Chapter 312: Fortree Reunion
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Days Later, Fortress City]
Days had passed since Sapphire had stood on Mt. Chimney, the acrid scent of ozone and the sinister shadow of Team Aqua's ambitions still fresh in her mind. The threat they posed to Hoenn's delicate balance had irrevocably shifted her focus.
Defeating Gym Leaders, once her primary goal, now felt secondary to stopping the eco-terrorists. To grow stronger, to temper her raw power into something capable of confronting such a malevolent force, she had set her sights on Fortree City, a rumored gathering place of Hoenn's Gym Leaders.
The canopy metropolis, a city built among the colossal trees, promised a unique challenge and, hopefully, the power she sought. As her feet touched the smooth, wooden walkways suspended high above the forest floor, the vibrant life of Fortree embraced her.
Exotic Pokémon flitted between branches, and the air hummed with a serene energy. Her keen eyes, always scanning for potential trouble or opportunity, quickly spotted a small commotion near one of the larger, spiraling trees.
A young Picnicker, a girl with braided hair named Kylee, was frantically trying to coax her Zigzagoon down from a precariously high branch. The small Pokémon, usually so playful, looked unsteady, its fur ruffled and its movements sluggish.
Kylee pleaded, stretching an arm up, her fingers just brushing the branch, "Come on, Zigzagoon, please!"
The Zigzagoon whined, swaying slightly. Sapphire frowned.
*CRACK*
The branch looked thin, old. Before she could call out, a sharp crack echoed through the air. The branch snapped with a groan, sending both the terrified Zigzagoon and a gasping Kylee, who had impulsively lunged forward, plummeting earthward.
*Wooosh*
Without a second thought, Sapphire moved. Years of exploring Hoenn's wilderness had honed her instincts and agility. She vaulted onto the nearest trunk, her specialized climbing boots finding immediate purchase.
With practiced ease, she scaled the tree, a blur of motion. Mid-fall, she reached out, a strong arm wrapping around Kylee's waist, another hand gently scooping up the dazed Zigzagoon.
She deftly swung them both onto a sturdier branch before leaping back down to the ground, landing with a soft thud, Kylee and her Zigzagoon safe in her grasp. Kylee, flushed with a mixture of terror and relief, stared at Sapphire as she uttered, "Oh, my gosh! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
She gushed, taking her Zigzagoon gently as she thanked Sapphire, "I don't know what I would have done! Thank you so much!"
Sapphire, ever practical, simply nodded, already assessing the small Pokémon as she said curiously, "It's alright. Is your Zigzagoon okay?"
Kylee's relief turned to worry as she saw her partner, and she stated nervously, "I think so, but… It's been feeling a bit off all morning. That fall probably didn't help. I need to get it to the Pokémon Center."
Sapphire's brow furrowed as she said bluntly, seeing the distressed Zigzagoon, "That'll take too long, and it might get worse. I can tell you what's wrong now."
Before Kylee could respond, Sapphire gently took the Zigzagoon from her arms. The small Pokémon, though weak, didn't struggle, sensing her gentle intent.
Then, in a move that would have startled anyone unfamiliar with her unusual methods, Sapphire brought her nose to the Zigzagoon's small, furry buttocks, pressing it firmly for a moment. Kylee's jaw dropped as she yelled, "What—what are you doing?!"
Sapphire pulled back, a thoughtful hum escaping her lips. She reached into her bag, pulling out a plump, blue berry as she said cheerfully, "Mm-hmm. Just as I thought. It's got the flu. Nothin' a good Oran Berry can't fix."
She offered it to the Zigzagoon, which, despite its malaise, eagerly nibbled on it. Within moments, a faint glow enveloped the Pokémon, and its eyes brightened. It shook its head, letting out a cheerful zig-zagoon! as it bounced to its feet, completely restored.
Kylee exclaimed, utterly astonished, "Wow! It's better!"
Then, her eyes widened as she looked at Sapphire, a dawning realization spreading across her face as she said, stunned, "Wait a minute… that strange way of checking its health… and your wild look… your Blaziken… you're the Sapphire, aren't you? The girl who's been challenging all the Gym Leaders and stopping Team Aqua's shenanigans!"
Sapphire grinned, a touch of pride in her eyes, replied, "Yup, that's me!"
Kylee blurted out, already turning to run to inform her superior, "Oh, I have to tell Winona! She's been asking about you!"
However, a calm, melodic voice drifted from behind Sapphire, "No need, dear Kylee. I'm already here."
A woman of striking elegance descended from a vine-draped platform, her long, flowing hair shimmering like a waterfall. She wore an intricate outfit that echoed the colors of the sky and the forest, and her presence was as graceful as a soaring bird.
