Chapter 439: Vs Platinum
~Azure S. POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 202]
The grass of Route 202 swayed in a rhythmic dance, caught in the temperate breeze of the Sinnoh region. To any passerby, it looked like a peaceful afternoon. To me, it was a tactical standoff.
I adjusted the collar of my jacket, feeling the slight, warm weight of the Pichu (Mew) nestled against my chest. On my right shoulder, Pikachu shifted his weight, his cheeks sparking with a faint, yellow static.
On my head, Eevee let out a soft cry as she adjusted her posture, her fluffy tail tickling the back of my neck, "Vee? (Are we really doing this?)"
Across from me stood Platinum Berlitz. She was the picture of aristocratic grace, even in the middle of a dirt path.
Her coat was pristine, her scarf perfectly knotted, and her eyes—sharp, intelligent, and currently filled with a stubborn fire—were locked onto mine. At the very least, she has a fire in them.
Platinum said defiantly, her voice like ringing crystal, "The Berlitz family does not require the assistance of 'commoners,' Azure. My father hired you as my bodyguard because of your credentials. Adding two strangers to this journey is not only unnecessary but a breach of the privacy this tradition demands."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I knew the strangers she was talking about: Diamond and Pearl, even if she hadn't met them yet. In this world, the threads of fate were woven around the three of them in this arc.
If I didn't get those two their Pokédexes and Starters, the entire timeline of Sinnoh would tilt off its axis. I said calmly, "They aren't just commoners, Platinum. They have potential. And more importantly, the road to Mt. Coronet isn't a stroll through a garden. You have the book knowledge, sure, but you lack the instinct that comes from chaos. Those two? They are the personification of chaos. You need that balance."
Platinum's grip on her Pokéball tightened as she rebutted, "I have studied every regional advantage, every type-effectiveness chart, and every historical record of the routes we will traverse. I do not need 'chaos.' I need competence."
I proposed, a smirk tugging at my lips, "Then let's test that competence."
I pulled a Pokéball from my belt—not one of my heavy hitters, but one of the newer members of my Sinnoh training squad, as I explain the rules, "A 2-on-2 battle. Single format. If I win, we head to Jubilife City, we find those two, and you give them the remaining Starters and the Pokédexes I've been holding onto. We do things my way."
Platinum lifted her chin, her pride piqued as she asked curiously, "And if I win? Because I assure you, I have memorized the battle patterns of the Sinnoh Starters."
I grinned with a smug expression to goad her as I replied, "If you win, we do things your way, no detours, no extra baggage. I'll be the silent shadow your family paid for. You're little soldier obeying orders."
She said firmly, "Agreed."
She clicked a button on her Pokéball, enlarging it as she declared, "I shall demonstrate that theory is the foundation of victory! Piplup, come forth!"
*Pop*
With a flash of white light, the proud Water-type appeared. It puffed out its chest, its beak held high, mirroring its trainer's regal posture, "Piplup-pip! (Who dares interrupt the Great Piplup!)"
I tossed my own ball lightly into the air as I declared, "Time to work, Chimchar! Let's show them what we've been practicing!"
*Pop*
Chimchar landed in a crouch, the flame on its tail flaring up with a bright orange glow. It let out a spirited cry, bouncing on its heels, "Chim! Char-char! (Its my turn!)"
Pikachu let out a supportive cry from my shoulder, while Eevee tapped my head with a paw, cheering in her own way. Platinum noted, her eyes narrowing as she analyzed the field, "The type of disadvantage is clear. The battlefield is dry grass, which favors neither but poses a fire hazard for your Chimchar if he is not careful. Piplup, use Water Gun!"
*SPLASH*
The Piplup inhaled deeply and unleashed a spiraling jet of water, "Pippppp-LUP!"
I commanded, "Slide left and use Work Up!"
*Wooosh*
Chimchar didn't just move; he moved with the practiced grace of a Pokémon trained by a Champion. He skidded across the dirt, the Water Gun splashing harmlessly behind him. As he moved, his body glowed with light as it boosted its Attack and Sp. Attack by +1 stage setting up his offensive.
Piplup glared, seeing my Pokémon dismiss its attacks. Platinum called out, "Don't let it surpass you! Use Peck!"
The Piplup charged, its beak glowing with a sharp, white energy. It was fast—faster than most starters.
I murmured, "Wait for it…"
*Tap*
*Tap*
The tapping sound of Piplup's feet hitting the hard-packed earth echoed in the clearing. But now I commanded, "Now! Ember into the ground!"
Platinum's eyes widened, "What?"
*Sssss*
Chimchar didn't aim for Piplup. He punched the ground with a fist wreathed in flame, shooting a burst of sparks and fire directly into the dirt at his feet.
*FOOOSH*
A cloud of dust and soot exploded upward, creating an instant smoke screen. Piplup plunged into the cloud, losing its target.
Platinum commanded, "Piplup, stay calm! Water Gun in a 360-degree arc!"
*Splash*
She was smart in using a sweep to clear the field. But too slow as I countered, "Chimchar, use Agile Style Thunder Punch!"
