Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Hisui Region, Days Later, Jubilife Village – Galaxy HQ]

Life in Jubilife Village was a stark contrast to his solitary explorations, yet equally fascinating. Azure observed the daily routines of the Galaxy Team, the cautious interactions with wild Pokémon, and the earnest efforts of the villagers to carve out a life.

Azure found himself drawn to the training grounds, offering subtle tips to recruits, his movements fluid, his understanding of Pokémon ingrained. He helped where he could, his quiet competence quickly earning him a measure of respect.

It was something the Captains and Commander were hesitant about letting Azure interact with the recruits. But seeing him share his experience and training methods showed results, seeing how a Pokémon Trainer operates.

Along with the fact that successful missions in dealing with Wild Pokémon have increased thanks to the new item of the Poke Blocks. It helped a lot more than the Commander and Captains had anticipated.

Azure made sure to speak with Akari at times, as they were both people from the future getting used to each other's presence. For Akari, it meant a lot to find someone to share her struggles finding someone to console with.

A few days into his stay in the training grounds, a messenger approached him, a young woman from the Survey Corps. She announced calmly, "Mr. Sky. Professor Laventon requests your presence at his laboratory. He's heard... intriguing things about your travels and wishes to discuss them."

Azure smiled inwardly. He knew this was coming.

Professor Laventon, a man of profound scientific curiosity, wouldn't miss an opportunity to learn about a new arrival, especially one who seemed to have an unusual affinity for Pokémon.

Azure nodded as he began to leave where the Professor resided, and replied casually, "Of course. I'd be delighted to assist the Professor."

Making his way to the Galaxy Team HQ, he visited the room where Professor Laventon resided. Upon entering Laventon's cluttered, fascinating laboratory, a space filled with half-finished inventions, meticulously organized notes, and the lingering scent of peculiar herbs, Azure found the Professor hunched over a worktable, muttering to himself.

Laventon straightened up, his eyes, magnified by his spectacles, gleaming with academic fervor. Laventon gestured wildly as he said excitedly, "Ah, Mr. Sky! Akari has spoken highly of you! A trainer of great experience, she says! And your Pokémon... well, I confess, I'm quite curious to see them! I've heard tell of your magnificent Arcanine, for one! Its coat, its sheer power! Remarkable! Would you be so kind as to permit me to observe your companions?"

Azure nodded, a warm feeling spreading through him. He paused, then added carefully his condition to the professor, "Certainly, Professor. I'd be honored. My Pokémon are eager to meet new people, too. Though I must make one small request. I have a few very rare Pokémon, ancient ones, that are... well, they're quite shy and prefer to remain out of sight. I hope you understand, Professor..."

He offered a deferential bow, subtly invoking the mystique of the unknown, an explanation that respected Hisuian sensibilities while preserving the timeline. Laventon, already captivated by the prospect of seeing new specimens, merely waved a dismissive hand as he said excitedly, "Of course, of course! A trainer's bond is sacred! I merely wish to observe, to learn! No pressure at all, Master Sky!"

This allowed Azure to respectfully keep Celebi and Ho-Oh hidden, preserving the delicate fabric of history. He started with his loyal Arcanine, who emerged from its Poké Ball with a low rumble, its fiery mane shimmering.

Laventon gasped, already having seen it but still in awe. He exclaimed, circling the majestic beast, taking furious notes, "Magnificent! Such grace! Such power!"

Next came Shiny Gengar. Laventon stumbled back, startled by its peculiar, silvery hue. Gengar offered a toothy grin, phasing playfully around the bewildered professor as he exclaimed excitedly, "By Almighty Sinnoh's beard! A spectral Pokémon of such... luminescence! How utterly fascinating! And its mischievous aura, quite palpable!"

Dragonite, materializing with a gentle thud, dwarfed the lab. Its sheer size and benevolent gaze captivated Laventon as he exclaimed excitedly, "A dragon! A true dragon! And so... serene! What power it must possess, yet so gentle!"

Scizor emerged, its metallic body gleaming under the lab's flickering lights. Laventon peered at its sharp claws and armored shell as he studied intently, muttering, "A creature of metal! And such precise articulation! Incredible!"

Then came the giants: Tyranitar, casting a colossal shadow, making the entire lab subtly vibrate with its presence. Laventon's jaw hung open as he yelled excitedly, "A behemoth! A living mountain! I've read legends of such titans in Johto, but to see one...!"

Alakazam appeared next, its three spoons rotating with an almost hypnotic rhythm. Laventon's eyes widened at the sight of its apparent intellect as he muttered, "The very essence of thought! Its psychic energy is palpable! Remarkable!"

Mismagius drifted gracefully, its ethereal form emanating a soft, haunting glow. He yelled excitedly, seeing Mismagius, "A ghost! So elegant, so otherworldly! Its spectral essence is truly unique!"

Finally, Azure released his constant companions: Pikachu and Eevee.

