Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 137: The Choice [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Days Later, Violet City]

A few days passed as Azure finally arrived at Violet City. Seeing Bellsprout Tower at a distance, his Pikachu perched over his shoulder, Eevee trotting beside him, and Celebi smiling, floating next to him, he saw the tower.

Azure smirked as they arrived at Violet City, and he sighed a breath of relief, "Phew… Finally, we arrived here. Ain't that right, guys?"

His Poke Balls shook as they arrived at Violet City. Taking the chance, he went to the Pokémon Center to recover his Pokémon.

As he rested up, a familiar figure approached him as he turned his head to see Prof. Oak. As he greeted him, he said excitedly, "Oh! Good to see you here, Azure. I've heard some news from Daisy, you managed to capture 28 different variants of Unown. I'm very thankful for your help with my research."

Azure smiled as he chuckled lightly as he said, looking around the Pokémon Center, "It was my pleasure. Speaking of Daisy, where is she exactly?"

Prof. Oak then explained to Azure that Daisy returned to Pallet Town a few days ago, as he added happily, "Daisy already went back a few days ago. Thankfully, I'm glad to say that the PC System has been nicely restored now. Bill managed to have it up and running again. That old dog has done it again!"

Azure smiled, hearing the good news of that. It meant that Pryce was finally doing his part, dismantling his criminal organization as he said to Oak happily, "Glad to hear. That means I can finally put my old team back at Pallet Town for now."

Prof. Oak chuckled when he heard that Daisy managed to grab all his Pokémon, returning them to him during his journey. He said happily, "I bet so. Feeding so many mouths every day must've been a hassle, young man."

Azure sheepishly smiles, hearing that, as he rubs the back of his head. But hearing this, Azure was happy to hear the news, thinking, 'Perfect! With my old team being sent to Pallet Town, I'll have most of my attention training my new team, switching in and out for each Gym now.'

Azure smirked at the idea of his old Pokémon teaching his new ones' moves; they need to learn or follow guidelines to perform certain moves. Taking the chance, though Azure asked Prof. Oak curiously, "Anyway, Prof. Oak, what are you doing here in Violet City anyway? Doing some Pokémon research?"

Prof. Oak smiled as he rubbed his head sheepishly as he explained himself, "Easy. I came to hire a Trainer to collect data on Pokémon. With Gold taking one of the Pokedex and you handing the other to Silver, Green's little brother… I was left with no choice but to bring a specialist in capturing Pokémon."

Azure nodded in understanding as he was referring to Crystal, the Catcher. But that was when Prof. Oak saw Celebi as he asked curiously, "I see you've been busy getting new Pokémon, Azure. Although… I don't believe to have seen this one before. Is it a new species by chance?"

Being aware that Celebi was a Mythical Pokémon, there wasn't much info about its existence other than a few texts or recordings of its tales in the distant past told through the generations. But Azure calmly said, "Possibly, but I'm researching it for now. I'll give you a report later, Prof."

Prof. Oak nodded as he departed, leaving Azure giving a few details of his hired help, Crystal, to be on the lookout for. Azure nodded as he turned to the PC, contacting Daisy as the screen flashed, showing her face.

*Beep*

The computer screen turned on, showing Daisy as she greeted him in a playful tone, "Oh? Sup Sky! I see you saw news of the PC System turning on again, right? How's your Pokémon been doing?"

Azure chuckled lightly, holding his Poke Balls his intending to send them as he replied, "Got a few of them that I want to return. But you know me, I couldn't help catch them all… even got a new Shiny Gyarados, see?"

Holding a Gyarados Poke Ball, Daisy blinked, surprised as she casually said, "Oh? Good for you then. So which Pokémon are you sending back…?"

They talked a few times before Azure ultimately sent a few back to Daisy. While he was at it beforehand, Azure talked to his Pokémon to train his new ones for the Pokémon League, as he intends to use the Johto Region Pokémon this time around.

After adjusting his team lineup up he knew he needed to train them right before challenging Falkner's Gym Battle. He wanted his Pokémon to be perfectly set up for any challenges that come they're way.

After sending some back to Daisy at Pallet Town, Azure began to check his Arc Phone. Using its Map App, he can see if he can locate a secluded place to train his Pokémon.

