Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Later, Blackthorn City – Outskirts]

After battling Clair and answering some of her questions, Azure rested up on the outskirts of Blackthorn City. After healing his Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, he decided he needed to be away from Blackthorn City for a while.

Setting up camp, he switched Togepi for his Skarmory as he was gonna need it for a gut feeling he had next. But currently, he observed his Pokémon helping him set up camp as he smiled, checking their status from his Arc Phone.

|Name: Skarmory (Armor Bird Pokémon)

|Type: Steel/Flying

|Level: 53

|Gender: Female

|Held Item: [Metal Coat]

|Ability: Keen Eye

|Nature: Impish

|Moves: Leer, Peck [A][S], Drill Peck [A][S], Metal Claw [A][S], Agility, Wing Attack [A][S], Slash [A][S], Swift [A][S], Air Cutter [A][S], Feint [A][S], Spikes, Whirlwind, Roar, Toxic, Iron Head [A][S], Metal Sound, Tera Blast [A][S], Night Slash [A][S], X-Scissor [A][S], Iron Defense, Brave Bird [A][S], Attract, Aerial Ace [A][S], Air Slash [A][S], Taunt (TM), Stealth Rocks (TM), Protect (TM), Tailwind (TM), Fly [A][S] (HM), Steel Wing [A][S] (IM), Roost (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)

|Name: Tyranitar (Armor Pokémon)

|Type: Rock/Dark

|Level: 56

|Gender: Male

|Held Item: [Muscle Band]/[Tyranitarite]

|Ability: Sand Stream

|Nature: Adamant

|Moves: Screech, Headbutt [A][S], Rock Throw [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Sandstorm, Crunch [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Stomping Tantrum [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Smack Down [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Thrash [A][S], Dig [A][S], Rock Tomb [A][S], Endure, Taunt Thunderbolt [A][S], Roar, (TM), Protect (TM), Dragon Dance (TM), Hyper Beam [A][S] (IM), Dark Pulse [A][S] (IM), Iron Defense (IM), Earth Power [A][S] (IM), Stone Edge [A][S] (IM), Ancient Power [A][S] (EM) (2 Moves left to learn)

|Name: Mismagius (Magical Pokémon)

|Type: Ghost

|Level: 53

|Gender: Female

|Held Item: [Wise Glasses]

|Ability: Levitate

|Nature: Timid

|Moves: Screech, Psychic [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Hypnosis, Shadow Sneak [A][S], Confuse Ray, Mean Look, Shadow Ball [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Hex [A][S], Pain Split, Power Gem [A][S], Perish Song, Destiny Bond, Curse, Future Sight [A][S], Poltergeist [A][S], Icy Wind [A][S], Dazzling Gleam [A][S], Calm Mind (TM), Attract (TM), Protect (TM), Nightmare (TM), Will-O-Wisp (TM), Magical Leaf (IM), Mystical Fire (IM), Ominous Wind [A][S] (EM) (3 Moves Left to learn)

|Name: Houndoom (Dark Pokémon)

|Type: Dark/Fire

|Level: 52

|Gender: Female

|Held Item: [Houndominite]/[Charcoal]

|Ability: Flash Fire

|Nature: Hasty

|Moves: Fire Spin [A][S], Toxic, Howl, Smog [A][S], Roar, Crunch [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Odor Sleuth, Dark Pulse [A][S], Incinerate [A][S], Heat Wave [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Torment, Flame Charge [A][S], Fire Blast [A][S], Thunder Fang [A][S], Burning Jealousy [A][S], Overheat [A][S], Foul Play [A][S], Inferno [A][S], Will-O-Wisp, Iron Tail [A][S], Attract, Pain Split, Sucker Punch [A][S], Double Team (TM), Sludge Bomb [A][S] (TM), Destiny Bond (TM), Solar Beam [A][S] (TM), Sunny Day (TM), Protect (TM), Nasty Plot (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)

|Name: Quagsire (Water Fish Pokémon)

|Type: Water/Ground

|Level: 52

|Gender: Male

|Held Item: [Mystic Water]

|Ability: Water Absorb

|Nature: Relaxed

|Moves: Tail Whip, Water Pulse [A][S], Mud Sport, Mud Shot [A][S], Slam [A][S], Rain Dance, Haze, Mist, Yawn, Aqua Tail [A][S], Muddy Water [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Toxic, Liquidation [A][S], Amnesia, Hydro Pump [A][S], Stone Edge [A][S], Sludge Bomb [A][S], Stealth Rocks, Tera Blast [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Earth Power [A][S], Encore (TM), Protect (TM), Drain Punch [A][S] (TM), Ice Punch [A][S] (TM), Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf (HM), Recover (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)