Laventon watched, fascinated, as Pikachu immediately scampered up Azure's arm to perch on his shoulder, while Eevee rubbed affectionately against his leg. He muttered, fascinated, "And these two! So familiar, yet so vibrant! The bond you share, Mr. Sky, with each of your Pokémon is truly extraordinary. The care you've poured into their well-being, their training... It's evident in every aspect of their being."

The Professor spent a long time observing, sketching, and excitedly questioning Azure about his Pokémon's temperaments, diets, and unique abilities. He was less interested in battling prowess and more in their natural behaviors and the symbiotic relationship they shared with their trainer, showing they're strong bond.

Azure answered patiently, selectively revealing information that wouldn't disrupt historical knowledge, focusing on their natural adaptations and the bonds of friendship. The more that Prof. Laventon listened, the more he found Azure's knowledge fascinating and yet drastically different.

As the session ended, Laventon looked at Azure, a thoughtful expression on his face. He began to speak in a respectful tone, "Mr. Sky… you possess an unparalleled understanding and affinity for Pokémon. I've observed your interactions, your methods... It's truly inspiring…"

Azure nodded, but as the more they ended the session, a thought occurred to him. He spent much time here capturing Pokémon as he mumbled seriously, "I suppose I've captured enough to return home. And besides… I must start planning for the Hoenn Region soon…"

With that thought in his mind, Azure finally decided. In a few days, he'll leave Hisui to prepare for the Hoenn Region.

/////

[Hisui Region, Days Later, Jubilife Village – Prelude Beach]

After a couple of days spent in Jubilife Village, Azure felt it was time for him and his crew to leave the Hisui Region. They're being plenty of Pokémon he wanted to catch, but he also had to start training his Hoenn team soon.

Thus, he only asked Akari to come visit him at Prelude Beach. From there, he broke the news as Akari's eyes widened as she said, "You're leaving Azure?"

Akari looked genuinely downcast hearing the news. For a fellow traveler leaving, she felt a bit depressed but knew that he couldn't have stayed forever.

Both his Pikachu and Eevee expressed concern over Akari. Azure called out Celebi as he handed Akari something in a soft tone, "Here. Take these as thanks."

Azure handed his special backpack to leave behind extra food, Poke Balls, electronic supplies, and medicine he prepared, staying for a while in the Hisui Region. Akari clenched the backpack as she corrected him with a grin, "Thanks? You mean a gift for a friend."

Azure chuckled as he replied sheepishly, "Sure. I hope you have a good time here."

Both chuckled, hearing this. But both knew the time was near as he held Celebi's Poke Ball as he said calmly, "Akari… if you need any help or need a place to stay, just know my world is always welcoming if you meet me in Pallet Town. Till then…"

*Pop*

Bringing out Celebi from its GS Ball, it began to glow, activating its ability. Akari smiled as she said fondly, "Till then… my friend."

*Shiii*

Azure slowly gets enveloped by the green light as he replies fondly, "Thanks… my friend. Till we meet again!"

//////

[Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]

*Shiii*

A green vortex appeared in the Pallet Town's range as Azure slowly appeared along with Celebi, Pikachu, and Eevee. Azure stepped out as he inhaled deeply, "Whew… good to see we're back home, huh, guys?"

Both Pikachu and Eevee chirped happily as they landed on familiar grounds. Azure smiled fondly as he gazed at the area, "Heh… been a long while. But the trip has definitely been worth it. Come out, everyone!"

*Pop*

Hurling his Poke Balls into the air, they all opened to reveal his team. Arcanine, Gengar, Scizor, Dragonite, Tyranitar, Mismagius, and Alakazam breathed in and out, realizing they had arrived back in Pallet Town.

The fresh air and smell made them all at ease. With that, they took their sign to return to their natural habitats of Prof. Oak's ranch, taking the time to enjoy themselves as they floated, crawled, and walked back.

Azure then grabbed the Poké Balls he left within his Boxes. All of them were different kinds of Pokémon from the past he managed to collect for Professor Oak, except for the few he decided to keep from his journey in the Hisui Region.

Upon returning to Oak's Lab, the first to spot him was Daisy, as her eyes widened as she said, shockingly, "Oh! Azure, you're back and – what the heck are you wearing?"

Azure chuckled, realizing he was still in his Hisuian Traditional attire as he bluntly stated, getting her attention, "I've just visited the Hisui Region in the past thanks to Celebi. Managed to obtain a few Pokémon from the past. Anyway, is Prof. Oak here by the way, Daisy?"

Daisy froze at his words as she said, baffled, mouth agape, "I'm sorry, but can you run that by me again? Time traveled... to the PAST?!"

Azure smugly handed Daisy Poke Balls of some of the Hisuian Pokémon he caught as he bluntly stated, "You've heard me. These Pokémon are from the past, long gone from history. So, where is Prof. Oak?"

*Blop*

While Daisy was stunned, Azure heard a unique sound. He turned to see the Meltan as Daisy ran off to inform the others.

Azure smiled, seeing the group of Meltan's as he said coolly, "Sup! I see there are more of you guys around. How's life treating you?"

Meltan, the leader, cried out happily, "Mel!"

