Chapter 458: Old Chateau
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Nighttime, Eterna Forest – Old Chateau]
The dappled sunlight barely pierced the thick canopy of Eterna Forest, painting shifting patterns of emerald and gold on the ancient path below. A gentle breeze, cool and earthy, rustled through the massive trees, their roots gnarled and ancient like sleeping giants.
Azure walked with an easy gait, his sharp eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. Pikachu, a blur of golden alertness, perched on his shoulder, occasionally twitching an ear at a distant rustle.
Eevee, a fluffy brown shadow, nestled comfortably on his head, her large eyes taking in the forest's myriad wonders. Tucked securely in his jacket, a tiny Pichu (Mew) stirred, its faint, almost imperceptible mew lost in the whispers of the wind.
Behind him, the heir to the illustrious Berlitz family, Platinum Berlitz, floated more than walked, her posture impeccably refined even amidst the untamed wilderness. Beside her, her Prinplup waddled with a dignity befitting its trainer.
Trailing them were two boys, a study in contrasts: Diamond, perpetually surrounded by a halo of crumbs and good-natured sloppiness, and Pearl, a whirlwind of boundless energy and sharp observations.
Platinum's voice, though soft, carried a regal precision, "Are you certain this is the way, Azure? Is the 'Old Chateau' nearby?"
Azure lead ahead, holding his Arc Phone, informed and, replied casually, "Yep, according to this, it should be just beyond this next thicket! Though, why anyone would build a manor out here in the middle of nowhere is beyond me."
Diamond, mid-bite into a large, suspiciously round bun, merely grunted in agreement, "Maybe it's a secret stash of delicious old cakes!"
Azure chuckled, a low, warm sound as he winked, replying, "Perhaps, Diamond. Or perhaps, it holds something far more… spirited."
As if on cue, the trees thinned, giving way to a large, overgrown clearing. At its heart, shrouded in an eerie hush, stood the Old Chateau.
It was a sprawling, gothic manor, its grey stone walls partially obscured by creeping vines, its large, arched windows like vacant eyes staring out from beneath heavy, shadowed brows. A faint, almost imperceptible glow seemed to emanate from within its depths, defying the dim light of the forest.
Pearl skidded to a halt, his jaw dropping as he exclaimed, "Whoa! A real, honest-to-goodness mansion! Just… sitting here!"
Platinum mused, her eyes alight with an uncharacteristic spark of curiosity, "It's rather grand, isn't it?"
Her Prinplup chirped, a slight shiver running through its feathered form, "Prin! (Grand? Not the exact words I'd use…)"
As they approached the imposing, wrought-iron gates, a faint ripple of distortion shimmered in the air near the entrance. Two figures, clad in what appeared to be dark, vaguely villainous uniforms, were standing guard.
They seemed almost translucent, their forms wavering like heat haze. Diamond pointed, crumbs flying, "Look! Security! Maybe they have a secret pantry!"
*Poof*
Before anyone could respond, with a soft, almost inaudible poof, the two figures simply… vanished. One moment they were there, the next, the space they occupied was empty, as if they had never existed.
A collective gasp swept through the group. Pikachu's tail shot up, bristling. Eevee let out a low growl, her fur standing on end.
Pearl stammered, his face pale, "They… they just disappeared!"
Diamond echoed, his bun completely forgotten, "P-P-Poof! Gone!"
Platinum, however, reacted differently. A wide, almost dazzling smile spread across her face as she declared, "How utterly fascinating! A vanishing act! This manor must be full of mysteries! We shall, of course, stay the night here!"
Azure simply smiled, a knowing glint in his eye as he agreed, "Indeed, Platinum. This place certainly has a unique charm."
He nudged the gates open with a casual push, the ancient metal groaning in protest. He thought, his gaze lingering on the spot where the illusory guards had been, 'Proteam Omega, huh? Diamond's obsession strikes again.'
Pichu (Mew) let out a tiny, excited mew from inside his jacket, sensing the unfolding intrigue, "Pichu! (Oh, it's a mystery! I love mystery stories!)"
The interior of the Old Chateau was a testament to faded grandeur. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light that pierced through the grime-streaked windows, illuminating ornate furniture draped in white sheets, and vast, echoing hallways lined with portraits whose eyes seemed to follow their every move.
The air was thick with the scent of old wood, damp stone, and something undefinably… ancient.
Pearl's voice bounced off the high ceilings, "This place is huge! It's like a museum, but creepier."
