Chapter 441: Reasoning
~Azure S. POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Jubilife City]
The vibrant clamor of Jubilife City usually felt like a distant echo in my mind, a background hum against the constant hum of my own internal monologue. Today, however, it was almost overwhelming.
Life certainly had a twisted sense of humor. My partner, Pikachu, chirped from his usual perch on my right shoulder, his electric-red cheeks sparking faintly, a silent query to my mood, "Pika-Pika! (So you thought of training them?)"
I murmured, a faint smile touching my lips, "Just thinking, buddy."
Beside him, draped languidly across my head, Eevee let out a soft mewl, her fur tickling my ear. And tucked securely inside my jacket, a tiny, disguised Pichu (Mew), let out a soft, almost imperceptible purr.
The Berlitz family was something else entirely. Wealthy beyond measure, powerful, and steeped in tradition. Their latest tradition? Sending their heir, Platinum Berlitz, on a journey to Mt. Coronet to gather materials for a personalized accessory.
And I was her shadow, her protector. Not exactly the grand adventure one might expect, but a job was a job. Plus, Arceus advanced the timeline just so I can enjoy and do his work in the process.
We stood just outside the Pokémon Center, the city's energy a palpable force around us. Platinum, as always, carried herself with an air of refined impatience, her gaze sweeping over the bustling street as if searching for an imperfection.
She was clad in her signature attire, surprisingly practical for a journey, yet still managing to exude an aura of untouchable nobility. She inquired, her voice crisp, cutting through the city's din like a clean blade, "Are they prepared, Azure?"
Her gaze lingered for a moment on the two figures fidgeting beside us – Diamond and Pearl. I replied, suppressing a sigh, "As prepared as they can be, Platinum."
I can clearly see that Platinum is still doubting my choice, but I wouldn't make a complaint about it. Diamond, the perpetually hungry and laid-back one, clutched a Pokédex and a Rotom Phone in one hand, while a friendly, somewhat bewildered Turtwig rested on his shoulder.
Beside him, Pearl, all nervous energy and boundless enthusiasm, had his own set of gadgets and a spirited Chimchar already attempting to scale his arm. His Chatot, a loyal companion, chirped excitedly on his head.
Pearl exclaimed, tapping brightly at the screen, "Wow! This Rotom Phone is amazing, Dia! Look at all the features!"
Dia, ever the pragmatist, was already checking his map. He mumbled around a mouthful of what looked like a freshly baked Poffin, "Does it tell us where the best places to eat are, Pearl?"
His Munchlax, Lax, equally food-focused, rumbled contentedly at his feet, eyeing a street vendor's stall. Platinum simply huffed, adjusting her scarf. She observed, a hint of disdain in her tone, "They are… lively."
I offered, my gaze drifting to the sky, "They'll learn."
The late morning sun glinted off the glass facades of Jubilife, but something else caught my eye. A growing shadow, not from the clouds, but from a flock. Before I could voice my concern, a harsh CAW-CAW! ripped through the air
"CAW!"
"STAR!!"
The bright, cheerful atmosphere of the city instantly soured as a dark cloud descended. A flock of Starly, easily two dozen strong, swooped low, their beady eyes fixated on us, or perhaps on the fresh Poffin clutched in Dia's hand.
Pearl yelped, jolting, "Starly! What do they want?"
I muttered, "Probably food."
My hand instinctively went to the Poké Ball on my belt that held my Elekid. But no. This wasn't my fight. Not yet.
Platinum, however, reacted instantly, her voice cutting through the rising panic, "Get rid of them! Do not allow them to interfere with our journey!"
Dia's eyes widened, dropping his Poffin, which Munchlax promptly vacuumed up as he ordered, "Oh! Right! Turtwig, use Tackle!"
The small Grass-type bravely charged forward, but the Starly were agile, "Turtwig!"
*Fwp*
*Fwp*
They darted and weaved, their wings beating a furious rhythm. Turtwig, used to ground-level targets, whiffed completely, stumbling as a Starly swooped past, pecking at his head as it flinched, "Turt-wig! (I need an assist!)"
Pearl commanded, his voice high with excitement and a touch of urgency, "Chimchar, quick, use Scratch!"
The fire monkey primate zipped forward, its small hands extended, claws flashing, "Chim-char! (On it!)"
