Chapter 511: Pokémon Mansion
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 212 (North Area)]
The afternoon sun dappled through the dense canopy of trees lining Route 212, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the narrow path. A symphony of chirps and rustles filled the air, occasionally punctuated by the boisterous voice of Pearl.
Pearl recounted, his arms flailing dramatically, mimicking a frenzied battle, "And then, just as Quick Attack was about to land… Digler, my magnificent Diglett, emerged from the ground with the force of a geyser, delivering a perfectly timed Magnitude! It was a brilliant, strategic move, a true testament to our burgeoning partnership!"
He puffed out his chest, beaming at the group. On his head, Chatler squawked a supportive cry, if slightly off-key, melody, "CHAT!! CHAT! You should've seen it, guys! The ground practically erupted!"
Diamond, munching contentedly on a Poffin, offered a noncommittal grunt. Platinum, ever polite, nodded with a soft smile.
Azure, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, Eevee nestled on his head, and a tiny Pichu (Mew) peeking from his jacket pocket, simply arched an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his cerulean eyes. Gengar, Pearl's newly acquired shiny Pokémon, who possessed the unique ability to speak, floated beside him, her grin widened unnervingly.
Gengar purred, her voice a low, raspy whisper that carried an undeniable hint of mischief, "Oh, that's what happened?"
Pearl turned to her, momentarily thrown off by her commentary, "Because I distinctly recall you losing your bag, scolding it while it was knocked out, and dropping your empty Poké Ball from your belt, which you'd forgotten to secure, flying out and hitting the poor Diglett square on the head. He was quite dazed. You just… picked him up."
Her spectral form shifted, shaking with silent laughter, "Kekekekeke!!!"
Pearl's jaw dropped. He spluttered, his face flushing crimson, "Gengar! You're ruining my story – Wait?! HOW MUCH DID YOU SEE!!!"
Diamond choked on his Poffin, a hearty roar of laughter erupting from him, "CHOKE!! Hahahaha!!!"
Platinum stifled a giggle behind her hand, her shoulders shaking with mirth. Even Azure, usually composed, allowed a soft chuckle to escape him, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Pearl threw his hands up in exasperation, his performance utterly derailed.
As the laughter subsided, Platinum's mind drifted. She thought happily, a small, private smile gracing her lips, 'So, I'm not the only one who catches Pokémon by complete accident!!'
Her own Alakazam and Bellossom had, after all, joined her team under similarly unorthodox circumstances. It was a comforting realization, making her feel a little less peculiar as a klutz. Azure, ever perceptive, caught the subtle shift in her expression, a lightness in her aura that spoke volumes. He offered her a small, knowing smile, which she returned.
They continued along the scenic Route 212, the air growing milder, the path eventually curving to reveal a sprawling, opulent structure nestled amidst meticulously manicured gardens. A grand, multi-storied building with ornate balconies, towering turrets, and polished stone façades gleamed under the afternoon sun.
Platinum exclaimed, her eyes widening with delight, "Oh, what a lovely hotel!"
Without a moment's hesitation, she quickened her pace, her expensive boots clicking purposefully on the gravel path, heading straight for the impressive entrance. Pearl called out, "Platinum, wait!"
… but she was already too far ahead, her mind set on a comfortable stop for the night. Diamond and Pearl exchanged exasperated glances, while Azure simply shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he thought, 'This was Platinum, after all. He was used to her… executive decisions.'
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Route 212 – Pokémon Mansion]
The four found themselves standing before a massive, intricately carved wooden door. Platinum, with a self-assured air, pushed it open and strode inside, followed by the others. The interior was even more lavish, with high ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and antique furniture.
A faint scent of potpourri and old money filled the air. A distinguished-looking gentleman with a neatly trimmed mustache and an impeccably tailored suit, petting a contented Pichu, approached them.
He introduced himself as Mr. Backlot, the owner of the Pokémon Mansion. Platinum, still under the impression it was a hotel, started to ask about room availability, only for Mr. Backlot to chuckle softly.
