Chapter 450: Snow Hat Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Days Later, Jubilife City – Jubilife Grand Hotel]
The vibrant pulse of Jubilife City greeted Azure and his companions as they emerged from the verdant embrace of Route 203. The setting sun cast long, amber shadows across the bustling streets, painting the brick buildings and the gleaming windows of the Pokémon Center in hues of gold and crimson.
A gentle breeze, carrying the scent of fresh pastries and distant Pokémon, stirred Azure's hair as he paused, taking in the familiar urban symphony – the distant whir of Porygon-Z on a billboard, the happy chirps of Starly, and the murmur of countless conversations.
Perched on his shoulder, Pikachu twitched an ear, its bright eyes scanning the lively scene. Eevee, a fluffy brown crown atop Azure's head, gave a soft purr of contentment, nuzzling against his scalp. From within the snug warmth of his jacket, a low, contented mewl emanated as Pichu (Mew) shifted, settling deeper into his warmth.
Behind him, Platinum Berlitz, impeccably dressed even after a long day of travel, straightened her elegant beret. Beside her, Diamond, ever the enthusiast for a good snack, was already eyeing a street vendor, while Pearl, his energy barely contained, bounced on the balls of his feet.
They had just recently savored their first gym badge victories, a hard-fought triumph against Roark, the Oreburgh City Gym Leader. Azure had effortlessly swept the gym with his Pokémon, earning his own Coal Badge with a graceful efficiency that left even Platinum slightly awestruck.
The group spent a few days training on Route 203 to better prepare ahead while enjoying the scenery. Now their next destination, Floaroma City, was already set in Platinum's well-organized itinerary, but for now, Jubilife City was a rest stop.
Azure announced, turning with a relaxed smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement, "Alright, you three. I'm sure you're all eager to explore. Platinum, if you'd lead the way to the Jubilife Grand Hotel, I trust you can handle securing our rooms."
He gestured vaguely towards the towering hotel in the distance, a prominent landmark of the Berlitz family's vast empire. Platinum, adjusting her beret, gave a confident nod as she said happily, "Naturally. It is a family property, after all. Consider it handled. You won't need to worry about us while we're within the city limits."
Her tone was firm, though a hint of youthful excitement brightened her features. She looked forward to a proper, comfortable bed after days of journeying.
Diamond, his eyes widening at the mention of the hotel's grandeur, gave a vigorous nod as he added, "Right! I heard they have the best Poffins!"
Pearl groaned dramatically at his friend, but he grinned, playfully nudging Diamond forward as he stated, "Diamond! Priorities! We need to make sure everything's set up. But yeah, Azure, we'll be fine. Go enjoy some quiet, you old man."
Azure merely chuckled, a warm, resonant sound as he gave a mock threat, "Old man, huh? Just wait until I show you my battle-hardened Pikachu, Pearl."
Pearl, momentarily flustered, laughed, already envisioning the shock, fear, nervousness, and awe. The trio, now armed with their Rotom Phones, brand-new Pokédexes, and the remaining Sinnoh starters, set off towards the hotel, their youthful enthusiasm a tangible force in the twilight.
Azure watched them go, a small, content smile on his face as he whispered to himself, "It's good to see them enjoying themselves, truly embarking on their journey."
Just as the last glimpse of Pearl's energetic stride disappeared into the crowd, a familiar voice, light and playful, called out from behind him, "Azure! Don't tell me you're ditching me already?"
*Bdmp*
His heart gave a little thump. He knew that voice.
Turning, Azure's eyes met the vibrant, emerald gaze of Leaf Green, the Kanto Dex Holder, who now stood before him. Her iconic ponytail swayed as she practically skipped towards him, a bright smile on her lips…
*Chu*
Before he could even utter a greeting, she closed the distance, her arms looping around his neck, and she leaned in, bestowing a light, chaste kiss upon his lips. A blush, as sudden and fiery as a fully evolved Magmortar's blast, erupted on Azure's face, spreading from his neck to the tips of his ears.
*POOF*
He instinctively looked away, his eyes darting to a nearby lamp post, then to a passing Starly, anywhere but directly at her. Despite all his power, all his accomplishments, one simple kiss from Green still could fluster him like a beginner trainer facing their first wild Pokémon as imaginary steam poofed out of his ears.
Pikachu, ever the observant one, gave a knowing chu and subtly nudged Azure's cheek with its head, as if teasing him. Eevee, meanwhile, rubbed its cheek against his hair, a silent gesture of affection.
A sharp, polite cough cut through the playful moment, "Ahem!"
Both Azure and Green looked up to see a trench-coated figure standing a few paces behind Green, a familiar-looking briefcase clutched in his hand. Looker, Green's senior and an International Police agent, stood there, a wry, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips, yet his gaze was as sharp as a newly sharpened blade.
Green, momentarily chagrined, pulled away from Azure, a faint flush on her own cheeks now. She gave a quick, almost apologetic shrug, introducing her senior, "Oh, right! Looker, this is Azure. Azure, this is my senior, Looker."
