Chapter 498: Blasting Off!
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Hotel Grand Lake – Seven Stars Restaurant]
The golden hour bathed Hotel Grand Lake in a warm, buttery glow, casting long shadows across its meticulously manicured lawns and the adjacent private beach. Inside, the Seven Stars Restaurant hummed with the refined murmur of satisfied diners and the gentle clink of silverware against fine porcelain.
At a spacious table laden with remnants of a magnificent feast, sat a peculiar, yet perfectly harmonious group. Azure leaned back in his plush seat, a contented sigh escaping him. Perched comfortably on his shoulder, Pikachu's ears twitched, a tiny crumb of what looked like a rare Lum Berry tart adhering precariously to his cheek.
On Azure's head, Eevee dozed, a fluffy brown crown, her dreams punctuated by soft puffs of breath. Tucked securely in Azure's jacket pocket, Pichu (Mew) let out a soft, almost imperceptible squeak, lulled by the post-meal quiet.
Across from him, Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum were just pushing away their own plates, a mix of glazed berries, succulent grilled fish, and steamed vegetables having vanished with remarkable speed. Diamond, ever the enthusiast of fine dining, still had a smudge of crème brûlée on his chin, while Pearl, energetic even when sated, was already drumming a rhythm on the table with his fingers.
Platinum, in contrast, maintained her elegant posture, though a faint smile played on her lips, a testament to the meal's quality. Azure commented, pleased with the meal, "Ahh… the food tasted good. Even our Pokémon enjoyed the food they provided; we can all agree on that, right?"
The Sinnoh Dex Holders all nodded their heads in agreement. Azure then reached into another, slightly deeper pocket, carefully pulling out a Poké Ball as he stated to Diamond and Pearl present, "Speaking of new experiences, I believe I have someone new you two haven't met yet."
*Pop*
With a soft flash, a small, vibrant creature materialized on the table. It was a Shellos, but unlike any they had ever seen.
Its body was a delicate shade of sky blue, its sturdy, shell-like back a deeper indigo, and its two small, fin-like ears were a striking fuchsia. It blinked with wide, innocent eyes, then let out a soft, inquiring gurgle, "Sheloooo?"
Diamond's jaw dropped, his half-formed thought about dessert interrupted as he blurted in a surprised tone, "Whoa! What kind of Shellos is that? I've never seen one like it in the Pokédex!"
Pearl, equally astonished, leaned forward as he asked, "It's got different colors! Is it… a new regional variant? Or a mutation?"
Azure chuckled, gently stroking the Shellos's head, making her lean into his touch with another, happy gurgle as he explained calmly to the two, "Neither, strictly speaking. She's a Shiny Shellos, an East Sea variant, actually. I caught her while you two were battling. She was quite the surprise."
Shellos, seemingly amused by their awed reactions, let out another small, bubbly gurgle, her fuchsia ears twitching, "Shelloo! (Hello, new friends!)"
Pikachu, having finished his tart, hopped down from Azure's shoulder and nudged the Shiny Shellos gently with his nose, offering a friendly cry. Eevee woke with a yawn, stretched luxuriously, and then observed the new addition with curious, intelligent eyes, a soft cry sounding from her.
Pichu (Mew), still hidden, merely vibrated slightly in Azure's pocket, acknowledging its new companion. Pearl exclaimed, pushing his chair back with a scrape, "A Shiny Pokémon?! You just… caught a Shiny? Like it was nothing?!"
Diamond, recovering his composure, added, "And it's so… blue! So vibrant! It's really pretty too…"
He reached out a hesitant finger, which Shellos, with surprising confidence, playfully nudged before retreating slightly. Platinum, always composed, allowed a rare look of genuine amazement to cross her features as she uttered, "Remarkable. I've read about Shiny Pokémon, of course, but to see one in person… it truly is magnificent. Congratulations on your capture, Azure."
Azure merely gave a relaxed shrug, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he replied, "Luck, I suppose. Though I must admit, she showed incredible spirit during our encounter. And I promise to make her strong too."
Shellos let out another pleased gurgle, puffing herself up slightly, "Shelloo! (You better! After all Water/Ground are best Water Types.)"
