Chapter 247: Gift [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Slateport City – Shipyard]
Seeing that the Gym Leader, Norman, is interested in the current situation, Gabby exclaimed excitedly at him, "You're Norman, the new Gym Leader of Petalburg City, aren't you?! Remember me? Gabby from Hoenn TV. I interviewed you the other day!"
Norman remained waiting as Gabby excitedly thought about getting a Gym Leader on their side, 'He's investigating this case… I bet he'll help us!! Isn't this fortuitous?! Having a skilled Gym Leader on our side is even better than working with the police!!'
Gabby then goes to inform him about what had happened to Mr. Stone in a serious tone, "We'll tell you everything we know! The Devon Corporation's President Stone was attacked, and the special submarine component he was transporting was stolen near Petalburg Woods! He had his Castform with him. We're taking care of it for the time being and – "
*Push*
Before she can finish, Norman silences Gabby with a light shove as he yelled, shooting a glare at her, "That isn't what I want to know!! What I do want to know a boy was wearing a white beanie in the Pokémon Contest Hall a few days ago!!"
Gabby was baffled but recalled the news of what had occurred a few days ago. It was when Captain Stern came up explaining, "Yes. I do seem to remember the boy named Ruby was wearing that white beanie. Is he the one you're looking for?"
Norman shot Captain Stern a look and nodded as he explained bluntly, "I'm looking for my son! He ran away right after we moved here!! I want to track him down and that's all!"
Hearing this, Captain Stern nodded as he explained the best he could, informing Norman of a tip for him to follow: "If that's the case, he should be traveling with the one who defeated those thugs from burning down the place while everyone was knocked out. He is traveling with a young man by the name of Azure Sky with a Pikachu and an Eevee. From the looks of things, they seem to be traveling together, heading up ahead to Mauville City."
Norman nodded but briefly paused, hearing this. His mind flashed to a certain Champion as he pondered, 'With a Pikachu and Eevee… there's only one Trainer I know that fits that description… and that name. My boy is traveling with the Indigo Champion Azure Sky…? The hell is Ruby doing…'
Gabby hasn't given up yet, persuading Norman showed her Rotom Phone as she explained seriously, "If that's the case… here! Check in Poke-Pidgey where they were last located! From the people taking pictures here, they seemed to have just left Route 118 back to Mauville City! Now – "
But Norman stops her as he brings out his Poké Ball, bluntly declaring, "Thanks for the info. But I'm busy. Flygon!"
*Pop*
Suddenly materializing out of its Poké Ball was Flygon, the Majestic Pokémon. Flygon is a Pokémon that resembles a slightly insectoid, bipedal dragon. It is primarily light green and has a pair of large rhombus-shaped wings with red trim, toeless hind legs, and skinny arms with three-clawed hands.
Flygon's tail has several dark green stripes and three small green rhombus shapes with red trims at the end. It has large eyes and a pair of green antennae that point back. Its eyes have red covers that prevent sand from getting into them.
Flygon leaned down as Norman climbed atop its back, preparing to leave. But Gabby tries to speak to halt him, "So that boy is your…?! Norman!"
*FWP*
Norman was already flying on top of his Flygon as it took him to Mauville City. After Norman leaves to continue searching for Ruby, Gabby said seriously, "We need to meet up with the Kanto and Johto Champion Azure Sky! He'll tell us more about this mysterious organization! No… Organizations in the Hoenn Region!"
With that in mind, they began to hurry off to Mauville City immediately to catch up to Norman and Azure. Unaware to the group, sometime later, the Submarine Explorer 1 and Scanner held in the Police Station would be reclaimed later by Team Magma the following Day…
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[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Mauville City – Pokémon Center]
The electric hum of Mauville City was a familiar welcome, a vibrant symphony of commerce and Pokémon activity that pulsed through its urban heart. Azure's silhouette of calm against the city's bright energy led the way into the Pokémon Center, his steps measured and deliberate.
Beside him, his ever-present partners, Pikachu and Eevee, walked with an easy grace, their gaze taking in the bustling lobby. Pikachu's tail twitched, while Eevee's ears rotated, absorbing the sounds.
Behind them, the dynamic was a little less serene. Ruby practically bounced through the automatic doors, clutching a Poké Ball to his chest.
His voice was a cheerful cascade of words, directed at the more reserved girl walking next to him as he said excitedly, "Can you believe it, Sapphire? We actually found her! Feefee, the most perfectly imperfect little jewel in all of Route 118!"