/////

[Johto Region, Later, Violet City – Outskirts]

Arriving at the outskirts of Violet City without anyone to bother him, he smiled. Pikachu, over his shoulder, dropped down, Eevee jumped from his backpack, and Celebi floated around, seeing his training method.

*Pop*

Hurling his Poke Balls into the air, Azure brought out his Johto Team. The Johto Team, which consisted of Skarmory, Pupitar, Misdreavus, Houndoom, Quagsire, Ampharos, Sneasel, Heracross, Steelix, Tyrogue, Gyarados, and the newest edition, Teddiursa.

From the side, he threw out his Training Team. Chansey, Alakazam, Lapras, Celebi, and Porygon can use the move Gravity to effectively help their training, along with healing moves. Along with them were Scizor, Arcanine, Pikachu, Eevee, Kingdra, Charizard, Blastoise, Gengar, and Dragonite, their sparing partners.

Having them brought out, Azure smiled as he instructed his team on what to do in an excited tone, "Okay, everyone, I want you to help grind the Johto Team up, got it? Chansey and Alakazam, you two are with me, preparing meals for them. And those from Johto take this time to learn as much as you can from your Seniors in the next few days, as after this, I'll be sending you all back to Pallet Town. You'll continue to be training under them as the other 6 will be traveling around with me, but I'll rotate teams occasionally, got it?"

His Pokémon all let out battle cries, agreeing as Scizor took Heracross and Tyrogue to train on their moves. Kingdra and Lapras took in Gyarados, Quagsire, and Sneseal to learn a few moves for variety.

Charizard, Arcanine, and Dragonite took Pupitar, Houndoom, Steelix, and Skarmory to increase their levels by sparring with them. Pikachu and Eevee took in Ampharos and Teddiursa to help them train.

Misdreavus was left with Gengar, wanting to test her disciple's strength. And all of this was being handled with Chansey, Porygon, and Alakazam performing the move Gravity on a lower scale for the new members to casually handle.

As they began preparing meals, taking out the ingredients, Alakazam asked curiously telepathically, 'Thinking of adding another member who could use Gravity soon, Sir Sky? It could certainly help the Training Team help the other Pokémon during switching Pokémon that could use Gravity.'

Hearing Alakazam's opinion, Azure nodded as he helped get out the cooking equipment, as he said cooly, "True… it would be helpful to get another Pokémon that could use Gravity. Although I would prefer they have healing-type moves as well, but…"

Alakazam nodded his head in understanding, finding a Pokémon that could use healing-type moves was rare. Providing another Gravity and Healing Move user would certainly help his team.

*Shiii*

All the cooking utensils and ingredients were floated into the air by Alakazam's Telekinesis as it began to prepare the food, and Chansey assisted in the Pokémon diet as the Psi Pokémon answered, 'I understand. In that case, after this adventure of yours, we'll be heading to the past, correct?'

Nodding his head in understanding, Azure helped assist in cooking the food as he replied excitedly, "Yeah! Plus, visiting the past might be fun don't know what kind of dangers one will expect. Plus, I might need your help for quick escapes if need be."

Alakazam merely chuckled at that but thought curiously, 'Visiting the past, huh? Wouldn't be so bad for a vacation.'

They both chuckled as they began cooking the food, as his Pokémon trained. Azure soon held out a few items as he grasped a belt in one hand.

[Item: Expert Belt

Rarity Item: A

Type: Held Item

Description: An item to be held by a Pokémon. It's a well-worn belt that slightly boosts the power of the holder's supereffective moves by 20%.]

He smirked as this item brought a few as he thought happily, beginning to cook the food, placing the items down to his side, 'The Expert Belt would be perfect for Heracross. The Never-Melt Ice is a good addition to Senseal when she evolves into a Weavile. Gotta hand her the Razor Claw and train at night. And the Silk Scarf is perfect for Teddiursa when she becomes Ursaring.'

Upon contemplating evolving Ursaring, Azure momentarily stopped with a pondering expression. He crossed his arms as he thought, 'I have the Peat Block to make my Pokémon evolve… but does it have to evolve in Sinnoh for it to work, or just under a full moon? Hmm… this could be worth consideration.'

Pondering his idea of training his team, another issue he can't ignore is his Scuffle Pokémon Tyrogue. Deciding to ask for its opinion, Azure went towards where Scizor was training his Heracross and Tyrogue.

