Chapter 296: Verdanturf Town
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Contest Hall]
Miles away, or perhaps just a few blocks over in Verdanturf's charming layout, a different kind of excitement buzzed. Ruby, a young trainer with a passion for Pokémon Contests that rivaled his love for his team, embarked on his very first official challenge.
Thanks to Gabby, Ruby managed to get into the Normal Rank Pokémon Contest. He and his Pokémon are in the middle of the competition as the announcer declared, "Welcome to the Verdanturf Town Pokémon Contest… Normal Rank, Cute Category!! The second round is heating up!! What will the next appeal be…?"
*Swoosh*
Coming out to the stage, Ruby, with his Delcatty, Kiki, with her elegant posture and captivating charm, was his chosen partner for the Normal Rank Cute Contest. With a confident flourish, he ordered, "Kiki, Growl!!"
Kiki smiled with a cute expression as she growled, "Meoww~ (Praise me!)"
Ruby guided Kiki through the routine, each move a symphony of grace and appeal. The judges, captivated by Kiki's undeniable cuteness, didn't hesitate as the announcer declared, "He did it!! Amazing!! Ruby's Delcatty won the most votes for its looks in the primary round… and received the most votes in the Secondary Round – Making it the winner! Someone give this boy his Ribbon!!"
A blue ribbon, signifying victory, was awarded. Ruby beamed, his heart swelling with pride as a sketch artist, placing it near Nana's portrait for the Cool Category Winner.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Contest Hall (Prep Room)]
Later, a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the buzz of Ruby's early successes. A display of his victories showcased Kiki, radiant in her Cute Contest win, and Nana, his Mightyena, a picture of imposing coolness from her Cool Contest triumph.
"That boy is unbelievable."
"This contestant appeared out of nowhere and won by a landslide!!"
"I hear he's entered every category!"
"What?!"
As the crows murmur amongst each other upstairs in the privacy of his room, Ruby was engrossed in a different kind of preparation. With meticulous care, he knitted a small, colorful sweater, his fingers working with the same precision he applied to training his Pokémon.
This was for Mumu, his Swampert, who he had already assigned to the Tough Contests, a perfect fit for the sturdy Water/Ground-type as he muttered happily, "This is for you, Mumu! You look great and perfect for the Tough Contest!"
Mumu rubbed its head bashfully at the praise. Clutching his newly acquired Contest Pass, Ruby couldn't contain his excitement as he proudly proclaimed, "We've finally made it to the first step of our dreams! I got myself a Hoenn Region Contest Pass!! And I must keep on winning if I'm going to fulfill my dream of becoming the Champion of every contest!!"
He began assigning categories with the enthusiasm of a conductor leading his orchestra as he muttered excitedly, "Kiki's cuteness, Nana's coolness, Mumu's toughness… and you two are our entries for the Beauty and Smart category! Right, Feefee and Rara?"
Inside, they're Poke Balls. They grinned in nodded they're heads in determination. Nearby, Fofo brought Ruby's bag as he thanked her kindly, "Oh! Thanks for the bag and camera, Fofo!"
Fofo bobbed its head happily as Ruby patted its head. As Ruby meticulously arranged his team, taking snapshots to commemorate this new chapter as he muttered happily, "I'm counting on you two! We're going to work together to get to the top!!"
As the familiar whir of a camera and the distinct voices of Gabby and Ty filled the air. The intrepid reporters, known for their coverage of Pokémon-related events, had caught wind of Ruby's Double Contest victories.
Gabby exclaimed, her voice bright and enthusiastic, "Ruby, congratulations on your incredible wins! We'd love to get an interview, maybe a few shots for the Hoennian Chronicle!"
Ruby's face lit up at the prospect of being on television, recognized, but a flicker of apprehension quickly crossed his features. The idea of widespread recognition, of being well known, gave him pause.
He had no desire to attract the attention of nefarious organizations like Team Magma. He stammered, already backing away, "Uh, thanks, but I'm really not looking for that kind of attention right now. I've got another Contest to get to!"
*Dash*
And with a hasty nod, he darted out of the room, Poke Ball in hand, just as the announcer for the Beauty Contest began to call out. Gabby watched him go, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Ty sighed, seeing Ruby flee from them as he said, concerned, "I feel a bit bad about that, Gabby. And honestly, are you sure we're doing the right thing…?"
