Chapter 253: Departure
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Nighttime, Mauville City]
Norman continues to leave till he receives a call from Winona, a fellow Gym Leader. Picking up his Rotom Phone, he asked bluntly, "Sigh… what?"
*Beep*
Finally, answering through Winona from the other end, replied sternly, "Hello, Norman? It's Winona. Remember me? Fortree City's Gym Leader…"
Norman sighed as he bluntly replied, "You again… what is it now?"
Winona began to explain over the Rotom Phone in a stern tone about Norman's actions, "That's some greeting! Especially coming from someone who has been neglecting their Gym Leader duties!"
Norman rolled his eyes as he asked, "Where are you?"
But then got a response muttering, "Look up."
*FLAP*
Norman looked up, seeing Winona riding her Altaria, along with her fellow Gym Leader, Flannery, the Fire-type Gym Leader. Winona sighed as she asked sternly, "I hope you have a good excuse for leaving your Gym unattended for such a long time without notifying the Pokémon Association… I came looking for you because trainers have been complaining that you're never in when they come to challenge you. Both you and Flannery here are still Rookie Hoenn Gym Leaders… and I'm under orders to supervise you two. I'm taking you back to the Association headquarters with me!!"
Flannery rubs the back of her head nervously as she explains herself, "Hahaha… I'm being scolded for not being at the Gym because I left to train more."
Winona sighed at Flannery's explanation as she asked Norman, "Uh-huh. You can explain yourself when we get back."
Norman sighed, seeing he was left with no choice. Winona had Altaria fly down as they picked Norman up, taking him to the Pokémon Association.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Mauville City]
*VRM*
*VRM*
On the Route to Mauville City, Gabby and Ty drive down the road as it begins to rain, with Ty driving the car, asking disappointedly, "Sigh… we didn't learn anything substantial at the shipyard."
Gabby, on the other hand, had her arms crossed as she muttered sternly with a determined expression, "But we can't stop pursuing this story. No, as long as some evil organization is lurking in the shadows of the Hoeen Region! Oh! The Castform is…"
*Womwom*
The rain outside caused Mr. Stone's Castform to change into its Rainy form. But they quickly returned to their topic of conversation, "Our TV Station has given us the go-ahead to follow up on this. Let's see what we can find out!"
Ty smiled as he asked curiously, following Gabby's lead, "All right! So now we're going… where exactly?"
Gabby smirked, revealing her Rotom Phone of showing a webpage of Pokémon Hot News as she replied smugly, "To find that Kanto Champion who met the Gang in the red uniforms… Thanks to the Pokémon Hot News, he was last sighted staying at the Pokémon Center in Mauville City. Norman certainly made a huge fuss over there."
Ty chuckled lightly as Castform eyed the Rotom Phone, perplexed as Ty said, "Ah, the power of the internet. Once again has shown its greatness. Alright, I'll pedal to the metal, Gabby! We'll be there soon anyway…"
With renewed determination, Gabby and Ty nodded they're heads in agreement. Nearing Mauville City in the distance, they'll get their answers one way or another, learning the secret organizations that threaten the Hoenn Region…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Mauville City]
The next morning, the air was crisp and revitalizing, carrying the faint scent of distant forests. The bustling energy of Mauville City was already in full swing, but the mood within the small group was contemplative, tinged with a bittersweet anticipation.
Their paths, intertwined for a time, were about to diverge. Azure had packed his essentials with practiced efficiency. His Pokémon, all safely ensconced in their Poké Balls, felt like a comforting weight at his side.
Pikachu sat proudly on his shoulder, and Eevee walked confidently at his heels, their usual positions. Sapphire explained, pointing north on a map she'd spread out on a table, "So, Master and I will head towards Route 111…"
Her finger traced a path through arid lands and challenging terrain. Her eyes sparkled with the eagerness of a student ready to absorb every lesson as she said excitedly, "There's another route there leading to Mt. Chimney or Jagged Pass. Both are good places to start my training and learn some survival skills."
Ruby nodded, pointing west. He gave his elegant Pokémon a gentle pat, and she responded with a soft rub against his leg as he said, "And I'll head to Verdanturf Town. It's not too far, a short walk on Route 117. I need to get my Coordinator's license there, and then I can start preparing for my first contest. I want to make sure I'm ready; my Gardevoir and I will be flawless."
A moment of quiet fell between them, the reality of their separation settling in. They had grown accustomed to each other's company, their contrasting personalities creating a dynamic, if sometimes chaotic, group.
Azure looked at them both, a calm, steady presence. He said calmly with a grin on his face in a soft voice, "Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. For you, Sapphire, this will be a test of endurance, of learning to trust your instincts and your Pokémon in new environments. Observe, learn, and grow. And for you, Ruby, this is a chance to define your own artistry. Let your passion guide you, but never forget the well-being and happiness of your Pokémon."
He placed a hand on each of their shoulders. He continued as he said proudly, "We will meet again. Hoenn isn't so big that our paths won't cross. Until then, always strive to be better trainers, better people."
