Chapter 582: End of the Sinnoh Arc
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Hall of Fame]
The hum of the lift was a low, comforting thrum against the profound silence that followed Azure's momentous victory. Beside him, Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, exuded an aura of calm contentment, a faint, proud smile gracing her lips.
Azure, his own heart still thrumming with the afterglow of battle, leaned back against the cool metal panel of the elevator, letting the weariness of the past weeks finally settle on him. His Pokémon, freshly healed and vibrant in their Poké Balls, pulsed with a quiet energy, mirroring his own satisfied exhaustion.
Cynthia said calmly, her voice soft, barely disturbing the quiet, "You fought with remarkable spirit, Azure. It was truly a battle to remember."
Azure merely nodded, a small, knowing grin playing on his lips, and said casually, "You weren't bad yourself, Cy."
He used her nickname casually, a testament to their mutual respect forged in the crucible of countless battles and recent shared struggles against Team Galactic. Rotom, currently residing within the sleek, modern Arc Phone that Azure always carried, buzzed to life, "BZZZZZT! Champion-Cynthia! Azure-strong! We-did-it!"
Its electric-blue eyes glowed from the screen, a triumphant surge of data manifesting as pure glee. The lift ascended, a silent journey from the champion's arena to a place reserved for legends…
*CHING*
With a soft chime, the doors parted, revealing the Hall of Fame.
The room was bathed in a dim, ethereal green light, cast by intricate sconces lining the vestibule. Statues, majestic and silent, stood sentinel along the walls, depicting legendary Pokémon and past champions.
At the far end, a large, cylindrical machine, resembling a grander version of a Pokémon Center's healing array, glowed softly, waiting. The air itself felt thick with history, a solemn weight that pressed down lightly on Azure's shoulders.
Cynthia gestured towards the machine, explaining, "This is it, Azure. The Hall of Fame. Where your journey is etched into Sinnoh's legacy."
Azure's gaze swept across the room, a flicker of awe momentarily crossing his usually composed features. He had been through this ritual before, in other regions, yet each time, the gravity of it felt fresh.
He was a veteran of several Pokémon Leagues, a conqueror of Battle Frontiers, a traveler who had seen more of the world's hidden truths than most would in a lifetime. Still, this moment held its own unique solemnity.
Azure mused aloud, a wry twist to his lips, "Pretty grand, huh? Almost makes you feel… important."
Rotom added, "BZZZT! Important-indeed! Like-great-trainers!"
Just as Azure was about to step forward, a voice, smooth and unexpectedly close, startled them both, "Indeed, young man. A most significant occasion."
Azure and Cynthia turned sharply. Standing directly behind them, as if he had materialized from the shadows, was a man whose appearance was as striking as his sudden arrival. His hair was styled in an elaborate swirl, resembling a perfectly crafted soft-serve ice cream cone, glistening subtly under the green lights. He wore a crisp, dark suit, and an enigmatic smile played on his lips.
The man said, his gaze lingering on the Champion before shifting to Azure with keen interest, "It has been quite a while, Cynthia,".
Cynthia's expression, usually unreadable, softened slightly replied, "Chairman. I didn't expect you to be here."
The Chairman replied, his eyes twinkling, "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Especially not after the grand spectacle Azure put on."
Azure, however, frowned. He racked his brain recognizing the voice, but the man's face didn't ring any bells. He asked curiously, a hint of genuine confusion in his voice, "Sorry, have we met before…? I don't recall."
Even Rotom, usually a walking encyclopedia of data and encounters, zipped onto the screen, its electrical currents crackling in confusion, chimed, "Unknown-data! No-match-found!"
The Chairman chuckled, and a low, rumbling sound answered, "Ah, a common oversight, I assure you. My public appearances are… limited, shall we say. Though I daresay you've seen my likeness many times throughout your journey."
He then lifted his hand, pointing a manicured finger towards one of the statues lining the vestibule. It depicted a stern, dignified figure, clutching a Poké Ball. Azure followed his gaze as he thought, 'The statue… it looks familiar.'
Not just familiar, but identical to the statues found in every single Sinnoh Gym he had challenged. The same posture, the same peculiar swirling haircut, the same air of understated authority.
