Chapter 597: Choices
~Third POV~
[Unova Region, Next Day, Nature Preserve]
The early morning sun, a gentle painter, began to brush strokes of gold across the expansive canopy of the Unova Region's Nature Preserve. Mist still clung to the lower branches, giving the ancient trees an ethereal, dreamlike quality.
Bird Pokémon chirped their dawn chorus, a symphony of wakefulness, while the rustling of leaves hinted at unseen inhabitants stirring. Azure, a seasoned traveler at 17, stretched languidly beside a neatly doused campfire.
His Pikachu, a familiar weight on his shoulder, yawned, a tiny spark crackling at its cheeks. Eevee, nestled comfortably on Azure's head, twitched an ear, her bushy tail giving a soft flick. From within the folds of his jacket, a small, vibrant Pichu (Mew) let out a soft "Piii-chu!" of contentment.
Azure murmured, a soft smile gracing his lips, "Ahh… Morning, team…"
He ran a hand over Pikachu's head, then gently scratched Eevee behind the ears, adding, "Ready for the next leg?"
Pikachu chirped, bouncing slightly, "Pika! (Yup!)"
Eevee agreed, rubbing her head against his, "Ee-vee! (Uh-huh!)"
Pichu (Mew) added, a mischievous glint in its eyes, "Piiii-chu! (Right!)"
Azure efficiently packed away his minimalist camping gear. Breakfast had been a quick, hearty affair of berries and a protein bar for him, while his Pokémon enjoyed their own specialized kibble.
Yesterday had been an unexpected detour, and caught a new team member. A Shiny Axew, small but fierce, had crossed his path and, after a short, spirited encounter, decided to join Azure's already formidable team. The little Dragon Pokémon, still in its newly acquired Poké Ball, pulsed faintly on his belt, a quiet promise of future battles.
A telepathic, childish voice resonated in his mind, chiming, 'Ax! My new friend is ready to fly, Bossman!'
Azure chuckled, knowing it was Zorua, his illusion fox, communicating from its spot near his feet, and replied, "Not yet, Zorua. He needs to settle in."
Then a disembodied, slightly gravelly voice whined from his shadow, "Aww, but the sky looks so fun!"
It was Gengar, always eager for action. The Arc Phone, usually a sleek, modern device, hummed to life in his hand. "Let's zoom, Azure! Bzzzt! Route acquired! Destination: Nuvema Town. Estimated flight time: 3 hours."
Rotom, the electric Pokémon inhabiting the phone, projected a holographic map of Unova, a glowing path tracing across the region, and stated in an excited tone, "Rotom to the rescue! Your personal GPS is GO!"
Azure grinned, tapping the screen and replied, "Thanks, Rotom. Right then, everyone. Let's make good time."
Grabbing a Poké Ball from his belt, he smirked. He turned, calling out, "Braviary, I choose you!"
*POP—WHOOOSH*
A flash of light, and with a powerful WHOOSH, his magnificent Alpha Braviary materialized. Its wingspan was immense, feathers a pristine white with striking red and blue markings, eyes keen and intelligent.
Braviary let out a majestic cry, ruffling its cry, "BRAAAAV!"
*FWP*
Azure clambered onto Braviary's broad back, settling into the familiar harness. Pikachu hopped to a secure spot on his shoulder, Eevee tucked into a loop on the harness, and Pichu (Mew) burrowed deeper into his jacket pocket, peeking out with bright eyes. Rotom continued projecting the map, a small holographic arrow pointing their way.
Gengar, with a playful "Heh-heh!", melted deeper into Azure's shadow, ready for the journey. Darkrai and Marshadow were already one with the shadows, their silent presence a constant comfort.
*FWOOSH—FWOOSH*
With a powerful beat of its colossal wings, Braviary lifted off. The wind immediately whipped at Azure's clothes and hair, but he just leaned into it, a thrill coursing through him. The forest floor rapidly receded, turning into a verdant tapestry below. Azure felt a familiar surge of exhilaration.