Ruby and Sapphire exchanged a look, a silent promise. Sapphire affirmed, her voice filled with resolve, "We will, Master! After all, our bet is still on, right?"
Sapphire gazed at Ruby, who nodded with an eager grin. Ruby declared, a mischievous glint in his eye, already contemplating his stage debut, "But of course. And I'll make sure my next performance is worthy, that will move my old man to tears!"
With final waves and heartfelt goodbyes, they stepped out of the Pokémon Center and into the bustling streets of Mauville. For a few more moments, their paths aligned as they walked together towards the city's outskirts.
Then, at a fork in the road, they paused. Sapphire said, a genuine warmth in her voice, "Good luck, Ruby! Don't let your Gardevoir outshine you too much!"
Ruby feigned indignation. But a sly smile appeared on his face as he replied passionately, "Impossible! We are one! And Sapphire, don't get too dusty in those routes. You'll ruin your complexion!"
Azure simply smiled, appreciating their playful banter. He waved Ruby off as he said casually, "May your journeys be fruitful and safe."
Ruby gave a quick wave, then, with Gardevoir gliding beside him, turned west towards the path leading to Route 117. His steps were lighter now, imbued with a newfound freedom and purpose.
He imagined the vibrant stage lights of the contest hall, the admiring gasps of the audience, the perfect pirouette of his Gardevoir. He felt his Mega Ring on his wrist, a constant reminder of his father's blessing and the incredible power he would soon wield with his partner.
The journey to Verdanturf was more than just a walk for Ruby; it was the first step on his chosen path, a path of beauty, grace, and unbreakable bonds. As Ruby's figure grew smaller in the distance, Azure and Sapphire turned north, towards Route 111.
The city gradually receded behind them, replaced by rolling hills and scattered patches of dry grass. The air grew warmer, and the landscape began to hint at the arid desert that lay further ahead.
Sapphire said excitedly, her eyes scanning the horizon, already looking for new things to learn, "So, Route 111, Master… What's the first lesson?"
Azure's gaze swept across the landscape, his experienced eyes picking out details Sapphire might miss. He chuckled as he said calmly, "Observation, Sapphire. Always observe. The terrain, the weather, the wild Pokémon. Each tells a story, each offers a lesson. Right now, I see the early signs of a strong midday sun, so we'll need to manage our water. And I see tracks of a Sandshrew, indicating ground-type Pokémon are common here. It's also a good place to consider what kind of Pokémon would thrive in this environment, which might give you clues for your future partners."
Pikachu chirped, pointing a small paw towards a particularly gnarled tree in the distance, where a tiny, green leaf fluttered defiantly in the dry air. Eevee bounded ahead, sniffing at a patch of unfamiliar berries.
Sapphire pulled out her Pokédex, ready to scan anything new as she exclaimed, "Right! Of course, Master!"
This was it. No more city comforts, no more familiar faces every day. This was the wild, vast Hoenn, waiting to be explored. She touched the Mega Ring on her wrist, a quiet strength settling within her.
She didn't know when she would Master Mega Evolution, but she knew that with Azure by her side, she would succeed. And she knew that when she did, she and her future partners would be ready for anything.
Azure walked beside her, his steps steady and purposeful. He looked at the vast sky above, a sky that held endless possibilities, just like the region stretching out before them.
His own Pokémon, silent in their Poké Balls, were resting, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. The road ahead promised scorching heat and hidden oases, ancient secrets and discoveries. And they, Azure and Sapphire, were ready to meet it all.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Route 117]
Meanwhile, with Ruby departing from Azure and Sapphire, he walked down his own path. His own dreams.
The lush greenery of Route 117 welcomed him, a stark contrast to the sterile urbanity of Mauville. Pokémon chirped from the trees, and the gentle breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers. This was his element.
He imagined the graceful movements, the dazzling appeals, the perfect poses he would soon craft. His Gardevoirite, tucked safely in his bag, felt like a promise of future glory as he grinned fondly.
He walked for a while, lost in his musings, until a sudden voice cut through the serene quiet with the sounds of a car nearby, "Excuse me! Excuse me, young man!"
*VRM*
*VRM*
Ruby turned to see a woman with a microphone, her bright blue hair standing out against the green backdrop, rushing towards him. Behind her, a burly man with a camera struggled to keep up.
It was Gabby, the renowned TV news reporter, and her loyal cameraman, Ty. Gabby panted, thrusting the microphone forward, "Are you… Are you by any chance traveling with the Kanto League Champion, Azure Sky?"
Ruby blinked, momentarily flustered. But then he replied, a touch of disappointment in his voice, "Uh, no, not right now… We just separated. I'm heading to Verdanturf for my Contest license."
Gabby's shoulders sagged slightly, a flicker of journalistic frustration crossing her face. She growled out loud as she yelled, "Oh, blast! We just missed him! We'd just had to stop for breakfast before he left town! Ty, did you get that?"
