Su Yi, The Pokemon(?) Master (Pokemon X Monster Hunter Fanfic)

Watching as the Great Jagras was gradually encased in ice, Su Yi called out in concern.

"Awoo..."

The beast's roar weakened as the freezing sensation dulled its senses. Eventually, the Ice Beam completely sealed the Great Jagras in ice.

"Is this the end?" Leon remarked.

"But it was still a splendid battle."

Su Yi sighed, took out a capture ball, and said, "You've done your best. Now, come back!"

Just as Su Yi was about to retrieve the Great Jagras, the sound of cracking ice echoed through the valley.

"Graaah!"

With a furious roar, dark energy erupted from the beast, shattering the ice into countless shards that shot toward the Inteleon like tiny projectiles.

"Inteleon!"

Inteleon gasped in shock and raised its arms to block the flying ice shards.

"Oh!? Such tenacious fighting spirit!" Leon exclaimed, watching the beast break free from its icy prison in astonishment.

"Are you still going to fight?" Su Yi asked, not with excitement, but with concern.

The Great Jagras let out a low growl, but its four limbs trembled from the cold. Its heavy breaths were labored—clearly, it was on the verge of collapse. Inteleon only needed a single move to end the battle.

"That's enough. You've already grown stronger than before. Losing to a champion isn't shameful—his team could probably even take down an Elder Dragon."

Su Yi approached, brushing the frost off his companion's body. Then, he released his Chansey to heal the beast, officially ending the battle.

The Great Jagras hung its head, looking dejected and unwilling to accept defeat.

Su Yi laughed and said, "Why the long face? You haven't even bullied a Toxtricity yet, nor have you defeated a Tyrantrum, and you're already thinking about beating a champion?"

"Our journey is still long. We're just getting started."

He patted the beast's massive head reassuringly.

"roar!"

The Great Jagras's eyes gradually regained their shine. With a determined nod and a low growl, its fighting spirit returned.

At that moment, Leon approached with a smile. "That was impressive, you and your partners. If I'm not mistaken, you haven't been a Trainer for long, have you?"

With his vast experience, Leon had noticed certain details in the battle—Su Yi's Pokémon still retained habits from fighting in the wild. Their move execution and response to attacks lacked polish, which were weaknesses in high-level competitive battles.

Since Su Yi hadn't corrected these flaws, Leon deduced that he was not yet an experienced Trainer.

Su Yi had no reason to deny it. "You're right."

"Even though you're new, you already have excellent command and adaptability. Plus, you have a strong physique and a deep bond with your partners. If you refine your coordination and battle techniques, your strength will improve significantly."

Leon extended his hand. "I look forward to battling you again when you're stronger."

"It won't be too long." Su Yi grinned, shaking hands with Leon.

After the battle, Master Mustard arranged a room for Su Yi to rest. Once inside, he locked the door and traveled back to the Monster Hunter world.

The afternoon sun shone brightly over the New World, near the Ancient Forest's coastal camp.

Great Jagras was basking in the sun, digesting its meal after devouring a herbivore. Kulu-Ya-Ku rested in the shade of a tree, while Rucao and Chansey excitedly explored the area.

Lying on a sun-warmed rock, Su Yi reflected on the battle.

"My companions have gained the power of Pokémon, mainly reflected in their moves. Moves significantly boost their attack capabilities, and some even provide new combat strategies."

"If they learn more enhancing moves, they should be able to challenge creatures slightly above their ecological niche."

"But at the same time, by gaining Pokémon abilities, they must also abide by Pokémon rules."

"Type advantages, status effects, and even rule-based moves like Destiny Bond will likely affect them too. However, overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

Su Yi sighed. "Since my companions weren't born as Pokémon, their understanding of moves is still at a very basic level."

"Their battle instincts also lack polish. Just as Leon said, they need to develop proper combat discipline."

"Physically, monsters have the advantage—my Great Jagras endured nearly a dozen Sniper-boosted STAB moves from Inteleon before finally succumbing to an Ice Beam."

"But their large size can also be a disadvantage—less agility, easier to target, and so on."

Taking a deep breath, Su Yi chuckled at himself. "I've only been a Trainer for a few days, and I already fought a champion's main team, even pushing Inteleon to the brink. I should be proud—why am I even complaining?"

