Chapter 331: Promise
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Days Later, Mossdeep City – Pokémon Center]
The antiseptic scent of the Mossdeep City Pokémon Center was usually crisp, clean, and reassuring. Today, it felt thick, almost heavy, layered over with the subtle ghost of ozone and the dried scent of seawater.
*HUMMM*
I leaned on a chair, the soft hum of the healing machines surrounding me like a protective cocoon. Pikachu was draped over my right shoulder, his electric sac pouches gently sparking, a soft, purring vibration that always anchored me, giving comfort.
Eevee, my ever-present shadow, was curled tightly in my lap, her breath evening out in shallow, quiet puffs. Marshadow remained hidden, prepared to act if need be for my own security against threats.
The ordeal was over.
It still felt surreal, the way the Hoenn region had been ripped apart and stitched back together in a matter of hours. The sheer, overwhelming power of Groudon and Kyogre—not beasts, but forces of nature, ancient titans whose rage had violently rewritten the climate of the entire region.
Fortunately, we had managed to contain the disaster, thanks primarily to my partner Rayquaza, but the victory was stained. I closed my eyes briefly, the image of Archie and Maxie flickering in my mind.
It was unsettling to me. Even now, it makes me recoil in disgust and horror.
They hadn't just been beaten; they had been consumed, their ambition turning to ash as the primordial energy they sought decayed their physical forms. It was a grim reminder that some battles cost more than just Poké Balls and potions.
The Hoenn League was doing an admirable job of damage control. Wattson and Flannery were tackling the drought and fires caused by Groudon's extreme heat; Roxanne and Wallace dealt with the flooding from Kyogre's deluge.
My young student, Sapphire, and her new boyfriend (Probably), Ruby, had rightfully rushed home, perhaps realizing for the first time that adventure often came dressed in disaster. They needed to see their families, to feel the normalcy of Littleroot Town after witnessing the world nearly end.
My job now was simple: rest and recovery.
I looked around the room, which was far larger than a standard recovery ward, set aside specifically for my large, heavily taxed team. On the primary recovery beds, Metagross rested, its metallic body shimmering under the dim light, recharging after taking the brunt of a magnified Earthquake.
Sceptile, usually a whirlwind of energy, lay motionless, its leaf blades drooping slightly. Gardevoir, the silent protector, was nestled close to Ninetales, whose nine tails were currently tucked in tight, radiating gentle, restorative warmth.
Then there was the rest of the crew, all recovering in various stages from the battle: Golduck, who masterfully redirected flooding waters. Crawdaunt, who fought fiercely in the churning seas with his might.
Salamence, who held the line in the sky; Manectric, a lightning rod in the chaos; my Hoenn starters, Swampert and Shiny Blaziken, whose combined efforts had been critical in providing cover and protection.
The elegant Milotic; the shadowy Dusknoir; my luck charm, Absol; and even the powerhouse, Slaking, who had briefly forgotten its laziness to unleash a devastating Hyper Beam when the world truly hung in the balance.
They were all heroes. And they needed me as much as they needed Nurse Joy.
Reaching out, I gently stroked Eevee's fur, receiving a tiny, contented sigh in return. I carefully nudged Pikachu awake, who gave a small cry of inquiry, "Pika? (What is it this time? Is the world ending again?)"
Chuckling at my partner's response, I murmured, rubbing his head, "Just checking in, partner. Everyone's holding steady."
Pikachu rubbed his head against my cheek, responding silently with the familiarity born of two League Victories and countless shared hardships. The total silence, broken only by the gentle machinery, was a luxury I hadn't afforded myself in a few days.
*HUMMM*
It gave me space to breathe, but also space for my mind to wander—something I immediately corrected by reaching for my Arc Phone, setting it to silent mode before checking the backlog of notifications…
*PING*
*PING*
My friends from Kanto and Johto—the ones who knew me best—must have heard the news, as no way this wasn't going to get publicized. The destruction in Hoenn had been too widespread, too dramatic, to stay localized.
