Chapter 502: Pastoria City
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Days Later, Pastoria City]
The humid air of the Sinnoh lowlands clung to their skin like a damp shroud, a stark contrast to the abrasive, stinging grit of the sandstorm they had survived days prior. The journey from the shores of Lake Valor to the outskirts of Pastoria City had been a grueling trek, one necessitated by the chaotic intervention of a wild Hippowdon sand-tornado and an annoying Dr. Footsteps.
Now, several miles and many sore muscles later, the salty tang of the sea began to mingle with the humid, earthy scent of stagnant water…
*Squelch*
*Squelch*
*Squelch*
Diamond muttered, tilting his head to one side and hopping on one foot, "I think... I think I still have sand in my ears…"
Pearl retorted, though his own signature hair was matted with dust, "At least it's not in your mouth for once, Dia…"
He looked back at their companions as he asked, "Is everyone still in one piece?"
Azure adjusted the weight of the strap on his shoulder, feeling the familiar, reassuring presence of his partners. His Pikachu chirped, ears twitching at the distant sound of crashing waves, "Pika-pi? (Are we there yet…)."
On Azure's head, his Eevee let out a soft yawn, fluffing its fur against the moisture, while in his jacket pocket, a small, pink-nosed Pichu (Mew) shifted restlessly. Azure remarked, his voice steady despite the fatigue, "We're fine, Pearl… The sandstorm wasn't on the itinerary, but it delayed us for a few days in reaching the next town."
That was when he finally saw it in the distance. Azure smiled as he looked back at his companions, stating out loud, "We're finally here!"
Platinum walked with a regal poise that even a trek through the mud couldn't dampen, though her silk scarf was noticeably stained. Beside her, Diamond (Dia) was currently occupied with a lukewarm rice ball, his expression one of blissful chewing, while Pearl was vibrating with an anxious energy, his eyes darting toward the city's skyline.
Pearl announced, pointing toward the sprawling, water-logged metropolis, "Is that… It's Pastoria City… The city of the great marsh and the great Master of Water! We're finally back on track!"
Finally, the distinct architecture of Pastoria City emerged from the horizon – vibrant and bustling, a lively port town known for its Great Marsh and its powerful Water-type Gym. Boats bobbed gently in the harbor, their masts swaying like slender fingers against the sky. The air thrummed with the cries of Wingull, the distant cries of fishing trawlers, and the lively chatter of vendors.
For the young trainers, however, the unexpected detour had become a blessing in disguise. The winding paths and verdant stretches between Lake Valor and Pastoria City had offered ample opportunity to grind properly.
Each evening, under star-dusted skies, their Pokémon had honed their skills, growing perceptibly stronger with every passing day. The Sinnoh Dex Holders, now well-accustomed to each other's company, watched with quiet pride as their companions' Pokémon evolved, matured, and developed new, potent techniques.
Platinum smiled as she warmed up in an excited tone, "Finally! We can finally have the time to rest and clean up! Let's hurry!"
Seeing the city in reach, the group began to rush toward it. Days of messy training and sand in places that don't belong, they couldn't help but finally relax on a warm bed, food, and clean water after days in Route 213…
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City – Pokémon Center]
*Swish*
Their first stop, as was customary for any weary trainer, was the welcoming beacon of the Pokémon Center. The automatic doors swished open, revealing the familiar, calming interior. A wave of cool air, subtly scented with antiseptic and comfort, washed over them.
Nurse Joy's cheerful voice rang out, her Chansey partner waddling diligently by her side, "Welcome to the Pokémon Center!"
Platinum greeted, her voice a little tired but still bright, "Hello, Nurse Joy. We'd like to heal our Pokémon, please."
She offered her Poké Balls, followed by Diamond, Pearl, and Azure. Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew), accustomed to their special status, simply settled down on the pristine floor, ready for their check-ups.
They chirped, a chorus of tiny greetings, "Pika-pi! Eevee! Chuuu! (We know the drill, heal us up, doc.)."
While their Pokémon rested and recuperated under Nurse Joy's expert care, the group made their way to the Pokémon Center's canteen after they cleaned themselves up. The aroma of freshly cooked food, a medley of savory and sweet, filled the air, making their stomachs rumble in unison.
They found a spacious table near a window overlooking a bustling street, where colorful market stalls displayed their wares. While waiting, they settled down at a table inside the Center's canteen, ordering a diverse array of local Pastoria seafood dishes.
Diamond, true to form, ordered a towering plate of fried fish and chips, his eyes wide with anticipation. Pearl, ever the practical one, opted for a hearty clam chowder. Platinum chose a delicate grilled fish, while Azure, always mindful of his energy, enjoyed a nutrient-rich seaweed salad.