*Zzzzzt*
Out of the dust, a small, orange blur ascended. Chimchar had used the explosion to vault into the air. His fist glowed with a rising, electric power. He descended like a meteor.
*WHAM*
The hit landed squarely on Piplup's side. The Water-type was sent skidding across the grass as it cried in pain, "Pip… luuuu…"
Despite the super-effective hit, it still stood up. Platinum cried out, "Piplup!"
She quickly recovered her composure once she saw the defiant look in Piplup's eyes. She quickly commanded, "It's not over. The Thunder Punch was super-effective, but you are still a Fire-type. Piplup, use Bide!"
I frowned. Bide was a risky move for the opponent but a headache for me. If I kept attacking, Piplup would absorb the damage and fire it back with double the force. Except just a few hits would knock it out.
But considering Piplup's stubbornness and pride, the chances of it taking the hit and returning it out of spite are very likely. I whispered to Pikachu, "She's trying to bait me, to attack…"
Pikachu nodded, his eyes fixed on the battle, "Pika. (Yup.)"
Platinum folded her arms as she boasted, seeing my reluctance, "Well? Are you going to attack? Or are you afraid of the recoil?"
Rookie mistake. I sighed as I countered her move, "I'm never afraid of the recoil, Platinum. I just prefer efficiency. Chimchar, use Taunt!"
Chimchar pulled a face, sticking out his tongue and wagging his rear at the dignified Piplup, "CHIM-CHAR-CHA! (Hahaha! Your face looks like someone's butt!)"
A red vein practically popped on Piplup's forehead. The Penguin Pokémon's stoic 'Bide' stance shattered instantly. It let out a furious squawk, its pride wounded beyond repair, "PI! PLUP!! (MY GLORIOUS FACE ISN'T SOMEONE'S BUTT!! YOU MONGREL!!)"
Platinum shouted, but it was too late, "No! Piplup, maintain your discipline!"
Taunt forced the opponent to use attacking moves, and Piplup was now blinded by rage. And even if that didn't work, just mocking would work just as well. After all, she doesn't have a close bond with her Pokémon yet.
Piplup charged again, but without Platinum's calculated direction, it was sloppy. I coldly commanded, "Finish it with another Thunder Punch, then Ember!"
*ZZZZT*
Chimchar met the charge head-on. The electric fist met Piplup's beak. Then, at point-blank range, Chimchar let out a swirling burst of fire.
*BOOOM*
When the smoke cleared, Piplup was lying on its back, little swirls in its eyes. I said, though there was no referee, "Piplup is unable to battle."
Platinum gritted her teeth, recalling her Pokémon as she muttered under her breath, "Your tactics… they are unconventional. You didn't fight the Pokémon; you fought the psychology of the species."
I grinned smugly at the Princess as I explained bluntly, "That's what a journey teaches you, Platinum. Books tell you what a Piplup can do. Experience tells you what a Piplup will do when it's angry."
Platinum reached for her second Pokéball. Her hand trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the realization that her absolute confidence was being tested.
She took a deep breath and exhaled as she declared, hurling her last Pokémon, "I still have one more. And Ponyta has the mobility advantage. Go!"
*Pop*
A beautiful Ponyta appeared, its mane of fire flickering brilliantly. It whinnied, kicking up dust with its hooves, "Neigh-he-he! (I'm here, Princess!)"
I recalled Chimchar whispering to him, "Great job, buddy. Take a rest."
I looked at the remaining Pokéballs on my belt. I had my Alphas, my Shiny Hisuian Zorua, even my Porygon-Z. But I wanted someone who needed the field time.
Taking a look, I smiled grabbing his Poké Ball, and threw it into the air, declaring, "Riolu, you're up!"
*Pop*
My Riolu landed softly, his blue fur sleek and his black 'mask' making him look like a little warrior. He took a low stance, his aura sensors—the appendages on the back of his head—rising as he sensed the energy of the opponent.
Platinum narrowed her eyes, seeing Riolu as she ordered, "A Fighting-type? Ponyta, maintain your momentum! Stomp!"
*CLOP*
*CLOP*
Ponyta charged, his hooves thundering against the earth. He reared up, aiming to crush Riolu under his weight.
I commanded calmly, "Dodge and Agile Style Metal Claw!"
*Wooosh*
Riolu blurred to the left, his paws glowing with a metallic sheen. He slashed at Ponyta's flank as it came down.
*Clang*
The sound was like metal hitting stone. Ponyta winced but didn't back down.
Platinum shouted, "Ember, point-blank range!"
*Sssss*
Ponyta exhaled a blast of fire right into Riolu's face. But I countered, "Detect."
*Wooosh*
Riolu dodged-rolled out of the Ember with just a bit of scorched fur. He rolled and came to his feet, panting.
Platinum said confidently, a hint of a smile appearing on her face, "You, see? Riolu is a physical attacker. To hit Ponyta, he must get close, and in doing so, he exposes himself to her flames. My calculations show that Riolu will succumb to burn damage within three more exchanges."
I said calmly, crossing my arms, "Calculations are great for books, Platinum."
