Chapter 460: Evolutions Oh My!
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Eterna City – Eterna Grand Hotel]
The Eterna Grand Hotel was a monument of marble and glass, its opulence a stark contrast to the dust of the road. Inside their suite, the atmosphere was a chaotic blend of preparation and performance.
Diamond, who has an optimistic glint in his eye, stood on one leg, his Munchlax, Lax, mimicking him with a wobbly and adorable incompetence as he cracked a joke, "And so, the great chef Lax said, 'I'm out of batter!' Get it? 'Out of batter'?"
*Slap*
He slapped his knee, while Lax tilted its head and grunted, a half-eaten Oran berry in its paws. Pearl, his more grounded partner, rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin as he commented, "You're a menace to comedy, Diamond. But I'll give you a C for effort."
He patted his Chatot, Chatler, who squawked, "C for crap!"
Platinum Berlitz, meanwhile, was a study in focused intensity. She had changed into a more practical travel outfit, though its quality was still a cut above the average trainer's. Her Prinplup stood at attention beside her, its crest held high with aristocratic pride.
Nearby, her Ponyta galloped in graceful circles, its mane of flames a beautiful, hypnotic spectacle. The Kadabra levitated silently, its spoon held steady, and the Buneary practiced its swift kicks against a reinforced training post.
This was her first true taste of freedom. The knowledge she had spent years absorbing from tutors and books was finally, finally meeting reality.
The thrill of it was intoxicating. She had a plan, a meticulous, scholarly, and utterly determined plan: to challenge and defeat every Gym Leader in Sinnoh, to prove that her intellect was as formidable as any muscle-bound trainer's.
Azure watched from the doorway, unnoticed. He saw the fire in her eyes and felt a flicker of professional respect.
She wasn't just a spoiled rich kid; she had the heart of a battler. A faint smile touched his lips. He'd thought, 'This job might be more interesting than it seems.'
He then turned and slipped out, his mission for the day calling him elsewhere. Route 221 awaited, and he had some 'housekeeping' to do with his team…
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Eterna City – Eterna Grand Hotel (Battlefield)]
Time quickly passed as Platinum's brow furrowed as she reviewed her battle strategy. She commanded, "Prinplup, your Aqua Jet is swift, but we need to account for Ground-type counters. If we face a Pokémon like Geodude..."
"Boo!"
Platinum jumped, spinning around to find Diamond and Pearl holding up a crudely drawn paper mask of Gardenia's face. It was lopsided, with googly eyes that jiggled alarmingly. Pearl declared in a dramatic baritone, "The Grass-type Gym Leader cometh! She demands a battle in her natural habitat!"
Diamond gestured grandly towards the window as he said, "To the fields of verdant green! To the arena where photosynthesis reigns supreme!"
Platinum sighed, though a small smile played on her lips. They were ridiculous, but their enthusiasm was infectious, as she says, "You two are impossible. But... your suggestion has merit. Practicing against Grass-types is a logical next step. Let's go."
They found a suitable training ground near a grand building adorned with massive, spiked protrusions. An enormous bronze statue of a Pokémon, its features regal and ancient, presided over the area.
They ignored the strange, magnetic pull of the statue for the moment, focusing on the patch of soft grass before them. Platinum called, her voice ringing with confidence, "Alright, Prinplup, I choose you!"
Diamond shouted, sending out his sturdy Grotle, "Go, Tru! Show them the might of the Grotle line!"
Pearl added, his Monferno appearing in a flash of red light, "And Chimlar, time to heat things up!"
Platinum challenged, undaunted, "A two-on-one? A bold strategy. Let's see how you fare! Prinplup, use Bubble Beam on Chimlar!"
Prinplup unleashed a barrage of shimmering bubbles, which Chimlar dodged with nimble agility, countering with a flurry of Ember attacks. Platinum was ready as she had her Ponyta out, declaring, "Ponyta, in! Use Flame Wheel to counter the Embers!"
*Sssss*
Ponyta leaped into the fray, its body wreathed in a spinning vortex of fire, effectively neutralizing the small fire orbs. The battle was a whirlwind of coordinated strikes and counter-strikes.
Platinum handled the fiery Monferno with practiced ease, but when she ordered Prinplup to face the hulking Grotle, Tru, things ground to a halt. Prinplup's physical attacks barely scratched Tru's thick hide, and a single, powerful Razor Leaf from the Grotle sent Prinplup stumbling back.
Pearl raised a hand, declaring out loud, "Okay, let's pause! Plup's got heart, but Tru's defense is just too much. You need a different approach, Lady."
