Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 157: Magical Pokémon

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Nighttime, Cianwood City – Pokémon Center]

The salt-laced wind whipped Azure's crimson hair across his face as he strode through the dusty streets of Cianwood City. The coastal town's rugged, unkempt appearance mirrored his current state of weariness, a welcome contrast to Olivine's polished perfection.

Here, amidst the scent of brine and drying seaweed, Azure felt a sense of grounding. His journey through Johto had been a tapestry woven with exhilarating victories, harrowing escapes, and the quiet, profound companionship of his Pokémon.

Beside him, Pikachu, his ever-present partner, scampered with a familiar, happy chirp, his bright yellow fur a vibrant spark against the muted tones of the city. Trotting close behind, with a gentle, curious gaze, was Eevee, her soft brown coat shimmering.

These two were his anchors, the first Pokémon from his main team, and their bond was as strong and unwavering as the ancient stones of Cianwood itself. Fluttering overhead, a serene presence, was Celebi.

Upon arriving in Cianwood, Azure eschewed the immediate call of the Gym. However, he was met with an intense battle against Suicune, which resulted in his team resting while he formulated a plan to battle Chuck.

The Pokémon Center served as a temporary haven, a place for rest, rejuvenation, and deeper connection. Azure found himself in the quiet solitude of his room at the Pokémon Center.

He was strategizing for his upcoming battle against Chuck, the formidable Fighting-type Gym Leader. The sheer physicality of Chuck's Pokémon demanded a careful selection of his own.

He reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of his entire roster after conducting thorough planning on his part. He decided on a rotation once he felt confident of his choices.

The first one was Skarmory, with its Steel/Flying typing, which would be invaluable against Chuck's likely fighting-type Pokémon. Its natural defense and aerial superiority would provide a crucial advantage.

Misdreavus, though ethereal and not as physically imposing, possessed a unique blend of Ghost-type abilities and uncanny speed, making it a wildcard against the typical brute force of Fighting-types. Heracross, a powerful Bug/Fighting type itself, would bring its brand of offensive pressure, capable of delivering devastating Close Combat and Megahorn attacks.

Ampharos, with its Electric-typing, offered a strong counter to any physical attackers Chuck might employ, its Static ability a constant threat of paralysis. And Hitmontop, a Pokémon known for its versatile fighting style and powerful spinning attacks, would be a key player in the close-quarters combat that Chuck's gym was known for.

He kept Quagsire on his active team, the Water/Ground typing providing unique resistances and a surprising offensive threat. The rest of his team – Blastoise, Lapras, Kingdra, Shiny Gyarados, and Dragonite – would be resting and undergoing specialized training in preparation for future challenges, their absence from the Cianwood Gym a strategic decision rather than a slight.

From then on, Azure focused his time on training his team. He told them to do some drills for battle on what they should do if they encountered Chuck Pokémon, which he had checked online to see what his team would do.

Upon doing so, Azure saw his Pokémon train, which made his heart swell with pride as they were using the training grounds. But then his eyes lingered on Misdreavus training with Hitmontop.

Misdreavus was busy practicing its ghost abilities and illusions, trying to perform last-minute evasion tactics using its illusions. Azure, seeing this thought curiously, 'Hmm… Misdreavus has been with me for a long while now, and we're at the 6th Gym. I think… I think it's time to finally evolve her.'

Azure took out the Dusk Stone from his [Sub-Space]. He held the dusk-colored stone emitting bitch black energy as he smiled fondly, muttering happily, "It has been a long while, and with her evolving, might give us the chance. Heh… it reminds me how I evolved Growlithe into Arcanine…"

Azure paused, recalling the big moment when he used the Fire Stone, witnessing the evolution to Arcanine. Rubbing the Dusk Stone, he smiled fondly as he took a quick picture of Misdreavus form as it will be changing soon.

He gazed at the photo, smiling fondly as he muttered happily, "I'm gonna miss that cute small form. But I'll ask if she wants to evolve, it's her choice after all."