*Chomp*
*Chomp*
Munching sounds went with Diamond's eager chewing. Pearl began, wiping a dab of soup from his chin, "So, Azure, Platinum. Are you two planning on challenging the Pastoria Gym while we're here?"
Platinum's eyes sparkled as she replied excitedly, "Absolutely! It's the next logical step. And I, for one, am eager to see what challenges await."
Azure nodded, a thoughtful look on his face as he said casually, "Getting stronger is always the goal. And a Gym battle is a perfect way to test our progress."
Diamond, mid-chew, gestured with a chip as he muttered, "You guys have been doing great on the road. All our Pokémon have really powered up."
Platinum agreed with a pleased expression as she said happily, "Indeed. The delay, while unexpected, allowed for some much-needed grinding. My Empoleon, for instance, has truly mastered its Hydro Cannon."
*DING-DONG*
As they finished their meals, Nurse Joy's voice chimed over the intercom, "Your Pokémon are fully recovered and ready!"
With their Pokémon fully healed and spirits high, the group bid farewell to the Pokémon Center and headed towards the Pastoria City Gym. Platinum practically bounced with excitement.
She had already conquered Roark, Gardenia, Fantina, and Maylene – four Gym Leaders down, with an impressive, often elegant, display of skill. Pastoria represented another step closer to the Sinnoh League. She was eager to test her might against Crasher Wake, earning her fifth badge.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City – Gym]
The Gym building itself was a large, imposing structure built partially over the water, its entrance reminiscent of a traditional Japanese dojo. As they approached, a rhythmic echo grew louder with each step.
"ONE! TWO! THREE! HUH!"
*Thud-Thud-Thud*
Pushing open the sliding doors, they were met with a curious sight. In the center of a water-filled arena, a muscular man in a tank top and shorts was performing deep squats, beads of sweat glistening on his broad shoulders. He grunted with effort, his powerful legs driving him up and down.
*Thump-Thump*
Platinum called out, her voice echoing, "Excuse me!"
The man froze. He looked up, his eyes widening as he realized he had visitors. The man boomed, spotting Platinum and Azure with surprising agility despite his exertion, "Ah! Challengers!!"
He straightened up, a wide, friendly grin spreading across his face as he boomed, "And two of them! Perfect! I was just getting warmed up!"
Hardly had the words left his mouth when two figures in peculiar masks and sailor outfits practically materialized beside him. One hissed, frantically trying to cover his face with his hand, "Gym Leader! Your mask!"
The other produced a large, ceremonial mask from seemingly nowhere, pushing it towards the embarrassed Gym Leader. Crasher Wake protested, "Wha—hey! What's the big idea? I'm talking to my challengers!"
But the sailors were relentless. With surprising strength, they bodily lifted him and rushed him backstage.
One of the sailors called out, his voice muffled by his mask, "Apologies, trainers! Our Gym Leader, Crasher Wake, is a man of… theatrics. And, uh, tradition! He always wears his mask! A powerful trainer, indeed! His Water-type Pokémon are formidable. It could be quite difficult for a trainer like you to take him on, young lady."
Dia blinked, pointing a finger as he asked, "But... we just saw it. He's got kind of a bushy brow, doesn't he?"
The sailor yelled, sweat beading on his forehead, "No, you didn't! You saw... a mirage! A Water-type illusion!"
Azure chuckled, crossing his arms as he properly introduced himself and Platinum, "Relax. We're here for a challenge. This is the Berlitz heiress, and I'm Azure Sky. We're looking for a Gym Battle."
The sailor's eyes bugged out. He looked at Platinum's team sitting in their balls on her belt, then at Azure. Azure's reputation as a triple League Champion and Battle Frontier conqueror clearly preceded him.
*GULP*
The sailor swallowed hard. Platinum, undeterred, stepped forward as she declared boldly, "My name is Platinum Berlitz, and I assure you, my Pokémon and I are ready for any challenge Wake has for us."
She confidently sent out her team, "Come out, everyone!"
*POP*
Six Poké Balls burst open in a flash of white light, revealing her magnificent Empoleon, its steel wings glinting; her fiery Ponyta, pawing the ground; the mischievous Gible, playfully snapping its jaws.
The elegant Altaria, wings shimmering like clouds; the sagely Alakazam, spoons held ready; and her graceful Lopunny, poised and alert. The sailor looked them over as he conceded, a hint of surprise in his voice, "Sturdy. Strong. But look at your types, milady. You have fire, dragon, flying, psychic, and normal... and your strongest is a Water-type herself. Against the Wake? You're going to be neutralized. You need a Grass-type. Something that can root itself against the eye of the storm that is Wake."