Gabby turned her head, confused asked, "What do you mean?"
Ty looked at her, stunned as he explained his complication regarding Fofo, "What do I mean?! Well, for starters… that Castform belongs to President Stone, but Ruby named it Fofo! And our Job is to figure out what happened in those incidents in the Hoenn Region, isn't it? So what good will it do us to watch this contest?!"
Gabby replied, easing her partner's concern, her gaze still fixed on the direction Ruby had disappeared, "Don't worry about it, Ty. There's something about that kid. I have a good feeling about him. Let's keep following him. This could be more interesting than we think. Plus, his our only lead to the Indigo Champion, who seemed to have crossed paths with both Team Aqua and Magma. Only he has the clues we're looking for."
Ty could only sigh helplessly at Gabby's confidence. But for now, he could only follow her lead, trying to find they're big scoop.
Gabby dragged Ty along as she declared, "Let's go, Ty!!"
Dragging Ty along, following Ruby's lead, Azure closely followed behind. Pikachu and Eevee on his shoulder muttered curiously, "Took a while, but it seems like Ruby's about to begin his performance. Let's check it out, right guys?"
Both his partners cried happily at the idea. With that, Azure followed, curious to see what these Pokémon Contests are all about.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Contest Hall]
Back in the Contest hall, a hushed reverence fell over the audience as the announcer's voice boomed, explaining the intricacies of the Pokémon Contest system, "Before we begin the secondary round… I'll explain the basic rules of the Pokémon Contest in the Hoenn Region! There are 4 contest halls in the Hoenn Region, divided by rank. Our Verdanturf Town Contest Hall hosts Normal Rank contestants! Only the winners have the right to challenge the next rank in a different town!"
The announcer continued to explain the necessary rules of where each Coordinator needed to attend for ascending Ranks. Super Rank in Fallarbor Town, Hyper Rank in Slateport City, and Master Rank in Lilycove City.
Hearing the rules, the announcer continued explaining in an excited tone, "Each Contest Hall has 5 Categories!! And they are… Cool! Beauty! Cute! Smart! And Tough!!"
The announcer continued, detailing the two crucial phases of each Contest: the Appeals Round, where trainers showcased their Pokémon's appeal and unique moves, and the Battles Round, where Pokémon used their skills to impress the judges and potentially hinder their opponents. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation.
The Normal Rank Beauty Contest was about to begin. A hush fell over the hall as Ruby stepped onto the stage, the spotlight illuminating his determined young face. He held up a Poké Ball, and with a soft click, Feefee, his Milotic, emerged.
*Pop*
The audience gasped. Milotic, with its shimmering, iridescent scales that seemed to capture and refract the very essence of beauty, was a stunning sight. Feefee's presence alone was enough to generate a wave of applause.
Ruby's mind raced. He recalled a valuable lesson: a truly beautiful Pokémon could win a Contest on its own merit.
But he wanted to do more. He wanted to surprise everyone, to blend his own strategic flair with Feefee's inherent allure.
He whispered, his voice filled with confidence towards his Pokémon, "Feefee, let's show them something special."
*SPLASH*
With a graceful swirl, Feefee unleashed Water Pulse. The attack, a perfectly formed orb of shimmering water, pulsed with an inner light, reflecting Feefee's radiant beauty. The audience erupted in cheers, their clapping a thunderous wave of approval.
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
As the applause washed over him, Ruby's gaze swept across the cheering crowd. And then he saw his eyes widening, 'Wait… that guy's here!!'
Standing near the back, a familiar figure with an unmistakable bright yellow companion perched on his shoulder, and a small, adaptable creature of warm brown fur beside him. Azure. Pikachu and Eevee.
A wide, genuine smile spread across Ruby's face. To see a friend, someone he respected and admired, cheering him on in this new world of Contests was an unexpected joy. It was a silent acknowledgement, a bolstering of his confidence.
The roar of the crowd, the dazzling display of Feefee's appeal, and the comforting sight of Azure's presence all combined into a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness. This was just the beginning, and with friends like Azure and a team like his, Ruby knew he was on the right path.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Contest Hall (Prep Room)]
Inside the grand Contest Hall, the spotlight bathed a young man with striking eyes and an air of elegant confidence. Ruby, as the announcer boomed, was just crowned the winner of the Beauty Contest.
