Chapter 84: Changes
~Azure S. POV~
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]
After a few days, since I made a deal with Steven, I prepared the Poke Block for the Beldum line to love after some testing, with Steven lending me a Beldum to taste test. It wasn't one, mind you but about 25 fucking Beldums!
The reason for this is that each of them has a different nature. All 25 of them just to be sure I had everything needed for the Beldum line to be happy, making Poke Blocks that suited each of their tastes.
The nature here is a bit weird to me when compared to games. Nature is a trait that each Pokémon has, which influences how their stats grow and determines their flavor preferences. The mechanic was introduced in Generation III.
A Pokémon's Nature is displayed on the Pokémon's summary screen. From Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver onward, the stats affected by a Pokémon's Nature are highlighted on their summary screens: the increased stat is notated in red text, and the decreased stat is notated in blue text.
A Pokémon's Nature usually affects the value of two of its stats, ultimately increasing one of its non-HP stats (Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, or Speed) by 10% and decreasing another by 10%. Starting in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the stats increased or decreased by a Pokémon's Nature have (respectively) a red or blue highlight on a Pokémon's summary screen.
Natures also determine the Pokémon's favorite flavor and its disliked flavor. Each stat is associated with a flavor, and each Pokémon's favorite flavor is the one associated with the stat increased by its Nature. In contrast, it dislikes the flavor associated with the decreased stat.
For example, since the Lonely Nature increases a Pokémon's Attack stat (which is associated with the Spicy flavor) and decreases its Defense stat (which is associated with the Sour flavor), a Pokémon with a Lonely Nature has Spicy as its favorite flavor and dislikes Sour flavors.
Every Nature represents one of the 25 unique possible combinations of stat increase and decrease; thus, five Natures do not affect the Pokémon's stat growth as they technically increase and decrease the same stat (Bashful, Docile, Hardy, Quirky, and Serious).
In Generation VIII, mints were introduced, which changed the effect of a Pokémon's Nature on its stats to that of the Nature corresponding to the mint used. This does not change its actual Nature and, by extension, its flavor preferences, a Toxel's evolution, the Nature that would be inherited via Everstone, and the Nature of wild Pokémon encountered using Synchronize.
Those game natures affect real life here. But most people aren't aware of Nature affecting their Pokémon, except for a few Trainers or researchers.
Sigh… sighing out loud, completing the research done for Steven, it's finally completed. I smiled as I called Steven using my Arc Phone in a calm tone, "Hey Steven. Yeah, I've finally created the Poke Block for the Beldum line. It was difficult, but I've got it down for the 25 natures."
Steven from the other end sounded happy as he replied from the other end, "Thank you very much for doing this. As promised, I'll proclaim the payment for your hard work tomorrow. I'll be sure to reward you gratefully for the job done."
*Click*
Ending the call, I sighed a breath of relief as the Beldums were finally going home. Hopefully, the rewards of the payment Steven made would be worth it.
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Pallet Town– Oak's Lab]
*Swooosh*
*THUD*
Waiting outside the clearing, Steven arrived on top of his Metagross, levitating down. The Beldums that were with me all followed around Steven as he said happily, "I'm glad you lot are alright. And you've done well feeding them well, Azure."
I smirked as he landed, stepping off his Metagross. I handed him the briefcase of the info needed to properly feed the Beldum to the Metagross line.
Steven, in turn, handed me a briefcase and a Poke Ball opened to reveal the items as he explained confidentially, handing them to me in a curious tone, "Here are the items you requested. The colored stones. One Beldum. And finally, the stones you requested. Few of the Key Stones, you called it, correct?"
I nodded as I clenched the requested items given to me. I smiled, seeing it was within Steven's possession, but at the same time, very concerned they already had these items, meaning they captured Rayquaza.
[Observe].
[Item: Key Stone x6
Rarity Item: S
Type: Key Item
Description: A stone filled with an unexplained power. It makes Pokémon that battle with a Mega Stone Mega Evolve. This was collected in Embedded Tower from the Devon Corp. after capturing Rayquaza.]
[Item: Lucarionite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Lucario. This item helps the Lucario species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Gardevoirite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Gardevoir. This item helps the Gardevoir species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Metagrossite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Metagross. This item helps the Metagross species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Scizorite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Scizor. This item helps the Scizor species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Houndoominite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Houndoom. This item helps the Houndoom species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Tyranitarite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Tyranitar. This item helps the Tyranitar species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Ampharosite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Ampharos. This item helps the Ampharos species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Heracronite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Heracross. This item helps the Heracross species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
Holding these very important stones in my hand, these must be the ones Steven currently owns. I couldn't help but ask curiously at Steven, "Say, where did you even get these stones anyway, Steven?"