Platinum looked at her Empoleon, who let out a sharp, regal cry, "Em-pole! (Excuse me? I alone am enough for this human!)"
*WHOOOSH*
As if on cue, a dramatic movement of steam and mist accompanied a booming voice from the backstage entrance, "FEAR NOT, CITIZENS! FOR I, CRASHER WAKE, THE TORRENTIAL MASKED MASTER, AM HERE!"
The man from before, now sporting a flamboyant mask that resembled a wrestling lucha libre mask, complete with a flowing cape, strode back into the arena with exaggerated swagger. He flexed, striking a heroic pose.
*Flex*
Diamond whispered to Pearl curiously, nudging him, "That's the man we just encountered, isn't it?"
The sailor, hearing this, immediately sputtered, waving his hands dismissively as he replied, "N-no, no, that was merely… a body double! A warm-up act! This is the one and only Crasher Wake, in his full, masked glory!"
He shot a stern glance at Diamond, who merely blinked. Platinum, however, wasn't focused on the theatrics.
Her analytical mind was already racing as she muttered, "A Water-type specialist… then I'll need a Grass-type Pokémon to counter his team, won't I?"
She stated, more to herself than anyone else. The sailor, momentarily flustered, quickly regained his composure.
He puffed out his chest, attempting to look imposing, and said, "Precisely! A Grass-type would be an excellent strategic choice. I highly recommend you acquire one before challenging the formidable Crasher Wake!"
Platinum declared in a determined voice, recalling her Pokémon, "Excellent! Then that is my next objective!"
She turned to her companions with a determined gleam in her eyes as she added, "Let's go, everyone! We're heading to the Pastoria Great Marsh! I'm determined to add another powerful member to my team, and it simply must be a Grass-type!"
As they exited the Gym, the sounds of an argument erupted from within. The sailor's muffled voice complained at Wake, "I told you, Wake! No mask, no battle! It's bad for the brand of the Gym!"
Crasher Wake's booming reply echoed through the doors, "My brand is my muscles, you ninny! And those kids saw them! What's the harm?!"
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City]
Leaving the comedic squabble behind, Pearl and Diamond exchanged conflicted glances. Pearl finally voiced his concern as he asked, "Platinum, you already have six Pokémon on your team. If you catch another one, how are you going to take care of seven on the road? I mean, you can only carry six at a time, right? Won't you need to constantly switch from your main six?"
Platinum paused, hearing this as Pearl gestured to the road ahead, continuing, "We're traveling light. Carrying six is the standard because that's all one trainer can effectively manage and feed on the move without a base of operations. Won't you have to release someone? Or... stop the journey to go back to a lab?"
Platinum blinked, a look of genuine surprise crossing her face as she said innocently, "Oh! I suppose I never explained. We aren't limited by such traditional constraints."
Pearl blinked at that. Platinum, with a polite smile gracing her lips, explained, "Oh, that's no issue at all, Pearl. You see, as Dex Holders, we are all sponsored by Professor Rowan, and in my case, also by the Berlitz family. We're permitted to capture any number of Pokémon we wish. And if we need to switch team members while on the road, we simply use our Rotom Phones. There's a special PC app that links directly to the caretakers back at Sandgem Town, allowing us to swap Pokémon seamlessly."
She showed them the interface—a sleek, holographic grid showing icons of various Pokémon continuing, "The caretakers there ensure they are fed, groomed, and trained. If I wish to swap a member of my active party, the Rotom Phone facilitates a localized teleportation. It's quite efficient."
Pearl and Dia stood there, mouths agape. Dia started, his eyes widening, "You mean... I could have caught that Munchlax's cousin back in Eterna Forest and just... sent him home for lunch?"
Pearl muttered, looking at his own Rotom Phone, "Extremely high-tech… I thought we had to go to a Pokémon Center every time!"
They turned to Azure, who, much to their surprise, looked equally dumbfounded. Azure murmured, a hint of genuine surprise in his voice, "Is that so? I… I admit, I didn't know that. I usually just carry all my Pokémon on hand or rotate them at a Pokémon Center. It's never really been an issue for me. But I suppose time moves on."
He shrugged, a slight flush rising on his cheeks at his oversight. Pikachu and Eevee exchanged a knowing glance, as if to say simultaneously thought, 'Even this idiot can miss the obvious sometimes.'
Platinum chuckled softly, seeing their expressions as she said cheerfully, "Well, now you know! And as a thanks for helping me on this journey, and for all your assistance, you two won't have to worry about accommodation, food, or any other necessities for your Pokémon either. The Berlitz family takes care of all those expenses for our traveling companions."