Diamond added, though his tone was more hopeful than fearful, perhaps imagining ghost-shaped sandwiches, "And probably full of ghosts!"
They eventually settled into a large, somewhat less dusty sitting room. Azure, after a quick scan, deemed it safe enough for a temporary base. He sat on a plush, if slightly moth-eaten, armchair, Pikachu now on his lap, Eevee snuggled at his feet.
Pichu (Mew) occasionally poked its head out from his jacket, its tiny eyes wide. Platinum, ever the pragmatist, immediately gave instructions, "Diamond, Pearl, you two will perform tonight. I expect a full comedy routine to keep our spirits up. And Diamond, before that, I require tea and biscuits. Perhaps something more substantial if available."
Pearl snapped to attention, already buzzing with ideas as he said aloud, "Aye aye, Platinum! Dia, remember our new material? The 'Lost in the Forest, Found by a Snorlax' routine?"
Diamond, after finishing his bun, nodded enthusiastically as he replied, "Oh, that's a classic! And I even practiced my Snorlax impression this morning!"
He let out a low, rumbling groan, attempting to mimic the sleepy giant, which only startled a flock of Murkrow outside. While the two boys launched into their rehearsal, complete with exaggerated gestures and boisterous laughter, Azure observed them from the corner of his eye.
He'd seen this play out before, in another life, another world. The familiar storyline was a comforting anchor in this strange, vibrant reality.
Diamond, ever diligent when it came to food-related quests, decided to explore for Platinum's refreshments as he yelled, "I'll go scout the kitchen! Maybe they have Old Gateau ingredients!"
He vanished down a long hallway, his footsteps echoing. A while later, he returned, a slight frown on his face as he muttered, "Nope! Nothing in the kitchen but dust and cobwebs. And I checked all the other rooms too, Platinum, just in case! Even one with a super big television! But no one's here."
Platinum raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, "No one at all?"
Diamond affirmed, "Not a soul! Empty."
Pearl shivered, despite the warmth of the room, as he muttered, "Still, there's something… unnerving about this place. I think after our performance, we should just try to get some sleep."
*WOOOOSH*
Just as he finished speaking, aiming for levity, a soft whoosh of cold air swept through the room, extinguishing the flickering gas lamps. Darkness descended, save for the faint glow from the windows.
Pearl yelped, "Hey!"
Suddenly, a cluster of shadowy, spherical Pokémon materialized in the gloom – Gastly. Their spectral forms hovered menacingly, their eyes glowing with an eerie red light. They hissed, and a burst of crackling energy, a vibrant purple bolt of electricity, shot forth, striking both Diamond and Pearl, "G-g-g-g-g-g-aahh!"
*ZAP*
They cried in unison, their hair standing on end, "YOWCH!"
Pearl exclaimed, shaking off the residual static, "Gastly!"
His eyes, sharper in the dim light, caught something else. He pointed a trembling finger, "Wait! That wasn't from the Gastly! Look!"
Amidst the swirling Gastly, a small, plasma-like sphere of vibrant, crackling blue energy hovered. It pulsed with a contained power, constantly shifting its form. It wasn't a Pokémon he recognized, nor did his newly acquired Pokédex offer any information.
It buzzed uselessly when he aimed it, getting no info, "Unknown Pokémon. Data not found."
Pearl commanded, his Chatot companion materializing in a flash of light, "Chatler, use Swift!"
*Pop*
Chatler released a volley of sparkling, yellow energy stars towards the mysterious globe, "Chat! Chat!"
Pearl called out again, his Monferno appearing beside Chatler, "Chimlar, Ember!"
*Pop*
Chimlar roared, a burst of orange flame erupting towards the energy sphere. But the unidentifiable globe was remarkably agile.
*ZIP*
With a series of erratic, almost playful zips and zaps, it weaved through the attacks, dodging every star and flame. It seemed to be enjoying the chase, a silent, mischievous laughter echoing in the sudden chill of the room.
*THWACK*
Then, with a final, defiant fizz, the energy globe darted away from the battling Pokémon, slamming itself into a nearby old grandfather clock with an audible thwack noise!
A moment later, the clock's pendulum began to swing wildly, the chimes ringing out in a chaotic, discordant melody, "BONG! DONG! TING! A-LING!"
*ZIP*
The globe then zipped out of the clock, heading straight for an antiquated radio, which suddenly blared static, "SSSHHHRRRRKKK-ZZZZZZT!"
*Silence*
… before falling silent, its dials spinning erratically.
