Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 146: Thunder Trial

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Route 38]

Azure adjusted his backpack, the weight familiar and comforting. With Pikachu perched on his shoulder, crackling with barely contained energy, Celebi floating by his side, and Eevee trotting faithfully by his side, he surveyed the changing landscape.

Johto was proving to be a challenging, beautiful region, full of surprises at every turn. He'd reorganized his team after arriving, a necessary step to adapt to the new environment and the powerful trainers he encountered.

His team, a carefully curated mix of experience and potential, was shaping up nicely. Pupitar, the hulking cocoon Pokémon, was growing more restless each day, the anticipation of evolution practically radiating off him.

Weavile, sleek and cunning, was a formidable force in battle, its icy claws leaving opponents shivering. Ampharos, a beacon of light and power, provided a steady presence and a powerful special attack.

Hitmontop, the graceful and unpredictable fighting type, was a whirlwind of kicks and spins. Ursaring, a bear of immense strength, offered raw power and unwavering loyalty.

And then there was Togepi, recently hatched from an egg. Small and innocent, Togepi was a source of constant wonder, its happiness seeming to ripple outwards, greatly affecting the entire team's mood.

Having recently defeated Morty, the Ecruteak City Gym Leader, Azure and his team were now traversing Route 38, a winding path that led towards Olivine City and the next Gym challenge. Route 38 was known as a path that weaves through trees and comes out at a farm.

The route was alive with the sounds of rustling grass, chirping bird Pokémon, and the distant roar of unseen creatures. Azure said calmly, his voice calm and encouraging, "Alright, team, let's stay sharp. This route seems to be teeming with Pokémon. We need to be ready for anything."

Pikachu chirped in agreement, its tail twitching. Eevee let out a soft bark, its eyes scanning the tall grass. Togepi followed behind as Celebi guarded the Spike Ball Pokémon.

They hadn't gone far when a flash of green caught Azure Sky's eye. A Bellsprout, its long, vine-like arms swaying gently, emerged from the foliage.

A young trainer, no older than ten, stepped out behind it, a determined look on his face. The boy shouted, pointing a finger at Azure, "Hey! You look like a strong trainer! I challenge you to a battle!"

Azure Sky smiled. He never turned down a challenge as he casually said, "Alright, I accept. Let's make it a good one."

The boy commanded, "Go, Bellsprout!"

Azure Sky called out, releasing his fighting-type Pokémon from its Poké Ball, "Alright, Hitmontop, you're up!"

*Pop*

Hitmontop landed on the ground with a practiced grace, immediately balancing on its head. The fight was quick and decisive.

Bellsprout, despite its initial aggression, was no match for Hitmontop's speed and power. A few well-aimed Rapid Spins were all it took to knock the Bellsprout out.

*Thud*

The boy exclaimed, retrieving his defeated Pokémon, "Wow! You're really good!! I need to train harder! Thanks for the battle!"

He bowed his head respectfully and ran off, presumably to continue honing his skills. Azure chuckled, returning Hitmontop to its Poké Ball, praising it, "Good job, Hitmontop. You're getting stronger every day."

They continued down the route, encountering other trainers and wild Pokémon. A herd of Miltank grazed peacefully in a field, and a flock of Murkrow took flight as they passed.

Azure battled a trainer with a Koffing, using Ampharos to unleash a powerful Electric attack that quickly overwhelmed the Poison Gas Pokémon. He also encountered a wild Growlithe, a fiery puppy Pokémon, happily playing around.

It made him smile as it reminded him of his own Growlithe turned Arcanine. He chuckled as he continued moving forward, muttering, "Ah… good times. A bit shameful he didn't remain that cute little doggo anymore."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the route, they approached a small clearing. In the center stood a lone tree, its branches reaching towards the sky like gnarled fingers.

Underneath the tree, Azure noticed a figure huddled on the ground. As they drew closer, Azure realized it was a young woman, her face pale and drawn.

She was clutching her leg, her expression one of pain and distress. A small, frightened Mareep huddled beside her.

Azure asked, his voice filled with concern, "Are you alright?"

The woman looked up, her eyes filled with tears. She said nervously, "I... I twisted my ankle. I can't walk."

Azure said calmly, gently approaching her, "Here, let me help you."

He examined her ankle, confirming it was indeed sprained. His eyes gestured towards Mareep as he asked with a frown, "What's happening to your Mareep?"

She flinched as she said, her voice trembling as she spoke, "My Mareep... it needs medicine. It's very sick."

Azure looked at the Mareep, its wool looking dull and lifeless. He knew he had to help.

His eyes turned towards Celebi, nodding its head as he commanded softly, "Celebi. Life Dew, Heal Bell, and Healing Wish."

Celebi smiled, floating over to both the lady and Mareep. It closed its eyes, activating all 3 of the healing moves as a drip of water splashed on her ankle, activating Life Dew.

