Chapter 28: News
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Vermillion Harbor]
A few hours passed as the Chairman waited patiently for the young man. The chairman gazed at the spot where Azure was as he thought, greatly concerned, 'Oh… I hope the young man is all right. I should've stopped our newest member from doing something so suicidal, but he had –'
*Splash*
But he regained his composure as the sounds of water splashing onto land made him return to reality. The Chairman of the Pokémon Club found that Azure resurfaced as he exclaimed in surprise, "Ah! You're alive, my boy! But wait a minute – is the legend of the stones true?!"
Azure dried himself and felt a chill run down his spine as he groaned, "Achoo! Fuck it's cold out here!"
The Chairman composed himself, grabbing onto Azure's hands in a calm tone, "Language, young man! But please come with me. I'll house you for the night."
Managing to change into his clothes, Azure returned Dratini to her Poke Ball. He complied in a calm tone, "Alright! Alright already! No need to drag my arm around, Mr. Chairman! I'm coming! I'm coming!"
Dragging Azure along, the Chairman darted his eyes as they moved around Vermillion City away from the Vermillion Harbor as soon as possible. Azure didn't miss the concerned expression on the Chairman's face as he followed him without an issue.
/////
[Kanto Region, Vermillion City – Pokémon Fan Club]
Making their way to safety, the Chairman showed Azure a building of the Pokémon Fan Club. In Kanto and Hoenn, the clubhouses are marked with plaques featuring a Pikachu located in front of the building.
*Thud*
Dragging him around, they arrived at the entrance. The Chairman grinned as he opened the door, revealing the other fan members, and he said in a proud tone, "Everyone, please! May I have your attention? Allow me to introduce our newest member… my friend Azure Sky!"
The Fan Club members turned their gaze on him as he greeted them kindly, "It's good to see you all. I'm Azure Sky. And this, here is my Pokémon! Come on out, everyone!"
*Pop*
3 Poke Balls flew up as they popped open. They revealed themselves to be his Partner Pikachu, Growlithe, and Dratini as the fan club members were in awe, "Ahhh! Ooh! Tee-hee! How cute!"
Azure saw that his Pokémon were crowded by the Pokémon Fan Club members. It was when one of the members went towards Pikachu that she said curiously, "How long have you had this, Pikachu? He seems well-behaved, ain't he?"
Pikachu blushed under the compliment as Azure patted his head, replying happily, "Well, we've only been starting to travel the world since I met him in Pallet Town. The same goes for my Pokémon. They helped me bail out of plenty of battles!"
*Hush*
A hush of silence fell over the room as the Chairman narrowed his eyes and asked in a serious tone, "You make your Pokémon… do battle?"
Hearing his question, Azure smiled confidently as his Pokémon came to his side. He said, rubbing Dratini's head and patting her head, "Only when I need to. I would rather chill and train them to be the best they can be, but battle is unavoidable in life. Especially traveling around the world, so they would be strong for any challenges we face together. Ain't that the right team?"
All his Pokémon gave a confident cry, "Pika! Arf! Dra!"
Azure smiled as the Chairman could see his Pokémon respond as they liked to Azure's words. He sighed as he, too, cared for what the Pokémon would be like. In a defeated tone, he said, "Sigh… I suppose your Pokémon do like your ideals. Ours just stay little and cute forever! Tee hee!"
Azure simply rubbed the back of his head, hearing the Chairman's response as he added cheekily, "Have you considered getting an Everstone? Heard those stop Pokémon from evolving if you ever wanted one."
The Chairman sighed but coughed as he asked another question in a serious tone, "Ahem! Yes, I suppose you're right. But moving on… did you mean to find what you were looking for, the dome?"
Noticing the hesitating voice in the Chairman's voice, Azure smugly grinned. Revealing his Arc Phone, he showed the Pokémon Fan Club photos of the dome in a smug tone, "Do you mean this? Redeem and weep!"
When shown the photos of the hidden grotto of the undersea dome, the Chairman was stunned. But what it also revealed was the fable Evolutionary Stones as he asked hesitantly, "Y-You mean-n you got the treasure-e of the – "
Pondering the idea that Azure kept those Evolutionary Stones a secret. He shook his head as he explained in a helpless tone, "I'm afraid not. I found nothing. Sorry if I had your hopes up, but these photos are good consideration prizes, I'll say."
The Chairman pouted but sighed, letting go of the issue. Azure, for his part, sighed mentally as he thought seriously, 'Best to keep those Evolutionary Stones a secret. Best to keep close to heart for now.'
Regardless, though, the Chairman said in a calm tone, getting Azure's attention, "Either way, as an honorary member, you can stay with us for tonight. Surely you have some tales of your journey and how you met your Pokémon, young man?"
Azure smiled as he took the chance to stay for the night. He thought kindly, 'I mean, he is giving me a place to sleep for the night. And his offering might as well take it.'
Expressing a smile, Azure agreed much to the Pokémon Fan Club member's joy as they got to play with his exotic Pokémon. Azure shared some of his stories about how he met his Pokémon team.
The Fan Club members were stunned to see some of his adventures. Some cried happily about Growlithe's story, and some sniffed tears at how he helped his Puppy Pokémon out to later join his team, making said Pokémon blush.
