Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 132: Mt. Mortar

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Ecruteak City]

After battling Azure Sky, Will and Karen regrouped in a hotel in Ecruteak City to stay the night. Afterward, Will spoke to the Masked Man through the transmitter device as he explained the battle, "… and that's what happened, sir. We've been defeated by the Champion using an under-leveled team… and it wasn't even his Main Team, except for his Pikachu and Eevee he keeps around."

From the other end of the Transmitter Device, the Masked Man responded curtly about their failure, "… I see. Did he even have his full team with him?"

Will pondered this, but ultimately Karen answered the Masked Man's question in a frustrated tone, "… afraid not, sir. Other than his iconic Eevee and Pikachu to which he hadn't used, we don't know, sir."

The Masked Man remained silent for a while till he finally said harshly to the two, gritting their teeth, "Both of you are useless against him. Return to base. Let Sham and Carl commence their plan in Ecruteak City."

*Beep*

The transmitter ended as both Karen and Will gritted their teeth with clenched fists. If it were a normal Pokémon battle, they wouldn't have felt this conflicted battling against Azure, but showing his trolling tactics using Skarmory, not even using his other team.

They clenched their fist, hardening them as they shouted in angry shouts, "We'll have our revenge!"

/////

[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Route 42 – Mt. Mortar]

Meanwhile, Azure decided to explore past Route 42, heading straight towards Mt. Mortar to explore the caves within to help satisfy his curiosity. His faithful Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, twitched its nose, absorbing the ancient energy of the sacred site.

Beside him, his equally loyal Eevee, a bundle of soft brown fur, wagged its tail, its brown eyes sparkling with anticipation. And sitting over his shoulder was Celebi, genuinely interested in this exploration inside the cave.

He had travelled far, from his humble beginnings, building a team of powerful and diverse Pokémon, each a cherished partner in his grand adventure. He had carefully chosen each of them, nurturing their strengths and helping them overcome their weaknesses.

They were more than just Pokémon; they were his friends, his compatriots, his family. And so, Azure and his team set off towards Route 42, the lush green landscape offering a soothing balm to his dampened spirits.

The route was filled with other trainers, and their Pokémon provided Azure with mini-battles as they made their way to Mt. Mortar. After a pleasant stroll, Azure and his team arrived at the entrance to Mt. Mortar, a gaping maw in the side of a rocky mountain.

A cool, damp air rushed out, carrying with it the scent of minerals and damp earth. Azure adjusted his backpack, ensuring his Poke Balls were secure, and stepped into the darkness. The cave was a labyrinth of twisting tunnels and echoing chambers.

Water dripped from the ceiling, forming shimmering pools on the floor. The air was thick with humidity, and the only light came from Azure's headlamp, which cut through the gloom like a beacon.

Pikachu and Eevee, their senses heightened, stayed close by his side, their eyes darting around, alert for any signs of danger. As they entered the cave, Azure brought out Flaaffy and ordered, "Pikachu and Flaaffy, can you use Flash to light the place up?"

*Shiii*

Both electric types used Flash as they lit the area around them. He smirked as he said happily, "Thank you, two."

Pikachu and Flaaffy let out happy cries, "Pika! Flaaa!"

As they ventured deeper into the cave, Azure noticed the Pokémon population began to change. Zubats fluttered in the darkness, their shrill cries echoing off the cave walls.

Geodudes and Gravelers, small rock-like Pokémon, rolled along the ground. Azure battled a few of them, giving his team much-needed experience.

He was starting to enjoy himself, the thrill of exploration gradually replacing his earlier disappointment. He felt a connection to the primal energy of the cave, to the ancient forces that had shaped the very landscape around him.

Suddenly, the tunnel opened into a large cavern. The air hung heavy with anticipation, or maybe it was he hoping for a new friend to join their journey.

*RMBL*

In the center of the cavern, a towering figure loomed. It was an Onix, a colossal rock snake with diamond-hard scales. Its eyes glowed with an inner fire, and its massive body seemed to radiate raw power.

Azure gasped, his heart pounding in his chest. Here was a chance to befriend one; the opportunity was his for the taking, as he thought excitedly, clenching a Poke Ball, 'I do happen to need a Steelix. Plus, from seeing this Wild Onix nature… it has the Impish nature if I'm right. Good for increasing its natural Sp. Def in exchange for bad Sp. Attack for a Steelix isn't bad as its 200 base Def. Stat is already bulky as hell.'

He reached into his backpack and pulled out a small bag. Inside were his specially crafted Poke Blocks, designed specifically to appeal to Rock-type Pokémon.

They were made with a blend of high-quality minerals and berries, creating a delicious and nutritious treat. They were made for Pupitar in mind, being a Rock/Ground Type as he thought, 'But in this case it should work well luring the Onix. Hopefully, he'll agree to a challenge, but then again, some Pokémon are simple-minded. You can either capture them through food, duels, or submission.'

He held out the bag, a hopeful smile on his face. He said, his voice calm and reassuring as he approached the Onix, "Hey there, big guy. I'm Azure, and this is Pikachu, Celebi, and Eevee. We're trainers, and we're just passing through. I have some Poke Blocks here, specially made for Rock-types. Would you like one?"

