Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Azure S. POV~

[Johto Region, Next Day, Cruise – Johto Sea]

The salt spray stung my face as I leaned against the railing of the cruise ship, the Sky stretching endlessly before me. My trusty partner Pikachu perched on my shoulder, his nose twitching, taking in the sea air.

Beside me, Eevee, nestled comfortably in my lap, purred contentedly as I stroked her soft fur. Even the usually restless Houndoom, sprawled out at my feet, seemed to be enjoying the tranquility of our voyage from Cianwood City to Olivine City.

We deserved this break. The competitive circuit had been grueling, a relentless cycle of training, battles, and travel.

My Pokémon team had fought bravely, but the constant pressure had started to wear on us all. This cruise was a chance to recharge, to reconnect with each other, and to appreciate the simple joys of life, like the boundless ocean and the cries of Wingull overhead.

Hidden from view in my backpack, Celebi, our mythical healer, pulsed with a soft, green light. Celebi never participated in battles, but her presence was invaluable.

Her healing touch could mend even the deepest wounds, and her gentle nature had a calming effect on the entire team. She was our guardian angel, our silent protector, and a great trainer for when we push our bodies too hard.

Meltan and its followers, after feeding them all, I placed them in my Box for now. Better to be safe than sorry for allowing them to go overboard… or you know, eat the whole damn ship made of steel…

My team was strong and diverse. Skarmory, the armored bird Pokémon, soared through the skies with unparalleled grace. Mismagius, the mischievous ghost Pokémon, added a touch of playful chaos to our ranks.

Houndoom, as always, was the loyal and fiery Dark type, her growl carrying authority like Arcanine. Quagsire, the carefree water-ground type, was our reliable anchor, always ready to take a hit.

Ampharos, the gentle giant, provided both powerful electric attacks and a calming presence, and Togepi, though still young, was our hope, a symbol of potential waiting to bloom. I was cautious about bringing Togepi, but I do need to increase our bond for her to evolve.

I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm of the waves lull me into a peaceful daze. We were almost there. Olivine City, the gateway to new adventures, awaited. I could almost taste the freshly baked MooMoo Milk cookies from the local bakery.

*RMBL*

Suddenly, a jarring tremor ripped through the ship, shattering the serenity. Pikachu yelped, leaping from my shoulder, his fur bristling.

Eevee scrambled off my lap, her eyes wide with alarm. Houndoom rose to his feet, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

My eyes narrowed. Tch… just when I was having a good time too.

I exclaimed, my hand instinctively reaching for the Poké Balls on my belt, "What was that…?"

*RMBL*

*THUD*

Before anyone could answer, a cacophony of screams erupted from the deck below. I peered over the railing, and my blood ran cold.

Dozens of massive Kingler and Tentacruel, their eyes filled with furious intent, were swarming the hull of the ship, their claws and tentacles tearing at the metal. Panic spread like wildfire through the passengers.

People screamed and scrambled for safety, knocking into each other in their desperate attempts to escape. On the deck below, I saw several Trainers already engaging the attacking Pokémon with their own teams.

*POP*

Flashes of light and the roar of Pokémon attacks filled the air. I muttered, recalling Togepi into his Poké Ball with a silent word of reassurance, "This isn't good. Togepi! Return!"

Recalling Togepi, she was far too vulnerable in this chaos. But my Pokémon eyes narrowed, prepared to battle as I yelled out loud, "Pikachu, Eevee, and Houndoom! We need to help! Be prepared for battle!"

Pikachu crackled with electricity, his cheeks sparking. Eevee nodded, her eyes hardening with determination. We were a team, and we wouldn't stand idly by while innocent people were in danger.

I yelled, tossing the Poké Ball into the air, "Skarmory, I choose you!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, the armored bird Pokémon materialized, his metallic wings gleaming in the sun. Gazing at the battlefield below, I ordered, "Skarmory, use Strong Style Steel Wing to fend off those Kingler!"

Skarmory screeched, a high-pitched battle cry, and launched itself into the fray, "Skar! SKAR!!! (Ah! Some fresh meat!)"

*Fwp*

*Shinng*

His wings, hardened to razor sharpness, slashed through the air, striking the Kingler with devastating force. One by one, they were knocked back into the ocean, their shells dented and cracked.

Shifting my attention to the Jellyfish Pokémon I commanded, "Houndoom, use Flamethrower on those Tentacruel!"

Houndoom howled, unleashing a torrent of fiery flames that engulfed the attacking Tentacruel, "Awooo!! (Yes, sir!)"

*Ssss*

The air filled with the smell of burning rubber as the water Pokémon recoiled from the intense heat. The other Trainers on board were putting up a valiant fight, but the sheer number of attacking Pokémon was overwhelming.

Water Guns, Bubble Beams, and Razor Leafs rained down upon the Kingler and Tentacruel, but they kept coming, driven by an inexplicable rage. But I felt something off – then it happened.

*SPLASH*

Suddenly, a particularly large Tentacruel managed to breach the ship's hull, its tentacles snaking through the opening, grabbing at anything within reach. People screamed as they were pulled closer to the monstrous Pokémon.

I glared at the Jellyfish Pokémon. I shouted, unleashing the gentle giant from her Poké Ball, giving a command, "Ampharos, use Thunderbolt!"

*Pop*

*Zzzzz*

Ampharos bellowed, and a massive bolt of electricity surged from his body, striking the Tentacruel with incredible force. The water Pokémon convulsed, its tentacles releasing their grip, and it slumped back into the ocean, defeated.