Azure said, his voice calm and steady, getting the trio's attention, "Alright, Tyrogue, take a break. I need to talk to you about something important."

He knelt, bringing himself to the young Pokémon's eye level. Tyrogue looked up, his three-pronged crest quivering slightly.

He was strong, but he felt a strange energy coursing through him, a change on the horizon. Azure had seen this countless times before. It was the precipice of evolution.

Azure began as he softly says, gesturing to the open field with his other Pokémon, training intensely, "We need to talk about your future. You're getting stronger, and soon you'll evolve. But for you, it's not just one path. You have a choice."

Tyrogue tilted his head, listening intently. Azure explained as he painted a picture with his words, "If you focus all your energy into your Attack, you could become a Hitmonlee. Imagine it. Legs like coiled springs, able to stretch and deliver kicks with such speed and power that they're almost impossible to see. A master of single, devastating strikes. Pure, focused offense."

To illustrate, Azure mimed a powerful, stretching kick. Tyrogue watched, then copied the motion. He put all his might into a kick, but his short, stout legs made the move feel awkward, and he stumbled slightly, catching himself before he fell.

Tyrogue grunted, a little frustrated. Azure chuckled lightly but continued, "Or, if you channel your power into your Defense, you could become a Hitmonchan. A boxer with the spirit of a champion. Unrelenting flurries of punches, each one imbued with elemental power—fire, ice, thunder. A wall of fists that can weather any storm and strike back a hundred times over."

Azure demonstrated a quick one-two-three punching combination. Tyrogue mirrored him, his small fists surprisingly fast.

It let out a series of sharp cries as Tyrogue punched the air, "Ty! Ty! Ty!"

Tyrogue felt good, powerful, but it didn't feel... right. The rhythm was off, like a song sung in the wrong key. Azure said, his voice softening, "But there's a third way. It's not about focusing on just one thing. It's about finding a perfect center. Perfect balance between Attack and Defense. If you can achieve that, you'll become Hitmontop."

He paused, letting the idea settle. Tyrogue looked interested as Azure continued explaining to it, "Hitmontop doesn't fight like the others. It finds its strength in motion, in grace. It spins on its head, becoming a whirlwind of kicks. It's a dance of both offense and defense, where every movement flows into the next. It requires incredible control and a calm mind at the center of the storm."

Azure didn't try to mimic this one. It was too unique, too specialized.

He just looked at Tyrogue, waiting. Tyrogue stood still for a long moment.

It looked at his legs, then his fists. The idea of pure kicking power was appealing, as was the thought of an unstoppable barrage of punches. But the third option… balance… grace… it resonated with something deep inside it.

Slowly, tentatively, he got into a low crouch. He placed his hands on the ground and tried to kick his feet up.

It was clumsy, and he immediately tumbled onto his back. But Tyrogue sat up, undeterred. A determined fire burned in his eyes.

It tried again, this time putting the horn on his head to the ground for stability. It pushed off, his body spinning in a wobbly, uncontrolled circle before he collapsed again in a heap.

Tyrogue lay there for a second, catching its breath. Then, a wide grin spread across its face as if finding its calling.

It scrambled to its feet and looked at Azure, its eyes shining with excitement. Tyrogue pointed a thumb at his chest, then wobbled on one foot, spinning in a slow, silly circle. It didn't have the grace or the power yet, but the joy was unmistakable.

This was it. This was Tyrogue's path. Azure smiled back, a warm, knowing expression on his face as he said, his voice full of pride, "Hitmontop it is, then. It's a difficult path. We'll need to work on your balance more than anything. It'll be less about brute force and more about finding your center."

Tyrogue let out a triumphant cry and punched at the sky, "ROGUE!"

Tyrogue had a goal. It wasn't just a scrappy brawler anymore; he was a dancer in training, a fighter seeking equilibrium.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the field in hues of orange and purple, Azure stood up and placed a hand on Tyrogue's head. Azure said excitedly, looking towards the lights of Violet City beginning to twinkle in the dusk, "Alright! Let's go find a place to rest. Our training starts for real tomorrow."

The journey was far from over, but for the first time, they knew exactly which way to turn. And he couldn't wait…