*GASP*
Azure's eyes widened, a sudden rush of memory flooding his mind. He'd barely spared a glance at those statues, assuming they were just generic decorative figures.
Rotom, its electrical sparks intensifying, projected a holographic image of one of the Sinnoh Gyms, spotlighting the very same statue, and exclaimed in shock, "Gym-statues! All-same! This man is a gym statue!"
The Chairman bowed slightly, a theatrical flourish introducing himself, "Indeed. I am the Pokémon Association's Chairman for the Sinnoh Region. And it is my distinct pleasure, Azure Sky, to finally meet you in person."
Azure couldn't help but gape for a split second, a rare break in his usual composure. He'd been through 8 Gyms, been in the very presence of this man's effigy countless times, and never once connected the dots. The Chairman, a figure of such quiet but immense power, was practically lurking in plain sight.
The Chairman continued, his tone shifting to one of genuine gratitude, "It has been a long time since a trainer has made such an impact on our region. On behalf of the Sinnoh Pokémon Association and all its citizens, I must thank you, Azure, for your invaluable assistance in stopping Team Galactic. Your combined efforts with Sinnoh's Champion Cynthia saved us from unimaginable peril."
Azure merely nodded, a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. His internal monologue, however, was a weary litany, 'Team Galactic, huh? Add it to the list. Team Rocket, Team Magma, Team Aqua, and now Galactic. It's practically a hobby at this point. A very exhausting, world-saving hobby.'
He wondered if there was a frequent flyer program for villain team takedowns. He was, however, genuinely surprised by the Chairman's cordiality.
In Hoenn, the Chairman of that region's Pokémon Association had been a self-serving, power-hungry individual who had tried to kidnap Rayquaza and covered up a trainer's death. Azure had been instrumental in exposing his corruption, leading to a massive scandal that rocked the entire Pokémon world.
Azure couldn't help but look weirdly at the Sinnoh Chairman, thinking, 'To be greeted so warmly by another Chairman felt… odd.'
As if reading his thoughts, the Sinnoh Chairman's smile tightened ever so slightly, explaining to him, "Oh, yes. We are quite aware of your… extensive history. Especially regarding what transpired in Hoenn. The 'Capture Rayquaza Project'. And the subsequent revelations that severely damaged the Pokémon Association's reputation."
A hint of disdain entered his voice as he spoke of his Hoenn counterpart, adding, "It caused major distrust in our institutions, and frankly, we could hardly blame the public. Those involved… they killed a Trainer. Then they tried to steal a legendary Pokémon."
Azure raised an eyebrow, a slight defensive edge entering his voice. He crossed his arms, feigning innocence, "Hey, Steven revealed all that, not me. For all I know, I had nothing to do with it, Chairman."
Cynthia, ever observant, offered a faint, almost imperceptible smile. The Sinnoh Chairman merely inclined his head, his eyes holding a knowing glint.
Both knew that was a bald-faced lie.
Steven Stone, the former Hoenn Champion, had indeed brought the evidence to light. But the intelligence they possessed, information so confidential it was thought destroyed, could only have been recovered through extraordinary means.
Time-travel, perhaps. And they both knew Azure possessed a certain mythical Pokémon, Celebi, capable of just such a feat. They wouldn't press the point, however. Some secrets were best left unspoken, even amongst friends… or newly minted champions.
The Chairman smoothly transitioned, "Regardless of how the truth came to light, Azure, the fact remains you played a pivotal role. And now, you are here to record your own place in Sinnoh's history. To be officially recognized as our new Champion."
He beamed, gesturing towards the recording machine. He uttered the last part with a clear note of disapproval, a subtle validation of Azure's past actions, "From what I heard, you declined Hoenn's Champion title, despite winning against Steven. Something about… issues with their Pokémon Association at the time?"
Azure nodded, a memory of the Hoenn Chairman's smarmy face flashing through his mind. He wasn't one to suffer fools, especially corrupt ones, but it wasn't the main reason. But as the Sinnoh Chairman turned his attention back to the recording device, Azure felt a familiar, playful glint ignite in his eyes.
