Chapter 440: Jubilife City
~Azure S. POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Afternoon, Jubilife City]
The afternoon sun, bright and golden, washed over Jubilife City, but the warmth I felt had little to do with the weather. It was the satisfying glow of a bet well won.
Platinum Berlitz, heiress to one of Sinnoh's most prestigious and wealthy families, stood before me, her usually composed features betraying a flicker of disbelief, even a hint of indignation. Her carefully styled hair seemed to bristle ever so slightly.
She murmured, her voice tight, a stark contrast to the usual regal tone she employed, "Unbelievable. To think… a mere bodyguard, besting me in a Pokémon battle."
I just grinned, a lazy, triumphant curve of my lips. I retorted, letting a touch of cheeky humor slip, "A mere bodyguard who's won three Pokémon Leagues and conquered the Battle Frontier, if you'll recall, Princess."
Pikachu, perched comfortably on my shoulder, let out a cheerful cry as if echoing my sentiment, his tail twitching in amusement. Eevee, nestled on top of my head like a fluffy crown, yawned delicately, completely unfazed by the minor drama.
In my jacket, a tiny Pichu (Mew) stirred, letting out a soft, sleepy cry, "Pii-chu… (Hey, can you keep it down… I'm trying to sleep. Peace.)"
Platinum's glare sharpened, but she quickly reined it in. She was a Berlitz, through and through – impeccable posture, unyielding composure, even in defeat. She wouldn't throw a tantrum, not truly.
She conceded, her voice regaining its smooth, if still slightly cool, quality, "A bet is a bet. You won. Therefore, as agreed, I shall allow you to 'recruit' these two individuals you insist upon, and the starter Pokémon, Rotom Phones, and Pokédexes will be handed over to them without complaint."
Bingo. I said happily, my grin widening, "Excellent!! I knew you were a woman of your word, Platinum."
She merely offered a curt nod, her gaze sweeping over the bustling streets of Jubilife City as if searching for something to distract her from the bitter taste of defeat. I could tell she was still reeling.
Despite being a noble clan, she's still a kid at 12 years old. Platinum continued, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe the 'Next Generation Comedy Grand Prix' is about to begin. I have heard it can be quite… entertaining."
She said "entertaining" with a slight curl of her lip, as if the very concept of lowbrow comedy was beneath her, yet she was drawn to it by some morbid curiosity. I chuckled, already leading the way through the growing crowd towards the main stage, "Perfect timing. Because that's exactly where our future companions are."
Platinum faltered, her steps momentarily stopping. She asked, her voice laced with an incredulous tone, "What did you say? Those 'individuals' are participating in a comedy competition?"
I confirmed, adjusting my jacket to make sure Pichu (Mew) was snug, "Yep! The very best in our group!"
She stared at me, her eyes wide. I could almost hear the gears turning in her aristocratic mind as I used Telepathy, 'This is the man my father entrusted my safety to? The man who speaks of recruiting comedians as Pokémon trainers?'
The thought was probably infuriating her, but she had lost the bet. She had to play along. I said cheekily, giving her a reassuring (and slightly mischievous) wink, "Just trust me on this, Princess. You'll see what I mean."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Jubilife City – Comedy Grand Prix]
The air in Jubilife City hummed with anticipation, a vibrant mix of excited chatter and the occasional squawk of a Wingull overhead. The stage for the "Next Generation Comedy Grand Prix" was decked out in flamboyant streamers and a giant inflatable Poké Ball.
A boisterous announcer, whose voice threatened to crack the loudspeakers, was currently introducing the first act, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, give a huge round of applause for our first contestants, all the way from Twinleaf Town! It's the dynamic duo… Diamond and Pearl!"
A smattering of applause and curious murmurs rippled through the audience. I spotted an empty bench near the back, offering a decent view, and nudged Platinum towards it. She settled down with a sigh that bordered on a groan, but kept her composure.
Pikachu hopped onto my lap, Eevee curled up beside me, and a soft cry from my jacket confirmed Pichu (Mew) was still enjoying his nap. On stage, two figures emerged. One was tall and lanky, with spiky hair and an air of nervous energy – that would be Pearl. The other, shorter and rotund, with eyes that seemed perpetually half-closed in a state of blissful contentment, ambled behind him – unequivocally Diamond.
