Chapter 599: Hiker Andy
~Azure S. POV~
[Unova Region, Later, Route 1]
The crisp Unovan air tasted different, sharper, more alive than the familiar sea-salt tang of Hoenn or the mountain chill of Sinnoh. I breathed it in, a subtle smile playing on my lips as I stepped out of Nuvema Town.
The hum of the bustling university faded behind me, replaced by the rustle of dry grass and the distant chirps of Pidove. Route 1 stretched ahead, a winding path of reddish dirt bordered by low, rocky hills and patches of vibrant green.
I announced, reaching for the Poké Balls clipped to my belt, "Alright everyone, time to stretch your legs!"
*Fwooosh—POP*
With a series of bright flashes and the familiar fwoosh of energy, Zoura, Golett, Tepig, Axew, Larvesta, and Drilbur materialized around me.
Zoura's telepathic voice echoed directly in my mind, a playful whine underlying his words, 'Finally! Being cooped up is such a drag!'
He immediately began weaving through my legs, a phantom-like blur of dark fur. Pikachu chirped from his perch on my shoulder, eyes bright with excitement, "Pika-Pika!"
Eevee chimed in from my head, giving a happy little wiggle, "Eevee!"
I chuckled, gently scratching Eevee behind the ears, "Relax, Zoura. We just got here. Braviary needs his rest after that long flight, and Zwelious… well, he's having his beauty sleep, as usual."
The last thing I wanted was for my Braviary to overexert itself. He'd carried me across an ocean, and he deserved a good long nap in his Poké Ball. As for Zwelious, the perpetually sleepy Dragon-type, nothing short of an actual battle would stir him.
My other main partners, Rotom and Porygon-Z, were happily exploring the digital realm within my Arc Phone, occasionally sending me a ping of data or a curious observation about Unova's network infrastructure. Deep within my shadow, unseen by most, Darkrai, Marshadow, and Gengar stirred slightly, sensing the fresh energy of a new region.
Gengar's low, feminine voice purred from my shadow, a playful mockery in her tone: "Zoura, you complain too much. At least you get to walk around. We're stuck in here… for now."
Zoura gave a mock shudder and argued back, 'Don't remind me! Your shadow realm is… cozy, but a little too dark for my tastes.'
I smiled, shaking my head. It was always like this. It was a lot to manage, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I told the active members of my team, "Alright, guys, let's get some exercise in."
Tepig trotted enthusiastically, snorting little puffs of smoke. Drilbur dug his claws into the soft earth, already sampling the soil. Golett floated silently, his stone body somehow conveying an eagerness to move. Axew, my little Shiny Dragon, bounced around, his tusks gleaming, while Larvesta, my magnificent Alpha, spread her fiery hairs slightly, catching the sunlight. She was a beauty, large and iridescent, a beacon of power.
Axew, at Level 30, and Larvesta, at Level 40, were my current powerhouses among this group. The others, still relatively young in their battling careers, needed all the experience they could get.
Unova was a region known for its diverse Pokémon and formidable trainers. I'd heard about the unique battle styles here, and I was eager to dive in. My goal remained the same, unwavering: to become a Pokémon Master.
Not just a champion, but someone who truly understood and connected with all Pokémon, someone who could protect them and the world they inhabited. Unova was just another stepping stone on that grand journey, another set of challenges to overcome, more friends to make, and more experiences to gather.
I called out, my voice echoing slightly off the rocky terrain, "Hey, any trainers out here? Looking for a battle!"
Only the chirping of a Patrat replied, "Pat! (No!)"
*Whooosh*
The wind rustled through the tall grass, a soft whoosh that seemed to mock my eagerness. I mused, shrugging, "Hmm, guess this route is quieter than I thought… No matter, we'll just walk a bit further. Someone's bound to pop up."
We continued our casual stroll. Zoura darted ahead, chasing after a passing Butterfree, his illusory nature making him difficult to track. Tepig snuffled happily at the base of a small tree, examining a patch of berries. Drilbur, true to form, was already tunneling a short distance, a miniature dust cloud following his progress.