He said, a touch of aristocratic pride in his voice, "A hotel, my dear young lady? No, no, this is my humble abode. But you are most welcome to explore. Perhaps you'd care to see my pride and joy, the Trophy Garden?"
He led them through a passage that opened into an expansive, breathtaking garden. It wasn't just a garden; it was a vibrant, living ecosystem. Lush foliage, sparkling ponds, and ancient trees provided habitat for dozens of Pokémon.
Roselia danced among fragrant rose bushes, conveniently placed statues of various Pokémon adorned the landscape, and a trio of adorable Pikachu chased each other around a fountain. Platinum gasped, her previous disappointment about the 'hotel' instantly forgotten.
She felt like she had stepped into a dream. She breathed, her eyes sparkling, "It's magnificent! So many beautiful Pokémon!"
Azure, too, was impressed, though his appreciation was more analytical. He observed the tranquility, the health of the Pokémon, and the evident care taken in maintaining the ecosystem. His Pikachu and Eevee chirped softly, equally delighted by the natural abundance. The little Pichu (Mew) in his jacket wiggled excitedly.
Mr. Backlot, basking in Platinum's admiration, gestured grandly, "Indeed! Wild Pokémon come here, to my garden, for companionship and peace. It allows me to enjoy their presence, a truly delightful arrangement."
He then offered them a full tour of the house and the Trophy Garden, a proposition Platinum eagerly accepted. Diamond and Pearl, however, exchanged worried glances. Pearl mouthed to Diamond, who merely sighed, knowing how these lengthy, luxurious detours tended to disrupt their journey, "More time?"
They had been following Platinum for some time now, and their patience for such diversions was beginning to wear thin. Azure, on the other hand, was intrigued. He began, his voice calm and respectful, "Mr. Backlot, are visitors permitted to… interact with or even capture the wild Pokémon within the Trophy Garden, should they be inclined?"
His curiosity was genuine; a place like this, carefully managed yet allowing wild Pokémon, was a rare and fascinating concept to a trainer who had explored many unique regions. Mr. Backlot stroked his Pichu as he replied, "Ah, a perceptive question, young man. Indeed, you may, within reason. We encourage respectful interaction. However, I must insist on absolutely no battling. The integrity of my Trophy Garden, and the peace of its inhabitants, must be preserved."
Azure nodded, understanding completely as he replied softly, "Understood. No battling, just… discovery."
The idea of finding a rare or unique Pokémon in such a pristine environment, without the aggressive methods of a typical capture, appealed to his evolved sense of training. As the tour proceeded, Diamond noticed how easily Platinum conversed with Mr. Backlot, discussing the finer points of garden design and rare Pokémon species.
Platinum, for her part, found Mr. Backlot's refined mannerisms and love for Pokémon quite charming, a kindred spirit in her own pursuit of knowledge and elegance. Pearl, observing their easy rapport, nudged Diamond.
He muttered, his own humble background making him feel a little out of place in such opulence, "Rich people, man. They get each other."
Just then, a maid, dressed in a crisp uniform, approached Mr. Backlot and reported, "Sir, your guest has arrived."
Mr. Backlot replied, then turned back to his young visitors, "Excellent! Please show them to the main drawing-room. Before I attend to them, a small token of my appreciation for gracing my humble home."
The maid, with a pleasant smile, presented Platinum with a beautifully crafted [Soothing Bell], its delicate chimes barely audible. She said, her voice soft. Platinum accepted it with a grateful smile, appreciating the thoughtful gift, "For the young lady."
Then, she turned to Azure, offering him a polished, shimmering [Lucky Egg] as she said, "And for you, young master."
Azure took the Lucky Egg, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he thought, 'A Lucky Egg is an incredibly useful item, known to boost experience gain. Nearly hard to find through usual channels… these rich folks surely know to butter people up.'
