Chapter 286: Beckon Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Mt. Pyre]
Continuing to guide Azure through Mt. Pyre, he asked curiously, "Are you positive I can't ascend through the stairs of Mt. Pyre?"
They both shook their heads, denying his entry further up. Liza stated, a hint of regret in her tone of voice, "We cannot allow you to ascend higher than the designated viewing paths, even with your esteemed reputation. The artifacts at the summit are too crucial, too powerful, to risk exposure."
Azure understood. He had not come seeking to disturb ancient powers, but to learn, to absorb the spiritual energy of such a hallowed site.
He could only sigh in a defeated tone as he suggested, "I assure you, my intention is merely to observe, to understand the history and the unique aura of this place. I have no desire to interfere with the sacred relics, nor to challenge the guardians of their peace."
The twins exchanged a silent glance, a flicker of thoughts passing between their linked minds. They sensed the sincerity in Azure's words, the genuine thirst for knowledge that resonated with their own reverence for the mountain.
They sighed as Tate conceded, a slight easing in his posture, "A compromise, then. We will guide you along the lower paths, show you the beauty and the solemnity of Mt. Pyre, in return for your promise to respect our boundaries and leave the area once the tour concludes."
Azure smiled, a genuine warmth lighting his features as he agreed, "An excellent arrangement. I'm eager to explore with such knowledgeable guides."
And so, their unusual tour began. The path wound upwards, each step deeper into the mountain's embrace.
Tate and Liza pointed out ancient inscriptions on weathered stones, shared tales of the spirits that lingered, and explained the significance of the various shrines. Azure listened intently, his questions insightful, his respect for their dedication evident.
As they walked, native Pokémon flitted through the mist. Vulpix, their tails like ethereal flames, scampered between tombstones.
Meditite meditated on moss-covered rocks, lost in their spiritual focus. Shuppet drifted silently, their wispy forms adding to the mountain's ghostly charm.
Duskull, with their single, piercing eyes, watched from the shadows, and Wingull soared overhead, their calls echoing through the misty air. The conversation naturally flowed to their respective journeys.
Azure spoke of his time in Kanto, his bond with Pikachu and Eevee, and the countless lessons learned. Tate and Liza, in turn, shared their aspirations for Mossdeep Gym, their unique synchronized battling style, and the challenges of being young Gym Leaders bearing such significant responsibility.
Liza remarked during a pause, admiring Pikachu's enthusiastic antics, "It sounds like you've seen countless battles. And mastered them."
He chuckled lightly as Azure acknowledged by replying, "Every battle is a lesson. And speaking of battles… I know it might be forward, but perhaps, after this tour, you would consider a Gym Battle? I'm always eager to test my team against skilled opponents."
The twins exchanged another look, a mix of appreciation and regret as Tate said, curiously eyeing him, "We are honored by the request, but our duties here take precedence. And as Gym Leaders, we must adhere to official League protocol."
Liza added, gently eyeing Azure curiously, said in a calm voice, "You haven't collected any Hoenn Gym Badges yet, have you?"
Azure nodded his head as he said calmly, "5 Badges."
Hearing this, Tate shook his head as he concluded, "Then we must decline for now."
But Liza interjected, her eyes sparkling mischievously in a confident voice, "However, if you manage to collect six Hoenn Gym Badges and find your way to our Mossdeep City Gym, or here, we would be delighted to reconsider. It would be a truly spectacular challenge."
Azure's smile widened. He nodded, accepting the challenge placed before him, "A fair deal. Six badges it is. I look forward to it."
They continued their ascent, the air growing colder, the mist thicker. Suddenly, the serene atmosphere was broken by a low, guttural growl.
From behind a particularly ancient, crumbling shrine, a shadowy figure emerged. It was a Wild Dusclops, its single red eye burning with an intense, predatory focus.
Its ghastly hands floated menacingly, and the tattered, cloth-like body seemed to absorb the light around it. It had clearly recently evolved, its power radiating outwards, restless and untamed.
The Dusclops eyed the group, particularly Azure's group, and then, sensing the deep power within the Poké Balls at Azure's hip, it fixed its gaze on him. It sought to test its newfound strength, to prove its dominance in this hallowed place.
It wanted to battle.
Before Tate and Liza could interject, their Psychic abilities already sensing the Dusclops's intent, Azure stepped forward, a calm, unyielding presence.
He asked curiously, his voice steady, "You want to battle, don't you?"
Dusclops let out another growl, its spectral body swaying, an unspoken challenge, "Dus… (Yes, mortal!)"
Azure's eyes narrowed, a strategic spark igniting within them as he said coolly in a chill voice, "Very well. I accept your challenge, Dusclops. But let's make it more interesting, shall we? A deal."
