Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 148: Olivine City

~Azure S. POV~

[Johto Region, Next Day, Olivine City]

*Wooosh*

The salt-laced air whipped through my hair as Pikachu, perched comfortably on my shoulder, twitched his nose. Eevee, ever the cautious one, stayed close to my heels, her bushy tail swishing nervously, and Celebi, chilling feeling the breeze pass.

Olivine City sprawled before us, a cluster of pastel buildings clinging to the coastline, the glinting ocean stretching out to the horizon. It was a far cry from the dense forests and rolling hills we'd traversed since leaving New Bark Town.

My heart thrummed with anticipation. Johto was proving to be a region full of surprises, both challenging and breathtaking. My team, a carefully curated mix of old friends and new companions, was stronger than ever.

Pikachu and Eevee, my loyal starting Pokémon, were the cornerstones, their presence a comforting constant amidst the ever-changing landscape. Makes me a bit guilty not bringing the rest of the crew along.

We'd arrived in Olivine City with a singular goal: to challenge Jasmine, the Steel-type Gym Leader. But knowing Jasmine's reputation for calm and strategy, I knew rushing in would be a mistake.

Information was key. So, before heading straight for the Gym, we decided to soak in the city, to learn its rhythms and perhaps glean some insight into the elusive Gym Leader.

I announced to my team, my voice carrying over the bustling harbor sounds in a calm tone, "Alright, team. Let's look around. Maybe we can find someone who knows a little about Jasmine around here?"

Pikachu chirped in agreement, his red cheeks sparking with energy. Eevee barked softly, her eyes scanning the crowded streets. Celebi giggled at our awareness when we went into cities with extreme caution.

To be fair, in my defense, I ran into a lot more gangs than I can count. My experience in Kanto taught me to always be cautious.

We wandered through the marketplace, a vibrant tapestry of sights, smells, and sounds. Merchants hawked their wares, fishermen displayed their daily catch, and tourists snapped pictures of the iconic Olivine Lighthouse.

All in all, not a bad place to live. I overheard snippets of conversation, piecing together a vague picture of the city.

"…beautiful lighthouse, but it's been dark for ages…"

"…Jasmine's so worried about that Pokémon at the top…"

"…never seen her this withdrawn before…"

The lighthouse. Jasmine. A worried Gym Leader. A Pokémon in need?

It all clicked into place. I said, approaching a kind-looking woman selling berries, "Excuse me. I couldn't help but overhear. Is there something wrong with the lighthouse?"

The woman sighed, her face etched with concern. She began to explain to me the situation that's happening, "Ah, you heard about that, did you? Yes, the Olivine Lighthouse hasn't shone in months. Jasmine, our Gym Leader, has been up there with a sick Pokémon, trying to nurse it back to health. It's the source of the lighthouse's light, a magnificent Ampharos. But it's been ill, and Jasmine refuses to leave its side."

I asked, my mind already racing in a nervous voice betraying my calm tone, "So… Jasmine hasn't been to the Gym at all?"

The woman shook her head as she explained to me what happened, getting my full attention, "No, dear. When she learned of this. She requested a boy, Gold, to get the Secret Medicine, as everyone is worried about her. It's just not the same without the lighthouse to guide the ships safely."

I thanked the woman and rejoined my Pokémon. I said, a determined glint in my eye, "Well, that settles it. The Gym can wait. Jasmine needs help, and if we can assist her, we will."

Pikachu squeaked in agreement, already understanding the change in direction. Eevee, sensing my resolve, barked affirmatively.

The others, though potentially confused, trusted my judgment. My eyes darted to Celebi as it nodded, knowing I'm gonna need my healer expertise.

/////

[Johto Region, Olivine City – Olivine Lighthouse]

We made our way towards the Olivine Lighthouse, a towering structure of white stone that loomed above the city. The closer we got, the more dilapidated it seemed.

Paint peeled from the walls, and the windows were grimy with salt spray. The once-proud beacon of hope now looked weary and forgotten.

The doors were unlocked, and we stepped into a dimly lit foyer. The air was thick with the smell of dust and the sea.

