Chapter 217: The Charmer
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Nighttime, Oldale Town – Pokémon Center]
After Ruby's actions, the two trainers are in the dining area of the Pokémon Center. All of Azure's Pokémon ate they're food happily as Azure talked to Ruby at the free dining table in the dining room.
Ruby let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as he said sheepishly, "Ah, forgive me! Old habits. When I see Pokémon that are so clearly cherished, so impeccably maintained, it just... excites me! The sheen on their fur, the sparkle in their eyes, the overall vitality! It speaks volumes about their trainer."
Azure lightly blushed from the praise as he replied from the praise, "Thanks, I guess…? I always take care of my Pokémon."
Ruby shook his head as he ate his dinner along with Azure. Ruby was left with no choice but to stay at the Pokémon Center for the night, but was surprised that Azure wanted to talk about Poke Block topics that got his immediate attention.
But Ruby couldn't help but praise Azure lightly, looking at his Pikachu and Eevee by his side in an excited tone, "It's no wonder! Your Pikachu and Eevee look so magnificent, carrying the legacy of the Kanto region so well!"
Ruby exclaimed, his enthusiasm quickly returning, albeit with a touch more self-awareness this time. He praised his other Pokémon as he said bluntly, "Metang, Ralts, Grovyle, Psyduck, and Vulpix! A unique combination, truly! And the way you care for them... I must know your secrets! Your PokéBlock recipes, your grooming regimen, your daily exercise routines! Tell me everything!"
Azure chuckled. He shook his head as he asked curiously in a cheeky voice, "Secrets? Not really. More like dedication and understanding. Every Pokémon is unique, of course. But I admit, I'm intrigued by your interest. You're known for your contest prowess, which suggests a deep understanding of Pokémon appeal."
Ruby declared passionately, "Appeal is everything!"
Azure chuckled, seeing Ruby's passion as he explained his Vulpix care in a passionate tone with a curious voice, "But it stems from health, from happiness, from the bond between trainer and Pokémon. That's why I was so captivated by your team! They embody it! Take your Vulpix, for instance. The richness of its red fur, the intensity of its flames... how do you maintain such vibrancy? Do you use specific berries in your PokéBlocks for color enhancement? Or a unique grooming technique for its tails?"
Azure smiled, beckoning Ruby to sit at the small table he occupied. He replied with what he knew, sharing some insight calmly, "It's a combination. For Vulpix, a diet rich in spicy berries, like Pecha and Rawst, helps bring out the natural pigment in its fur. And constant grooming, yes, but also letting its flames breathe. It's a delicate balance."
Ruby nodded with his arms crossed, understandingly. Azure then continued absentmindedly, "As for PokéBlocks, I experiment constantly. For Metang, I focus on sturdy ingredients to enhance its defenses and keep its metallic body glistening. For Ralts, something calming, like Mago berries, to help its psychic energy flow smoothly."
Ruby's eyes lit up like sparklers. Ruby began to share his insights in an excited tone, "Mago berries! Brilliant! I often use them for my Rana, my own Ralts, to enhance her beauty and serenity for appeals. But I hadn't considered the psychic flow! You truly understand the intrinsic connection between nutrition and their unique abilities!"
Ruby took notes for his own Ralts diet plans. Then Ruby asked about his Grovyle curiously, "What about your Grovyle? For speed and agility, I imagine you focus on drier, less fatty ingredients?"
Azure affirmed happily, "Precisely."
Both chuckled as Azure rubbed Pikachu's chin as he explained his partner's diet, "And for Pikachu, I blend a mix of sour and bitter berries to keep its electric energy sharp and focused, while Eevee gets a more balanced diet – a little of everything, because its adaptability is its strength."
He paused, looking at Ruby's eager face. Azure then asked curiously with crossed arms, "But enough about my team. I'd love to hear about yours. Nana, Kiki, Rana... your contest stars."
Ruby beamed, pulling out his own Poké Balls. He grinned confidently, "Oh, you'll love them! Nana, my Poochyena, for her coolness and strength!"