Platinum nodded, her mind already whirring with new strategies. It was in that moment of quiet contemplation, a break in the rhythmic sounds of battle, that she heard it. A faint, ethereal whisper on the wind, a voice so soft it was barely more than a feeling, "... help... me…"
She froze, her head snapping up as she asked, "Did you two hear that?"
Diamond was busy trying to get Lax to use Metronome, while Pearl was examining Chimlar's burnt fur. They both looked at her, confused. Diamond asked, "Hear what? The sound of my hilarious joke falling flat?"
Platinum insisted, straining her ears, "No, it was... a voice…"
But there was only the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the city. She shook her head, dismissing it as a trick of the wind or a symptom of her intense focus.
They resumed their practice. Platinum, determined to overcome her Grotle problem, had Prinplup and Ponyta work in tandem, using Ponyta's speed to distract Tru while Prinplup targeted its legs. It was a better strategy, but it was grueling work.
Unbeknownst to the trio, their antics had drawn an observer. A tall, elegant woman with flowing dark hair and an air of serene confidence, Cynthia, Champion of the Sinnoh region, watched from the edge of the training field.
A soft, amused chuckle escaped her lips as she saw the two boys provide such unorthodox support for their friend. She recognized Platinum, of course; the Berlitz name was impossible to ignore.
And the sheer, unyielding determination on the young heiress's face was commendable. Cynthia made a mental note to keep an eye on that one.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Route 221]
Meanwhile, on the sun-drenched shores of Route 221, Azure stood before a small, secluded clearing. The salt-kissed breeze ruffled his hair as he unclipped three Poké Balls from his belt...
*Pop*
With a series of clicks and flashes of red light, his partners appeared: the Male Kirlia, the ice-type Snorunt, and the delicate Petilil. Azure said calmly, his voice calm but authoritative, "Alright, team. Time for the next step."
He reached into his bag and produced two stones. One was a Dawn Stone, its milky surface swirling with captured nebulae.
The other was a Sun Stone, a perfect orb of fiery orange with a crimson core. Pikachu and Eevee watched with keen interest from their perches, while the newly summoned Pichu remained a warm, curious lump in his jacket.
The stones weren't consumed by the energy of evolution. They were catalysts, tools he could reuse that he got from Alola.
Azure said excitedly, holding out the Dawn Stone, "Snorunt. This will unlock your potential. It will grant you a new form, a new power."
The Snorunt bobbed its head eagerly, its little black eyes determined. It didn't hesitate, reaching out and tapping the stone with its icy body.
Simultaneously, he turned to Petilil as he grinned, explaining, "And you, Petilil. This Sun Stone will awaken the life force within you, bringing forth the grace of a queen of the meadows. Do you accept?"
Petilil swayed, its leafy head-knot nodding in acceptance as it gently brushed against the warm stone. Azure commanded softly, "Go on, then."
Snorunt and Petilil each grabbed their respective stones. A brilliant column of light erupted around them.
*FLASH*
The light for Snorunt was a swirling vortex of pale blue and white, cold and sharp. From within, a new silhouette formed—elegant, spectral, with a flowing skirt of mist and a chilling aura.
The light for Petilil was a warm, golden-green, pulsing with vibrant life. Its form stretched and refined, growing taller and more regal, its hair blossoming into an elaborate, petal-like crest.
As the light died down, Azure saw his new additions: a graceful Froslass and a proud, beautiful Hisuian Lilligant.
But the evolution wasn't over. Kirlia, who had been watching intently, stepped forward. It had caught the Dawn Stone as it fell from Snorunt's grasp after the transformation. Now, it held the stone with a purposeful grace, its eyes glowing with psychic energy.
Azure nodded as he said knowingly with a sly grin, "I was wondering when you'd make your move. You've been training hard for this, haven't you?"
Kirlia didn't respond with words, only with a surge of emotion that Azure could feel—the desire to protect, to become a true sword and shield. It pressed the Dawn Stone to its chest.
*FLASH*
A third light, this one a brilliant, sharp-edged lavender, enveloped Kirlia. The psychic energy was immense, far greater than before.
When it faded, a new Pokémon stood there, taller and leaner than a typical Gallade. Its blades were a shimmering, pearlescent white, and it held a stance of disciplined, deadly grace. This was no ordinary Gallade; this was his Gallade, forged with a purpose.
The three newly evolved Pokémon looked at their own forms, marveling at their new bodies and the power thrumming within them. Froslass let out an airy, ethereal chime, "Frooo~ (Oh, I like this form, Master~)"
Hisuian Lilligant stretched, her movements as fluid as water, "Liilll! (So, this is what it feels like to have legs and arms! Neat!)"