He thought excitedly, gazing out at the vast, unexplored landscape of Unova stretching before him with an eager grin, 'This is it. A new region, new challenges. Hoenn and Sinnoh were incredible; saving the world from the Grand Meteor Delta was... something else entirely. But Unova feels different. A fresh start for the League, a chance to really push myself and my team.'
He glanced at the tiny Pichu peeking out from his jacket, then down at the Poké Balls on his belt, including the one holding his newly acquired Axew as he mentally added, 'And a chance to meet new friends, too.'
Azure called over the wind, patting the bird Pokémon's neck, "Alright, next stop Nuvema Town! Braviary, steady as she goes!"
*FWP*
Braviary responded, adjusting its flight path, soaring gracefully higher into the azure sky, "BRAAAAV! (On it, boss!)."
*Whooosh*
The world below became a patchwork quilt of forests, rivers, and distant towns. Azure savored the moment, the freedom of flight, the promise of adventure. Nuvema Town awaited, and with it, the true beginning of his Unova journey.
/////
[Unova Region, Meanwhile, Nuvema Town – Juniper's Lab]
Meanwhile, far to the south, nestled along the coastline, Nuvema Town stirred under a sky that wept a soft, insistent drizzle. It had been a wet night, and though the clouds began to lighten, promising a warmer day, a distinct chill still permeated the air. Puddles shimmered on the cobblestone streets, reflecting the muted morning light.
A delivery man, a sturdy fellow with a neatly trimmed mustache, hurried along, his brown uniform slick with moisture. Beside him, a loyal Herdier trotted, its fur matted damply, but its tail still wagging with quiet diligence.
The Herdier barked softly, nudging the man's leg, "Woof!"
The mailman grumbled good-naturedly, adjusting the large, suspiciously rectangular gift box in his arms, "I know, boy, I know. Still a bit nippy, isn't it? Even if it's supposed to warm up. Wouldn't mind a hot cup of coffee right about now."
He glanced at the address on the package, muttering to himself, "Professor Juniper's Lab. Lucky them, getting a surprise delivery. Hope it's not another one of her experimental Poffin flavors."
The mailman reached the distinctive modern architecture of Professor Juniper's laboratory, a building that stood out amongst the more traditional houses. He made his way to the front door, seeking out the letterbox. With a grunt, he carefully slid the large gift box into the slot.
*THUNK*
It landed softly inside.
As he straightened up, feeling the strain in his back, a sudden presence behind him made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Without thinking, a reflex born of years of startled encounters, he whirled around and slapped whatever had crept up on him!
*SMACK*
*THUD*
A loud THUD followed as a young teenager tumbled to the wet ground, landing squarely in a puddle. He had wild, brown hair, an intense gaze, and a black and red cap perched jauntily on his head.
Beside him, an earnest-looking Braviary let out a squawk of surprise, and a fluffy Munna floated nearby, looking utterly bewildered. The boy protested, scrambling up, rubbing his smarting cheek, "Ow! Hey! You're mean!"
Water dripped from his clothes. The delivery man blinked, his eyes widening in belated realization, and quickly apologized, "Goodness gracious! It... it was just a boy! I didn't see you there! Thought it was a wild Patrat trying to steal my lunch!"
He looked down at the boy, then back at the package now safely inside, asking, "My apologies, young man. I had an important delivery for someone named... Black. Do you know where he lives around here?"
The boy, Black, pointed a defiant finger at himself and stated, "I am Black! And this is my house! Sort of! The Professor lives next door, but this is where I live!"
He grabbed the delivery man's arm, pulling him towards the adjacent house, a more traditional, two-story dwelling, and pushed, "Come on! I'll prove it!"
The mailman stammered, surprised by the boy's strength and enthusiasm, "Whoa, easy there, lad! The package is already delivered!"
Black ignored him, dragging him across the wet lawn. He yelled to an elderly woman tending her garden next door, "He lives here, right, Mrs. Peterson?"
Mrs. Peterson, holding a watering can, barely looked up and asked, "Oh, Black? Yes, he lives there, dear. Always has his nose in a Pokémon book, that one."
Satisfied, Black marched the bewildered delivery man back to Juniper's lab. The mailman, still somewhat dazed, produced a clipboard and relented, "Right, well, if you are Black, then I suppose you need to sign for it."