Pearl realized, his eyes wide, "It's possessing the appliances!"
He turned to Diamond, intending to formulate a strategy, but his words caught in his throat as he yelled in concern, "Diamond? Where's Diamond?!"
The room was empty save for Pearl, Platinum, Azure, and their Pokémon. Diamond, distracted by the chaos or perhaps lured away by another phantom snack, had vanished.
Pearl shouted, a frantic edge to his voice. He darted out of the room, his heart pounding in his chest, "Diamond! Diamond, where are you?!"
He raced through the labyrinthine hallways, his calls swallowed by the oppressive silence of the manor. The gas lamps had flickered on elsewhere, casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to twist and writhe.
As he climbed a grand, creaking staircase to the upper floor, the sensation of being watched intensified. The chilling presence of Gastly grew stronger with every step, their shadowy forms now far more numerous, swirling like an ethereal fog around him. Their whispers seemed to echo directly in his mind, "G-g-g-g-g-g-aahh!"
Then, with a sudden, alarming shudder, the ancient windows flanking the hallway began to rattle violently, "CLatter! CLatter! CLatter!"
The glass panes vibrated, threatening to shatter, as if an invisible force was trying to tear the mansion apart. Pearl braced himself, his Pokémon ready for a confrontation. And then, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped.
The violent vibrations ceased. The chilling presence of the Gastly evaporated their whispers fading into absolute silence.
The flickering gas lamps steadied. The air no longer felt thick with dread. Pearl stood alone in the hallway, panting, utterly confused.
He muttered to himself, looking around wildly, "What… what was that?"
Suddenly, the heavy, oak door next to him creaked open with a slow, deliberate groan. Pearl jumped, startled, his heart leaping into his throat.
A familiar face peered out as Diamond said casually in a chill voice, "Hey, Pearl! Took you long enough!"
It was Diamond, a wide, triumphant grin plastered across his face. He beckoned his friend inside, "Come on! You gotta see this!"
Dumbfounded, Pearl stumbled into the room. It was a spacious sitting room, dominated by a massive, old-fashioned television set with a curved screen. And there, within the television, a faint, pulsing blue glow emanated.
The energy globe, the mischievous spirit that had zapped them and possessed the appliances, was now contained within the screen, seemingly… tamed. It pulsed gently, almost purring.
Diamond announced proudly, puffing out his chest, "I got it! I figured it out! Remember earlier, when I checked all the rooms and found that big TV? Well, when those guards vanished outside, I had a hunch. They were moving just like a bad special effect from Proteam Omega, my favorite show! You know, how villains sometimes disappear into their control rooms?"
Pearl blinked, trying to process Diamond's peculiar logic as he thought, '… I'm sorry here, Dia, but what?'
Diamond beamed, completely oblivious to the sheer luck and outlandish deduction involved, continued, "So, I thought, maybe this thing, whatever it is, also controls things from a 'screen'! Like a super-fancy remote control! And since that TV was the biggest, flattest screen around, I figured this was its home base! It was making illusions of those bad guys, and then it jumped inside the TV when it got scared!"
Pearl stared, then a slow grin spread across his face as he asked, "You… you actually tamed it? And you used your Proteam Omega obsession to do it?"
He shook his head, a chuckle bubbling up as he muttered helplessly, "Looks like your weird show-watching hobby finally came in handy, Diamond! Still doesn't explain what it is, though."
Just then, Platinum appeared at the doorway, her Prinplup waddling beside her. She looked impeccably composed, unaffected by the ghostly shenanigans.
Her voice was calm, but with an underlying hint of noble impatience, "Diamond, Pearl. My tea and snacks. Have they been delivered yet?"
Diamond jumped to attention, snapping out of his proud reverie, "Oh! Right! Tea and snacks! Coming right up, Platinum!"
He rummaged through his backpack, miraculously producing a small, pre-packaged Old Gateau, which he offered with a flourish as he declared, "Behold, Platinum! The legendary Old Gateau! It's so old, it's practically a ghost itself!"
He paused for a beat, expecting Pearl to deliver the punchline, then decided to do it himself, "See? Old Gateau! Oh-ho-ho!"
Platinum, to Pearl's surprise, let out a soft, almost ethereal giggle. Then, catching herself, she quickly composed her features, "I… did not laugh. That was merely a polite cough. But, the Old Gateau does look… intriguing."
She took a delicate bite, her eyes sparkling slightly. All the while, Azure had been observing the entire spectacle from the living room doorway, a faint, knowing grin playing on his lips as he saw the chaos.