*Ding*

Heal Bell activated, alleviating the pain they're experiencing and any status conditions. And finally, Healing Wish as a wave of psychic energy covered the two, healing their wounds or status conditions.

Their eyes widened as they recovered in disbelief, muttering, "W-Were healed…! Thank you! Thank you, mister!"

Azure smiled as he made sure they were alright. He smiled, seeing they were okay, as he said calmly, "Seems like everything is fine. You two should probably hurry along. I suggest going to Ecruteak City or continuing to Olivine City."

The Lady nodded as she thanked him one more time as she left, heading to Ecruteak City. He smiled as he thanked Celebi, "Phew… at least they should be safe. Thanks for the assistance, Celebi."

Celebi nodded as it did a peace sign, "Bei!"

The sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet, as they approached a wide, grassy plain. The air thrummed with a subtle, almost imperceptible energy in the area.

But then Azure noticed his Pokémon's reaction, alerting him. Pikachu twitched, its ears perked, and Eevee let out a low, warning growl, "Bui… Pika…"

Azure felt a prickle of unease crawl up his spine. Then, it appeared.

*KABOOOOM*

The air crackled with electricity, and a shimmering, almost painful, blue light filled the space. A creature of legend materialized before them, its form rippling like a heat mirage as it appeared like a strike of lightning.

Its sleek, feline body was a dark purple, almost black, and its face was framed by a mane of vibrant, purple-blue. Electricity danced around its pointed ears, and its piercing red eyes burned with untamed power.

Azure's eyes widened as he muttered the Pokémon's name, "Raikou the Thunder Pokémon."

The legendary Thunder Pokémon. Azure's breath caught in his throat.

He had heard stories, whispers of sightings in the aftermath of storms, legends passed down through generations of trainers. But to witness it firsthand, to feel the sheer power emanating from it, was overwhelming.

Raikou surveyed them with an arrogant gaze, its eyes lingering on Pikachu and Eevee. It let out a deafening roar, a peal of thunder that seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet, "GRAAAO!!!"

Azure knew, instinctively, that this was not a random encounter. Raikou had sought him out for a reason.

As if answering his question, Azure's eyes widened as Raikou telepathically answered him through his mind, 'Human! We meet again! I, Raikou, the vassal of Lord Ho-Oh, have initiated your Rainbow Hero Trial! Pass my trail of Thunder through Combat! Show me the one that Lord Ho-Oh deems to be the Rainbow Hero!'

Azure breathed, his voice barely audible above the ringing in his ears, "Raikou... and the Rainbow Hero Trial?"

Many things were going through his mind, hearing that. But his instincts told him otherwise, eyes narrowing on the situation.

He knew his reorganized team, while promising, was nowhere near ready to face a legendary Pokémon like this. Pupitar lacked the experience, Weavile was too frail, and Ampharos, while powerful, was a defensive powerhouse, not a lightning rod.

Hitmontop and Ursaring relied on physical strength, which would be useless against Raikou's speed and electric attacks. And Togepi… well, Togepi was still an egg in many ways, its potential untapped.

He only had his main team members, Pikachu and Eevee. They were the only ones who could potentially stand a chance.

*Zzzz*

Raikou lowered its head, electricity crackling around its horns. It was a challenge, an unspoken declaration of battle.

Azure swallowed, his throat dry. He knew the risks. Facing a Legendary Pokémon with a young and inexperienced team was a gamble of epic proportions. He could retreat, try to flee, but Raikou wouldn't let them escape.

It had chosen them. He had to stand his ground. Azure said, his voice firm, betraying none of the fear twisting in his gut, "Pikachu, Eevee. We're in this together. Celebi plays support. Let's show Raikou what we're made of!"

Pikachu squeaked with determination, leaping from Azure's shoulder onto the battlefield. Eevee stood firm, its fur bristling, ready to defend its trainer. Celebi smirked, playing the role of healer in the group.

Raikou snorted, unimpressed by them. This was going to be a far sterner test than any he'd faced before.

Azure smirked as he eyed the Thunder Pokémon with renewed confidence. He adjusted his Z-Power Ring and yelled out loud, "Let's give this oversized kitty what for! Pikachu uses Agile Style! Extreme Speed!"

Raikou blinked, hearing that, gazing at the Partner Pikachu. Its eyes narrowed as it thought arrogantly, 'Extreme Speed? It's impossible – Ack!'

*SMACK*

Pikachu, without hesitation, became blurred as it landed its tail at high speeds over the Thunder Pokémon's head, stunning it as Raikou recoiled in pain. Its eyes looked surprised seeing Pikachu use Extreme Speed.

Azure smirked as he adjusted the Z-Crystal [Pikanium-Z] as he thought proudly, 'It was a pain in the ass, but… changing the move Quick Attack to Extreme Speed was a pain. But thankfully, my Arc Phone showed me how a Pikachu can be trained to learn the move Extreme Speed…'

*Zooom*

Pikachu shot forward like a yellow lightning bolt, closing the distance between itself and Raikou in an instant. But Raikou was faster.