The Onix remained motionless for a moment, its eyes fixed on Azure. Then, slowly, it lowered its head, its massive jaws parting slightly.

Azure took it as a sign of interest. He carefully tossed a Poke Block towards the Onix. It landed with a soft thud on the rocky ground, close to the giant Pokémon.

The Onix sniffed at the Poke Block cautiously before gulping it down. A low rumble emanated from the Onix's chest, like the sound of tectonic plates shifting.

*RMBL*

It seemed to be enjoying the treat. Azure tossed another Poke Block, and then another. The Onix devoured them all with surprising speed.

Azure knew he had to make his move. He took a deep breath, steeled his nerves, and spoke with newfound confidence as he asked, "Onix, I can see great strength in you. I admire your power and your resilience. I would be honored if you would join my team. Together, we could become even stronger, overcome any challenge that stands in our way. What do you say? Will you join me?"

The Onix paused for a moment, considering Azure's words. The cavern was silent, save for the dripping of water and the faint rustling of Pikachu's fur and Eevee's tail.

The air crackled with tension. Finally, the Onix roared, a sound that shook the very foundations of the cave, "Roooooar!!!"

Azure stood his ground, his eyes locked on the colossal Pokémon. Was it a roar of acceptance, or a roar of defiance?

Then, the Onix lowered its head, nudging Azure gently with its massive snout. Azure smiled, relief flooding through him.

It was an acceptance, a partnership between human and Pokémon. Azure said, his voice filled with excitement, "Alright, Onix. Let's do this!"

He grabbed a Poke Ball from his belt and held it up high. He hurled it as he said, "Go, Poke Ball!"

He threw the Poke Ball towards the Onix. It struck the rock snake squarely on the head, and the Onix was enveloped in a red energy, sucked inside the device. The Poke Ball fell to the ground and lay still for a moment. Then, it began to shake.

Once… twice… three times…

Azure held his breath, his heart pounding, his eyes glued to the Poke Ball. It was the ultimate test of their connection, the final step in their budding friendship.

Then, with a final click, the Poke Ball went still.

*BON*

Azure let out a whoop of joy. He had caught the Onix!

He rushed over to the Poke Ball and picked it up, holding it tightly in his hand. He whispered, "Welcome to the team, Onix. I promise I won't let you down."

*Pop*

He released the Onix from the Poke Ball, and the giant Pokémon materialized before him once more. It looked at Azure with newfound respect, its eyes glowing with a warm, friendly light.

With his team now complete, Azure felt an immense sense of satisfaction. He had come to Mt. Mortar seeking adventure, and he had found it, not in the form of a Gym battle, but in the form of a powerful new friend.

Azure quickly checked his Arc Phone, smiling as he read Onix's info. He blinked, stunned, reading its status.

[Onix the Rock Snake Pokémon. As it grows older, it becomes more rounded and smoother, eventually becoming like black diamonds. Inside its brain is a magnet that serves as an internal compass, guiding Onix wherever they need to go and preventing them from getting lost while digging.

Onix tunnels under the ground at over 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour, which causes tremors and a terrifying roar that echoes a long way. Hard objects encountered while tunneling are absorbed into its body, which makes it very sturdy. It also consumes the boulders for food.

The massive, winding tunnels it leaves behind are used as homes by Diglett. Onix can rotate its head, or any part of its body, in a full 360 degrees. It is a very aggressive Pokémon that will constantly attack humans and other Pokémon when in pain. Onix can be separated from its body segments in battle and be fine later, either regenerating or reattaching to its body segments.

It is said that an Onix that lives for about 100 years will evolve into a Steelix after its composition becomes more diamond-like. It can be found in mountains and caves. Onix is known on occasion to sleep while in the middle of digging through tunnels. Onix is believed to be a deep sleeper due to the protection offered by its sturdy body.]

|Name: Onix (Rock Snake Pokémon)

|Type: Rock/Ground

|Level: 32

|Gender: Male

|Held Item: None

|Ability: Weak Armor (Hidden Ability)

|Nature: Impish

|Moves: Bind, Harden, Rock Throw, Tackle, Smack Down, Rock Polish, Dragon Breath, Curse, Rock Slide, Screech, Sand Tomb, Stealth Rock, Rollout, Bulldoze, Sandstorm, Screech, Gyro Ball, Slam, Dig, Explosion (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)

Azure blinked, seeing Onix's Ability as he muttered happily, having an idea, "Onix's ability is Weak Armor? But doesn't that change to Sheer Force when it evolves into a Steelix…"

Then Azure pulled out the Life Orb he had from his Sub-Space as he recalled with an excited grin, "Right… with Sheer Force and Life Orb, the Pokémon wouldn't suffer any damage from it, but at the same time boost its moves drastically! Seems like I have my winner."

Azure grinned excitedly as he pulled out the Metal Coat from his Sub-Space. Holding it out caught Onix's attention as he asked curiously, "Onix, would you like to evolve into something even stronger?"

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get the Bonus Chapter!