As soon as the screen lit up, a torrent of messages flooded the display. The text app was glowing with notifications from the Dex Holders, Prof. Oak, and Daisy. My lips immediately quirked into a smile, despite the persistent fatigue in my bones.
The first thing I saw wasn't a worried text; it was an image.
It was a wide-angle shot, clearly taken from a helicopter drone, showing the massive, shimmering form of Rayquaza soaring high above the clouds. And there I was, a tiny, insignificant speck clinging to its emerald scales, my hair flapping wildly as we descended toward the clashing titans.
The accompanying message was from Professor Oak.
====
Prof. Oak: [Image Attached] Azure, spectacular! Absolutely incredible footage. And tell me, young man, did you retrieve any scale samples? Come home soon—I need to discuss the feasibility of sending a research team. And please, be careful.
====
I chuckled, a dry, rusty sound. Only the Professor would turn a near-apocalypse into a research opportunity.
Next came the flood of texts:
====
Fire Red: Seriously, Azure? Riding around on a Legendary? And you didn't call me? I was dealing with a minor infestation of Bug-types in Viridian Gym. A BUG INFESTATION. You owe me a battle when you get back. A 6-on-6.
Blue Oak: I saw the news. Typical. You always get the best Legendary encounters. I'm currently sweeping the Paldea Region, dealing with some troublesome Titan Pokémon, but it's nothing compared to the drama you stir up. I'm not jealous. I'm just saying, next time there's a world-ending event, maybe check your inbox.
====
I shook my head fondly. My two great rivals.
Still as competitive as ever. I typed a quick mental note to send them both a rare Hoenn souvenir—perhaps a piece of volcanic rock—to placate their battle mania.
Yellow's message was, as expected, pure concern:
====
Yellow: Azure, please tell me you're alright! Red showed me the photo, and I was so worried! The climate changes sound awful. I'm helping Red at the Gym sometimes, making sure the Pokémon are calm after all the chaos. Your Pikachu looks exhausted in the photo. Please spoil him!
Me: Pikachu is currently demanding belly rubs and is being thoroughly spoiled. As are all the others. Don't worry, Yellow. We're safe, just resting.
====
I scrolled down. The updates from Johto were equally detailed.
====
Gold: Man, you had an insane time! Glad you're okay. The news reports made it sound like the ancient gods were having a wrestling match. I'm busy here in Johto now, though—down near Goldenrod City. I'm working with a fantastic Breeder Couple. My Hatcher ability is really coming in handy; these baby Pokémon are going to be absolute beasts!!
Silver: I saw the news. Rayquaza. Impressive, I guess. I've landed in the Kalos Region now. Training is intense. The Mega Evolution here is different. Stay safe. And don't take risks that are unnecessary. (You will probably ignore this advice, but I feel obligated to say it.)
====
I smiled at Silver's characteristic gruffness. He was always trying to sound intimidating, but deep down, he cared.
The next message was from Crystal, who was sounding remarkably official:
====
Crystal: I'm collating all the data from the Hoenn Pokedex project for Prof. Oak. He's taking me under his wing, training me to become a Professor myself! I'm managing all the regional data transfer and making sure the records of the Super Ancient Pokémon battle are archived correctly. It's overwhelming, but exciting. Get better soon. The world needs Champions who aren't exhausted.
====
Following that, I read over Daisy Oak text message:
====
Daisy Oak: Azure, I heard about the conditions down there. Please take your recovery seriously. I'm focused on my medical studies, hoping to become a Doctor. Hydration, rest, and low stress. Follow Nurse Joy's orders!
====
Finally, there was Leaf Green, whose message always held a special warmth for me. I had helped her locate her parents years ago, a debt she never forgot.