*Wooosh*

It moved with blinding speed, dodging Pikachu's attack with ease. Azure shouted, hoping to catch Raikou off guard with a powerful Ghost-type move, "Eevee, use Shadow Ball!"

*Pew*

Eevee gathered dark energy in its mouth, launching a swirling orb of shadow towards Raikou. A smokescreen was shown from the attack…

*BOOOM*

The Shadow Ball struck true, but Raikou barely flinched from it. It absorbed the energy with a smirk, not harmed in the slightest.

Raikou let out a deafening roar and unleashed Thunder, "GRAOOO!!!"

*RMBL*

The ground trembled as bolts of lightning rained down around Pikachu and Eevee. Azure yelled, his voice strained, "Pikachu, tank it! Eevee, evolve into Jolteon!"

*Shiii*

Pikachu, with its Lightning Rod ability, absorbed the Thunder as energy. And Eevee evolving into Jolteon with Volt Absorb, startling Raikou, seeing Eevee evolve without a Thunder Stone being used.

Now both were powered up, showing confident smirks on their faces. Raikou was stunned, but Azure didn't allow it the chance to move as he ordered, "Pikachu! Volt Tackle! Jolteon! Mimic Extreme Speed!"

*ZOOOOM*

Both became blurs as they rushed towards the Thunder Pokémon. Raikou moved swiftly using its own Extreme Speed as the area became a showdown, as shockwaves were felt from each collision.

*BOOOM*

*BOOOOM*

Azure knew he had to change his strategy. Direct attacks weren't working. They needed to be smarter, more resourceful.

He racked his mind, trying to think of a way to exploit Raikou's weaknesses. Knowing what to do, he commanded, "Eevee, hold Raikou off! Pikachu, it's time to do the thing!"

Pikachu observed seeing the Z-Crystal as its eyes widened. And nodded as it flew to Azure's side, as Eevee distracted Raikou.

Raikou watched with mild curiosity, its eyes narrowed. It didn't seem too concerned by what Azure was planning.

It would prove to be its fatal mistake. Azure began to dance as Pikachu struck a series of synchronized poses with its Trainer to build Z-Power.

*SHIIII*

Raikou's eyes finally widened, taking notice of their built-up power swelling within both human and Pokémon. Pikachu then jumps into its Trainer's arms as Azure said slyly, grinning, "Okay, partner! Let's add another Legend taken down to our list partner! Let's fucking do this, Pikachu! CATASTROPIKA!!!"

Pikachu nodded as it gained major power within its body. And no sooner…

*Zzzzzz*

Partner Pikachu is thrown into the air, where it starts spinning around rapidly and becomes surrounded by yellow electricity. It then slams into the Raikou with great force, causing its eyes to go wide, roaring in pain, "GROAAAA!!!!"

*BOOOOM*

Slammed by an enhanced powered Volt Tackle Z-Move, Azure panted. He smirked, seeing his Z-Power Ring smugly saying, "Oh man, using a Z-Move is tiring… but man, is it satisfying to see it in action."

*THUD*

Both Pikachu and Raikou landed. Eevee stood by Azure's side, prepared to defend him as Raikou panted, clearly harmed, but pleased by their strength.

Raikou stood back up as Pikachu looked ready for another round. But it then said telepathically, turning its head away from them, 'You have passed. You have the strength and power to best me in my Trial of Thunder. Be warned, Human, as for Suicune and Entei's trials shall happen sooner than you think.'

*Bzttttt*

In a flash of lightning, Raikou vanished from its spot, leaving only a scorched part of the dirt signaling its only evidence of its appearance. Azure rushed to Eevee and Pikachu, checking them for injuries.

They were both exhausted and bruised, but otherwise unharmed. He hugged them tightly, relief washing over him.

They had done it. They had faced a Legendary Pokémon and survived. Azure whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion, "You were amazing. Both of you. I'm so proud of you."

Pikachu nuzzled against his cheek, and Eevee licked his hand. They were tired, but they were happy. They had proven their strength, their courage, and their unwavering loyalty to their trainer.

Celebi also came around and began healing them, much to its surprise, seeing that those two were able to stand against Raikou. Azure looked up at the sky, the last vestiges of the sunset fading into darkness.

He knew that their journey was far from over. There were still many challenges ahead, many battles to be fought. But he also knew that with Pikachu and Eevee by his side, they could face anything.

As he walked towards Route 38, the Johto breeze whispering through the tall grass, Azure Sky knew that he had earned a new level of respect. He had faced a Legendary Pokémon and lived to tell the tale.

He had proven that with courage, determination, and the unwavering bond between trainer and Pokémon, anything was possible. The sky above him seemed to shimmer, a pale echo of the Raikou had brought, as the stars began to prick through the darkness. The Johto region, he knew, held many more secrets and trials, and he was ready to face them all.

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!