Chapter 222: Zinnia
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Peatlburg Woods]
Walking through the woods, I had my Pokémon returned to their Poké Balls. Except for Pikachu and Eevee, I freely walked, enjoying my day till… someone called out to me, "Hmm… not a one to be found? Oh, young man, can you wait a second!"
There it is. I was wondering when this scene would occur.
Halting my progress out of Petalburg Woods, a scientist stopped me. He came closer as he asked me curiously, "Hello, have you seen any Pokémon called Shroomish around here? I really love that Pokémon."
*RUSTLE*
It didn't take long, as a pair came following soon after. Both were wearing a very familiar outfit that they were a matching uniform.
Red colored jumpers with maroon highlights, little horns over the hoods covering their heads. And a giant 'M' proudly displayed at the center of their clothes, there was no doubt in my mind now.
I asked, speaking out loud more than anything, "Team Magma?"
Never had I seen someone go from surprise to joyful happiness so quickly as the female grunt held her hands together in excitement, muttered, "You know about us?! Leader Maxie is right! We're super famous now!"
Being baffled by her response was not something I would consider in this situation. The other grunt, a beta male, wasn't quite happy at my apparent recognition. Instead, he ignored me, going for the scientist, demanding, "Tch. We were going to ambush you, but you had to dawdle in Petalburg Woods forever, weren't you? I was getting sick of waiting, so here we are!"
The female Magma Grunt got into position as she said, seriously, eyes narrowed, "Devon Researcher! Hand over those papers!"
The scientist was finally knocked out of his stupor. He runs up to me and cowers behind my back, looking at the Team Magma Grunts fearfully, "Aiyeeee!! You're a Pokémon Trainer, aren't you? You've got to help me, please!"
Raising an eyebrow, the female Magma Grunt asked, baffled, "Hunh? What do you think you're doing?"
The Beta Male Team Magma Grunt snorted, grinning wickedly, raising his Poke Ball, and demanded, "What, you're going to protect him? No one who crosses Team Magma gets any mercy, not even a kid!"
They hurled they're Poke Ball into the air as I stared at them dumbly. I rolled my eyes, ordering, "Sigh… It's going to be one of these days, isn't it? Pikachu… just end it with a powerful Thunderbolt."
*Pop*
Both their Pokémon were revealed to be a Slugma and a Torkoal appeared, and one of them yelled out, "Now burn – "
*BOOOOM*
Pikachu unleashed his move first as the whole area was lit up under my partner's powerful Thunderbolt. Both the grunts and their Pokémon were one-shot, so easily that the scientist's eyes widened.
*Thud*
The grunts have been knocked down. He muttered in awe, seeing my Pokémon's action, praising me in a thankful tone, "Whew… that was awfully close! Thanks to you, he didn't rob me of these important papers. Uh-oh, if they came for me, then something is happening in Rustboro City! It's a crisis! I can't stay here!"
With that, the guy finally left. Good grief… with that, I began to leave the area. I just wonder when 'she' shows up, as I have my Key Stone out in the open…
While walking out, I whispered lightly, getting my Pokémon's attention, "Marshadow… when she comes, knock her out when you get into her shadow."
/////
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Few Mins. Later, Petalburg Woods]
Unbeknownst to Azure, a third figure, clad in a sleek, more form-fitting version of the crimson uniform, watched from behind a thicket of bushes. Zinnia just came after a few minutes had passed.
Her eyes, usually burning with a fierce ambition, were momentarily wide with surprise at the sheer efficiency of Azure's movements. She had expected to see a regular trainer, perhaps a minor challenge.
But the way he commanded his Pokémon, the swiftness of the assault… it was exceptional. Then her gaze fell upon the faint, almost imperceptible gleam emanating from a device on Azure's glove – a Key Stone.
A wicked smile spread across Zinnia's face. She thought cautiously, 'This wasn't just any trainer; this was a trainer with power. And that power, specifically that Key Stone, would be mine… for Lord Rayquaza.'
Before she checked to go after him, she checked that her squad of Team Magma Grunts was safe and treated. Afterward began her report calmly, "… This is the Petalburg recon Admin Zinnia team checking in. I'm afraid I must begin with an apology, Ms. Courtney… It's not good news… the mission is a no-go… A little something cropped up and got in the way… Roger that. Got it. Will do. I'll continue investigating that energy we detected."