====
Leaf Green: Glad you're safe! I told Silver he needs to be careful in Kalos. Honestly, I send him a text every day to annoy him. It's keeping me busy! Focus on healing. The world can wait a few days for its two-time Champion to get out of bed. [Heart Emoji]
====
I lingered on that text, feeling a profound sense of peace. Despite the scale of the disaster I had just faced—the sheer brutality of the battle and the tragic end of the two team leaders—I was still anchored.
I had my team recovering around me, and I had this extended family across the regions supporting me. Makes me feel glad that I'm not truly alone in this world.
Taking a deep breath, I opened a new chat thread labeled Kanto/Johto Champions and Friends and began to type out a comprehensive update, attempting to soothe the worry and satisfy the curiosity in equal measure.
====
Me: To all, thank you for your concern. We're safe, if a little battered. Mossdeep City is quiet now. Nurse Joy and the Center staff are miracles in pink.
To Prof. Oak: I didn't get any Rayquaza scales, sir. The focus was less on research and more on not being obliterated by volcanic fire or category five typhoons. But rest assured, I have extensive field notes and battle data that will be immensely helpful for the Pokedex records.
To Red and Blue: Stop pouting. You missed the part where the villain leaders were literally disintegrated by primal power. It wasn't a tournament; it was a cleanup job. Blue, Paldea sounds fascinating. I'll send you some notes on the Hoenn ecosystem. Red, good luck with the Bug-types. I expect a battle when I return.
To Crystal: Thank you for the well wishes. I am taking proper rest. Crystal, congrats on the Professor track! You'll be brilliant.
To Daisy: Daisy, I know you'll become a great doctor one day. The climate is utterly changed, but the League is working hard to restore stability. Give it a few months, and the resilience of this region will shine through.
To Yellow: I'm ok, Yellow. Just winded but I'll be sure to take a break.
To Green: I'm okay, Green. I've dealt with worse. But thanks for your concern over my health, hope you do well.
To Gold: Keep hatching those eggs, Gold. Your ability is invaluable. I'm proud of the work you're doing.
To Silver: Kalos? Interesting choice. Be safe, and try not to annoy Green too much. Your training is paramount, but don't forget why you're training. Focus.
====
I reread the message, ensuring the tone was calm and reassuring. I didn't delve into the gruesome details of Maxie and Archie's fate; that was trauma I would process privately to myself and Steven.
Instead, I highlighted the resilience of the Hoenn region and the fact that the crisis was contained. Sending the message, I placed the Arc Phone back in my pocket.
*PING*
*PING*
*PING*
Almost instantly, the familiar ping began as they started responding. Red's response was a long series of exclamation points and battle requests. Blue's was a simple Hmph, fine. Send the notes. Green sent a heart emoji.
A deep sense of peace settled over me, replacing the buzzing anxiety that had been a constant companion since landing in Hoenn. The gym leaders were doing their part, the Elite Four were helping the citizens, and my team was recovering.
Pikachu shifted on my shoulder, letting out a small, satisfied pika before snuggling deeper into the collar of my jacket. Eevee stretched languidly in my lap, her dark eyes blinking open, checking on me before closing them again.
They needed rest. I needed rest.
I looked at my vast team—Metagross, Sceptile, Gardevoir, all of them—knowing they would soon be ready. Hoenn was still mending, but my journey was far from over. I had seen the heights of power and the depths of destruction.
But I also knew, with absolute certainty, that no matter how monumental the challenge, my partners would always meet it, ready to protect the world we all shared. For now, though, I would follow Nurse Joy's advice and let the silence of the Mossdeep Pokémon Center do its work, healing my team.
Tomorrow, or the day after, the next adventure would call. But tonight, we just rested.
However, my attention drifted to Kyogre and Groudon in they're Ultra Balls. My eyes narrowed… I think it's time we talked.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Later, Route 126 – Secret Island]
*Wooosh*
Flying high above the sky, I saw the remote island known as Secret Island in the games. I rode on Rayquaza here for some space as I left Pikachu and Eevee in charge of taking care of the Hoenn team.