The general mood was light and buoyant as the group eventually rose from the table, the echoes of their shared laughter still lingering in the elegant dining room. With a final sweep of the room from the waiter, Azure recalled Shellos to her ball, promising her another outing soon. As they stepped out of the restaurant and onto the grand terrace, the evening breeze carried the faint, briny scent of the nearby lake.
Platinum, ever eager to stretch her legs, gracefully stepped down from the paved path onto the fine, golden sand of the private beach. Her polished shoe had barely made an impression, a pristine, delicate curve in the otherwise undisturbed surface, when a sudden, booming voice shattered the serene atmosphere.
"STOP!"
The shout was so abrupt and forceful that Platinum froze mid-stride, her elegant pose momentarily disrupted by surprise. Diamond, Pearl, and Azure immediately halted, their Pokémon tensing.
Pikachu's cheeks sparked, Eevee bristled, and even the usually placid Pichu (Mew) in Azure's pocket hummed with a suppressed energy. A portly man with a wild mop of grey hair and spectacles perched precariously on his nose practically burst from behind a large potted palm.
He wore a rumpled khaki vest covered in numerous pockets, and in one hand, he clutched a rather large, ornate brush, while the other brandished a small, almost surgical-looking scoop. His eyes, magnified by his glasses, gleamed with an almost manic intensity as he fixed them squarely on Platinum's foot.
The man practically yelled, his voice surprisingly robust for his appearance, "Don't move an inch, young lady! You've nearly ruined it!"
Platinum, bewildered and slightly offended, drew herself up and asked, "Excuse me? Ruined what, pray tell?"
The man ignored her, his gaze locked onto the faint depression left by her shoe as he pointed to the ground, "The sand! The pristine canvas! It must be preserved!"
He then looked up, his eyes darting between Azure, Diamond, and Pearl as he declared in a frustrated tone, "And you three! Do not take another step! I merely… merely wish to acquire the footprints!"
Pearl, always quick to react, stepped forward, his hand hovering over a Poké Ball, and demanded, weirded out by the situation, "Hey! What's your deal, gramps? Why are you hassling Platinum?"
Before Pearl could fully engage, Diamond, ever the peacemaker, put a hand on Pearl's shoulder as he stated calmly, "Hold on, Pearl. Let's see what he wants. He seems… passionate."
Diamond glanced at Azure, who merely offered a slight nod, a thoughtful expression on his face. Azure found the situation amusing, a touch of the whimsical in their usually action-packed journey.
The man, oblivious to their internal debate, was already on his knees, peering intently at Platinum's almost-footprint. He mumbled to himself, "Too shallow… too indistinct… Ah, but the potential!"
He then scrambled up, his eyes suddenly lighting up as they landed on the group's Pokémon footprints on the ground. His gaze lingered on Pearl's Infernape, who had been walking a few paces behind, and Diamond's Torterra, a mountain of a Pokémon who casually took up significant space.
The man practically shrieked, his voice filled with childlike glee as he exclaimed proudly, "Infernape! Torterra! Magnificent! The imprint of battle-hardened feet! The weight of the earth itself!"
He fumbled in one of his many pockets, pulling out a small, flat tray of what looked like quick-drying clay. He pleaded, gesturing enthusiastically towards the sandy path, "Please, if you'd be so kind! Just a few steps! For science! For posterity!"
Platinum, still slightly miffed but now intrigued by the man's eccentric passion, looked to Azure. He gave a reassuring shrug as he replied casually, "Seems harmless enough, Platinum. A researcher, perhaps?"
Pearl, though still wary, caught Diamond's eye as he muttered, "Infernape does leave some pretty epic prints, I guess…"
Diamond added, a proud grin forming on his face, "And Tru's are like mini-craters!"
Reluctantly, Pearl called out, "Alright, Chimlar! Come on over!"
Infernape, sensing no danger, swaggered forward, his powerful feet leaving deep, clear impressions in the sand. It gave its trainer a weird look as Pearl sighed, "Trust me, buddy, I feel just as off about this, but the sooner this weirdo leaves…"
*THWUMP*
Chimler nodded, eyeing the man fascinated by feet with a weird expression. Dr. Footstep, as the man would soon be known, followed, carefully pressing his clay tray into the freshly made prints, then meticulously scraping the sand around them with his scoop.