Lost in my thoughts, admiring the unique flora and fauna of Unova, I wasn't paying as much attention to the path as I should have been. One moment, I was admiring a particularly vibrant patch of flowers, and the next—
*THUD*
I collided with something solid and unyielding, tumbling backward onto the dusty path with a surprised cry, "Oof!"
My head spun for a moment, and I instinctively braced myself for another impact. My eyes refocused, and to my astonishment, it wasn't a rock at all muttered, "What in the world… a giant rock—Oh."
Standing over me, looking equally surprised, was a stocky man in hiking gear, complete with a large backpack and a wide-brimmed hat. His face was weathered, and he had a bushy mustache that twitched as he stared down at me.
The hiker exclaimed, rubbing his forehead, "Well, I'll be. Didn't see you there, young man. Guess I was lost in thought."
He extended a large, calloused hand, which I gratefully accepted. He pulled me to my feet with surprising strength as he said, "Heard you calling out for trainers. You were looking for a battle, eh?"
I blinked, still a little disoriented. I asked, a little foolishly, "Uh, yeah, I was. You're a trainer?"
Of course, he was; he had Poké Balls on his belt. My Pokémon, startled by the collision, had gathered around me, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness.
The hiker chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. He straightened his hat, a confident gleam in his eyes as he introduced himself, "That I am! Name's Andy. Always ready for a challenge, especially from an enthusiastic young trainer like yourself. So, tell me, what's your goal in life, kid? What drives you?"
His question caught me off guard, but I didn't hesitate. I declared, my voice firm with conviction, "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master!"
Every time I said it, it felt like a vow, a promise to myself and to my partners.
Andy's eyes widened slightly, and then he gave a hearty laugh. He then reached for his own Poké Balls, answering, "A Pokémon Master, you say? Hah! A fine goal, a truly fine goal! I admire your ambition, young man. Alright, then, let's see if you have the mettle to back up that dream!"
He threw three Poké Balls simultaneously. He declared boldly, "Go, Blitzle! Cottonee! Roggenrola!"
*POP*
Blitzle whinnied, its mane crackling with electricity. Cottonee floated gracefully, a puff of white fluff, while Roggenrola landed with a solid thud, its crystalline body glinting in the sun.
My eyes quickly scanned his team. Blitzle, a speedy Electric-type. Cottonee, a Grass/Fairy type. And Roggenrola, a sturdy Rock-type. Then, the realization hit me. Three Pokémon. Standing in a line.
This wasn't a standard single or double battle. This was a Triple Battle!
My mind immediately accessed all the data I'd absorbed about the Unova region. Triple Battles were a signature of this region, a strategic dance where positioning and targeting were paramount. Each Pokémon could only directly attack those adjacent to it or the one directly opposite.
It added a whole new layer of complexity. I hadn't had a Triple Battle in a while in Sinnoh nor in my early days against Erica.
This is exhilarating!
I thought, a thrill running through me. I loved new challenges, and this was an exciting one. I quickly assessed Andy's Pokémon.
Their levels seemed to hover around the early teens: Blitzle at Lv.15, Cottonee at Lv.14, and Roggenrola at Lv.16. Manageable for my current team.
I announced, making my selections, "Alright, I've got just the team for this! Tepig, Zoura, Golett, to the front!"
*Fwooosh*
With three more fwooshes, Tepig snorted eagerly, steam puffing from his nostrils. Zoura shimmered into position, a mischievous glint in his illusory eyes. Golett floated silently, his ancient gaze fixed on the opposing Pokémon.
Andy's eyes twinkled. He gave a nod of approval as he said excitedly with his arms crossed over his chest, "Ah, a Triple Battle! You're certainly up to date on Unova's new style of rules from the Pokémon Association! Very good, very good. Not many trainers come through here prepared for this. Alright then, let's make this a memorable one! Blitzle, Cottonee, Roggenrola, unleash your power!"