Sapphire turned, instantly recognizing the aura of a seasoned Trainer as she muttered, "… a Gym Leader."
The woman introduced herself with an ethereal smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she said curiously, "Winona. Gym Leader of Fortree City. I've heard much about you, Sapphire. And yes, Kylee, thank you. You were quite accurate in your description. I had asked the residents to inform me if they found a person who resembled the wild and enigmatic Trainer known for her unique diagnostic methods and her powerful Pokémon, especially after the incidents at Mt. Chimney."
Sapphire's battle instincts, momentarily subdued by the rescue, flared to life. She asked, a wide grin stretching across her face, "So, you're a Gym Leader? Perfect! I was hoping to find one here. Ready for a battle, Winona?"
Winona chuckled, a sound like wind chimes agreeing to Sapphire's request, "Always. Though it seems you've made quite a name for yourself. I'm keen to see if the rumors do you justice."
The sprawling, open area near Fortree's central tree became their impromptu arena. The air thrummed with anticipation as onlookers, drawn by the commotion and the promise of a battle, gathered on the elevated walkways.
*Wooosh*
Sapphire declared, releasing her partner, "Alright, Winona! Let's go, Chic!"
*Pop*
A magnificent Blaziken, its fiery plumage a vibrant crimson, burst forth from its Poké Ball, landing with a powerful thud. Chic let out a roar, flames flickering around its wrists and ankles, its eyes fixed on Winona.
*Thud*
Winona, already airborne, was a vision atop her majestic Altaria. The cloud-like dragon Pokémon, with its wings like soft cotton, soared gracefully, reflecting the sunlight.
She grinned, seeing Sapphire's determination as she declared, "A fitting choice, Sapphire. Let's see if your Chic can touch the sky. This will be a 1-on-1 Pokémon Battle! Now then… Altaria, Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Altaria let out a cry, gathering shimmering draconic energy that pulsed and then erupted towards Chic. Sapphire commanded, "Chic, Blaze Kick, meet it head-on!"
*Ssss*
Chic, with incredible speed, launched itself forward as it spun, a spinning vortex of flame. Its leg, wreathed in intense fire, sliced through the Dragon Pulse, dissipating its energy before it even reached her.
Chic kept coming, propelled by its momentum, aiming a searing kick at Altaria. Winona, calm and collected, smiled as she countered, "Impressive speed. Altaria, use Cotton Guard, then soar higher!"
*Poof*
*Thud*
Before Chic could connect, Altaria was encased in a soft, white barrier of condensed cotton, deflecting the Blaze Kick with a dull thud. Then, with a powerful flap of its cloud-like wings, Altaria ascended rapidly, putting distance between itself and Blaziken.
Sapphire's grin widened, feeling the challenge as she ordered, "Oh, so that's how it's gonna be? Chic, Sky Uppercut! Show her our training wasn't just for show!"
*Zooom*
Chic roared, leaping with astonishing force, a column of pure fighting energy propelling it upwards. It was a testament to Sapphire's rigorous training regime that Chic could leap so high, almost reaching Altaria's new altitude.
*SLAM*
The two Pokémon met in a clash of power and grace. Chic's Sky Uppercut slammed into Altaria's Cotton Guard, making the dragon flinch but holding firm. Winona's strategy was clear: weather the storm, then strike.
Winona commanded, "Now, Altaria, Dragon Dance!"
*Wooosh*
While Chic was still recovering from its attack and beginning its descent, Altaria began to glow, its movements becoming more vigorous, its form radiating power. Sapphire shouted, recognizing the threat, "No way, you don't! Chic, Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Chic unleashed a torrent of scorching flames as it landed, but Altaria, having completed its Dragon Dance, was now faster and stronger. It dodged the Flamethrower with surprising agility for such a large Pokémon, then descended with renewed vigor.
Winona cried, "Altaria, Hyper Voice!"
*SCREEE*
A deafening sonic blast erupted from Altaria, vibrating the very air, slamming into Chic. The Blaziken stumbled, wincing, but stood its ground.
It had absorbed countless blows in its training, and this was no different. Sapphire didn't hesitate as she commanded, "That's it, Chic! Time to end this! Flare Blitz!"
*Sssss*
Chic roared, becoming a blazing comet, charging straight at Altaria, ignoring the pain. The fire around it intensified, promising a devastating impact.
Winona's eyes narrowed as she slyly grinned, seeing Sapphire's Blaziken, thought praising her training, 'Sapphire's Blaziken is indeed powerful, almost overwhelmingly so. But she's a bit lacking in true fighting experience.'