*Pop*
He released Nana, a sleek, well-groomed Poochyena who immediately trotted over, wagging her tail and nudging Azure's hand. Ruby continued, "Then there's Kiki!"
*Pop*
He released a graceful Skitty, who stretched elegantly before arching her back playfully at Eevee. Ruby continued excitedly, "My beautiful Kiki, for her cuteness and grace!"
*Pop*
Eevee, initially reserved, let out a soft cry, "Eevee!"
Eevee took a cautious step towards Kiki, who purred, rubbing against her leg. The Vulpix, seeing Nana and Kiki's polite demeanor, finally allowed a soft, rumbling purr to escape its throat.
Ruby's Ralts, a picture of poise, appeared, its psychic aura calming the air as he introduced proudly, "And Rana, of course, my exquisite Ralts!"
Rana saw Azure's Ralts and, tilting its head, offered a demure wave of its arm. Azure's Ralts, usually shy, seemed to brighten, waving back.
Azure smiled, observing them while he looked at Ruby's Pokémon from a professional perspective in an impressed tone, "They're magnificent, Ruby. Their sheen, their vitality... It's clear you practice what you preach."
Ruby grinned excitedly, grasping Azure's hand, "Finally! Someone who gets me!"
Letting go of his hand, Ruby said awkwardly, an awkward grin stretching across his face, hurling his last choice, "And finally… my newest partner, Mumu!"
*Pop*
With a flourish, he released a tiny, adorable Mudkip. Mumu looked around with wide, curious eyes, then immediately waddled over to Psyduck, sniffing its webbed feet. But when it saw Grovyle, their eyes lit up happily as the two starter Pokémon greeted each other happily meeting an old friend.
Azure exclaimed, delighted to see Mudkip making friends with his Grovyle, "A Mudkip! A fine choice for Hoenn. What are your plans for Mumu's appeals?"
Ruby rubbed his chin thoughtfully before ultimately deciding, "Precisely! Mudkips have such versatile appeals. I'm thinking of Toughness. For now, lots of Sweet PokéBlocks to bring out its natural charm, but also some Spiky Bumpy ones to build its resilience."
The two trainers spent the next hour engrossed in conversation, a shared passion for their Pokémon bridging the initial awkwardness. They discussed the nuances of berry blending, the optimal consistency for PokéBlocks, the benefits of different grooming tools, and even the psychological aspects of preparing Pokémon for contests versus battles.
Azure, who had always focused on the raw power and tactical aspects of training, found Ruby's insights into Pokémon appeal and aesthetic care fascinating. Ruby, in turn, was captivated by Azure's holistic approach, his emphasis on emotional well-being, and the unique properties of each Pokémon.
All in all, the two became good friends, sharing Pokémon topics. Azure mused, looking at Ruby cheekily, "The Charmer. It's a fitting title for you. You truly have a way of bringing out the best in them, not just in contests, but in their very being."
Ruby flushed with pleasure. But he returned a compliment as he said happily, "And you, Azure Sky, you embody the very essence of a dedicated trainer. Your Pokémon aren't just strong; they're magnificent. They're happy. That's the true sign of a great trainer."
As the Pokémon Center began to quiet down, ushering in the late hours, a comfortable silence settled between them. The initial surprise and intensity had melted away, replaced by mutual respect and a burgeoning camaraderie.
Azure finally said coolly, standing up from his spot, recalling his Pokémon, "It's been a truly enlightening conversation, Ruby. I'm glad our paths crossed."
Ruby replied, gathering his own Pokémon as he recalled them, "Likewise, Azure! I learned so much, especially about the Eevee! I've always wanted to meet one in person!"
He clasped Azure's hand once more. He grinned eagerly, tempting him with the idea of joining the contest as he said passionately, "Good luck on your Hoenn journey. Perhaps we'll see each other again, maybe even at a contest? With a team like yours, you could easily become a Top Coordinator!"
Azure chuckled at the thought as he replied casually, "Perhaps. Hoenn is full of possibilities."