I glanced around, assessing the situation. The battle was far from over.

The attacking Pokémon were relentless, and the ship was taking heavy damage. We needed a way to turn the tide.

I called out, releasing the mischievous ghost Pokémon, issuing a command, "Mismagius, I need your help! Use Confuse Ray on the Kingler commanding the assault!"

*Pop*

Mismagius giggled, her eyes glowing with an eerie light. She floated through the air, weaving through the chaos, until she located the largest and most aggressive Kingler among the attackers.

*Shiii*

With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a wave of psychic energy, engulfing the Kingler in a swirling vortex of confusion. The Kingler thrashed wildly, its pincers snapping at empty air.

It lost its focus, and the coordinated attack of the other Kingler began to fall apart. I commanded, releasing the carefree Pokémon, "Quagsire, use Stone Edge!"

*Pop*

Quagsire, despite his usual laid-back demeanor, understood the gravity of the situation. He stomped his feet on the deck, and then jagged spikes of stone materialized around Quagsire. A powerful shot of stone was thrown, disorienting the remaining Kingler and Tentacruel.

With the attackers momentarily stunned, we pressed our advantage. Skarmory continued to strike with its Steel Wings, Houndoom unleashed another torrent of flames, and Ampharos bombarded the enemy with Thunderbolt attacks.

The other Trainers, inspired by our efforts, joined the counterattack. Slowly but surely, the tide began to turn.

The Kingler and Tentacruel, weakened and disoriented, started to retreat into the depths of the ocean. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the attack subsided.

The sea was still choppy, but the ship was no longer under siege. A collective sigh of relief swept through the passengers.

People hugged each other, grateful to be alive. The ship was damaged, but it was still afloat. We had survived.

I recalled my Pokémon, praising them for their bravery and strength. They had fought valiantly, protecting the innocent from harm.

Pikachu nuzzled against my cheek, his gratitude palpable. Eevee licked my hand, her tail wagging furiously.

As I looked around at the devastation, a question gnawed at my mind. Why had the Kingler and Tentacruel attacked in the first place?

They had seemed driven by something more than just instinct. Their eyes were malevolent, a sense of deliberate aggression.

I knew that I couldn't ignore this. Something was wrong…

This incident was more than just a random attack. It was a sign of something darker, something more sinister lurking beneath the surface.

As the ship limped its way towards Olivine City, I sighed helplessly, shaking my head at what made these Water-type Pokémon aggressive. My relaxing vacation was over.

My journey had taken an unexpected turn, but we managed. I couldn't help but be baffled by why these Water Types simply attacked us?

Reaching for my backpack, I felt the faint pulse of Celebi's energy. I knew that I wasn't alone. With my Pokémon team by my side and Celebi watching over us, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Still, though, is it possible that we wandered over their territory? Pokémon can be territorial creatures… I could probably be overthinking it, honestly.

Helplessly, there was nothing I could do about it as the cruise set sail. I'll make it a point to get a large mount to travel more often or to chase on sea or air.

Pokémon can be amazing but also scary creatures sometimes. I think I just got too lax over them forgetting they could always come and attack people for whatever reason, or they simply dislike humans.

Getting attacked was common around here. I suppose my instincts might've dulled over the years, losing my edge… for now, I'll focus on my journey.

Man… fighting Clair ISN'T going to be fun. I've decided to battle Pryce last for the challenge and get the drama over with already…

I just hope she doesn't do that fucking bullshit, not giving me my badge. Or I will bring my main team to kick her ass in front of her clan! I swear to God…!

/////

~Ethan G. POV~

[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Olivine City]

That damn jerk! He fucking cocked blocked me!

Exiting from Jasmine Gym, I've only just heard that she didn't need my help after all to get the secret medicine for her Ampharos! No!

I've been strung around too late to realize that it was that jerk who helped her out! Not only that, but she even has his number!

The hell! This is a conspiracy, I say!

This is like the beginning of a horrible Harem Fanfic idea. Except this is reality, and it might become real if this sleaze bag has this much game.

Reigning in my anger, she did give me a Metal Coat for my trouble. I gritted my teeth as there was nothing I could do about it, but this… get revenge!

Of course, I'm curious what Silver's doing. I also have a new goal! Taking down that smug guy Azure Sky for cockblocking me from getting her phone number!

Not only that, but he also made my team and me look bad. Granted, he is a champion doesn't mean I won't give that guy a piece of my mind.

From what I know, his challenging the Gyms in Johto, preparing himself for the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament this year. Knowing this, the best way to dethrone this guy's winning streak would be to defeat him in a large crowd for the whole world to see!

Grinning at the idea, I could live with that, seeing his smug grin wiped off his face. And if I became champion, I'll have the ladies flock to me!

And I'll get even DJ Mary to be my girlfriend!

… Okay, maybe not a girlfriend. But an important somebody she'll have to recognize if I defeat that guy in an open crowd!

Grinning at this, I laughed lightly at the idea of showing that guy off. Not only that, but I've also increased my Pokémon rotation thanks to the PC Systems being back up and running again.

Now, with my newest members Beedrill, Bulbasaur, Tangela, Tarous, Porygon, and many more helped diversify my team. Not only that, but Prof. Elm has been sending me some Pokémon Eggs for me to hatch, bringing up some new team members.

They strangely know a lot of powerful moves, as well as have that inner dog in them. All I had to do was raise them right, and we'll show that Champion what the Hatcher can do by kicking his sorry ass!

/////

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