Chapter 423: Meeting Ash
~Azure S. POV~
[Anime Canon – Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Pokémon Center]
It hadn't been long after our arrival that the legendary Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia, had found me. Or rather, I had found her. A powerful Trainer known for her calm demeanor and devastating strength, she was battling a focused opponent after battling Paul.
I'd watched the impressive display, then decided to test my own current team's mettle. Before Paul could even finish, I'd stepped in, challenging Cynthia myself. The battle had been swift, intense, and frankly, a bit of a showcase.
My Arcanine, Scizor, and Shiny Gengar had made quick work of her Lucario, Milotic, and the formidable Garchomp. And then after that, my Togepi finally evolved as I checked my Arc Phone, reviewing the data given.
[Togetic, the Happiness Pokémon. Togetic can sense the kindness in the hearts of other people and Pokémon. Whenever it spots a pure-hearted person, it tends to go to that person and shower them with happiness and glowing down called "joy dust". To share its happiness, it is said to fly around the world seeking these people.
If it is not with kind people, however, it becomes dispirited and loses energy. Togetic is rare in the wild, but can sometimes be found living within the forests. Togetic is known to sleep while floating and steadily flapping its wings occasionally. It is believed that a mysterious power is keeping Togetic in the air.]
|Name: Togetic (Happiness Pokémon)
|Type: Fairy/Flying
|Level: 15
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Serene Grace
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Growl, Sweet Kiss, Pound, Air Cutter,Fairy Wind (IM), Future Sight (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (6 Moves left to learn)
I smiled as I've finally evolved Togepi into Togetic. And I still have a Shiny Stone ready to use, but that will be saved when I'm ready for Sinnoh.
But now, as dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, we found ourselves heading towards the nearest Pokémon Center. Ash, Dawn, and Brock, who had been observing Cynthia's battle (and subsequently mine), trailed behind us, their faces a mix of awe and curiosity.
Ash practically bounced, Pikachu mirroring his enthusiasm with synchronized hops on his shoulder as he yelled excitedly, "That was an incredible battle, Azure! Your Pokémon were super strong!"
Brock added, ever the observant one, nodding his head, "Indeed. The way your Arcanine moved, so fluid and powerful, and that Scizor's technique was impeccable. Your Gengar, too, truly a master of illusion and power!"
Dawn, still clutching her Piplup, nodded vigorously and added, "And you won 3-0 against Cynthia! That's amazing!"
Cynthia herself walked beside me, her expression unreadable but her gaze lingering thoughtfully on Pikachu and Eevee as she asked, "Truly a remarkable display, Azure. I have several questions for you."
We entered the Pokémon Center, the familiar chime of the automatic doors greeting us. The scent of antiseptic and Poffins filled the air. Cynthia began, approaching the counter as she requested, "Nurse Joy, if you please. My Garchomp, Lucario, and Milotic need immediate attention."
Nurse Joy, with a kind smile on her face, turned to us. Her smile faltered slightly as she explained, "Oh, Champion Cynthia! Of course. However, I'm so sorry, but I just received word that a wild Stoutland was critically injured in a rockslide. I need to perform emergency surgery right away. My Chansey is already preparing the operating room."
A collective gasp went through Ash's group. Cynthia, though, remained composed as she said casually, "I understand, Nurse Joy. Critical conditions take precedence. I'll take care of them myself."
Brock's eyes lit up, ever ready to offer his services – or, more accurately, to impress a beautiful woman as he'd even flexed slightly, "You will? I'd love to help! My Pokémon medical knowledge is quite extensive!"
*Pop*
Before Brock could take another step, a blur of purple shot out from its Poké Ball. Croagunk, with a deadpan expression, lunged forward, his finger already poised to deliver a Poison Jab, "Croaaa-guunk!"
*FWUMP*
But then, as if sensing something amiss, Croagunk froze just inches from Brock's arm. Cynthia had turned, a gentle, understanding smile gracing her lips as she looked directly at the Toxic frog.
Croagunk, usually stoic, blinked once, twice, then slowly, almost comically, retracted his arm. His expression shifted to a sheepish, almost embarrassed one, letting out a soft, defeated cry before retreating into his Poké Ball, "Croa… (Fine… you get a pass this time buddy… but there won't be a next time...)"
Brock stammered, rubbing his arm, "Well, that was… unexpected."
His face quickly resumed its lovesick expression as he turned back to Cynthia. The group left to the outside to treat Cynthia's Pokémon.
Cynthia merely chuckled softly, already kneeling beside her Garchomp. She pulled out a small, metallic spray bottle as she said softly, "Thank you for the offer, Brock, but I assure you, I'm quite capable. Here, Garchomp. A Max Potion for you."
