Chapter 306: Pacifidlog Town
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Pacifidlog Town]
The wind whipped around me, a symphony of rushing air and the distant cry of Wingull. Below, the vast, shimmering expanse of the Hoenn ocean stretched to the horizon, an endless tapestry of sapphire and emerald. My partner, Salamence, a majestic blue dragon, cut through the sky with powerful, rhythmic beats of its wings.
Pikachu, my oldest friend, was perched securely on my shoulder, his small body vibrating slightly with the speed, while Eevee, ever curious, peeked over my head, her floppy ears twitching as she took in the breathtaking view.
We had been flying for what felt like an eternity, navigating the intricate routes of 134, 133, and 132. Lavaridge Town felt like a lifetime ago, a distant memory of volcanic ash and bubbling springs.
Now, all that lay before us was the sprawling, unique architecture of Pacifidlog Town, a city built entirely on rafts, floating gracefully on the waves. It was a sight that never failed to impress, even after all my travels.
*Fwp*
I patted Salamence's neck gently. I murmured, my voice barely audible over the wind, "Almost there, buddy. Just a little further."
Salamence rumbled in response, a low, guttural sound that conveyed both understanding and a profound weariness. Even for a Pokémon as powerful and tenacious as my Salamence, flying nonstop across an entire region was a grueling task.
I could feel the subtle tremors in its body, the slight dip in its flight path that told me it was pushing its limits. Its eyes, usually bright with fierce determination, showed a flicker of exhaustion even if it did love flying to the extreme.
My heart ached for her. My Pokémon were my family, and seeing them push themselves to the brink always stirred a protective instinct within me.
Finally, with a sigh of relief, I spotted the familiar red roof of a Pokémon Center jutting out from one of Pacifidlog's larger rafts. I directed her, "Alright, Salamence! Let's land there."
*Fwp*
With a final, powerful surge, Salamence began its graceful descent. The world below grew rapidly, details resolving into focus: the wooden planks of the rafts, the bustling activity of other trainers and Pokémon, the gentle lapping of the waves against the town's foundations.
*Thud*
We touched down with a gentle thud near the Pokémon Center's entrance, Salamence sinking slightly onto its haunches, its massive wings folding in, a clear sign of its fatigue from overflying. I said kindly, dismounting with a light jump and immediately retrieved its Poké Ball, "Thank you, Salamence. You did incredibly well. Now, time for a well-deserved rest."
With a soft glow, Salamence was recalled, and I could almost feel its relief radiating from the Poke Ball in my hand. It was one of my trusted companions, a powerhouse in battle, and a tireless flyer.
It deserved every bit of comfort the Pokémon Center could offer. Pikachu chirped, hopping from my shoulder to land on the ground, then quickly scampering up my leg to settle back on my shoulder, giving my cheek an affectionate rub.
Eevee, dismounting my head with a surprisingly agile leap, twirled around my legs once before settling comfortably at my side, nudging my hand with her nose. I asked casually, scratching Eevee behind the ears, "You two ready for a walk?"
Her reply was a happy bark, "Bui! (Yes!)"
Pikachu gave an enthusiastic "Pika! (Sightsee time!)"
I chuckled at their enthusiasm, turning our direction to the Pokémon Center, uttering playfully, "Good. Let's get Salamence checked in first, then we can explore."
Inside the bustling Pokémon Center, the usual hum of activity filled the air. Nurse Joy greeted me with her customary smile, and I handed over Salamence's Poké Ball. I explained calmly, "Long flight, Nurse Joy. She needs a good rest and a thorough check-up."
She replied helpfully, recognizing me from my previous visits to various Centers across Hoenn, "Of course, Azure."
My reputation, it seemed, preceded me as she added playfully, "She'll be good as new in no time."
With Salamence in capable hands, I stepped back out into the unique charm of Pacifidlog Town. The entire settlement was a marvel of ingenuity, a testament to human and Pokémon cooperation.
Wooden bridges connected the various rafts, forming a maze of streets and pathways. Colorful fishing boats bobbed gently in the water, and the air was filled with the salty scent of the ocean mixed with the aroma of freshly cooked Poké Puffs.
Our primary goal in coming here was straightforward: Sky Pillar. The ancient tower, shrouded in legend and soaring high above the clouds, was said to be the abode of Rayquaza, the Legendary Sky High Pokémon.
I needed to reach it, to understand it, and perhaps, if the opportunity arose, even challenge it. But I couldn't do that with my Pokémon exhausted. A legendary confrontation demanded that my team be at their absolute peak, physically and mentally.
So, a quick pit stop to recharge and enjoy the view was exactly what we needed. As we meandered through the town, I let my mind wander.