Applause thundered, but Ruby seemed only half-present, his gaze sweeping over the audience, searching. His face, usually a mask of composed charm, held a hint of distraction.
Gabby's voice, vivacious and carrying surprisingly well over the crowd, cut through his reverie, "Ruby! Get a move on, champ!"
Ty, her ever-present cameraman, nodded enthusiastically beside her as he added, "You've got the Tough and Smart Contests next! Don't lose your focus!"
A faint blush touched Ruby's cheeks. He flashed a practiced, charming smile at the crowd before hurrying backstage.
But even as he prepared for the next challenge, his eyes continued their furtive search, a peculiar magnet drawing them towards a certain calm presence in the sea of faces. But against all odds, or perhaps precisely because of his focus, Ruby swept through the Tough and Smart Contests with an ease that belied the fierce competition.
His Pokémon, each groomed to perfection, performed with a synergy that captivated the judges and audience alike. Yet, with each sash draped over his arm, with each burst of applause, his eyes still sought that elusive, calm figure.
The man had been there, he was certain. A distinct aura, a quiet strength that had called to Ruby's own perceptive nature as he thought, 'Where is he…'
/////
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Contest Hall (Entrance)]
It didn't take long for his search to end. As Ruby, now laden with shiny ribbons and a beaming smile, emerged from the Contest Hall, a figure leaned casually against the stone archway of the entrance.
Azure appeared with his partners, Pikachu and Eevee, with a gentle smile on his lips as he said, his voice calm and melodic, cutting through the lingering buzz of the crowd, "Congratulations, Ruby. Exquisite performances. Your Pokémon are a true testament to your skill."
Ruby's emerald eyes widened in surprise, then quickly softened into a genuine, unpracticed smile. He faltered, a rare moment of shyness for the usually composed coordinator as he replied, "Thank you… I… I saw you in the crowd. Thanks for seeing my magnificent performance!"
He extended a hand tentatively. Azure took it, his grip firm and warm as he replied childishly, "I bet. Now, if Sapphire were here, she'd barfed at the scene."
Ruby was aghast as he replied instinctively in a dramatic pose, "Like hell she would! My performance with my Pokémon is a masterpiece!"
Azure chuckled as Pikachu gave a friendly cry, "Pika-Pikachu! (Sup kiddo!)"
Eevee let out a soft cry, nuzzle, seemingly amused by Ruby's astonishment, "Ee-vee! (Emergency food! You've returned!)"
Before they could continue their reunion, they were interrupted by Gabby's high-pitched shriek startled them both, "Azure Sky!"
She and Ty seemed to materialize out of nowhere, their faces alight with an almost manic glee. Gabby said excitedly, "This is incredible! The Indigo Champion, in Hoenn! And with Ruby, the new Coordinator Contest Superstar!"
Before either could fully react, they were efficiently bundled into Gabby and Ty's news van, a mobile studio on wheels. The interior, usually a chaotic mess of cables and equipment, somehow felt even more vibrant with the addition of Azure and Ruby.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Rusturf Tunnel]
The introductions quickly moved from the bustling plaza to the relative quiet of Gabby and Ty's news van, a mobile command center crammed with equipment. Gabby and Ty practically vibrated with excitement, their questions rapid-fire, their cameras flashing in preparation.
Pikachu and Eevee, meanwhile, seemed to find the van's interior a delightful playground, chasing each other around the seats, their playful yelps filling the space. Pikachu and Eevee were already exploring, their playful chirps and squeaks adding a joyous background score to the bustling van.
Pikachu bounced off a comfortable-looking seat, while Eevee chased its tail in a flurry of brown fur, occasionally nudging a camera bag with its nose. Gabby pressed, her eyes wide with journalistic zeal as she asked, "So, Azure, what brings the Indigo champion to the Hoenn region? A new challenge? The Contests?"
Azure chuckled, a rare, relaxed sound as he replied casually, "A new journey, simply. And as for Contests, I'm merely an observer today. Ruby's talent is evident."
Ruby blushed, preening slightly at the compliment. Ty burbled, adjusting a microphone, "We heard you were coming to Hoenn, Mr. Sky!"