|Name: Ampharos (Light Pokémon)

|Type: Electric

|Level: 54

|Gender: Female

|Held Item: [Magnet]/[Ampharosite]

|Ability: Static

|Nature: Modest

|Moves: Reflect, Light Screen, Electroweb [A][S], Volt Switch [A][S], Thunder Wave, Cotton Spore, Charge, Mega Punch [A][S], Mega Kick [A][S], Electro Ball [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Agility, Magnet Rise, Tera Blast [A][S], Confuse Ray, Power Gem [A][S], Discharge [A][S], Cotton Guard, Dazzling Gleam [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Thunder [A][S], Attract, Supercell Slam [A][S], Roar, Charge Beam [A][S], Shock Wave [A][S], Double Team (TM), Protect (TM), Flash (HM), Dragon Tail [A][S] (IM), Dragon Pulse [A][S] (IM), Outrage [A][S] (IM), Thunder Punch [A][S] (IM), Electric Terrain (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)

He smiled, checking their moves as Houndoom helped make fire. Ampharos settled on being their light source. Quagsire was doing its thing, chilling in a nearby pond, guiding the Wild Wooper happily.

Skarmory adjusted and settled down on the nearby ground, resting. Mismagius cackled and haunted any nearby Wild Pokémon, along with Tyranitar marking their territory gleefully.

Pikachu, Eevee, and Celebi were resting along with each other as Azure was prepping the food, as he couldn't help but mutter, "Man, time does fly when you're having fun. And in the end, it was you guys that came to me, forming this rag-tag team of Johto."

Azure smiled as he still had his Weavile, Heracross, Steelix, Hitmontop, Gyarados, and Ursaring in reserve for the Johto Team. He chuckled as he began cooking the food, "Hehe… Man, I don't know if I've over-captured or not enough Pokémon during our Johto Journey. Certainly, more than in Kanto…"

Azure pondered this as he prepared some grill food, gathering his Pokémon's attention. They all came to him as he handed their plates he saying happily, "Alright, everyone, eat up! After this, we go after the strongest Gym Leader! Pryce!"

All roared out happily, hearing the news, "Rao! Mis! Skar! Amp! Quaaag! Awoo!"

Hearing the news, Pikachu and Eevee cocked an eye at Azure as Celebi joined in eating along with the Johto Team. Having placed their food, Pikachu asked curiously, "Pi? Pika? Chu… (Ya sure they're ready to face him? I've sensed the old man and his Pokémon strength… they're strong… like main team strong?)"

Patting Pikachu's head, reading his partner's thoughts, he replied, biting down on his own food that consisted of a sandwich as he casually said, "Yeah, I know, partner. But how else would they learn to be strong and fast? Besides, I get the distinct feeling Pryce would hand us the badge regardless of which team I choose. Munch…"

Pikachu helplessly sighs as Eevee perked up and asked curiously, "Bu? Bui! (Really? So you wanna send the fresh blood to their defeat?)"

Pointing its paw at the cheerful Johto Team, Azure nodded, reading Eevee's thoughts. He said bluntly, causing his two lifelong partners to agree, "True. But how else would they learn from impossible odds or adapt to strong opponents? You two, along with Dragonite, Scizor, Arcanine, and Gengar, fought hard against strong opponents. Whether you win or lose, you gain valuable experience to help you grow, right?"

Hearing his explanation, the two nodded, seeing Azure's point. Both Eevee and Pikachu fought stronger foes before, but for the newcomers, it was a rare opportunity for them to grow, using Pryce to help them grow in victory or defeat.

Lunch was a symphony of contented munching and soft chattering. Azure recounted snippets of his battle with Clair, mimicking his Pokémon's moves, drawing laughs and coos from them.

Quagsire puffed out its chest at the mention of its Ice Punch, and Tyranitar rumbled with satisfaction when Azure described its devastating Stone Edge. Azure murmured, stroking Tyranitar's scaly hide, "That was a tough one, wasn't it? Clair's Dragonite was no joke, but you all pulled through, like always."

Tyranitar responded with a low growl of agreement, nudging its head into Azure's hand. The bond between them was profound, built on years of shared triumphs and trials.

Each Pokémon was an extension of Azure's will, yet also an individual, with its personality and strengths. Azure chuckled as he gazed at his team as he thought happily, 'Despite capturing others, it was ultimately these six I started my Journey in Johto. And I'm proud to encounter them.'

As the last crumbs were devoured and the sun began its languid descent, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft purples, a profound shift occurred in the atmosphere. The air grew heavy, crackling with an unseen energy.