One Starly shrieked as a stray scratch caught its tail feathers, but the others were too fast, too numerous. They circled, a whirlwind of feathers and sharp beaks as they cried out, "STARR! CAW! (JUMP THESE KIDS!!)"
Pearl added, waving his arms, "Chatot, Peck! Keep them away!"
Chatot, a blur of blue and green, flapped frantically, attempting to intercept, but its pecks were mostly air. I watched as a professional observer.
My own Pikachu, Eevee, and even the tiny Pichu (Mew) in my jacket remained still, knowing better than to interfere unless explicitly told. They were veterans, vastly out of sync with this chaotic amateur hour.
My Chimchar, Riolu, and the others in their Poké Balls probably wondered what was taking so long. A single Ember from my Chimchar, or a well-placed Thunder Shock from Elekid, and this would be over.
But that wasn't the point of this exercise.
Dia called out, remembering a move, "Turtwig, try Razor Leaf!"
*Wooosh*
A few sharp leaves flew, but again, the Starly proved too swift. They were smaller, faster, and had the advantage of flight. It was like trying to swat a swarm of mosquitoes with a heavy club.
Dia then bellowed, seemingly out of desperation, "Lax, Body Slam!"
Munchlax, whose primary concern had been the fallen Poffin, suddenly barreled forward, a living, hungry wrecking ball…
*THUD*
He managed to scatter a few Starly who were too slow to evade, sending them squawking and flapping away, but the majority simply reformed their aerial assault. Pearl yelled as a Starly tried to snatch his scarf, "Chimchar, watch out! Use Ember, quickly!"
*Ssss*
A small burst of flame erupted from Chimchar's mouth, "Char! (On it!)"
A weak Ember compared to the controlled Ember my own Chimchar could unleash. It singed the tail of a diving Starly, sending it spiraling away with an indignant shriek. The battle was a mess of flailing limbs, missed attacks, and frantic commands.
Platinum stood beside me, her expression a mixture of disbelief and growing annoyance. Her mouth was a thin line, her brows furrowed. This was clearly not how she envisioned a Pokémon battle, even a minor skirmish.
Gradually, through sheer persistence and a few lucky hits, the Starly began to retreat. The singed ones, the scattered few, and then the rest, deciding the cost of a few Poffins wasn't worth the effort. They reformed into a black cloud in the distance, their cries fading into the city's hum.
Pearl panted, wiping sweat from his brow, his Chimchar puffing beside him, "We… we did it! We beat those birds!"
Dia agreed, his Turtwig looking a little ruffled but proud, "Yeah!"
Munchlax was already sniffing around for more food. Oh boy, I've got a lot to work with them on battling…
Platinum turned to me, her hair shimmering in the sunlight. Her eyes, usually so composed, held a spark of genuine curiosity, almost bordering on bewilderment. She began, her tone carefully modulated as she questioned me, "Azure. Truly. They struggle against Starly. Common Starly! These are the men you chose to assist us on a journey through the most dangerous mountain range in the region?"
Pikachu glanced up at me, sensing the shift in conversation. Eevee let out a soft purr against my skull. Pichu (Mew) stirred slightly in my jacket, a tiny whisper of warmth. I understood her question.
From a purely combat-oriented perspective, Dia and Pearl had been shockingly inefficient. A battle that should have lasted mere seconds had dragged on. But I hadn't chosen them for their immediate combat prowess.
I acknowledged, my gaze sweeping over the two boys who were now excitedly recounting their minor victory to each other, "It's a valid question, Platinum. However, their recruitment wasn't solely based on their immediate battle capabilities, or lack thereof. While they certainly have much to learn in that regard…"
I paused, letting the implication hang in the air for a moment before continuing, "They both possess unique skills that will prove invaluable on our journey. Diamond, for instance, has an incredible observational talent, a keen eye for detail that many would overlook. Pearl, for all his exuberance, has an inherent, albeit unrefined, understanding of battle flow and Pokémon psychology. Both can grow significantly."
Platinum listened, her expression unreadable. I continued, elaborating on the less obvious reasons, "More importantly, Platinum, consider the optics. You are an heiress of the Berlitz family, and I am… well, I'm known. My status, even though I try to keep it low-key during this assignment, isn't exactly a secret. If it were just you and me travelling alone, we would draw significant attention. Questions would be asked. Whispers would follow. That attracts unwanted interest, both from those who might seek to challenge me and those who might seek to exploit your family's name."
