shifts, the ensuing chaos. It had caused ripples across the entire world, not just locally. He'd seen evidence of Pokémon migrations before, species adapting to new climates, new food sources, new territories.
Azure murmured, more to himself than his Pokémon, "It makes sense. After the Hoenn incident, the world's ecosystems were thrown into disarray. Different Pokémon species, not usually found in their native regions, might have been displaced, migrating to others where conditions became more favorable. It's a testament to their adaptability, but also a stark reminder of the fragile balance of nature."
Absol, its keen senses detecting Azure's thoughts, let out a low cry, a sound that conveyed understanding and a silent acknowledgment of nature's unpredictable forces. The Growlithe, oblivious to their observation, eventually bounded off, disappearing into the denser foliage of the route.
Azure finally said, a genuine smile now adorning his face, "Interesting. You just encounter new things every day."
This was why he loved exploring. Every region held secrets, every patch of wilderness told a story. Azure spoke up calmly, "Alright, team. Let's keep moving. Ralts, keep an eye on our emotional surroundings. Riolu, stay sharp with your aura. Chimchar, look for any signs of wild Trainer interference – though I doubt we'll find much out here."
They continued their trek, the rhythm of their footsteps a steady beat against the earth. Azure wasn't just walking; he was observing, absorbing, mentally cataloging every detail – the types of berries growing, the density of the forest, potential ambush points, safe resting spots.
His instincts, honed through years of high-stakes situations, never truly switched off. He was scouting for Platinum's journey, even on his own personal detour.
Evening began to descend, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The air grew cooler, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead.
The distant calls of nocturnal Pokémon began to replace the daytime chirps. Azure pointed towards a slightly elevated clearing, sheltered by a ring of sturdy trees, "Looks like a good spot up ahead. Time to set up camp."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Nighttime, Route 201 – Camp]
The chosen clearing was perfect – flat ground, good visibility, and a natural windbreak. With a decisive nod, Azure pulled out a Poké Ball as he spoke out kindly, "Time to assist Blissey, come on out."
*Pop*
With a soft whoosh and a faint chime, the massive, pink Nurse Pokémon materialized. Blissey, a picture of serene comfort and maternal warmth, let out a gentle cry, "Blis-sey! (Nurse certified Blissy is here!)"
Her calm aura immediately settled over the small group of Pokémon, radiating a sense of peace. Azure requested, gesturing to his pack, "Blissey, would you mind setting up our camp? And perhaps a warm meal for everyone?"
Blissey nodded graciously, her large, gentle eyes conveying her willingness. With practiced ease, she began to lay out the collapsible tent, unfurling sleeping bags, and retrieving cooking implements from Azure's surprisingly compact gear.
Chimchar and Riolu, tired from their exploration, were already stretching out on the soft grass, while Ralts floated quietly nearby, its horn glowing faintly in the dim light. Absol remained vigilant, circling the perimeter of the camp once, its senses scanning for anything amiss, before settling down near the edge, a silent sentinel.
Azure watched Blissey work, a small smile playing on his lips. His bodyguard lineup wasn't just for combat; it was for comfort and functionality, too. Blissey was indispensable for long journeys.
Pikachu, Eevee, and even Pichu (who had finally emerged, blinking innocently in the twilight) gathered around Azure as he unpacked some energy bars for himself. He praised them as he said calmly, "Good work today, everyone."
Azure was scratching Pikachu behind the ears, which earned him a happy cry, "Pi! pika-chu. (You're welcome.)"
Eevee purred, rubbing its head against his cheek, "Evoi! (Anytime.)"
Pichu (Mew), with a playful cry, tugged gently on a loose thread of his jacket, its small, button-like eyes shining, "Pi-Pichu! (Snacks!)"
As Blissey worked on dinner – a fragrant stew that promised warmth and replenishment – Azure spread out a map of Sinnoh through his Arc Phone. His finger traced the winding path towards Lake Verity.
Tomorrow, he would visit the lake, a known habitat for one of Sinnoh's legendary Pokémon. He wasn't looking for a legendary encounter; he simply wanted to experience the region, to understand its pulse, before his duties began in earnest.
It was part of his preparation, an immersion into the environment he would soon be protecting Platinum within. Then he checked out Absol and Blissy's status menu, observing their improvement.
|Name: Blissey (Happiness Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Tera: Fairy
|Level: 60
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Leftovers]
|Ability: Healer (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Calm
|Moves: Protect, Block, Mimic, Teleport, Refresh, Life Dew, Sing, Calm Mind, Curse, Minimize, Sing, Heal Pulse, Aromatherapy, Gravity, Helping Hand, Light Screen, Reflect, Softboiled, Healing Wish, Thunder Wave, Telekinesis, Toxic, Safeguard, Echoed Voice [A][S], Doubleslap [A][S], Double-Edge [A][S], Hyper Voice [A][S], Present [A][S], Egg Bomb [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Rollout [A][S], Disarming Voice [A][S], Alluring Voice [A][S], Strength [A][S] (HM), Heal Bell (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Absol
|Type: Dark
|Tera: Ghost
|Level: 60
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Scope Lens]/[Quick Claw]/[Absolite]/[Absolite Z]
|Ability: Super Luck
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Detect, Magic Coat, Taunt, Swords Dance, Double Team, Protect, Attract, Calm Mind, Endure, Bite [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Night Slash [A][S],Punishment [A][S], Thief [A][S], Payback [A][S], Feint Attack [A][S], Knock Off [A][S], Snarl [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Ominous Wind [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Razor Wind [A][S], Psycho Cut [A][S], Air Slash [A][S], Feint [A][S], Slash [A][S], Stone Edge [A][S], Mega Horn [A][S], Play Rough [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Mean Look (IM), Perish Song (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
Azure smiled seeing their improvement, but then the scent of the stew began to waft through the air, and the Pokémon's eyes lit up. After a shared meal, a comfortable silence settled over the camp, broken only by the crackle of a small, contained campfire Blissey had efficiently built.
The Sinnoh stars, brilliant and countless, began to appear, piercing through the deepening twilight. Azure lay back on his sleeping bag, Pikachu curled on his chest, Eevee nestled next to his head, and Pichu (Mew), once again, a warm, pulsing weight in his jacket pocket, taking its spot.
He gazed up at the infinite expanse, a profound sense of purpose settling over him. He was a long way from Kanto, but here, under the vast, night sky of the Pokémon world, he was exactly where he was meant to be.
Tomorrow, Lake Verity. And then, the true adventure would begin.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!