Chapter 453: Ravaged Path
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Nighttime, Ravaged Path]
The Sinnoh region stretched before them, a tapestry of rolling hills and dense forests painted beneath an impossibly vibrant Sky. Azure strode along Route 204, his posture relaxed despite the weight of responsibility.
Perched on his shoulder, Pikachu's ears twitched, occasionally letting out a soft, inquiring cry while Eevee, ever-present, dozed atop his head, a fluffy brown crown. Tucked securely inside his jacket, a tiny Pichu (Mew) stirred, its innocent chirps, "Pi... chu… (Oh, another poffin… say no more… numnumnum…)"
Beside him, Platinum walked with an air of refined curiosity, her eyes scanning the flora and fauna with a scholar's intensity. Trailing slightly behind them were the two newest Sinnoh Dex Holders, Diamond and Pearl.
The air grew cooler as they left the open expanse of Route 204 and plunged into the shadowed, damp embrace of the Ravaged Path. The entrance yawned like a stone maw, moss-covered walls rising on either side, dripping with moisture.
The sounds of the outside world faded, replaced by the echo of their footsteps and the distant rush of subterranean water. Azure stated, his voice a low rumble, "We'll need to be mindful here. Ravaged Path can be tricky. Lots of Rock- and Ground-types, and the occasional Zubat swarm."
Pikachu's ears perked, a tiny spark crackling on its cheeks, "Pika! (Yup! Damn, those bats are annoying…)"
Azure's eyes swept over the cavernous tunnel, noting potential hazards and advantageous spots as he stated, "Right, buddy. Stay sharp."
Platinum nodded, already consulting her newly acquired Pokedex as she commented, "Indeed. The geological formations suggest a high concentration of specific mineral deposits. Perhaps some of what I need for my accessory can be found here before we reach Mt. Coronet proper."
Her gaze, focused on the Pokedex, was sharp despite her elegant demeanor. Diamond, munching on a Poffin, looked around, his Lax Munchlax mirroring his contentment, said casually, "Wow, it's kinda creepy, but cool too! Like a giant stony throat."
Pearl, ever the energetic one, adjusted his cap as he argued, "Creepy is right, Dia! But we've gotta push through, right, Azure? Floaroma City awaits!"
His Chatot, Chatler, mimicked his exclamation, "Floaroma awaits!"
Azure merely smirked as he replied excitedly, "That's the spirit, Pearl. But don't rush it. The journey is just as important as the destination."
*Drip*
*Drip*
They wove through the narrow passage, the echoing drip of water a constant companion. After what felt like an hour, the tunnel began to open, revealing a hidden chamber bathed in the soft glow of bioluminescent moss.
A small, crystal-clear lake shimmered in the center, its surface reflecting the entrance they'd just exited. This was it – their pit stop.
Azure announced, his voice reverberating slightly, "Alright, everyone. We'll set up camp here for the night. It's safe, secluded, and has a good water source."
*Pop*
Almost immediately, Azure's Absol materialized from its Poké Ball, its keen senses already assessing the surroundings. Its scythe-like horn glinted in the dim light, and its crimson eyes, usually intense, softened slightly as it recognized its task.
*Thump*
A moment later, Ursaluna materialized with a soft thump, its massive form casting a long shadow. The ancient Pokémon let out a low rumble, its nose twitching as it began to patrol the cave's perimeter, its powerful scent marking its territory.
These two, Absol with its disaster-predicting capabilities and Ursaluna with its sheer defensive power, were his perfect sentinels. Azure commanded, his voice firm but not harsh, "Absol, Ursaluna—perimeter watch. Anything suspicious, you alert me immediately. No engaging unless necessary."
The two Pokémon acknowledged with a silent nod and a deep growl, respectively, moving with practiced stealth to their positions. Absol perched on a high ridge overlooking the lake, a silent guardian, while Ursaluna took a more ground-based approach, its colossal paws padding softly despite its size.
Meanwhile, Azure unclipped a large pot from his backpack as he brought another Poke Ball from his belt, saying softly, "Blissey, if you please."
*Pop*
A cheerful pop and a bright flash of light heralded the arrival of Blissey. Her gentle smile immediately put everyone at ease. She chirped, already rolling up her sleeves, or what passed for them on a Pokémon of her design, "Bliss!"
