Chapter 433: Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Arc!
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Afternoon, Pallet Town – Sky's Airship]
*RING*
But the sounds of his Arc Phone rang, snapping him out of his daze. He looked at the caller ID as he murmured, "Steven?"
Azure was surprised as he muttered, his voice suspicious, "Had something happened in Hoenn again? Can't be the Meteor Arceus confirmed that with me…"
*Click*
Answering the call, Azure picked it up. Steven's voice came through in a calm tone, "Hello, old friend. Sorry if I called you unannounced, but have you heard the news from the League or other officials?"
Azure asked, confused, "What news?"
A sigh was heard as Steven clarified calmly, "I suppose no one informed you. I'm calling because someone asked me to?"
Azure raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Steven's response, "Oh? Must be someone important if they had to ask you, of all people, to ask a favor?"
Azure considered the League, but knew it wasn't the case, as he wasn't informed. He couldn't help but think, 'Who else besides the Pokémon League or Association could ask Steven for a favor?'
Steven soon began to explain calmly about the situation in a cool voice, "You know about the Rayquaza Capture Project, right? The one carried out jointly by Devon Corp, Pokémon Association, and the Berlitz Family…"
Azure frowned slightly as he asked, "You're saying…"
Steven nodded from his Arc Phone as he confirmed Azure's suspicions, "Yes. I was contacted by the Berlitz Family."
The Berlitz Family—the wealthiest family in Sinnoh, with over two centuries of history. Their business empire and influence spanned the entire Region.
Azure hadn't even gone looking for them yet, and they had already come knocking on his door. Azure couldn't help but ask curiously, "They should know that I captured Rayquaza and gained its acknowledgement, right?"
Due to his status and friendship with Steven, he hadn't sought revenge on those involved in the Rayquaza Capture Plan. He left that to Steven a long time ago, as he considered serving justice done.
Azure hadn't expected the Berlitz family to reach out first. Azure asked, "What do they want with me?"
Steven explained in an embarrassed voice as he made his request, "From their words, they request to have you serve as a Bodyguard for their Heir of the Beltiz Family Platinum Beltiz for her Clan's Journey. As per tradition, heirs of the Berlitz family must journey to the peak of Mt. Coronet to gather materials to create a personalized accessory with the family crest for themselves. And who else but the Hero of Hoenn, Johto, and Kanto Azure Sky to be her bodyguard."
Hearing this, Azure raised an eyebrow as he thought, 'Arceus really had thought of everything.'
While Azure was lost in thought, Steven patiently waited for his response. To be honest, if the Berlitz Family weren't a strategic partner of Devon Corp, Steven wouldn't have wanted to get involved in this mess at all.
He would have simply told them to go through official League channels to contact Azure or his friends. But now he had no choice when his father asked, since Mr. Stone didn't know where his stance was with Azure, left with his son to ask about being friends with the Hero of Hoenn.
After a long silence, just as Steven thought Azure might refuse, he finally replied calmly, "Tell them to contact me."
The Berlitz family's attempt to capture Rayquaza had nothing to do with Platinum, who had been just a child at the time. As for their past actions… he'd deal with that later if such an issue arises.
Azure stroked his chin thoughtfully. And when Steven passed the message over to the Berliz Family staff…
*RING*
Barely a few minutes after Azure hung up, they called. During the video call, there was a bespectacled man in a researcher's outfit, as he introduced himself, "I apologize for calling you so abruptly, Mr. Sky. I'm Mr. Berlitz."
Azure nodded as he knew this man not just as a member of the Berlitz Family, but also as Prof. Rowan's assistant and the youngest Pokémon Professor in Sinnoh. Azure then asked bluntly, "Let's skip the pleasantries. I already got the general rundown from Steven. Send me the detailed plans; this entails escorting Platinum."
Mr. Blitz quickly sent over the contract as he said calmly, "Here it is… it should be sent over to your side."
*Beep*
Azure received the info on the contract for the Bodyguard job. He read the contents carefully as it was to take Platinum to Mt. Coronet, but then internally thought, 'As a paid-up first fee, other than the 20 million Poke Dollars I get when I finally complete the job. But they're willing to hand me 5 Mega Stones of my choosing upon accepting the job.'
Azure weighed those odds as he smiled, considering some of his Pokémon lacked some Mega Evolutions. He realized it was insensitive for him to accept, as there was no way he would refuse such an offer.
