Chapter 112: Cherrygrove City
~Third POV~
[Johto Region, Days Later, Cherrygrove City]
The wind carried the scent of cherry blossoms and the salty tang of the ocean as Azure Sky stepped into Cherrygrove City. Pikachu, perched comfortably on his shoulder, twitched its nose, absorbing the new smells with eager curiosity. Eevee, nestled in the crook of his arm, peeked out with wide, brown eyes, taking in the vibrant scenery.
Azure stretched, his worn backpack digging slightly into his shoulders. He had been traveling for weeks, as he marveled at the fresh air of the Johto Region.
His current team, a motley crew of untamed potential, represented that new beginning. Larvitar, the curiously Rock/Ground type, remained by his side, gazing at the latest scene with childish curiosity.
Misdreavus, the mischievous Ghost-type, floated silently beside him, its red orbs shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Wooper, the perpetually cheerful Water/Ground type, waddled happily along, its antennae bobbing rhythmically.
And then there was Houndour, the Dark/Fire-type pup he had caught just few days ago on Route 29, a snarling ball of energy still adjusting to being part of a team. Azure grinned, addressing his Pokémon, "Well, guys. Welcome to Cherrygrove City! Let's look around, shall we?"
Pikachu squeaked in agreement, hopping off Azure's shoulder and scampering ahead, its yellow tail twitching with anticipation. Eevee, emboldened by Pikachu's enthusiasm, leaped from Azure's arms and followed close behind.
Wooper, true to its nature, continued waddling, its pace unfazed by the excitement. Misdreavus, ever the mischievous observer, drifted along, its presence a subtle reminder of the mysteries that lurked beneath the surface.
Azure started his exploration at the edge of the city, where the vibrant houses gave way to a sandy beach. The air was filled with the cries of Pidgey's and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
He watched as children played in the shallows, their laughter echoing through the air as they splashed each other with water. He noticed a lone figure standing near the water's edge, an elderly man with a weathered face and a long, white beard.
He held a fishing rod, his gaze fixed on the shimmering surface of the water. Seeing the man was focused, Azure moved along and continued his exploration of the beach, his mind buzzing with possibilities.
He scanned the water, searching for any sign of anything. Pikachu and Eevee, sensing his excitement, raced along the beach, sniffing at shells and chasing after the retreating waves in the distance.
Wooper, surprisingly, stuck close to Azure, its little body trembling slightly as the waves crashed nearby. Misdreavus, however, seemed to be enjoying the salty air, swirling around Azure like a playful spirit.
Larivtar and Houndour gazed at each other and then shifted their gaze to the water. Both moved slightly away due to their Type Weakness to water.
As they enjoyed their time around the beach, they moved on from there. He returned Wooper and Houndour to their Pokéballs, then turned back towards Cherrygrove City, his step lighter, his spirit soaring.
He still had so much to explore, so many Pokémon to meet, so many challenges to overcome. But he knew, with his loyal Pokémon by his side, he could face anything as they explored the place.
Azure passed by a Pokémon Center, where he decided to heal his team and register himself at the local branch. Nurse Joy, as always, attended to them diligently.
Leaving the Pokémon Center, Azure spotted a small market square bustling with activity. Vendors were selling fresh berries, colorful scarves, and various Pokémon-related goods on sale.
He decided to treat his Pokémon to some Oran Berries, a sweet and nutritious snack that would replenish their energy. He browsed the stalls and noticed a poster tacked to a nearby wall.
Azure almost coughed seeing the wanted poster of Silver as he muttered, "The hell? Can you guys believe this?"
The only Pokémon was his Pikachu over his shoulder, and Eevee on his head. They looked with varying expressions.
Pikachu laughed, seeing the ugly wanted poster of Silver. Eevee looked down on it, shaking her head helplessly.
