Chapter 482: Route 210 Encounters! (2)
~Diamond's POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Route 210]
The air around the northern part of the route was cooler. I liked it.
It felt like the air inside a refrigerator right when you open it to find the leftover pie. I asked my Pokémon, "You hungry, Lax?"
Lax replied, already chewing on a handful of Nanab Berries we'd found, "Munch, munch! (When am I ever not hungry? Pass the grub.)"
Tru, my Grotle, was walking beside me, his heavy footsteps making a rhythmic thump-thump on the dirt. We weren't really 'hunting' for Pokémon.
Azure said to let the Pokémon find us, and that sounded like a very sensible plan. It required the least amount of running.
I sat down on a mossy rock and opened my bag. I had a special Diamond-style sandwich prepared: three layers of ham, two layers of cheese, and a secret sauce made from blended Pecha berries and honey.
*Crackle*
I froze. The sound came from behind a thicket of dead trees near the edge of the path. I reached for a Poké Ball, but then I stopped.
There was a weird feeling in the air. Like a cold breeze that didn't have a source.
*Wooosh*
The wind blew our way. Then a figure soon appears…
A small, red-eyed mask drifted out of the shadows. It was grey, hooded in a ghostly cloth. I think this is…
A Duskull.
I blinked. I pulled out my Pokedex—the one Azure had given us—and scanned it as it spoke robotically, "Duskull, the Requiem Pokémon. It loves the crying of children. It can pass through walls to surprise its prey."
I blinked, reading the info provided. I said curiously, taking a bite of my sandwich, "Whoa… You're a long way from home, aren't you? Azure said you guys usually live in the Lost Tower or spooky places."
The Duskull floated closer. It didn't look scary.
It looked... curious. It stared at my sandwich.
I asked curiously, "You want a bite?"
*RIP*
I tore off a piece of the bread and ham and held it out. The Duskull drifted forward. It passed right through my hand—which felt like putting my arm in a bucket of ice water—and sniffed the food.
It didn't eat it, but it seemed to like the smell. I looked at its lonely, singular glowing eye as I asked curiously, "Wait... Were you following us? Back at the Lost Tower? I thought I saw a shadow behind the gravestones."
The Duskull nodded slowly, its mask tilting to the side as it answered, "Duss... kull... (Yeah… you seemed busy.)"
I felt a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the sandwich as I asked, "You've been following me all this way? You must have been lonely back there. Or maybe you just liked the way I share my snacks?"
I pulled out a Poké Ball and held it in the palm of my hand as I asked, "I'm Diamond. My friends call me Dia. I'm going to be a great comedian one day, and I'm going to make sure no one in my troupe ever goes hungry. Want to come along?"
The Duskull didn't hesitate. It tapped the button with its mask.
*Boop*
The ball shook once…
*Wiggle*
…Twice.
*BON*
Ding. Captured.
I picked up the ball and smiled as I gave him a nickname to the team, "Welcome to the team, Hush. That's your name now. Because you're as quiet as a secret."
Tru let out a happy cry, "Grotle! (Yay! New friend!)"
*MUNCH*
… And then we went back to finishing our lunch. A new friend and a sandwich. Today was a good day.
/////
~Pearl's POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Route 210]
Okay, Route 210! Time to find a Pokémon that can really rock with my team!
I jogged along the path, my energy boundless. Chatler, my Chatot, flapped its wings excitedly overhead, mimicking my rapid-fire instructions. Chimlar, my Monferno, bounded by my side, its tail flame flickering.
Meanwhile, Rayler, my Luxio, stalked through the tall grass with predatory grace. Herc, my Heracross, flew a little slower, but its powerful horn was always ready.
I called out, my voice echoing slightly in the misty air, "Alright, gang, let's keep those eyes peeled! I'm looking for a Pokémon with high speed or raw power! Something that can match my rhythm!"
Chatler chirped, repeating my words, "Chat-chat! Rhythm!"
Rayler let out a low growl, its eyes gleaming, already scouting ahead. Chimlar punched the air, "Chim! (Right!)"
I veered off the main path, deciding to explore a more open, grassy area that looked perfect for a fast-paced encounter. I excitedly whispered to myself, "This looks promising! Plenty of space for a good battle!"
*THUD*
Suddenly, a loud, thunderous sound "shook the ground…
"THUD! THUD! THUD!"
The grass ahead parted violently, and a massive, enraged Tauros came charging out, its formidable horns pointed directly at me!
Its eyes were wild, its nostrils flaring steam. It bellowed, a furious roar, "TAUUUUROS! (Get out of my swamp!)"
I yelped, my eyes wide, "Whoa! Talk about a powerhouse!"
This wasn't just a Tauros; this was an Alpha Tauros by the looks of it, huge and imposing. It seemed I'd wandered right into its territory.