After a moment of thought, Azure finally spoke as he stated, "The job doesn't start for a few days from now. If that's the case, I'll accept, but under the condition that I continue my League Challenge, as I'm planning to conquer the Sinnoh Region next. It should work as low-key as I'm training a new team from scratch."
Mr. Blitz's eyes widened at the news as the Uncrowned Champion was finally setting his sights on the Sinnoh League Tournament. But Mr. Blitz sighed in relief as he added, "One more thing… regarding the Rayquaza incident, on behalf of the Berliz Family, I'd like to apologize—"
*Click*
Azure interrupted the call as he muttered dismissively to himself, "Should've stopped talking when he had the chance. At least, though I have a few days to prepare for my Sinnoh League Tournament…"
Azure grinned lightly as he gazed at the sky, muttering excitedly, "At the very least, I get what Arceus meant by accelerating the plot. He made the events of the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Arc come sooner just so I could be entertained at the same time, cleaning his world up. What a great guy…"
Azure chuckled helplessly at that. But he turned as he began to plan what to do for his Sinnoh Journey.
//////
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Vermillion City – S.S Spiral]
The salt spray of the Kanto Sea was a familiar scent, one that usually signaled the end of a journey. But for Azure, standing on the polished deck of the S.S. Spiral, it signaled a new beginning of his career.
Nearing his age at 17 years old, Azure decided it was time for a new look. On his right shoulder, a Pikachu with a notched ear scanned the horizon, his cheeks sparking with low-level electricity.
The mouse queried, looking up at Azure, "Pika-pika? (Trying a new look?)"
Azure replied, reaching up to scratch the Pikachu behind the ears, "Yeah, buddy. Thought for a change."
Perched precariously on top of Azure's head was an Eevee, her fur fluffy and smelling faintly of berries. She let out a soft "Vee!" and nuzzled into his hair, acting more like a living hat than a Pokémon capable of toppling Elites.
And then there was the secret passenger. Tucked snugly inside the inner pocket of Azure's high-tech jacket was a Pichu (Mew). Azure felt the small weight shift, and a telepathic giggle echoed in the back of his mind.
Pichu (Mew) projected mentally, 'Sinnoh looks cold. I hope there's cocoa.'
Azure smirked as he replied casually to his Mew, "Focus on the mission, 'Pichu.' We're bodyguards now."
"BWONGGG—!"
The S.S. Spiral gave a deep, vibrating groan as the engines churned the turquoise water. The horn sounded, signaling their final departure from the Vermillion City docks. Azure turned toward the railing, looking back at the receding shoreline. There, standing on the pier, was a group that would make any trainer's jaw drop.
Red, the Champion of Kanto and Johto, stood with his hands in his pockets, a determined grin on his face. Beside him, Blue was looking at his watch, though he gave a sharp, two-finger salute. Yellow was waving frantically, her straw hat nearly flying off in the wind, while Professor Oak, Daisy, and Bill shouted their well-wishes.
Blue's voice carried over the water, faint but clear, "Don't you dare lose to those Sinnoh punks!"
Yellow cried out, "Take care of yourself, Azure!"
Azure raised a hand high, waving back until the figures of his friends became mere specks against the Kanto skyline. He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs. He was leaving the safety of the known for the rugged, myth-heavy land of Sinnoh.
His mind drifted back to the meeting with Mr. Berlitz. The man had been desperate—or as desperate as a high-society scholar could get. He needed someone with more than just 'skill' to protect his daughter, Platinum, on her pilgrimage to Mt. Coronet.
He needed a veteran. And Azure, a transmigrated soul who knew the dangers of Team Galactic better than anyone in this timeline, was the perfect candidate. And to do that, he paid everything he could to get Azure to be Platinum's Bodyguard as he took out his hand, revealing 5 Mega Stones he got in advance as promised.
[Item: Lucarionite Z
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Lucario. This item helps the Lucario species to Mega Evolve into Mega Lucario Z with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Garchompite Z
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: This is an item that can be held by a Garchomp. This item helps the Garchomp species to Mega Evolve into Mega Garchomp Z with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Skarmorite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Skarmory. This item helps the Skarmory species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Froslassite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Froslass. This item helps the Froslass species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Absolite Z
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: This is an item that can be held by an Absol. This item helps the Absol species to Mega Evolve into Mega Absol Z with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
Azure smiled at the rewards as he muttered helplessly, "Shame I couldn't get more. It goes to show how the rich hoard the good stuff… But at least I have something for Skarmory back home."
