Chapter 592: Rewards Galore (1)
~Azure S. POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Pallet Town Outskirts – Sky's Airship]
The Kanto sun, bright and unapologetic, streamed through the large window of my personal lab, painting stripes across the polished floor. Outside, the world was alive with the gentle chirping of regional Pokémon and the distant hum of industry, a stark contrast to the absolute silence and vacuum of space I'd navigated just yesterday.
My body still hummed with a residual fatigue, a faint ache in muscles I didn't even know I possessed, a testament to the sheer scale of battling the Grand Meteor Delta and a furious Shiny Deoxys. But sleep, restorative and deep, had done its work.
Today, there was business to attend to.
Pikachu, ever my vigilant companion, stirred on my shoulder, blinking his bright eyes, "Pika-pika!"
Eevee, nestled comfortably atop my head, let out a soft yawn, her fluffy tail twitching. From within the folds of my jacket, a tiny, familiar "Piiii-chu!" echoed, Pichu (Mew) peeking out with curious emerald eyes. Even in my shadow, where Darkrai and Marshadow silently resided, I felt a subtle ripple of awareness.
I murmured, stretching my arms above my head until my joints popped, "Morning, guys… Man, yesterday was a pain, but it's time to get back to work. We've got a mountain of space junk to sift through."
My lab, a sprawling, high-tech space provided by the Kanto Pokémon League that I paid for Mewtwo's projects, was usually meticulously organized. But right now, it looked like a cosmic asteroid field had decided to redecorate.
Piles of jagged, iridescent meteor fragments, some glowing faintly with residual energy, were scattered across a reinforced examination table. This was the bounty I'd meticulously collected during my journey through the asteroid belt, the bits and pieces of the Delta that hadn't been obliterated.
Rotom buzzed, its spectral form flickering within the sleek interface of my Arc Phone, which currently levitated beside me, "Rotom-zzt! Feeling good, Azure? You looked exhausted yesterday-zzt,"
I chuckled, picking up a fist-sized fragment that glinted like obsidian, "Better now, Rotom. Just a bit… cosmic-lagged."
My fingers traced its smooth, cool surface, continuing, "Alright, let's see what goodies we've got here."
My eyes scanned the larger, more significant fragments first, those I suspected might harbor something truly unique. The air in the lab crackled faintly with ambient energy, a ghost of the power contained within these rocks.
*HUMMM*
I activated the scanning function on my Arc Phone, aiming its beam at the nearest pile. Rotom announced with a series of delighted buzzes, "Scan complete-zzt. Detecting high concentrations of K-energy and M-signatures within multiple fragments-zzt!"
A grin spread across my face exclaimed, "Bingo. Just what I was hoping for."
Key Stones and Mega Stones. These were the true treasures, the very essence of evolutionary power capable of unlocking the temporary, yet immense, potential of certain Pokémon. My primary goal in gathering these fragments was to find new Mega Stones, expanding the tactical options for my future teams.
One by one, I carefully sorted through the debris. Each time a distinct energy signature popped up, I carefully extracted the embedded stone. Many were familiar: Charizardite X, Blazikenite, Lucarionite, Kangaskhanite.
I placed them into a designated 'duplicate' pile, mentally earmarking them for Steven Stone. I'd promised him that if I ever came across extra Mega Stones, he'd be the first to know. He was always so fascinated by the process, and frankly, I owed him for his help and insights over the years.
Then came the new ones.
My fingers brushed against a rough, earthy stone. Rotom chirped, "Scan complete-zzt! Excadrite found-zzt!"
My eyes widened, a flicker of excitement, "Excadrite!"
[Item: Excadrite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Excadrill. This item helps the Excadrill species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
After checking it, I was ecstatic about the news. When I get my Excadrill, a powerhouse of the ground and steel types, already a formidable force. With a Mega Evolution, he'd be unstoppable, truly digging deep into his potential.