I only had Marshadow (In my shadow) and Rayquaza. It was time for the truly difficult conversation.
I reached into my [Boxes] and withdrew two Ultra Balls. They felt heavier than they should, containing not just Pokémon, but forces of nature violently restrained…
*Shiii*
They pulsed faintly, the blue of one and the red of the other barely visible beneath the Ultra Ball's shell. With a deep breath…
… I released them.
*POP*
The great serpentine bulk of Kyogre materialized first, flooding the small portion of the Center's recovery bay floor with seawater that instantly evaporated due to the dry air. Then, the massive, volcanic form of Groudon appeared, steam rising from its glowing carapace.
Both Pokémon were diminished; their Primal energy was gone, and the shock of capture still radiated off them like heat haze. They were silent, colossal presences in the small space like the island, staring at me with ancient, rebellious eyes.
But they didn't dare retaliate as Rayquaza was present. It glared intensely at the two Super Ancient Pokémon, both sides not daring to make a move.
*Shiii*
I didn't need to speak aloud. I engaged the Viridian Force, projecting my thoughts directly into their consciousness, a clear, resonating voice that cut through their millennia of solitude, 'Welcome back, Kyogre. Welcome back, Groudon.'
Kyogre's mental voice resonated with the deep thrum of the ocean, cold and dismissive as it replied, "Kraaaay!! (You have confined us, petty thing. You may have won that wretched battle, but you required the aid! Do not mistake temporary capture for mastery!!)'
Groudon's response was a mental roar, hot and dismissive, "Graoo!! (What this old fish said, human!)'
I remained perfectly still, letting their arrogance wash over me. I had seen their past, seen their true, peaceful natures, before the interference of the Orbs created by man and the manipulations of humans.
Yet, their rivalry was a self-sustaining poison.
I projected, keeping my projection level, but allowing a spine of steel into the thought as I glared, looking down on them, 'You believe I required their help?'
They both scoffed mentally. Groudon was the first to respond with a cry, "Graoo! (The Champions, the Elite Four, the Sky Pillar Master... yes. Your small companions would have been ash and steam otherwise.)'
I allowed myself a slight, slow grin. This was the moment I needed to shatter their preconceptions as I boldly declared, projecting my thoughts, 'The Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and Steven Stone were there for formality, for damage control, and to ensure the region didn't tear itself apart. They were insurance against environmental collapse… not insurance against you.'
The two titans stiffened at my words. The sheer audacity of the claim demanded their full attention as I added, 'You believe your power is beyond my control. You believe that merely capturing you means I am holding a leash of a light string. How cute.'
I reached into the core of my power in my [Sub-Space], the accumulation of countless victories and trials. I called upon the energy of the 22 Gym Badges I carried—6 from Hoenn, the 8 from Kanto, and Johto—badges that were more than trinkets; they were conductors of control.
*Shiiii*
Any four badges could contain a Legendary, like an Articuno. 22Gym Badges gave me absolute, unilateral dominion.
I didn't display the badges themselves, simply the pure, undeniable weight of that power surging through the Viridian Force...
*Zzzz*
Their mental static immediately lessened, replaced by a growing awareness of an overpowering, crushing authority as I stated my tone was flat, devoid of threat, which made it more terrifying, "I could command you now, using only the Badges. You would be automatons, slaves to my will until the day I died. But that is not how I work. I prefer partnership."
I then released the crucial, undeniable proof of my true strength. I didn't just tell them; I forced a vision into their minds, a crystal-clear projection of the true power I had suppressed during our fight.
They saw Rayquaza, not merely the giant dragon I rode into battle, but Mega Rayquaza, its form elongated, bathed in emerald light, descending in front of me when I achieved its Mega Evolution, returning to full strength. I showed my battle with Rayquaza riding on Ho-Oh, defeating it.