I paused, allowing her to process that. The Berlitz family was powerful, but power attracted opportunists. My reputation, while a shield, could also be a beacon.
I continued, gesturing vaguely towards Dia and Pearl, who were now engaged in a debate about the best way to train a Turtwig against flying Pokémon, "However, if we are perceived as a group of four young, relatively novice trainers embarking on a journey together, the dynamic changes entirely. We blend in. People will simply assume we're a typical group of aspiring trainers. It's safer. Having numbers in the wild is always a good strategy against encountering a multitude of wild Pokémon, or even worse, less savory human elements. It's less conspicuous, and ultimately, less problematic for your mission to Mt. Coronet."
Platinum's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze moving from me to Dia and Pearl, then back to me. A slight frown touched her lips as she considered my words.
The silence stretched for a moment, punctuated only by the distant city sounds and the boys' animated chatter. She was weighing the tangible benefit of their presence against the undeniable fact of their inexperience.
For a logical, scholarly mind like hers, the calculation was precise. Finally, she let out a delicate sigh, a subtle release of tension. She said kindly, her voice softer than before, "I… see. Your reasoning is… logical. Safety in obscurity. By appearing weak, we avoid the gaze of those who would target strength."
I grinned as she got it. I said calmly, answering her question, "Exactly. Plus, don't underestimate them. And most importantly, they're your age group. They give you something I can't."
She asked doubtfully, "And what is that?"
With a knowing grin, I said softly, shifting my gaze at her, "A normal journey. The Berlitz tradition is about more than just gathering materials at Mt. Coronet. It's about the journey itself, right? If you go there surrounded by elite guards, you haven't 'journeyed.' You've just been transported. With them, you'll actually live it."
Platinum stayed silent for a long moment. A soft breeze blew through the city, ruffling her blue hair.
Finally, she smoothed her skirt and stood tall, her noble composure returning. She conceded, though her tone remained haughty, "A pragmatic assessment, Mr. Sky. I suppose there is a certain... logic to your madness. Very well. I shall tolerate their presence. However…"
She turned toward the boys as she continued, "… if we are to travel together, we shall do so with a modicum of dignity."
Pearl shouted, finally upright, listening to our conversation, "Hey! I heard that! I have plenty of dignity! I also have a very loud voice! Dazzle 'em, Chimchar!"
The monkey cheered, though it was still a bit wobbly, "Chim-char! (Yeah!)"
Dia added helpfully, "And I have snacks."
Platinum sighed, a sound of long-suffering patience as she stated, "Since we are to begin this 'stealth' mission, we shall start by securing proper lodgings. I refuse to begin a journey on an empty stomach or in a common hostel."
She pointed toward the skyline, where a towering, opulent building stood, its glass windows shimmering in the sunlight. It was the Grand Jubilife Hotel, a place where a single night's stay cost more than most trainers made in a year.
Platinum stated matter-of-factly, "My family owns the top three floors. We shall decamp there for the evening. Follow me."
She began to walk with a grace that Dia and Pearl could only hope to mimic. Pearl's jaw hit the floor as he exclaimed, "Wait, the whole building? Dia! Did you hear that? We're staying in a palace!"
Dia wondered aloud, his pace quickening for the first time all day, "I wonder if they have a buffet."
I followed behind them, a small smile playing on my lips. My hand drifted to my jacket, patting the tiny Pichu (Mew). My other hand rested near the Poké Balls on my belt—the ones holding my Alpha Rhyhorn, my Shiny Hisuian Zorua, and my Porygon-Z.
The world thought I was just a bodyguard. These boys thought I was just a cool older trainer. Platinum thought I was a strategist.
None of them knew the sheer scale of the power I was packing, or the threats I knew were coming. Team Galactic was out there, weaving their web.
The rift in space-time was a looming shadow I could practically feel. But for today, my job was simple. I whispered curiously, "Come on, Pikachu, Eevee. Let's go see how the 1% people live."
"Pika-pi!"
"Vee!"
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Sunset, Jubilife City – Jubilife Grand Hotel]
As we entered the marble lobby, the scent of expensive perfume and polished stone replaced the salty air. The concierge bowed so low his forehead nearly hit the desk the moment he saw Platinum.