Andy barked out his commands, his voice booming with confidence, "Roggenrola, Rock Slide! Blitzle, Tail Whip! Cottonee, Razor Leaf!"
Roggenrola's crystalline body glowed, and then a cascade of sharp, jagged rocks plummeted from the sky towards my Pokémon, "RAWR!"
Blitzle flicked its tail, a swift motion that sent a wave of disarming energy towards Tepig, "B-BWAAAT!"
*ZING*
Cottonee, meanwhile, spun gracefully, launching a barrage of sharp, green leaves that zipped towards Golett. I had to act fast. Position was key.
Tepig was on the left flank, Golett on the right, and Zoura in the middle. Cottonee was directly opposite Tepig. Perfect!
I commanded, my voice cutting through the air, "Tepig, Flame Charge on Cottonee! Zoura, Night Daze on Blitzle! Golett, Shadow Punch on Roggenrola!"
Tepig roared, flames erupting from its mouth and feet. He charged forward, a fiery comet streaking towards the unsuspecting Cottonee, "TEP-TEP-TEPIG!"
My internal thoughts quickly confirmed my strategy: Cottonee was a Grass-type, making it doubly weak to Tepig's Fire-type attack. Plus, being adjacent, Tepig could hit it directly with maximum force.
*WHAM*
Tepig slammed into Cottonee, the Flame Charge delivering a powerful blow. Cottonee let out a surprised cry as the flames licked at its fluffy body, sending it spinning backward, "Cot-COT!"
*CLANG*
Roggenrola's Rock Slide, a wide-ranging attack, still rained down on my team. Golett took some damage, but his sturdy Rock/Ground typing made him resilient.
*WHOOSH*
Zoura easily dodged most of the incoming rocks, his illusions flickering. Tepig, fresh from his charge, managed to weave around the worst of it. Blitzle's Tail Whip, however, landed cleanly on Tepig, lowering his defenses slightly.
But my counterattacks were already in motion.
Zoura's telepathic voice resonated in my mind, a hint of glee. He unleashed a swirling vortex of dark energy, "ZOOOU-RAAA! (Taste this, pony!)."
The distortion of Night Daze slammed into Blitzle, causing it to whinny in shock and stumble, electricity sputtering from its mane.
*FWOOOSH*
Golett's arm glowed with ghostly energy, "GOOOOO-LETT!"
Golett zipped forward, delivering a solid Shadow Punch to Roggenrola, an effective hit that sent the rock Pokémon skidding back a few feet with a pained, "ROGG-uh!"
Andy, who had been confident moments ago, suddenly started to sweat profusely. His face was beet-red, and his breathing became labored.
He gasped, fanning himself frantically with his hand, "Whoa-ho-ho!" "G-gah! That's… that's a lot of heat! Too much heat!"
He started stumbling backward, clutching at his chest. He exclaimed, his voice strained, "I… I gotta… I need water! It's too hot!"
He turned and practically ran off the battleground, rummaging frantically through his large backpack a few meters away. I stared, utterly bewildered. My Pokémon looked equally confused.
I wondered aloud, "Uh… is he always like this?"
Pikachu tilted his head, "Pika…? (Well… this is a first…)"
Eevee blinked, "Eevee-vee? (Huh?)"
Zoura chimed in telepathically, a hint of amusement in his voice, 'Looks like he's got a weakness to Fire-types, Azure. A very… physical weakness, it seems.'
While Andy was chugging from a massive canteen, completely distracted, the battle continued. Blitzle was still reeling from Night Daze, and Roggenrola was looking wobbly from Shadow Punch. Cottonee, though surprisingly resilient, was still singed and struggling to regain its composure. Another well-placed move would surely finish them.
I called out, deciding to press the advantage while Andy was indisposed, "Okay, guys, finish it up! Tepig, another Flame Charge! Zoura, Night Daze on Blitzle! Golett, use Shadow Punch on Roggenrola!"
Tepig surged forward, engulfing Cottonee in a burst of flames, "TEPIG!"