*RMBL*

The ground beneath them began to tremble, a low, resonant rumble that grew in intensity that alerting them.

Pikachu's ears swiveled, its tail stiffening. Eevee let out a low whimper, burrowing deeper into Azure's side. Houndoom rose, its hackles bristling, a low growl erupting from its throat.

Tyranitar, which had been so relaxed, was now fully alert, its immense power radiating outwards, its eyes narrowing as it scanned the horizon. Even Quagsire stopped its playful splashing, its perpetual smile faltering.

"Raoooor!!!"

From the distant tree line, a deep, earth-shattering roar echoed, a sound that spoke of primeval power and untamed fire. A plume of smoke, not from a forest fire, but from something far more elemental, billowed into the sky, tinged with the fiery glow of molten rock.

Azure rose slowly, his heart quickening, but not with fear. Instead, a sense of anticipation, almost a solemn readiness, washed over him. He knew this feeling. He had felt it twice before.

He exchanged a knowing glance with his vigilant Pokémon. He murmured, more to himself than to them, "It's here, isn't it?"

Through the parting canopy of trees, a majestic, fiery silhouette emerged. It moved with the force of a volcanic eruption, each step shaking the very earth. Its mane, a cascade of blazing flames, rippled in an unseen wind, and its powerful, leonine form was a testament to raw, untamed might.

Its roar was a challenge, a declaration, echoing through the peaceful glade and momentarily silencing the chirping of wild Pokémon. It was Entei, the Legendary Volcano Pokémon, the final guardian of the Legendary Beast Trio, its presence radiating an aura of overwhelming heat and power.

Entei stopped, its fiery gaze fixed on Azure. There was no aggression in its eyes, only an unwavering intensity, a silent question. Azure understood.

He had faced Raikou amidst a lightning storm in the forests it produced, proving his speed and tactical brilliance with his Partner Pikachu and Eevee. He had met Suicune by the tranquil waters of Cianwood, demonstrating his calm resolve and the unbreakable bonds with his team, with Blastoise showing Mega Evolution.

Each encounter had been a 'Trial by Combat,' a test of spirit, strength, and the very essence of a trainer's commitment. And now, Entei had arrived for its 'Trial of Fire.'

Azure took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. There were no words needed as he understood replying to Entei's challenge, "Alright, Entei. I accept your challenge."

Pikachu, sensing the gravity of the situation, hopped onto Azure's shoulder, its cheeks sparking. Eevee stood ready, its small frame trembling slightly but determined. Celebi, while remaining non-combatant, floated a little closer, its soft glow a beacon of calm.

Azure extended his arm. He called out two of his Pokémon in a determined voice, "Tyranitar, Houndoom! I need your strength!"

With a synchronized roar, Tyranitar stomped forward, its massive claws digging into the earth, a primal challenge in its guttural cry. Houndoom, its tail swishing, moved with predatory grace, its Dark-type energy crackling around its sharp fangs.

These two, one a titan of rock and darkness, the other a swift, fiery demon dog, were perfectly poised to face the fiery legend. Not only that, Azure knew that Houndoom's Flash Fire would even the odds.

Entei let out another booming roar, a signal for the trial to begin, "Raaaaor!!"

*Sssss*

Flames erupted from its body, creating an inferno of heat around it. Azure commanded, opting for a direct, initial assault, "Houndoom, use Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

Houndoom, channeling its inner fire, unleashed a torrent of scorching flames. The stream of fire arced through the air, heading straight for Entei. But the Legendary Pokémon merely stood its ground, its fiery mane flaring.

*Boooom*

The Flamethrower collided with Entei, and instead of taking damage, Houndoom's Flash Fire ability activated, absorbing the heat of the attack, making its internal flames burn even brighter, increasing in power. A powerful surge of energy coursed through Houndoom, its body glowing red.

Entei let out a surprised rumble, its intense gaze acknowledging the unexpected move. Azure grinned as ordered, "Excellent, Houndoom! Now, Tyranitar, Dark Pulse!"

Tyranitar roared, gathering dark, swirling energy into its maw. It unleashed a wave of shadowy force that warped the air as it sped towards Entei.

*PEW*

Entei, recovering from its initial surprise, met the attack with a powerful Eruption, sending a geyser of molten rock and superheated ash towards Tyranitar. The Dark Pulse met the Eruption midway, creating a chaotic explosion of darkness and fire.

*BOOOM*

Tyranitar braced itself, its immense bulk absorbing the tremors, but even it visibly grunted under the force. Azure's eyes narrowed as he issued his next command, "Houndoom, keep the pressure on with Dark Pulse! Tyranitar, use Stone Edge!"