A spiral staircase wound its way up the interior of the tower, disappearing into the shadows. I said, my voice echoing in the space, "Alright, team, let's be careful. We don't know what to expect up there."

We began our ascent, the echoes of our footsteps breaking the silence. The stairs were steep and relentless, and I could feel the strain in my legs. Pikachu remained perched on my shoulder, his electric aura providing a faint light to guide our way.

Eevee padded softly behind me, her sharp ears twitching, alert to every sound. Celebi, the literal know-it-all all just giggled, expecting a funny scene to occur.

Pupitar, surprisingly agile for his size, didn't lag. Weavile, silent and graceful, seemed to almost slither up the stairs.

Ursaring's heavy paws made solid thuds on the steps. Hitmontop even had some fun spinning up the seemingly infinite stairs. And Togepi, nestled safe in my backpack, cooed softly, seemingly unfazed by the climb.

As we climbed higher, the air grew warmer, and a faint, rhythmic humming filled the air. The sound grew louder with each step we took, leading us to a large, wooden door at the top of the staircase.

*Thud*

I pushed the door open cautiously, and the sight that greeted us was heartbreaking. The room was circular, dominated by a massive, intricately crafted lamp that should have been casting a brilliant light.

Instead, it was dim and flickering, barely illuminating the space. In the center of the room, lying on a makeshift bed of blankets, was a large Ampharos. Its once-bright yellow fur was dull and matted, and its usually vibrant tail light flickered weakly.

Kneeling beside the Ampharos, her face etched with worry and exhaustion, was Jasmine the Gym Leader. Her usually immaculate white uniform was rumpled and stained, and her eyes were red-rimmed.

She looked up as we entered, her expression a mixture of surprise and suspicion. She asked, her voice hoarse, "Who are you? What do you want?"

I stepped forward slowly, holding up my hands in a gesture of peace. She rubbed her eyes as I introduced myself, "My name is Azure Sky. I'm a Pokémon Trainer you met in Ecruteak City with Gold, betting away a Togepi Egg. I heard about the situation at the lighthouse and wanted to see if I could help."

Jasmine looked at me skeptically. She then replied to my question in a depressed tone, eyeing me, or rather Togepi, "Help? I appreciate the thought, but there's nothing anyone can do. My Ampharos, I call her Amphy, has been sick for weeks. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work. I've already had Gold sent to Cianwood City to obtain the Secret Medicine."

Seeing that she was honest with me, I got the feeling that Gold is doing his video game counterpart quest, obtaining the medicine. That sounds about right, as I derailed the Manga of the Johto Arc Antagonist.

I glanced at Amphy, feeling a pang of sympathy for the ailing Pokémon. I asked kindly, "May I take a look?"

Jasmine hesitated but then nodded wearily. She said worriedly, "Alright. But I doubt you'll find anything I haven't already tried."

I approached Amphy cautiously, kneeling beside her. I gently placed my hand on her flank, feeling the heat radiating from her body.

Pikachu hopped off my shoulder and nuzzled Amphy, his electric energy creating a faint spark that seemed to soothe her slightly. Eevee sniffed Amphy's fur, her keen nose searching for any clues.

I closed my eyes, focusing my energy, trying to sense what was wrong. I had always possessed a natural affinity for Pokémon, an ability to understand their emotions and sense their ailments.

Welp! Viridian Force Activate!

*Shiii*

After a few moments, a faint impression formed in my mind. It was a sense of isolation, of loneliness, of a deep longing for something that was missing.

I opened my eyes, a sudden realization dawning on me. I said calmly, "Jasmine. I think I know what's wrong."

Jasmine looked at me, her expression a mixture of hope and disbelief. She asked neutrally, "… What is it?"

I looked at the Ampharos with a bit of disbelief. I began to explain to her, "I don't think this is just a physical illness. I think Amphy is lonely. She's missing something… someone. Is there another Pokémon she's close to?"

