Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Azure S. POV~

[Johto Region, Later, Icy Path]

*Wooosh*

The biting wind whipped at my hair, a stark contrast to the humid air of Ecruteak City I'd left behind. Above me, the relentless Johto sun was a pale imitation of its usual vibrancy, its rays struggling to pierce the thick, crystalline canopy of the Ice Path.

It was a formidable barrier, a labyrinth of frozen wonder and treacherous footing, and it was the gateway to Blackthorn City. My destination, and more importantly, Clair, the Dragon-type Gym Leader, whose Rising Badge was my next coveted prize.

I planned on finally handling Pryce for last. I mean, save the last final boss for last is tradition at this point.

Beside me, a flash of yellow, a comforting rumble of static. Pikachu, my steadfast partner since our humble beginnings in Pallet Town.

He nudged my leg, his small body radiating a warmth that, while welcome, was no match for the encroaching chill. I asked, rubbing his head, "Ready, buddy?"

He let out an enthusiastic cry, his cheeks sparking with anticipation, "Pika Pika!"

A soft, ethereal glow emanated from my backpack. Celebi, our legendary guardian, peeked out, her tiny form shimmering with an otherworldly aura. She didn't fight; her purpose on this journey was far more precious – healing, guidance, and an unspoken companionship that transcended words.

She chirped a gentle melody, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of ice, "Bei…"

Besides Pikachu, a more boisterous presence. Eevee, my most adaptable companion, her fluffy tail wagging a furious rhythm.

She was always eager for a new challenge, her potential as boundless as the icy terrain stretching before us. She let out a playful bark, her gaze fixed on the shimmering ice walls, "Bui… Bui!"

Smiling at their enthusiasm for exploring new areas. I announced, my voice echoing slightly in the frozen silence of Ice Path, "Alright, team. Into the Ice Path we go would lead us to our next destination. Blackthorn City awaits!"

The initial steps were tentative. The ice was slick, reflecting the dim light in a dazzling, disorienting display.

My other Pokémon, Skarmory, Mismagius, Houndoom, Quagsire, Ampharos, and Togepi, were safely nestled in their Poké Balls, ready to be called upon when needed. For now, it was just me, Pikachu, Eevee, and the silent, ever-watchful Celebi.

It wasn't the first time we ventured into a cold area. Seafoam Islands and Mt. Silver help build a resistance to cold, so I'm used to it.

As we ventured deeper, the sheer scale of the Ice Path began to reveal itself. Towering pillars of ice, sculpted by centuries of frost and wind, loomed like ancient sentinels.

Waterfalls, frozen mid-cascade, hung suspended in time, their glassy forms catching the light in a million fractured rainbows. It was a place of breathtaking beauty, but also a place that demanded respect.

The temperature continued to drop, a relentless assault on my exposed skin. I mused, pulling my scarf tighter, clenching a Poke Ball, "Challenging, isn't it? Houndoom, a little heat, if you please, girl."

*Pop*

Unleashing Houndoom, a deep growl, followed by the familiar whoosh of flame, "Awooo~ (Yes, sir Sky.)"

From its Poké Ball, Houndoom emerged, its dark fur rippling in the heat it generated. With a controlled exhale, it conjured a warm, fiery aura around us using Fire Spin on itself, pushing back the oppressive cold.

Its eyes, intelligent and watchful, met mine. It was more than just a powerful Pokémon; it was a fiercely loyal friend, and its presence was a comforting anchor in this frigid wilderness.

I said thankfully, leaning into the warmth, "Thanks, gal."

Houndoom smirked now, on the alert being out. Pikachu and Eevee seemed to appreciate it too, huddling closer. Celebi, ever the serene observer, simply pulsed with a gentle, comforting light, feeling the warmth.

The Ice Path wasn't devoid of life, however. As we navigated the slippery passages, we began to encounter its native inhabitants.

A lone Sneasel darted across our path, its sharp claws digging momentarily into the ice before it vanished into the shadows. Further on, a cluster of Smoochum, their large eyes wide with curiosity, watched us from a distance before scampering away.

These encounters were fleeting, reminders that even in this frozen expanse, life found a way. Makes the wonder of Pokémon just as amazing that they can even live in these kinds of environments.

We were carefully traversing a particularly wide cavern when a gruff voice echoed from ahead, alerting us, "Halt! Who goes there?"

I tensed, instinctively reaching for my Poké Balls. From the shadows emerged a hulking figure, clad in traditional Blackthorn City garb – a Dragon Clan trainer.

Or the proper term for them is the Dragon Tamers. I've read about them through my Arc Phone of the Dragon Clan that resided in Blackthorn City, it wasn't hard to notice.

A Dragon Tamer is a type of Pokémon Trainer that debuted in the games. They are most depicted as young men wearing elaborate purple and red outfits and capes. In future Generations, female Dragon Tamers were introduced, sporting shorter capes than their male counterparts.

They specialize in Dragon-type Pokémon and Pokémon that belong in the Dragon Egg Group. The goal of most of these Dragon Tamers is to attain the status of their greatest member, Kanto and Johto Pokémon League Champion Lance.