*PEW*

*RMBL*

Houndoom unleashed another volley of dark energy. Entei, moving with surprising speed for its size, dodged the first pulse. But as it repositioned, colossal, jagged stones erupted from the earth around it, summoned by Tyranitar's formidable power.

The Stone Edge attacks rained down, some striking Entei's powerful frame, eliciting a pained roar from the Legendary Pokémon. Entei retaliated swiftly and brutally.

*Zoooom*

It lunged forward, charging at Tyranitar with Extreme Speed, its body wreathed in flames, an unstoppable inferno as it used Flame Charge. Azure yelled, knowing evasion was impossible, "Tyranitar, brace yourself! Crunch!"

*BOOOOM*

Tyranitar met the charge head-on, its powerful jaws clamping down on Entei's flaming foreleg. It was a clash of titans, rock against fire, raw power against primal force. Entei roared, shaking off Tyranitar's bite, then unleashed a devastating Sacred Fire, a holy flame that burned with purifying intensity.

*Ssssss*

The Sacred Fire engulfed Tyranitar, sending tremors through its rocky hide. Tyranitar cried out, a sound of genuine pain, as its defenses were scorched, "Raaaao!!!"

*SMACK*

Houndoom, while attempting to land a Foul Play on Entei's flank, was swatted away by a powerful Stomp, sending it skidding across the ground, its body recoiling in pain. ?!" Azure called out, his heart pounding in worry, "Houndoom! Tyranitar! Are you alright!"

Both Pokémon struggled to their feet, battered but unbowed. Tyranitar's rocky skin was singed, small cracks appearing in places, and Houndoom was panting heavily, its dark frame harmed.

Entei, though taking some hits, seemed largely unfazed, its fiery aura burning as fiercely as ever, its gaze unwavering. Its power was simply immense, a force of nature.

Azure knew he was in a precarious situation. Entei was pushing his two strongest combatants to their limits, and they were beginning to falter.

Tyranitar, despite its pseudo-legendary status, was being overwhelmed by the sheer, unyielding power of a true legendary. Azure's gaze swept over his two struggling Pokémon, then to the unyielding form of Entei.

He wouldn't let them fall. Not now. Not when so much was at stake. A fierce determination ignited in his eyes.

Azure's voice boomed, cutting through the roar of the wind and the crackling of flames in a serious tone, "Alright, Entei! You want a trial of power? You'll get it!"

He reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around the cold, smooth surface of a Keystone glove. His other hand went to the pendant he prepared for Tyranitar when the time came to Mega Evolve him.

Tossing the pendant, Tyranitar caught it, feeling an energy within. It placed the pendant around its neck, where its Mega Stone, the Tyranitarite, gleamed faintly.

Azure raised his hand, the Keystone within his glove flaring with brilliant light as he declared, "Tyranitar! Let's show Entei the true extent of our bond! Beyond evolution! Beyond limits! Mega Evolution!"

*SHIII*

A thunderous roar erupted from Tyranitar's throat, not of pain, but of pure, unadulterated power. The Tyranitarite on its neck glowed with a blinding rainbow light, connecting with Azure's Keystone.

Streams of raw energy surged outwards, engulfing Tyranitar in a swirling vortex of light and crackling force. The earth beneath it groaned, fissures appearing as its body began to warp and expand.

Its already immense frame grew even larger, more jagged, more monstrous. Spiked protuberances erupted from its back, its arms thickened, and its head became even more heavily armored, its eyes glowing with an intense, crimson light. The very air around it seemed to thrum with its newly unleashed might.

*CRACK*

When the light receded and broke out of the sphere of energy, standing in Tyranitar's place was an even more terrifying behemoth: Mega Tyranitar. Its Sand Stream ability immediately kicked in, summoning a harsh sandstorm that swirled around the battleground, obscuring Entei's vision and battering its fiery aura.

*Woooosh*

The wind howled, carrying grains of sand that stung the skin, but Mega Tyranitar stood unmovable, a true force of chaos. Entei, for the first time, showed a flicker of surprise, its fiery mane flaring in agitation as the sandstorm whipped around it.

This was a power it had not anticipated. Azure commanded, his voice filled with renewed confidence, "Mega Tyranitar, use Strong Style! Stone Edge! Max power!"

*RMBL*

Mega Tyranitar let out a guttural bellow, its roar now even more deafening than before. From the sand-blasted earth, colossal pillars of stone, sharper and faster than before, erupted with terrifying speed.

They were not merely projectiles; they were extensions of Mega Tyranitar's raw, unbridled power. The sheer density of the attack was astounding, forcing Entei to weave and dodge through the swirling sand, its legendary speed tested to its limits.

