Chapter 382: The World Moves On…
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, 1 Month Later, Indigo Plateau – Conference Room]
The air inside the Indigo Plateau conference room was thick with polished silence, smelling faintly of cedar and the faint ozone discharge from electrical appliances. It was a formal space, utterly unlike the winding grass routes and dusty battle arenas that Azure had grown accustomed to over his years in this new world.
Azure sat at the long, mahogany table, his posture relaxed yet attentive. A month had passed since the climactic downfall of Team Rocket and the capture of Giovanni. The subsequent peace felt almost unnerving, a strained quiet that followed a catastrophic storm.
His ever-present Partner Pikachu was nearby, enjoying a nap in a custom-made nest of soft cloth just outside the room, overseen by his loyal Eevee, who had been affectionately sleeping cutely.
Beside Azure sat his fellow heroes: Red, the earnest Gym Leader of Viridian City; Green, sharp-eyed and impeccably dressed, looking more like an intelligence officer than a Pokémon trainer; Yellow, Red's unassuming yet powerful Gym Trainer; and Blue Oak, annoyingly confident and leaning back in his chair with an almost bored smirk.
Opposite them were the Elite Four of Kanto and Johto.
Bruno, rugged and massive, sat with a quiet solemnity, his powerful arms crossed over his chest. Karen and Will, who now served as the Dark and Psychic specialists, retained a slight, guarded tension in their features—a lingering shadow of their time under the Masked Man, though Azure's intervention had given them a path to redemption.
And finally, Koga, the former Team Rocket Admin, sat with the immovable stillness of a ninja, his gaze unsettlingly level. Azure was the reason these individuals were now the guardians of the regions.
After the chaos following the Elite Four incident and the subsequent revelations about the former extreme idealism, Azure had stood before the Pokémon Association Chairman, arguing for the necessity of reformation, not dismissal.
He'd seen the fundamental good in Bruno, the misdirected passion in Karen and Will, and the strict sense of honor beneath Koga's criminal veneer. The Chairman had listened, and now the new structure was being solidified.
The Chairman, a portly man with silver hair and an air of immense, weary authority, cleared his throat, tapping a pen against a heavy file. The Chairman began, his voice echoing slightly in the vast room, "I thank you all for attending this meeting on such short notice. The events of the past few months—indeed, the past few years—have tested the very foundations of the Pokémon League and the Association itself. We have navigated the catastrophic failure of certain former League officials, the existential threat posed by the Masked Man, and most recently, the sophisticated resurgence of Team Rocket under Giovanni."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the five young trainers. His gaze lingered longest on Azure. He continued, "But through all of it… Kanto and Johto have been protected by this extraordinary group. Your efforts, particularly in the final operation culminating in Giovanni's arrest, have secured a lasting peace. Mr. Sky, your strategic mind and overwhelming strength in the League tournaments make you the unambiguous choice for the Kanto/Johto Champion seat."
Azure shifted slightly, holding up a hand. The Chairman stopped, surprised. Azure said bluntly, his voice calm and clear, "We appreciate the thanks, sir. But I have to correct you on one point. It's Uncrowned Champion. I won three tournaments, but I haven't taken the seat. I haven't accepted the title or the desk job that comes with it."
A low sound broke the silence. Bruno laughed—a deep, booming sound that shook his broad shoulders. He quickly covered his mouth, but the amusement was evident in his eyes. He appreciated Azure's lack of pretense; the young man was a whirlwind of power, not a political figure.
The others reacted with characteristic resignation. Green and Blue exchanged knowing glances. Red offered a small, fond smile.
The Elite Four, however, reacted predictably. Karen sighed, resting her chin on her hand, a small, weary gesture that said, 'Of course he won't be easy.'
Koga remained impassive, but his mind surely registered Azure's predictable refusal of power. Will shrugged his shoulder, a gesture that said, 'See, I told you he wouldn't accept the offer… again.'
The Chairman sighed too, a heavy, familiar sound. He adjusted his glasses as he continued, "Yes, Azure. Your… unique interpretation of official titles remains noted. However, the point remains. Considering the disturbances, and to ensure the populace feels fully secure, we must finalize the Elite Four and the Champion structure now. We must demonstrate stability."
*Swf*
He gestured, and his Alakazam, a powerful Psychic-type, materialized silently near the table. With a swift movement of its spoons, files appeared before Azure, Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow.
They held the files as the Chairman stated bluntly, eyeing the group, "These files contain the formal offers. The current Elite Four slate—Bruno, Karen, Will, Koga—is finalized for their respective regions. But the Champion seat and the subsequent Elite Four candidates must be decided now. You five have handled threats that veteran trainers and established organizations failed to contain or win against. The League needs your talent and your proven track record."
