Chapter 151: Purpose…
~Azure S. POV~
[Johto Region, Next Day, Olivine City – Café]
The next morning, I stood at the Olivine City Pokémon Center, the familiar hum of the healing machines a comforting backdrop. I was reorganizing my team, preparing for the aquatic challenge that lay ahead on Route 41.
The Johto region was proving to be a fascinating blend of familiar faces and new challenges, and I was eager to explore more. My fingers danced over the Poké Balls in my hand.
My land-based Pokémon had served me well, but for the ocean route, I needed Pokémon with a different skillset. I decided to send them back to Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town, where they could relax and train.
They'd be ready for the next leg of my journey when I needed them. In their place, I retrieved Blastoise, Lapras, Kingdra, and Dragonite from Prof. Oak.
These were veterans from my earlier adventures, each a powerhouse in their own right. Alongside my trusty Shiny Gyarados and the ever-reliable Quagsire, I felt confident facing whatever the ocean threw at me.
Not only that, though, having Dragonite again made me feel happy. Pikachu and Eevee greeted an old friend as Celebi looked at Dragonite with interest.
I figured getting an old teammate would be helpful, as I don't know when the next Trial will pop up. And if I fought in the sea against Suicune… at least I would be prepared for a sea battle if the situation occurs.
Best to be prepared for anything the world comes at me. Not only that, it's good to have some good friends and new ones in my journey.
Just as I was about to step out of the Pokémon Center and head west towards the docks, a gentle voice stopped me. I recognized the voice as she said, "Azure, wait!"
I turned to see Jasmine hurrying towards me, her long, flowing hair swaying with each step. She said, a slight blush coloring her cheeks, "Before you leave, would you mind if I showed you around Olivine City? As a thank you for helping Amphy, and… well, I just thought you might enjoy seeing more of the city."
I blinked, surprised by the offer. I wasn't in a rush, and frankly, the prospect of spending a little more time in Olivine City, especially with Jasmine as my guide, was appealing. I mean, who can say having a pretty girl show me around?
That doesn't happen often… eh, it does. But only Fan Girls would try that, and I don't find them appealing.
But cute girls like Jasmine, and who's a great battler? I might consider if it's in a relationship or Whitney's naïve nature, along with her boobs and her ass.
But that's a story for another time. I said, a genuine smile spreading, "I'd be honored, Jasmine. I'm always up for exploring a new place."
Her face lit up, and she led me out of the Pokémon Center and into the bustling streets of Olivine City. The air was thick with the scent of the sea and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares.
Jasmine was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable about the city's history and eager to share its secrets. Pikachu chirped happily in my arms, and Eevee in Jasmine's as she petted it happily.
And as for Celebi… it went to sleep in my backpack. Suppose all that surfing on my Arc Phone all night might've made it tired—either that or time-traveled to somewhere important needing its attention.
We strolled along the waterfront, where fishing boats bobbed gently in the harbor and Wingull wheeled overhead. Jasmine pointed out the various landmarks, including the Olivine Lighthouse, a towering structure that served as a beacon for sailors, as she explained, her voice filled with pride, "The lighthouse is the heart of Olivine City. My family has been tending to it for generations. We have to ensure that ships can navigate safely through these waters."
We visited the local market, a vibrant maze of stalls overflowing with fresh seafood, colorful fruits, and handcrafted goods. Jasmine introduced me to some of the vendors, each of whom greeted her with warmth and respect.
I sampled some local delicacies, including a particularly delicious seaweed snack, and bought a small, intricately carved wooden Lapras as a souvenir. As we walked, Jasmine told me about her life in Olivine City, her passion for Steel-type Pokémon, and her dedication to her role as Gym Leader.
I, in turn, shared stories from my journey, recounting my adventures in Kanto and the challenges I'd faced in the Johto region. We even stopped at a small café for a break, where we sipped on iced tea and watched the world go by.
Jasmine spoke openly about her struggles with her duties, the loneliness she felt sometimes, and the pressure of maintaining the lighthouse, all while balancing her role as a Gym Leader. I listened intently, offering words of encouragement and support.
As the afternoon wore on, Jasmine led me to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city, a hidden cove with a sandy beach and crystal-clear water. The waves lapped gently against the shore, creating a soothing melody.
It certainly helped soothe the mood. She said, her voice barely above a whisper, "This is one of my favorite places in Olivine City. It's where I come to relax and clear my head."
We sat in silence for a few moments, simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of the cove. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
It was at that moment that Jasmine said, breaking the silence in a soft voice, "Thank you, Azure. For everything. For helping Amphy, for the battle, and for… for listening. It means a lot to me."
