The Nugget Bridge stretched before Aster like a golden pathway over the river, connecting Cerulean City to the northern wilderness of Route 25. The morning sun shimmered off the water, casting long shadows across the bridge as trainers lined up, itching for battle and recognition. It was a gauntlet—five trainers in a row, each more eager than the last.
Aster walked calmly onto the wooden planks, the breeze tugging at his dark coat. His mind was calm, but not idle. He could feel it—the subtle hum of energy around him, the lingering thoughts and nervous tension from nearby Pokémon. His ability to sense their emotions had been underdeveloped for years, a quiet whisper at the edge of his mind. But now, after the battle with Cedric, he was beginning to tap into it.
The first battle was easy. A Pidgey and a Kakuna—both filled with that fearful pride that wild Pokémon wore in battles they couldn't win. Aster didn't even need to think. With Glaceon gracefully weaving across the battlefield, their opponents were swept aside with icy precision.
Second trainer—more aggressive. A Bellsprout and Metapod. Aster didn't even flinch. His awareness of the Pokémon's emotional state helped him see their desperation, their frustration. A flick of thought, and Poliwrath took the field, overwhelming them with tidal strength and calculated strikes.
By the fourth battle, Aster was refining his technique. Not just with commands—but with feeling. Sensing when an opponent would panic, when their rhythm would falter, when their focus would shift. The bridge became more than a place for battles—it was his proving ground, a space to sharpen his intuition, his insight.
The fifth trainer fell, and the man at the end of the bridge approached. His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Impressive," he said, flipping a small golden Nugget in one hand. "You've got real skill, kid. Ever think about using that power for something more... profitable?"
Aster's eyes narrowed.
"I don't work for cults," he said coldly, brushing past him without taking the Nugget. The Rocket Grunt's fake grin dropped, replaced by a glimmer of calculation.
The moment was interrupted by a familiar voice just a few feet ahead.
"Tch. You again."
Aster looked up, immediately recognizing the lean figure standing near the path to Route 25. Amber.
The same Amber he'd fought alongside in Mt. Moon. Same confident stance, same casual arrogance. But now he was different—stronger, more collected.
"You've been busy," Amber said, giving him a once-over. "Didn't think I'd run into you here."
"Guess fate's got a funny sense of humor," Aster replied coolly, though his eyes were already scanning Amber's belt. Six Poké Balls. A full team.
Amber smirked. "One-on-one last time. I've been wondering how far you've come. Up for a real fight?"
Aster nodded once. "Let's see what you've got."
They moved to the open grass near the river. No crowd, no referee—just two trainers who knew what a real battle meant.
Amber started strong, throwing out Fearow. Aster didn't flinch. He sensed the pride surging through the bird's chest—the hunger for dominance. He chose Glaceon.
The battle began.
Fearow dove with Agility and Drill Peck, but Glaceon glided across the field, graceful and unreadable. Aster didn't need to shout commands—he was synced to his partner's pulse, feeling its focus, its rhythm. Ice Beam lashed through the air, clipping Fearow's wing mid-dive. Down in seconds.
Next came Primeape. Furious. Scalding rage. But Aster could feel the chaos in its mind, knew it would overextend. Glaceon baited an attack, then struck with Shadow Ball, knocking it back before a final Ice Shard ended the round.
Amber's grin faded just slightly.
"Fine. Let's turn it up. Arcanine!"
The flame dog burst out with a roar, flames licking the air. Confident. Almost cocky. Aster exhaled slowly.
"He's not afraid," Amber noted aloud. "You're not giving him commands. That's... not normal."
"I don't need to," Aster said simply.
Amber clenched his jaw as Arcanine launched a Flamethrower, but Glaceon evaded, dancing like a wisp. A well-placed Mirror Coat rebounded the flames tenfold. One hit. KO.
Amber frowned, gripping his next Poké Ball tightly. "Let's see how you deal with this—Haunter!"
The ghost shimmered into existence, cackling, dancing around the battlefield erratically. Its emotions were harder to read—foggy, unstable—but Aster felt the cracks. Underneath the playfulness was hesitation.
Glaceon stood still. Haunter struck with Shadow Punch. Then Glaceon moved. A sharp Bite, imbued with chilling precision, dropped Haunter in two clean blows.
Amber didn't hesitate now. Machoke came out next, brimming with strength. Discipline. Confidence.
Glaceon took a hit—Low Sweep connected. But Aster had already calculated the emotional rhythm. The Pokémon was over-focused, predictable. Glaceon'sPsychic twisted through its thoughts, dropping Machoke before it could rise again.
"Last one," Amber growled, throwing his final Poké Ball. "Golem!"
The battlefield shook.
Aster raised an eyebrow. "Back to where we started."
Amber blinked, remembering. Mt. Moon. Gyarados. He tensed.
"I'm not underestimating you this time."
Aster remained silent. Glaceon was still standing. Breathing slightly heavier, but calm. They shared a glance.
Golem charged. Earthquake. Thunder Punch. Rollout.
Glaceon took the first hit—barely. Then Aster struck.
Hail.
The field changed. The sky darkened. Snow began to fall, subtle at first, then furious. Glaceon's body shimmered, blending into the storm. The Golem couldn't see. Couldn't aim.
Then came Blizzard.
The entire field lit up in white. When it cleared, Golem lay frozen and unconscious.
Amber stared, silent for a long moment.
"You've changed," he said finally. "That... wasn't just instinct. You were reading them, weren't you?"
Aster gave a small nod.
"You're not just strong. You're scary."
Aster turned toward the path without answering.
From behind the trees, the Rocket Grunt was still watching. Hidden. Eyes sharp. He'd seen enough.
He wouldn't approach again today—but next time, it wouldn't be a polite offer. Aster had made himself a target.
And the shadows were beginning to move.
Aster's Current Status
Name: Aster
Rank: Pokémon Trainer (Silver)
Age: 7
Money: ₱4,997,900 (~$3,348,593 USD)
Pokémon Team
Glaceon (Bond: 100%)
Level: 46
Ability: Snow Cloak
Moveset: Ice Beam, Shadow Ball, Blizzard, Quick Attack, Mirror Coat, Hail, Ice Shard, Wish
Gyarados (Bond: 100%)
Level: 40
Ability: Intimidate
Moveset: Bite, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail, Twister, Scary Face, Leer
Poliwrath (Bond: 80%)
Level: 32
Ability: Water Absorb
Moveset: Hypnosis, Double Slap, Water Gun, Brick Break
Lapras (Bond: 60%)
Level: 38
Ability: Water Absorb
Moveset: Ice Beam, Surf, Perish Song, Confuse Ray
Nidoran♂ (Bond: 30%)
Level: 11
Ability: Poison Point
Moveset: Poison Sting, Leer, Double Kick
Inventory
1 Pokéball (for Nidoran♂)
19 Pokéballs
12 Super Potions
3 Full Heals
3 Antidotes
2 Paralyze Heals
1 Moon Stone
1 Map of the Kanto Region