Azure checked whether it was legit…
[Item: Lucky Egg
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: An item to be held by a Pokémon. It's an egg filled with happiness that earns the holder extra Exp. Points. The holding Pokémon gains 150% the experience it would otherwise gain. This effect stacks with other experience-increasing effects, such as different-OT Pokémon's naturally boosted experience gain.]
Seeing it was the genuine item, he put it away. It was a professional, practical gift, perhaps recognizing his aura of quiet competence. He said calmly, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Thank you, Mr. Backlot, this is very generous."
Pearl, who had been watching with increasing indignation, could no longer hold back as he exclaimed, "Hey! What about us? We visited too, you know!"
Before Mr. Backlot could respond, a burly guard with a stern expression stepped forward, positioning himself squarely in front of Pearl, and bluntly stated, "Sir, I must warn you not to touch anything in this mansion. Everything in here is priceless."
Pearl's eyes widened, his face reddening even further. He protested, his voice rising in exasperation, "What are you talking about? I didn't touch anything!"
Diamond patted his shoulder reassuringly, a silent acknowledgment of their shared feeling of being unwelcome. The stark contrast between Platinum and Azure's reception and their own was painfully clear.
Pearl muttered to Diamond, crossing his arms, "This is ridiculous… That guard has an attitude problem."
Diamond, ever pragmatic, leaned in whispering, "Maybe we should just bail. Find a Pokémon Center in the next town."
Pearl chewed on his lip, glancing towards Platinum, who was now excitedly pointing out a particularly fluffy Jigglypuff in the garden from a large window as he uttered, "But… what if something happens to Platinum if she's alone? And Azure can only watch so many things at once. But I don't want to cling to her, either…"
He was torn between his duty and his pride. Platinum, turning from the window, seemed to sense their hesitation and asked, "Boys, Azure, come on! This garden is simply too enchanting to observe from indoors. We must explore it properly!"
Sighing, Pearl relented as he replied, "Alright, alright! But you're not going alone, Platinum. Tru, Chimler, come out!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, his sturdy Torterra, Tru, and his fiery Infernape, Chimler, appeared, ready for anything. Pearl stated bluntly, "And make sure Empoleon is out too, Platinum! Just in case."
*Pop*
Platinum nodded, recalling Empoleon from her Poké Ball. Her majestic Empoleon materialized, its regal presence adding a layer of protection.
Azure, meanwhile, had already made his decision. He said calmly, a reassuring tone in his voice, "Don't worry, Pearl, I'll be with her. I'm quite curious about this Trophy Garden myself."
He gave Pearl a small, confident nod, then followed Platinum out into the lush expanse, his partner Pokémon in tow, while his Pichu (Mew) vanished back into his jacket as if sensing the potential for discovery. Watching them go, Pearl turned to Diamond as he said confidently, "See? With those three Pokémon and Azure, she'll be perfectly safe. We can get some practice in for our performance."
Diamond, ever eager for anything involving food (and perhaps a little performance practice), nodded in agreement.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Route 212 – Pokémon Mansion (Trophy Garden)]
As Platinum and Azure ventured deeper into the Trophy Garden, they were indeed fascinated. Platinum delighted in every new Pokémon she encountered – a shy Budew peeking from behind a fern, a playful Skitty chasing its tail, a group of mischievous Buneary hopping through the grass.
Each discovery brought a fresh wave of joy. Azure, while also appreciating the beauty, continually scanned the surroundings.
His years of experience, both in his past life and his current one, had honed his senses. He noted the natural flow of the Pokémon, the subtle hierarchy, and the complete lack of any aggressive behavior.
He couldn't help but marvel with an awed expression, "This truly was a sanctuary. I've gotta build one back in Pallet Town…"
He even spotted a few Pokémon he hadn't seen in the wild for a long time, their species thriving here due to the careful management. His Pikachu chittered excitedly, pointing out a rare Misdreavus drifting near an ancient willow tree.
Azure chuckled, seeing the Misdreavus as he reminisced about meeting his Misdreavus, "Man… time sure does fly. We met Misdreavus back at Alola, right?"