Chic, emboldened by its own strength and Sapphire's unwavering confidence, was becoming careless in the heat of the moment. That fleeting moment of overconfidence was all Winona needed.
Winona's voice was sharp as she used her evasive maneuver, "Altaria, Agility, then heal with Roost!"
*Zooom*
*Fwp*
Altaria zipped through the air, its speed truly incredible after the Dragon Dance. It effortlessly evaded Chic's Flare Blitz, making the Blaziken overshoot its target and crash into a nearby tree trunk, thankfully harmlessly.
*THUD*
Chic was momentarily stunned. Altaria performed Roost, its cloud-like wings absorbing sunlight and healing its minor injuries. The Cotton Guard, though weakened, was still up.
Sapphire gasped, realizing her mistake, "What?!"
Chic, too caught up in the thrill of the attack, hadn't anticipated such a swift dodge and a perfectly timed recovery. Winona pressed her advantage, "Now, Altaria, Dragon Dance once again!
*Swooosh*
Altaria, stronger and faster than ever, performed another Dragon Dance, its power reaching astounding levels. Sapphire clenched her fists as she ordered, "Chic, come on! Keep fighting! Blaze Kick!"
*Sssss*
Chic, despite its fatigue, launched another fiery kick, but Altaria was a whirlwind of motion. It weaved through the attack, then unleashed a devastating series of Aerial Ace attacks, striking Chic repeatedly from all angles before the Blaziken could even properly react.
*Shinng*
*Shinng*
*Shinng*
Each hit was precise, powerful, and relentless. Finally, with a powerful swoop, Altaria gathered its remaining energy for a final, super-charged Dragon Pulse.
*BOOM*
It impacted Chic directly, sending the Blaziken skidding across the ground, utterly defeated. Chic struggled to rise, but its body gave out, leaving it lying still, swathed in wisps of smoke.
Silence fell over the arena. Sapphire stood frozen for a moment, then rushed to Chic's side, recalling her partner with a sigh, thanking her Pokémon, "You fought well, Chic."
*Thud*
Winona landed gracefully, Altaria settling beside her as she praised Sapphire's battle, "A valiant effort, Sapphire. Your Chic's power is truly remarkable, especially considering the training you've put it through. But you became careless. When Chic gained confidence, you let its enthusiasm override your strategy, allowing Altaria the precious moments it needed to heal and strengthen itself. That pause, that lapse in focus, was all I needed to seize victory."
Sapphire looked up, a frown on her face as she realized her mistake. She admitted, her usual boisterous energy subdued by the unexpected loss, "You're right. I got too confident. I thought Chic could just plow through."
Winona extended a hand. With a friendly smile, she suggested, extending an offer in a friendly tone, "A valuable lesson, wouldn't you say? Power is nothing without precision and patience. Despite the loss, I'm impressed. Would you allow me to coach you, to help you hone that raw strength into unstoppable power?"
Sapphire's eyes lit up again as she said, "You'd do that? Really?"
Winona smiled, nodding her head in agreement as she asked, "Indeed. Tell me, how many Gym Leaders have you bested on your journey so far?"
Sapphire thought for a moment, counting on her fingers as she answered, "You're the fifth one I've challenged. So, four wins, one loss now."
Winona's smile widened. She then turned to the large, tree-house-like structure that served as her Gym as she said happily, "Excellent. That's just what I wanted to hear. You can come out now, everyone!"
To Sapphire's astonishment, four figures emerged from the house, stepping into the open. Her jaw dropped as she recognized them.
First was Roxanne, the stoic Rock-type Gym Leader of Rustboro City, her glasses gleaming. Next, the tanned and muscular Brawly, the Fighting-type master of Dewford Town, radiates calm strength.
Then came Wattson, the eccentric Electric-type leader of Mauville City, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. And finally, Flannery, the fiery young Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town, her passion still burning bright.
Sapphire gasped, utterly bewildered, seeing the Gym Leaders here as she asked in a surprised tone, "Roxanne! Brawly! Wattson! Flannery! What are you all doing here in Fortree City?!"
Winona gestured to her fellow Gym Leaders as she explained calmly, "We have gathered for a most important purpose, Sapphire. One that transcends individual Gym battles, one that threatens the very fabric of Hoenn."
Sapphire's brow furrowed, a sense of foreboding settling over her as she asked nervously, "What purpose?"
Winona's expression grew serious, her voice dropping to a grave tone as she explained to Sapphire, "The Super Ancient Pokémon are going to awaken. Its power, if unleashed unchecked, could plunge Hoenn, and perhaps the world, into an eternal tempest. We need your help, Sapphire. Your unique perspective, your unyielding determination, and your bond with Pokémon – they are crucial. I understand this is a lot to take in. There may not be an answer at first, so I ask you to wait. Consider your decision carefully."
