Chapter 438: The Understander
~Platinum B. POV~
[Sinnoh Region, 2 Days Later, Sandgem Town – Berliz Mansion]
The soft chimes of the antique clock in my room announced the morning, a gentle melody that always seemed to herald new beginnings. Today, however, it felt particularly significant. Today marked the true start of my journey, my expedition to the peak of Mt. Coronet, a tradition etched deep into the legacy of the Berlitz family.
I couldn't help but feel excited about this!
*Tap*
*Tap*
A polite tap echoed from my door, followed by Sebastian's familiar voice, "Young Miss, your attire for the day."
I replied, setting down the book I'd been idly flipping through, "Come in, Sebastian."
It was a rather dense tome on the geological formations of the Sinnoh region, but my mind was already buzzing with the practical experience that lay ahead. Sebastian glided into the room, a picture of immaculate composure even at this early hour.
In his hands, he held a carefully folded ensemble as he said politely, "Casual, yet exquisitely fashionable, as befits a Berlitz."
He presented a tailored jacket in a muted grey, a pristine white blouse, slim dark trousers, and sturdy, yet elegant, walking boots. Each piece, no doubt, is crafted from the finest materials and designed for both comfort and presentation.
I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips as I thanked him in a thankful tone, "Perfect, Sebastian. The weather certainly seems to agree with my plans. A crisp, clear day, ideal for a special occasion."
Indeed, through my window, the Sinnoh sky stretched an uninterrupted azure, promising a day of clear visibility and invigorating air. As Sebastian meticulously laid out the clothes on my chaise, I walked over to my ornate jewelry box, a heavy wooden chest inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
My fingers traced the cool metal of various trinkets before settling on two particular pieces. First, a delicate pearl ring, its luster shimmering with subdued elegance. I slipped it onto my right hand. Perfect.
Then, a diamond ring, each facet catching the morning light, radiating a brilliant, almost blinding, sparkle. It slid onto my left hand. Flawless.
These were not mere adornments; they were small anchors, reminders of my heritage and the standards I held myself to. I began dressing, Sebastian tactfully turning to tidy a stray cushion.
Once I was fully attired, I approached the full-length mirror, adjusting the silk scarf around my neck. The fabric, a deep sapphire, settled just so, adding a touch of color to the otherwise understated ensemble.
From my peripheral vision, I saw Sebastian. He had turned back, and to my slight bewilderment, his eyes were glistening.
A single tear began to track a path down his otherwise unblemished cheek. He began, his voice thick with emotion, "Young Miss, to think I won't see you for a while… it truly pains this old butler's heart."
I sighed, a fond exasperation bubbling within me. Sebastian was, as always, a picture of theatrical devotion as I replied, "Oh, Sebastian. It's not as if I'm venturing into uncharted territory alone. I'll have… protection."
He dabbed at his eye with a pristine white handkerchief as he argued, "But the dangers, Young Miss! The wild Pokémon, the treacherous terrain of Mt. Coronet! There are always unforeseen perils lurking in the vastness of the region!"
I interjected, perhaps a touch too quickly, "Yes, yes, I know. That's precisely why Father hired a bodyguard. Even if I truly don't believe I need one."
A flicker of my chin, a subtle defiance. I had read countless books, memorized maps, and understood the habits of various Pokémon.
My mind was my greatest defense.
Sebastian insisted, his voice regaining some of its usual formality, though still tinged with worry, "On the contrary, Young Miss! You will most certainly need him. And rest assured, he and his Pokémon will guard you all the way to the peak of Mt. Coronet. No expense was spared to ensure your safety."
I didn't think so, not entirely. My knowledge and my preparedness felt sufficient. Yet, I had reluctantly relented.
Not out of fear, but out of practicality. My father had been emphatic. And the bodyguard in question was, by all accounts, exceptionally… exceptional.
Azure Sky. The name resonated even within the hallowed halls of the Berlitz mansion. I had, of course, researched him thoroughly when Father first informed me. He wasn't merely a trainer; he was a phenomenon.
The one who had, as the archives dramatically put it, "Savior of Kanto and Johto" from the nefarious machinations of Team Rocket and the disruptive influence of a rogue Elite Four. Just one of his many titles.
He was the "Hero of Hoenn," arriving on the battlefield with a majestic Rayquaza, halting the cataclysmic clash between the Super Ancient Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon. And then, as if those feats weren't enough, he had conquered the Battle Frontier of Hoenn, besting Frontier Brains who commanded even Legendary Pokémon with his Champion Teams from Johto, Kanto, and Hoenn.