In the vision, Rayquaza didn't stop fighting as it was relentless. But showing how Ho-Oh, Pikachu, and Eevee together managed to defeat it, something these two have done in their lifetime of years, could never hope to do.
They saw the cold, controlled certainty in my eyes as I commanded that absolute power as Rayquaza joined my team. Rayquaza made a smug feral grin, eyeing the two, even in they're Primal Forms, or not, they could never defeat, but I did with my Pokémon to help.
The mental silence that followed was deafening. They realized, with profound, terrifying clarity, that I had been holding back… A lot.
Rayquaza had not been brought out to merely stop them—it had been brought out to perform damage control, just like the others. Kyogre's mental presence wavered, the cold arrogance replaced by grudging respect.
Groudon's heat subsided slightly. They understood. They had faced a master of power who preferred restraint and negotiation over destruction.
*RMBL*
Groudon finally conceded, the thought now heavy and metallic as it bowed its head, submitting, "Graooo… (You possess the ability to command us fully…)"
But seeing this, I shook my head. It was when I replied, making my offer something they can't refuse, "My goal is to learn, travel, and foster strength. Not to enslave. You lack your true, Primal Forms. In your current state, you are destined only to fight and fall asleep, repeating the cycle endlessly. My offer is simple: join me. Do so willingly, and in return, I will dedicate myself to helping you regain your Primal Energy. I will find the Red and Blue Orbs—or their modern equivalent—to ensure you can access your full, ancient power."
This caught them completely off guard. Primal Reversion was the core of their identity, the state they longed for when awake.
Without the Orbs, that power was lost to them in this modern world. Kyogre asked, the doubt warring with hope, "Kyarrr? (You would restore our true forms?)"
I nodded my head confidently with a grin on my face. I jabbed my thumb to my chest as I promised them boldly, "I will guarantee it. I only ask for partnership. You will cease your endless conflict while under my care. If you agree, you will travel with me, obey my commands, and work alongside my team."
It was a staggering proposition: servitude now, complete restoration later. It was a gamble if they would agree, but demonstrating my authority, they had to.
They were trapped, diminished, and desperate for the Primal power they knew they deserved. They looked at each other across the small island, two eternal rivals communicating not through fury, but through mutual consideration and necessity.
Finally, Groudon's powerful mental voice emerged, laced with caution as it roared, "Graooo!!! (If you speak truly, human… if you can restore what was lost… then we will listen. We will join your team, for now. But you must honor your word. Your lifetime is a blink, but we will follow you until that final moment, provided you keep us from the pointless battle that consumes us.)"
Kyogre affirmed Groudon's terms, an uneasy alliance already forming against the common enemy of captivity and power loss. A genuine, triumphant smile spread across my face. It was done.
I had not just captured two legendary Pokémon; I had brokered a peace treaty century in the making. I said aloud, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet Secret Island, "Excellent. I promise not to disappoint you both! Welcome to the team!"
I retrieved the two Ultra Balls, the weight now feeling different—no longer heavy with resistance, but weighted with responsibility as I said proudly, "For now, you rest. Travel with me, and we shall see the true potential of the world, together."
I returned Kyogre and Groudon to their balls. The pulsing red and blue lights were steady now, subdued. Rayquaza simply nodded, following and trusting my judgement in obtaining they're Primal Forms.
The road ahead was immense. Finding the power of the Primal Orbs would be a task requiring monumental effort, likely leading me far beyond Hoenn and into unexplored territories.
Fortunately for me, I know where to find them, as Giovanni has them. But for now, burdened with the weight of ancient agreements, it had only just begun.
It'll take some time, but when I get the fragments of the Red and Blue Orb from Giovanni, I'll have two Powerhouses ready. I'll probably need them since after Emerald would be the Heartgold and Soulsilver Arc, the battle with Arceus.
And not only God but also Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia. At least with Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Rayquaza, we'll have a fighting chance against them…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!