Looker stepped forward, extending a hand to Azure. His handshake was firm, professional, as he said proudly, "It is an honor meeting you, Mr. Sky. I'm Looker, International Police. I must say, it is a pleasure to meet you in the flesh, finally. Green speaks highly of you."
Azure, recovering from his blush, gripped Looker's hand respectfully as he added, as he gave him a sincere nod, "The honor is all mine, Agent Looker. And the pleasure as well to finally thank the guy who helped her out."
Looker gave a sincere nod as he shook his head in a grateful tone, "I would like to personally thank you for your assistance back in Hoenn. With Green's help, you two prevented Sird from capturing Jirachi for Team Galactic during your Battle Frontier challenge. Thanks to her capture, we'd learn more about the organization."
Looker's expression became more serious as Azure took notice. Azure asked bluntly, his gaze direct, "So, if I understand correctly, with her capture, you two are here to… finish the job, so to speak?"
Looker nodded, his eyes scanning the city around them, as if searching for hidden threats amidst the ordinary, as he whispered, "Precisely. Our mission here in Sinnoh is clear: to dismantle Team Galactic's operations and thwart whatever grand scheme they are concocting. We've been gathering intelligence, following leads, until my partner here decided to make a rather… surprising detour to meet you."
He cast a pointed, yet fondly exasperated, glance at Green. Azure rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish smile touching his lips as he helplessly exclaims, "Well, I do tend to attract… interesting situations."
Looker let out a soft sigh, a sound of weary resignation mixed with professional dedication as he said helplessly at them, "Indeed. Which is why Green insists you are a 'literal trouble magnet'."
He paused, then gave a slight bow as he said calmly, "I shall leave you two to catch up. I have a meeting with a local informant. Green…"
Looker added, his tone firm with a final nod, "Do try to stay out of trouble. Or at least, keep Mr. Sky in check."
Looker turned and melted into the growing twilight of the city, his trench coat blending seamlessly with the shadows. As Looker disappeared, Green turned back to Azure, her eyes twinkling as she said excitedly, "He tries. He really does. But come on, trouble or not, let's get a walk in. I haven't seen you in ages."
She looped her arm through his, pulling him gently into the flow of pedestrian traffic. The vibrant neon signs of the shops and restaurants cast a colorful glow upon their faces as they began to wander, the immediate bustle of Jubilife City surrounding them.
Green began, her voice carrying a note of playful curiosity as they strolled past a bustling Poké Mart, "So… Out of all the things you could be doing, you end up as a bodyguard for the Berlitz family heir? How does that even happen?"
She squeezed his arm, a soft giggle escaping her lips. Azure, still slightly embarrassed by the public display of affection but relaxing into her familiar presence, shrugged casually, replying, "Felt like it, honestly. Plus, it's a good gig. Platinum's footing the bill for everything on this journey, and I'm making ten million Poké Dollars just for making sure she doesn't trip over a Bidoof. Pretty sweet deal, right?"
He grinned, and Pikachu let out a confirming pika, as if agreeing that free travel and a hefty paycheck were indeed a sweet deal. Eevee, still on his head, gave a soft chuckle that only Azure could understand.
Green chuckled back, a melodious sound against the city's hum as she muttered, "Always thinking practically, aren't you? But seriously…"
Her tone shifted, becoming a touch more serious, more intimate as they found themselves in a slightly less crowded plaza, the sounds of a distant street performer's guitar faintly reaching them as she asked calmly, "... Something about Arceus?"
Azure's easygoing smile faltered, a shadow passing over his features. His brow furrowed faintly. He knew exactly what she was referring to. They had won, barely, convincing Arceus that humanity, despite its flaws, deserved another chance, that the balance could still be maintained.
Green's voice, soft and empathetic, broke through his thoughts, "They came back... Said you saved the world. Again. And no one even knew."
She squeezed his arm tighter as she silently whispered loud enough for him to hear, "They said it was just the three of you who experienced it. No one else. Not the League, not the regional professors, no one."
Azure looked at her, his surprise evident as he asked curiously, "Only… only the 3 of us? I assumed Lance would have reported it to the League, or at least his elites. Pryce, well, he's a bit of a wild card, but still."
He genuinely believed such a monumental event couldn't be kept under wraps. Green shook her head, her gaze steady as she explained, "No. They agreed it was better not to. Lance said the League would just become paranoid, potentially leading to more reckless actions. And Pryce… well, he just said the trouble passed, and unnecessary alarm would only cause more trouble. Besides…"
She added as she nudged him playfully, a knowing smirk playing on her lips, "I recall a certain boyfriend who absolutely loathes attention, especially when it involves saving the world from angry deity Pokémon."
Azure gave a small, sheepish chuckle as he replied helplessly, "Okay, yeah, you got me there. I'd rather keep the 'savior of the world' title off my resume."
He appreciated her understanding, the way she respected his desire for a semblance of normalcy. However, he couldn't help but ask, "But how did you even get Lance to talk? I don't imagine you went with Pryce. He's usually so… stoic about these things, especially about his own past mistakes."
