Chapter 271: Conqueror's Path
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Lavaridge Town – Pokémon Center]
The geothermal energy of Lavaridge Town hummed beneath Azure's boots, a constant, soothing thrum that permeated the very air. Steam billowed from cracks in the volcanic rock, carrying the faint, earthy scent of sulfur and minerals, mingling with the sweeter aroma of local berries.
It was a place of warmth and healing, a stark contrast to the fiery intensity of the Gym battle that had brought them here just hours before. Azure felt a familiar satisfaction settle within him – another challenge met, another step forward on his new journey.
Beside him, Sapphire, his bright-eyed companion and student, walked with a quieter, more subdued energy. Her gaze, often alight with curiosity or the competitive spark of a burgeoning Trainer, seemed to drift, unfocused, over the bustling town square.
Azure, ever perceptive, had caught subtle tells throughout the day: a prolonged silence after a question, a slight hesitation in her step, the way her fingers often subconsciously brushed the Poké Balls on her belt. He'd seen trainers wrestling with inner turmoil countless times, and Sapphire's current state was a textbook example.
Pikachu, perched comfortably on Azure's shoulder, twitched an ear, as if sensing the unspoken tension. Eevee, a loyal shadow at Azure's heels, occasionally nudged Sapphire's leg with her nose, as if offering silent comfort.
They had spent the afternoon unwinding, visiting the famous hot springs, letting the mineral-rich waters soothe sore muscles and frayed nerves. Even there, amidst the tranquil steam and the gentle lapping of water, Azure had observed Sapphire.
She'd been unusually quiet, less inclined to recount the details of Azure's victory over Flannery, the Fire-type Gym Leader, or discuss their next destination. Her Pokémon seemed to mirror her introspective mood, huddled close around her, their usual boisterous energy muted.
Azure had decided to give her space. Some things needed to ripen before they could be addressed. He knew the feeling well; the journey of a Trainer was as much about inner discovery as it was about battling and catching new Pokémon.
As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the cool evening air started to replace the midday warmth. The neon glow of the Pokémon Center sign beckoned a beacon of rest and recuperation.
It was then, as they approached its familiar doors, that Azure decided the time was right. He began, his voice calm and steady, drawing her attention, "Sapphire…"
She started slightly, as if roused from a deep thought, as he continued, "You've been quiet today. Everything alright?"
Her gaze flickered from his eyes to the ground, then back, a telltale sign of her struggle. She took a deep breath, clutching the strap of her bag as she said, "Yes, Master… I mean, no. Not exactly. Could we… talk, after we check in?"
Azure simply nodded, offering a reassuring smile as he said calmly, "Of course. Let's get settled then first."
Inside the Pokémon Center, the familiar beeping of the healing machines and the murmurs of other trainers provided a comforting backdrop. Nurse Joy, with her ever-present Chansey, greeted them warmly and took their Poké Balls.
Azure handed over his own diverse team –along with Pikachu and Eevee, who remained by his side, though Eevee often nestled by Sapphire. He noticed Sapphire carefully handing over Kirly, Chic, and the rest of her team, her touch lingering on each ball.
Later, after a light dinner in the Center's cafeteria, they found a quiet corner in the common room. The fire in the hearth crackled, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
Pikachu dozed on Azure's lap, Eevee curled up beside Sapphire, occasionally nuzzling her hand. Azure began gently, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, "So…. What's on your mind, Sapphire?"
She shifted, gathering her thoughts. Her eyes were still fixed on the dancing flames, reflecting the turmoil she was feeling as she said nervously, "It's… It's about my journey, Master. And… about us."
Azure remained silent, allowing her to continue at her own pace. He had a feeling he knew where this was going, but it was important for her to articulate it.
Her voice was soft, laced with a hint of remembered fear as she explained, "When we went up Mt. Chimney, and Team Aqua… they were so intense. So real. I saw you take on the Admins amidst the chaos. I saw how you handled everything, how calm you were, how you knew exactly what to do."
She paused, taking a shaky breath. She took a deep breath as she explained calmly, "And then, today, with Flannery. Your Golduck against her Torkoal, your Ninetales's graceful evasion… It was incredible, Master. Truly."
She finally looked at him, her eyes wide and earnest. There was a vulnerability there that hadn't been so prominent before, as she said bluntly, "But watching you… I realized something. I realized I was just watching. I was expecting you to handle it, to lead the way, to have all the answers. I wasn't thinking for myself, not really. I was just following."
Her hand went to her belt, tracing the smooth curves of her Poké Balls. She confessed in a conflicted voice, "Ever since I started traveling with you, I've learned so much. You've taught me about strategy, about understanding my Pokémon, about the spirit of battle. But I think… I've started to rely on you too much. I look to you for every decision, every next step. It's like… I'm not really finding my own path anymore. I'm just walking yours."
Azure listened, his expression unwavering, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes. He recognized the pattern.
It was a common pitfall for companions of experienced trainers. The sheer presence of someone with his accomplishments could be both inspiring and overshadowing.
Sapphire continued, her voice gaining a touch more resolve as she explained, "When I think about what I want to achieve. I want to be a Trainer who can stand on her own. Who can protect her Pokémon, make her own tactical calls, and face her own challenges without needing someone else to bail her out? I want Kirly and Chic and the others to look to me for guidance, not to you as a secondary figure."