Azure picked up his file and skimmed the contents—salary projections, mandatory appearances, administrative duties, and, of course, the prestige. He politely shook his head before setting the file back down, unopened, in the center of the table, "Thank you, Chairman. But no."
The Chairman nodded, having entirely expected this, couldn't help but ask, "And why, if I may ask, Mr. Sky?"
Azure leaned his back against the chair as he replied simply, "I didn't come here to manage a desk or sign papers. My goal isn't the prestige of the title; it's the journey, the battles, and the freedom to go where I'm needed. A Champion is tethered. I prefer my current role: the guy who shows up, wins, and then leaves before the press arrives."
Green didn't even pick up her file. She tapped the wood of the table rhythmically. Green announced, "I'm also going to decline the Elite Four Candidate spot. It's a generous offer, but I have obligations with the International Police that require me to move between regions freely. Besides…"
She added, a rare, genuine softness entering her voice, "I spent too long away from my people. I want some downtime. Intelligence gathering is exhausting; I need to enjoy some of the peace we just bought."
The Chairman nodded again, accepting their refusals with grace. Both Azure and Green were notorious for their independence.
The focus shifted to the remaining three. Red reached for his file, opening it slowly. He read through the details of the Champion role—the defense of the region, the responsibility to set the standard for trainers, and the immense challenge.
His eyes, usually clouded by a quiet introspection, lit up with competitive fire. This was what he was built for.
Red said finally, his voice slightly rough from disuse, "I'm interested…"
He looked at the Chairman, the intensity of his gaze demanding honest consideration as he continued, "But I have a question regarding my current responsibilities. If I accept the Champion seat, what happens to the Viridian City Gym?"
The Chairman smiled faintly, having anticipated this exact query. The Chairman said, nodding toward Yellow, explaining her role, "We have discussed this internally, Red. Your Gym Trainer, Yellow, has demonstrated not only impressive skill but also an intrinsic connection to the Viridian Forest—a foundational element of the Gym's identity. The decision is ours, but the strong recommendation is that the Gym Leader mantle would be handed down to her. She is ready."
All eyes turned to Yellow. She shrank slightly under the sudden weight of the attention, her straw hat momentarily obscuring her face.
Unlike Red, Green, or Blue, Yellow did not seek the spotlight. She was the one who worked quietly, diligently, growing stronger not for fame, but to protect those she cared for. Red looked at her, his expression utterly serious, but said softly, gently patting her head, "It's your decision, Yellow. If you feel you cannot handle the burden, I will not accept this offer. I trust your judgment on this more than anyone."
His words carried enormous weight. Red was offering to sacrifice a lifelong ambition—the chance to be the definitive Champion—if it meant ensuring the safety and comfort of his protégé/girlfriend and the stability of the place he fiercely defended.
Yellow slowly lifted her head. She saw the expectant, almost hungry look in Blue's eyes, the quiet support from Green, and the challenging intensity of the Elite Four across the table. But mostly, she saw the unwavering faith in Red's gaze.
She had spent years honing her abilities, not just reading Pokémon emotions, but battling alongside Red, growing into a trainer capable of handling far more than she initially believed. She thought of the Viridian Forest, the gentle Pokémon there who needed a steady, true presence.
Yellow said shyly, her voice starting as a whisper but growing firm, "I... I can handle it, Red… The Gym is my home. If this is what you need to challenge yourself and become the Champion you deserve to be, I won't be the one who stops you. I will defend Viridian City. I can promise you that!"
A wave of relief and great pride washed over Red's face. He turned back to the Chairman and simply nodded once as he stated, "If that's the case... I accept the Champion position."
The Chairman beamed, tapping his pen with finality, replied, "Excellent! Kanto and Johto are secured."
He turned to Blue Oak. Blue had been observing the entire interaction with calculating amusement.
He opened his file, quickly scanning the salary and the political benefits. Blue drawled, leaning back further until the chair creaked slightly, "Alright, old man. Since Azure and Green are too busy playing spies and vagrants, and Red is now tied up with the main event, that leaves some serious holes in the top structure. I see you've outlined a 'Champion Candidate' role here—a reserve, essentially, someone to handle things if Red needs a break, or perhaps fill in during a future Elite Four rotation?"
The Chairman confirmed with a nod and exclaimed, "Precisely. Significant benefits, excellent pay, and the public acknowledgment that you are among the finest trainers in the region."
Blue smirked as he asked the real reason he was tempted, "The pay is definitely decent. And if I'm not the official Champion, I get to use all the League's top-tier facilities for training without the constant press obligations?"
The Chairman nodded, "That is correct."
Having his answer from the Chairman, Blue smirked as he said confidently, snapping his file shut, "Perfect. I accept the Champion Candidate role. I need time to train my team to be even better than Red's, and this arrangement gives me the space and the funds to do it. Plus, if Red decides to wander off and find a mountain to stare at like he usually does, I'll be ready to take over."