Pikachu, perched comfortably on his shoulder, let out a soft cry, "Pika-pi (I know that look. You're getting a new friend again.)"
Eevee gave a low, appreciative coo, "Evoi! (Yeah, that seems about right.)"
Pichu (Mew), now fully settled back in his jacket, merely vibrated with quiet amusement. He recognized the pattern, the events unfolding exactly as he remembered from the manga.
The boys had stumbled upon Rotom, quite unaware of the peculiar Pokémon they had just encountered. Azure mused internally, "Clever kid, Diamond. Even if his logic is… unique. But now it's my turn to introduce myself properly."
With a silent nod to himself, Azure subtly shifted his weight and entered the room where Diamond and Pearl had the energy globe contained. His presence, calm and composed, drew the boys' attention.
Azure said in his usual even tone, his eyes fixed on the television screen, "Well done, Diamond. You've certainly got a knack for reading these peculiar situations."
As Azure took a few steps closer, the blue plasma within the television screen pulsed more intensely. It seemed to recognize a new, stronger presence. With a sudden surge, the energy globe shot out of the television with a crisp snap!
*SNAP*
It hovered in the air, transforming. The plasma solidified, taking on a distinct form: a small, sentient Pokémon made of electricity, its body resembling an appliance, with two stubby arms and expressive, glowing blue eyes.
Its true form, Rotom, was revealed.
Pearl breathed, his Pokédex finally able to identify the Pokémon, "Rotom! An Electric/Ghost-type! It can possess appliances!"
Rotom, now free, zipped around the room, its electric crackle filling the air. It let out a high-pitched, almost gleeful chuckle, a sound that seemed to hum with mischief, "Zzzzzt! (Zoinks! I've been found out!! What fun!!)"
Azure smirked. He remembered the manga's depiction of Rotom's personality – a mischievous spirit that reveled in shocking others for its own amusement, as he said, carefully getting its attention, "I knew it was you, Rotom. You're quite the prankster, aren't you? Vanishing guards, zapping people, taking over clocks… top-tier entertainment for yourself, I imagine."
Rotom's glowing eyes narrowed slightly, then widened in a mischievous glint. It laughed, its body sparking, "Kzzzt! Ha ha ha!"
*ZAP*
A powerful bolt of electricity, a vibrant blue, shot towards Azure, intending to deliver a significant shock. But Azure was ready. Before the attack could connect, a faint, almost invisible shimmer surrounded him.
This was not a physical barrier, but a manifestation of his Aura. The electricity crackled harmlessly against the shimmering barrier, dissipating into thin air with a soft fizz.
*Fizzz*
Rotom, caught mid-laugh, froze. Its glowing eyes darted around, clearly surprised as it thought, 'No one had ever just… shrugged off my signature attack like that. Who's this human…?'
Azure said calmly, his smirk widening, "Impressive, isn't it? But a little predictable. I've faced much worse. And frankly, Rotom, I rather like your style."
He took another step forward, his voice dropping to a persuasive, almost hypnotic tone as he said, "You clearly have a flair for the dramatic, a masterful grasp of pranks. I'm building a team, Rotom, a team of unique, powerful individuals. And I'd like you to be a part of it."
Rotom tilted its head, its plasma body rippling with curiosity. It zipped closer, examining Azure with its glowing eyes. Azure continued, offering an open hand, "You won't be alone in an old chateau anymore. Think of the possibilities. New appliances, new places to explore, new people to… entertain with your brand of humor. I appreciate a good trickster on my side."
*Shiii*
As he spoke, Azure subtly activated a deeper, more inherent power within him – the Viridian Force. It wasn't an attack, but a gentle, pervasive emanating energy, a subtle pulse of raw, life-affirming power that only certain Pokémon could perceive.
It whispered of immense strength, untapped potential, and a boundless connection to the world. Rotom's flickering eyes widened further. It felt the Viridian Force, a deep, resonating hum within Azure that was both ancient and incredibly potent.
It wasn't intimidating, but rather… intriguing. A being with such power, yet so calm, so understanding of its own mischievous nature.
Rotom hovered, its impulses warring: the urge to shock, to prank, or the allure of this powerful, accepting trainer. It pondered for a long moment, its plasma body oscillating, before a wide, mischievous grin spread across its ethereal face.