Shaking his head helplessly, he continued on his shopping spree. He purchased a handful of Oran Berries and shared them with Pikachu and Eevee. They devoured the berries with gusto, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He imagined the battle that was about to come.
Azure smiled, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready.
Wandering over for a bit, his eyes noticed a battle arena. Seeing other Trainers battling, he smirked, holding his Pokémon Poke Balls, muttering, "I got the time. What better way to train than some good old-fashioned Pokémon battles?"
/////
~Samuel O. POV~
[Johto Region, Meanwhile, Cherrygrove City]
Sigh… shaking my head helplessly, I couldn't help but give my second Pokedex to that Gold kid, who wouldn't be so reckless. I've learned that one of the three Pokédex was called Soul Silver from Azure.
He simply told me that he was Green's little brother, which made me raise an eyebrow at the time. Of course, I called, and she explained everything to me, letting me let go of the subject, getting it back.
At the very least, it's in the hands of a talented trainer. But I was of course going to give this to Azure as I explained to him, but he said Silver could have it because he has his own Phone giving him the data.
Ultimately, I shook my head, letting things play out as the way they are. Perhaps it was fate that this happened, making its move.
Not only that, now that Gold and Silver both have Cyndaquil and Totodile. That means poor ol' Chikorita is the only one left out, and Azure was too busy catching up to Silver; he must've forgotten.
Helplessly, I decided to return to Cherrywood City with Stantler and Ledyba by my side. As we were heading to my second research center here my eyes caught a Pokémon battle occurring at a distance, eyes widening.
I saw a Trainer battling Azure in a double battle format. Seeing the chance, I proceeded to see the battle between the two continue, with the Trainer having Beedrill and Murkrow having an aerial advantage.
On Azure's side were two Pokémon I haven't seen him have. A Wooper and a Houndour battling together.
The battle was reaching its climax as the Trainer ordered swiftly against the two, "Quick! Twineedle on the Houndour! Wing Attack on Wooper Murkrow!"
*Swooosh*
Both darted towards the two swiftly as my gaze lingered on Azure. He slyly smirked as he ordered, "Perfect! Wooper Surf! Houndour Flamethrower!"
*SPLASH*
*Sssss*
Wooper began to jump up, summoning a huge wave of water as it slammed down on the Murkrow, submerging it inside. Not only that, but Houndour rode on top of a surfboard created by Wooper to avoid damage as the Beedrill was burned by the Flamethrower.
The match was then over as Azure patted his Pokémon for their performance. Seems like his enjoying his journey, might as well come by and say hi as he greets the challenger, giving him some advice.
When he was done, I made my move as his Pikachu and Eevee noticed my presence. They perked up, jumping off, greeting me kindly, "Bui! Pika!"
Waving at them, Azure noticed seeing his partners were gone. He turned to see me, surprised as he spoke, "Pikachu? Eevee– Oh! Prof. Oak! Didn't see you there, did you just come to Cherrygrove City?"
Smiling, I greeted the young champion in a friendly tone, explaining myself, "I did. I gave out my second Pokedex to Gold. Since you were okay with allowing Silver to keep yours and the Totodile as gifts."
Azure looked a bit sheepish when I said those words. They were supposed to be gifts to him for his help in the Pokémon community, but instead gave it to Silver the chance of a Pokedex and a Starter.
He did this to ensure he avoided any trouble from the police. My guess is he did it for Green so as not to make her worry.
Sighing helplessly, I looked at his new Pokémon, checking them with my Rotom Phone with the Johto Pokedex App as I said, impressed, "I see you managed to obtain two new Pokémon, Azure. Houndour and Wooper, huh?"
Azure grinned as he used his Viridian Force to heal their wounds after the battle. He explained he caught Wooper from a Bird Keeper poacher scaming people and managed to convince Houndour to join him under a deal, granting it the choice, and impressed with its strength.
I simply nodded in understanding as we caught up on some topics. While we were catching up on some topics, I recall that Prof. Elm should be at the general hospital.