Jasmine's eyes widened in understanding. She then began to explain to me as she petted Amphy's head slowly, "Yes… There is. There's another Ampharos, an older one, that used to live here in the lighthouse. They were inseparable. But the older Ampharos passed away a few months ago. Amphy has been grieving ever since."

Confirming this, I saw it from her memory. I knew in the games it mentioned it was sick, but I suppose it never mentioned what kind of sickness it was. But then again, I've dealt with crazier stuff, so my knowledge won't be as exact as I knew it to be.

Just didn't think it was a mental problem. But I nodded my head, agreeing with her words as I said softly, "I think that's it. Amphy is heartbroken. She needs companionship, something to remind her of that lost connection..."

I looked at my team, a thought forming in my mind as I recalled Togepi's bio. I began to explain, getting her attention, "I have a Togepi with me. It's a newly hatched Pokémon, full of energy and innocence, and happiness she collected. Perhaps… perhaps if Amphy could spend some time with Togepi, it might help to lift her spirits."

Jasmine looked at me hesitantly. Then she finally said cautiously, "I don't know… Togepi is so small and fragile."

I smiled as she said that. What she said is true, but nothing about a Togepi is small or fragile about them, as I assured her, "We'll be careful. We'll supervise them closely. Just give it a try. What do you have to lose?"

Jasmine looked at Amphy, her hand stroking the Pokémon's matted fur. Then, she turned back to me, her eyes filled with hope as she said, "Alright. Let's try it."

Smiling at her response, I carefully took Togepi out of my backpack and placed him gently on the floor near Amphy. The tiny Spike Ball Pokémon looked up at the giant Ampharos with wide, innocent eyes.

Then, without hesitation, it waddled towards Amphy and nuzzled against her leg. A faint glow was shown around her egg, activating her natural ability. Togepis have the natural ability to siphon the positive energy of others, storing that happiness in their shell and then releasing it to those in need of it.

*Shiii*

And sure enough, Amphy needed this. Amphy stirred slightly, a faint sound rumbling in her chest.

She lowered her head and gently touched Togepi with her nose. The tiny Pokémon giggled, its innocent joy filling the room, "Togi! Togepi!"

For the next few hours, we watched as Amphy and Togepi interacted. Togepi would playfully chase Amphy's tail, and Amphy would respond with gentle nudges and soft hums.

Pikachu and Eevee, sensing the delicate situation, kept a watchful eye on the two Pokémon, ensuring that Togepi didn't get too close to Amphy's flickering tail light. Pupitar, Weavile, Ursaring, and Hitmontop watched quietly from the side, seeming to understand the moment's importance.

Slowly, gradually, Amphy began to respond to Togepi's presence. Her taillight flickered with renewed energy, and her fur seemed to regain some of its former luster.

Jasmine watched in amazement; her eyes filled with tears of relief. I smirked, seeing this always reminded me why Pokémon are just so dangerous and yet amazing at the same time.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, Amphy sat up, her head held high. Her tail light shone brightly, illuminating the room with a warm, comforting glow.

She nudged Togepi gently, a soft rumble of contentment emanating from her chest. Jasmine rushed to Amphy's side, throwing her arms around the Pokémon's neck as she exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion, "Amphy! You're feeling better!"

Amphy nuzzled Jasmine, then turned her gaze towards me, a look of gratitude in her eyes. Jasmine said, wiping away her tears, "Sniff… Thank you, Azure. You have no idea how much this means to me. You saved Amphy."

I simply nodded, understanding her situation as I replied, smiling, "I just helped her remember what she had to live for. Amphy is strong; she just needed a little reminder of the joy in the world."

Jasmine smiled, the worry lines on her face finally easing. She stood up, bowing her head slightly as she said happily, "You're right. Thank you. Now, as a token of my gratitude, I would be honored to battle you."

Grinning at this, I nodded happily as I replied, "I would be honored to accept."

We then made our way down the seemingly endless staircase, back into the city. We decided that we would start our battle tomorrow, so Amphy could get some rest and recover.

With our new goal in sight and our new knowledge, we rested and prepared for the battle to come. But now that I'm battling Jasmine time for me to switch up my team rotation against her. The only question would be who…

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!