Black scribbled his signature with gusto. The mailman looked at Black's damp clothing and asked, "You're soaking wet, son. Were you out all night?"
Black chirped excitedly, completely unconcerned, "Yep! Figuring out the best way to train Pokémon!"
*Shiver*
The mailman's eyes widened, a shiver running down his spine quickly muttered, "R-right. Well. Have a good day then!"
*Swooosh*
He practically sprinted away, Herdier looking back with a confused glance before trotting after its master. Black, oblivious to the mailman's unease, pushed open the lab door, which was thankfully unlocked.
Black smiled excitedly as he spoke to his two Pokémon partners, "Alright, Musha, Brav! Let's see what Professor Juniper got for me!"
His Braviary, fittingly named Brav, peered over his shoulder, "Braw?"
Musha, the floating Munna, wafted excitedly, "Munaa!"
Black plunged his hands into the gift box. He pulled out three Poké Balls, then a sleek device as he muttered to himself, "What kind of Pokémon do you think it is? Will it be the friend who helps us win the Pokémon League, Brav? The one that leads us to victory? Whoa! A Pokédex!"
Just then, a sudden, ticklish sensation in his nose. Black had been outside all night, and the damp, chill air hadn't done him any favors. He tried to hold it back, but it was no use uttering, "AAAH-CHOO!"
*CLATTER*
*THUD*
The sneeze was explosive, sending a jolt through his body. Everything in his hands—the Poké Balls, the Pokédex—flew into the air. They landed haphazardly on the tiled floor, the Poké Balls popping open on impact.
*POP*
Three flashes of light, and then three small Pokémon stood blinking in the dim lab entrance. A fiery pig, a regal grass snake, and an otter-like Pokémon with a shell on its belly. Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawott.
Brav chuckled behind Black. Musha giggled seeing Black sneezing, "Achoo-choo! Muna-na!"
Black, wiping his nose, immediately noticed the tension. Snivy and Tepig were glaring at each other, their initial surprise giving way to immediate animosity. Snivy hissed, tail twitching, "Sniiiv! (Tch! You fast food bacon!)."
Tepig retorted, snorting a tiny puff of smoke, "Tepig! (Oh yeah ugly?)."
*Splash*
Without warning, Tepig swung its tail, sending a splash of water from a nearby puddle directly onto Snivy's sleek scales. Snivy shrieked, "SNII! (You!!!)."
*SMACK*
Snivy wiped the water off with an indignant paw, then retaliated, slapping Tepig soundly across the snout with its tail. Black's eyes lit up at seeing them exclaimed, "Whoa! Check them out, Brav! Musha! They're already raring to go! These three look like they're bred for battle! Amazing! Go, Tepig! Go, Snivy! Show me what you got!"
The two Pokémon, fueled by Black's unexpected cheers, redoubled their efforts. Snivy coiled, ready to strike, while Tepig rooted its hooves defiantly. Oshawott, caught in the crossfire, let out a distressed "Osha-wott!" as a stray tail whip grazed its side.
Oshawott roared, its small body trembling with rage. "OSHA-WOTT!!! (That was the last straw!!!)."
*WHIZZ*
It whipped out the scalchop from its belly, a sharp, white shell, and spun, sending it flying like a discus. The scalchop ricocheted off Snivy's tail with a THWACK, then bounced squarely off Tepig's snout with a louder BONK!
*THWACK—BONK*
Snivy stumbled back, dazed. Tepig, feeling the full brunt of the attack, squealed in pain, "TEPIG! (You… you two big meanies!!)."
Its eyes wide with fright, it turned tail and bolted, dashing out of the lab and into the wet morning. Black yelled, reaching out a hand, "Hey! Tepig, come back! Don't run off!"
But it was too late. Tepig was gone.
/////
[Unova Region, Later, Nuvema Town – Juniper's Lab]
A short while later, Professor Juniper arrived at her laboratory, her usually neat bun slightly askew, a stack of research papers clutched in her hands. She pushed open the door, only to gawp at the scene of utter disarray.