Pikachu on my shoulder let out a supportive cry, "Pika-pika! (Show that girl who's the top dog Riolu!)"
Eevee barked a cheerful "Vee! (You can do this!)"
Seeing my Pokémon give encouraging advice, I slyly grinned as I continued, "But you're forgetting one thing. My Pokémon don't just follow the 'standard' move sets. Riolu, let's show her what we've been working on. Focus everything into your palms. Connect with the energy around you."
*Shiiii*
Riolu closed his eyes. A blue sphere of pure, undulating energy began to form between his paws. It hummed with a low, vibrating frequency that made the grass around him flatten as it flared his aura.
Platinum's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as she muttered, "That... that's impossible!! A Riolu cannot learn that move through natural leveling. It requires intense Aura mastery, only seen in evolved Lucario!"
I grinned smugly, stating bluntly to her face, "As I said. Instinct and experience. Riolu, Aura Sphere!"
*VROOOOM*
Riolu thrust his hands forward. The blue sphere spiraled through the air, locked onto Ponyta's energy signature.
Platinum screamed, "Ponyta, Agility! Get out of the way!"
*Zooom*
Ponyta blurred, moving with incredible speed, zigzagging across the clearing. But the Aura Sphere didn't miss. It curved in mid-air, tracking his every movement with terrifying precision…
*BOOM*
The explosion was a brilliant flash of blue and white light. When the smoke cleared, Ponyta was lying on its side, spirals in its eyes. The clearing went silent, save for the chirping of distant Starly.
Riolu took a deep breath, his aura sensors dropping back down. He walked over to me and gave me a fist-bump before I tapped his Poké Ball to return him, whispering, "Good work, boy. Take a rest."
Platinum stood frozen, her hand still reaching out toward her fallen Pokémon. She looked at her Pokedex, then at me, then at the spot where the Aura Sphere had detonated. She whispered, "It... it never misses. The books said... the books said it was a move of perfect accuracy... but to see it... to see a Riolu command such power..."
I walked over to her; Pikachu and Eevee still perched comfortably on me. I reached out a hand as I advised her, "You fought well, Platinum. Your strategies were sound. If Riolu hadn't had a long-range option, Ponyta would have eventually worn him down. You were right about the math. You were just wrong about the variables."
She looked at my hand for a moment, then took it, allowing me to help her stand. Her composure was returning, but her pride was clearly wounded; her care for her Pokémon was genuine, healing it with a Max Potion before recalling it.
She admitted, her voice small, "I... I lost…"
After healing her Piplup she took a minute to compose herself. She stood up, brushing the dirt from her skirt, though her eyes remained focused on the ground, uttering, "A deal is a deal. A member of the Berlitz family does not break her word."
I walked over to her, Pikachu and Eevee watching her curiously as I said calmly, "It's not about losing, Platinum. It's about building a team. You're the brains. You need the heart and the spirit to go with it. Those two… they provide that. Trust me."
She looked up at me, her expression guarded but no longer dismissive, asking curiously, "You speak of them with such certainty. How can you be so sure of two boys you have supposedly never met?"
I chuckled, looking toward the horizon where Jubilife City lay as I mysteriously stated in a calming voice, "Call it an 'intuition.' Or maybe I've just read a different set of books than you have."
Platinum seemed unsatisfied with my answer, but she didn't complain about it. She straightened her coat, regaining her noble bearing, though her cheeks were slightly flushed, repeating, "Very well. A bet is a bet. We shall seek them out... And I shall... I shall refrain from 'interrupting' your tactical decisions."
I said calmly, turning back toward the path, "I appreciate it. Trust me, Platinum. By the time we reach the Spear Pillar, you'll be glad we had them with us."
We trekked further down Route 202, toward Jubilife City. My mind was already racing. I knew the timeline. Soon, we'd 'accidentally' run into the two aspiring comedians. I have everything set.
Platinum asked as we walked, "Azure?"
I replied casually, "Yeah?"
Platinum then asked what was gnawing at her from our battle, "How did your Riolu know how to use Aura Sphere?"
I looked at the sky, the vast, blue Sinnoh expanse that reminded me so much of why I loved this world. I explained, "Let's just say my Riolu is very talented. It knew how to use Aura and learn Aura Sphere on its own. It's truly a very talented Pokémon destined for greatness if raised right."
She seemed to have nodded at my answer. Platinum looked at her empty Pokéballs, then at the path ahead.
She took a deep breath, adjusted her scarf, and followed as she stated calmly, "Very well. But if the two you are recruiting are as 'chaotic' as you claim, I shall hold you personally responsible for the state of my attire."
I laughed, "Deal."
As we walked, I felt the weight of the journey ahead. But looking at Platinum—now walking with a bit more purpose, her mind clearly already analyzing her loss to improve for the next time—I knew we were on the right track.
Pikachu cheered, pointing toward the silhouette of the city in the distance, "Pika-pika! (Finally! Civilization!)"
Eevee added, her ears perking up, "Vee! (Yes! That means dinner time!)"
I chuckled at my partner's antics. But then again, I'm feeling quite hungry myself. We'll get some grub while we enter Jubilife City.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!