Chapter 468: Hearthome City
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Next Day, Route 208 – Campsite]
The sun began its slow ascent over the rugged crags of Mt. Coronet, casting long, golden fingers across the verdant expanse of Route 208. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles.
Amidst a small clearing, the embers of a campfire puffed out a final, thin trail of white smoke. Azure stretched his arms wide, his joints popping with a satisfying crack. A yellow blur hopped onto his shoulder, rubbing its cheek against his, "Pika! (Morning sleepy head! Time to get up!)"
Azure chuckled, reaching up to scratch Pikachu behind the ears, "Morning, buddy. I'm getting up already…"
On top of his head, a fluffy Eevee let out a dainty yawn, its tail twitching as it tried to maintain its balance, "Evoi… Zzz..."
Inside the front pocket of Azure's specialized travel jacket, a small Pichu (Mew) shifted. Azure looked over at the three tents pitched nearby as he uttered, "Rise and shine, guys. We've got a mountain to climb—eventually."
From the first tent, a mop of messy hair emerged. Diamond, or 'Dia' as they called him, was already clutching a half-eaten rice ball as he mumbled, "Is it breakfast time? I thought I smelled something delicious…"
*GULP*
Dia's Munchlax, Lax, echoing his sentiment with a loud Gulp!
The second tent exploded open. Pearl leaped out, already full of kinetic energy, declared, "Dia! Don't just think about your stomach! We've got a schedule! The Lady needs to reach Hearthome City before the midday rush!"
A refined voice called out, "I am already prepared."
Platinum stepped out from her tent, looking as though she had just stepped out of a high-end salon rather than a portable nylon shelter. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her traveling clothes remained remarkably uncreased.
Her Prinplup stood beside her, beak held high with a regal air. Azure nodded to her as he asked, "Good morning, Platinum. Slept well?"
She replied, though her eyes betrayed a hint of excitement, "Acceptably. Route 208 is fascinating from a geological standpoint, but I find myself anticipating the cultural amenities of Hearthome."
They began to break down the camp, the familiar sounds of the group filled the air...
*Clink-clatter-zip*
Azure moved with practiced efficiency. While he worked, he kept a peripheral eye on his surroundings. He wasn't just a traveling companion; he was a bodyguard.
Dia shouted, holding up a folding fan, "Hey, Pearl! Look at this! It's time for the morning rehearsal!"
Pearl's eyes lit up. Grinning eagerly, he began, "Right! A professional never misses a practice! Come on, Dia!"
The two boys stood side-by-side, clearing their throats. Platinum paused her packing, tilting her head curiously. She had recently become a pseudo-member of their comedy duo, though her 'timing' was still a work in progress.
Dia tapped a paper fan against his palm as they began their comedy act, "You know, Pearl, I was thinking about the city we're going to. Hearthome is famous for its beauty!"
Pearl barked back, "That's right! They say it's a place where hearts meet!"
Dia sighed dreamily, "I hope my heart meets a giant plate of Poffins…"
*Whack*
Pearl's fan connected with Dia's head as he continued the joke, "Focus on the sentiment, not the snacks!"
Platinum stepped forward, her expression intensely serious. She said, using her hand to mimic the fan motion, "If I may intervene. Perhaps the 'sentiment' you speak of is merely a byproduct of the city's high-tier urban planning and socio-economic stability."
There was a long silence.
Azure stifled a laugh as he thought, 'Oh god… all three are terrible!'
Pearl blinked, his mouth agape as he tried to explain, "Uh... yeah! What she said! But with more... y'know... punch!"
Platinum noted, pulling out a small notebook to jot down observations, "I shall strive to improve my 'punch' for the next session. But before that, I believe a wardrobe adjustment is in order upon our arrival. I wish to purchase a new brooch and perhaps a necklace that reflects the aesthetic of the Hearthome Cathedral."
Pearl groaned, "Shopping? Again?"
Platinum reminded him sternly with a no-nonsense attitude, "The Berlitz family tradition requires dignity. And dignity requires the proper accessories."
They finished packing and began the trek toward the city gates. The path was winding, flanked by high rock walls and patches of tall grass.
*Rustle*
*Rustle*
Azure asked, his hand hovering near Riolu's Pokéball, "Did you hear that?"
*Wooosh*
A shadow darted across the path. It was quick, nimble, and incredibly light on its feet qw it moved...
*Boing-Boing*
A Buneary bounced out from behind a jagged rock. It wasn't like most wild Buneary; it seemed to be performing a series of rhythmic hops, its ears curled tight like springs. Platinum exclaimed, her eyes widening, "Oh! How adorable!"