She finally came to the crux of it, her gaze meeting his with a newfound firmness as she stated bluntly, "So, I… I think I need to train on my own for a while, Master. I need to find my own way through Hoenn. I need to make my own mistakes and learn from them, without you there to catch me every time."
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the crackling fire. Azure looked at Sapphire, truly looked at her.
He saw the genuine yearning for independence, the spark of a Trainer ready to forge her own destiny. And he saw himself, years ago, on his own first journey, driven by similar convictions to be the very best.
He offered her a gentle, knowing smile. It wasn't a smile of surprise or disappointment, but of profound understanding. He admitted softly, "I thought this might be coming, Sapphire. I've been noticing your quietness, your thoughtful moments. You're growing, immensely. Not just in skill, but in spirit."
He paused, his gaze softening as he explained himself, adjusting his cap, "And if I'm honest with myself, I've wondered if my presence, as much as I've enjoyed our time, was perhaps inadvertently crippling your ability to fully handle situations on your own. It's a natural thing to lean on strength when it's available. But true strength comes from within, when you're forced to rely solely on yourself and your partners."
Sapphire's shoulders visibly relaxed, a wave of relief washing over her face. She hadn't known how he would react, worried he might be offended or try to dissuade her.
Azure continued, his voice resonating with sincerity as he said softly, "You've shown incredible potential since we met. Your bond with Kirly, the way Chic has matured, your intuitive understanding of battle flow… You have all the makings of a truly exceptional Trainer. And sometimes, the greatest lessons are learned when you step out of the shadow of a mentor and face the world on your own terms."
He reached out, resting a hand briefly on her shoulder. He said proudly, staring at her, "So, I accept your request, Sapphire. I understand completely. And I think it's the right decision for you, right now."
A warmth spread through Sapphire, a mix of gratitude and exhilaration. She whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "Thank you, Master. Thank you for understanding."
Azure smiled as he replied softly, withdrawing his hand, "There's no need for thanks. This journey is yours to define. We'll meet again, I have no doubt. Hoenn isn't so big that our paths won't cross."
He picked up the sleeping Pikachu and placed him gently on the sofa cushion beside him as he said calmly, "Until then, focus on what you've learned, trust your instincts, and cherish your Pokémon. They'll be your truest guides."
The conversation felt like a weight had been lifted from Sapphire's shoulders, leaving her with a sense of clarity and purpose she hadn't felt in weeks.
She knew this was right. She needed to stumble, to make her own choices, and to truly become the Trainer she aspired to be.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Lavaridge Town – Pokémon Center]
The following morning dawned bright and clear, the typical Lavaridge heat already beginning to build. Azure and Sapphire stood outside the Pokémon Center, their bags packed, their Pokémon refreshed and ready for new adventures – albeit separate ones.
Pikachu, sensing the imminent departure, looked up at Azure, then at Sapphire, a small churring sound escaping him. Eevee, more acutely aware, whined softly, rubbing her head against Sapphire's leg one last time before retreating to Azure's side.
Sapphire began, a brave smile on her face, though her eyes held a hint of sadness at the thought of parting as she said bravely, "Well… This is it, then."
Azure confirmed, his own expression one of calm resolve, "It is."
Sapphire took a deep breath and exhaled. She said, thankfully, her voice earnest, "Master… Thank you. Truly. For everything. For teaching me, for guiding me, for letting me travel with you. It's been… the most incredible experience of my life so far."
Azure's smile was genuine, reflecting the shared memories of their journey as he said fondly, "It wasn't bad having a traveling companion, Sapphire. Your enthusiasm was a good reminder of what this journey is all about for so many."
He reached for a Poké Ball on his belt, not one of his partners, but one of his Hoenn team, as he said kindly, "Gardevoir, if you please."
*Pop*
With a flash of light, the graceful Gardevoir materialized beside him, her serene gaze taking in the scene. She bowed slightly to Azure, then offered a gentle nod to Sapphire as he instructed, "Gardevoir, could you use Teleport to get us to Petalburg City?"
He wanted to make a clean break, preventing a prolonged, emotional farewell that might undermine Sapphire's newfound resolve. Petalburg was a good distance away, a clear separation point.
Sapphire understood his unspoken intention. She stepped forward, grasping his hand firmly as she said, "Good luck, Master. I'll see you around."
He replied, a final, encouraging twinkle in his eye as he said fondly, "And you, Sapphire. Forge your own path. Make it magnificent. And when the time comes when you earn all 8 Gym Badges… don't hesitate to challenge me with all you've got."
*Wooosh*
With a soft, almost inaudible hum of psychic energy, Gardevoir enveloped Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee in a shimmering aura. In the next instant, they vanished, leaving only the lingering scent of ash and the quiet hum of Lavaridge Town.
Sapphire stood alone for a moment, the space beside her feeling suddenly vast. A pang of loneliness, sharp and brief, pierced her.
But it was quickly replaced by a surge of exhilarating determination. She looked down at her belt, at the Poké Balls of Kirly, Chic, Rono, Relly, Phando, and Troppy.
This was her team. This was her journey.
Sapphire, taking a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, a new light igniting in her eyes. The path ahead was unknown, but for the first time, it was entirely her own.
She turned, facing west, towards the next Gym badge, towards her own destiny, ready to write the next chapter of her story as she muttered, "No worries, Master, I'll become the very best like no one ever was before…"
Sapphire, the Dex Holder Conqueror, grinned. Finally, she felt as if she was following her own path instead of her master as she took the first step forward for herself and for her Pokémon partners standing beside her.
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A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!