Chapter 26: Parting Gifts
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Nighttime, Cerulean City – Gym]
After winning the Cascade Badge, Misty, true to her generous nature, insisted on hosting a celebration at her mansion. Red, still basking in the enjoyment of the comforts of the mansion, readily agreed.
The atmosphere was festive. Laughter echoed through the halls as they recounted their adventures and shared stories.
As the day ended, Red, exhausted from the day's celebration, retired for the night. Azure, however, found himself summoned by Misty to a dimly lit room.
The room was sparsely furnished, the only light source being a single lamp casting long, dancing shadows. Misty began, her voice unusually soft as she said, "Azure. I have a feeling… a strong feeling, that our paths are about to diverge. You and Red both have your journeys to fulfill. You'll be traveling, testing your skills, facing challenges I can only imagine."
Azure frowned as he tried to say, "Misty, I…"
She raised a hand, silencing him. She gestured to a table laden with items and continued softly, "Please, let me finish. I want to give you some things that might help you on your journey. I intended something similar for Red when he wakes up in the morning. But I wanted to give this to you personally."
On the table sat a collection of useful supplies. A sleek, Berry Portable Mixer hummed softly, promising delicious and nutritious berry blends on the go.
Stacked neatly beside it were twenty Berry Pots, ready to nurture any rare or useful berries he might find. A durable Berry Pack, designed to keep berries fresh and protected, promises safe storage.
And then there was the backpack. Misty said, picking up the backpack, "This is a Spatial Backpack. It's…bigger on the inside. Trust me, you'll need it."
Azure was overwhelmed. He used his [Observe] to verify everything and was deeply touched by the amount Misty put into them.
[Item: Portable Berry Mixer
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: The Berry Blender is a device found in the Hoenn Region. It blends Berries to make Pokéblocks, a treat that raises a Pokémon's condition and health. A Pokéblock Case is required to use it, as is a Berry and a person to blend with.]
[Item: Poke Block Case
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: It holds up to 40 Pokéblocks that the player has made with a Berry Blender. Allows admission to the Safari Zone.]
[Item: Berry Pots x20
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: Portable containers that allow you to easily cultivate Berries anywhere and anytime. Only four can be harvested at a time.]
[Item: Spatial Backpack
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: A spatial backpack designed to carry multiple trainer items in the same space by 100x. No matter what size the item, it'll fit inside the bag.]
[Item: Berry Pack
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: A pack filled with 100x Berries, each of different varieties, perfectly secured and safe to never spoil. Safely secured all thanks to Silph Co.]
Ensuring they were the real deal, Azure tried to dissuade Misty from feeling overwhelmed and said, "Misty, I can't accept all this. It's too much."
Misty's eyes were filled with a sincerity that disarmed him. She chuckled as she explained happily, "Take it, Azure. Consider it a gift, a token of my appreciation for your help in Mt. Moon, and a symbol of my…respect for you as a trainer. I want you to be prepared for anything."
He wanted to refuse, but the genuine warmth in her eyes held him back. He knew Misty was determined.
He also knew that these items would be invaluable on his journey. He took a deep breath as he said in a thankful tone, bowing his head slightly, respecting her, "Thank you, Misty. I truly appreciate it."
Misty smiled a genuine, heartfelt smile that banished the shadows from her face. She reached behind a curtain and revealed two TMs as she continued, "There's one more thing. Here you'll need these."
Azure saw the two disks. He recognized them as TM's as he used Observe eyes, widening the moves given to him.
[Item: TM Ice Beam
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Ice Beam].]
[Item: TM Blizzard
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Blizzard].]
Clenching the two TM's tightly, Azure with a calm, knowing gaze as Misty explained, "These are the TM's Blizzard and Ice Beam. I'm hoping you can put these moves to good use for your Party Member."
Azure was speechless. He was genuinely dumbfounded as he said in disbelief, "Misty, I... I don't know what to say."
Misty urged, placing the Poké Ball in his hand as she said in a soft tone to him, "Say you'll take them. I trust you'll give them to a Pokémon in your team who needs them."
He looked at the TM's, then back at Misty. He saw the genuineness in her eyes, the unwavering belief in his potential. He nodded slowly, clenching her TM's, "I will. I promise to use them for the Pokémon in my team."
Misty sighed in relief. She stepped forward and embraced him, a brief but genuine gesture of friendship as she said happily, "I know you will. Good luck, Azure. May your journey be filled with adventure and discovery."
Azure returned the embrace, feeling a surge of gratitude and respect for the Cerulean City Gym Leader. He knew this was a turning point. He was leaving Cerulean City with more than just a badge and a few useful items.