Azure instructed, handing her a basket of pre-prepared ingredients, "Curry tonight, Blissey. A hearty one."
Blissey nodded enthusiastically, her movements surprisingly deft as she began to organize the cooking station. Azure, with his experience from countless camping trips and Frontier challenges, was an excellent cook, and Blissey's nurturing energy only enhanced the meal with her assistance.
While Azure and Blissey set about their culinary duties, the other three trainers began to set up their tents. There would be no formal training tonight; the focus was on settling in and, more importantly, for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum to further bond with their newer Pokémon.
Pearl, ever the boisterous one, was crouched near his Luxio, Rayler. The electric feline still seemed a bit aloof, its bright yellow eyes assessing Pearl with a reserved intensity.
Pearl encouraged, tossing a small rubber ball, "C'mon, Rayler, you can do it!"
Rayler merely blinked, then slowly, almost grudgingly, swatted at it with a paw. A tiny spark harmlessly shot out.
Pearl grinned widely as he said proudly of Rayler, "Yeah! See? You got it! We'll get you listening in no time, buddy!"
Rayler let out a soft purr, a faint acknowledgment that was music to Pearl's ears. The bond was forming, slowly but surely.
Diamond, meanwhile, was in his element. Surrounded by Lax, Tru, and his new Eevee, Sol, he was distributing Poffins with the solemnity of a high priest.
He murmured, watching his Munchlax devour them in a single gulp, "Here you go, Lax, a whole handful for you."
Then to Tru as he handed him a bowl, solemnly stating, "Tru, yours is the berry-flavored. And Sol..."
He looked at his Eevee, who was delicately nibbling on its Poffin as he said happily, "You're a good eater, aren't you? Sol... I like that. Sun. Because you're bright and happy, just like the sun!"
Sol let out a happy cry and nudged his hand affectionately, its tail wagging a fluffy rhythm. Diamond chuckled, patting its head, "Flarrr!"
Platinum, however, was having a slightly less graceful bonding experience. She was kneeling by her Abra, who had an air of perpetual psychic exhaustion.
She murmured, her tone laced with genuine contrition, "Oh, Abra, I am truly sorry. It was entirely my fault. I merely wished to capture a Budew, and you… Well, you simply teleported into my direct line of fire at precisely the wrong moment."
Her Abra merely yawned, its spoon shimmering faintly. It clearly found the entire incident tiresome as it cried out, "Abraaa.... (Ya think?)"
Platinum, in her pursuit of knowledge, had encountered a small patch of Budew and, eager to add a new member for her rotation, had repeatedly attempted to capture one.
Each attempt ended with failure, and the last one was an accidental Poké Ball striking her recently acquired Abra as it blinked into existence from one of its many spontaneous teleports. The poor Pokémon had looked utterly flummoxed, then resigned.
Platinum mused aloud as she tried to make amends, "Perhaps… a gentle massage will alleviate your... astral fatigue?"
*Swf*
She tentatively reached out, causing Abra to instantly teleport three feet to her left, looking even more put upon. Platinum sighed, adjusting her pince-nez as she said, "Right. Understood. Personal space is highly valued."
Azure watched these interactions with a faint smile, a sense of contentment settling over him. This was the raw, unadulterated joy of Pokémon journeys, a stark contrast to the high-stakes battles he was accustomed to.
He missed the thrill, sure, but the simple pleasure of guiding these nascent trainers, seeing them learn and grow, was a different kind of reward. Soon, the rich, savory aroma of curry filled the cave, mingling with the earthy scent of damp rock.
Blissey announced, her voice a melodious chime, "Blissy! (Dinner's ready!)"
Azure ladled generous portions into bowls, placing them on a makeshift rock table as he said loudly, "Come on, everyone! Food's fresh and hot!"
Pearl exclaimed, eyes widened, his stomach growling in anticipation, "Wow, that smells amazing, Azure!"
Diamond's eyes widened as he yelled, "Curry! My favorite!"
Platinum, ever composed, still had a slight twinkle in her eye as she commented, "It does indeed smell most appetizing. Your culinary skills are as exceptional as your battle prowess, Azure."
The Pokémon, too, gathered around, their own smaller bowls filled with a specially prepared, milder version of the curry. Lax slurped his down with gusto, Tru munched contentedly on hers, and Sol, the Eevee, daintily licked at the savory liquid.
