Chapter 457: Eterna Forest
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Eterna Forest]
The dense canopies of Eterna Forest loomed ahead, a verdant wall of ancient trees that swallowed the sunlight whole. A hush, broken only by the rustling of leaves and distant chirps of unseen Pokémon, fell as Azure stepped over the invisible threshold marking the end of Route 205.
At his side, Platinum Berlitz, ever poised, adjusted the strap of her bag. Behind them, Diamond, already munching on a sandwich, trudged along, while Pearl, ever alert, scanned their surroundings with a dramatic flair.
Perched on Azure's shoulder, Pikachu, his faithful partner, twitched its ears, its bright eyes mirroring Azure's vigilance. On top of his head, Eevee, a fluffy brown beacon, occasionally stretched, a soft purr escaping its throat. And nestled securely in the inner pocket of Azure's jacket, a tiny Pichu (Mew), its small nose twitching occasionally, as it was sound asleep.
Diamond observed, his voice a low rumble, as he took another bite, "Munch… Well, this is... a forest."
Platinum responded, her voice clear and precise, "Indeed, Diamond. Eterna Forest. Our path to Eterna City runs directly through it."
Pearl, who had been consulting Platinum's Town Map, suddenly let out a frustrated grunt. He gestured wildly at the map, nearly jabbing Diamond in the eye as he yelled in frustration, "Ugh! This is ridiculous! There are no paths marked on the map! Nothing! Just a big green blob!"
Diamond, unperturbed, simply leaned away as he replied casually, "Relax, Pearl. It's just a forest. We'll find our way."
He pulled out a well-worn copy of Proteam Omega: The Illustrated Guide to Superheroes and Snacks, but then, as if remembering a less fantastical but equally important resource, swapped it for a Sinnoh Tourism Guidebook, adding, "Besides, I read about this place. Eterna Forest has a reputation for being a bit... untamed."
Azure chuckled softly, a sound that always seemed to carry a hint of distant wisdom, and uttered, "Untamed is an understatement for some parts of Sinnoh, Pearl. But that's where the adventure lies, isn't it?"
Pearl snatched the guidebook from Dia as he read aloud, "Let's see here... 'Eterna Forest: A natural labyrinth where ancient trees touch the sky, and rare Pokémon roam freely. Trekkers are advised to prepare for extended periods of self-reliance, as no accommodation facilities exist within or directly adjacent to the forest perimeter."
He read the passage aloud, his voice growing increasingly despondent, "Wait… No accommodation? Are we seriously expected to just... expected to sleep under a tree like wild Pokémon in the forest infested place?!"
A shiver ran down Pearl's spine, though whether from the thought of roughing it or the looming darkness of the forest, it was hard to tell. He looked at Azure, hoping for some reassurance.
Azure, however, merely raised an eyebrow as he said mysteriously, "Technically, Pearl, that's not entirely true."
All three pairs of eyes turned to him. Pikachu tilted its head. Eevee blinked slowly. Azure continued, his voice dropping slightly, lending an air of mystery to his words, "Rumors speak of a place, deep within this forest. An old manor, abandoned for decades. Locals call it the Old Chateau. It's said to be a magnificent, if slightly eerie, structure. A perfect place, some might say, to rest for the night, or at least for a while."
Pearl's eyes widened, a mixture of fear and fascination playing across his face as he repeated nervously, "An abandoned manor? Eerie? You mean... haunted?!"
He took a hesitant step back, imagining ghastly Gengar and mischievous Mismagius lurking in every shadow. Platinum, on the other hand, straightened, a spark of pure intellectual curiosity igniting in her gaze as she uttered, "An Old Chateau! How fascinating! A structure of such age, particularly one abandoned, would possess immense historical and architectural value. And the idea of navigating to it, without formal paths... a true test of our cartographical and survival skills!"
Her eyes positively shone, the notion of a challenge far outweighing any potential peril. Diamond, ever practical, simply thought, 'Haunted means no crowds. No crowds mean more food for me!'
He gave a quiet nod of approval. Azure smiled, a small, knowing upturn of his lips. He understood Platinum's scholarly drive, just as he understood Pearl's apprehension and Diamond's uncomplicated nature, as he said, "Indeed, Platinum. It could prove to be an illuminating detour. But before we concern ourselves with spectral residents or historical architecture, perhaps we should focus on the present."