The floor was wet, Pokédexes were scattered, and two exhausted Starter Pokémon, Snivy and Oshawott, lay slumped against a wall, occasionally twitching with leftover irritation. She exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm, "Goodness gracious! What in the world happened here?!"
Cheren, a bespectacled young man with a studious air, and Bianca, a bubbly, somewhat clumsy girl with a wide hat, had just arrived, drawn by the commotion. Cheren countered, pushing his glasses up his nose, stating in an annoyed tone, "Professor, we should be asking you that! We've been waiting for ages for the Starter Pokémon and Pokédexes to arrive! We thought you'd forgotten!"
Bianca nodded vigorously and added frustratedly, "Yeah! I was so eager to pick my first Pokémon!"
Juniper sighed, running a hand through her hair, and replied, "I know, I know! I had a delivery man drop off the goods at Black's house, not here, because I was so busy with my research this morning. I assumed he'd bring them over immediately!"
She trailed off, noticing the opened package, the wet Pokédexes, and the disheveled starters, muttering missing Black, a Pokedex, and Tepig, "And it seems Black did much more than just 'bring them over'!"
She spotted the space where Tepig should have been, asking, "Wait, where's Tepig? And the third Pokédex?"
Cheren observed dryly, pointing at the struggling Snivy and Oshawott, "It appears Black opened the package here and promptly had a Pokémon brawl."
Professor Juniper's face flushed. She practically roared, her eyes scanning the room, expecting the culprit to appear, "Black! Tepig! The third Pokédex! Where are they?!"
Cheren added, adjusting his glasses, "And I have some questions too!"
Before anyone else could speak, Bianca gasped, her eyes landing on the weary Oshawott. She swooped down, scooping the Oshawott into her arms, exclaiming, "Oh, my goodness! Look at this little cutie! I pick this one! It's so adorable!"
Cheren started, "Whoa, Bianca! You can't just—"
But Bianca was already turning to him. She declared, gently nudging the slightly disgruntled Snivy with her foot towards him, "And Cheren, you can have this one! Snivy looks just like you! So serious and clever!"
Cheren, with Snivy now at his feet, looked utterly flabbergasted. He muttered under his breath, causing Snivy to glare at him, "She's a ditz!"
Bianca giggled as she added happily, "I bet Tepig ran off with Black! They always do things in such a hurry!"
Professor Juniper, still reeling from the chaos, threw her hands up and exclaimed, "You know what? Fine! Let's go find them!"
Cheren, still trying to process Bianca's impulsive decision and his new Pokémon, knelt then asked, "Do we, Snivy? Do we really look the same?"
Snivy just gave a noncommittal flick of its tail and hissed, "Sniv! (Hmph!)."
Juniper, meanwhile, was muttering under her breath, "Things never go as planned, do they? Never, ever."
Professor Juniper called, "Minccino, come on out and help!"
*POP*
A neat, gray Minccino with a fluffy tail appeared in a flash of light. It chimed, "Min-min! (Reporting for cleaning duty!)."
Juniper requested, gesturing vaguely at the mess, "Minccino, darling, could you please tidy up a bit and see if you can find any clues as to where Tepig ran off?"
Minccino, delighted to be given a task, immediately began darting around, sweeping stray leaves and water droplets with its tail, "Min! (On it!)."
It stopped suddenly, sniffing at a distinct set of small, hoof-like footprints in the wet floor, leading out the open front door. Juniper exclaimed, "Ah ha! Tepig footprints! Come on, everyone! Let's follow them!"
The trio, with Snivy reluctantly following Cheren and Oshawott happily nestled in Bianca's arms, trailed Minccino through the damp streets of Nuvema Town. The footprints led them out of town and towards a small grove of trees bordering the town outskirts.
Minccino chirped, pointing a paw towards a particularly tall tree, "Min-min!"
There, perched precariously on a high branch, was the missing Tepig, looking rather ruffled and forlorn. And below it, halfway up the tree trunk, was Black, clambering with surprising agility, his Braviary (Brav) hovering nearby, occasionally nudging him upwards. Musha floated calmly above Black's head.