Tate and Liza watched, astonished, as Azure, instead of immediately reaching for a Poké Ball, began to speak to the wild Pokémon as if to an old friend. Azure continued, his voice resonating with confidence, "If I win, I want you to join my team. I promise to make you stronger than you can imagine."
Dusclops merely tilted its head, its red eye unblinking, conveying a silent skepticism that bordered on mockery. It had just evolved; it felt powerful, invincible.
Azure went on, a faint smile gracing his lips as he reached into the backpack, "And if you win. Then I will reveal something that might be of great interest to you."
He slowly, deliberately, pulled out a small, intricately woven piece of dark, shimmering fabric. It was a [Reaper Cloth], an item of immense rarity, brought all the way from his journey through Johto.
The fabric seemed to absorb the ambient light, yet also emit a faint, ghostly luminescence of its own. It pulsed with a subtle, yet undeniable, energy. Tate and Liza gasped, their psychic senses immediately recognizing the artifact.
Liza whispered, her eyes widened, in a stunned voice, "A Reaper Cloth!"
Tate merely stared, a profound awe washing over his usually composed features as he added, equally stunned, "They are incredibly hard to find, nearly mythical!"
Dusclops, too, reacted. Its single eye widened, not in fear, but in an intense, almost gravitational pull.
It leaned forward, its spectral form quivering. The [Reaper Cloth] hummed with an energy that resonated deep within Dusclops's very being, a promise of something more, a final, ultimate evolution.
It sensed its destiny, a surge of power awaiting it, intrinsically linked to that dark, shimmering fabric. The wild Dusclops gazed from Azure to the [Reaper Cloth], then back again…
The rush of evolution, the tangible presence of its ultimate form, was dangled before it. Its pride, its desire for power, and its innate spectral curiosity all converged.
With a decisive, silent nod, it accepted Azure's terms. Azure smiled, a genuine warmth returning to his face muttered, "Excellent."
He reached for a Poké Ball, letting it expand in his hand. He hurled it out, declaring, "Milotic, it's your time to shine!"
*Pop*
With a soft click, a dazzling burst of light erupted, coalescing into the elegant form of Milotic. Her scales shimmered with an iridescent glow, reflecting the misty light of Mt. Pyre. Her serpentine body coiled gracefully, her gaze serene yet powerful as she assessed her opponent.
Dusclops, despite its spectral nature, seemed to bristle at the beauty and sheer presence of Milotic. It moved first, its body phasing through the air, attempting to close the distance with a Shadow Punch.
*Wooosh*
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Milotic, Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Milotic, with a fluid motion of her neck, unleashed a torrent of pressurized water. The Hydro Pump was not just powerful; it was precise, intercepting Dusclops mid-phase.
*SPLASH*
The spectral Pokémon, caught off guard, was blasted back, its form momentarily destabilized by the sheer force of the water. Ghost-types were neutral to water, but the true strength here was Milotic's raw power and Azure's impeccable timing.
Dusclops recovered quickly, its eye blazing with renewed determination, shaking off the damage. It attempted a ghostly Will-O-Wisp, sending multiple small, flickering flames towards Milotic.
*Ssss*
But to Azure, it was too slow. Azure instructed, "Dodge then Hydro Pump!"
*Wooosh*
Milotic twisted gracefully, her long body swaying like silk in the wind, effortlessly weaving through the incoming fireballs. Before Dusclops could even register her evasion, Milotic had already positioned herself. Her maw opened again, and a second, even more ferocious gush of water erupted.
*SPLASH*
The second Hydro Pump struck Dusclops with devastating force, a direct hit to its spectral core. The roar of the water momentarily drowned out all other sounds. Dusclops was slammed against a large, moss-covered tombstone, its body slumping down, its single eye losing its fiery intensity.
It was not unconscious, but utterly defeated, stunned by the overwhelming power and speed of its opponent. A wave of profound sadness and depression washed over Dusclops as the full weight of its defeat settled in.
It had been so confident, so eager to prove itself, and yet it had fallen so swiftly, so decisively. Its spectral form seemed to dim, its power receding. Azure walked calmly towards the defeated Dusclops, the [Reaper Cloth] still held loosely in his hand.
He knelt, offering a reassuring presence. He said calmly with a light grin, "You were strong, Dusclops. Very strong for one who just evolved. But Milotic's power and my training can elevate you to heights you haven't even dreamed of yet."
He offered the Reaper Cloth, letting its subtle energy wash over the ghost Pokémon as he said happily, "Join me. I promise you, with this, and with my help, you will become a powerful Dusknoir. You will be a force of nature."
Dusclops looked at the [Reaper Cloth], then at the powerful, serene Milotic who now coiled gracefully beside Azure. It looked at the unwavering sincerity in Azure's eyes. It felt the latent strength of Milotic, a strength it now wished to emulate, to surpass.