He glanced at Pikachu and Eevee, who looked up at him with their usual trusting expressions. He had always focused on Gym battles, but Ruby's passion for Contests had certainly sparked a new interest.
As they wished each other goodnight, Azure walked towards his room, his mind buzzing. The peaceful start to his Hoenn journey had taken an unexpected, delightful turn.
He had not only settled into a new region but found a kindred spirit in the most unlikely of places. As he rested on his head, he pondered to himself with his Pikachu and Eevee asleep in his bed, "Pokémon Contest, huh? Wouldn't be a bad idea to try at least. That kid is certainly persuasive when it comes to Pokémon contests."
With that thought in his head, Azure began to finally close his eyes. He began to sleep soundly through the night.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Next Day – Early Morning, Route 102]
In the very early morning of the next day, Azure woke up extra early to begin heading out to Route 102. He wanted to head to Petalburg City as soon as possible to see if he could get his next Gym Challenge against Norman.
While he traveled down Route 102 in the early morning, he had both his Ralts and Grovyle out in the open, battling any Wild Pokémon that came nearby. He had Pikachu and Eevee be on watch in case any strong Pokémon were nearby.
Route 102 was the perfect place to grind his low-level members. Thus, he sent his Ralts and Grovyle so that they could gain the most experience they could get.
Doing so, he checked his Arc Phone to see his Pokémon status. He smiled happily, seeing some progress being made.
|Name: Metang (Iron Claw Pokémon)
|Type: Steel/Psychic
|Level: 32
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Expert Belt]
|Ability: Clear Body
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Cosmic Power, Gravity, Telekinesis, Reflect, Light Screen, Agility, Hone Claws, Iron Defense, Miracle Eye, Pursuit [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Bullet Punch [A][S], Flash Cannon [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Protect (TM), Magnet Rise (IM), Confusion [A][S] (IM), Metal Claw [A][S] (IM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Vulpix [Alpha] (Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 27
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Charcoal]
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Disable, Nasty Plot, Roar, Attract, Confuse Ray, Will-O-Wisp, Flamethrower [A][S], Ember [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S],Flame Wheel [A][S], Incinerate [A][S], Hex [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Extrasensory [A][S], Protect (TM), Healing Wish (IM), Hypnosis (IM), Power Swap (IM), Heat Wave [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Psyduck [Alpha] (Duck Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 27
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]
|Ability: Cloud Nine
|Nature: Hardy
|Moves: Screech, Hypnosis, Skill Swap, Soak, Flip Turn [A][S], Bubble Beam [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Aqua Tail [A][S], Protect (TM), Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Future Sight [A][S] (IM), Simple Beam (IM), Psychic [A][S](EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Grovyle (Wood Gecko Pokémon)
|Type: Grass
|Level: 17
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]
|Ability: Overgrow
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Leer, Detect, Quick Guard, Pound [A][S], Leafage [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Mega Drain [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Protect (TM), Leaf Blade [A][S] (IM), Synthesis (IM), Leech Seed (IM), Magical Leaf[A][S](EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Ralts (Feeling Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Level: 7
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Telepathy (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Teleport, Double Team, Disarming Voice, Confusion, Protect (TM), Destiny Bond (IM), Disable (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
Azure smirked, seeing the progress being made. He mumbled to himself, seeing Psyduck learning Soak, "Perfect. Psyduck learned Soak, which would be essential to my plan against it in the future with Skill Swap. Now all I'm missing is 'that' Pokémon to fit into my plans, and I'll have developed my Legend Battle plan at the ready."
Azure slyly grinned at the thought of the future battle ahead. But for now, he focused on the present as a group of Wild Lotad appeared, giving the orders calmly, "Alright, you two get ready! Grovyle, you attack straight ahead! Ralts backs him up with Confusion, and if worse comes to worst, use Teleport!"
*Zoooom*
Grovyle nodded and leaped forward. Ralts bobbed its head shyly, trusting Azure's words with Pikachu and Eevee on standby, along with Marshadow within its shadow, ready to protect at a moment's notice.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!