Pearl immediately took center stage, striking a dramatic pose. He declared, his voice surprisingly loud, if a little strained, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Pokémon of all shapes and sizes! Prepare yourselves for the most epic, the most hilarious, the most utterly unforgettable comedy act you have ever witnessed! We call it… 'Three Gyarados!'"
He gestured grandly towards the back of the stage as he continued, "Behold! The serene waters of Lake Verity! And hidden within this tranquil disguise, our first magnificent Gyarados!"
A large, crumpled tarp spread across the stage floor was supposed to represent the lake. Pearl's Chatot, a small, blue bird Pokémon named Chatler, flew out, landing on Pearl's shoulder.
Pearl commanded, his voice reaching a fever pitch of excitement, "Chatler, my friend! The time has come! Use Fury Attack and blow away this… grass… to reveal the majestic beast beneath!"
Chatler squawked, flapping its wings vigorously, "CHAT-LER!"
*Zooom*
It zipped towards the tarp, ready to unleash its attack. Please wait for it, I thought, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. Platinum, beside me, raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued despite herself.
*WHOOSH*
*THWACK*
Chatler's wing struck the tarp, sending it flying upwards. But instead of a magnificent Gyarados, what was revealed was a scene that could only be described as pure, unadulterated Diamond.
Lax, Diamond's Munchlax, was sitting smack in the middle of the 'lake,' wearing a ridiculously ill-fitting red Magikarp costume, its gaping mouth perpetually open. It wasn't performing; it was meticulously devouring a pile of rice balls laid out on a large banana leaf without a care in the world.
Each bite was accompanied by a blissful sound effect from the Munchlax, "Munch… munch… (So… good…)"
Pearl froze, his spiky hair seeming to deflate. His jaw hung open, a silent scream building in his throat. Pearl finally shrieked, his voice cracking with utter disbelief and horror, "Lax…?! What in the name of Arceus are you doing?!"
Just then, from the wings, another figure shambled out. It was Diamond, also inexplicably clad in an even more poorly made Magikarp costume, his head poking out of the 'mouth' of the costume, looking around vaguely.
Diamond mumbled, his eyes scanning the stage, "Lax? Lax, where'd you go?"
He spotted Lax, happily munching as he quickly changed objectives, "Oh! There you are, Lax! Hey, are those… rice balls?"
Without missing a beat, Diamond waddled over to Lax, plopped himself down next to his Pokémon, and began to help himself to the rice balls as he muttered, "Mmm, delicious! You always find the best snacks, Lax!"
The audience, initially just confused, now erupted. It wasn't the kind of laughter Pearl had envisioned – it was a mix of bewildered chuckles, outright guffaws, and a few sympathetic groans.
Platinum, beside me, had her hand clasped over her mouth, her shoulders shaking. I glanced at her, and her eyes, though still trying to maintain composure, were sparkling with unconcealed amusement.
A soft snort escaped her, "Pfft…!!"
I whispered, nudging her, "They always get 'em."
She shot me a glare, but it lacked any real heat. A genuine, unbidden laugh bubbled up from her, a delicate bell-like sound. It was the first time I'd seen her truly let go since our journey began, and it was a surprisingly pleasant sound.
Pearl, meanwhile, was having a meltdown. He bellowed, his face turning an alarming shade of red, "DIAMOND! LAX! WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE! A COMEDY GRAND PRIX! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Diamond, mid-chew, looked up innocently. He held out a half-eaten rice ball, crumbs clinging to his Magikarp costume as he said casually, "Oh, right! We're performing! But these rice balls are really good, Pearl. Want some?"
This was the straw that broke the Chatot's back. Pearl slapped his forehead, uttering, "A joke, Diamond, that was supposed to be a joke! Not a snack break!"
Diamond, ever the literalist, blinked. He paused, then took another bite of rice ball as he said dismissively, "Oh! A joke! Uh… Why did the Slowpoke cross the road? Because it was going to the Slowbro on the other side. Get it?"
The silence that followed was deafening, punctuated only by Lax's contented munching and a few confused coughs from the audience. Platinum, who had just managed to compose herself, let out a choked sound, stifling another burst of laughter.
Pearl's eyes widened in horror. With a desperate yelp, he grabbed Diamond by the collar of his Magikarp costume and began to drag him unceremoniously towards the stage exit as he yelled, "NO, DIAMOND! NO, THAT'S NOT…! Oh, sweet Arceus, an intermission! I DECLARE AN INTERMISSION!"