Prinplup stepped forward, mesmerized by the Buneary's fluid movements. The rabbit Pokémon spun in a circle, its fur shimmering in the sunlight. It looked like a tiny, furry ballerina.
Pearl admitted, reaching into his bag as he held out a bright red Oran Berry, "It's interesting. Maybe it's hungry. Hey, little guy! Want a Berry?"
The Buneary stopped dancing. It looked at the Berry, then at Pearl. Suddenly, its eyes narrowed looking at him disgustingly.
*Fwhip*
With the force of a released tension coil, the Buneary unrolled one of its powerful ears lunging forward!
*THWACK*
The ear smacked Pearl right across the cheek, sending the Berry flying. Pearl tumbled backward, clutching his face, "OW! What was that for?!"
The Buneary stuck its tongue out, "Blehhhh!"
Then it performed a cheeky backflip before sprinting off toward the city gates. Pearl scrambled to his feet, a red bruise already forming on his cheek, "Hey! Get back here! Chimlar, let's go! We're not letting that fur-ball get away with that!"
Dia shouted, already running after him with Lax, "Wait, Pearl! Don't leave me behind! Come on, we need to follow him!"
Azure sighed, a smirk playing on his lips as he helplessly said, "Well, there goes the 'low-key' entrance. Come on, Platinum."
Platinum said calmly, her brow furrowed, "Indeed. That creature was remarkably rude, yet its form was impeccable."
The group sprinted through the stone archway that marked the entrance to Hearthome City. The transition was jarring—from the rugged wilderness of Route 208 to the cobblestone streets and flower-lined boulevards of Sinnoh's most stylish city.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Contest Hall]
The Buneary was a blur of brown fur, weaving through the legs of tourists and shoppers. Pearl pointed toward a massive, domed structure adorned with ribbons and Pokéball motifs, "There it is! Into that building!"
Azure noted, glancing at the sign, "The Contest Hall. Of course."
They burst through the double doors, the cool air of the interior hitting them. The lobby was cavernous, filled with the hum of voices and the scent of expensive perfumes.
Pearl spun around, his eyes darting, "Where did it go?"
In the chaos of the crowd, they didn't notice the sudden surge of people. A group of excited fans, clutching autograph books, swept through the lobby like a tidal wave.
Platinum gasped as she was bumped from the side, "Excuse me! Pardon me!"
Azure reached out, but a group of bulky men carrying stage equipment moved between them, "Platinum!"
When the crowd cleared, Platinum and Prinplup were gone.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Contest Hall (Platinum's Side)]
Inside a side hallway, Platinum straightened her coat, looking around in confusion. She muttered, confused, "Prinplup? Are you alright?"
The Pokémon replied, looking a bit dazed, "Prin... Prinplup. (Yeah, I'm okay.)"
She wasn't looking at her trainer, though. She was staring at a monitor on the wall showing a replay of a previous Pokémon Contest.
Platinum whispered, softening her expression as she realized something, "I see. You weren't just chasing that Buneary because it was rude. You were mesmerized by its dance, weren't you?"
Prinplup looked down, shuffling her flippers shyly. Platinum said, placing a hand on the Pokémon's head, "There is no need for such modesty. Excellence in any form is worth admiring. If it is the stage you desire—"
Suddenly, a man with a megaphone shouted, pointing toward a set of curtains, "EVERYONE! TO THE STAGE! THE PRACTICE SESSION IS STARTING!"
Before Platinum could protest, a fresh wave of aspiring Coordinators swept her up. "Wait! I am not—"
Push. Shove.
She was carried through the curtains and onto the brightly lit main stage.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Contest Hall (Trio's Side)]
Meanwhile, Azure, Dia, and Pearl were scouring the lobby. Pearl insisted, "I'm telling you, it went this way!"
Suddenly, the Buneary they had been chasing leaped onto a nearby bench. Pearl lunged, "Gotcha!"
*Wooosh*
But a woman's hand reached down and gracefully scooped the Buneary up. The woman said with a warm laugh, "Now, now, Buneary. You shouldn't tease the guests."
She was dressed in a stylish, practical outfit, her eyes sparkling with kindness. Pearl pointed an accusing finger, "Hey! That's the Pokémon that hit me!"
The woman looked up, surprised. Then she introduced herself as she apologized, "Oh? My Buneary caused trouble? I'm so sorry. I'm Keira. I was letting her practice her routine, but she does get a bit spirited when she's in the zone."
Azure stepped forward, Pikachu sparking slightly on his shoulder to get the woman's attention, and Eevee eyeing her on his head. He asked curiously, "She's yours? She's got a lot of power in those ears."
Keira explained, petting the Buneary, "It's part of her choreographed dance. She uses the recoil of her ears to build momentum. You must have stepped into her 'strike zone' while she was practicing her pivots."