I carefully placed it in a separate container, labeled 'New Acquisitions'. Next, a dark, chitinous stone as Rotom buzzed, "Scolipite-zzt!"
I exclaimed excitedly, "Scolipite! Amazing!"
[Item: Scolipite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Scolipede. This item helps the Scolipede species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
With confirmation, Scolipede, another one of my strong poison-types, is known for speed and potent attacks. This would give him an incredible boost, both in offense and defense. My mind already raced with battle scenarios.
The discoveries kept coming. A tough, brawling stone, imbued with fighting spirit as Rotom buzzed, "Scraftinite-zzt!"
I pumped a fist into the air, "Yes! Scrafty!"
[Item: Scraftinite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Scrafty. This item helps the Scrafty species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
After confirming it with my eyes, Scrafty's was already impressive with its defensive capabilities, and Moxie ability would make him a truly terrifying force to reckon with if he could Mega Evolve.
Then, a shocking, vibrant stone, humming with electrical energy. Rotom chimed, "Elektrossite-zzt!"
I muttered, impressed, "Elektrossite? That's… unexpected!"
[Item: Elektrossite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Elektross. This item helps the Elektross species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
After confirming it was real, I pondered. Elektross, with its unique Levitate ability, already nullified its only weakness. A Mega Evolution would likely push its already high Attack and Special Attack stats into truly monstrous territory.
My imagination sparked with electrified possibilities. A familiar orange-red glow pulsed from another fragment as Rotom chimed, "Charizardite Y-zzt!"
I paused, holding the stone up. Just to be sure…
[Item: Charizardite Y
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Charizard. This item helps the Charizard species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
Yup, Charizard Y. I muttered casually, "Charizardite Y, huh? My partner Charizard already has access to Charizardite X, and frankly, I prefer the physical attacker boost. But still, it's a powerful stone. Good to have options, or another for Steven."
I added it to the 'new' pile, considering the possibility of training another Charizard to specialize in its Y-form. Finally, a heavy, stony fragment pulsed with an ethereal, almost spectral light as Rotom chimed, "Golurkite-zzt!"
My jaw dropped slightly, uttering, "Golurkite!"
[Item: Golurkite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Golurk. This item helps the Golurk species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
No way!
Golurk, the colossal Ground/Ghost type, a silent guardian and mighty combatant. The idea of Mega Golurk, a towering, spectral golem, sent a thrill down my spine. The power it could wield… it was almost frightening to consider.
I breathed a satisfied sigh, leaning back in my chair. I examined the Mega Stones again as I muttered, seeing what I've collected, "Alright, that's a pretty good haul. Excadrite, Scolipite, Scraftinite, Elektrossite, Charizardite Y, and Golurkite. Plus, a ton of Key Stones and duplicates for Steven."
Gengar, my shiny female ghost, materialized beside me, her ghostly form shimmering with a mischievous purple glow, "Boo-boo-hoo! Making treasures, Master? Or just playing with shiny rocks?"
I replied, a small smile playing on my lips, "Just sifting through planetary debris, Gengar. Found some good stuff. Thanks for asking."
As I finished organizing the newly acquired stones, my gaze drifted to another section of the lab, a larger, open area where a high-tech observation chamber was set up. Within its transparent walls, two familiar figures stood. Deoxys No.1 and No.2, my original pair, floated serenely, their crystalline bodies shimmering under the specialized lighting.
They were facing a third Deoxys, one whose vibrant golden hue marked it as the Shiny Deoxys I'd recently battled and befriended during the Delta crisis. I had affectionately, or perhaps ironically, named it Organism No.3.
Beside them, overseeing the entire scene with an aura of quiet authority, was Mewtwo. Its powerful psychic presence was palpable, even through the chamber's shielding. I watched for a moment, observing.
No.1 and No.2, having been with me for a while, had grown accustomed to life on this planet. They were, in their own alien way, attempting to explain the nuances of Earth and Pokémon to Organism No.3.