*Beep*
Ending her report, she grinned wickedly as she hurled her Poké Ball. Out came a Tyrantrum and Altaria as she ordered, "Make sure those two stay alive. I'll be back soon with that Key Stone for Lord Rayquaza. It's my duty as Lorekeeper."
Both of them nodded in understanding. They trusted their strong Trainer, as there weren't many who were Zinnia's match.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Petalburg Woods]
Meanwhile, as Azure turned to check on the relieved Wurmple and Zigzagoon, he turned to leave at the exit of Petalburg Woods. But…
*Crunch*
The crunching sound of grass getting crushed made him pause. Zinnia stepped out from the shadows, her presence cutting through the previously restored peace of the woods like a sharp blade.
She purred, her voice a low, dangerous growl as she said casually, "Well, now. That was quite the display, trainer. You handle Team Magma's grunts with surprising ease."
Azure turned, his expression neutral, though his hand instinctively went to the Poké Ball at his belt. He casually replied with a raised eyebrow, "And you are?"
*Woosh*
Hiding his shadow in the trees, Marshadow swiftly fled into its shadow. Zinnia fixated on Azure, didn't notice, but replied, her eyes fixed on his glove, "That is of no consequence. What matters is what you possess. That Key Stone. Hand it over, and you might just walk away from this forest in one piece."
*Zzzz*
Pikachu's cheeks began to spark, and Eevee took a defensive stance in front of Azure. His Pokémon looked at the ready but mentally thought Getting Ralts' attention using Telapthy, 'You guys aren't ready for this kind of intense battle. Take this time to see how we operate and learn from this.'
Pikachu and Eevee, still outside their Poké Balls, turned their attention to the new threat, their battle-ready stances returning. Azure chuckled, a soft, almost pitying sound as he replied casually to Zinna, "My Key Stone? That's not going to happen. It holds too much meaning for me."
Zinnia scoffed, her patience wearing thin, clenching a Poke Ball in her hand, declared, acting her role as a Lorekeeper, "Meaning? It holds power, trainer, and power belongs to those who know how to wield it! If you refuse, I'll simply take it by force. Salamence, let's go!"
*Pop*
With a flourish, Zinnia hurled a Poké Ball. It burst open, and a majestic, terrifying roar echoed through the woods as Salamence, the Dragon-Flying Pokémon, materialized.
Its vast, crimson wings unfurled, stirring up a gale, and its reptilian eyes fixed on Azure with predatory intent. Azure's expression remained unperturbed, a testament to countless battles against far more formidable opponents.
He was, after all, the Champion. Twice over.
His Eevee and Pikachu, his undeniable aces, were ready, but he always preferred to give his developing team the experience first, especially against a confident challenger. But only when the situation is survivable.
By Azure's command, his voice calm and firm with a determined expression, "Pikachu, you're up again! Agility, then Iron Tail!"
*Zooom*
Pikachu shot forward, a blur of yellow, attempting to close the distance quickly. But Salamence was fast too, its powerful wings propelling it into the air.
*Fwp*
Zinnia roared, a wild gleam in her eyes, "Salamence, Dragon Breath!"
*PEW*
A torrent of green and blue energy erupted from Salamence's maw, streaking towards Them. Pikachu, agile as it was, fully evaded the wide blast, and Eevee cast Protect, shielding Azure and itself from the attack.
*CLANG*
*Wooosh*
It twisted, taking its defensive stance. Azure pressed, "Strong Style! Iron Tail!"
*Shinng*
Pikachu, undeterred, lunged again, its tail glowing, aiming for Salamence's underbelly as it swooped low. The attack connected, drawing a pained roar from the dragon.
*CLANG*
Azure grinned slyly as he praised his Pokémon proudly, "Good! Now, Eevee! Strong Style! Body Slam!"
Eevee, acting on its own initiative, had already begun to glow with normal energy, its body crouching slightly, and prepared itself. As Salamence recovered from Pikachu's hit and ascended…
*BOOOM*
… Eevee rocketed towards it, body wreathed in shimmering white energy. Zinnia screamed, visibly annoyed, "Dodge it, Salamence!"