*THUD*
Next, it was Diamond's Torterra's turn. Tru lumbered forward with earth-shattering THUD, each colossal foot leaving an imprint that could almost hold a small pond. Dr. Footstep was practically quivering with excitement, issuing delighted oohs and aahs as he worked, "Sublime! The very essence of feets itself!"
As the eccentric man carefully packed his clay samples, a Hotel Grand Lake waiter, who had been discreetly watching the scene unfold, approached the group with a polite smile as he explained calmly, "Forgive me for the intrusion, esteemed guests. I see Dr. Footstep has found you."
Platinum's eyebrows raised as she uttered, "Dr. Footstep?"
Azure blinked, asking as he pointed at the man, "That can't be his real name?"
The waiter nodded as he explained, "Indeed, and yes, that's his name. He is one of our most… dedicated patrons. Dr. Footstep is a world-renowned expert in Pokémon footprints. He often frequents this area, as the ever-shifting sands provide a unique canvas for his research. He's quite harmless, just incredibly passionate about his field."
Azure, a glint in his eye, crossed his arms as he muttered, "So he's a regular. That explains the enthusiasm."
Pikachu let out a curious cry, "Pika? (Does it? He looks at feet…)"
Dr. Footstep, overhearing the conversation, straightened up, a proud grin on his face, though he still looked rather disheveled as he explained proudly, "Harmless, yes! Passionate, absolutely! My life's work, you see! The silent language of the earth, spoken through every step!"
He gestured animatedly with his brush as he continued, "Would you do me the immense honor of visiting my humble abode? It's just a short walk down the beach. I have a collection I believe might… pique your interest."
Curiosity now outweighing any lingering annoyance, Platinum exchanged glances with Diamond and Pearl. Azure, always up for an interesting detour, simply shrugged and gestured for them to proceed, "Lead the way, Doctor."
And so, the unlikely quintet, followed by a dutiful waiter who merely shook his head with a fond smile, began their stroll down the moonlit beach, the gentle lap-lap of the lake against the shore accompanying their footsteps.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 213 – Dr. Footstep's Home]
The group traveled following Dr. Footstep. Soon, they eventually left the Grand Lake Hotel, as his home is outside on Route 213.
Dr. Footstep's "humble abode" turned out to be a charming, slightly disheveled beachside cottage, painted a faded blue that blended seamlessly with the horizon. The air inside was thick with the scent of old paper, something vaguely earthy, and a peculiar, sweet chemical aroma.
*CREAK*
As the door creaked open, revealing the interior, Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl gasped in unison. Diamond exclaimed, his voice echoing slightly, "Whoa!"
The entire cottage was a veritable museum of footprints. Every available wall space, from floor to ceiling, was covered with plaques of various sizes and materials. Some were cast in plaster, others in resin, some were merely high-resolution photographs, but all depicted the distinct imprints of Pokémon feet.
There were tiny, delicate bird-like prints, massive, clawed impressions, scaly patterns, and smooth, padded paw marks. Each plaque was meticulously labelled with the Pokémon's name, the location and date of discovery, and sometimes, cryptic notes.
Platinum breathed, her initial surprise quickly morphing into awe, "Incredible!"
She walked slowly, her eyes scanning the vast collection as she muttered, "I've never seen anything quite like it."
Pearl whistled, seeing the massive collection, asking, "This is nuts! How many Pokémon's footprints do you have here, Doctor?"
Azure, meanwhile, moved with a quiet appreciation. He recognized some prints immediately – the unique zigzag of a Stantler, the heavy, splayed paw of an Ursaring, the delicate, almost invisible impression of a Shedinja.
Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew), too, were wide-eyed, observing the myriad of tracks. Pikachu cried excitedly at a particularly fierce-looking set of claw marks, while Eevee sniffed curiously at a display dedicated to various rodent Pokémon.
Dr. Footstep beamed, his chest puffing out with pride as he declared, "My life's tapestry, young ones! My legacy! Each one tells a story, a whisper from the past!"
He dramatically swept his arm across the room as he explained, "You see, footprints are more than just mere impressions. They are windows into a Pokémon's very soul! The depth, the stride, the angle of the claws… they can tell you so much!"
He gestured to a series of plaques, side by side, depicting the same Pokémon's prints but with subtle differences as he explained, "Here, for example! The tracks of a Machamp! Notice the slight drag on the left foot in this one… a recent injury, perhaps! Or the deeper, more forceful impression here… a Pokémon ready for battle, full of vigor! While this lighter, hesitant print… suggests a Pokémon in distress, perhaps weakened."