Chatler chirped happily, while Rayler, still a bit reserved, nonetheless enjoyed the warm meal. Even Platinum's Abra, after a moment of consideration, began to eat. As everyone ate, the comfortable silence was punctuated by contented sighs and the happy sounds of Pokémon enjoying their food.
Azure, ever observant, noticed Diamond glancing at Sol with a slightly pensive look. Azure asked, taking a bite of his own curry, "Something on your mind, Diamond?"
Diamond swallowed a mouthful as he replied, "Oh, it's just... Sol. He's great, you know? Really friendly and fun. But... I was just wondering if he'd ever want to evolve."
He looked at Sol, then back at Azure as he asked, "I mean, he's an Eevee, right? There are so many choices."
Sol, hearing his name, looked up, its large brown eyes meeting Diamond's. It let out a soft cry and gave a small nod, as if confirming its desire to grow stronger, "Eevui?"
Azure confirmed, a knowing glint in his eyes, "He does."
He reached up, gently nudging his own Eevee, who was now fully awake and observing the conversation from atop his head. He asked softly, "What do you say, partner? Show them a little trick?"
Azure's Eevee let out a joyful cry, "Eevui! (You bet!)"
It hopped off Azure's head and landed gracefully in the center of their small circle. The Sinnoh Dex Holders watched with bated breath, wondering what "trick" Azure's Eevee possessed…
*FLASH*
Suddenly, Azure's Eevee began to glow. A brilliant white light enveloped it, causing everyone to shield their eyes.
*Bzzt*
When the light subsided, standing proudly in its place was a majestic Jolteon, crackling with electricity. Its spiky fur bristled, and a faint electric hum filled the air.
Pearl breathed, his eyes wide, "Wow! A Jolteon!"
*FLASH*
But their astonishment didn't last. Another flash of light, and the Jolteon was gone, replaced by a sleek, elegant Vaporeon, its fins and tail shimmering as if it were underwater even in the dry cave.
*FLASH*
Then, another flash, and a powerful Flareon appeared, its fiery mane glowing warmly. The air around it felt noticeably warmer.
Platinum gasped, her scholarly mind racing, trying to categorize and understand this phenomenon, "It can... it can evolve? Without a stone? And then revert?"
Azure's Eevee zipped through its forms, a mesmerizing display of evolutionary power. Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and finally, a graceful Sylveon, its feelers gently swaying.
Each transformation was instantaneous, accompanied by a quick, intense flash of light and the characteristic sound of the evolving Pokémon. Diamond, however, was focused on his Eevee Sol.
His eyes followed Azure's Eevee as it cycled through its forms, then back to Flareon. Sol, meanwhile, was practically vibrating with excitement, its eyes fixated on the fiery Pokémon. It let out a decisive cry, "Eevui! (That one! The Flare one!)"
It jumped up and down, clearly having made its choice. Diamond exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face, "He wants to be a Flareon! Sol wants to be a Flareon!"
Azure's Eevee, now a Flareon, winked at Sol, then, with a final flash, reverted to its original Eevee form, hopping back onto Azure's head. Azure chuckled, reaching into his bag, "Well, there you have it. Good choice, Sol."
He pulled out a perfectly smooth, crimson Fire Stone, its surface glowing with an inner warmth. The stone felt surprisingly heavy and substantial in his hand as he asked, "Ready to evolve your partner, Diamond?"
Diamond's eyes fixed on the stone, then back at Azure, but asked nervously, "A Fire Stone! But... but don't they... disappear after you use them?"
He remembered stories, warnings from other trainers. Evolutionary stones were precious, one-use items. This was a significant commitment.
Azure smirked, a secret amusement dancing in his eyes as he replied, "Most do, yes. But not this one. These are... special."
He knew, intimately, just how special they were. These were the Legendary Stones of Vermilion Harbor, a set of four elemental stones rumored to be imbued with eternal power, never diminishing upon use.
He had found them years ago, after a tip from an old sailor, and later, through his adventures in Alola, had acquired a complete set of similar non-vanishing stones… 'blessed' by Tapu Koko itself.
He had a whole treasure trove of them, in fact.