Winning the Ninth and Tenth League Tournaments with Pikachu and Eevee felt like a different lifetime sometimes, yet their presence by my side was a constant, comforting reminder of those victories.
My team was formidable: Metagross, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Ninetales, Golduck, Crawdaunt, Salamence, Manectric, Swampert, Blaziken (Shiny), Milotic, Dusknoir, Absol, and Slaking. Each one a partner forged in countless battles, each with their own story.
But even with such a powerful roster, challenging a legendary Pokémon like Rayquaza was an entirely different league. It required more than just brute strength; it demanded strategic thinking, unwavering resolve, and sometimes, a little help from friends.
My Pokémon were strong; that was no doubt about there. But they lacked the experience to battle in high-risk scenarios or against different leagues above they're own.
Lost in thought, I found myself gazing out at the endless ocean, the gentle sway of the rafts beneath my feet almost hypnotic. It was then that an idea struck me, a flash of inspiration that brought a smile to my lips.
Friends. I had just the friend to call upon for a situation like this.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out my Arc Phone. It wasn't a standard piece of technology from this world.
It was a gift, or perhaps more accurately, an artifact, from another place, another time. It had appeared in my possession when I first found myself in this vibrant, fantastical world, a constant reminder of my unique circumstances.
It was how I occasionally kept in touch with other parts of my... larger network of friends. Or I suppose the other Gamers.
I tapped the screen, navigating to a specific contact. As the call initiated, I found myself pondering how Celebi and Ho-Oh were doing.
I'd caught them during my Johto journey, two magnificent legendaries who had trusted me enough to become my partners. Celebi, the Guardian of the Forest and Time, and Ho-Oh, the Guardian of the Skies, whose feathers brought happiness.
They were incredible beings, and I cherished their friendship. The Arc Phone buzzed, and then, the screen flickered to life.
*Beep*
On the other end, in what looked like a vibrant, timeless forest, Celebi hovered playfully, its small body bobbing mischievously. Perched majestically behind it, its glorious rainbow wings spread wide, was Ho-Oh, radiating an aura of serene power.
And, to my amusement, Celebi was holding a Rotom Phone, its tiny green finger hovering over the screen, displaying a crude, but effective, translation of its Pokémon speech. The Rotom Phone's synthesized voice chirped, translating Celebi's energetic telepathic greeting, "Azure! Bui! Bei! What brings you to call from the sunny Hoenn?"
They were using a Rotom Phone to bridge the gap, the technology somehow adapting to their unique circumstances. I greeted, my voice filled with genuine affection, "Celebi, Ho-Oh! It's been a while. I was thinking of you both. Glad to see you two are doing well. Hoenn's great, but I've run into a bit of a… legendary hurdle."
Celebi tilted its head, its large blue eyes sparkling with understanding. Ho-Oh, magnificent even on a phone screen, let out a soft cry that resonated with wisdom. The Rotom Phone translated Ho-Oh's words, "Rayquaza, I presume? We sensed a shift in the currents of time associated with the Sky High Pokémon. I guess those two are waking up. What help do you require, my Rainbow Hero?"
My heart swelled at the title. Ho-Oh had bestowed it upon me, a recognition of my spirit and my connection to the mythical birds. But I focused on the task as I explained, "Exactly. I'm heading to Sky Pillar, but I need… an advantage. Something to help bridge the immense power gap. And perhaps… a formidable ally."
Celebi bobbed its head vigorously. Celebi's eyes filled with ancient wisdom and a hint of mischief. It conveyed a message, translated by the Rotom Phone, "Understood! Chirp! One moment! I'll get the gift!"
*Ripple*
Immediately, a shimmering, green ripple appeared in the space right beside me, distorting the air like heat haze. It expanded rapidly, forming a small, stable portal.
From within, Celebi's tiny green arm reached out, extending a small, spherical object. My eyes widened as I recognized it.
It was the Jade Orb or the Green Orb. I reached out, my fingers closing around the surprisingly warm, smooth surface of the artifact. The weight of it felt significant, heavy with history and immense power.
I breathed, my mind racing, "The Jade Orb…"
I knew this item, not from this world's lore, but from the manga I'd read in my previous life. Specifically, I recalled Norman's revelation in the 'It All Ends Now V' chapter, detailing the Pokémon Association's failed attempt to create an artificial "Green/Jade Orb" to control Rayquaza.
They had captured and studied the legendary beast, trying to harness its power, but ultimately failed to complete their control device. And now, the actual Jade Orb, potentially the very item they had tried to replicate, was in my hands.
The implications were staggering to say the least. This wasn't just an advantage; this was a game-changer. [Observe].