Lax, ever loyal to the source of food, waddled happily behind them, following Diamond's outstretched hand, which still cradled a plate of rice balls. The audience, now thoroughly entertained by the sheer chaos, roared with laughter. It wasn't the intended effect, but it was an effect nonetheless.
I whispered to Platinum, a wide grin on my face, "See? Told you they were special."
Platinum merely exhaled, a mixture of disbelief and lingering amusement playing on her features. She repeated dryly, "Special. That is certainly one word for it."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Jubilife City – Comedy Grand Prix (Backstage)]
Outside the stage area, I could hear Pearl's furious yelling even before we got close. Platinum, despite her earlier amusement, now looked slightly wary.
Pearl's voice echoed from behind a stack of empty crates, "Diamond! Explain yourself! What in the name of all that is hilarious was that?!"
We rounded the corner to find Pearl practically vibrating with frustration, hands on his hips, facing a nonchalant Diamond who was still slowly munching on a rice ball. Lax was already sprawled out, fast asleep, the banana leaf empty beside him.
Diamond asked, confused, mouth full of rice balls, "What happened? Well, you said 'Three Gyarados,' right? And Lax was dressed as a Magikarp, and I was dressed as a Magikarp, so that's two. I figured the third Gyarados was implied, like, in the audience, dreaming of being one. Or maybe it was Chatler's shadow! Anyway, the rice balls were a bonus for the audience, a little treat. It was spontaneous!"
Pearl threw his hands up in exasperation. He paced back and forth, running a hand through his spiky hair as he stated, "Spontaneous?! It was a disaster! The audience was laughing, yes, but they were laughing at us, Diamond! At my failure! Not with us! Do you even remember why we started this, Diamond? To win that prize money! To travel!"
Diamond, ever the calm in Pearl's storm, swallowed his last bite as he replied calmly, "Yeah, I remember. To see the world and give our best comedy on the road. And eat good food along the way."
Pearl exclaimed, suddenly determined, and stated, "Exactly! So, we must practice! We must get this right! We can't let a little setback ruin our dreams!"
He then proceeded to drag Diamond, still in his Magikarp costume, into an impromptu practice session, complete with exaggerated gestures and overly dramatic voice work. I watched with a faint smile on my face.
They were raw, chaotic, but there was an undeniable chemistry there, a genuine heart. And that was what mattered most. Pikachu chittered softly on my shoulder, nudging his head against my ear as if agreeing. Eevee let out a soft cry of contentment.
Platinum observed them with a peculiar intensity. Her initial disdain had given way to something unreadable, a mixture of curiosity and perhaps a grudging respect for their sheer tenacity.
She finally commented, the corner of her lips twitching upwards subtly, "They certainly are… dedicated…"
I assured her, my gaze firm as I said resolutely, "They'll do just fine. Especially with the right guidance."
That guidance, naturally, would be me. And my extensive experience with Pokémon, the world, and dealing with various eccentric personalities. I mused to myself, "Though these two are certainly a unique challenge."
*Shiver*
Just then, a chill ran down my spine, a feeling that had nothing to do with the cool Sinnoh breeze. It was the familiar mental nudge from Darkrai. The voice, deep and resonant, echoed directly in my mind, cutting through the ambient noise of the city, 'Master. The boys are being approached by a man. Danny, the producer.'
I thought back, keeping my expression neutral so Platinum wouldn't notice anything amiss, 'Go on…'
Darkrai responded, giving me the rundown of what's happening, 'He's telling them they've won a 'special merit prize.' An envelope. He's instructing them to go back on stage.'
I thought, a knowing smirk forming skeptically, 'A special merit prize, huh? Bet it's not what they think. I'd heard about these kinds of rigged 'prizes' at local competitions – a way to acknowledge participants without giving them anything substantial.'
Darkrai's mental voice confirmed, laced with a hint of dark amusement, 'Indeed. It seems to be nothing more than travel tickets for a bicycle ride in Sandgem Park.'
I chuckled internally as I mentally replied, 'Classic. Well, let's let them have their moment of 'glory.' It'll make the recruitment pitch even sweeter.'
I looked over at Platinum, who was still subtly observing Diamond and Pearl's ludicrous practice. I said aloud, grabbing her attention, "Looks like their moment is coming up. Let's head back to the stage."
She nodded, a faint frown creasing her brow as she whispered, "I suppose I should witness whatever 'prize' these… unique individuals… receive."