I turned to face her, my heart touched by her words. I said, sincerity lacing my voice, "It was my pleasure, Jasmine. You're a remarkable person, and I'm glad I had the chance to get to know you better."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the beach, we slowly made our way back to Olivine City. We stopped in front of the Gym, where we said our farewells.
Jasmine said, her eyes sparkling in the fading light, in a soft voice, "I hope you have a safe journey, Azure. And I hope you'll come back to Olivine City someday."
I promised, reaching out and taking her hand as I said confidentially, "I will, I'll never forget my time here."
I released her hand and turned to leave, Pikachu and Eevee trotting at my side. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude.
Jasmine was a kind and inspiring person, and I was lucky to have met her. We've even exchanged phone numbers so we can talk. Grinning ahead, I began to turn onto Route 41 in the distance.
Just as I was about to turn to leave, straight ahead, I was halted by a recognizable voice, "I have some beef with you! Hold up!"
I paused, hearing his voice. Turning around, I was greeted by Will, blinking a bit surprised as I bluntly asked, "Oh? Hey Will. Where's your sidekick, Karen?"
Will snorted at my words as he shook his head. Regaining his composure, he declared in a serious tone, "We separated to collect the Gym Badges. After all… the Masked Man's goals are no longer operational thanks to you…"
I held a smug grin as I adjusted my cap. I couldn't help but ask curiously with a raised eyebrow, "Oh? Good for him then. But I suppose you want to battle me before challenging the Steel Type Gym?"
Will grinned confidently as he declared in a proud tone, "Hmph! She'll be a cake walk! I'm far stronger than I was before, and you'll be a perfect warm-up!"
I'll be the first to admit he had the balls to challenge me. But I've also trained my team hard, and I just had my rotation changed.
Not only that, I suppose a good reminder and refresher of my Water-type team moves would be needed. Just in case Suicune fought me in the Sea Charted Routes.
Will would be a perfect target practice. Smirking at this, I decided to accept his challenge as I said casually, "Very well then. But we'll make it a 2v2 to make it quick, as I'm a man who needs to go places. And so do you…"
Will only smirked, accepting my battle conditions as he said in a confident tone, "Heh. It'll be a cakewalk with your weak team."
Oh boy… someone's in need of a quick humbling. But who to choose against this guy? Hmm…. I believe these two will do just fine. With that, we began walking to a place where we could battle.
/////
~Leaf G. POV~
[Kanto Region, Meanwhile, Victory Road]
I couldn't believe the news as I read Silver's report. The Masked Man and his legion gone just like that?
I couldn't help but feel… cheated. I frowned at this with my Pokémon beside me, as my goal had just… ended.
I'm having a hard time processing this, as Silver sent me this message a few days ago as I began my path around Victory Road. I came here to capture the Flame Pokémon Moltres after seeing pictures of it online.
I figured I would battle the Masked Man with Legendary Pokémon against his own, starting my quest to collect the Kanto Bird Trio. But hearing a Gym Leader took him out was… hard to digest.
I paused on my journey, continuing to hear the news as I felt… lost. I could only inhale deeply and exhale as I knew there wasn't anything I could do about it.
Just wish I could get my closure, perhaps. Or justice… I guess there's nothing to do about it.
But as I think about this, I smile as if a burden in my chest lifted as I said happily, "Then that just means I could focus on finding my parents. And Silver's too."
Yeah. That sounds like a good plan, hearing the original one was scrapped. And what's the best way to do it, though…?
Checking my Rotom Phone, thank god for Azure helping invent these convenient devices, I saw the annual Pokémon Tournament. The Pokémon League Tenth Championship is supposed to be very different from the previous 9 Championships.
The Indigo Plateau Conference, the name is still up for debate. It's something the previous Champion suggested as a reward for helping save the Kanto Region.
A competition that happens once every 3 years. The most interesting part, though, is that the Ninth Pokémon League Champion suggested this and made plans for Trainers to test their might, along with cash rewards of the Kanto Region.
He has a lot of MONEY to spend. Considering that his getting a lot of cash from his TM's, 0.5% profit shares from Rotom Industry, and Devon Corp., and people are buying ALL his products in bulk.
Hmm… I paused, considering a passing thought. Would entering this year's Pokémon Tournament make me and Silver's parents notice us out in the open…
The thought was possible in theory. And… I grinned slyly as I muttered out loud, "I could use some payback against Azure for making me lose in the previous one. And Silver is competing from what I heard of him…"
Yeah. I think I'll compete and… overpower my opponents.
I mean, there is a Moltres around here… and who wouldn't want a Legendary Pokémon to ensure complete victory?