Standing up, he looked at the Great Jagras, who turned toward him in response. Su Yi patted its head and said, "Like I said, our journey is still long."

"Awoo!"

Back in the Pokémon world, at Master Mustard's dojo, inside Su Yi's room.

The floor was covered with an assortment of ingredients and various fruits—gathered by Rucao and Chansey near the camp in the New World. They wanted everyone to taste the exotic flavors of their homeland.

"If we're going to prepare a feast, we need to start processing the ingredients now. Let's go borrow some kitchen utensils and seasonings from Auntie Honey."

With that, Su Yi and his Pokémon carried their bundles toward the kitchen.

"Su Yi? What's all this?"

The moment they entered, they encountered Honey, who was preparing dinner with her Blissey.

"These are specialties from my home. Since you've all taken care of me, let me prepare dinner tonight as a thank-you." Su Yi smiled, holding the ingredients.

Honey raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I didn't know you could cook! What kinds of dishes can you make?"

Su Yi thought for a moment, then counted on his fingers. "Pan-fried, deep-fried, braised, stir-fried, stewed, baked... basically a bit of everything."

The variety of Palico meals was extensive—even including brewing alcohol. Aside from desserts and snacks, he had dabbled in almost every cooking method.

Honey was even more surprised. "I didn't expect you to know so much."

Su Yi scratched his head sheepishly. "To be honest, some of it is just theory. I might be a little rusty, but these ingredients are top-notch."

"Then let's prepare a grand feast together." Honey smiled.

"Alright, leave it to me!" Su Yi rolled up his sleeves and, along with his Pokémon, started processing the ingredients.

"Oh my, what an incredible aroma! Even an old man like me can't sit still!"

Master Mustard put down his game controller and walked out of his room toward the kitchen.

"Auntie Honey, are you making a feast?" Leon also emerged from his room.

"Huh? Su Yi?" Entering the kitchen, he was surprised to see Su Yi at the stove.

"Hey, Leon! I might not be your match in Pokémon battles yet, but when it comes to cooking, I'm pretty confident!" Su Yi grinned as he continued cooking.

"I'll be looking forward to it," Leon said with a smile.

"It's almost ready! Rucao, lift the lid and serve the dishes!" Su Yi sprinkled the final garnishes and seasonings, completing the last dish.

"On it, meow!" The feline cheerfully lifted the serving tray and placed the final dish on the dining table.

"Wow? Why is tonight's dinner so extravagant?" A seven- or eight-year-old boy walked into the kitchen, surprised.

"Hyde, this feast was made by Uncle Su Yi tonight," Honey said to her son.

"Good evening, Uncle," Hyde greeted politely.

"Uncle…" Su Yi chuckled bitterly. Had he already reached the age where kids called him that?

"Anyway," Su Yi took off his apron and grinned. "I hope you enjoy the meal!"

"You're being too modest, Su Yi! This table is packed with food!" Leon exclaimed in amazement.

There were large portions of pepper-grilled meat, fragrant grilled shrimp skewers, steaming hot cheese-baked potatoes, fresh mushroom soup, a full plate of rolled meat omelets, a big bowl of steamed egg custard, steamed fish, grilled fish, fish soup, and creamy stew—

Not only was there plenty of food, but each dish was packed with energy.

"Su Yi, I didn't expect you to not only cook but also prepare so many different dishes!" Leon was genuinely surprised. A Pokémon trainer had the time and energy to learn all this?

"Cooking for Pokémon is a basic skill," Su Yi said proudly, hands on his hips.

"This is basic?" Leon was dumbfounded.

"In our world of hunter-adventurers, the bare minimum is being able to grill meat properly. Before every hunt or expedition, we always feast like this," Su Yi said seriously.

Otherwise, how could they sustain the high-intensity physical demands of hunting? By eating rice balls?

"But there's too much food to finish!" Mustard muttered with a headache.

Su Yi laughed. "Good food should be shared—let's invite our Pokémon partners to join us!"

Mustard glanced at the rather cramped living room and smiled. "Since little Leon finally made it back, and Su Yi has put in so much effort to prepare this meal, why don't we make it a real celebration? Let's move to the battlefield in the back mountain and have an outdoor feast!"