Azure remembered Lance's darker days, his misguided attempt to purge humanity with the Elite Four he once led. Green sighed, her expression softening as she explained, "It took a while. But… he's trying to reform, genuinely. He admitted his past actions were a grave error. He's been working with the International Police for a while now, proving his dedication. Having a Champion-level trainer on our side is incredibly valuable. He was even vouched for by Bruno, and strangely enough, by Blue and Red as well."
Azure nodded slowly, mentally picturing the scene as he muttered, "Red and Blue, huh? I can see that. They probably just vouched for him so they could have a better excuse to battle him, see how much he's improved over the years. Bruno… he always meant well, just misguided by Lance's leadership at the time."
It made sense. Red and Blue were always eager for a challenge, and a reformed Lance would be a prime opponent.
A comfortable silence fell between them for a few moments, the gentle pitter-patter of a small fountain in the plaza filling the air. Then, Azure's gaze became more serious, his tone gentler as he asked softly, "And… how do you feel about Pryce being back? After everything… after what he did to you and Silver, robbing you of your childhood?"
He watched her face carefully, seeing the subtle stiffening of her shoulders, the slight clenching of her jaw. The Masked Man, the ice-cold villain who had kidnapped them and twisted their young lives, was now walking free, albeit seemingly reformed.
It was a lot to process. The old wounds, long dormant beneath layers of resilience and strength, were undeniably stirring.
Green remained silent for a beat, her steps faltering slightly. Her gaze drifted, unfocused, towards the distant silhouette of Mt. Coronet, its jagged peaks barely visible against the twilight sky.
She finally said, her voice a little softer, a little more fragile than before, "He… he wanted me to pass something along to you."
She reached into her bag, pulling out a single, pristine Poké Ball. She pressed the release button…
*Pop*
… and with a flash of red light, a small, white Pokémon with a prominent horn on its head appeared, floating gently between them. It was a Snorunt, its eyes blinking curiously, "Snooo…? (Are you the one the old man gave to?)"
Green explained, offering the Poké Ball to Azure, her eyes meeting his, a complex mixture of emotions swirling within them, "He wanted me to give you this little one. He said… he said it was his thanks. For showing him the way, for helping him see that even he could change. He said he trusted you to take care of her."
Azure carefully took the Poké Ball, his gaze softening as he looked at the Snorunt. Its small, round body radiated a timid energy.
*Shiii*
He knelt slightly, extending a hand, and from his palm, a gentle, emerald green aura, almost imperceptible, emanated. It was his Viridian Force, a unique ability he possessed, a deep connection to the life force of Pokémon.
The Snorunt, initially wary, tilted its head, then leaned into the warmth, its single eye closing in apparent comfort. A soft chirp of contentment escaped it, its small, icy body relaxing against the subtle, calming energy, "Snooo… (Oh, you feel nice~)"
Pikachu gave a soft pika-pi, welcoming the newcomer, and Eevee twitched its ears, intrigued. Pichu, sensing the new presence, stirred in Azure's jacket, emitting a curious pichu sound.
Azure looked up at Green, his eyes filled with understanding as he said, thankfully, "She's beautiful. I'll make sure she has a wonderful life."
[Snorunt has joined the Party!]
|Name: Snorunt (Snow Hat Pokémon)
|Type: Ice
|Tera: Ice
|Level: 15
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Never-Melt Ice]/[Froslassite]/[Icicle/Spooky Plate]
|Ability: Ice Body
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Hail, Double-Team, Powder Snow, Ice Shard, Icy Wind, Frost Breath, Headbutt, Astonish, Water Pulse, Bite, Disable (IM), Block (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
[Snorunt, the Snow Hat Pokémon. Well-adapted to life in colder climates, it subsists on snow and ice and can survive temperatures as low as −150 degrees Fahrenheit. Snorunt is also a social creature, living and traveling with other Snorunt in groups of five. The group can live together in harmony while residing underneath giant leaves.
It can be found in caves, particularly when the outside lacks snow or areas with heavy snowfall. Despite this, the Snorunt population in Alola shows it can survive in some places with warm weather. Additionally, it has been known to visit human dwellings.
There is a legend that any home a Snorunt visits and lives near will prosper for generations. There is a tradition where houses would leave a lump of ice made from pure water for Snorunt to have when visiting.
Playing with Snorunt is a favorite childhood memory for rich people who live in cold areas. It is believed that if Snorunt shows up during the night, it will cause heavy snow to appear in the morning.]
After seeing the textbox and status info along with the Pokedex info, Azure secured the Poké Ball gently to his belt. Then, he reached out, taking Green's hand, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles.
His voice was low, empathetic, and full of genuine concern. He began, his heart aching for her unspoken pain, "Green… if you want to talk about it… about him… about the old wounds reopening… I'm here. For anything."
The sounds of Jubilife City, the distant music, the chatter, the happy calls of Pokémon, faded into a soft hum. In the intimate space they carved out amidst the city's life, Green looked at Azure, her eyes welling up slightly.
The mask of the strong, confident International Police agent, the playful girlfriend, slipped. What remained was a young woman, still carrying the ghost of a traumatic past, and the only person who truly understood the weight of it all was standing right beside her.
Azure made sure to take her time, his priority as he tried to make her happy. He wanted to ensure his girlfriend was mentally fine…
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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!