*PSSSHHHHT*
The potent spray misted over Garchomp's scales, and the Pseudo-Legendary let out a grateful rumble, its eyes already looking clearer. I commented, leaning against a support beam, Pikachu occasionally reaching out a paw to bat at Eevee's tail as she flicked it playfully, "Your Garchomp is truly magnificent, Cynthia. Power, speed, and incredible resilience. And your Lucario…"
I watched as she gave the Aura Pokémon a small, blue pill and encouraged him to rest as I continued, "... seems to be a model of discipline and patience. All your Pokémon are exceptionally well-trained and surprisingly resilient, even after facing my team."
Cynthia straightened up, offering me a light, appreciative smile as she replied kindly, "Thank you, Azure. Coming from someone who just defeated me so decisively, that means a great deal."
Her smile then faded, replaced by a more serious expression. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, fixed on me as she asked bluntly, eyeing me, "But now... Tell me, truly, who are you really...?"
Her gaze drifted to Celebi's GS Ball, then to Celebi itself, which had, much to my chagrin, decided to pop out again. It was now happily munching on a leftover Poffin Ash had offered, alongside Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew), who was making surprisingly quick work of his share.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock, meanwhile, were eagerly helping Cynthia apply potions and bandages to her other Pokémon. I merely shrugged, keeping my tone casual, "Just an ordinary trainer, Cynthia. No more, no less."
Cynthia's brow furrowed as she began to recount Azure's previous time in the anime world, much to his mental surprise, "I highly doubt that, Azure. You defeated me in a 3-0 sweep, without losing a single Pokémon. And that's not accounting for the reports Lance shared with me regarding the 'New Island Incident.' A Trainer, matching your description, who single-handedly battled and effortlessly defeated a Legendary Pokémon – Mewtwo – that threatened the entire world. The Nurse Joy who witnessed it called you 'The Ghost of New Island' in her report."
My internal monologue was a series of quick thoughts: The Ghost of New Island, huh? Not the worst nickname.
And Lance really let that slip? He usually keeps a tighter lid on that kind of thing. Good to know my reputation precedes me, even across timelines.
I maintained my outward calm, however. I admitted, deliberately vague, "A Mewtwo is certainly a challenging opponent… But I assure you, I'm just a trainer who seeks to grow stronger."
Cynthia scoffed lightly at my response as she rebutted, "Stronger? You're already operating on a level far beyond most Champions. The League database has no record of anyone named Azure Sky with your accomplishments. No record of any trainer capable of such feats. So, what exactly do you intend to do here, in Sinnoh?"
I replied, glancing at the map of the Sinnoh region displayed on the Pokémon Center wall, "Simple. I'm here to capture a few Pokémon and round out my Sinnoh team. For when I challenge my own Gym Challenge back in my own timeline, of course."
I gestured vaguely towards Celebi, who paused mid-Poffin to give a small, innocent cry, "Che-le-bi? (What? I'm eating over here!)"
Cynthia blinked. Her gaze snapped from me to Celebi, then back to me, a flicker of profound realization crossing her face. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly. She murmured, her voice trailing off as it clicked in her head, "Your own timeline… That explains… almost everything."
She took a moment, absorbing this unexpected revelation. The pieces are clicking into place. The unknown trainer, the unparalleled skill, the lack of records, and the presence of a Celebi. It all made perfect, albeit extraordinary, sense, she finally said, a new layer of curiosity in her voice, "So, you're not from this world, this timeline."
I offered another shrug, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips, replying, "Something like that."
*Whooosh*
Just then, the automatic doors WHOOSHED open again, and in strode a familiar, surly figure. Paul. His eyes, keen and critical, scanned the Pokémon Center, landing first on Ash's group, then on Cynthia, and finally, settling on me.
Ash exclaimed, always quick to greet his rival, despite their contentious relationship, "Paul! Hey, you caught up!"
Paul, as expected, ignored Ash completely. His focus was solely on me.
He walked straight over, his expression as unyielding as ever. He began, his voice blunt, cutting through the general chatter, "That move. The one your Arcanine used on Cynthia's Garchomp. What was it? It did super-effective damage, but Garchomp is Dragon/Ground. Nothing from Arcanine's usual move pool should have hit it like that."
Ash, Dawn, and Brock, who had just finished applying the last bandage to Milotic, looked at Paul, then at me, equally confused. I regarded Paul calmly, unfazed by his directness, "Ah, that."
I paused, considering how best to explain it, "It's a Fairy-type move."
Silence descended upon the group. Ash furrowed his brow as he asked, confused, "Fairy-type? What's that?"
Dawn looked equally puzzled as she murmured, "I've never heard of a Fairy-type Pokémon or move."