Hearing that, Diamond and Pearl mentally deflated with a collective sigh of relief as they thought, 'This was game-changing information!'
No longer limited to just six Pokémon, they now had the flexibility to increase their teams, to experiment, to plan for future challenges with a much broader roster. The thought of all the new Pokémon they could potentially add, and the strategic possibilities it opened, sent a thrilling jolt through them.
They would have to be careful about who they added now, but the options were exhilarating. Diamond breathed, his eyes shining, "Whoa… More friends? That changes everything!"
Pearl, already mentally reorganizing his team, pumped a fist as he exclaimed, "This is incredible! We can really fix our teams now!"
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Pastoria City – Great Marsh (Building Area)]
Excited by the news and the prospect of expanding their horizons, the group practically sprinted towards the Pastoria Great Marsh. The Great Marsh building was a grand, rustic structure, blending seamlessly with the surrounding wetlands. Inside, a pleasant, earthy scent mingled with the faint aroma of exotic plants.
As they approached the counter, an attendant in a khaki uniform greeted them with a friendly smile. He announced, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious hall, "Welcome to the Pastoria Great Marsh Safari Zone! Before you proceed, let me explain the rules for entry. Much like other Pokémon Safari Zone preserves in Kanto and Hoenn, the Great Marsh offers a unique Safari Game experience."
He gestured to a large map behind him, dotted with various colored zones as he explained, "For an entry fee of 500 Poke Dollars, each trainer receives 30 Safari Balls. Your objective is to use these Safari Balls to catch as many Pokémon as you can within the preserve. However, once you run out of Safari Balls, your game is over, and you must exit."
He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing, "The mechanics here are a little different from a standard Pokémon battle. When a wild Pokémon appears, you may not send out any of your own Pokémon to battle it. Your goal is to try to catch the Pokémon without harming it."
He added, a slight warning in his tone, "Furthermore, wild Pokémon in the Great Marsh are famously skittish. They may choose to flee the battle at any time, which means catching a Pokémon here requires mainly luck, patience, and good judgment."
He then pointed to a diagram illustrating the available options, explaining, "You have four choices during an encounter…"
Throw a Safari Ball: This throws a special Safari Ball to attempt to capture the Pokémon, similar to how you'd throw a regular Poké Ball in an average battle.
Throw bait: Throwing bait makes a Pokémon easier to catch by making it more interested and less wary. However, it also makes it more likely to flee from battle, as it might decide to run off with the food.
Throw mud: Throwing mud does the reverse of throwing bait. While it makes the Pokémon harder to catch, as it might get annoyed and wary, it also makes the Pokémon less likely to flee from battle, as it might be too flustered or defensive to run.
Run from battle: Like in an average Pokémon battle, choosing to run away will cause the encounter to end, costing you nothing but the opportunity.
He finished, looking at the eager faces before him, "Any questions?"
Platinum confirmed, already pulling out her wallet, "No, that sounds perfectly clear. We'll all be going in. Four entries, please."
*Chink*
She counted out 2000 Poke Dollars, placing them on the counter. The attendant accepted the payment with a grin, handing each of them a small pouch containing 30 specialized Safari Balls and a detailed map of the Great Marsh as he stated, "Excellent! Enjoy your Safari Game, and good luck finding those rare Pokémon!"
With a shared nod of excitement, the group moved past the attendant, the sounds of the bustling city fading behind them as they stepped into the unique ecosystem of the Great Marsh. The air immediately grew thicker, heavy with the scent of stagnant water and blooming marsh flowers.
"Chirp! Chirp! Croak! Ribbit!"
Exotic bird calls and amphibian croaks filled the air, mingling with the rustling of tall reeds. The ground beneath them shifted from solid boardwalks to muddy paths, leading deeper into a verdant labyrinth of water, grass, and trees.
Reflections of the sky shimmered on the tranquil water, occasionally broken by the ripple of a passing Pokémon. This was a wild, untamed corner of Sinnoh, brimming with life.
Platinum, her eyes scanning the foliage, was determined. She needed a Grass-type, a strong one, to counter Crasher Wake.
Diamond, meanwhile, was already imagining what kind of new friends he might find, perhaps a sturdy defensive Pokémon or a playful companion for Lax. Pearl, the strategist, was contemplating what aggressive or support Pokémon could augment his already powerful team. Azure was on his own as he had to leave behind his trusted partners, and inside the Great Marsh.
Azure began to observe the marsh with a keen, experienced eye. He might not need another Pokémon, but the thrill of discovery was a constant lure. The hunt for Platinum's new Grass-type, and perhaps a few new additions for Diamond and Pearl, had officially begun.
The Great Marsh awaited its newest challengers.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!