Azure muttered, turning away from the railing and heading toward the ship's dedicated training deck, "At least I might encounter Green in Sinnoh, as she mentioned having some work there… Alright, team! We've got a long trip ahead. Let's not get rusty."
Azure checked his team's status. His eyes narrowed as he slyly smiled, seeing some work to be done.
|Name: Chimchar (Chimp Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 12
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Expert Belt]
|Ability: Blaze EX (Activates upon command. Boost Fire Moves by 100%)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Work Up, Taunt, Protect, Flame Wheel [A][S], Ember [A][S], Double Kick [A][S], Dig [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Fake Out (EM) (1 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Riolu (Emanation Pokémon)
|Type: Fighting
|Tera: Fighting
|Level: 12
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Expert Belt]/[Black Belt]/[Lucarionite]/[Lucarionite Z]
|Ability: Steadfast
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Endure, Foresight, Protect, Aura Sphere [A][S],Drain Punch [A][S], Counter [A][S], Bullet Punch [A][S], Metal Claw [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Detect (IM), Mind Reader (EM) (0 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Rhyhorn [Alpha] (Spikes Pokémon)
|Type: Ground/Rock
|Tera: Ground
|Level: 15
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Rocky Helmet]/[Leftovers]
|Ability: Rock Head
|Nature: Brave
|Moves: Protect, Sandstorm, Roar, Smack Down[A][S], Bulldoze[A][S], Dig [A][S], Counter [A][S], Horn Attack [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Dragon Rush [A][S] (IM), Rock Polish (IM), Metal Burst (IM), Rock Slide [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Togetic (Happiness Pokémon)
|Type: Fairy/Flying
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 19
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Scope Lens]/[King's Rock]
|Ability: Serene Grace
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Life Dew, Yawn, Work Up, Air Slash [A][S], Air Cutter [A][S], Ominous Wind [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Tri-Attack [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Fairy Wind [A][S] (IM), Future Sight [A][S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Gible [Alpha] (Land Shark Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon/Ground
|Tera: Dragon
|Level: 16
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Muscle Band]/[Garchompite]/[Garchompite Z]
|Ability: Sand Veil
|Nature: Bashful
|Moves: Dragon Dance, Swords Dance, Protect, Twister [A][S], Sand Tomb [A][S], Bulldoze[A][S], Dig[A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Dragon Rage [A][S], Sandstorm (IM), Dragon Breath [A][S] (IM), Outrage [A][S] (EM) (2 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Magby (Live Coal Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 15
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Muscle Band]
|Ability: Flame Body
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Screech, Ember [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Clear Smog [A][S], Smog [A][S], Faint Attack [A][S], Barrier (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Elekid (Electric Pokémon)
|Type: Electric
|Tera: Electric
|Level: 15
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Magnet]/[Muscle Band]
|Ability: Static
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Protect, Charge, Magnet Rise, Detect, Shock Wave [A][S],Thunder Shock [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Swift [A][S], Low Kick [A][S], Barrier (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Ralts (Feeling Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Tera: Psychic
|Level: 15
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Galladite]
|Ability: Trace
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Protect, Teleport, Double Team, Reflect, Light Screen, Hypnosis, Dream Eater [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Disable (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Mean Look (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Zoura (S) (Hisuian) [Alpha] (Spiteful Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Normal/Ghost
|Dark
|Level: 16
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Spell Tag]/[Silk Scarf]
|Ability: Illusion
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Protect, Torment, Curse, Pain Split, Slash [A][S], Shadow Sneak [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Swift[A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Snarl [A][S], Detect (IM), Night Daze [A][S] (IM), Bitter Malice [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Porygon 2 (Virtual Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 20
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Eviolite]/[Silk Scarf]
|Ability: Analytic (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Conversion 2, Agility, Recover, Recycle, Lock-On, Discharge [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Swift [A][S], Zap Cannon [A][S], Psybeam [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S] (TM), Psychic [A][S] (TM), Thunderbolt [A][S] (TM), Ice Beam [A][S] (TM), Gravity (TM), Magnet Rise (IM), Conversion (IM), Sharpen (IM), Tri Attack [A][S] (IM) (0 Moves to learn left)
Azure muttered excitedly, seeing the status screen, "I got my work cut out for me, but I'll make you guys champions yet!"
The wind blew past his face as he faced towards a new tomorrow. He grinned widely as he whispered, "Time to conquer the Sinnoh Region. The Region known as the Land of the Gods. Let's add that number 4 League victories on my belt."
/////
A/N: Here we are folks! Welcome to the Sinnoh Arc and this is what the MC will be looking like for this part!