The promise of evolution, of ultimate power, combined with the genuine encouragement from this formidable trainer, was a powerful draw. Slowly, hesitantly at first, then with a surge of renewed hope, Dusclops nodded its massive head. It was ready.
Azure smiled, a genuine, joyful smile. He gently touched the Poké Ball to Dusclops's spectral form, and with a soft flash of red light, the defeated but now hopeful ghost Pokémon was drawn inside.
*BON*
Azure smiled as he whispered, "Welcome to the team, Dusclops."
Tate and Liza, who had watched the entire exchange in stunned silence, finally moved. Meanwhile, Azure checked his Arc Phone, reading the info of his newest Ghost Type into his collection.
[Dusclops the Beckon Pokémon. The red eye is said to be the true form of Dusclops, but no one has yet seen this claim. Its light gray hands are almost always depicted as being directly attached to its body, but they can be seen floating independently.
Its body can absorb anything, much like a black hole, pulling through the gaps between the bandages and wrapping them. It is unknown what happens when something is absorbed by Dusclops, as nothing ever comes back out.
It will wave its hands and eyes to hypnotize opponents and then force them to do as it desires. Dusclops preys on drifting will-o'-the-wisps, sucking them into its body. It lives in forests and mountainsides and is generally active during nighttime.]
|Name: Dusclops (Beckon Pokémon)
|Type: Ghost
|Level: 37
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Pressure
|Nature: Impish
|Moves: Leer, Disable, Foresight, Confuse Ray, Curse, Will-O-Wisp, Astonish, Night Shade, Shadow Sneak, Pursuit, Shadow Punch (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Pain Split (EM) (10 Moves left to learn)
Azure blinked as he read the info. He raised an eyebrow as he muttered, "Okay… looks like I'm gonna need a lot of work with this one. But nothing I haven't done before helping a Pokémon get stronger…"
Meanwhile, the twins were stunned by Azure's actions. Liza offered a small, appreciative clap as she said, amazed, "That was... remarkable, Azure. To negotiate with a wild Pokémon, and to possess such a rare item, and then to win it over with the promise of future strength. You truly are a Champion."
Tate nodded in agreement, amazed by how he proceeded to capture Dusclops, "We have never seen a trainer like you. Your bond and understanding of Pokémon are profound."
Azure replied, pocketing Dusclops's Poké Ball, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Thank you both. Every Pokémon has potential; sometimes, they just need the right push, the right motivation."
The tour continued for a little longer, though the air now hummed with a different energy. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long, purple shadows across the mountain, Tate and Liza escorted Azure back to the base of Mt. Pyre.
Tate said calmly, a hint of respect now clearly in his voice, bowing his head slightly, "Our time is up, Azure Sky. We must ask you to leave the sacred grounds."
He looked from Tate to Liza, a confident glint in his eyes as he agreed easily, saying, "Of course. I've learned a great deal today, and I appreciate your guidance and understanding. But know this: I will be back. Once I have my sixth Hoenn Gym Badge in hand, I will meet you again. And then, we will have that Gym Battle."
Liza smiled, a genuine warmth radiating from her as she said calmly, "We will look forward to it, Azure. It will be an honor to face a trainer of your caliber."
Tate nodded, his expression firm as he bowed in a respectful voice, "Until then, Champion. May your Hoenn journey be prosperous."
With a final, respectful nod, Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee turned, leaving the mystical slopes of Mt. Pyre behind. The mist seemed to cling to his departing form, a subtle blessing from the ancient mountain.
He carried with him not just the memory of sacred grounds and new friends, but the tangible excitement of a powerful new partner, and the clear objective of six Gym Badges, leading him back to the challenge of Mossdeep City Gym Leaders.
With a final, shared glance, the twins and their Pokémon began to recede, their forms once again shimmering and dissolving into the ancient shadows of the mountain, leaving Azure alone in the serene clearing. He stood for a moment longer, breathing in the unique air, allowing the mountain's quiet power to settle within him.
Turning, Azure began his descent, following the path back towards the sea. The sun was beginning its slow dip towards the western horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft purples, colors that seemed to echo the mystical aura of Mt. Pyre.
He whistled softly, a gentle tune, and Milotic shimmered into existence from its Poké Ball, sensing its partner's readiness. As he mounted Milotic and they began to glide away from the shores of Route 122, heading towards the next unknown adventure, Azure cast one last look back at the majestic mountain.
Its silhouette, now framed by the setting sun, seemed to glow with an inner light, a silent promise of eternal peace. He knew, with absolute certainty, that his journey through Hoenn would be full of such wonders, such unexpected revelations.
Grinning, he flipped open his Arc Phone with Pikachu over his shoulder and Eevee on top of his head. He turned on his Map App as he muttered excitedly, "With that, my next goal is set. Time to claim the last Regi off the list… time to visit the Ancient Tomb."
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A/N: Reach 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!