Ruby's eyes sparkled with an almost manic glee, reflecting the image of the rare Feebas he'd recently caught as he said passionately, "She's not much to look at now, of course, but just imagine… once she truly blossoms, she'll be the most magnificent Milotic. A true masterpiece of beauty and grace!"
Sapphire gave a noncommittal hum. Her gaze was already sweeping the Pokémon Center, mentally plotting their next move, identifying the Nurse Joy, the healing stations, the battle data terminals as she said casually, "Mhm. Yes, Ruby. She's… unique. But are we actually going to get our Pokémon healed, or are we just going to stand here admiring your new aquatic 'jewel'?"
Azure turned, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. He produced a handful of Poké Balls, handing them to Nurse Joy, "Sapphire has a point, Ruby. Our Pokémon have had a long day on Route 118. Even Feefee will benefit from a check-up."
Nurse Joy nodded, her smile serene as she took the precious cargo. Pikachu and Eevee, always out of their balls, gave her a polite nod before finding a comfortable spot near Azure's feet.
Ruby, momentarily distracted from his aesthetic reverie, quickly followed suit, adding Feefee's Poké Ball to his own collection. Sapphire, ever efficient, had already handed over her partners before Ruby had finished his grand pronouncement.
They settled at a vacant table in the waiting area, a map of the Hoenn region revealed itself using they're Rotom Phone and Azure his Arc Phone between them. He observed them as they interacted, a fascinating study in contrasting passions.
Sapphire began, her finger tracing a path on the map. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, her focus unwavering as she said casually, "Alright. Once our Pokémon are ready, we should head north. Route 111 leads to the desert, and beyond that, the next Gym. I need to keep up my training if I'm going to challenge the Lavaridge Town Gym Leader soon."
Ruby, however, had already pivoted. He gestured animatedly, nearly knocking over a cup of water as he said overdramatically, "The desert? But that's all… sand. And heat. And no sparkle! My next Contest is in Verdanturf Town, though. It's a bit east, then south from here. I need to register for my Contest Pass and start practicing my appeals. Feefee needs her stage debut soon!"
A silence fell over the table, punctuated only by the distant whirring of the Pokémon healing machines. Ruby's hand hovered over Verdanturf on the map, while Sapphire's remained stubbornly fixed on Route 111.
Their paths, so intertwined since they'd first met Azure in Dewford Town, and solidified through their travels, were now diverging. It wasn't a hostile silence, but one of dawning realization.
They had grown accustomed to each other's presence, their contrasting interests often sparking lively debates that, surprisingly, often led to deeper understanding. Azure watched them, a faint, almost imperceptible nod of approval.
He remembered their initial interactions back in Dewford Town, a place where the surf met the sand, and their philosophies had clashed like two tidal waves. Ruby, with his flamboyant attitude and his obsession with the beauty of Pokémon Coordination, had found Sapphire's relentless battle training to be utterly uncouth.
Sapphire, in turn, had deemed Ruby's focus on superficial beauty a waste of precious training time. Now, looking at them across the table, Azure saw two young trainers who had matured significantly since those early days.
They hadn't just gotten used to each other; they had learned from each other. They still bickered, yes, but there was an underlying current of respect and even affection in their playful jabs.
Pikachu, sensing Azure's thoughts, nudged his leg gently, a soft cry, "Pika?"
Azure reached down, stroking Pikachu's head, then Eevee's soft fur. Azure murmured, so low only they could hear in a soft voice, "It's time, old friends. Time for them to forge their own paths, truly."
He cleared his throat, drawing Ruby and Sapphire's attention back to him. Azure said calmly, his voice calm yet firm, cutting through the tension, "You both have valid points. Sapphire, your journey requires you to continually test your strength, to face new Gym Leaders, and expand your understanding of battle."
Sapphire nodded at Azure's words. Then he continued as he gestured towards Ruby, he was saying clearly, "Ruby, your passion for beauty and performance demands that you hone your aesthetic sense and learn the art of captivating an audience. These are distinct paths, requiring different focuses and, for now, different directions."
Ruby and Sapphire exchanged a glance, their earlier playful bickering forgotten, replaced by a more subdued understanding. They knew Azure was right.
Their individual goals, once easily aligned, now demanded a separation. A small sigh escaped Ruby's lips.
Sapphire, though outwardly composed, felt a familiar knot tighten in her stomach. Despite their differences, the trio had become a comfortable unit.