It was an astonishing record, a testament to raw talent and unyielding determination. A one-of-a-kind prodigy.
Father had informed me of his early arrival, three days prior, to "sightsee around." A rather casual approach for someone of his standing, I thought then, and still do now. He was also beginning his own journey through Sinnoh, aiming for the Sinnoh League Pokémon Tournament, starting with a new team.
Though, of course, he'd have a few of his high-level Pokémon on hand for his current bodyguard duties. A strategic decision, I surmised, allowing him to train while still fulfilling his commitments.
My own upbringing, immersed in books and scholarly pursuits, had granted me an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Sinnoh's geography, history, and its various Pokémon. I could identify flora and fauna briefly, recite geological strata, and predict weather patterns based on atmospheric pressure.
However, since embarking on this journey, even if only in my mind thus far, I had decided that true understanding came from experience. Reading about a wild Starly was one thing; encountering one in the rustling leaves was another entirely. My initial difficulties in dealing with truly wild Pokémon and my rather glaring lack of practical money management skills were testaments to this newfound philosophy.
With a final, reassuring pat to Sebastian's shoulder, I composed myself as I said, "I shall be fine, Sebastian. Now, if you'll excuse me, my bodyguard awaits."
Stepping out from the grand oak doors of the Berlitz mansion, the morning air was indeed invigorating, carrying the scent of dew-kissed grass and distant sea spray. On the paved pathway, a figure stood, remarkably relaxed for someone in his position.
Azure Sky. The Uncrowned Champion.
He was leaning against one of the ornamental lampposts, arms crossed, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. On his left shoulder, a vibrant yellow Pikachu twitched an ear, its tail a jagged lightning bolt.
Perched on his head, an Eevee, its fur a rich brown, blinked lazily at the rising sun. And from the unzipped collar of his jacket, a tiny, bright-eyed Pichu peeked out, its small nose twitching curiously – a detail I found rather… endearing, despite myself.
This, I knew, was simply Azure's casual demeanor.
He straightened up as I approached, his gaze sweeping over me with an almost imperceptible appraisal. His tone was even, direct, devoid of the flowery deference Sebastian so often used, "Morning, Platinum. Ready to go?"
Sebastian, who had followed me out, gasped, a hand flying to his chest as he scolded him, "Young Master Sky! Such, such, such… such informality! To address the Young Miss without due respect!"
Azure merely raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk touching his lips. He dismissed Sebastian with a casual wave of his hand, his eyes never leaving mine.
His question was blunt, to the point as he asked, "Is everything in order, Platinum? All packed, all necessities accounted for?"
Despite Sebastian's continued sputtering in the background, a small grin tugged at the corner of my mouth. His directness, while unorthodox, was… refreshing.
I replied with a firm nod of my head, "Yes. Everything is accounted for."
Azure's grin widened, a genuine, easy expression that transformed his features. He gestured towards the road, already turning to walk as he said calmly, "Good. Then let's move out while we have daylight."
Keeping things low-key, as per my family's instructions. Such journeys, for Berlitz heirs, were meant to be personal tests, not grand public spectacles. My Ponyta, its flame-like mane shimmering in the morning sun, trotted gracefully beside me as we fell into step behind Azure, leaving Sebastian to wring his hands on the mansion steps.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 202]
The journey to Route 202 was short, the path quickly transitioning from manicured estate grounds to the wilder, vibrant landscape of Sinnoh. The gentle rhythm of our footsteps, punctuated by the occasional chirps of Starly overhead, was a welcome sound.
I took a deep, fortifying breath, the scent of damp earth and distant wildflowers filling my lungs. A sigh of pure relief escaped me. Finally, away from Sebastian's well-intentioned, yet utterly stifling, mother-henning.
We found a convenient spot to pause, a small clearing just off the main path. I unslung the sturdy leather case I was carrying alongside my main travel bag. It was surprisingly heavy, designed to protect its precious contents.
*Click*
With a soft click, it opened, revealing three streamlined Rotom Phones, glinting under the sunlight, three pristine Poké Balls, and three brand-new Pokédexes. Each is a gateway to discovery.
My fingers hovered over the Poké Balls, feeling the slight vibration of the life within. This was the moment. Professor Rowan had specially prepared these.
I selected the one in the middle, a smooth, cool sphere. I called, pressing the button, "Come on out, Piplup!"
*POP*
A flash of white light, and then, a small, blue penguin-like Pokémon stood before me, its head tilted, a questioning cry escaping its beak, "Pip?"