Finally decided what to do next, tomorrow, Azure grinned, clenching the Dusk Stone tightly in his hands. Afterward, when everyone was done training, Azure recalled them and went to bed for the night.

/////

[Johto Region, Next Day, Cianwood City – Gym]

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The air in Cianwood was still heavy with the scent of the ocean, but a sense of anticipation hung in the air.

Azure, however, had one more personal mission before he'd face Chuck. He found his Misdreavus resting peacefully in her Poké Ball.

*Pop*

He called her out, her spectral form shimmering into existence. Misdreavus floated before him, her mischievous grin and large, expressive eyes conveying a silent question, "Mis? (Is something wrong, master?)"

Azure reached into his satchel and pulled out a smooth, dark object. It was a Dusk Stone he got from Tapu Koko in Alola, its surface absorbing the light around it, giving off an almost imperceptible hum.

He had held onto it for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment, for Misdreavus to truly be ready. He'd seen her grow, not just in power, but in wisdom and control.

She had mastered her spectral abilities, her mischievousness tempered by a growing maturity. She was no longer just a playful spirit; she was a formidable ally, capable of strategic brilliance and adaptability.

After training under his Shiny Gengar, practicing its ghost moves and foundation, he found the time for Misdreavus to evolve appropriately. Azure began, his voice calm and reassuring as he said, "Misdreavus. You've been with me for a long time, and you've grown so much. You've faced challenges with courage and cleverness. Today, I think you're ready for this. But I want you to decide, as this will be a one-time thing, and we can't undo it. I leave you the choice if you want to evolve or not."

He held out the Dusk Stone. Misdreavus's eyes widened slightly as she recognized the evolution stone he obtained from Tapu Koko.

She floated closer, her ghostly tendrils reaching out, not to grasp, but to feel the stone's latent energy. A soft, understanding glow emanated from her.

Misdreavus looked from the stone to Azure, a sense of trust and anticipation radiating from her. Azure smiled as he saw a familiar pop-up text box. And he agreed without a second thought.

[Would you like to use this item [Dusk Stone]?]

[Which Pokémon will you use it for?]

With a decisive nod, Azure presented the stone more directly. Misdreavus took a deep, spectral breath and nudged the Dusk Stone with her forehead.

*Shiiii*

A gentle, ethereal light enveloped her, growing brighter and more intense with each passing second. The air crackled with unseen energy. Her form began to shift, elongating, her spectral essence condensing and solidifying into a more defined shape.

Her mischievous grin remained, but now it was tinged with a newfound elegance. Her wispy appendages reformed into flowing, cloak-like appendages, shimmering with otherworldly colors. Her eyes, once large and round, narrowed into sharp, intelligent slits.

When the light finally subsided, it was no longer Misdreavus who floated before Azure, but Mismagius. The transformation was complete.

Mismagius let out a triumphant, melodic cry that echoed with power and grace, "Mis! Mismagius~ (Hoorah! I evolved into the Caster Class!)"

She spun in a dizzying, elegant dance, her new form radiating an aura of concentrated spectral energy. Azure smiled, a genuine, proud smile as he said proudly, "Incredible, Mismagius. You look… magnificent."

Mismagius giggled, a sound like wind chimes caught in a storm. She hovered closer, nudging Azure's cheek with her spectral form, a clear gesture of affection and gratitude as Azure rubbed her head.

Azure said excitedly, his voice filled with a quiet confidence as he checked his Arc Phone, "You're ready. Ready for Chuck. Ready for anything. And… you seemed to learn a few inherited moves too Mismagius."

[Mismagius the Magical Pokémon. Mismagius usually shows up without warning to cause havoc on unsuspecting humans or Pokémon. If it is powerful, Mismagius can use advanced incantations for various purposes, such as causing misery or happiness.

Due to this, people often seek to capture Mismagius as if their life depended on it, solely to make someone fall in love with them. There is a custom of inviting Mismagius to one's home, usually to ward off misfortune with its spells.