The atmosphere in the room relaxed. The core structure was set. Red was the new Champion, Yellow was the new Gym Leader, and Blue was the highly competitive reserve.
Azure and Green remained the powerful, unofficial wild cards. The Chairman smiled, his weariness lifting slightly as he announced clearly, "Then it is settled. Fire Red, Champion of Kanto and Johto. Blue Oak, the Reserve Champion Candidate. Yellow, the new Viridian City Gym Leader."
He looked at the reformed Elite Four as he continued proudly, "With this structure, we ensure maximum security and stability. Gentlemen and ladies, we have secured the future of the League."
Azure remained quiet, watching the satisfaction settle on the Chairman's face. He felt a soft contentment. The burden was distributed, and his friends had found their calling—be it glory, defense, or political advantage.
He glanced at the door, thinking of Pikachu and Eevee waiting patiently. His duty here was done. The bureaucracy was satisfied.
Now, the rest of the world beckoned, free of Team Rocket's shadow. Azure smiled faintly. The journey continued, unbounded and free. That was exactly the kind of life he wanted with his time.
/////
[Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Sky Airship]
The formalities concluded, Azure returned to Pallet Town, though his residence was anything but traditional. Docked discreetly in a large, open field bordering the town was the repurposed hulking structure that had once been the Team Rocket Airship.
Now stripped of its iconography and refitted, it was affectionately known as the Sky Airship. Over the past month, it had undergone a radical makeover. Azure's electrical team—including his Pikachu, Ampharos, and the star, his highly customized Porygon2—had transformed the massive vessel into a self-sustaining powerhouse.
The ship was no longer a flying fortress, but a sleek, modern, incredibly spacious home, powered entirely by the immense amounts of electricity generated and stored by his Pokémon.
Azure was sprawled on a vast, comfortable couch in his living room, a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Kanto countryside. Eevee was draped across his chest, occasionally nudging his chin, while his Partner, Pikachu, was lazily drawing mild static charges from the energy conduit built into the ceiling.
*BEEEP*
A quiet chime echoed through the ship. Porygon2's synthesized voice reported, "Intruder Alert. Unknown Individual, Scott, at the main docking ramp."
Azure blinked, surprised as he murmured, "Scott?"
He hadn't expected visitors, especially not someone who clearly knew the exact location of the highly classified base. Azure commanded, "Porygon2, run diagnostics on Scott. But grant him controlled access."
Porygon2, having gained access to Azure's Arc Phone, granted him knowledge of the Pokémon World, created its data base carefully constructed database for it to use. It beeped again, stating, "Scott: Background verified. Known globally as a highly eccentric, deeply wealthy entrepreneur and battle enthusiast. Primary goal: Scouting high-level Trainers for the Hoenn Battle Frontier."
Azure formed a slow grin as he stated, "Ah. Now that explains the entrance."
A minute later, Scott stepped into the living room, hands tucked into his designer trousers. He was a man of impeccable taste, but what was most striking was the calculating gleam in his eyes.
He took in the sleek, repurposed technology, the massive windows offering a panoramic view, and the relaxed disposition of the Uncrowned Champion. Scott began, a delighted sound in his voice, "Azure Sky, I must say, turning the final war prize of the wicked organization into your personal living quarters? Utterly brilliant. A masterstroke of psychological dominance."
Azure stood smoothly, Eevee leaping down to join Pikachu as he replied in a friendly voice, "Mr. Scott, I presume. Your reputation precedes you. To what do I owe this visit?"
Scott performed a precise, theatrical bow as he stated his pitch, "I am a connoisseur of battle, Azure. And you, sir, are the most exquisite vintage currently available. I have come seeking a Frontier Brain."
He gestured around the luxurious space as he commented in a casual voice, "I know you turned down the Champion seat. Traditional titles are clearly beneath you. But the Battle Frontier—the ultimate test of a Trainer's versatility, ethics, and raw power—needs a mind like yours. A man who can win three Leagues but refuses the crown. That kind of challenge sets a benchmark."
Azure politely shook his head as he declined the offer Scott was making, "A generous offer, Scott. But staying in one place, tied to a single, static facility, isn't my style. I enjoy the road too much."
Scott chuckled, a dry sound, expecting this reply, "Expected. Truly. I didn't come here hoping to contain a force of nature like you. But I would be honored, deeply, profoundly honored, to have you participate."
Azure raised an eyebrow, finally intrigued as he asked curiously, "Participate? In what capacity?"
Scott said excitedly, leaning forward, his voice dropping conspiratorially, "As the first Challenger! The Battle Frontier isn't meant for ordinary Gym Challengers. It is a gauntlet designed to test the limits of what a Trainer is capable of. I have scouted some of the finest minds in the world for my Frontier Brains. Each one is a Champion in their own right, a specialist in a style you have never faced."