Its large, round eyes, perfectly mirroring the azure of the sky, blinked up at me. My very first partner Pokémon. A wave of warmth spread through me. It was even more wonderful than reading about them in books.
I then turned, holding out the open case to Azure as I said excitedly, "These are the others. Professor Rowan entrusted them to you."
I expected him to take the remaining two Poké Balls and Pokédexes, perhaps distribute them among his own Pokémon, or simply hold onto them for future instruction. But Azure merely glanced at the case, his smile unwavering as he said bluntly, "Thanks, but no thanks, Platinum."
I blinked, whispering, "Excuse me?"
My brow furrowed in confusion as I continued, "Professor Rowan was quite clear that these two were to be your partners, to assist you in your journey as my bodyguard, and to help further his research."
Azure chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. He winked, the Pikachu on his shoulder mimicking the movement with a tiny, electric spark from its rosy cheeks as he said dismissively, "Oh, I have other plans for them. If you trust me, that is."
I echoed, my mind racing through possibilities, "Other plans?"
Was he going to… donate them?
To a local Pokémon researcher?
Send them back to Professor Rowan?
It seemed entirely illogical. I couldn't help but ask again in a firm tone, "Professor Rowan specifically instructed–"
Azure interrupted, his tone light but firm as he explained, "Relax. I'll be giving these to two other trainers who will be joining us."
My jaw dropped slightly. My voice rose slightly in alarm, "Joining us? Two other trainers? Why on earth would we need more bodyguards? And who would they even be?"
This was supposed to be a low-key, family tradition. A small party, myself, Azure, and my Ponyta. Not a full expedition party!
Azure merely shrugged, completely unfazed by my shock as he stated, "They might not be bodyguards in the traditional sense, but they'll be good company. And they'll definitely make this journey more… memorable."
He paused dramatically on purpose as he then added casually, "Oh, and I'll be splitting my 20 million cash reward for this job 2 ways. Five million each for them. Ten million for me. Call it an incentive."
20 million cash?
Divided between random strangers?
My mind reeled. Five million Poké Dollars for two unknown trainers?
I exclaimed, my voice sharp with disbelief, "Five... five million? To random strangers? For a task of such academic importance? That is utterly irresponsible! You cannot simply bypass the Professor's intentions with... with bribery!"
My knowledge of money management was admittedly nascent, but even I knew that was an exorbitant sum to simply hand out as I continued, "Professor Rowan's trust, my father's expectations… this is simply illogical!"
Azure threw his head back and laughed, a genuine, booming sound that startled a nearby Chatot into squawking. His eyes sparkled with mischievous amusement as he stated, "Irresponsible, you say? Platinum, if you truly want to experience your journey, the best way you can, then my word goes unheeded. Besides, I've got a good feeling about these two. They're going to be a riot."
My frown deepened. This was not how a Berlitz heir embarked on a sacred journey, as I protested, "But Professor Rowan entrusted you with the Pokédexes and the other starter Pokémon to train yourself! To simply hand them over to two others… It's wrong! It undermines his research, his faith in you!"
Azure's grin broadened, a glint of genuine challenge in his eyes. He gestured around the clearing as he stated calmly, "Well, if that's the case, how about we settle this in a Pokémon battle? As I'm aware, you know I'm training a new team from scratch, so this should give you an equal footing."
He tapped one of his Pokémon's Poké Balls, which he had clipped to his belt, with a confident finger as he explained, "If you win, I'll do as Professor Rowan said – take the Pokédexes and train the starter Pokémon myself. But if I win…"
His eyes narrowed slightly as he continued with a confident grin, "… we do things my way. No complaints. Two-on-two battle. What do you say?"
Hearing his words, a spark ignited within me. An actual battle!
It was precisely the kind of experience I had craved. Despite Azure's legendary experience, he was offering a battle on equal footing in terms of Pokémon level. My Piplup, fresh from its Poké Ball, was on par with his new team.
This was a chance to apply all the theoretical knowledge I had accumulated, to test my strategies, my understanding of type matchups, and my command. My mind, accustomed to recognizing patterns and devising solutions, quickly assessed the situation.
An opportunity to prove myself, to establish my own authority and judgment. The thought was exhilarating.
I declared, my voice firm, my earlier frustration giving way to a surge of absolute confidence, "Very well, Azure Sky. You're on."
I would win. I would show him that my knowledge, combined with practical application, was more than a match for his unorthodox methods.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!