Brock stroked his chin thoughtfully, adding, "It sounds… fantastical."
I confirmed as I began explaining in a casual tone, "It is, in a way. It's a relatively new elemental type, recognized in the Kalos region. Fairy-type moves are super-effective against Fighting, Dragon, and Dark-type Pokémon. But they're resisted by Fire, Poison, and Steel types. And they're completely ineffective against Poison and Steel, while resisting Fighting, Bug, and Dark-type moves. Plus, they're immune to Dragon-type attacks."
I watched their expressions shift from confusion to disbelief, then to dawning understanding. Paul's eyes, however, merely narrowed, taking in every word as I explained to them.
Ash repeated his body shaking excitedly, wide-eyed as he asked in an excited voice, "Immune to Dragon-type attacks? That's amazing! So, a Dragonite couldn't even hit a Fairy-type?"
I confirmed, nodding my head, continuing to explain, "Precisely if it used a Dragon Type move. And it's why my Arcanine's Play Rough hit Cynthia's Garchomp so hard. Fairy beats Dragon."
Cynthia, who had been listening intently, finally spoke calmly, "A fascinating development. That explains so much about its power. It's a completely different metagame you're playing."
Paul, seemingly satisfied with my explanation, then shifted his stance, a glint in his eye. It wasn't a question, but a command, "Battle me."
I let out a soft chuckle as I answered, "So direct, Paul. I like it."
Ash jumped forward, ready for action as he yelled, "Me too! Azure, let's battle! I want to see more of your Pokémon!"
I considered their eager faces. Paul's intense stare, Ash's boundless enthusiasm. It was a good opportunity. I agreed, stating, "Alright… But on one condition."
Both Paul and Ash leaned in, intrigued. I announced bluntly, "We double battle. All three of us. You two against me. Full six-member teams on each side. You'll work together, and I'll face both of you simultaneously."
Gasps erupted from Ash, Dawn, and Brock. Paul, for the first time, looked genuinely surprised, his stoic expression cracking slightly.
Ash stammered, pointing, "Six-on-six… against you?"
Dawn exclaimed, "That's a lot! And you want them to team up?"
Paul asked, his voice betraying a hint of confusion, "Why?"
I explained, a smirk playing on my lips as I said cheerfully, "Because it wouldn't be fair otherwise. And besides, this way, you two can learn to coordinate. And it'll be a proper challenge for me. I'll give you ten minutes to prepare. And a suggestion…"
I added, looking pointedly at Ash, knowing he only has 4 Pokémon on him, "You might want to call upon some of your stronger, more experienced Pokémon from your previous journeys. It'll give you a better chance."
Ash's face lit up with understanding. Paul, meanwhile, was already pulling out his Pokédex, a serious look on his face as he began reviewing his team.
Cynthia commented with a knowing smile on her face, "Excellent. This will be a battle for the ages."
Ten minutes later, during which time Cynthia's Pokémon had been fully healed thanks to Brock's surprisingly effective, if still love-struck, assistance and Dawn's quick thinking, the group moved to the Pokémon Center's outdoor battlefield. The twilight had deepened, and the stadium lights cast long shadows across the dust-packed ground.
I stood at one end, a solitary figure against the expanse. Ash and Paul, a strange alliance, stood on the opposite side, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. This might be a good warm-up.
I reached for two Ultra Balls on my belt. I called out resolutely, my voice echoing slightly in the vast space, "Alright, you two! Let's see what you've got! Go, Ampharos! Quagsire! Prepare for battle!!"
*Pop*
From one ball burst a majestic Ampharos, its fleece glowing with a soft, yellow light, the red orb at its tail tip pulsing. She boomed, stomping one foot, sparks crackling around it, "Am-PHA-ros! (Who's the lucky victim today?)"
*Pop*
From the other, a goofy, yet deceptively powerful Quagsire materialized, its perpetually smiling face a stark contrast to Ampharos's more serious demeanor. It gurgled, plopping down onto the dirt, its large, blue body jiggling slightly, "Quag-SIRE (Hello, punching bags, thanks for helping!)"
Paul, ever efficient, wasted no time as he called out, "Electabuzz, stand by for battle!"
*Pop*
With a flash of lightning, his Electabuzz appeared, crackling with raw electrical energy, its fists glowing with a battle cry, "Elec-TA-buzz! (Prepare to get beaten! Time for the pain train!!)"
Ash, brimming with excitement, followed suit as he declared, "Alright, Aipom, you're up! Let's show your stuff."
*Pop*
His nimble Aipom, tail already twitching with anticipation, bounced onto the field as it cried out happily, "Ai-POM! (Hello!)"
The stage was set. Two against one. An electrifying challenge lay ahead. And I couldn't help but grin. This was going to be fun.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!