Azure was taking his time enjoying the view while talking with his partners. They took the moment to discuss past adventures and moments between each other…
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Route 212 – Pokémon Mansion]
Inside the mansion, Diamond and Pearl, settling into a smaller, albeit still lavish, sitting room, looked out a grand window, seeing the vast, vibrant garden. Diamond mused, watching a flock of Swablu drift lazily overhead, "You gotta admit, Pearl, this place is incredible. So many Pokémon, too."
Pearl conceded, still a bit miffed by the guard, "Yeah, I guess… Mr. Backlot must be a good guy, though, to have a garden like this."
Diamond's eyes narrowed slightly as he uttered, "Hmm. I don't know. There's something… off. Like there's a secret behind all of this."
Pearl turned, surprised. Diamond wasn't usually one for deep conspiracies as he asked, surprised, "Whoa, Diamond! How do you know that?"
Diamond, with a knowing grin, leaned back and replied jokingly, "Let's just say, some things are better left un-mansion-ed."
Pearl stared at him for a moment, then groaned, "A pun, Diamond? Really?!"
*Whack*
He delivered a light but firm whack to Diamond's arm. Diamond protested, rubbing his arm, "Hey! It was a good one!"
Pearl insisted, looking back at the garden, "Still, I think Mr. Backlot seems nice. Only a nice person would create such a peaceful place for Pokémon."
Diamond remained unconvinced as he stated, "Maybe. But he also seems a bit… arrogant. And stingy, considering he just gave a Lucky Egg to Azure, and a fancy bell to Platinum, but nothing to us."
Pearl accused, "So, you have something against him!"
Diamond shrugged. He gestured vaguely towards the mansion as he stated, "Nah, I got nothing against him. It's just… he has everything. And sometimes, people who have everything have secrets."
They watched through the window for a bit longer, satisfied that Platinum and Azure were still safely exploring the vibrant garden, their Pokémon guardians moving protectively around them. Suddenly, they overheard a distinct, elegant voice from the adjoining room, speaking to Mr. Backlot, "...the issue at Route 210 has proven more persistent than anticipated, Mr. Backlot. Rest assured, I am on my way there now."
Diamond and Pearl exchanged another look, then cautiously moved closer to the doorway, peering in. Their jaws collectively dropped. Sitting across from Mr. Backlot, exuding an aura of serene power, was Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion.
Pearl blurted out, unable to contain his surprise, "It's you!"
Cynthia turned, her striking gaze falling upon them. A warm smile graced her lips. She stood, her tall frame graceful, "Boys! What a pleasant surprise to see you two here. I was just saying I'm off to Route 210."
Diamond and Pearl remembered her immediately from their training sessions back in Eterna City, training Platinum at the time, where she had offered them invaluable advice and challenged them to grow. Seeing her again, looking as formidable and graceful as ever, brought a wave of respect and excitement.
Diamond managed, feeling a bit star-struck, "It's great to see you, too, miss!"
Cynthia observed, her eyes assessing their confident stances and the general aura of experience they now carried as she asked, "You've both grown into even better trainers since Eterna City. And the missy? Has she been well?"
She glanced towards the window, her eyes easily finding Platinum amidst the verdant garden, laughing as a Combee buzzed playfully around her. Cynthia's smile widened as she commented, "She seems even more radiant than before. I suppose your Pokémon have evolved at the same time again, haven't they?"
She chuckled, recalling their simultaneous evolutions in the past. Then, her gaze settled on Azure, walking beside Platinum, his posture relaxed yet alert, his Pikachu observing the garden with keen interest.
His Eevee is yawning at the area fast asleep on Azure's head. And occasionally, a Pichu (Mew) is playing with the nearby Wild Pokémon. A flicker of genuine surprise crossed Cynthia's elegant features, a barely perceptible shift in her usually composed expression. She had met Azure briefly in Eterna City, recognizing his strength and unique Pokémon, but hadn't known his purpose then.
