Chapter 107: Return Home [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Months Later, Vermillion City – Port]
Azure Sky, though now 14 years of age, carried a weight of experience far beyond his years. Two years prior, he had stood victorious atop the Indigo Plateau, the youngest Champion the Kanto Region had ever seen.
1 year after that, he had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary trainers like Red, Green, Blue, Blaine, and Yellow, battling the Elite Four to preserve the fragile peace of Kanto. Yet, beneath the accolades and the battle scars, Azure knew a different truth: he was still learning.
He sat on the deck of the ferry, Pikachu nestled securely on his shoulder, the warm Alolan sun bathing his face. Eevee dozed peacefully in his lap, occasionally twitching in its sleep.
The familiar sight of Kanto was a welcome embrace, a homeward journey after a year spent amongst the vibrant culture and exotic Pokémon of the Alola Region.
The decision to attend Pokémon School in Alola had been a strategic one, born from a desire for both knowledge and growth. He knew his strength lay in his intuitive understanding of Pokémon and his strategic battle prowess, but the academic side of training had always been a blind spot.
And beyond academics, Azure sought a different kind of experience. He wanted to learn about the world, not just conquer it. He wanted to forge new bonds, to test himself in unfamiliar environments.
And, of course, he wanted a Z-Ring and the raw power of Z-Moves. He managed to accomplish this as promised, releasing Tapu Koko back to the wild before he left for the Kanto Region.
Professor Samuel Oak, ever the supportive mentor, had understood Azure's ambition. Leveraging familial connections, he arranged for Azure to be an honorary student at the Pokémon School in Alola, under the watchful eye of his cousin, Samson Oak.
There, Azure found himself amongst a vibrant group of aspiring trainers, future Captains like Kiawe, with his fiery passion, Mallow, with her deep connection to nature, Lana, with her serene understanding of Water-types, and Sophocles, with his dazzling technological mind.
He was also fortunate enough to learn from the already established Ilima, a third-year student known for his elegance and skill in battle. Azure's initial plan had been ambitious: not only would he catch and train a new team of Pokémon, but he would also dedicate himself to his studies.
He'd decided to start fresh, to build a team from the ground up, a team that reflected his growth as a trainer. The Alolan year had been a whirlwind. The Pokémon School was a melting pot of cultures and training styles.
Azure learned about different approaches to battling, about the importance of understanding each Pokémon's unique needs, and about the power of friendship and teamwork. He found himself challenged in ways he hadn't anticipated.
The curriculum was demanding, forcing him to delve into subjects like Pokémon biology, ecology, and even history. He struggled at first, his hands more comfortable wielding a Poké Ball than holding a textbook.
But with the help of Samson Oak and his new friends, he persevered. He had witnessed the power of Z-Moves firsthand, the sheer, raw energy that could be unleashed with a combination of trainer and Pokémon working in perfect harmony.
He had earned his Z-Power Ring and, through trials and tribulations, acquired the Z-Crystals thanks to Tapu Koko, which was under his control for a time. With them, he allowed his Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur to reach their full potential.
And of course, there was the training. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, initially small and uncertain, grew alongside him.
They learned to trust him, to rely on each other, and to push past their limits. Day after day, he trained with them, pushing them to their limits whilst ensuring their happiness and well-being.
After what seemed like an eternity, Charmander evolved into Charmeleon, eventually reaching his full potential as Charizard. Squirtle followed suit, evolving into Wartortle and finally the mighty Blastoise. Bulbasaur, with its patient temperament, transformed into Ivysaur and then the imposing Venusaur.
Now, as Kanto's coastline came into view, Azure reflected on the journey. He had achieved his goals, both academic and Pokémon-related. He had obtained his Z-Power Ring, nurtured his newly acquired team into powerhouses, and even forged a stronger connection with his long-time companions, Pikachu and Eevee.
He had found friends in Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, and Ilima, individuals who had challenged and supported him every step of the way. The year had been a period of profound change, a time of growth and self-discovery.