*BAM-THUD*
The Grass-type Pokémon cried out, then collapsed, faint.
Zoura's Night Daze wrapped around Blitzle, "ZOU-RAAA!"
*BAM-THUD*
Zoura's attack was too overwhelming for the Electric-type, which sparked violently before falling over, unconscious.
Golett slammed its fist into its foe, "GOLETT!"
*CRACK-THUD*
… a powerful CRACK! Was heard. Roggenrola, already injured, was caught squarely, its sturdy form trembling before it, too, toppled over, knocked out.
Just as my Pokémon finished their attacks, Andy finally finished his drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked up, a sigh of relief on his face, then his eyes landed on his fainted Pokémon.
His jaw dropped. He cried out, his voice filled with despair. He rushed over to his Pokémon, kneeling beside them, "Wha…?! Oh no! Not again! Blitzle! Cottonee! Roggenrola! You're all… knocked out!"
He looked utterly devastated. He uttered, ashamed, "I… I lost again! Oh, the shame! I… I should just retire."
I stared, taken aback. I asked, confused by his sudden declaration, "Retire? But why?"
The battle had been barely a minute long.
Andy slowly looked up at me, his eyes clouded with a deep sadness that belied his earlier boisterous confidence. He admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, taking a seat down, "Because… because in truth, kid, I'm a rotten trainer… I act all confident, like I'm an old hand, but the truth is… I've been waiting to enter the Pokémon League for twenty years, and I still haven't done so."
My brows furrowed. 20 years?
That was an incredibly long time.
I asked, now interested, "Twenty years? But… why?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He asked, looking at me expectantly, "You know you need eight Gym Badges to enter the League, right?"
I confirmed, "Of course."
Andy continued, a faraway look in his eyes, "Well, when I was younger, I started off with a fire in my belly, just like you. I collected a few badges, but… I always gave up halfway. Something would happen- a tough loss, a sudden doubt… and I'd just stop. By the time the Pokémon League started, the deadline for entry had always passed. So, I'd just be another face in the crowd, watching from the spectator stands."
He chuckled humorlessly, adding, "Haha… Pathetic, isn't it?"
He stood up, slowly recalling his defeated Pokémon, continuing, "Since then, I've given up on that dream. Now, I just wait here on Route 1, challenging trainers whom I think can't beat me, just to feel a shred of that old confidence."
He gestured around the barren route, stating, "But as you can see, even that doesn't work anymore. Just keep losing."
I pointed out gently, "You ran off, though. You were feeling too hot."
He winced. But he answered my question, "Aye, that's the problem. I can't take the heat. Literally. When an opponent uses fire moves, I get woozy, lightheaded, and so thirsty I can't focus. My mind just goes blank trying to find water."
He shook his head, stating in a defeatist tone, "A trainer who can't handle a Fire-type move is a lousy trainer, plain and simple."
I pressed, looking at the Poké Balls in his hand, "But what about your Pokémon, Andy? What about their dreams? Don't they want to compete in the League, too?"
His gaze dropped to the ground. He sighed, stating, "Sigh… They… they deserve a better trainer than me. A trainer who doesn't bail in the middle of a battle. A trainer who isn't afraid of a little heat. Look at my Cottonee, for example. Doesn't even pay attention to me anymore."
He gestured to the Poké Ball containing Cottonee, a sad expression on his face. As he spoke, I started to feel it too. A rising warmth, subtle at first, then growing more noticeable. I remarked, wiping a bead of sweat from my forehead, "You know, it is getting pretty hot out here."
Andy nodded miserably, stating the fact, "See? I'm already starting to sweat again just thinking about it."
But it wasn't just us. A faint smell of smoke started to drift on the breeze. My eyes darted around, and then I saw it…
*HISSS*
A patch of dried grass near a cluster of rocks, just a stone's throw from where Cottonee had fainted, was smoldering. A small flame flickered, then rapidly grew, fanned by the wind. Oh shit, a forest fire!