She thought, a new realization dawning on her, 'When we crossed paths back in Eterna City, I had no idea… He's not just a powerful trainer… he's working for the Berlitz family. He's Platinum Berlitz's bodyguard.'
The thought sent a ripple of understanding through her, connecting several disparate pieces of information. Azure Sky, the enigmatic trainer with an unusually strong team, assigned to protect one of Sinnoh's most prominent heirs – it certainly explained a great deal.
Cynthia stated, her voice imbued with genuine pride, "Indeed, all three of you have grown into remarkably capable trainers."
Pearl asked in awe, still amazed by her presence, "But what are you doing here, Cynthia?"
Cynthia addressed them, her expression becoming more serious, "I was hired by Mr. Backlot to conduct an investigation."
She gestured around the luxurious room, explaining in a serious tone, "You see, Mr. Backlot is also the owner of Amity Square in Hearthome City. It's a beautiful place where trainers can take leisurely walks with their Pokémon, fostering companionship and trust."
She paused, her gaze hardening slightly, adding in a serious tone, "However, an incident occurred there not long ago. One of the Amity Square's resident Psyduck went missing. And more concerning still, hordes of Psyduck have recently appeared on Route 210, completely blocking the passage."
Diamond and Pearl exchanged a startled glance. Dia exclaimed, "We were there! We saw them! They were all lined up, blocking the road to Celestic Town!"
Cynthia's eyes narrowed further as she muttered, "That confirms it. Something dreadful is happening. I was just about to depart and face them myself."
Diamond asked curiously, imagining the sheer number of disoriented Psyduck, "But how will you do it?"
Cynthia's lips curved into a confident smile as she offered, "Why don't you three come and see for yourselves?"
Just as she finished speaking to them, Platinum walked back into the mansion, Azure a step behind her, both drawn by the sudden rise in conversation. Platinum asked, having overheard the last part, her eyes lit up, "Cynthia? Are you going to Route 210? Oh, please, let me help! I want to help!"
Cynthia's smile softened as she then turned to her Poké Ball, accepting her help in a soft tone, "Of course, Platinum. Your assistance would be most welcome. Garchomp, come on out!"
*Pop*
With a magnificent flash of light, Cynthia's powerful Alpha Garchomp materialized, its imposing form radiating immense strength and speed. Cynthia then hopped onto a sleek, high-performance bicycle as she said proudly, "Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, hop on Garchomp! We'll make good time."
The three trainers exchanged nervous glances. Riding a Garchomp was not an everyday occurrence. Platinum, ever adventurous girl that she was, was the first to scramble onto its broad back, followed by Diamond and Pearl, who clung on with varying degrees of apprehension.
Azure, meanwhile, had swiftly retrieved his own, custom-built electric bicycle, the Mach Bike, a marvel of engineering that glimmered faintly in the mansion's light. With a casual motion, he swung his leg over it.
Cynthia glanced at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She challenged in a playful tone, a playful smirk on her face, "Think you can keep up, Azure? I'm going to race Garchomp to Route 210."
Azure met her gaze, his own competitive spirit ignited with a bold expression. He declared in a confident voice, with a confident grin spreading across his face, "I'll do more than keep up, Champion. I'll be there first!"
Cynthia let out a delighted laugh, "Then let's see about that!"
*BOOOOM*
With a powerful roar, Garchomp launched itself forward, a blur of blue and red, tearing out of the mansion's gate and down the path towards the route. Cynthia, with a powerful push, pedaled her bicycle furiously, matching Garchomp's speed with astonishing effort.
Azure, already a few yards ahead, leaned into his own bike, the electric motor humming almost silently as he became a streak of motion, a determined glint in his cerulean eyes. Diamond, clinging desperately to Garchomp's scaly back, yelled over the wind, "A-Azure, wait! Garchomp is fast on the ground, too!"
He barely managed to keep his grip as the land shark Pokémon devoured the distance, the wind whipping past their faces, carrying them towards the mystery of Route 210 and the hordes of Psyduck.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!