It sounded like she was preparing for another round of eye-rolling, but I suspected a part of her was genuinely curious. It was, after all, her first time experiencing her journey.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Jubilife City – Comedy Grand Prix]
We returned to the main stage just as the announcer, still booming, called out, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, for a special announcement! While the judges deliberate on our grand prize winner, we have a very special 'Merit Prize' to award to two contestants who truly captured our hearts with their… unique approach to comedy! Let's hear it for Diamond and Pearl!"
Applause, more robust this time, filled the air. Diamond and Pearl, now out of their Magikarp costumes and looking slightly disheveled but hopeful, made their way back onto the stage. Pearl puffed out his chest, a triumphant grin on his face, believing their frantic practice had paid off. Diamond, as usual, just looked happy to be there.
A portly man in a snappy suit, presumably Danny the producer, met them onstage. He held up a pristine white envelope. He said, clearly struggling to find the right words, a strained smile on his face, "Diamond and Pearl, your performance was… unforgettable. For your boundless enthusiasm and… distinctive style, the judges have awarded you the 'Next Generation Comedy Grand Prix Special Merit Prize'!"
Pearl practically snatched the envelope, his eyes sparkling as he said, "A special merit prize! Diamond, we did it! We won something!"
Diamond mumbled, peering over Pearl's shoulder, his eyes already on the possibility of a snack, "Mmm, something delicious?"
Pearl whispered dramatically, tearing open the envelope, "What could it be?"
He pulled out two crisp, official-looking tickets. His eyes scanned them, and his triumphant grin slowly, agonizingly, morphed into a look of utter bewilderment, then crushing disappointment.
Pearl mumbled, his voice losing all its earlier bravado, "Travel tickets…?"
He read a little closer as he finished reading the letter, "For a… bicycle ride around the track in Sandgem Park?"
Diamond, reading over his shoulder, blinked as he stated optimistically, "Oh. So, we get to ride bikes? That's nice, I guess. At least it's not a walk."
Pearl's shoulders slumped. His face was a picture of utter desolation. The audience, sensing the anti-climax, chuckled softly.
The producer chirped, quickly ushering them off stage before Pearl could fully process his disillusionment, "Thank you, thank you, Diamond and Pearl! What a performance!"
As they dejectedly shuffled offstage, I caught Pearl's eye. His face was a mask of despair. Diamond, however, spotted me and offered a small, polite wave, still somewhat unfazed by the reward.
Platinum, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, let out a soft sigh. She mused, finding the right words with a hint of genuine sympathy in her tone now, replacing the earlier amusement, "A bicycle ride in Sandgem Park. That hardly seems like a fitting reward for… well, for that."
I said calmly, rising from my seat, Pikachu hopping back onto my shoulder, "It's not about the prize they won, Platinum."
Eevee stretched, then followed. Pichu (Mew) let out a tiny, inquisitive cry from my jacket, sensing the shift in atmosphere as I continued, "It's about the opportunity they didn't know they were looking for."
I strode purposefully towards the two forlorn comedians, Platinum trailing slightly behind me, her curiosity piqued. This was it. The main event. The moment to turn a pair of aspiring, if disastrous, comedians into future Dex Holders and, more importantly for my current mission, Platinum's trusted companions.
Pearl was slumped against a wall, Chatler perched on his head, looking equally demoralized. Diamond was offering him a half-eaten Moomoo Milk carton, which Pearl was swatting away. I said calmly, my voice calm, friendly, and utterly non-judgmental, "Rough break, huh?"
Pearl looked up, startled, his eyes still wide with the shock of disappointment. But when he saw me, he calmed down, stating, "Ah! Azure… You… you saw our act? And who's your companion?"
I confirmed, a small smile on my face, "Every glorious, rice-ball-filled minute of it. And I thought it was… memorable. And her? She's Platinum Berlitz."
Pearl's eyes widedened recognizing the name as Diamon looked love sick seeing Platinum upon sight. But Pearl's senses returned. Pearl's shoulders slumped further as he replied dejectedly, "Memorable for all the wrong reasons."
I conceded with a light nod, eyeing the two, "Maybe. But you two clearly have something. Spirit. Energy. And a bond with your Pokémon that's obvious, even if Lax prefers snacks to stage directions."
Diamond blinked, returning to reality. Dia brightened slightly as he said shamelessly, "Lax really does love snacks."