...

"Come on out, everyone!" Leon released his Pokémon. Aside from his ace Charizard, the Galar starter trio, and his trusted Pokémon, he also sent out his Frosmoth and Dragapult.

"You too, come on out!" Su Yi released his own companions.

Chansey cheerfully observed the lively scene. The moment Great Jagras appeared, it locked eyes with Leon's Inteleon, sparks of challenge flashing between them. Meanwhile, the Curious Bird Kulu-Ya-Ku was fascinated by the variety of Pokémon present.

"Time to relax, my old friends," Mustard said as he released his own Pokémon: Mienshao, Luxray, Kommo-o, Corviknight, Lycanroc, and his signature Pokémon, Urshifu.

Surprisingly, Honey's Pokémon were just as formidable. Alongside classics like Blastoise and Venusaur, she had two Pokémon with the Serene Grace ability—Blissey and Togekiss—making her an absolute terror in battle.

Living with Mustard had naturally led Honey to engage in Pokémon battles, and given her natural talent as a trainer, she was anything but a mere housewife. If she were to battle seriously, her strength would rival Mustard's.

With over a dozen Pokémon now present, the battlefield in the back mountain instantly became lively. After brief introductions, everyone—both humans and Pokémon—began enjoying the feast together.

Surprisingly, some Pokémon began chatting amongst themselves.

Blissey and Chansey joyfully conversed, while Great Jagras approached Charizard, seemingly seeking guidance. Kulu-Ya-Ku instantly set its sights on the egg custard, only to realize that Dragapult was eyeing it as well. Or rather, the Dreepy living inside Dragapult's head launchers were the ones interested in it.

Since it had already eaten earlier in the day, Kulu-Ya-Ku generously shared a large portion with the delighted Dreepy.

As the atmosphere grew warmer, the gathering transformed into an exchange meeting for Pokémon.

Feeling full and satisfied, Su Yi sat at the edge of the battlefield, watching Mustard and Leon's Pokémon sparring and exchanging techniques.

Leon and Mustard finished their conversation, and Leon walked over to sit beside Su Yi.

"A beautiful sight, isn't it?" Leon said.

Su Yi nodded. "The most heartwarming moments in a journey are those filled with shared laughter and meals."

"That's why I want to protect everyone who has such beautiful moments," Leon said seriously.

Then, turning to Su Yi, he continued, "That's also why I won't pry into your identity or purpose—whether it's about the 'New Continent,' the 'Survey Team,' or being a 'Hunter.' Those are things only you truly understand."

"I trust you because of the qualities you've shown. And I hope that you will be someone who brings sugar to milk."

Su Yi was momentarily stunned but then chuckled. "Thinking too much will make you lose hair."

"Don't worry. I'm an adventurer, a traveler—I don't stay in one place for too long, unless I physically can't move anymore."

"When I got this ticket for my journey (my cheat ability), I made up my mind to travel to the ends of the world, to witness breathtaking sights, and to record the stories that are either ordinary or legendary. I'm a romantic at heart—rather than scheming and plotting, I'd rather fight monsters head-on for the thrill of it."

Leon met Su Yi's gaze. Within Su Yi's eyes, he saw the pure, unbound spirit of someone who had broken free from certain restraints—a man filled with curiosity and longing for the unknown. This was someone gradually becoming truly free.

"I believe in you," Leon said with a smile.

The feast ended with everyone—humans and Pokémon alike—completely satisfied. It also gave some Pokémon the chance to properly meet Su Yi.

After dinner, everyone dispersed. Mustard went back to his room to play video games, while his son, Hyde, followed suit, having inherited his father's homebody tendencies. Honey went off to take care of the Pokémon at the dojo.

"I'm heading back tomorrow," Leon said.

"As expected of the Champion, Such a busy guy," Su Yi commented.

"I don't have a choice. There's still a lot to handle in Wyndon City. And soon, there's going to be an exhibition match between Galar and the Paldea region," Leon said with a sigh.

"Paldea?!" Su Yi was stunned. Wasn't that the setting of the latest Pokémon game, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, that had just been announced before he crossed over?!

"You've heard of it too? Galar only recently established contact with that region," Leon said.