*Beep*
Telepathic pulses, visible as faint light emissions, radiated between them. Organism No.3, initially wary and fiercely independent, was slowly beginning to assimilate. Mewtwo, a being of immense intellect and psychic prowess, was the perfect mentor, guiding the process with a stoic neutrality.
*Hummm*
There was a faint hum, almost a mental vibration, emanating from the chamber, a silent lesson being imparted. I mused aloud, "Looks like Organism No.3 is coming along."
Pikachu nodded in agreement, "Pika! (Yup!)"
Rotom confirmed, displaying data on the Arc Phone's screen, chiming in excitedly, "Mewtwo-zzt is doing a thorough job. Organism No.3's comprehension levels are rising to standard parameters-zzt,".
Knowing they were in good hands, I decided to take a short break before diving into the next task. Stepping out into the adjacent training yard, I was greeted by a delightful sight. My Manaphy and Phione were frolicking in a specially constructed water feature, splashing and giggling with infectious joy.
Manaphy, with its sapphire-blue body and two long antennae, zipped through the water, leaving trails of iridescent bubbles. Phione, smaller and lighter blue, chased after it, its tiny body barely disturbing the surface.
Gengar's voice echoed playfully from a nearby tree, where she was lazily swinging upside down, her eyes half-closed but keeping a watchful eye on the two mythical Pokémon, "Boo-hoo-hoo! Don't splash too much, little ones! Or Gengar will get you!"
Her low, rumbling chuckle was a comforting sound. I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. It was good to see them happy, carefree. After the intensity of the past few weeks, these small moments of peace were truly precious.
*WHOOOSH*
Just then, a powerful WHOOSH ripped through the sky above. I looked up, shielding my eyes against the glare of the morning sun. A massive, shadowed form descended rapidly, its leathery wings beating with incredible force.
I exclaimed, recognizing the familiar Aerodactyl belonging to one of the greatest trainers I knew, "Aero!"
*THUD*
Aero landed with a powerful THUD that shook the ground slightly, kicking up dust and a whirlwind of leaves. As the dust settled, Red, Kanto's champion and one of my closest allies, dismounted from his ancient flying mount.
He held a large, heavy-looking canvas bag slung over his shoulder. Red simply nodded at me, a subtle acknowledgment of my presence and, implicitly, my recent heroic deeds. He rumbled, his voice low and steady, "Azure…"
He extended the bag towards me, explaining further, "These are your rewards. From the regions. For saving the planet."
I took the bag, its weight surprising me. It was heavier than it looked, packed full. I replied casually with a smile, "Thanks, Red. You didn't have to go through the trouble of delivering them."
He merely grunted, a flicker of something akin to a smile ghosting his lips, stating in a confident tone, "It was important. They wanted to show their thanks. Didn't trust anyone else with it."
*WHOOOSH*
Another nod, a pat to Aero's neck, and then he was airborne again, soaring into the sky with a second WHOOSH that quickly faded into the distance. Just like that, he was gone, leaving me alone with a heavy bag and a silent appreciation for his unwavering support.
I untied the drawstring of the bag, peeking inside. The first thing I saw was a thick wad of bills and credit cards. Pikachu's ears twitched, recognizing the scent of currency, "Pika-pika! (WHOA!! THAT'S A WHOLE LOT OF MULLA!)"
I mused, pulling out the stacked bundles of Poke Dollars. It was a substantial amount, more than enough to fund any future research projects or philanthropic endeavors. "Looks like Kanto and Johto came through with the cash."
I always accepted these things gracefully, knowing they were a symbol of gratitude from the people I had sworn to protect. That and having extra cash is good to have.
Reaching deeper, my fingers brushed against a smooth, cool surface. I pulled out a Pokémon Egg, its shell a rich, earthy brown with faint patterns resembling drill marks.