*Shiii*

Suddenly, a faint hum vibrated through the air, barely perceptible at first, like a distant power line. Azure's eyes snapped open.

Pikachu's ears swiveled, perked instantly, a low rumble escaping his chest. Eevee, her head tilted, a questioning whine leaving her muzzle.

The hum intensified, becoming a low thrum that vibrated through the lab floor. Azure looked at the Meltan. All of them were stirring.

Their collective eyes, usually calm and placid, now glowed with an unusual intensity. Their small, metallic bodies began to shimmer, the liquid metal seeming to ripple and flow.

Pikachu murmured, pointing a cautious paw at the nearest Meltan, which was now lifting itself off the ground, its tiny body humming audibly, "Pika?"

Azure whispered, intrigued rather than alarmed, "What's going on, guys?"

He had witnessed many strange phenomena in his travels, but this felt different. The Meltan began to move. Not randomly, but with a deliberate, almost choreographed precision.

They rose into the air, hovering a few inches off the ground, their tails swaying in unison. A faint, almost melodic clinking sound filled the air as they began to drift, like metallic bubbles, towards the very center of the garden.

Eevee barked again, her fur bristling slightly, a mix of apprehension and wonder in her eyes, "Eevee!"

Azure murmured, eyes widening slowly, "Easy, Eevee."

He kept his distance, but his gaze was fixed on the converging Pokémon. The hum grew into a resonant thrum, strong enough to make the very ground beneath his feet tremble. The air around the Meltan shimmered, distorting the light.

One by one, they drew closer, forming a loose, swirling circle. Their individual glows intensified, casting strange, pulsating blue light across the lawn. The clinking sounds became a steady, rhythmic chime, like a dozen tiny anvils striking in perfect harmony.

Then, the circle tightened. The Meltan began to spin faster, their liquid metal bodies elongating, reaching out towards a central point. It was as if an invisible magnet was drawing them together with incredible force.

Azure gasped. The Meltan in the outer ring stretched, their bodies thinning, until they connected with the Meltan in the inner ring. It wasn't a collision, but a seamless merging together.

Like droplets of mercury, they didn't just touch; they absorbed one another, forming together. The individual forms lost their distinctiveness, flowing into a single, larger mass of shifting, glowing metal evolving…

The thrumming sound reached a deafening crescendo, a deep, resonant roar that vibrated through Azure's bones. Blue sparks erupted from the coalescing mass, arcing through the air like miniature lightning bolts.

*SHIII*

The light intensified to a blinding flash, forcing Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee to shield their eyes. When the light receded, slowly, cautiously, Azure lowered his arm. Where there was a group of small Meltan that had once hovered, now stood a single, towering entity.

It was immense, easily fifteen feet tall, perhaps more. Its form was broadly humanoid, but crafted from an ever-shifting, gleaming metallic substance that pulsed with an inner blue light. It wasn't rigid; its surface flowed, like molten steel given form, constantly swirling and reforming in intricate patterns.

Its head was a larger version of a Meltan's, with a large eye, luminous blue orbs glowed profoundly from a central 'face' plate, while smaller, dimmer blue lights dotted its body, like residual Meltan eyes.

Its 'arms' were massive, ending in broad, heavy fists that seemed capable of crushing boulders, yet they moved with a strange grace. Its legs were thick and stable, anchored to the ground.

The creature emitted a powerful, almost palpable magnetic field, causing small metal objects – his garden shears, a misplaced trowel – to vibrate and levitate around it. It was them. All of them. Fused. Melmetal.

A single, soft cry escaped Pikachu's mouth, eyes wide with awe, "Piiiiika... (Whoa…)"

Eevee let out a tiny, breathless cry, "Eevee... (Whoa…)"

Eevee pressed herself against Azure's leg, not in fear, but in sheer astonishment. Azure himself could only stare.

He had seen Legendary Pokémon, faced down ancient threats, and witnessed countless evolutions, but nothing prepared him for this. This wasn't an evolution in the traditional sense; it was a convergence, a true unification of multiple entities into one.

The magnificent construct stirred. It moved a massive arm, its metallic body groaning softly with the shift. The ground trembled slightly under its weight. It tilted its large head, its two main eyes focusing on Azure with an intelligent, inquisitive gaze.

There was no aggression, only a profound sense of nascent consciousness. Azure stammered, the name feeling strange on his tongue, yet undeniably correct, "M-Melmetal? Right?"

The creature made no sound, but the internal blue lights on its body pulsed in response, almost as if it were acknowledging its new identity. It took a tentative step forward, its heavy foot leaving a shallow impression on the grass.

The air around it crackled with latent energy. Azure slowly reached his hand over, congratulating his Melmetal, "Hey there... big guy. You're... incredible."

Melmetal cried out happily, flexing its liquid arms, "Mel! Melmetal!"

Azure chuckled, seeing his newly evolved Pokémon as he thought proudly, 'And I have myself my Galar Pokémon team starting with Melmetal. Now time to train for the Hoenn Region next!'

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!