I yelled, barely managing to leap sideways as the Tauros thundered past, its powerful body kicking up clumps of earth and grass, "Dodge!"
*WHOOSH*
*CRUUUNCH*
It smashed into a tree, leaving a giant dent in the trunk. I shouted, regaining my composure, "Alright, Rayler, Herc, let's go! Chimlar, Chatler, support!"
Rayler was already in motion, a bolt of yellow electricity. I ordered, "Spark!"
*ZZZZT*
It lunged, its mane crackling, attempting to hit the Tauros with a burst of electricity!
*WHOOOSH*
The Tauros, however, was incredibly fast despite its size. It spun around, dodging Rayler's attack with surprising agility, then charged again, its horns lowered.
*THUD*
I yelled, "Rayler, look out! It's too fast!"
Rayler managed to sidestep the worst of it, but the sheer force of the Tauros moving past him sent him skidding. He groaned, struggling to get back on his feet, "Luxio…! (Whoa! This guy's tough!)"
I commanded, "Herc, use Brick Break!"
*Zooom*
My Heracross soared in wings flapping, its horn glowing with fighting energy, aiming for the Tauros's flank…
*BOOM*
Herc connected with a powerful blow that momentarily staggered the mighty Pokémon. But the Tauros merely shook its head, letting out another furious cry, "TAUUUUROS! (You dare attack me! Prepared to be attacked back!)"
It then retaliated with a terrifying Headbutt, smashing into Herc!
*CRACK*
Herc cried out, reeling back from the impact, "HERA?! (Damn it!!)"
This Tauros was no joke. Its speed and physical strength were immense, pushing my Pokémon to their limits.
Rayler was panting, and Herc was trying to shake off the dizziness. Even Chimlar's Ember attacks seemed to barely faze the enraged beast.
I muttered, my mind racing as I gave commands, "We need a new strategy! Rayler, try a Quick Attack to distract it, then hit it with Thunder Fang!"
Rayler, with renewed determination, dashed forward!
*ZOOOM*
It zipped around the Tauros, trying to get behind it. But the Tauros simply stomped its foot, creating a mini-earthquake that threw Rayler off balance.
*THUD*
Rayler stumbled, clearly at the end of its ropes, "Luxi…io…"
The Tauros bellowed, gathering momentum for another charge, its red eyes fixed on my weakened Luxio. I yelled, my heart pounding, "Rayler!"
This was it. I had to pull him back, but then the Tauros would turn its fury on me or the others if I don't act now!
*FLASH*
Just as the Tauros began its final, devastating charge, a brilliant, blinding light erupted around Rayler. The ground trembled not from the Tauros, but from the raw power surging from my Pokémon.
Rayler was enveloped in a dazzling, golden aura. Its form stretched, muscles rippled, and its mane of fur grew longer, more imposing. The rings around its legs glowed with renewed intensity…
A powerful, guttural roar sliced through the air, shaking the very trees, "ROOOAR!"
When the light faded, standing where Rayler once was was a magnificent Luxray!
Its full, black and yellow mane pulsed with static, its eyes, now a piercing gold, shone with newfound power and confidence. It was larger, faster, stronger. The evolution had completed!
Rayler roared, its voice filled with electric might, "LUXRAAAAY!"
The Tauros, momentarily stunned by the sudden transformation, paused its charge. Its furious gaze met Luxray's empowered one.
I yelled, a surge of adrenaline and pride washing over me, "Rayler! You evolved! Alright, Luxray! Let's show this guy what we can do! Spark, full power!"
Luxray, now a force of nature, moved with incredible speed!
*Zzzzzap*
*CRACKLE*
It lunged, not just with a Spark, but with a full-blown Wild Charge, slamming into the Tauros with electrifying force!
*WHUMPH*
*ZAAAAAP*
The Tauros cried out in pain, finally staggered, its eyes losing some of their wild fury. I commanded, "Now, use Swift!"
*Pew-pew-pew*
Luxray launched a barrage of glowing stars, hitting the Tauros repeatedly, weakening it further. The Tauros, no longer roaring, seemed hesitant, its exhaustion evident. It was still formidable, but no longer an unstoppable force.
This was my chance!
I commanded, "Alright, Luxray, one more Spark, then back off!"
*Fzzzzt*
Luxray landed another quick, sharp jolt of electricity, causing the Tauros to groan. Then, it skillfully retreated.
I grabbed a Poké Ball, my hand steady. This Tauros might be aggressive, but it was powerful, and I admired its spirit.
A true force of nature. I couldn't help but grin as I yelled, "Tauros! You're incredibly strong, and you fought with everything you had! How about you join a team that appreciates that kind of power?"
I flung the Poké Ball!