"Lady Berlitz! We were not expecting you until—"
Platinum interrupted, waving a hand dismissively, "Change of plans. I have my entourage with me. Prepare the Diamond Suite. And bring a menu for the... energetic one and the hungry one."
"Right away, My Lady!"
As we ascended in the gold-leafed elevator, Pearl was pressing his face against the glass, marveling at the shrinking city below. Dia was already circling the elevator's small refreshment table.
I stood in the back, my eyes scanning the lobby we just left.
Nothing out of the ordinary yet…
The journey to Mt. Coronet had officially begun. It was going to be loud, it was going to be messy, and if these two didn't stop shouting, it was going to be a very long trip. But as I looked at the three of them—a princess, a comedian, and a glutton—I realized I hadn't felt this "alive" in a while.
Camouflage or not, this was going to be one hell of a story.
The suite was more of a mansion than a hotel room. Plush carpets that swallowed your feet, chandeliers that looked like frozen starlight, and a view of the Sinnoh region that stretched all the way to the horizon.
While Pearl was busy jumping on the king-sized beds and Dia was exploring the "all-you-can-order" room service tablet, I stepped out onto the balcony.
The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of violet and orange—the colors of my namesake. I released a few of my team to stretch their legs.
*Pop*
In a flash of light, my Shiny Hisuian Zorua appeared, its ghostly white fur shimmering. It immediately curled around my boots, its many tails swishing. My Riolu and Ralts appeared next, the two of them immediately dropping into a meditative stance, sensing the aura of the city.
I warned softly, "Keep it low-key, guys."
My Alpha Gible popped out. Soon, it found its target as it immediately tried to bite the gold railing of the balcony.
*CRUNCH*
I sighed, pulling him back, "Not the gold, Gible. That's probably expensive."
A voice said from behind me, "You have... remarkable Pokémon."
I turned to see Platinum standing in the doorway. She had changed into a silk robe, looking less like a commander and more like the 12-year-old girl she actually was. She was looking at my Zorua with fascination.
She noted as her eyes widened, seeing Hisuian Zoura, "I've never seen a Zorua with that coloration. Or that... energy."
I said cryptically, "She's from a different time, in a way. A survivor."
Platinum walked to the railing, looking out toward the north, where the silhouette of Mt. Coronet loomed like a sleeping giant, as she stated, "My father says the world is changing, Azure. He says the traditions of the Berlitz family are more important now than ever. That we should adapt to the changes."
I merely nodded to her question. She looked at me, her blue eyes searching mine as she finally asked, "And you? Why are you really here? A man of your talent doesn't just take a bodyguard job for the money."
I looked out at the city, at the thousands of lights flickering on as night fell. I thought about my experience and the reality I now live in as I replied, "I'm here because I felt like it, Platinum. And besides, having someone along for an adventure is better than going alone. At least you'll be in good hands with me, on that you can guarantee."
She nodded slowly, accepting the answer as she replied softly, "Then I suppose I am in good hands."
I promised, "The best."
*BOOOM*
Suddenly, a massive explosion of sound erupted from the room behind us, "THE ULTIMATE COMBO! CHIMCHAR, USE EMBER ON MY BUTTERED TOAST!"
"PEARL, NO! YOU'RE SETTING THE CURTAINS ON FIRE!"
Platinum's regal facade cracked for a second, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she stated, "Though, perhaps your 'camouflage' will be the death of me before we even reach the mountain."
I chuckled, leaning back as Eevee jumped onto my shoulder to watch the sunset slowly set, uttering, "Hey, look on the bright side. At least no one will ever suspect you're traveling with a Master."
As the stars began to poke through the twilight, I felt a familiar warmth in my jacket. The Pichu (Mew) shifted, letting out a tiny, psychic hum that only I could hear, 'Mew.'
I whispered, "Yeah, buddy. It's gonna be an interesting trip."
*Whoosh*
A cold wind blew in from the north, carrying the scent of ancient snow and destiny. I told my Pokémon, "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, we head for Oreburgh."
The shadows in the room lengthened as Darkrai momentarily manifested, a silent sentinel in the corner of the suite. He gave a single, ghostly nod before vanishing back into the darkness.
Yeah. We were ready.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!