However, this can also lead to disaster should Mismagius ever be provoked. People who hear its cries will usually receive headaches and hallucinations. Mismagius can put its victims to sleep and cause them to enter a strange dream world without them noticing. If Mismagius falls asleep or is knocked out, the victim will wake up. It can sometimes be found roaming around lakes and mountainsides at night.]

|Name: Mismagius (Magical Pokémon)

|Type: Ghost

|Level: 48

|Gender: Female

|Held Item: [Wise Glasses]

|Ability: Levitate

|Nature: Timid

|Moves: Screech, Psychic [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Hypnosis, Shadow Sneak [A][S], Confuse Ray, Mean Look, Shadow Ball [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Hex [A][S], Pain Split, Power Gem [A][S], Perish Song, Destiny Bond, Curse, Future Sight [A][S], Poltergeist [A][S], Attract (TM), Protect (TM), Nightmare (TM), Will-O-Wisp (TM), Magical Leaf (IM), Mystical Fire (IM), Ominous Wind [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves Left to learn)

Azure read the bio as he said proudly, rubbing Mismagius' hat, "Well, look at that. You learned the moves Magical Leaf and Mystical Fire. Certainly gives you the power of the Magical Pokémon, alright."

Mismagius chuckled happily, knowing this. The Magical Pokémon thought mischievously in the distance, 'Oh, when we return to Goldenrod City, that security guard is gonna get it! I shall have my revenge! Mwhahaha…!!!'

Azure suddenly shivered as he thought cautiously, 'Why do I suddenly get a bad feeling? Is there Entei nearby!!'

Searching around to see if Entei was nearby, issuing another trial, Azure saw nothing. He sighed, shaking his head helplessly as he muttered, "Eh, must be my imagination. Now then… how does your illusion work now with incantations?"

Mismagius paused, hearing that, and began its incantations instinctively. It began to murmur quite happily, seeing this new ability of hers.

*Murmur*

*Murmur*

Azure flinched, feeling a headache from Mismagius' incantations. But his eyes shot wide as, instead of being in front of a gym…

*POOF*

… he was suddenly on top of Mt. Silver as he muttered in awe, "Amazing…! I can feel the cold, but not at the same time! This is game-breaking!"

*Shiver*

Azure lightly shivered, feeling the cold tricking his senses. Mismagius stopped its incantations, as it successfully tricked Azure's senses under Mismagius' illusions, looking quite smug.

Mismagius puffed its chest pridefully, looking more arrogant in its new power, but when it did so, it stopped its murmuring…

*Poof*

… the illusion of being at Mt. Silver ended right then and there, leaving both baffled as they returned meeting the Gym's entrance. Mismagius looked confused, rubbing its head, seeing the illusion ending.

Azure pondered out loud curiously as the Magical Pokémon listened, "Interesting… so your illusion only stays active so long as they listen to you and keep incantating. Seems like we're going to need to work on that in the future."

Mismagius crossed its arms, bobbing its head, agreeing as it thought mischievously, 'So that's how my ability works, huh? I just gotta say the right incantation to keep my illusions active… hehehe…'

Mismagius giggled in delight at her new abilities. Azure felt a shiver run down his spine as he pondered, '… I wonder if it's too late to undo her evolution. Ah, well… so long as she does it to the enemy and not me. And speaking of the enemy…'

He returned Mismagius to her Poké Ball, a potent new weapon added to his arsenal. The battle against Chuck felt less daunting now, more like an exciting challenge that he and his team were finally, truly prepared for, with a newly evolved ally by his side.

The salty air of Cianwood City seemed to hum with the promise of victory. Azure smirked along with his Partner Pikachu, climbing over his shoulder. Partner Eevee trotted over to his side, and Celebi hummed happily by Azure's side.

Taking the first step, eyes filled with determination, Azure ventured forward, "Now. Time to get that sixth Gym Badge!"

Filled with determination and an empowered team, he walked straight ahead to the Cianwood Gym entrance gates. The battles ahead are waiting for his challenge and have come knocking, answering them.