The Chairman, catching the flicker, felt an inexplicable prickle of worry at the back of his neck. Azure approached the glowing cylinder, his steps light.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out his six Poké Balls: the regular ones for Infernape, Gallade, Kleavor, Togekiss, and Lucario, and the Arc Phone for Rotom to exit, returning to its Poké Ball. With a series of soft clicks, he placed them carefully onto a designated glowing platform on the machine.
*Click*
A brilliant beam of light erupted from the device, scanning the Poké Balls and then Azure himself. On the far wall, where the statues of past champions stood, a new space began to shimmer.
Slowly, a magnificent portrait materialized: Azure, standing tall and resolute, his own image flanked by his six loyal partners. Infernape, with flames dancing on its head; Lucario, poised and focused; Gallade, blade-like elbows sharp; Kleavor, formidable and ancient; Togekiss, angelic and serene; and Rotom, a mischievous spark of electricity emanating from the side.
It was a powerful image, vibrant with the energy of their shared journey.
Azure gazed at the portrait, a strange mix of emotions swirling within him. He murmured, more to himself than to Cynthia or the Chairman, "Is it really okay for a person like me to be called a Champion?"
He thought of his transmigrated past, his unconventional methods, the chaos he inadvertently seemed to attract. Cynthia stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, and said softly, "Azure, you fought with great honor and strength of a Champion. Not just in the League, but throughout your entire journey in Sinnoh. You stood against evil, you trained your Pokémon with dedication, and you overcame every challenge placed before you. You should be nothing but proud of that."
Her words, sincere and firm, resonated with him.
Azure looked at the portrait again, then back at Cynthia. He knew she was right. Whatever his origins, whatever his quirks, he had earned this.
He said calmly, a genuine smile spreading across his face, "You're right. I will. And I promise not to bring shame to the title."
The Sinnoh Chairman, visibly relieved, clapped his hands together and started speaking in an excited tone, "Excellent! Very good news!! Now that the official record has been made, we can discuss the responsibilities that come with your new role. As Sinnoh's Champion, you'll be expected to—"
Azure interrupted, his voice cutting through the Chairman's enthusiastic explanation with casual ease, "Actually..."
His smile remained, but his eyes were now completely serious, devoid of any glint of playfulness said, "... I quit."
The Chairman froze, mid-sentence, his enthusiastic expression replaced by one of utter bewilderment. His mouth hung slightly open, his 'swirled ice cream' hair seeming to deflate a little under the sudden shock.
Azure, with a straight face that belied the internal storm brewing in the Chairman's mind, simply walked past him, heading towards the lift. Behind him, Cynthia let out a quiet, controlled chuckle, her shoulders shaking faintly.
The Chairman finally stammered, spinning around to face Azure's retreating, "Q-quit? But… but Azure! The honor! The prestige of being Sinnoh's Champion! You would be tied to our region, a beacon of strength and inspiration for all our trainers!"
He began to plead, his voice rising in desperation, trying to grasp at the fading possibility of securing this powerful, unpredictable trainer for Sinnoh. Azure merely waved a dismissive hand over his shoulder, not even bothering to turn around. He said casually, his voice echoing slightly in the vast room, "Nah, being a Champion is a pain. Too much paperwork, too many official duties. And honestly, I've got things to do. So peace!"
*POP*
With that, he reached the lift. As the doors began to slide open, Azure glanced at Gallade's Poké Ball. He called out, and with a flash of light, Gallade materialized beside him, "Later, guys, I've got a comedy show to see! Gallade Teleport!"
*WHOOSH*
Before the Chairman could even utter another word, Azure and Gallade shimmered, then vanished in a burst of white light, leaving behind only the lingering scent of ozone and the ringing silence of the Hall of Fame. Teleport.
The Sinnoh Chairman stood there, utterly dumbfounded, his 'ice cream' hair looking even more disheveled in his shock. He slowly turned to Cynthia, his expression a mixture of despair and disbelief, and uttered, "He… he just… quit? After all that? How am I supposed to make him stay in Sinnoh?"
Cynthia, who had finally composed herself, let out a soft, knowing chuckle and answered, "It's useless to try, Chairman. To try to keep Azure tied down in one region. Believe me, I've seen enough of his journey to know. He's far too free-spirited to be held by a title, no matter how grand."