I said happily, nodding, now offering my pitch to them in a calm voice, "Which is perfectly fine. Now, I've got a proposition for you two. I've been hired to escort the Berlitz heir to Mt. Coronet. But a journey like that needs a full team. I've seen you two. You've got chemistry, you've got heart, and frankly, you've got nothing better to do since you just bombed the Grand Prix."
Pearl bristled as he argued back defiantly, "We didn't bomb! It was an experimental... avant-garde... thing!"
I countered with a knowing smirk, making my offer, "It was a disaster. But you're exactly what we need. I'm offering you a job. Travel with us. Protect the Lady. See the sights of Sinnoh. And in exchange..."
I reached into my bag. This was the moment. From the spatial storage of my bag, I pulled out three high-tech devices and two Poké Balls.
I said calmly, handing one to a stunned Pearl and one to Diamond, "Rotom Phones. Latest tech. And these."
I clicked the two Poké Balls, and in a flash of white light, the remaining Sinnoh starters appeared.
*Pop*
The Turtwig looked around, immediately wandering over to Diamond and nipping at his beret. The Chimchar—different from my own—stood tall, puffing out its chest and looking at Pearl with a curious glint.
I said calmly, pulling out two sleek, red devices, "And finally. The Pokedex. You two are being officially scouted as Sinnoh's newest Dex Holders and bodyguards."
Pearl looked at the Chimchar, then at the Pokedex, his eyes gleaming with a mix of ambition and confusion written on his face. Diamond was already petting the Turtwig, a small, genuine smile on his face.
I glanced at Platinum, who had now caught up and was standing silently beside me, her arms crossed, watching me intently. But Pearl yelled, pointing at me, "Wait, wait, wait! Why us? You look like you could handle a whole army by yourself! Why do you need two comedy failures?"
I looked at Platinum, who was watching the scene with deep skepticism. Then I looked back at the boys. I thought about the legends of Sinnoh, the looming threat of Team Galactic, and the bond these two would eventually forge.
I said mysteriously, feeling the weight of the Pichu (Mew) in my jacket, "Because… sometimes the world doesn't need soldiers. Sometimes it needs a couple of idiots who don't know when to quit."
Pearl shouted, "Hey!"
I added, looking at Diamond in a serious voice, "And someone needs to make sure we don't starve on the road."
Diamond nodded solemnly, saluting in immediate understanding, "I can do that. I have very high standards for campfire ramen."
Platinum stepped forward, her eyes scanning the two boys. She looked at me, her expression unreadable, asking again, "You truly believe these... performers... are capable of the journey to the peak?"
I smiled knowingly, gesturing to the Starter Pokémon, "I don't just believe it, Platinum. I know it. And besides too late to take it back, just look at Chimchar and Turtwig. They clearly chose their partners."
Platinum looked at the Turtwig, which was now trying to eat at Diamond's sleeve. She looked at the Chimchar, which was currently laughing at Pearl's jokes, making him feel better about their comedy.
She sighed, a long, weary sound that signaled her surrender. She said, crossing her arms, "Fine… But if they start wearing Magikarp costumes during the ascent, I am firing you, Azure."
I laughed, "Fair enough."
I turned to Diamond and Pearl, genuinely asking them, knowing the dangers ahead, "Well? What do you say? You want to see the world, or do you want to stay here and keep getting booed off stage?"
Pearl looked at Diamond. Diamond looked at the rice ball in his hand, then at the Turtwig. Dia asked, "The food's better on the road, right?"
I promised, "Much better."
Pearl grabbed his Pokedex and stood tall, his eyes ignited with a new fire as he declared, "Alright! If it's a journey the Berlitz family wants, it's a journey they'll get! We'll be the best bodyguards you've ever seen! Right, Dia?"
Diamond sheepishly nods his head as he asks nervously, "Sure, Pearl. Just... no more Gyarados acts for a while?"
Peral grinned, yelling, "DEAL!"
*Pop*
The Pichu in my jacket poked its head out, looking at the two newcomers. It let out a soft, melodic cry, "Pi? Pichu… (The team is assembled, it seemed to say.)"
I chuckled seeing this. But then I called out, taking charge, "Alright, listen up! We head out at dawn. Platinum, get your gear ready. Boys, get those starters into their balls. We've got a long way to go, and Mt. Coronet isn't going to climb itself."
It was time we started this adventure properly. I'll have to introduce everyone to them to know what we're doing in the future.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the Chapter!