Bianca gasped, clutching Oshawott, "Whoa! That looks dangerous!"
Cheren fretted, "He'll fall!"
Juniper hissed, observing the scene with a suddenly keen interest, "Shush, you two!"
Black finally reached a branch just below Tepig. He said gently, his voice a little raspy from his cold, "Hey there, little guy. Still sulking, huh? You think those two were ganging up on you?"
He coughed, then added in a sympathetic tone, "Sounds like you got a cold too, little buddy. I got one myself. Achoo!"
He sneezed again. Tepig looked down at him, its ears drooping slightly. Tepig cried out, "Tepig..."
Black continued, reaching out a hand towards the fire pig, "Listen, I know what it's like to feel outnumbered. But you know what? I like that fire in you. I like how you fought back. I choose you, Tepig! You're going to be the Pokémon that helps me win the Pokémon League! My name's Black. What do you say?"
Tepig's eyes, which had been downcast, flickered to meet Black's intense gaze. A spark of understanding, perhaps even affection, seemed to ignite. With a hopeful "Tepig!", it scampered down the branch and rushed towards Black, bumping its head against his arm. Black grinned, a genuine, joyful smile.
Black smiled, exclaiming, "Alright! Welcome to the team, Tepig!"
*WHOOOSH*
Just as Black was about to reach for Tepig's Poké Ball, a sudden, swift blur of green erupted from the shrubbery behind Black. It struck Tepig from behind. Tepig cried out in surprise and pain, stumbling, "TEPIG! (Nani?!)"
Cheren and Bianca gasped in shock. Cheren yelled, "What was that?!"
Juniper, however, merely nodded, a strange glint in her eyes. She murmured, almost to herself, "Good."
Cheren exclaimed, "Professor, what do you mean, 'good'?!"
Juniper turned to them, a faint smile playing on her lips as she explained, "My original plan, you see, was to give out the Pokédexes formally. And frankly, after the mess in the lab, I was going to ask Black to... step down from receiving one, at least for now. But…"
She gestured towards Black, who was now frantically peering into the bushes, continuing, "If he can handle this situation, if he can truly show the grit and wit of a trainer, then I'll forgive and forget everything that happened back there."
Black, meanwhile, was utterly bewildered, muttered, "What could have done that?! I can't think straight!"
He clutched his head. He was so focused on the League, on battling, that unexpected problems often short-circuited his thought process. He ordered, "Musha! Blank my mind! I need to see this clearly!"
*WHOOSH*
Musha chirped, and then, with a soft WHOOSH, it floated directly to Black's head, placing its soft body against his forehead, "Munaa! (Yes! Snack time!)"
Juniper gasped, startled, "What in the world is he doing?!"
Bianca explained, eyes wide, "He's using Musha to eat his dreams, Professor!"
Cheren nodded, continuing to explain with his arms crossed, "Black's mind is usually so focused on the Pokémon League that he can't think clearly about anything else. So, to solve problems, he gets Musha to... temporarily clear his mind of those thoughts. To see things purely."
A strange, serene calm settled over Black's face. His eyes, usually intensely focused, took on a distant, almost empty quality. He scanned the tree, then the surrounding shrubbery as he realized, 'A figure in the shrubbery... and wait...'
His gaze snapped back to the tree Tepig had been climbing. It was a sturdy, mature tree, but something was off. All the surrounding trees had lush, vibrant leaves. This one, however, was strangely bare in patches, especially around the branch Tepig had been on.
Black began to realize who the enemy was as he thought, 'There are gaps in the leaves... like something was harvesting them.'
Black called, his voice now clear and sharp, devoid of his earlier cold-induced fuzziness, "Brav! Remove the leaves from that bush!"
Braviary let out a powerful cry, flapping its wings, "BRAAAV!"
*RUSTLE-SWISH*
A gust of wind, strong and precise, tore through the shrubbery. Leaves flew, revealing a small, green larva-like Pokémon with a large, leaf-like hood.
Black exclaimed, pulling out the Pokédex he'd dropped earlier, "A Sewaddle!"
