Su Yi, The Pokemon(?) Master (Pokemon X Monster Hunter Fanfic)

Although the Gym Challenge had concluded, its excitement had yet to fade.

As the heart of the grand event, Wyndon remained filled with enthusiasm for the Gym Challenge.

"What's going on over there? It looks so lively. Let's go check it out! Stay close, little ones—don't get lost!"

Su Yi led his Pokémon into a bustling marketplace.

Vendors had set up stalls, enthusiastically selling Pokémon-related merchandise, while countless tourists eagerly browsed the dazzling array of goods.

"What's that, meow?" Rucao curiously pointed at a dessert stand.

"That's ice cream—it's a cold, sweet treat."

Noticing his Pokémon gazing longingly at the colorful and delicious-looking ice cream, Su Yi immediately understood.

"Boss, five servings of ice cream!"

"Coming right up!"

Unlike other regions, Galar didn't have an Elite Four system. Instead, it had ten Gym Leaders, each with a dedicated fanbase.

While wandering through the stalls, Su Yi discovered a vendor selling beautifully designed cards featuring snapshots of Gym Leaders taken during their battles in the stadiums.

The vendor had impeccable timing, capturing the Leaders at their most striking and elegant moments.

"Whoa, did you even get their permission to use these images?" Su Yi commented while flipping through the uniquely designed cards.

This reminds me of those fake trading cards sold at school gates when I was a kid…

"You want permission, and so do I! Take 'em or leave 'em!" the vendor huffed impatiently.

Without hesitation, Su Yi swiftly picked out a stack of Bea and Nessa cards, slapped them onto the counter, and declared, "I'll take all of these!"

The vendor sneered, "Ha! Typical man."

Still, he wasted no time skillfully packing them up.

Just as Su Yi happily tucked his new collection away, he suddenly heard a noise at his feet.

"Morpek!"

Looking down, he saw a small, three-colored rodent Pokémon with yellow, brown, and black fur gazing up at him with a cheerful expression.

"It's Morpeko! The Electric Rodent of Generation 8!" Su Yi squatted down, curiously observing the adorable Pokémon.

However, in the blink of an eye, the once-cute Morpeko's expression changed dramatically—its fur darkened into purple and black, and its face turned fierce.

"Oh no, it's in Hangry Mode!"

Morpeko had two forms: Full Belly Mode and Hangry Mode, which altered the type of its signature move.

But outside of battle, Hangry Mode meant…

"Mor! Pek!"

The ravenous Morpeko dashed forward and snatched all of their ice cream!

"Chomp!"

All five servings disappeared into Morpeko's mouth in a single bite.

"My ice cream, meow!" Rucao cried out in despair.

"Kubfu!" Kubfu angrily struck a fighting stance, ready to retaliate.

"Morpek!"

Now satisfied, Morpeko instantly returned to its cute, Full Belly form, smiling sweetly while raising a paw as if saying, "Thanks for the meal!"

Su Yi was speechless.

"You little electric rodent, don't you think you're pushing your luck?"

"Morpeko!"

Just then, a voice called out urgently.

"Morpek!"

Upon hearing it, Morpeko's tiny legs kicked into motion, and it happily bounced toward the approaching figure.

"Morpeko, you—"

The girl looked down at the bit of ice cream still clinging to Morpeko's mouth. Being well aware of its unique ability, she immediately understood what had happened.

She raised her head and saw a tall young man standing in front of her, his Pokémon glaring at the Morpeko in her arms with clear frustration.

"I'm really sorry! My Morpeko must have caused you trouble. I'll make up for the loss," the girl apologized, bowing slightly.

"You are…?" Su Yi was surprised—because he recognized her. Well, at least in the game.

The girl holding Morpeko was none other than Marnie, the younger sister of Spikemuth's Dark-type Gym Leader, Piers, and one of the protagonist's rivals in the game.

Sitting on a bench just outside the marketplace, Su Yi handed out fresh ice cream to his Pokémon once again.

"Here," he said, offering two extra cones to Marnie and Morpeko.

"Morpek!" Morpeko eagerly accepted.

"Morpeko, apologize properly and thank him," Marnie instructed.

"Morpek!" Morpeko bowed politely before immediately digging in.

"Honestly…" Marnie sighed helplessly.

"You're quite a mischievous little troublemaker, Morpeko," Su Yi chuckled.

Since Morpeko's form change was tied to its ability, it couldn't really be blamed—it just meant its Trainer needed to be extra mindful of its condition. He didn't hold a grudge over it.

"Thank you, um…"

Having been called "Uncle" by Master Mustard's son, Hyde, Su Yi quickly introduced himself.

"I'm Su Yi, still very young, from the Isle of Armor."

"Thank you, Brother Su Yi. You ended up treating us to ice cream even though we were the ones who caused you trouble."

Marnie's usual neutral expression softened slightly as she tried to smile—a rare sight.

Whoa, Marnie is absolutely adorable!

Ahem!

"It's no big deal. Let's just call it making a new friend," Su Yi said casually.

"Su Yi! So this is where you are—did you make a new friend?"

A familiar voice rang out as Leon and Sonia approached from a short distance away.

"You two are already done shopping?" Su Yi feigned disappointment. Come on, Leon, I gave you a chance, and you didn't make the most of it.

"Actually, we came to tell you something—and invite you to an event," Leon said with a grin.

"Invite me?" Su Yi was puzzled.

"That's right. My little brother, Hop, has a birthday coming up in a few days. I'm heading back to Postwick to celebrate, and I'd like to invite you to join us. Maybe even prepare a little show for him?"

"A show? No problem!" Su Yi agreed immediately. He was eager to meet Hop, the game's main rival and self-proclaimed Wooloo master.

Leon handed him a Flying Taxi Pass.

"This card lets you take Corviknight taxis anywhere in Galar for free. I have some things to take care of, but I'll see you in Postwick soon."

"Thanks, see you then," Su Yi said with a nod.

"What about you, Sonia? Any plans?" Leon asked.

"I'm meeting Nessa for a shopping trip tomorrow, so I'll be staying in Wyndon for the night," Sonia replied.

"Sounds good. Su Yi, if you have any Pokémon-related questions, you can always ask Sonia—she's an expert."

With that, Leon hopped onto Charizard's back and flew off.

"Su Yi, can I see your Pokémon?" Sonia asked, her curiosity piqued as she eyed his feline companion.

"This might not be the best place for it," Su Yi glanced at the crowded street.

"Then follow me," Sonia suggested.

They arrived at a public battle area in one of Wyndon's parks—a wide-open space designed for casual Pokémon battles.

"You actually know Leon?" Marnie asked in surprise, having followed them out of curiosity.

"We're kind of like fellow apprentices," Su Yi explained.

After all, receiving Kubfu from Master Mustard technically made him one of his students.

"So, you met through battle?"

"You even fought Leon before?" Marnie asked, even more surprised.

Su Yi chuckled. "Yeah, I lost that match, unfortunately. But since then, I've gained some new partners. A rematch isn't far off."

With that, he recalled his Pokémon and switched out his traveling companions for his battle team. Then, he pulled out a Poké Ball.

"Come out, everyone!"