He stopped, scanning the undergrowth as he added, "We've made good progress, but this forest is rich with unique Pokémon. While having three partners is a solid start for any trainer, building a diverse and robust team is crucial for the challenges ahead, especially with your journey to Mt. Coronet, Platinum."
Platinum nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in his words as she agreed, "You are correct. My Prinplup, Ponyta, and Abra are excellent, but a broader range of types and abilities would certainly be advantageous."
Pearl adjusted his scarf, nodding his head, stating, "Yeah! My Chatler, Chimlar, and Rayler are tough, but adding another heavy hitter would be awesome!"
Diamond, ever the pragmatist when it came to his Pokémon, simply patted Lax's Poké Ball happily, saying in a casual voice, "Lax, Tru, and Sol are great. But more friends for them would be cool too!"
Azure affirmed as he nodded his head, "Precisely. Think about what gaps you might have in your current teams, or what Pokémon might complement your existing strategies. Keep an open mind. The forest might offer just what you need."
They continued deeper into the forest, the sunlight now a dappled mosaic on the forest floor, filtering through the dense canopy. The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and ancient leaves. Every rustle in the bushes, every distinct cry from the trees, became a potential encounter.
Azure walked at the front, his senses heightened, Pikachu's ears swiveling, Eevee's nose twitching. Pichu (Mew) remained nestled, occasionally letting out a tiny, almost inaudible squeak of contentment…
*THWACK*
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the trees. A sturdy branch, thick as a man's arm, splintered and fell to the ground just meters ahead of them.
Pearl exclaimed, jumping back, "Whoa!"
From the dense foliage emerged a large, formidable Pokémon. It was a Heracross, its blue carapace gleamed, and its mighty horn, sharp and gleaming, curved menacingly from its head.
It let out a challenging roar, as it instinctively slammed its horn into another tree trunk, sending bark flying, "HERAAAA!! (You're go down tree!!)"
*Wooosh*
Almost immediately, a flash of white and brown darted from behind a different bush. A Buneary, with its distinctive long, curled ears, bounced gracefully into view. It seemed startled by the Heracross's display of power, its large, brown eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
Pearl breathed, his eyes lighting up. He clenched his fists, adrenaline pumping, declaring, "A Heracross! Look at that horn! It's so powerful! I need a Pokémon like that! It would make a great addition to my team!"
Platinum, however, had her sights set elsewhere. She exclaimed, her usual calm demeanor giving way to a rare hint of delight, "And a Buneary! So cute, yet its ears possess incredible strength and agility! It would be an excellent asset to my rotation!"
Diamond merely nodded, taking another bite from his sandwich. He mumbled around a mouthful, "Looks like some strong Pokémon."
Azure, observing the scene, a small smile played on his lips. This was a classic reaction, the irresistible pull of a new, exciting Pokémon.
Azure said calmly, stepping slightly to the side to give them more room, "Alright then. Show me what you've got. Remember, a capture isn't just about weakening them; it's about understanding them."
Pearl wasted no time as he grabbed a Poké Ball, declaring, "Alright, Heracross, prepare to meet a true force of nature! Rayler, let's go!"
*Pop*
He threw a Poké Ball, and with a flash of light, his Luxio, Rayler, materialized, its electric mane bristling. Peral commanded, "Rayler, use Spark!"
*Zzzzzt*
Rayler roared, "GRAOOO!!!"
Its eyes were glowing as crackling electricity enveloped its body. It lunged forward, a bolt of yellow energy trailing behind it, aiming for the Heracross. The Heracross, surprisingly agile for its size, sidestepped the attack with a grunt, "Hera!! (Ah! A challenger!)"
It retaliated instantly, driving its horn into the ground, causing small tremors. Azure mentally thought, 'That should be Mega Horn.'
*Wooosh*
Rayler, quick as lightning, narrowly dodged the powerful thrust; the ground where it had stood moments before erupted. Meanwhile, Platinum had already begun her own strategy, grabbing her Poké Ball.
*Pop*
With a confident toss, her Abra appeared, its arms crossed, looking slightly bored, "Abra, I choose you! Abra, use Teleport to get behind it, then use Confusion!"
*Swf*
Abra, with a faint shimmer, vanished and reappeared behind the Buneary, startling the rabbit Pokémon. The Buneary let out a small cry of surprise and hopped backward, its ears drooping slightly, "Bunya! (Nani?!)"