Steven turned around to leave as he stood on top of his Metagross and said calmly, "I got them from my journey searching for stones. As for the Key Stones, we found those 2 years ago in the Johto Region. Either way, that will be all for today. Azure Sky, please have a good day."
*Swooosh*
Dramatically, he took his Pokémon home to his Devon Corp. I couldn't help but snicker when he left, muttering, "Gezz… that guy is an overconfident drama queen. But damn, does he make a flashy getaway."
Sighing my head I looked at Beldum's Poke Ball. Tossing it into the air, it burst open to reveal my new Pokémon as I checked my Arc Phone.
*Pop*
Beldum is a robotic Pokémon that has a long body with a set of claws sticking out of its rear end. It has one large, red eye in the center of its nearly spherical head, which is set into a ball-and-socket joint at its front end. A short crest projects from its body and extends over its head.
[Beldum the Iron Ball Pokémon. Even though Beldum is mechanical, it still has emotions, the need to eat, and a way of reproducing. Beldum's body lacks blood and is instead made of cells that are all magnets. It uses magnetism to move, communicate, and control its attacks. Beldum sometimes gathers in swarms, communicating with each other telepathically and magnetically and moving in sync.
When enraged, it can cause nearby machines to break from its strong magnetism. Beldum can also use its magnetic force to rapidly pull in enemies and then use its sharp claws to harm them. Beldum is scarce in the wild, but it does tend to inhabit areas with rugged terrain. It anchors itself to a cliff using its hooks when it sleeps.]
|Name: Beldum (Iron Ball Pokémon)
|Type: Steel/Psychic
|Level: 5
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Clear Body
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Tackle, Take Down (3 Moves left to learn)
Greeting Beldum, rubbing its head, I smiled seeing the robot Pokémon accept me. It jumped up and down contentedly as I had my Hoenn Pokémon starter when I entered the third region after Johto.
Shame Steven didn't know what he handed over. Especially the Key Stones and Mega Stones in my possession will change the world in the future, with people searching for them, and me having the Metagrossite.
Still, having these Mega Stones for potential teammates could prove useful. Maybe train a Magikarp? I mean, they can fly on land and sea when they evolve…
//////
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]
Time passed peacefully as ever in Kanto. Azure has been busy training his Pokémon while helping maintain Oak's Lab.
While he was busy training his Pokémon, the world was going into an uproar about the latest Pokémon Typing's coming to light. Due to the recipes of Azure being widespread around the world, certain Pokémon that didn't have the Fairy Typing have been awakening due to the sudden change in the world.
Pokémon professors were scrambling to reclassify certain Pokémon like Ralts, Clefairy, or Snubbull as Fairy-type Pokémon with single or dual typing. This brought on the appearance of Steel- and Dark-type Pokémon to be officially recognized by the league, along with Fairy Typing.
The sudden appearance of Steel and Fairy-type auras awakening in Trainer's Pokémon due to the Poke Blocks sold by Devon Corps brought attention in masses from the masses. In return, it gained massive profit out of it, while 0.5% of it is heading to Azure's pocket.
Currently, Azure is training his Abra and Arcanine in the backyard of Oak's Lab as he commanded, "Abra, make sure that you teach Arcanine Teleport. And Arcanine, be sure to focus on learning this move, okay?"
Both Pokémon nodded as they trained what Azure was saying, "Arf! Abbb…"
With both his Pokémon training, a group of people was following from behind as he heard their steps through the crunching of grass. Azure turned to see a group of people he hadn't seen before as Geeta introduced herself, "Hello, are you the one Professor Oak mentioned? Azure Sky?"
Thinking for a moment, Azure nodded his head, realizing what was happening as he said, "Yes. I'm him, and you must be Geeta. The Chairwoman and Champion of the Paldea League, correct?"
She chuckled, nodding her head as she replied, showing another person, "Yes, I am. I apologize for being late, but business needed my attention. And this here is Sir Nesan, the head of Rotom Technologies in Paldea. And that's – "
Springing herself forward, a young girl appeared, raising her Poke Ball as she said excitedly, "I'm Nemona! Do you want to have a battle? I've never faced a Champion before!"