Diamond's eyes widened in surprise as he asked, "So you can tell if a Pokémon is hurt just by its footprints?"
Dr. Footstep declared resolutely in a proud tone, "Precisely! And not just physical health! Observe these!"
He pointed to two plaques side-by-side, one a heavily muscled Rhyperior's print, the other a smaller, more refined print, almost delicate, as he stated, "These two were from a battle site. Notice the nearly identical stride, the synchronized pressure points? This indicates an incredibly close bond between trainer and Pokémon. They moved as one, anticipating each other's every move."
Pearl, intrigued, leaned in closer, studying the prints as he muttered, "Wow… that's pretty deep."
Dr. Footstep's eyes then sparkled as they landed on Pearl as he said excitedly, "Indeed! And speaking of deep bonds…"
He shuffled over to a slightly dusty plaque tucked away in a corner as he explained, "Ah, here we are! I once had the distinct pleasure of observing a rather spirited battle just north of here. A young man and his Chatot… the energy was palpable even in the sand! Observe the distinct, almost rhythmic pattern of Chatot's hops, the way it moved in tandem with its trainer's command. It suggests a bond of exceptional closeness, almost a melodic understanding!"
Pearl's eyes went wide as he muttered, "Chatler? You mean… Chatler's footprints?!"
He rushed forward, staring at the plaque. Indeed, the intricate, bird-like tracks, punctuated by specific, almost dance-like patterns, were unmistakably those of his beloved Chatot. A pleased grin spread across his face as he asked, amazed, "You really can tell all that just from these? That's amazing!"
Azure smiled, always impressed by the nuances of the Pokémon world. Even Pikachu and Eevee seemed to share in the wonder, their expressions mirroring the trio's awe.
Platinum, ever the scholar, then asked a very logical question, "Dr. Footstep, this collection is truly astonishing. Do you, by any chance, have a footprint for every single Pokémon species?"
Dr. Footstep chuckled, a sound like dry leaves rustling, as he replied honestly, "Oh, my dear young lady, if only! That would be a lifetime of work, perhaps several lifetimes! No, no, my interest lies not in mere collection, but in the narrative! In the stories etched in the earth! My greatest joy is to visit battle sites, ancient ruins, and even remote wilderness areas, to decipher the tales left behind by Pokémon. The rarest prints are often the most elusive, the most challenging to acquire."
He sighed, a wistful look in his eyes as he added, "My current greatest desire, my Everest, if you will, is to find a truly pristine footprint of a Hippowdon. Their powerful sand manipulation, their sheer might… it leaves such a distinctive, almost geological impression. But they are so reclusive, so hard to track…"
*RMBL*
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a low, guttural growl rumbled through the cottage. It was deep, resonant, and seemed to vibrate through the very floorboards, "Hippppoooo…"
The group instinctively froze. Pikachu's ears flattened, Eevee's fur bristled, and even Pichu (Mew) let out a slightly more insistent squeak from Azure's pocket.
Diamond whispered, his eyes darting towards the windows, "What was that?"
Pearl's eyes widened, a flicker of recognition passing through them, "That… that sounds like a big ground-type. A really big one."
Azure, his expression suddenly serious, moved towards the door as he exclaimed, "It sounds close. And it doesn't sound happy."
He gently pushed the door open, the faint smell of sand now mingling with the sea air. As they all stepped outside, the scene before them took their breath away. Standing majestically on the beach, not more than fifty yards from Dr. Footstep's cottage, was a colossal Alpha Hippowdon.
Its sandy-brown hide was mottled with darker patches, its huge, gaping maw lined with powerful teeth. Its eyes, though small, radiated an intense, almost menacing glow. It towered over them, a veritable sand-dune come to life.
The sound was immense, shaking the very ground beneath their feet, "HIPPPOOO!! (WHO DARES TRAP ME!!!)"
Dr. Footstep, however, showed no fear. Instead, his jaw dropped, and a look of pure, unadulterated ecstasy spread across his face.
He fumbled frantically at his vest, pulling out a small, glass vial filled with a viscous, shimmering blue liquid. He practically shrieked, his voice cracking with emotion, "A Hippowdon! The heavens have heard my prayers! And so close to my home! Glorious! Glorious!"