And Gallade brought its arm-blades together in a silent, respectful salute to its master, "Gall! (Now I can be more like my father. Strong and loyal to my Master.)"
Azure smiled as he saw them evolve. Not only that, but he checked their levels and status to see the changes.
[Froslass, the Snow Land Pokémon. Froslass lives in snowy caverns and can freeze foes with its −58 degrees Fahrenheit breath. It preys on frozen souls and is particularly fond of the souls of men. While it enjoys hunting for handsome men climbing in the mountains, it has also been known to freeze Pokémon to turn them into decorations.
Froslass is known to bring its frozen victims back to the cave it lives in before lining them up neatly. It also goes down to human homes to knock on doors during nights of cold blizzards.
There is a legend that Froslass will place curses on any men who misbehave. It possesses a range of spectral powers and can create illusions to manipulate others. Froslass is a female-only species and is said in legends to have been formed when the spirit and lingering regrets of a woman who was lost in the mountains possessed an icicle.]
|Name: Froslass (Snow Land Pokémon)
|Type: Ice/Ghost
|Tera: Ice
|Level: 20
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Never-Melt Ice]/[Froslassite]/[Icicle/Spooky Plate]
|Ability: Snow Cloak
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Protect, Hail, Confuse Ray, Double-Team, Powder Snow [A][S], Ice Shard [A][S], Icy Wind [A][S], Frost Breath [A][S], Astonish[A][S], Draining Kiss, Headbutt [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Bite [A][S], Hex (IM), Disable (IM), Block (EM) (2 Moves to learn)
[Gallade the Blade Pokémon. It is a master of courtesy and swordsmanship capable of predicting its foe's moves, allowing it to strike preemptively. True to Gallade's honorable warrior image, it is just as protective of its Trainer as its counterpart, Gardevoir, using the blades on its elbows to defend.
Gallade is known to be sharply aware of a person's wish for help and seeks out those who need its assistance in battle, fighting savagely with fast and fierce attacks. It can teach itself swordsmanship at an impressive rate. Gallade can extend its blades at will to attack opponents from behind.
This Pokémon inhabits mountainous areas. Gallade has been observed sleeping in a formal position with one knee up. It is believed that Gallade does this because, even in its sleep, it is preparing to fight and protect both humans and Pokémon at any moment. Iron Valiant shares a resemblance to Gallade and Gardevoir.]
|Name: Gallade (Blade Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fighting
|Tera: Psychic
|Level: 24
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Galladite]/[Fist/Mind Plate]
|Ability: Sharpness
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Protect, Teleport, Double Team, Reflect, Light Screen, Hypnosis, Telekinesis, Dream Eater [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Aerial Ace, Fury Cutter, Slash (IM), Magical Leaf [A][S] (IM), Disable (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Mean Look (EM) (2 Moves to learn)
[Lilligant the Spinning Pokémon (Hisuian). In Hisui, Lilligant takes on a drastically different look. Hisuian Lilligant has a lither build. The scent released from this flower causes anyone nearby to experience a heartened feeling. Its feet are golden and cover part of its legs, and they seem to resemble dance shoes or snow boots.
Hisuian Lilligant is suspected to have its legs developed because of living in the snowy mountains of Hisui; they allow it to jump very high and gracefully. The scent in its flower crown heartens those in proximity. Its attacks take the form of ballet-like moves, almost like it's dancing during battle.
A special Hisuian Lilligant is worshiped in Hisui due to her being descended from one of the 10 ancient Pokémon who received a blessing from Arceus. In particular, she is one of the Noble Pokémon who reside in Crimson Mirelands, watched over by the warden. Hisuian Lilligant is the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Victory Dance.]
|Name: Lilligant (Hisuian) (Spinning Pokémon)
|Type: Grass/Fighting
|Tera: Grass
|Level: 20
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]
|Ability: Hustle
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Growth, Helping Hand, Recover, Synthesis, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Aromatherapy, Leech Seed, Absorb, Leafage, Mega Drain, Magical Leaf, Rock Smash (HM), Victory Dance (IM), Endure (IM), Healing Wish (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
Azure smirked, a genuine, triumphant smirk as he praised his newly evolved team members, "Welcome to the team."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Eterna City – Eterna Grand Hotel (Battlefield)]
Back in the city, Diamond and Pearl had decided the best way to help Platinum train was to become the enemy. Unbeknownst to them, the building they were practicing in front of was not a shop or a residence.