Rotom buzzed excitedly, "Scan complete-zzt! Drilbur Egg detected-zzt! Genetics indicate a high probability of inheriting Sand Rush and Sand Force abilities-zzt! Parentage points to your main team Excadrill-zzt!"
My eyes widened. I exclaimed, "Steven's Excadrill's egg?!"
That was incredible! Steven's Excadrill was a formidable force, a master of the sand. It was a tough Pokémon when I battled it.
To have an offspring with such potential, inheriting his power and speed-boosting abilities… The thought sent a jolt of excitement through me. This Drilbur would be an absolute terror in a sandstorm team.
*CRACK*
As if on cue, the egg began to glow, vibrating gently in my hands. A faint CRACK echoed, then another. The shell splintered, revealing a tiny, burrowing Pokémon.
"Drilbur!"
The newborn Pokémon, small and brown, with a large, pink drill for a nose, blinked up at me with innocent eyes. It let out a soft cry, a sound that tugged at my heartstrings. Its tiny claws instinctively began to dig at the air, already showing its innate talent.
I cooed, gently cradling it, "Well, hello there, little guy. Looks like you're ready to get to work already, huh?"
Pikachu nuzzled against my cheek, and Eevee sniffed curiously at the new arrival. Organism No.3 and the other Deoxys in the lab paused their lesson, turning their attention towards the sudden birth.
Even Mewtwo's stoic gaze seemed to soften imperceptibly. Using its Psychic to bring Moomoo Milk as the Drilbur drinks contentedly as I checked this little guy's status screen with a pleased grin.
[Drilbur the Mole Pokémon. Drilbur can straighten its body and align its claws forward, allowing it to spin like a drill and dig through the ground. It can dig at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). A Drilbur is fast enough to make a running car race with it. Drilbur has no issues being around humans and can be very friendly. However, many farmers dislike Drilbur because it tends to destroy their vegetable crops.]
|Name: Drilbur (Mole Pokémon)
|Type: Ground
|Tera: Ground
|Level: 1
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Sand Rush (Sand Force)
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Leer, Mud Shot, Mud-Slap, Rapid Spin, Tackle, Crush Claw (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
Next, I pulled out a Poké Ball. Pressing the button, I released its inhabitant.
*POP*
A flash of light, and then a compact, metallic Pokémon materialized before me. It was a Golett, but its usual blue-grey body was replaced by a lustrous, gleaming gold. Its eyes, normally yellow, glowed with an emerald green.
Golett cried out, "Golett!"
I exclaimed, a genuine sense of awe washing over me, "A shiny Golett!"
Shiny Pokémon were always a marvel. I mused, thinking it was from Cynthia, "And it's from Sinnoh, huh? They always have a flair for the dramatic. Best bet this one came from Cynthia knowing her hobby."
Rotom chimed, "Scan complete-zzt! Ability: Iron Fist detected-zzt!"
I grinned hearing that, "Iron Fist! Perfect!"
Golurk, its evolution, was a physical powerhouse. Iron Fist would enhance all punching moves, turning its already potent attacks into devastating blows. This Golett, with its shining body, would be a magnificent addition.
[Golett the Automaton Pokémon. Golett were molded from clay and brought to life thousands of years ago through ancient science, with the purpose of serving their makers as laborers for heavy-duty work. It has run on a mysterious, unidentified energy ever since the moment it was born, but this energy is speculated to run out soon. For unclear reasons, Golett has been reported to continually line up boulders.]
|Name: Golett (S) (Automaton Pokémon)
|Type: Ground/Ghost
|Tera: Ground
|Level: 5
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Iron Fist
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Harden, Astonish, Mud-Slap, Tackle, Magic Coat (IM) (1 move left to learn)
I returned it to its Poké Ball for the moment, a mental note to introduce it properly to the others later. But this is turning out to be the best outcome, seeing all of these new Pokémon that I might use in the future.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!