He pointed a trembling finger at the sand directly in front of his cottage as he explained to the group that his eyes were practically bugging out of his head with delight, "You see this liquid? My own unique invention! A special hydro-sensitive polymer! I spray it across the sand nearby regularly! It solidifies instantly upon contact with any significant pressure, capturing the most minute detail! I even got its footprints as it passed by!"
The Hippowdon, apparently unimpressed by Dr. Footstep's scientific triumph, let out another furious roar, "HIPPOOO?!! (IT WAS YOU?!!)"
Its immense body began to vibrate, and then, with a terrifying display of power, it opened its huge mouth wide. A torrent of sand, churned by an internal, cyclonic force, erupted forth from it and its holes in its body...
*WHOOSH*
The initial blast was like a solid wall, blasting across the beach with incredible force. It struck the ground, sending up a colossal plume of fine, gritty particles that stung their skin and filled their mouths.
Pikachu cried out as he was buffeted, "Pika! (The heck?!)"
Eevee scrambled to dig her claws into Azure's hair, "Evoi?! (Ah! I just had my fur groomed! Noooooo!!!)"
And even Pichu (Mew) let out an uncharacteristic cry from the safety of Azure's pocket, "PICHUUUU! (Dad! Let the hippo take the foot guy!)"
Azure yelled, shielding Platinum with his body, while Diamond and Pearl quickly tried to huddle together, "Get back!"
*SHHHHHHHHRRRRRMMMMM*
But the Hippowdon wasn't finished. It spun its massive body, spewing out more sand faster. The gust of wind and debris intensified rapidly, swirling in an ever-tightening spiral. The roar of the Hippowdon mingled with the deafening roar of the churning sand, escalating into a terrifying crescendo.
Within seconds, the sheer force of the sandstorm twisted and coalesced, forming a miniature, yet incredibly potent, tornado directly on the beach. It was a terrifying vortex of golden grit and howling wind, ripping at everything in its path.
Small rocks, bits of driftwood, and even light furniture from the cottage's porch were instantly sucked into its churning maw. Pearl began, his voice swallowed by the roar of the wind, "Holy—!"
The cyclone expanded, its hungry maw sweeping towards them. There was no time to react, no time to send out Pokémon, no time to even brace themselves properly. One moment, they were standing on solid ground; the next, a powerful, invisible hand seized them.
*ZWOOSH*
Dr. Footstep, still delirious with joy even as he was lifted off his feet, let out a delighted, albeit terrified, squeal. Diamond, Pearl, Azure, and Platinum were snatched from the ground with sickening speed, their feet dangling uselessly as they spiraled upwards, caught in the furious vortex of sand and wind.
Azure, in that disorienting moment of being violently flung airborne, the ground shrinking beneath him, the world blurring into a dizzying vortex of browns and yellows, couldn't help himself. A strange, almost nostalgic thought, a relic from a life long past, surfaced through the chaos.
Azure couldn't help but think to himself childishly, 'Well... I could prevent this... BUT! I always did wondered how the Rocket Trio felt like getting blasted off. Good time as any to feel the experience.'
Azure shouted, his voice barely audible above the howling wind, as Pikachu clung desperately to his shoulder and Eevee buried her face in his neck, "Well… it looks like we're blasting off again…!"
*WOOOOSH*
Dia shouted, his voice barely audible over the gale, "WHOOOOAAAH!"
He managed to keep a grasp on his hat, a small victory in the face of absolute chaos as he made a joke in his situation, "Well, this is one way to get a new perspective! Talk about being in a torn-a-doe!"
*THWACK*
A sudden gust sent Pearl spinning, and he barely managed to catch a glimpse of Diamond's pun-filled grin before being slammed sideways. Pearl's voice was incredulous, laced with a mix of fury and disbelief, "A TORN-A-DOE?! Dia, we're being swept away by a colossal sandstorm summoned by an enraged Hippowdon, and you're making puns?!"
*WHOOOOSH*
Diamond's voice was swept away by another gust, the world a dizzying blur of brown and ochre, "Heh, well, it's either laugh or scream, right?"
Pearl bellowed, just before the world around him went from sandy blurred chaos to a sudden, jarring impact, "Scream then!"
And like that, they were sent blasting off…
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!