*ZAP*
The red beam enveloped the massive bull Pokémon. It struggled mightily, the Poké Ball shaking with desperate power…
*Wiggle*
*Riggle*
It seemed like it might break free, but then, slowly…
*BON*
… the shaking finally subsided as it was captured. Finally, with a soft, conclusive click, the Poké Ball sealed shut.
I stared at the Poké Ball in my hand, then at Luxray, who was panting but radiating power. I praised my partner proudly, "We did it, Luxray! We did it!"
Chatler flew down to land on my shoulder as it cried out, "Pearl! Pearl!"
Chimlar jumped around me excitedly. Herc gave a relieved sigh. I picked up the Poké Ball with the Tauros inside.
This Tauros was a fighter, a true powerhouse. I said, a grin spreading across my face, "You're a tough one. A real powerhouse. I'll call you… Tauler!"
My team let out cheers, and I felt a surge of pride and excitement. Route 210 had certainly given me a challenge and a magnificent new partner. With Luxray by my side, and Tauler to add raw power, my team was truly ready for anything!
/////
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Afternoon, Route 210 – Cabin Café]
As the afternoon sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, the three Dex Holders and Azure converged back at the Cafe Cabin. The aroma of evening coffee now mingled with the lingering scent of lunchtime, creating a comforting atmosphere.
Azure was already there ahead of time to prepare lunch, nursing a warm brew, his Pikachu and Eevee dozing contentedly beside him. The tiny Pichu (Mew) remained nestled deep within his jacket, a secret only Azure was privy to.
Platinum was the first to arrive, her usual composure mixed with a hint of genuine excitement as she exclaimed, "Azure, I have returned. And I have successfully acquired a new team member!"
She presented her Poké Ball with an air of triumph, then, with a wry smile, rubbed the slight bump on her forehead as she whispered, "Though it appears I must learn the nuances of immediate Pokémon bonding."
Azure chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye as he stated, "A Swablu problem, I presume? They have a reputation for being… spirited."
Just then, Diamond ambled in, a relaxed grin on his face as he yelled, "Azure! Platinum! Look who I found!"
*Pop*
He held out his Poké Ball, then released his new friend with a soft pop! A shimmering, dark form materialized, its single red eye blinking in the cabin's light. Hush whispered, floating gently, "Dusk… kull? (Hello? New friends?)"
Platinum exclaimed, a hint of surprise in her voice, "A Duskull! How intriguing. And quite far from its usual habitat."
Diamond beamed with a cheeky grin as he explained, "Yep! Hush here followed me all the way from the Lost Tower, apparently! Said it wanted to join my team. No battling needed, just a friendly invite!"
Hush nodded, a surprisingly endearing motion, "Dusk-kull! (Yup! I vibe with my Trainer pretty well!)"
Before anyone else could comment, Pearl burst through the door, practically vibrating with energy as he exclaimed, "You guys are not gonna believe this! Not only did I catch a Pokémon, but Rayler evolved!"
He held up a Poké Ball with one hand and pointed proudly at his majestic Luxray with the other as he explained proudly, "Meet Tauler, my Alpha Tauros, and check out Rayler, my awesome Luxray!"
Rayler let out a powerful roar, "LUXRA-A-A-Y!"
Platinum's eyes widened, genuinely impressed as she commented, "An Alpha Tauros! And Rayler evolved into a Luxray! Pearl, that is an extraordinary development!"
Diamond whistled, his mouth agape in a surprised tone, "Whoa, Pearl! An Alpha Tauros? And Rayler's a Luxray! That's incredible!"
*CLAP*
Azure clapped, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he explained, "Fantastic work, all of you. Platinum, a Swablu, will add a unique aerial and special attacking dynamic. Diamond, Hush's Ghost, typing, and unique abilities will bring a fresh strategic layer. And Pearl, an Alpha Tauros, is a formidable addition, and Rayler's evolution will elevate your entire team's power level significantly."
He looked at each of them, a sense of pride shining in his seasoned eyes as he added, "You've all made excellent choices and grown substantially today."
The cabin buzzed with excited chatter as the Dex Holders enthusiastically recounted their adventures – Platinum's valiant, if slightly painful, bonding with Swablu; Diamond's serene encounter with Hush; and Pearl's epic adventurous tale, adventure-fueled battle against the Alpha Tauros.
Their Pokémon mingled, new friendships slowly forming amidst the shared excitement. As the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, casting long, purple shadows, the group decided to spend the night at the Cafe Cabin.
Their path to Celestic Town might be temporarily blocked by a horde of confused Psyduck, but a new route had opened up, leading them towards Veilstone City. They would travel around Sinnoh, gaining strength and experience, circling back to Route 210 when the time was right.
For now, with new Pokémon recruited and bonds strengthened, the journey ahead, though altered, felt more promising than ever. Azure gazed at the Dex Holder bonding with their Pokémon as he thought happily, 'Teaching others the joy of Pokémon… this is a nice feeling to do…'
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!