*SMASH*

One massive stone pillar, thick as a tree trunk, slammed into Entei's flank. The Legendary Pokémon roared, a sound of genuine pain this time, as it was sent careening sideways, its fiery aura momentarily flickering.

Azure swiftly instructed his Dark Pokémon in a determined tone, "Now, Houndoom! Strong Style! Dark Pulse! Follow up!"

Houndoom, having recovered and emboldened by its partner's transformation, unleashed a concentrated beam of Dark Pulse. The attack, empowered by Houndoom's own Nasty Plot boost, struck Entei before it could fully recover its footing, sending another jolt of pain through the fire beast.

*PEW*

*BOOOM*

Entei, furious now, retaliated with a devastating Overheat, pouring all its remaining power into a single, overwhelming blast of fire. The air shimmered, the heat intense enough to crack rock and burn the surrounding grass.

Azure yelled, trusting in his Mega Evolved partner's power, "Mega Tyranitar, use Strong Style Crunch! Push through it!"

*THUD*

*THUD*

Mega Tyranitar roared defiance, charging through the inferno, its massive, armored jaws agape. The flames seared against its rocky hide, but its strengthened defenses held firm, pushing through with each step, causing a tremor.

*CRUNCH*

With a thunderous CRUNCH, its jaws clamped down on Entei's flaming mane, its teeth digging deep. Entei bellowed, recoiling in pain, thrashing against Mega Tyranitar's grip, its power visibly draining.

The pressure was immense. Mega Tyranitar, fueled by its Trainer's unwavering belief and its immense power, squeezed tighter, grinding its teeth against the Legendary's form. The very ground trembled with the struggle.

*Sssss*

Finally, with a last, desperate surge of power, Entei unleashed a burst of flames, forcing Mega Tyranitar to loosen its grip. The Legendary Pokémon stumbled back, panting, its fiery mane diminished, its powerful form showing signs of exhaustion.

It looked at Houndoom and Mega Tyranitar, then at Azure, its fiery eyes holding a new emotion: respect. The roar it let out this time was not of challenge, but of acknowledgment, "Raaaaor!! (You have passed my Trial of Fire!)"

It was a deep, resonant sound that vibrated through the very core of Azure's being. Entei had been pushed, truly pushed, and it recognized the extraordinary power and bond that Azure and his Mega Tyranitar possessed.

*Sssss*

Entei closed its eyes as it began to use its recovering fire veil around itself, using Rejuvenating Fire, an ability it gained, blessed by Ho-Oh, to heal itself or others. Its earlier wounds are fading away as the pressure in the air dissipated, replaced by the gentle evening breeze.

Azure let out a long, slow breath, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration washing over him. He whispered, a triumphant smile spreading across his face, "You did it… We did it."

The light from the Tyranitarite faded, and with a soft shiver, Mega Tyranitar reverted to its regular form, still massive, still powerful, but its aura now calm. It rumbled, then nudged Azure gently, a silent affirmation of their victory.

Houndoom limped over, rubbing its head against Azure's leg, a low purr rumbling in its chest. Celebi, its cheerful trill returning, zipped around the weary Pokémon, its gentle light bathing them, a precursor to the healing touch it would soon provide.

Pikachu hopped down, nudging Tyranitar with its nose, a quiet sign of appreciation for its partner's strength. Azure knelt, running his hand over Tyranitar's scaly skin, then moving to stroke Houndoom's fur as he said proudly to them, "You two were incredible. Absolutely incredible."

Both smirked and nodded at his words. By then, Celebi healed the two, and Azure was assisted by using his Viridian Force.

But now they turned their attention to Entei, who finally recovered from their battle. Its eyes stared directly at Azure as it said telepathically, 'You have passed our Trails Rainbow Hero. We shall be expecting you at the Bell Tower. Till then…'

*Sssss*

Entei was then enveloped within a fire tornado as if teleporting away. But when it vanished, so did the Volcano Pokémon, as Azure sighed but grinned, knowing the trials of Raikou, Suicune, and now Entei were complete.

Azure had faced the Legendary Beasts of Johto and emerged victorious, proving his strength, his wisdom, and the unbreakable bonds he shared with his Pokémon. The setting sun cast long shadows over the land, painting Azure and his team in a golden hue.

The journey continued, but a new, profound chapter had just closed, leaving him stronger, more resolute, and ready for whatever new adventures the Johto region still held. But now Azure grinned as he said, getting his Pokémon excited, "Well then… I suppose it's time to meet the Rainbow Pokémon."

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!