Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 147: Butterfree Effect [Bonus]

~Azure S. POV~

[Johto Region, Next Day, Route 38 – 39]

Having the chance to recover, we finally managed to enter Route 39. A downhill path that passes through a grassy and breezy plain.

In the distance, I see the Moomoo Farm. I sighed a breath of relief as I had my Pokémon out for safety.

Pikachu and Eevee are both exhausted and resting inside their Poke Balls. Even with Celebi's healing, it took a lot of stamina from them to handle Raikou.

Celebi eventually informed me of the Rainbow Hero Trial once Raikou appeared. According to it, Ho-Oh searches for an individual who's worthy of being its partner once they pass the 3 Trials from its vassals.

AKA the Beast Trio. I passed Raikou's Thunder Trial.

But Suicune and Entei, though… those trials, I'll have to choose which Pokémon to go against them. I'll have to strategize carefully from this point forward.

Pulling my arm up, seeing my wrist, I have to say I'm glad I went to Alola to gather the Z-Power Ring and Z-Crystals. Otherwise, that battle with Raikou would've been MUCH tougher… at least with Tapu Koko I could match it in speed and overwhelm it with power right away.

Raikou? It was comparable or even faster than Tapu Koko and STRONGER than it… for a cat that was asleep and sealed, it was powerful.

But I had both Eevee and Pikachu that nullified most of its Electric Moves. For Suicune and Entei, though, I'll have to approach them differently depending on the Trials.

Sigh… whatever. I'll deal with them when I can.

For now, Pikachu and Eevee need their rest… I might need to bring back Arcanine and Dragonite to handle them.

*Woooosh*

The wind carried the scent of the sea, a welcome change from the earthy, almost spectral aroma that clung to Route 39. With the Thunder Trial behind us, Route 38 stretched ahead, promising a path forward and the thrill of the unknown.

My team, a carefully curated blend of power and strategy, was ready for anything Johto could throw at us. Pupitar, a stoic stone guardian, lumbered along with surprising speed and power, defending us.

Weavile, sleek and cunning, occasionally darted ahead, scouting for any potential threats. Ampharos, my radiant beacon of electricity, hummed with a comforting warmth.

Hitmontop, a whirlwind of spinning kicks, practiced its moves in the tall grass. Ursaring, a furry behemoth with a surprisingly gentle heart, kept a watchful eye on the rear.

And then there was Togepi, the newest member of the family, nestled safely in Mama Bear's paws, its eggshell patterned with a rainbow of pastel colors.

Togepi is a tiny promise of hope amidst the challenges of the road. And Celebi acted as our team's resident healer, as it prefers to help but doesn't do battles. I find that acceptable, as Celebi's Healing Abilities are top-notch.

Route 38 was a tapestry of rolling hills and sun-drenched fields, filled with the rustling of grass and the chirping of unseen Pokémon. Wild Miltank grazed peacefully, their bells jingling softly in the breeze.

It was a far cry from the haunted atmosphere of Ecruteak City, a breath of fresh air both literally and figuratively. I announced, my voice echoing slightly in the open air, "Alright, team, stay sharp. Let's keep an eye out for any new faces, and of course, keep ourselves safe."

Celebi chirped in agreement, its head bobbing. The others responded in their ways: a grunt from Ursaring, a click from Pupitar, a hum from Ampharos, and a flurry of spinning from Hitmontop. Even Togepi, safe and secure in Mama Bear's arms, seemed to coo in anticipation, making me smile.

The first challenge came in the form of a trainer with a team of powerful Psychic-types. Her Abra teleported with dizzying speed, and her Kadabra wielded its spoons with unnerving precision.

But my team was well-balanced, and we worked together seamlessly. Weavile's Dark-type moves proved devastating against the Psychic-types, while Ampharos' electric jolts kept them off balance.

Even Hitmontop's spinning kicks disrupted their focus, creating openings for Ursaring to deliver decisive Thunder Punch attacks. After a hard-fought battle, we emerged victorious, a little bruised but brimming with confidence.

The trainer, defeated but gracious, offered some words of encouragement. She said, smiling, "You and your Pokémon have a strong bond. Keep honing your skills, and you'll go far in this region."

Her words resonated with me. My Pokémon weren't just tools to win battles; they were my companions, my friends, my family.

Our bond was the foundation of our strength, the secret ingredient that allowed us to overcome any obstacle. We continued our journey along Route 38, encountering a variety of wild Pokémon.

I also helped a lost Mareep reunite with its flock, earning a warm sense of satisfaction. My Ampharous was satisfied helping its fellow kin.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, we finally reached the end of Route 38 and entered Route 39. The air grew noticeably cooler, carrying a stronger scent of salt and brine.

Route 39 was a coastal route, following the rugged cliffs that overlooked the vast expanse of the ocean. A large Miltank Ranch stood at the entrance of the route, its wooden fences stretching as far as the eye could see.

*Ding*

The sound of cowbells filled the air, a soothing melody that calmed my weary nerves. A kindly old woman stood near the entrance gate, her face etched with wrinkles earned from years of working under the sun, as she said, her voice warm and inviting, "Welcome to Route 39. You look like you've been on the road for a while. Are you heading to Olivine City?"