Azure assured Diamond, his voice calm and confident, "This Fire Stone won't vanish. It's a genuine article. Go on. Your partner is ready."
Diamond looked at the stone, then at Sol, who was now practically bouncing on its paws, eager for the transformation. Trusting Azure, as he had come to do implicitly, Diamond took the Fire Stone.
It felt warm in his hand, almost alive. Diamond whispered, holding the stone out, "Okay, Sol. Let's do this!"
*FLASH*
Sol, with a joyful bark, touched its nose to the Fire Stone. A blinding white light erupted, far more intense than Azure's Eevee's transformation. The entire cave was momentarily illuminated, and the air crackled with energy.
*WHOOOOOSH*
The sound was immense, akin to a roaring bonfire. The other Pokémon watched, a mix of awe and slight apprehension on their faces.
When the light finally subsided, it revealed a magnificent Flareon, its fur a vibrant orange-red, its mane and tail blazing with gentle, yet powerful, flames. It let out a confident cry and then immediately nudged Diamond's hand, its eyes shining with newfound strength and affection, "Flar-eon!"
Diamond beamed, dropping to his knees to embrace his newly evolved partner. He hugged the fluffy, warm Pokémon tightly, "Sol! You did it! You're a Flareon!"
Platinum and Pearl, however, weren't looking at Sol. Their eyes were fixed on the ground where the Fire Stone had been used. It was still there, lying perfectly intact, its crimson glow undiminished.
Her scholarly brain was short-circuiting. Platinum stammered, her voice uncharacteristically breathless, "But... but how? Evolutionary Stones... they are consumed upon use! That is an immutable law of Pokémon biology and energy transfer!"
Pearl's jaw dropped as his eyes widened seeing the pristine Fire Stone, "Whoa! It didn't disappear! That's... that's incredible!"
Azure simply chuckled, casually bending down to pick up the Fire Stone. He wiped a bit of dust off it and tucked it back into his bag, alongside several other identical stones that gleamed with various hues.
Azure stated his tone matter-of-fact in a casual voice, "As I said. Special stones. I came across them early in my journey. Heard the legends, went looking. Turns out, some legends are true."
He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips as he continued, "There's an old tale from Vermilion Harbor. 'Some people think that down there in the ocean by Vermilion Harbor, there are four Evolution stones that never disappear when used to make a Pokémon evolve: the Legendary Fire Stone, the Legendary Water Stone, the Legendary Thunderstone, and the Legendary Leaf Stone. Now, people had laughed at that legend...'"
He let the sentence hang, then continued, "But as you can see, the legend is quite real. I hold all four in my possession. And beyond those, I've even acquired a complete set of other Evolution Stones that won't vanish after use, from my journeys in Alola. Thanks to a certain electric guardian, they are equally as potent and inexhaustible."
Platinum's eyes widened to the size of Poké Balls. Her usual composure was shattered, replaced by an intense, scientific fervor, "Inexplicable! Anomalous! Azure, this is an unprecedented discovery! The implications for Pokémon evolutionary theory are monumental! I must study them! Immediately!"
She took a step towards him, her hands outstretched as if to physically grasp the knowledge. Azure, however, had already zipped up his bag, the precious stones secured within back in his [Sub-Space].
He gave her a dismissive 'nope,' a slight shake of his head. He yawned dramatically, stretching his arms above his head, stating, "Sorry, Platinum. Family secrets. Besides, it's been a long day. Time to hit the sack."
With that, he turned and began walking towards his tent, Pikachu still on his shoulder, Eevee now on his head. The Pichu (Mew) in his jacket emitted soft, sleepy cries.
Platinum pleaded, practically vibrating with intellectual urgency, "But Azure! The data! The scientific breakthrough! Think of the applications!"
She hurried after him, her measured aristocratic stride replaced by an undignified scramble, pleaded, "Please! Just a small sample! A minuscule analysis! Even a photograph would suffice!"
*Whip*
Azure merely entered his tent, the flap closing with a soft whip, leaving Platinum standing dumbfounded outside, her pleas echoing faintly in the cave. Diamond and Pearl exchanged amused glances, a quiet understanding passing between them.
This Azure Sky was certainly unlike any trainer they had ever met. And soon they, too, began to sleep in for the night with Platinum's pleas left unanswered.
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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!