Azure continued, a gentle smile gracing his features as he explained calmly to them, "It's not forever. But a Pokémon trainer and a coordinator must learn to stand on their own. To trust their own instincts and forge their own destiny. This separation, while difficult, is a necessary step in your growth."
He reached into his bag, pulling out a small, iridescent object. It glinted under the Pokémon Center lights, catching the eye with its subtle rainbow hues.
It was a Prism Scale, a shimmering fragment of solidified light, rumored to be incredibly rare. Ruby's eyes widened, recognizing it instantly. Ruby breathed, his voice hushed with awe, "What's that, Azure? Is that a… a Prism Scale you got from Steven!"
Azure nodded, placing it gently on the table between them. He continued as he explained calmly, "Indeed, Ruby. A Prism Scale. And I believe the moment to use and hand it over to you is now."
He pushed the scale towards Ruby. Ruby picked it up, feeling its smooth, cool surface, the light dancing within it.
His gaze, usually so focused on grand, sweeping gestures, was now utterly captivated by this small, precious object. Azure explained, his eyes twinkling, "For Feefee. A Pokémon of such potential, destined for magnificent beauty, deserves the very best. This scale will aid her in her journey, not just in evolution, but in reaching her full splendor. It is a symbol of your dedication to her beauty, and your unique path as a Coordinator."
Ruby was speechless, a rare occurrence. His jaw hung slightly ajar, his earlier exuberance replaced by a profound sense of gratitude and surprise.
To be given such a valuable item, a testament to his own passion, by a trainer he so deeply respected it was overwhelming. He clutched the scale, his eyes brimming with a mix of tears and unadulterated joy as he said, "Azure… I… I don't know what to say. Thank you. This is… this is incredible! Feefee will be the most magnificent Milotic the world has ever seen, I promise!"
Sapphire watched the exchange, a complex mixture of emotions swirling within her, seeing Azure's gift being given away. Envy, momentarily, that Ruby received such a rare and specific gift, but then a wave of understanding.
Azure knew them, truly saw them. He saw Ruby's boundless enthusiasm for beauty, his vision for Feebas.
Sapphire's own path was one of strength and challenge, and she knew Azure would support her in equally profound, if different, ways. Azure then looked at Sapphire as he explained calmly, "And for you, Sapphire, your journey is your own reward. Every battle won, every challenge overcome, every new strategy learned, will be your Prism Scale. Your strength, your determination, those are the tools that will shape your destiny."
Sapphire nodded, a resolute glint in her eyes as she declared, "I understand, Master. I'll make you proud. I'll earn every badge."
The Pokémon Center's automatic doors slid open, and Nurse Joy emerged, pushing a cart laden with Poké Balls as she announced, "Your Pokémon are fully healed and ready, Trainers."
The moment had arrived. Ruby, still beaming, carefully tucked the Prism Scale into a secure pouch. He whispered to her Poké Ball, "Well, Feefee, darling, our journey to Verdanturf, and ultimate beauty, begins!"
Sapphire stood, her focus sharpening as she declared, wishing her rival good luck in a happy tone, "Then it's time. Verdanturf for you, Ruby. And for me, Route 111. My next Gym Badge awaits."
Azure stood as well, Pikachu and Eevee rising with him. His gaze encompassed both young trainers, a deep pride settling in his chest. He said calmly, his voice resonating with years of experience and quiet wisdom, "Go forth. Follow your hearts, trust your Pokémon, and never stop learning. Our paths may diverge now, but they will cross again. Until then, good luck, both of you."
Ruby and Sapphire exchanged a final, poignant look. The dynamic had shifted.
No longer just traveling companions, they were now adventurers setting forth on distinct, personal quests. There was a touch of sadness at the impending separation, but also an undeniable thrill of anticipation.
The open road, with all its challenges and triumphs, beckoned each of them, whispering promises of growth and discovery. And for Ruby, the shimmer of a Prism Scale held the promise of an unbridled, magnificent beauty.
But from Azure's eyes, he saw a few people observing them with a friendly expression as they scurried off. However, Azure saw their nametags as he mentally thought, 'Team Magma… they've been spying on us.'
[Team Magma Grunt]
[Team Magma Grunt]
Viewing the name tags, Azure began formulating a plan as he coldly thought, 'If they're after me, fine. But dragging kids into this? I'll remind them why it's a bad idea, pissing me off just like how I dismantled Team Rocket.'
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A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!