Pikachu suddenly cried out, pointing with his tail, "Pika-CHU-CHU!"
Eevee chirped frantically, her fur bristling, "Eevee! EEVEE-VEE!"
I exclaimed, my heart leaping into my throat, "Fire!"
The dry grass and rocky terrain made it a perfect tinderbox. A full-blown wildfire on Route 1, and so close to Nuvema Town, would be disastrous!
No time to think, only to act!
Rotom's synthesized voice blared from my Arc Phone, which vibrated violently in my pocket, "Azure, the fire is spreading rapidly! Its temperature is increasing at an alarming rate! Warning! Warning!"
Gengar's voice, usually calm and composed, held a rare urgency as she stirred in my shadow, "Damn it, this is bad! Boss, direct us!"
I yelled, my voice ringing with authority, "Alright, everyone, listen up! Pikachu, use Surf! Eevee, Mimic Surf! Rotom, engage Wash Rotom form and use Hydro Pump! Quickly, we need to douse it!"
Pikachu, without an ounce of hesitation, leaped from my shoulder, landing squarely on the ground, "PIKA-CHUUUUU!"
A massive wave of water materialized around him, surging forward with incredible force toward the rapidly expanding blaze.
Eevee, quick as a flash, mimicked Pikachu's motion, a smaller but equally potent wave of water forming around her, adding to the deluge, "EEVEE-VEEEE!"
From my Arc Phone, a burst of red light erupted, and Rotom, in his spectral form, zipped out and declared, "RO-TOTO-TOM! WASH ROTOM, ENGAGE! HYDRO PUMP!"
*FLASH*
In a flash, he merged with an imaginary washing machine, transforming into his Wash Rotom form, and unleashed a powerful, high-pressure jet of water from his circular body. With that, we attacked the fire.
*WHOOSH-CRASH-HISSSSSS*
The combined force of the three Water-type attacks slammed into the growing fire. Steam erupted violently, obscuring our view for a moment. The roaring crackle of the flames was replaced by the sizzling of water on hot ground. The air, which had been thick with smoke and heat, gradually began to clear.
When the steam finally dissipated, the results were clear. The fire was out. The ground was scorched and wet, but the flames had been extinguished just in time, preventing a full-scale catastrophe.
I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me. I muttered, wiping my brow, "That was a close one."
Pikachu chirped proudly, shaking off the remaining droplets of water, "Pika-Pika! (Yeah, too close for comfort…)."
Eevee wagged her tail, looking pleased with herself, "Eevee! (Yup! Only we can prevent forest fires!)."
Rotom zipped back into my Arc Phone, a triumphant "RO-TOM!" echoing from within. Andy, who had watched the entire frantic spectacle with wide eyes, his mouth hung open, finally stammered, "Your… your Pokémon… they… they can talk? And… and they saved the day! What just happened?"
Gengar purred from my shadow, a faint, almost imperceptible chuckle accompanying her words, "We're a special group, old man."
She found Andy's reaction amusing.
Zoura chimed in telepathically, giving a smug little flick of his tail. He then added, 'Indeed. We've saved the world more times than I can count. Though usually from slightly larger threats than a grassland fire.'
Andy's jaw dropped further. He pointed a trembling finger at my shadow, then at Zoura, then his eyes darted to my Arc Phone and muttered, "Talking… Pokémon? Telepathy? What in the world…?"
I gave him a reassuring smile as I said my usual excuse, "Long story. But let's focus on the immediate issue. The fire."
I walked over to the scorched earth. My eyes narrowed as I examined the center of the burnt patch. There were small, almost imperceptible scorch marks, consistent with smoldering embers.
I said calmly, turning to Andy, "I think I know how this started. Cottonee."
Andy blinked, surprised, and asked, "Cottonee? But she was knocked out!"
I nodded, further explaining to Andy, "Exactly. Tepig hit her with Flame Charge, a Fire-type move. It left her singed, with smoldering embers on her fluff. I think… I think she was playing with them."