*BAM*
Salamence twisted mid-air, a feat of agility for such a large Pokémon, but Eevee's momentum was too great. The Body Slam attack grazed its wing, causing a jarring impact that momentarily disoriented Salamence and sent it spiraling downwards.
Azure capitalized instantly, "Now, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
*CLANG*
Pikachu leapt onto a low-hanging branch, then sprang, a cross of gray energy forming on its tail as it slashed across Salamence's chest as the dragon struggled to regain altitude. Salamence shrieked, its scales scraping against Pikachu's attack.
Zinnia's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing her face. She gritted her teeth as she thought, 'This trainer truly was different. My Salamence, a powerful force, was struggling against a Pikachu and an Eevee. This wasn't just a powerful trainer; this was a strategic one.'
Clenching her fist tightly, her eyes glared hatefully at Azure. Zinna snarled, her frustration boiling over as she growled, "Fine! If you want to play dirty, so can I! Goodra, lend your support! Sludge Bomb – ACK!"
*THUD*
Just as Zinna was about to hurl another Pokémon, she was struck from behind. Marhshadow emerged from the shadows, locking down her Poke Balls, ensuring she wouldn't get any further help as she was knocked out.
Salamence's eyes went wide as it growled, "Rao – "
*ZAP*
But before it could respond, it was struck down by Pikachu's Strong Style Thunder. It was slammed to the ground, and it fainted on the spot as Azure praised his partners, "Good work, you three. Excellent job defeating them."
Pikachu chirped happily at the praise, and Eevee barked happily, wagging its tail. Marshadow simply nodded as Azure went towards Zinna, muttering, "Now then… seeing she's out of commission… I'll check if she had any loot on her."
With that, Azure began to search Zinnia's body and belongings to see if he could find anything valuable on her. His eyes widened slightly as he found some Mega Stones and Key Items she had in her possession using [Observe] to check them out.
[Item: Swampertite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Swampert. This item helps the Swampert species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Manectite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Manectric. This item helps the Manectric species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Mawilite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Mawile. This item helps the Mawile species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Altarianite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Altaria. This item helps the Altaria species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Aggronite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Aggron. This item helps the Aggron species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Blazikenite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Blaziken. This item helps the Blaziken species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Glalitite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Glalie. This item helps the Glalie species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Salamencite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Salamence. This item helps the Salamence species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Sceptilite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Sceptile. This item helps the Sceptile species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Absolite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by an Absol. This item helps the Absol species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: TM Scroll
Rarity Item: -
Type: TM
Description: A Technical Scroll that allows the Legendary Sky High Pokémon Rayquaza to learn the Dragon-type move [Dragon Ascent].]
Azure's eyes widened, seeing that there were multiple Mega Stones he already had along with the TM Scroll. He blinked, muttering in surprise, "Well… damn. Zinnia had these Mega Stones and a few Key Stones in her Spatial Bag… neat. And the TM Scroll is a nice bonus, maybe enough to get Rayquaza someday…"
Looting Zinnia of her Mega Stones and Held Items she had. Azure turned to leave, leaving Zinna all alone as her Salamence growled at him weakly.
But he glared at it as he spoke coldly, alerting Salamence of the danger it was in, cautiously listening, "The next time she tries to go after me… just know the next time we meet, I'll show no mercy for her. Got it memorized?"
Salamence gritted its teeth but nodded its head, crawling slowly towards Zinnia. Soon, the two ran away as Salamence growled at him hatefully.
*Fwp*
Azure didn't pursue. He watched them go, his expression still calm, though a flicker of concern crossed his eyes as he muttered cautiously, "Team Magma was clearly more organized and aggressive than I had initially thought. And Zinnia... she was driven. Quite the dangerous combination…"
Azure looked up at the sky, a profound sigh escaping him. This journey to Hoenn was going to be anything but peaceful. But he was ready. He always was.
With his partners by his side, old and new, and the weight of his Champion titles a silent, bolstering presence, Azure knew that whatever challenges Hoenn threw his way, he would face them head-on.
The Key Stone pulsed faintly in his glove, a silent promise of future power, and a reminder of the battles yet to come. His Hoenn adventure had truly begun.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!