Pearl fumed, "I was offering it a Berry!"
Buneary looked at Pearl, then...
*Fwhip*
It mimicked the ear-slap motion in the air, giggling. Keira winced as she apologized, "I am truly sorry. Here, as a token of my apology."
She handed Pearl a small silk pouch as she continued, "It's Glitter Powder. It's excellent for making a Pokémon's coat shine during a performance."
Pearl blinked, his anger deflating as he replied, "Uh, thanks. I guess."
Azure narrowed his eyes, recognizing the name. He asked curiously, "Keira... You're one of the official Contest Judges, aren't you?"
Dia blinked as he asked, "Wait, how do you know that?"
Azure chuckled as he replied casually, "I know a friend who's a big contest fan. You'll know them as–"
Before he could finish he was interpreted by Keira smile as she replied happily to them, "I am. I take it you boys aren't here for the Contest?"
Azure said calmly, his voice turning serious, "We're looking for our friend. She got swept away by the crowd—"
Dia pointed to a large screen above the stage entrance, "Wait! Is that... the Lady?"
On the screen, a live feed showed the stage. Platinum was standing in the center, looking utterly lost. The music was playing—a fast-paced, rhythmic beat.
Pearl whispered, "Oh no."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Contest Hall (Platinum's Side)]
Platinum, realizing she was being watched by hundreds of people, decided there was only one way forward: to act as if she belonged there. She began to move. It was... stiff. She attempted a pirouette, but her boots weren't made for the stage.
She moved her arms in a way that looked more like she was directing traffic than dancing. Prinplup stood beside her, staring wide-eyed at the audience, frozen in a state of pure stage fright.
*Chirp-Chirp*
Crickets.
The audience began to murmur. A woman in the front row whispered loudly, "Is this some kind of a joke?"
She was draped in expensive furs as she added arrogantly, "Look at her. She has no rhythm at all!"
Her companion sneered, a woman with a sharp nose and a monocle, "And look at those jewels on her fingers. She probably thinks she can just buy her way into a Ribbon. How gauche."
The Contest Announcer stepped onto the stage, looking embarrassed as he explained, "Ah... our apologies, ladies and gentlemen! It seems an... unregistered guest has wandered onto the stage by mistake. We will escort her off immediately."
Azure, Dia, and Pearl ran toward the edge of the stage.
Pearl called out, "Platinum!"
The wealthy woman in the front row stood up, pointing a fan at Platinum as she spoken in a Karen fashion, "Typical. A little rich girl playing dress-up. You can't bribe the stage, darling! You have no talent!"
The audience let out a collective laugh. Platinum froze.
The insult hit her harder than any physical blow. Her family name—the Berlitz name—was being mocked.
To a scholar and a noble, reputation was everything. She stood tall, her chin lifting. The vulnerability vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp dignity.
Platinum's voice rang out, amplified by the stage microphones, "I beg your pardon?"
The room went silent. Platinum said, her eyes flashing with steel, "My presence here was a matter of unfortunate circumstance. However, to suggest that I would use my family's fortune to 'bribe' a victory is an insult I shall not tolerate. If I were to enter this competition, I would do so on the merit of my own abilities and the bond with my Pokémon."
The woman with the fan scoffed as she countered stupidly, "Big words for someone who dances like a Sudowoodo."
Platinum turned to the Announcer as she asked, "You mentioned this was a practice session. Are there vacancies for the actual Contest?"
The Announcer, Dexter, blinked in surprise as he explained, "Uh... well, yes. We had a last-minute cancellation for tomorrow's Normal Rank Contest. But, miss, the competition is quite fierce—"
Platinum commanded, "Register me. I shall stake the name of Berlitz on it."
Pearl put his face in his hands as he muttered tiredly, "I knew she was going to say that. I just knew it."
Azure stepped up to the edge of the stage, catching Platinum's eye. He didn't look worried. In fact, he was grinning as he muttered, genuinely curious, "A Berlitz never backs down from a challenge, right?"
Platinum looked at him and nodded once as she replied, "Precisely."
Azure chuckled, the sound low and confident as Platinum followed the trio, "Well then, looks like we're staying in Hearthome for a bit. Pikachu, Eevee, you heard her. We've got work to do."
Both his Pokémon cried out, "Pika-pika! Vee!"
While everyone was cheering and enjoying their time…
*Shiver*
Within Azure's shadow, Darkrai shivered as its eyes widened, thinking to itself, 'The Shadow Crystal…! The balance of Almia…'
Darkrai sensed a disturbance of its Shadow Crystal in the Almia Region. With that, Darkrai knew what it must do…
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!