Ty grunted, adjusting his camera as he gave a thumbs up, replying coolly, "Got it, Gabby. No Azure."
But as Gabby turned to confer with Ty, Ruby's eyes weren't on them. They were drawn to something small, cloud-like, and utterly enchanting, floating nervously beside Ty's leg. It was a Castform, its spherical body shimmering faintly, its large, expressive eyes darting nervously between the humans.
Gabby, sensing Ruby's distraction, followed his gaze. She said, a little dismissively, making an excuse, "Oh, her? That's Castform. Mr. Stone left him with us for a segment, wanted us to highlight his weather-changing abilities. But she's been rather… shy. Won't perform for the camera."
As Gabby spoke, Castform seemed to shrink further, a tiny cloud trying to hide behind Ty's much larger leg. But when Ruby took a tentative step closer, a wide, genuine smile gracing his features, Castform paused.
Ruby knelt, extending a hand slowly, not to touch, but to offer a silent invitation. Ruby murmured, his voice soft, almost reverent, "Oh, you're so beautiful! Look at the gentle way your form shifts, reflecting the very air around you. It's like a living, breathing poem."
To Gabby and Ty's astonishment, Castform, which had been so skittish moments before, slowly, tentatively floated towards Ruby's outstretched hand. Its cloud-like body pulsed with a faint, warm glow, and its eyes, previously filled with anxiety, seemed to soften, reflecting the admiration in Ruby's own.
It nudged its head gently against Ruby's palm, a low, contented murmur escaping its form. Ruby's smile widened, a pure joy emanating from him, "Cas!"
Gabby watched the interaction, her reporter's instincts tingling. This wasn't just a friendly Pokémon; this was a bond, instantaneous and undeniable.
Ty, however, remained confused as he asked, "Gabby, are we still filming?"
Gabby waved a hand dismissively. She turned to Ruby, a new idea sparking in her eyes as she asked curiously, "Ty, look at that! I've never seen Castform so comfortable around someone other than Mr. Stone. She wouldn't even let us get a close-up for the weather report! Young man, what's your name?"
He replied, still gently stroking Castform, "Ruby."
Gabby repeated, her voice taking on a persuasive tone as she said excitedly, "Ruby. Would you… Would you be willing to take care of Castform? She clearly likes you, and we're on a tight schedule, chasing down leads. She's a wonderful Pokémon, truly, but she needs someone who appreciates his unique beauty."
Ty was baffled. He grabbed Gabby, whispering in a worried tone, "Gabby, we can't just give away Mr. Stone's Pokémon!"
Gabby retorted dismissively, then turned back to Ruby, her expression earnest as she said curiously, "It's not 'giving away,' Ty, it's… temporarily re-homing for his comfort! What do you say? She'd be a fascinating addition to your Pokémon team, I'm sure."
Ruby didn't hesitate at the offer. He stood up, Castform happily floating beside him, rubbing against his arm as he declared happily, "Yes! Absolutely! I would be honored to care for him! He's magnificent!"
Gabby smiled, a triumphant glint in her eyes that Ty certainly didn't fully comprehend. As they packed up their equipment, Gabby leaned in to Ty, her voice low, whispering to him, "Think about it, Ty. He said he just separated from Azure. A gut instinct tells me following Ruby might lead us back to Azure somehow. And besides…"
She looked around before her voice dropped even lower, whispering to Ty, "We've been trying to find news about those people who attacked the Pokémon Contest Hall in Slateport City last week… the ones wearing red hoods. If Ruby is heading into the Contest circuit, he might just stumble upon something. It's a long shot, but we need some lead. This Castform will be our connection."
Ty still looked unconvinced, but he knew better than to argue with Gabby when she had that look in her eye as he rolled his eyes, muttering, "Whatever you say, Gabby."
Gabby announced, her professional smile back in place, "Wonderful! We must be off then, Ruby. Good luck on your journey, and with Castform! Do keep us updated if anything… interesting… happens."
She winked, then hurried off with Ty in tow, leaving Ruby standing on Route 117 with his newest, most unexpected companion in his journey. Ruby watched them go, Castform fluttering happily around him.
He now had a Mega Ring, powerful Mega Stones, a clear path to his dream, and a new, gentle Pokémon who immediately trusted him. He held up his hand, and Castform settled onto his palm, a tiny, contented cloud.
The thought of the "red hoods" Gabby mentioned sent a shiver down his spine, a stark contrast to the beauty he sought. But for now, that was a distant worry.
His future, and Castform's, stretched out before him, bright and full of promise, towards Verdanturf Town and the glittering stages of the Pokémon Contest circuit as he spoke to Castform, offering a nickname, "Alright then… since you're joining, I'll call you Fofo! How about it?"
Castform, now named Fofo, cried happily following behind Ruby, "Cass!"
Ruby grinned as he began to travel his path ahead. Renewed with determination, he grinned as he muttered, "No worries, guys… I'll beat the Pokémon Contest soon enough. It won't be hard at all…"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 50 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!