Then, he met Dratini, helping her evolve into a powerful Dragonite in the future. The Fan Club members smiled, seeing the adventure he endured as they cuddled, giving Pikachu much-needed love and affection, much to its dismay.
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Vermillion City]
While they were away from the Pokémon Fan Club, they ventured around Vermillion City following the Arc Phone app's Map feature. Azure had his Pikachu out with the rest held within their Poke Balls as he examined the city.
They explored the vibrant streets, marveling at the massive ship docked in the harbor and the energetic atmosphere radiating from the Pokémon Center. Azure refilled from the market and bought a few essential supplies.
But as they ventured deeper into the city, a subtle undercurrent of unease began to permeate the air. He overheard hushed conversations, nervous glances, and a general sense of apprehension radiating from the trainers and residents alike.
Intrigued, Azure inquired with a friendly-looking shopkeeper. He said politely in a confused tone, "Excuse me. I couldn't help but notice that people seem a little on edge. Is everything alright?"
The shopkeeper sighed, wiping his brow with a handkerchief. He then began to explain to Azure what was happening in a conflicted tone, "It's been happening for weeks now, son. Pokémon are being stolen. Right off the streets, from their trainers! Nobody knows who's behind it, but it's got everyone scared."
Azure's brow furrowed. Pokémon theft was a serious crime, a violation of the bond between trainer and Pokémon. He had always believed in the sanctity of that relationship, and the thought of someone preying on innocent creatures filled him with anger, but he remained calm.
Azure pressed, his voice laced with concern, "Has anyone seen anything?"
The shopkeeper sighed, shaking his head helplessly as he replied in a disheartened tone of voice, "Some say they've seen shadowy figures lurking around the docks at night, but no one's gotten a clear look. The authorities are investigating, but so far, they haven't had any luck."
Azure decided to keep quiet as a thought came across his mind in a cautious tone, 'Team Rocket. There was a plot in the original where Lt. Surge's men stole those Pokémon. Better keep my guard up.'
He was determined to protect his Pokémon, but he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that they were being watched. He kept his hand resting lightly on Pikachu's head, a silent reassurance.
As evening descended, they found a quiet spot by the harbor, watching the shimmering lights reflect on the water. Azure released his Pokémon from their Poké Balls, allowing them to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh sea air. Growlithe practiced its Ember, sending sparks dancing in the wind.
Dratini coiled gracefully around a weathered bollard, its eyes gleaming softly. But soon, his team was approached by a series of trainers, each with a proposition that raised his suspicions.
One offered a rare Scyther with exceptional battling potential in exchange for Dratini. Another, a seasoned veteran, flaunted a sturdy Rhydon, claiming its raw power was a fair trade for the elegant dragon Pokémon.
Each offer was tempting, but Azure refused. He recognized the intense interest in Dratini wasn't a coincidence. The rumors of Pokémon theft and the sudden surge in trade offers were connected; he was certain of it.
Azure said politely but firmly to the last trainer, a burly man with a sneering face, "Sorry, but Dratini is a valuable member of my team. I'm not interested in trading."
The man glared at Azure. He sneered as he tried to offer him a trade in a rude tone, "You're a fool, kid. That little snake is just a showpiece. Rhydon's got real power."
Azure stood his ground. He glared at the man as he sternly replied, with Dratini glaring at the burly man, "Dratini is more than just a 'showpiece.' She is my friend. She's my Pokémon."
The man scoffed and turned away, muttering something under his breath about wasted opportunities. Azure narrowed his eyes as he checked his Arc Phone, looking up his Pokémon status.
|Name: Partner Pikachu (Mouse Pokémon)
|Type: Electric
|Level: 27
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Light Ball]
|Ability: Lightning Rod (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Thunder Shock [A][S], Quick Attack [A], Double Team, Agility, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball [A], Iron Tail [A], Feint, Spark, Zippy Zap [A], Floaty Float, Splishy Splash, Pika Papow, Surf (HM), Volt Tackle(EM), Wish (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Dratini (Dragon Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon
|Level: 25
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Dragon Fang]
|Ability: Marvel Scale (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister [S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Thunder Wave, Dragon Rage, Iron Tail [A], Protect, Agility, Slam, Bubblebeam (TM), Surf (HM), Extreme Speed [A] (IM), Dragon Dance (EM) (3 Moves to Learn)
|Name: Growlithe (Puppy Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 24
|Held Item: [Eviolite]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Ember [A][S], Leer, Howl, Bite [S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Helping Hand, Agility, Iron Tail, Fire Fang, Protect (TM), Raging Fury [S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (5 Moves left to learn)
Gazing at the status screens of his Pokémon team, Azure finally nodded as he thought to himself in a determined tone, 'We might pull a win. Not only that, they're beginning to master their moves slowly but surely… suppose it's the best way for my team to grow stronger is through battles.'
Confirming his thoughts, Azure grinned as he returned to the Pokémon Fan Club for the night as he thought, 'Welp! time to go kicks Lt. Surge's ass tomorrow.'
He didn't feel too secure sleeping in the Pokémon Center, but in a trusted place, as he recalled his Pokémon. Except for Pikachu perched over his shoulder, taking extreme vigilance.