Scott paused, letting the silence build before delivering the hook as he stated boldly, "And, Azure, several of them possess, and use, Legendary Pokémon on their teams."
The effect was instantaneous. Azure's casual relaxation vanished.
His posture straightened, and the familiar spark of intense focus—the focus that had allowed him to defeat Kanto's greatest threats—ignited in his eyes. Scott smirked internally, 'Got him. I knew he couldn't resist a challenge!'
He knew exactly what Azure valued: not titles, not money, but the impossibility of a challenge. Scott's comprehensive, if highly unethical, research had cataloged the full extent of Azure's own Legendary stable:
Ho-Oh, the Resurrecter.
Kyogre and Groudon, the Earth Shapers.
Rayquaza, the Sky Splitter.
The Time Traveler Celebi.
The silent titans Regirock, Registeel, and Regice.
The artificial powerhouse Mewtwo…
… And most recently, the alien organism that had terrorized the Sevii Islands—Deoxys.
Azure didn't just fight gods; he collected them. The idea of facing equally powerful and highly trained opponents was irresistible.
Azure's slow grin returned, wider this time as he replied calmly, "Now that might catch my attention, Scott. High-level competition with a true Legendary challenge… that sounds like fun. How soon will your Battle Frontier be ready?"
Scott smirked internally, grabbing the Wild Card of Kanto's attention. Scott replied instantly with an eager grin, "One month… Hoenn is nearly finalized, almost stable. The infrastructure is incredible."
Azure continued, a slight devious glint appearing in his eyes, "And, if I participate, can I bring a friend along for the ride?"
Scott spread his hands open in a gesture of magnanimous acceptance, replied, "Of course! Bring as many people as you wish, to a reasonable degree. You, Azure Sky, as the Uncrowned Champion, being the first to attempt the challenge? That's massive news. The tourist flood alone will secure Hoenn's economy for a decade. It's exactly the kind of battle madness that only you could provide."
Scott reached into his coat and produced a sleek card as he continued explaining, "This All-Battle Pass will grant you and your companions early, full access to every facility. Study the rules, prepare your teams. I hope to see you lose a few times, Azure. It would be highly entertaining."
Azure scoffed, retrieving the pass from Scott's hand, "You think I'd lose? Nah. I'd win."
Scott merely laughed and bowed again, excusing himself proudly, "Until Hoenn, Uncrowned Champion."
With that, Scott took his leave, disappearing rapidly back down the docking ramp. Azure watched the ramp seal, then looked down at the All Battle Pass in his hand, Porygon2 immediately scanning and integrating the data into his Arc Phone.
Azure muttered, already scrolling through the Frontier's proposed layouts and rules, "Scott works fast…"
He reviewed the data for a moment, then stopped. He navigated to his contact list, his thumb hovering over a familiar name: Green…
*Bdmp*
Azure felt a heat rising in his neck, a sensation far more uncomfortable than battling a rogue Legendary Pokémon. He had faced down literal gods, yet asking this Dex Holder out felt like leaping off the Sky Airship without a parachute.
*Tap*
He hit the call button, listening to the rings fill the silent cabin. When Green finally picked up, her voice was brisk and professional, "Hey, Azure? Did the Chairman forget something?"
Azure stammered slightly—a rare occurrence. His fingers tightened on the phone as he said nervously, "Uh, no, not the Chairman… Green, I—I was calling about something else. You mentioned needing free time after the meeting. Do you have any free time coming up in about a month?"
From the other end, Green was confused as she replied, "I do. My International Police assignment is scheduled after that period. Why?"
Azure forced the words out, trying to sound as casual as possible, but failing, unused to this situation, asked her, "I was wondering if you'd like to spend some of that time with me. You know, catch up. Maybe… maybe go on a date, if you're free. You did say you were single, right?"
A profound, stretching silence consumed the line. Azure could almost hear the rapid calculations running through Green's mind.
He was bracing for a polite but firm rejection, convinced he had just ruined a very effective working partnership. Finally, Green's voice returned, but it was softer, a hint of amusement replacing her usual sharpness, "Give me the time and the place, Azure. I'll make sure I'm ready."
*Click*
The line clicked dead.
Azure stared at the Arc Phone screen displaying the disconnected call…
Pikachu nudged his leg, squeaking inquisitively, "Pi? (Oh boy…)"
Eevee tilted its head and cried out, "Bui? (He didn't…!)"
Azure sighed, running a hand through his hair, the nervousness replaced rapidly by a giddy bewilderment. He murmured, a challenge far greater than any League title now firmly on his calendar, "Just what did I get myself into?"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!