Andy stared at me, then at the spot where Cottonee had fallen. He muttered, "Playing? But… why?"
I suggested, a lightbulb going off in my head, realizing the reason why, "To overcome her weakness to Fire, perhaps. Cottonee took a powerful Fire attack and then, even unconscious, instinctively kept those embers alive. It's like she was trying to get used to the heat, trying to understand it, so that next time, she wouldn't be so vulnerable."
Andy's eyes widened in realization. He looked from me to the burnt patch, then to the Poké Ball containing his Cottonee.
A wave of shame washed over his face. His voice was filled with regret, "Oh… oh, what have I done? I thought she was ignoring me, being disobedient… but she was trying to get stronger. I was so quick to anger at her… I need to apologize to her."
I sighed in relief. At least he understood. I said calmly, giving him a small, encouraging nod, "That's a good start, Andy."
He looked at me, a thoughtful expression on his face. Till he finally asked as he gazed at the embers, "Azure… do you think… will my dream just disappear like those embers? Will I ever be able to overcome my own weakness?"
I met his gaze, my conviction shining through. I said honestly, "Andy, your dream will never die unless you let it. Your desire to compete in the Pokémon League is still there; I can see it. And that spark, that desire, is big enough to rekindle any ambition."
I paused, then added in a charismatic tone, "And my desire to become the Pokémon Master? That's even bigger. It's what drives me every single day. If you truly want it, you must fight for it, for yourself, and for your Pokémon."
He looked down, a wistful smile on his face. He muttered, "You remind me of how optimistic I used to be. Always pushing forward, always resolving to be better. I lost that resolve somewhere along the way. Got too comfortable in my failures."
He then looked at me again, a flicker of hope in his eyes, and asked, "You think I can really overcome this heat problem?"
I said calmly, speaking from my experience with countless trainers and their quirks, "I think your sensitivity to heat clouds your judgment during battles, Andy; that much is clear. But that's a weakness you can absolutely address. Perhaps capturing an Ice-type or Water-type Pokémon, something that can help you resist heat better, or even cool you down during a heated moment, would be a good strategy. They could act as a shield, or just a cool breeze."
Andy's eyes lit up in realization. He muttered, "An Ice-type… a Water-type… that's brilliant! Of course! Why didn't I think of that? A little cooling breeze or a block of ice could make all the difference!"
He looked genuinely grateful. He said in a thankful tone, "Thank you. Thank you for opening my eyes. You're a truly remarkable trainer."
He extended his hand, and I shook it firmly. I said encouragingly, "Good luck, Andy. I hope to see you in the Pokémon League someday."
He grinned, a renewed determination in his eyes. He stated in a resolute tone, "You will, Azure. You definitely will!"
With a final nod, he turned and walked off, a spring in his step, heading in the opposite direction, presumably towards Nuvema Town to start his new quest. I could almost hear his thoughts, 'I will overcome this weakness. I will enter the Pokémon League!'
Watching him go, I felt a sense of satisfaction. Sometimes, saving the world involved more than just battling legendary Pokémon.
Sometimes, it was about rekindling a dream. I said coolly, turning to my team, who were watching me intently, "Alright, everyone! Andy's off to chase his dreams. Our next stop is Striaton City, for our first Gym Badge in Unova!"
"Pika-Pika!"
"Eevee!"
"TEPIG!"
"AXEW!"
"LAAAR-VES-TAA!"
Zoura said excitedly, a smirk in his voice, 'Striaton City, huh? Sounds like trouble… the fun kind!'
I nodded my head, agreeing with the little troublemaker as I replied, "Exactly, Zoura. But until then, we'll train around here. Plenty of wild Pokémon to battle, and plenty of Unovan scenery to sightsee. Let's make the most of Route 1!"
My Pokémon cheered, ready for the adventure that lay ahead. I smiled at this, and managing to help someone feels good.
But now, though… I believe it's time to meet the Dex holder of Unova and properly challenge him to a battle.
Time to battle Unova Dex Holder Black the Dreamer!
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!