*BEEP-BOOP*
It had miraculously landed in a dry spot and seemed to be working. He aimed it at the newly revealed Pokémon. The Pokédex chimed, "Sewaddle, the Sewing Pokémon. It makes clothes out of leaves for itself and other Pokémon. A friendly Pokémon that enjoys making items from leaves."
Black cried, snapping the Pokédex shut, "I knew it! It was making clothes out of the leaves on this tree! Tepig must have invaded its territory!"
The Sewing Pokémon cried, clearly annoyed, and launched another attack, "Sewaddle! (Get off my property!)."
*SHING—SHING*
*CRACK*
It fired a stream of sharp leaves – Razor Leaf! – directly at the branch Tepig was on. The branch, already weakened, splintered and snapped with a loud CRACK! Tepig yelped, tumbling downwards.
Black cried, reaching out, "Tepig!"
But the little fire pig was surprisingly agile. With a squeal, it dug its tiny hooves into the tree bark, scrambling back up the trunk in a burst of unexpected speed. It landed safely on a higher branch, glaring defiantly at the Sewaddle.
*FWOOOSH*
Tepig snorted, a small flame flickering in its nose. It took a deep breath, and then a concentrated burst of Ember erupted from its snout, a tiny fireball streaking towards the Sewaddle, "Tepig!"
*BAM*
The Ember hit Sewaddle squarely, sending it reeling back into the bushes, knocked out cold. Bianca cheered, eyes wide, "Wow! Tepig has amazing reflexes!"
Cheren added, equally impressed by the battle, "And so agile! I wouldn't have expected that from a Fire-type!"
Black beamed, his earlier cold forgotten in the thrill of victory. He looked at Tepig with an eager grin and asked again, "So, Tepig. How about it? Ready to come along with me and help me achieve my dream?"
Tepig, a triumphant smirk on its face, nodded vigorously and cried out, "Tepig! Tepig! (You son of a bitch I'm in!)."
Black's chest swelled with pride and excitement. He carefully recalled Tepig to its Poké Ball. He declared, looking up at his hovering Braviary, "Alright! Then it's time for our daily activity, Brav!"
*FWP*
Cheren and Bianca immediately clapped their hands over their ears, confusing Professor Juniper. She whispered, "What in the world are they doing?"
Before she could get an answer, Black took a deep breath, his lungs filling with the crisp morning air. He raised his arms, his newfound starter safely on his belt, his eyes blazing with fierce determination, "I'm going to win the Pokémon League!"
Black roared, his voice carrying far across the quiet town, echoing through the trees and across the water, declaring, "Elite Four! Champion! Be aware! For Black, Master of the Pokémon League, is coming!"
With his declaration ringing in the air, Black leaped onto Braviary's back. Braviary ascended with a powerful flap of its wings, carrying Black, Musha, and a fully recharged spirit into the sky, "Braw!"
*FWOOSH—FWOOSH*
*WHUMP-WHUMP*
They headed south-east, towards the next town, leaving Nuvema Town behind.
Professor Juniper stared at the rapidly disappearing speck in the sky, then turned to Cheren and Bianca, who were slowly uncovering their ringing ears. She sighed, "Well, that was... unexpected. My plan had a minor disruption. But I'm counting on you two with your Pokédexes now."
She handed them their devices. Cheren and Bianca eagerly took their Pokédexes, pressing the power buttons.
*CLICK*
Nothing.
*CLICK-CLICK*
Still nothing.
Bianca whined, "Mine's not turning on!"
Cheren added, frowning in a disappointed tone, "Mine neither! They must have gotten wet earlier, at the lab."
Professor Juniper's eyes widened in dawning horror, uttering, "Oh, no! The water! After Black's sneeze... they must have short-circuited!"
She looked up at the sky where Black had vanished, muttering in realization, "That means... Black is the only one with a working Pokédex!"
A wave of worry washed over her, muttering in disbelief, "This is going to be quite the adventure now, isn't it?"
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!
And also, any recommendations for what Pokémon the MC should capture?
Note: he'll only capture Pokémon he can get in Unova or others he hasn't caught in previous regions.