Azure chuckled, seeing it was Nemona as Nesan sighed, saying in an apologetic tone, "Sigh… sorry about my daughter can be quite energetic."
Rubbing the back of his head, he said in a calm tone, eyeing Nemona, "How about next time? I'm having my Pokémon train, you see?"
Jabbing his thumb at Abra and Arcanine sparring, Nemona looked at them in awe as she said childishly, "Oh! You have an Abra, how rare! Go get'em, Arcanine!"
Engrossed in their training, Azure spoke up in a calm tone and asked, "Ahem! I'm assuming you guys are here for the Rotom Phone deal?"
Nesan nodded his head at Azure's words. As the head of Rotom Technologies, he was intimately familiar with communication tools like videophones, but what he read from Azure's plans was a game-changer.
Not only that, but he also didn't share with his partners in Devon Corps and Silph Co. about the news, but with Paldea Rotom Technologies. When he read Azure's idea, it became clear it wasn't going to be another gadget.
His very concept had the potential to revolutionize communication, especially for trainers on their journeys. Not only that, but it also helps Professors greatly not to always make the Pokedex, as it will all be digitally available for all.
Although the professors will be making the Pokedex more advanced in the future, the Rotom Phone with the Pokedex app will certainly help others. Adding a Pokémon translator would change the Pokémon field's understanding of them.
Such an opportunity was given to them, and they needed a chance to make it happen. For Geeta, though, it would show a great opportunity for the Paldea region to be one of the great helpers in creating the Rotom Phone, bringing in talent, but also see if she can poach the genius who suggested the idea to live in Paldea.
However, what she didn't expect the creator of this idea was the Ninth Pokémon League Champion. Much less than another Trainer at a young age, with his team making her notice Sky's rise.
Geeta was a Chairwoman first and a champion second. Realizing the great potential, Nesan said, his voice laced with excitement, "Azure Sky, I'm Nesan, the head of Rotom Technology. I've been meaning to ask, did you create the design for the Rotom Phone?"
Azure nodded his head as he admitted showing his Arc Phone, explaining in a calm tone, "Yes. It was based on the prototype I used. Why? Is it feasible to produce with current technology?"
Nesan hesitated, rubbing his chin thoughtfully before he said in an honest tone, "It's a brilliant concept, but I'll need to consult with my R&D team before I can give you a definitive answer. The idea has tremendous potential, though."
Azure nodded as it wasn't surprising to him as he said calmly, "That's understandable. Let me know what your team decides."
Nesan's expression brightened as he said in a thankful tone, "Of course! We'll be in touch to discuss the details further, including your share of the rewards. Thank you for considering us as your partners."
With that, Nesan excused himself, leaving the group of trainers to continue their conversation. Geeta smiled as she said her pitch, clasping her hands together, "I hear from Oak that you travel a lot. Would you like to join either Naranja or Uva Academy in the Paldea Region? I can guarantee you'll get your dorm room along with an additional starter Pokémon from the other regions?"
Azure paused, looking a bit confused as he asked, raising an eyebrow, "Wait? I was under the assumption it would be just one of the schools?"
Understanding Azure's point, Geeta skillfully explained the circumstances around the Academies and politely said, "True, but we have two. They just follow different philosophies in the academies, as kids or adults of all ages can attend classes. Are you interested in joining?"
Azure paused to consider this proposal. He asked carefully at Geeta curiously, "You say that new students get new Pokémon if they join? Do you think I can ask for one now if I join in the future?"
Geeta's smile widened as she heard his words. Interested, she clasped her hands together, saying happily, "Of course. But seeing as you are busy, I'll send you one of our starter Pokémon or a Paldean Pokémon of your choice as thanks for allowing Paldea this opportunity. Nothing but the best for future deals."
Azure smiled, taking Geeta's offer to him, considering it was thanks to Azure's efforts that Steel, Dark, and Fairy Type came to recognition from the Pokémon League. Not only that, but also the one who patented the new Poke Blocks in Devon Corps, which made them richer in the process.
There was no way Geeta wasn't going to let him slip away if she could convince him. It seemed like luck was on her side, gaining his attention and offering a rare Pokémon to make a formal connection.
Given a free Starter Pokémon, how could he disagree, seeing he'll head to Paldea to collect some items from there? But then Nemona said, interrupting them, "Hey! Does that mean you'll come to battle me in Paldea Azure? Great!"
Azure sighed, with Geeta laughing at Nemona's optimism for battles. With that, Azure began to discuss what Pokémon he expected to gain from Geeta's promise.