I should probably visit soon to check up on him. After we made our way, I departed from him, saying calmly, "I'm glad to hear you're doing well, young man. But I must visit a friend of mine who fell on his back. And remember, to be safe during your travels around the Johto Region, you hear."
Azure nodded his head as he recalled his Pokémon, and he said, turning to leave, heading to Route 30 on his journey. Sigh… the joys of being youthful.
Still with the PC's down in Johto, it'll be hard to raise multiple Pokémon without them. I wonder what's going on with the Pokémon PC Storage System…
Although if his going through the Johto Region, he should meet Kurt in his journey. Since I haven't given him a chance to repay him, I'll ask a small favor from my old friend to allow him to craft any Poke Balls, saying Sky has the skill worthy of a Trainer.
/////
~Azure S. POV~
[Johto Region, Later, Route 30]
Traveling down Route 30, I had my Pokémon Team out to stretch their legs. I've been checking my Team's levels, determining the exact way to train them effectively while checking their strengths.
|Name: Larvitar (Rock Skin Pokémon)
|Type: Rock/Ground
|Level: 24
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Muscle Band]
|Ability: Guts
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Screech, Headbutt [A][S], Rock Throw [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Sandstorm, Crunch [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Stomping Tantrum [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Smack Down, Dragon Dance (TM), Earth Power [A][S] (IM), Stone Edge [A][S] (IM), Ancient Power [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Misdreavus (Screech Pokémon)
|Type: Ghost
|Level: 23
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Wise Glasses]
|Ability: Levitate
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Screech, Psychic [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Hypnosis, Shadow Sneak [A][S], Confuse Ray, Mean Look, Shadow Ball [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Hex, Nightmare (TM), Will-O-Wisp (TM), Ominous Wind [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Houndour (Dark Pokémon)
|Type: Dark/Fire
|Level: 20
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Charcoal]
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Ember [A][S], Leer, Howl, Smog, Roar, Crunch, Flamethrower [A][S], Odor Sleuth, Dark Pulse, Incinerate, Nasty Plot (EM) (5 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Wooper (Water Fish Pokémon)
|Type: Water/Ground
|Level: 16
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Mystic Water]
|Ability: Water Absorb
|Nature: Relaxed
|Moves: Tail Whip, Water Gun [A][S], Mud Sport, Mud Shot [A][S], Slam, Rain Dance, Haze, Mist, Ice Punch (TM), Surf (HM), Recover (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
I smiled at their progress, they're making. Battling trainers and Wild Pokémon make all the difference, raising them along with giving my team the TMs I saved up during my partnership with Silph Co.
Hopefully, these guys and the next two future partners will be willing to join me in my future party. Walking towards the future ahead, I smiled with Pikachu over my left shoulder and Eevee on top of my head.
Misdreavus in my shadow wailing happily. Larvitar was skipping cheerfully to my right. Houndour is looking alert to my left, and Wooper is riding on my right shoulder as we continue to take our path ahead.
Soon, Houndour and Wooper will evolve. Larvitar, too, will evolve, and then the grind for Tyranitar will be good… not only that. Hopefully, I can convince Kurt to create the GS Ball so that I can capture Celebi just to spite that Masked Man.
Having Celebi would be great for time traveling to other parallel timelines to collect the Paradox Pokémon and resources. Not only that, but see if it's possible to visit the Anime parallel timeline that had plenty of useful stuff… and tough opponents.
Smiling at the idea, I didn't mind one bit. Hell, I could just probably fast forward myself to the future or visit parallel timelines of events of the Pokémon Adventures or Anime to challenge the trainers in their era.
Sigh… But first, focus on one thing at a time. One step at a time.
/////
A/N: Goal of 300 PS to get a bonus Chapter!
On a side note, should the MC visit other parallel (Or other) timelines with Celebi? Or just keep things in the Pokémon Adventures Manga solely for now?