*THUD*
The ferry docked at Vermillion City, and Azure stepped onto familiar ground. The air felt different, crisper, somehow more familiar than the humid atmosphere of Alola.
Pikachu perked up, sensing their proximity to home, whilst Eevee stretched languidly, yawning. As Azure walked through Vermillion City, he couldn't help but smile.
The city was just as he remembered it, bustling with people and Pokémon. He navigated through the crowded streets, heading towards the outskirts of town, holding a Poke Ball as he hurled it into the air, "Let's go, Charizard! Time to head to Pallet Town!"
*Pop*
Opening up the Poke Ball, Charizard materialized. Climbing aboard, Charizard flapped its wings as it roared, "Charrrr!!!"
*Fwp*
Flapping its wings, Charizard used the move Fly. And with that, they both flew through the Kanto Region skies.
/////
[Kanto Region, Later, Pallet Town]
*Fwp*
Flying through the air, riding on Charizard Azure, checked his Arc Phone, smiling. Pikachu held onto its shoulder, and Eevee cozied up in Azure's hoodie.
|Name: Charizard (Flame Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 55
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]
|Ability: Blaze
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Slash [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Smokescreen, Metal Claw [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Fire Punch[A][S], Fire Pledge [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Inferno [A][S], Flare Blitz [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Mega Kick [A][S], Seismic Toss, Dragon Claw [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Fire Blast [A][S], Overheat [A][S], Sunny Day, Aerial Ace [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Blast Burn [A][S], Roost, Solarbeam [A][S] (TM), Dragon Dance (TM), Outrage [A][S] (TM), Steel Wing [A][S](TM), Protect (TM), Fly [A][S] (HM), Air Slash [A][S] (IM), Ancient Power [A][S] (EM) (0 Move to learn left)
|Name: Blastoise (Shellfish Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 55
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]
|Ability: Torrent
|Nature: Bold
|Moves: Rapid Spin [A][S], Mimic, Bubble [A][S], Withdraw, Aqua Jet [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Water Pledge [A][S], Protect, Rain Dance, Aqua Tail [A][S], Shell Smash, Iron Defense, Hydro Pump [A][S], Wave Crash [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Hydro Cannon [A][S], Aura Sphere [A][S] (TM), Dragon Pulse [A][S] (TM), Earthquake [A][S](TM), Blizzard [A][S] (TM), Ice Beam [A][S] (TM), Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Flash Cannon [A][S] (IM), Aqua Ring (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Venusuar (Seed Pokémon)
|Type: Grass/Poison
|Level: 55
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]
|Ability: Overgrow
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Acid Spray [A][S], Sludge Bomb [A][S], Vine Whip [A][S], Growth, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf [A][S], Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Grass Pledge [A][S], Seed Bomb [A][S], Take Down [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Solar Beam [A][S], Sweet Scent, Synthesis, Worry Seed, Power Whip [A][S], Giga Drain [A][S], Leaf Storm [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Grassy Terrain, Frenzy Plant [A][S], Sunny Day (TM), Protect (TM), Earthquake [A][S] (TM),Petal Blizzard [A][S] (IM), Ingrain (IM), Toxic (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
He smirked, seeing that the Kanto Trio he obtained from his previous adventure had grown in under a year. While he couldn't have participated anymore in the Island Trials, Alola provided them with the perfect opponents for him to gain EXP.
Totem Pokémon and sparring with his main team, plus Tapu Koko. And their armies were used to help his Pokémon grow. However, his eyes landed on the familiar dirt path that led to Pallet Town.
He passed the Pokémon Center, then the Trainer's School, each landmark triggering a flood of memories. The path to Pallet Town was a pilgrimage, a return to his roots.
*Fwp*
As he approached the town, he could see the familiar silhouette of Professor Oak's laboratory in the distance. He smirked as he began to land down patting Charizard's neck, "Ready to meet Oak, buddy?"