Or in the Adventures verse Dragon Master Lance. He was broad-shouldered, his face stern, but his eyes held a spark of something less intimidating, almost… excited. I replied, keeping my tone even, "Just a trainer passing through. Heading for Blackthorn City."

The trainer regarded me with a scrutinizing gaze, his hand resting on a Poké Ball at his hip. He said bluntly, "Blackthorn City, eh? You seek the Dragon Master Clair, no doubt."

I confirmed nonchalantly, "That's the plan."

His stern expression softened slightly. He then said, dropping some news, getting my attention, "Sounds like a plan. I'm busy here on my training to help my Dragon Pokémon endure the hardship of ice. But I've heard that Clair is waiting for someone. Whoever this guy is, grabbed her ire is so fucked."

*Shiver*

I felt a chill run down my spine when he mentioned that. Suddenly, I felt her ire was directed at me, as I'm the one who last saw and beat Lance into isolation.

But nodding helplessly at this Dragon Tamer's words, I simply nodded as we parted ways, leaving him to his training. Although his heads up did give me the chills, as I knew or at least guessed, I'm the guy who pissed off this Dragon Master.

Although I can handle the Dragon Tamers, I think. Hmm… I wonder if the Dragon Tamers had any relations to the Draconid People?

Dragon Tamers were close with the Draconid People that used to live here before Devon Corp and their friends butchered that idea, killing Aster. I suppose, being closely related from afar, they would still care about their Dragon Tamers in Blackthorn City.

Hmm… now I'm curious. I wonder if I can get a Bagon out of the Dragon Tamer Family here since I can't get one normally.

I also highly doubted I would've found a Bagon out in the wild in Meteor Falls either, as I know the Draconid People monopolize them. Other than the Pokémon League some finding them in Meteor Falls would be close to zero, obtaining one.

Note to self. I must visit Meteor Village down the line when I have the chance.

But I guess I'll see if I can get one from them or capture one in the wild. For now, though, I gotta focus on which Pokémon to bring in challenging Clair and her Dragon-type Pokémon…

A wide grin spread across my face, eclipsing the anticipation for the Rising Badge. The Ice Path, Blackthorn City, Clair – they were still on the itinerary, but now, a different kind of triumph called to me.

If I go by my encounters thus far, once I finish battling Clair, would Entei appear soon after I get the Rising Badge? I mean, it happened with the other Beast Trio.

It's just the pattern I see as I work out at the gym, and I encounter them. Grinning excitedly, I wonder which Pokémon I should use against Clair…

Hmm… decisions. Decisions…

/////

~Clair W. POV~

[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Blackthorn City – Gym]

Waiting patiently inside my Gym, I've heard tales of Azure Sky conquering the Johto League Gym Leaders. It irks me to believe this Trainer is crushing our prideful Johto Region and being the reigning champion.

Clenching my whip handle tightly, I could only grit my teeth angrily at the thought. Not only did he also send my cousin Lance Wataru into isolation, being the last person to have seen my beloved cousin.

Ever since then, there's been no word from him. Ever since his defeat, there have been words of his return since that incident. My cousin tried to do something drastic, which resulted in his self-imposed isolation.

Not only that, but no one in Johto has bothered challenging themselves. It's embarrassing that there is a lack of trainers wishing to battle me.

Johto has gone soft, is what I believe, as only this boy has come and conquered the majority of the Johto Gyms. Now, only Pryce and I are the Gym Leaders he hasn't conquered yet.

*Beep*

I briefly paused as I reached for my Rotom Phone. Opening it revealed one of our Dragon Tamers training in Ice Path as he said respectfully, "Dragon Master Clair! The one you've been waiting for appeared in the Ice Path heading to Blackthorn City. What do you wish for us to do, mistress Clair?"

Hearing the news, I paused as my target finally arrived. My eyes narrowed as I gazed intently at the Dragon Tamer, responding harshly, "… you shall do nothing. I'll wait for him to finally challenge me. His mine to take on."

*Beep*

Ending the call, I had to prepare myself against the champion. But from what I've heard of my collogues, that his been training a new team instead of his old one, causing me to frown, gazing at the lava within my Gym.

With the new leveling system in place for Gym Leaders to challenge each challenger in an even or difficult battle. That means I wouldn't have the chance to battle his main team, but his weakened second string team.

I frown learning this. Does that mean I won't be able to challenge him at his best? Gritting my teeth, an idea hit me as I calmed my nerves down.

He came to challenge my Gym, so he'll follow my rules of what I say. If he wants the Rising Badge, then even if he beats me, he'll need to pass the Dragon Master Challenge. But…

I narrowed my eyes as I used such pity tricks against him. No…

Shaking my head as I said in a prideful tone, placing a hand over my chest, "No… I'm Clair Wataru. The world's best Dragon Master. The blessed user of Dragon-type Pokémon. No matter what, I'll never stoop low to defeat this boy."

Calming my nerves, Lance battled against Azure with everything he had and lost. I'll do the same, challenging him by the Gym Rules and show him the dominance of Dragon Type Pokémon and make him rue the day he brought the existence of Fairy Type Pokémon…

On my honor as a Dragon Master, I'll make him bow. I'll make him feel the ground beneath my heels to show him his place…

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!