*Shiii*
Abra's eyes glowed, and a wave of psychic energy, shimmering with a soft purple light, pulsated towards the Buneary. The Buneary, recovering quickly, tucked its ears in tightly and then, with a powerful spring, executed a perfect Bounce maneuver, leaping high into the air to evade the Confusion.
*Boing*
It landed gracefully, its agility undeniable. Platinum remarked, her analytical mind already processing the Buneary's movements, "Impressive agility! Abra, another Confusion, but predict its landing spot!"
Abra, still with its characteristic aloofness, simply closed its eyes for a moment, then its body glowed with psychic energy. The Conusion materialized not directly at Buneary, but slightly ahead of its predicted trajectory…
*Smack*
This time, as Buneary descended, it found itself caught in the psychic blast. It cried out, visibly shaken, "Bun... nyaaa!"
*Zoooom*
It stumbled backward, but its fighting spirit still flickered in its eyes. It furiously shook its head, then began rapidly spinning its ears, kicking up a small dust cloud as it used Quick Attack.
The Buneary shot forward, a blur of white, directly at Abra. Abra, caught off guard by the speed, tried to Teleport away, but the Quick Attack was too fast.
*Thwack*
Buneary's ears connected, sending Abra tumbling back. Abra whimpered slightly, its usual detached expression replaced with a look of mild irritation.
Platinum exclaimed, a hint of concern in her voice, "Abra! Are you alright?"
*FLASH*
Abra, still on the ground, began to glow intensely. A brilliant, white light enveloped the small Psychic-type. Its form began to change, growing taller, more complex. Its head elongated, and the two spoons it held in its hands became more defined. The light pulsed, growing brighter, until with a final burst of energy, it dissipated, revealing a Kadabra!
Kadabra stood tall, its spoons now firmly held, a newfound alertness in its golden eyes. It let out a soft, confident cry. Its power was palpable, "Kada! (I've evolved!)"
Platinum gasped, her eyes wide with unadulterated awe. A wide smile spread across her face, "Abra... you've evolved! Into a Kadabra! Wonderful! Now that you have grown stronger, Kadabra, let's show this Buneary the full extent of your new power! Use Confusion!"
*SHIII*
Kadabra, invigorated by its evolution, focused its psychic energy. Its spoons glowed, and a powerful wave of Confusion radiated outwards, directly at the still slightly dazed Buneary. The Buneary, struggling to recover from the previous Confusion and surprised by the evolution, was unable to evade.
It shrieked as it was lifted into the air, spinning erratically, a swirl of brown and white, "BUN-YAAAA!"
*Thud*
It landed with a soft thud, completely disoriented. Its eyes swirled, and it struggled to stand. Platinum shouted, throwing a red-and-white sphere with expert precision, "Now, Poké Ball, go!"
*Wooosh*
The Poké Ball soared through the air and landed squarely on the Buneary's head, sucking it inside with a flash of red light.
*BONK*
The ball shook once... twice... thrice... and then…
*BON*
… with a definitive CLICK, settled still. Platinum pumped her fist, a rare display of raw excitement, "Yes! I've caught a Buneary!"
Meanwhile, Pearl's battle with Heracross was still ongoing. Rayler, despite its best efforts, was finding it tough to land a solid hit on the powerful Bug/Fighting-type. Pearl commanded, gesturing wildly, "Rayler, use Swift!"
*Swooosh*
Rayler unleashed a volley of glowing, star-shaped projectiles. The Swift stars, imbued with electricity, sped towards Heracross.
The Heracross, tired of dodging, decided to meet the attack head-on, charging forward with a powerful Fury Attack, its horn glowing. The stars impacted its sturdy carapace, causing minor flashes but not stopping its charge.
*Boom*
Heracross roared, its horn aimed directly at Rayler, "Hera! Hera!"
Pearl yelled, "Dodge, Rayler! Dodge!"
*SMACK*
… but Heracross was too close, its powerful thrust connecting with Rayler's right shoulder. Rayler cried out in pain, stumbling back, sparks flying from its mane, "Raaay!"
It was visibly hurt, but not out. Pearl encouraged, "Hang in there, Rayler!"