Gabby, already setting up her camera, practically vibrated with excitement, added, "This is a scoop! The biggest story of the year! I told you, Ty, that following Ruby would lead us back to him!"
Beside him, Ruby watched, fascinated by Azure's calm demeanor amidst the whirlwind of Gabby and Ty. Their conversation, a lively mix of Kanto League anecdotes from Gabby and Ty, and Ruby's own enthusiastic descriptions of Hoenn's Contest scene, was suddenly interrupted within the van.
*BUZZ*
The small television screen mounted near the driver's seat flickered, displaying a news bulletin. The newsman in a serious voice stated, "We interrupt this program for a breaking news alert! Reports are coming in of a significant accident at the Rusturf Tunnel, just east of Verdanturf Town. Details are still scarce, but initial reports indicate a major cave-in, trapping several individuals. Rescue teams are en route. We urge all citizens to stay away from the area."
The jovial atmosphere in the van evaporated, replaced by a sudden chill. Gabby's perky smile vanished, replaced by a look of professional concern.
Ty gripped his camera tighter. Ruby murmured, his earlier excitement replaced by worry, "A cave-in? Rusturf Tunnel?"
Gabby and Ty instantly snapped into reporter mode as she said seriously, "Rusturf Tunnel! That's just a few miles from here!"
Ty exclaimed, already fumbling with his camera as he drove, "We have to get there!"
Azure said, his voice calm but firm as he exchanged a glance with Ruby, a silent understanding passing between them, "Hold on. I believe that's our cue to assist, right, Ruby…?"
*Wooosh*
As if on cue, a shadow flickered past the side window of the moving van. A sleek, white-furred Pokémon with a crescent-shaped horn and a majestic, scythe-like tail… It was the Disaster Pokémon Absol.
Its piercing red eyes seemed to lock onto the van for a fleeting moment before it vanished into the verdant foliage. Ruby let out a soft gasp, a shiver running down his spine despite the beauty of the creature as he muttered in awe, "An Absol! Did you see it? It was… exquisite."
He quickly pulled out his Pokédex, thumbing through the entries. A moment later, his expression clouded as his voice trailed off, a sense of unease settling in, "Oh… here it is. Absol, the Disaster Pokémon. It's said to appear only where disasters are about to occur, or have just happened…"
Azure, however, eyed the retreating Absol with a profound interest that went beyond mere academic curiosity. He had encountered them before, but never so directly, never in such proximity to an unfolding event.
A Disaster Pokémon. A natural alarm system. What an invaluable addition that would be to his team, a living early warning system for a Trainer who often found himself in the thick of crucial events.
Wild Absol were notoriously rare and elusive creatures that kept to the shadows until calamity struck. This was an opportunity he wouldn't let pass as he thought, 'So we meet again, Absol. But this time I'm not letting you get away.'
Slowly, deliberately, Azure reached into his pocket. His fingers closed around something cool and smooth…
He brought it out, a small, obsidian-like stone that pulsed with a faint, almost imperceptible energy: an [Absolite] it's Mega Stone. The Mega Stone shimmered in the ambient light...
Outside, the Absol, which had been gracefully making its way through the undergrowth, suddenly froze. Its head snapped back, its keen red eyes narrowing at him and the Mega Stone.
It had sensed the faint, familiar energy. Its gaze met Azure's through the van window. In that silent exchange, something clicked.
Absol recognized him. Not from this moment, but from another time, another place. It was at Mt. Chimney, a volatile peak where the very earth seemed to breathe fire.
Azure, alongside the fire-loving Gym Leader Flannery and the courageous Sapphire, had worked to dismantle Team Aqua's audacious, ill-conceived plans to halt the volcano's activity. Absol had been there, a silent sentinel, its presence a stark warning of the ecological disaster Team Aqua sought to unleash.
It had watched then, fascinated by his quiet resolve, his ability to avert catastrophe. Azure smiled knowingly, a subtle nod confirming their shared memory. The van, now moving with more urgency as Gabby directed Ty towards the Rusturf Tunnel to get a scoop, finally screeched to a halt as they arrived at the entrance…
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter! Also, on a side note, the Boxes and Current Rotations have been updated for the new arc after Hoenn, the Firered and Leafgreen Arc.