*VROOOM*
Before Sapphire could even process the monumental revelation, a new arrival made itself known. A sleek, luxurious car, gleaming with polished chrome, descended from the sky using hidden propellers, landing smoothly near the gathering.
Winona's eyes widened in surprise as she said, looking at the car, "Wallace? What are you doing here, and who have you brought with you?"
As the car's elegant door opened, a figure emerged, impeccably dressed, his face a picture of refined beauty. Wallace, the Water-type Gym Leader of Sootopolis City and a connoisseur of art and beauty, purred, looking around with a discerning eye, "Fortree City is truly exquisite, isn't it? My student."
But Sapphire's attention wasn't on Wallace. Her gaze had drifted to the passenger seat. From the car, another young Trainer stepped out, equally well-dressed and meticulously groomed, his eyes immediately taking in the scenic beauty of the tree city.
Beneath his stylish hat, his gaze swept across the crowd, landing first on the other Gym Leaders, then on Winona, and finally— His eyes locked with Sapphire's.
A gasp escaped Ruby's lips as he said, "You!!"
And at the same moment, Sapphire's voice, usually so boisterous, was a mere whisper of disbelief, "You!!"
The entire scene seemed to freeze, the air thick with unspoken questions and the sudden, unexpected reunion.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Sootopolis City]
Meanwhile, far across Hoenn, beneath the cascading waterfalls and ancient ice of Sootopolis City, Azure had just concluded a rigorous few days of training. His mentor for this specialized session had been none other than Juan, the flamboyant and highly skilled Water-type Gym Leader, Wallace's own teacher.
Juan's training focused not just on power, but on the delicate art of synchronization, of making a team move as one, a fluid extension of the Trainer's will. Azure's Metagross pulsed with newly refined synergy, its psychic attacks now flowing seamlessly with Gardevoir's graceful psychic movements.
Sceptile and Blaziken moved in perfect, powerful tandem, their elemental strengths complementing rather than clashing. Manectric and Ninetales demonstrated a newfound understanding of combined elemental assaults.
Each of Azure's formidable Pokémon had absorbed Juan's lessons, their bonds with their Trainer deepening, their teamwork honed to a crystalline edge. Juan declared, fanning himself theatrically with a pristine silk fan, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he praised loudly, "Magnificent work! Truly magnificent! Your team moves with the elegance of a ballet and the force of a tidal wave. They are attuned, perfectly synchronized. You have surpassed even my expectations, young prodigy."
Azure offered a rare, genuine smile, his eyes reflecting a quiet satisfaction as he bowed his head respectfully and replied, "Thank you, Juan. Your guidance has been invaluable. My team has learned so much."
Pikachu, perched comfortably on his shoulder, chirped in agreement, while Eevee, nestled on his head, nuzzled his hair. Juan chuckled, watching the comfortable dynamic between Trainer and Pokémon as he commented, "Ah, the ever-present partners. A delightful sight. But I sense… a restless energy within you, Azure. A sense of urgency."
Azure nodded, his gaze distant, as if seeing beyond the crystalline walls of Sootopolis as he muttered knowingly, "Indeed. The time approaches. The whispers of ancient powers stir the region. I believe it's almost time."
He gently returned his various Pokémon to their Poké Balls, a silent promise of future battles in his touch. Juan took a slow sip of his fragrant tea, his eyes twinkling as he said calmly, "Ah, yes. The Super Ancient Pokémon. A grand spectacle, to be sure. And you, the Indigo Champion, will no doubt find yourself at the very heart of it all."
He paused, a thoughtful expression on Juan's face as he added on curiously, "Curious, I am, to see how you will navigate such a maelstrom. And how those other Trainers, the young, spirited ones, will fare."
Azure gave a respectful bow to Juan for his time training him, "Thank you again, Juan. Until next time."
With a silent command, his Gardevoir materialized beside him, its delicate hand extended. A shimmering aura enveloped Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee.
Juan called out, a theatrical wave of his hand as he bid farewell to him, "Farewell, Azure Sky! May your journey be as dramatic and impactful as a grand opera!"
*Shiii*
A flash of light, and Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee vanished from Sootopolis, transported across the vast expanse of Hoenn. Gardevoir's Teleport was precise, powerful, carrying them straight to Fortree City.
Azure had felt the subtle shifts in the region's energy, heard the distant echoes of turmoil. He was curious, yes, but also ready. Ready to witness, and if necessary, to intervene. The Indigo Champion had arrived. And the stage was set for an encounter of epic proportions.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!