He thought quickly, remembering Azure's advice about understanding the opponent. Heracross was powerful, but perhaps not the smartest. Peral commanded, "Rayler, stay low, then use Quick Attack to get behind it! Follow up with Thunder Fang!"
Rayler, breathing heavily, nodded its large head. It crouched low, almost scraping the forest floor. Heracross, expecting another confrontation, charged again, slightly overshooting. This was Rayler's chance.
*Wooosh*
With a burst of speed using Quick Attack, it shot forward, a blue blur flashing past Heracross's flank. Heracross grunted in surprise, turning slowly, "HERA!?"
*CRUNCH*
But Rayler was already there, its fangs crackling with electricity. With an electrifying bite, it clamped down on Heracross's leg.
*ZZZZZZT*
Heracross roared, a jolt of pain coursing through its body, "HERAAA-GAHHH!"
The Thunder Fang caused it to stagger backward, momentarily stunned, its blue carapace flickering with static. Pearl seized the moment, "Now! Quickly, Rayler, use another Spark, full power!"
*ZZZZZT*
Rayler, still biting down, released a powerful wave of electricity that coursed through Heracross's body. The Bug Pokémon convulsed, its eyes rolling.
It released a final, weak cry, "Her... a..."
*Thud*
… before collapsing to the forest floor, unconscious. Pearl, a triumphant grin plastered across his face, "You got it, Rayler! Now Poké Ball, go!"
*Wooosh*
Peral launched his Poké Ball. It arced through the air, hitting the fallen Heracross. A red light enveloped the Pokémon, drawing it inside.
*BONK*
The Poké Ball wobbled violently, shaking from side to side. It trembled... it spun... it steadied... then, with a satisfying CLICK, it came to a halt.
*BON*
Pearl let out a booming cry of victory, punching the air. Rayler, panting heavily but proud, nudged Pearl's leg, "YES! I caught a Heracross! That's it, Rayler! We make a great team! Return, Heracross!"
He recalled the new Pokémon, then held up the Poké Ball as he thought of a nickname, "Welcome to the team, Heracross! I'm gonna call you... uh... Herc! Yeah, Herc! Because you're super strong!"
Platinum, meanwhile, approached her new Kadabra. She gently patted its head, praising its evolution, "Kadabra, you were magnificent. Your growth, your power... It's truly remarkable. And Abra... no, Kadabra. You performed admirably. I am truly impressed."
Azure clapped softly as he praised their captures, "Well done, both of you. Excellent battles and excellent captures. Pearl, a powerful Bug/Fighting-type like Hercules, can be a real asset. And Platinum, Kadabra's psychic prowess, especially after evolving, will undoubtedly elevate your strategic options."
Diamond, who had finished his sandwich, simply gave a thumbs-up, "Nice job, guys! You got some good new friends."
As the excitement subsided and the new Pokémon were safely in their trainer's care, the group continued their journey. The forest seemed to grow denser, the shadows longer. The air grew still, the sounds of distant Pokémon fading into a hushed quiet.
Then, through a break in the trees, a silhouette emerged. A large, imposing structure against the dying light of the afternoon sky. Its gables were sharp, its windows dark, like vacant eyes staring out from a forgotten past. Vines clung to its stone walls, giving it a sorrowful, ancient appearance.
Pearl gasped, his previous fear returning with full force, "WHOA! That's... that's the Old Chateau, isn't it?!"
Platinum, however, gazed at it with an expression of profound wonder, her earlier intrigue now amplified by the sheer presence of the manor. She whispered, a scholar's delight in her voice, "Magnificent. It truly is as grand as the rumors suggest."
Azure merely smiled, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder, its tail twitching, while Eevee perked its ears, a low growl escaping its throat. Even Pichu (Mew), nestled in Azure's jacket, stirred slightly, its bright little eyes somehow knowing what lay ahead.
The Old Chateau. A temporary sanctuary, or a delve into something far older and more mysterious than they could imagine. Either way, their adventure in Eterna Forest had just taken a decidedly interesting turn.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter a brief change from canon. Originally the Sinnoh Dex Holders were supposed to have only 3 Pokemon each till the sixth or seventh Gym so I made them capture Pokemon early to expand their teams.
I'm making the MC act for them to expand their rotation and I'm trying to keep to their media counterparts as well as the Pokemon they'll collect in canon or not. I'm open to suggestions on what Pokemon they'll catch?