She watched the spot where Azure had vanished, a wistful smile on her face, adding, "His path is his own, ever evolving."
The Chairman let out a long, defeated sigh, his shoulders slumping. He looked at the shining portrait on the wall, a testament to a Champion who had already moved on. He muttered, "Well, at least the record is made. A Champion, however fleeting. Shortest-lived Champion in Sinnoh's history…"
He then sighed again, giving up on the notion of Azure as his regional figurehead. He also clicked his tongue, annoyed as he thought, 'And I just lost the fucking bet of keeping him as our new champion with the other Region Chairman's betting he'd quit in seconds...'
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Sandgem Town]
*WHOOSH*
The world shifted in a blink; the solemn green hues of the Hall of Fame were replaced by the familiar, bustling landscape of Sandgem Town. Azure and Gallade materialized just outside the town's main square, the scent of sea air mixing with the aroma of freshly baked goods from a nearby café.
Sunlight streamed down, warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the dim, historical weight of the Hall of Fame. Rotom, having safely arrived, zipped to the forefront of the Arc Phone screen, its electric-blue eyes wide with curiosity, and asked curiously, "Champion fame gone? Does not entice you?"
Azure chuckled, running a hand through his hair. He looked at Gallade, who stood patiently beside him, his emerald green eyes reflecting the bright day, replying, "Nah, Rotom. That's not what I'm after."
He took a deep breath, the fresh air invigorating him. Then he answered honestly with a proud grin, "I prefer to be free. To keep moving forward, always testing myself against new challenges, new trainers, new Pokémon. Being a Champion, especially a regional one, would tie me down too much. It's a great honor, sure, but it wouldn't truly satisfy my dream of becoming a Pokémon Master."
His gaze drifted across the vibrant town square, a thoughtful expression on his face. He then turned, a smirk playing on his lips, stating, "My journey isn't over yet. Not by a long shot. But for now, I came here for a very specific reason."
He led Gallade through the busy square, past families and trainers enjoying the day, until they reached a small, makeshift stage set up near the Pokémon Lab. It was simple, adorned with colorful banners, and currently empty.
Standing at the side of the stage, her elegant attire shimmering, was Platinum Berlitz one of the Sinnoh Dex Holders. Her eyes lit up as she saw Azure approaching, and she waved to him, a radiant smile gracing her features.
She then held up a finger, a playful glint in her eyes, "Azure! You made it! Come over here, but just you. And just for a moment."
Azure quickened his pace, sensing the excitement in her voice. He glanced at the empty stage. He replied with a genuine warmth in his voice, "Wouldn't miss this show for anything, Platinum. So, where are the stars?"
As if on cue, a flurry of activity erupted from behind the stage curtains. With a dramatic flourish, Diamond and Pearl, the other two Sinnoh Dex Holders, bounded onto the stage. Diamond, ever the enthusiast for food, nearly tripped over his own feet, a half-eaten Poffin still clutched in his hand, while Pearl, his usual energetic self, adjusted his cap with a grin, ready to perform.
Platinum clapped her hands together, a bright, encouraging sound, as Diamond and Pearl took their places center stage. Azure, standing beside her, joined in, his applause hearty and sincere. This was a different kind of challenge, a different kind of performance. One, he was more than happy to simply observe and enjoy.
Pearl announced, his voice ringing out across the square, "Alright, everyone! Welcome to our special performance!"
Diamond, ever the more reserved of the two, managed a nervous smile, quickly swallowing the last bite of his Poffin. He said casually in a carefree tone, "We're going to share with you… a few thoughts."
And with that, the two boys launched into their act, a charming, heartfelt performance they called: "When You Think About Pokémon."
The small crowd in Sandgem Town watched, captivated, as Azure, the newly minted (and quickly un-minted) Sinnoh Champion, stood by, a quiet observer, his heart filled with a different kind of triumph. His journey was far from over, but for this moment, in this peaceful town, he was exactly where he needed to be.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter and the end of the Sinnoh Arc! With that they'll be an in-between chapter before the Unova Arc. But I wanted to hear your guys' thoughts on how the arc and final battle with Cynthia?