I nodded as I explained to the kind old lady in a respectful tone, "Yes, ma'am. We're on our way to challenge the Gym Leader."

The old woman nodded as she saw the sun beginning to set, suggesting to me in a fond tone, "I've heard of you from my granddaughter Whitney. Please come inside for the night, as someone who saved our child's life."

I smiled, hearing that, taking up on their offer. We spent the night at the Miltank Ranch, resting and recuperating after our long journey.

The kind ranchers provided us with warm milk and comfortable lodgings. My Pokémon were grateful for the chance to relax and recharge.

As I lay in bed, staring up at the wooden ceiling, I couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. My journey through Johto had taken an unexpected turn, but I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I had my team, my friends, my family. And together, we were capable of anything.

The next morning, we bid farewell to the ranchers and set off towards Olivine City. The route wound along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean.

Waves crashed against the cliffs below, sending sprays of seawater high into the air. Seabirds circled overhead, their cries echoing in the wind.

As we approached Olivine City, I could see the towering silhouette of the lighthouse in the distance, its light conspicuously absent. Welp…

Let's see what my next grand adventure takes me this time. Perched over my shoulder, Pikachu looked to be healthy. Eevee, placed over my head, chirped happily, being given the chance to recover.

I smiled as I sighed a breath of relief that my Pokémon were healthy again. With them by my side, we'll take on anyone who comes our way.

/////

~Soul S. POV~

[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Mahogany Town]

I stared at the scene in disbelief. The Masked Man Legion and the collaboration of Team Rocket were detained a few days ago, as Lance informed me of the news.

I stared at the wreckage of a Souvenir Shop, which was their secret base, and blasted on with ice still present in the aftermath of some kind of battle. I flinched instinctively, seeing the ice… bad memories.

The Officer Jenny and the Police Force have already captured and detained most of the criminals who belong to Team Rocket who were caught hiding here. With the assistance of Pryce, the Mahogany Town Gym Leader, he defeated them all without any issue.

I clenched my fist, seeing someone that old is that strong. I calmed my nerves down as I saw the building before me.

I felt… conflicted. I should be happy. And yet… my burning sensation in my chest isn't satisfied with such a result.

The Masked Man was gone from the Gym Leader's Reports of his witness's accounts, shattering him into ice. It was drastic, sure, but when the Masked Man threatened, the people in his attacks… Pryce made the right call.

I sighed, not realizing I was holding my breath. Taking the chance to walk around the area, I got a call from Lance.

*Beep*

Answering the Rotom Phone, I heard his voice as he said bluntly, "I take it you found out what happened in Mahogany Town?"

Seeing his picture of his face on my phone, I nodded absentmindedly, answering him in a defeated tone, "Yeah… I've just arrived, and too late to get my revenge. But I suppose… I'm fine with this outcome. Although big sis would be pretty pissed about this."

I chuckled at the thought. Big Sis Green waited and trained for years to get our revenge against the Masked Man, and yet…

Welp. She'll be pissed hearing that the Gym Leader took out the Masked Man. I still find that hard to believe, but… It's not like I can see what happened.

Lance chuckled lightly as he casually said, getting my attention as he says in a calm voice, eyeing me, "Hahaha… I suppose so. But still, the agreement between the two of us was that I would teach you how to be a trainer during the last 6 months. Although with the Masked Legion gone, our agreement is a moot point."

I nodded my head, agreeing with him. My purpose for partnering up with him was to teach me how to become a powerful Trainer, waiting for my chance to defeat the Masked Man, but… I suppose that's a moot point.

But… Holding in a deep breath, I exhaled as I said to Lance in a determined tone, "Even if everything was resolved… I still want to know what he was planning in the end. And you're still my only lead to know what he was planning…"

Lance looked at me for a bit before slyly smiling. He shook his head as he said in a confident tone, "True. But you still need to be skilled in reaching me first, so here's your next assignment. You're goal is to collect ALL 8 of the Gym Badges of Johto. As I recall, you still lack a potential Water Type in your Team other than Feraligator and Kingdra."

Right. I still need another Water Type to reach Lance's place, as I stared at him, saying casually in a calm voice, "Right. The Lake of Rage is north of here, so obtaining a Gyarados isn't an issue to get another Water Type…"

Lance nodded as he explained to me that something occurred in Ecruteak City. 3 shooting stars of light escaping the Burn Tower alerted the people, with some claiming first-hand witness reports of the Legendary Beast Trio.

This occurred while I was en route to Mahogany Town at the time. Regardless though… I suppose challenging the Gym Leaders should be fun.

I mean, I heard Big Sis Green say about challenging the Pokémon League before. She said it was fun… and I kind of want to one-up her by claiming 8 Gym Badges to show off to her face…

And probably to show off to that idiot Gold, too. They do give useful TM's and cash rewards, and with me no longer wanted by the police, thanks to Big Sis Green and her friend Sky's influence.

And maybe… just maybe my family would notice me on the big stage. I guess I just have a few reasons to join and learn from my journey.

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter! Also, thanks for your guys' thoughts and sorry this wasn't out sooner!

Leave your guys' thoughts on which Pokémon will join the Hoenn Arc that'll cut. Otherwise, have a good day!