With a definitive cry, Rotom zipped forward, its small, stubby electrical hand extending to meet Azure's outstretched one. It was a firm, enthusiastic handshake, accompanied by a powerful jolt of electricity, "ZZZZZZT! (Eh, you know what? Why not? I've got nothing better to do.)"
*ZAP*
Azure flinched slightly, a familiar tingle running through his arm, but he held his ground, his grin matching Rotom's. He rasped, already used to the sensation, "Deal. Welcome aboard."
He produced a Poké Ball, its sleek design a testament to advanced technology, and held it out as he declared, "Welcome to the team, Rotom."
Rotom, with one final, celebratory cry, zipped into the Poké Ball in a flash of red light. The ball gave a single, solid ding, confirming the capture.
*BON*
Azure pocketed it, a small smile of satisfaction on his face. He quickly checked its status and info as his eyes widened briefly, reading the screen.
[Rotom the Plasma Pokémon. In its base form, Rotom cannot be touched by anyone without the latter being shocked in the process. According to the Rotom Catalog, Rotom in its base form possesses a light bulb. It lacks any sort of circulatory system or pulse.
Rotom can enter and control electronic appliances. It typically uses its abilities to cause mischief, often using the household items it possesses to pull pranks on unsuspecting people. Despite this, some Rotom have taken to inhabiting electronics with the intent of helping others.
The Rotom Pokédex, Rotom Phones, Rotomi, and Drone Rotom are some examples. Additionally, in Galar, the Rotom Phone is used to power the Rotom Bike. Some of these forms allow Rotom to speak human languages and demonstrate that Rotom is highly intelligent.
It tends to reside in abandoned buildings. Research continues Rotom and its ability to power unique motors. Some Rotom can time-travel. Rotom has five alternate forms: Heat Rotom, Wash Rotom, Frost Rotom, Fan Rotom, and Mow Rotom.]
|Name: Rotom (Plasma Pokémon)
|Type: Electric/Ghost (Fire/Grass/Flying/Ice/Water)
|Tera: Stellar
|Level: 15
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Levitate (Form Change)
|Nature: Naughty
|Moves: Charge, Confuse Ray, Thunder Wave, Double Team, Trick, Parabolic Charge,Astonish, Discharge, Uproar, Hydro Pump (IM), Blizzard (IM), Air Slash (IM), Overheat (IM),Thunder Shock (IM) (1 Moves left to learn)
Azure's eyes widened seeing the screen as he thought, looking at Rotom inside its Poke Ball, his face written in disbelief, 'The heck?! With those types… this Rotom can change into its other forms? Now this is a good Pokémon to have.'
The rest of the night passed in an almost uncanny tranquility. The Gastly, apparently having lost their energetic leader, were nowhere to be seen.
The previous unease that had permeated the manor seemed to have lifted, replaced by a quiet, almost peaceful stillness. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, though still a little bewildered by the rapid-fire events, eventually settled down for an untroubled night of sleep, their exhaustion overcoming their remaining questions.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Morning, Eterna Forest – Old Chateau]
The following morning, the group packed their meager belongings, refreshed and ready to depart for Eterna City. The early morning light streaming through the grime-streaked windows seemed to wash away the last vestiges of the Old Chateau's spectral atmosphere last night.
As they stepped out into the clearing, the fresh forest air invigorated them. Azure, with Pikachu once again on his shoulder and Eevee on his head, turned to the group, a subtle twinkle in his eye.
Azure said happily, reaching for a Poké Ball on his belt, "By the way… I made a new friend last night."
*Pop*
He released the Poké Ball, and with a bright flash of light, Rotom materialized, hovering playfully in the air before them, "Kzzzt! Hahaha! (I'm back!)"
Pearl exclaimed, pointing, "It's the energy globe!"
Diamond yelled, a mix of awe and slight fear on his face, "The TV monster! You… you caught it?!"
Rotom, apparently taking their surprised reactions as an invitation, zipped around them with a mischievous cackle. With a final, playful flourish, it sent a series of small, harmless electrical shocks towards Diamond and Pearl, just enough to make them jump and squeal, their hair standing on end once again.
*ZAP*
Diamond rubbed his head, laughing despite himself, "Hey! Yow!"
Pearl grumbled, though a small smile played on his lips, "Still a prankster, I see."
Azure merely chuckled as he explained packing his bag, "Indeed. Some things never change. But now, we have a city to reach. Eterna City awaits."
With a final glance back at the Old Chateau, now looking less menacing in the morning light, the group continued their journey, a new, electrically charged member now part of their unusual company.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!