[Item: Jade/Green Orb
Rarity Item: S+
Type: Key Item
Description: A shiny green orb that is said to have a legend tied to it. It's known to have a deep connection with the Hoenn region Sky High Pokémon. It was created by taking some of the life force of the Sky High Pokémon. However, using it will enter Rayquaza's consciousness and could have dire consequences…]
This will be very handy to deal with Rayquaza. Celebi's voice chirped through the Rotom Phone, "Indeed! A natural conduit to the Sky High Pokémon's power! It will aid you greatly, allowing for communication and perhaps even a temporary alliance."
Before I could fully process the Jade Orb, Celebi, with another energetic chirp, tossed something else through the portal. This time, it was a Premier Ball, shimmering with a familiar, ethereal glow.
It landed softly in my outstretched hand. Ho-Oh's Premier Ball. Celebi chirped mischievously, "Ho-Oh wishes to assist personally! A grand spectacle, indeed! I, however, will be quite busy for a while, weaving through various timelines to correct some… anomalies that have arisen. Chirp chirp! I'll return in a few months, once my temporary duties are complete. Good luck! The fate of a legend awaits!"
*Beep*
And with a final, mischievous wink, the portal sealed itself shut, and the Arc Phone screen went blank. I stared at the spot where the portal had been, then at the Jade Orb in one hand and Ho-Oh's Premier Ball in the other.
A wide grin spread across my face. Celebi was always good for a grand entrance and an even grander exit.
I brought Ho-Oh's Premier Ball up to eye level. I murmured, my voice filled with a mix of awe and respect, "Hey there, old friend. You heard Celebi. Rayquaza. Are you strong enough to battle the Sky High Pokémon?"
A wave of warmth emanated from the Premier Ball, a familiar feeling of connection. Then, a voice, not spoken aloud but resonating directly within my mind, answered, 'Rayquaza the Sky High Pokémon… a formidable opponent, even for me, the Guardian of the Sky. Its power over the atmosphere is absolute. I am… unsure, my Rainbow Hero. The outcome of such a clash is never certain.'
My grin softened. Ho-Oh was honest, always.
It never boasted, never underestimated. However, its voice continued, gaining a new surge of power, 'But… under your guidance, under the command of the Rainbow Hero I chose to follow… I will do my very best. My flames will burn brighter than ever, and my spirit will be unwavering.'
A thrill shot through me. That was all I needed to hear. Ho-Oh's trust in me, its unwavering loyalty, was a profound honor.
I replied thankfully, squeezing the Premier Ball gently, "That's all I can ask for, Ho-Oh. Together, we can face anything."
With the Jade Orb and Ho-Oh now firmly in my arsenal, I felt a surge of confidence wash over me. My bases were secured.
I had a way to potentially influence Rayquaza and a legendary ally capable of challenging it, guided by my own strategic mind. And then, there was always the ultimate backup plan I have in mind...
I patted the utility belt around my waist, my fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface of three distinctive Ultra Balls. Inside, resting patiently, were the legendary Regi Trio: Regice, Registeel, and Regirock.
I'd sought them out during my Hoenn journey, sensing their immense power and their potential to be invaluable allies. They were my absolute last resort, a contingency for when things truly looked dire.
I preferred to face Rayquaza on more equal terms, but it was always good to have a nuclear option, blasting it with Strong Style Explosion. I mean, every Nuzlocker always paled in fear meeting them only to go boom.
Eevee nuzzled my hand. Pikachu nudged my leg, then let out a curious cry, sensing the shift in my mood, "Pika? (Everything alright, partner?)"
I assured them fondly, bending down to scratch Eevee behind the ears, "It's nothing to worry about, guys. Just making sure we're ready for our next big adventure."
I spent the next hour simply catching up with Ho-Oh, communicating through the Premier Ball. I recounted my journey through Hoenn so far, the vibrant landscapes, the kind people, the challenging battles, even the delicious Poké Puffs.
Ho-Oh listened, its telepathic responses filled with a quiet wisdom, offering insights and observations that only a being of its ancient stature could provide. It was a moment of calm before the storm, a chance to simply enjoy the present, the clear Hoenn sky, and the comforting presence of my partners.
But beneath the calm, a tremor of pure, unadulterated excitement pulsed within me. The confrontation was coming. Ho-Oh, the magnificent Rainbow Pokémon, the Guardian of the Sky, is battling against Rayquaza, the awe-inspiring Sky High Pokémon.
Two legends, clashing beneath the vast Hoenn heavens. The thought alone sent shivers down my spine, and I could barely contain the grin that threatened to split my face. I almost couldn't wait for such a confrontation. This was what being a Pokémon Trainer was all about.
This was why I was here. Bring it on, Rayquaza.
Because it was time to game on!
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!