Charizard grinned as it grunted, "Raor!!"
*Thud*
Landing safely down, he quickened his pace, eager to see his mentor, his family, and his old team. Before leaving Alola, he transferred his old team back to the Kanto Region as he took his time back.
As he entered the lab grounds, he was greeted by the familiar sight of Professor Oak tending to his Pokémon. Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with delight, "Azure! Welcome home! We've been expecting you."
Professor Oak engulfed Azure in a warm hug, his hand patting him on the back. He said happily, "You've grown, Azure. And I can see Alola has treated you well. And look at you, Charizard, you've grown so much since you were a little Charmander."
Azure grinned. He nodded as Charizard stepped inside, greeting them both, "It's good to be back, Professor. I've missed you."
Professor Oak said in a happy tone, gesturing towards the backyard, "We've missed you, too. Your old team is eager to see you, even though it's only been a few hours."
Azure's heart skipped a beat. He hurried towards the backyard, and as he stepped into the open space, he was greeted by a chorus of familiar roars, cries, and chirps.
Scizor, with its crimson carapace gleaming in the sunlight, let out a joyous cry. Arcanine, its fiery fur bristling with excitement, barked enthusiastically.
Dragonite, with its gentle eyes, fluttered its wings in greeting. And Gengar, mischievous as ever, materialized from the shadows with a wide, grinning smile.
Lapras and Kingdra looked in the direction from which Azure was letting out a joyful cry from the lake near the backyard of Oak's Lab. Rockruff, Beldum, Larvitar, Charcadet, and Misdreavus looked and smiled as they ran towards him.
Chansey, Porygon, and Alakazam, discussing cooking topics, noticed Azure as they quickly greeted him happily. Azure felt a lump form in his throat. He ran towards his Pokémon, embracing each one in turn.
He buried his face in Arcanine's fur, scratching Scizor's chitinous armor, stroking Dragonite's soft scales, and playfully dodging Gengar's ghostly antics. Azure said, in a happy tone, "I've missed you all, too, guys! But come on, it's only been a few hours!"
They all began to greet him cheerfully. It was when Yellow came by, as her eyes widened seeing Azure for the first time as she introduced herself, "Prof. Oak, I finished feeding – oh! You're back!"
Azure turned his attention to Yellow, as this was technically their first encounter outside of any dangerous situations. His Pokémon slowly backed off. He greeted Yellow kindly, "Hi. I suppose this first time we met without any circumstances. I'm Azure Sky, and you must be Yellow, right?"
She bobs her head as she says softly, "Yeah! Nice to meet you, too."
Extending handshakes as they shook, Prof. Oak came by as he said to the two, paying attention, "Glad to see you both are doing fine. But, Azure, I have your hut prepared if you need to rest up after your long trip back."
Azure nodded his head as he turned to leave, as did Yellow turned her back. But in that brief moment, Azure used his telekinesis, grabbing the feathers and swiftly storing them into his Sub-Space as he checked them out.
Upon doing so, Yellow yelled in alarm as Azure continued walking away, "Ah! My hair fell, where's the feather?"
Azure hums harmlessly as he checks the feathers he took from Yellow. They were vital for his goal ahead as he saw a panel showing their true nature to him in detail.
[Item: Rainbow Feather
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: A strange feather that gleams in rainbow colors. Can be crafted with the Silver Feather to make the GS Ball. When held, it can repel the effects of Space and Time, shielding the user.]
[Item: Silver Feather
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: A strange feather that gleams with a silvery color. Can be crafted with the Rainbow Feather to make the GS Ball. When held, it can repel the effects of Space and Time, shielding the user.]
Pushing that to the side, he prepared to rest up, thinking of what Pokémon he would bring to the Johto region next. Or perhaps capturing new members in a new region ahead…
/////
A/N: Alright! After this we begin the Johto Arc!
P.S. Next goal of 200PS for a bonus chapter!