It was the Eterna Galactic Building, and deep within its confines, their antics were being watched on a security monitor. But their focus was on Cynthia, who had been passing by on her way to investigate a lead, and the sight of the trio's makeshift battle had caught her eye.
She murmured to herself, "An interesting group."
Platinum, Pearl, and Diamond turned. The woman's presence was commanding. She wore a stylish black coat and carried herself with the grace of a seasoned trainer.
Feeling this commanding presence, they all thought of one person, 'She's like Azure! Could she be as strong as him?'
Seeing their apprehension, Pearl elbowed Diamond as he whispered, "Quick, tell her a joke! If she laughs, she's not a villain!"
Diamond, taking this bizarre logic to heart, cleared his throat and cracked a joke, "Ahem. Why did the Pokémon go to the bank?"
The woman raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. Diamond finished with a flourish, "To get a loan... for its new Poké Ball account!"
There was a beat of silence, and then the woman let out a genuine, melodic laugh, "Hahaha… Oh, that's a good one. I haven't heard that before."
The three of them visibly relaxed. Diamond whispered loudly, "She's safe!"
The woman introduced herself in a calming voice, "I'm Cynthia. And you three look like you're preparing for a Gym battle."
Platinum said confidently, straightening up, "You could say that. We're about to challenge the Eterna Gym Leader."
Cynthia smiled at their determination. She then said with a thoughtful look in her eyes, "If you're serious about improving your skills, I could offer you some advice. It would be my pleasure."
Diamond, trying to recover from the embarrassment, was eating another rice ball. As Cynthia spoke, he took a huge bite, and the rice ball suddenly got stuck. He made a choking sound, his face turning red.
*SPITOOEY*
With a mighty heave, he coughed, and the rice ball shot out of his mouth like a cannonball, sailing through the air. Prinplup, who had been curiously watching the exchange, shrieked in terror as the starchy projectile flew right past its head.
*FWOOSH*
In a panic, Prinplup unleashed a powerful Bubble Beam, not at any enemy, but straight at the wall of the building they were standing near. Time seemed to slow down. Cynthia didn't even flinch.
*Pop*
A Poké Ball on her belt opened with a sharp click, and a dark, shadowy Pokémon with three red eyes and a chained orb materialized in an instant. Cynthia commanded calmly, "Spiritomb, use Psychic."
*SHIII*
Spiritomb's eyes glowed with a violet light. The torrent of water from Prinplup's Bubble Beam froze in mid-air, the individual droplets suspended like jewels.
*Splash*
With a casual flick of its will, Spiritomb guided the water harmlessly to the ground, where it splashed into the grass. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum stared, their jaws agape. Platinum breathed, "Incredible."
Cynthia explained, recalling her Pokémon, "Spiritomb is a Pokémon that is said to be formed from 108 spirits. Its power over the psychic and spectral realms is considerable. If you wish to learn, we can have a small practice battle. Think of it as a lesson."
The subsequent "battle" was less of a contest and more of a tutorial. Cynthia's Spiritomb deflected, dodged, and subtly countered every one of their attacks, demonstrating flawless technique.
By the end, the trio had a newfound respect for the depth of Pokémon training. Platinum said, bowing slightly, "We... we thank you for your guidance, Cynthia."
Cynthia replied warmly to the trio, "It was my pleasure. Now, I believe you have a real Gym to find as you're ready to handle it."
As the three Dex Holders ran off towards the correct side of town, their spirits high and their mistakes forgotten, Cynthia watched them go. A nostalgic smile touched her lips as she saw the glint of a Pokédex in Diamond's bag.
It reminded her of her own first journey. Her smile faded as she turned her attention back to the building they had been practicing in front of.
Her purpose in Eterna City was grim. Reports had indicated that Rad Rickshaw, a Bike Shop Owner, had vanished after being seen near this very building. Not only that, but reports of people's Pokémon have also been stolen in the area.
Just then, a familiar figure rounded the corner, his footsteps silent on the pavement. Cynthia said, her surprise evident, "Azure."
Azure stopped, his gaze meeting hers. A flicker of recognition passed through his eyes as he greeted her, "Cynthia. It's been a while."
She said calmly, a challenging glint returning to her eyes, "Indeed. I was hoping for a rematch after our last battle. You left quite the impression."
She had challenged him back then, only to be defeated. Azure said casually, his tone even, "Perhaps another time. Right now, my duties lie with my client. But I have a feeling our paths will cross again soon."
He glanced towards the building, then back at Cynthia, a silent understanding passing between the two powerful trainers. They were both here for a reason, and whatever secrets this building held, he had no part in leaving Cynthia to handle it...
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!