He was leaving with the blessings of a friend, a powerful new companion, and a renewed sense of purpose. As he walked back to his room, the Spatial Backpack feeling surprisingly light on his shoulders, he gazed out the window at the shimmering moonlight reflecting off the canals.
Pikachu nuzzled against his cheek, sensing his excitement. Dratini shifted restlessly in its place on the backpack. Growlithe, sensing the change, let out a soft bark. He placed the TMs in his Spatial Backpack.
Azure knew that his journey had just begun. He had a league to conquer, challenges to overcome, and a world to explore. And with Pikachu, Dratini, and Growlithe by his side, he was ready for anything.
Cerulean City receded behind him, but the memory of his time there, its challenges, its friendships, and the generosity of Misty would stay with him forever. He smiled happily as he rested his head on the pillow.
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Route 5]
Azure adjusted the strap of his backpack, smirking as he said his goodbyes to Red and Misty before leaving for Route 5 bright and early. Beside him trotted his loyal partner, Pikachu, its tail crackling with contained energy.
Behind them, Dratini slithered gracefully, its iridescent scales shimmering in the sunlight, while Growlithe, bursting with enthusiasm, bounded ahead, sniffing at the unfamiliar scents of Route 5.
Misty's parting gift was proving to be a comforting presence, not just in size but in the wave of reassurance carrying essentials and cash given to ensure a good journey. Azure said, his voice filled with excitement, "Alright, team. Onwards to Vermilion City! Let's see what Route 5 has to offer."
They had traveled about halfway down the route, the path winding through tall grass and groves of trees, when Azure noticed them. Three figures, clad in the familiar black uniforms emblazoned with the ominous red 'R', stood blocking their path. Team Rocket.
Most trainers, especially those inexperienced like he once was, might have faltered, fear clouding their judgment. But Azure found a grin spreading across his face.
He'd tasted victory against these thugs before, and the prospect of honing his team's skills further was unexpectedly appealing. The first grunt sneered, stepping forward. He was tall and lanky, his face etched with a perpetual scowl as he said, "Well, well, well. Looks like we've got ourselves a little trainer with some valuable Pokémon."
The second grunt chimed in, a squat, muscular woman with a sneering expression demanded, "That's right. Hand over your Pokémon, kid. We'll make it quick."
The third grunt, a nervous-looking teenager, shifted uncomfortably behind the others. He wasn't as enthusiastic about the prospect of a battle.
Azure chuckled, shaking his head. He then recognized the third one as he sneered, saying in a disappointed tone, "Stealing Pokémon? That's all you guys are good for, huh? You haven't learned your lesson from Mt. Moon, have you?"
The leader's grunt scowl deepened. His eyes flashed recognition as he muttered disdainfully, "Mt. Moon? So, you're the brat who caused all that trouble. Well, you're going to regret it."
Azure retorted, his eyes gleaming with a challenge as his Pokémon prepared for battle in an arrogant tone, "Regret what? Showing you how real trainers battle? I don't think so. Pikachu, front and center!"
Pikachu, sensing the impending battle, leaped from Azure's shoulder, landing in a fighting stance with a determined squeak, "Pika!"
Electric sparks danced around its cheeks. The grunt scoffed as he tossed his Poke Ball arrogantly, saying, "Hmph! A Pikachu? That's all you've got? Go, Geodude!"
*Pop*
A Geodude emerged from its Poké Ball, glaring menacingly. Azure commanded, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
*Shinng*
*SMASH*
Pikachu unleashed an Iron Tail, instantly hitting the Geodude over the head, showing a crack, which fainted and fell to the ground. The grunt stared at his Pokémon in disbelief, seeing his Pokémon being swatted.
Azure said, his voice laced with disdain, making a hand gesture to come forth, "Pathetic. Is that all you've got? Losing to a kid? That's just sad."
The female grunted and snarled at him, tossing her Poke Ball out as she yelled, "You'll pay for that! Go, Ekans!"
A slithering Ekans appeared, its beady eyes fixed on Pikachu. But he was recalled as Azure shouted, "Growlithe, you're up!"
The Puppy Pokémon grinned, moving forward. The grunt yelled his command, "Ekans, use Poison Sting!"
Azure countered calmly, giving his command, "Block with Protect! Use Ember!"
*Brrr*
Growlithe created a transparent barrier protecting him from the barrage of poisonous needles, unleashing a jet of fire that struck Ekans squarely. The Poison-type Pokémon recoiled, weakened as Azure continued with his command, "Now Growlithe, use Bite Strong Style!"
*BRRR*
Growlithe lunged, sinking its teeth into Ekans's side and chewing its flesh. The Ekans squealed in pain and fainted from the pain as Puppy Pokémon tossed it aside like trash, growling at the Team Rocket grunts with an eager grin.
The female grunt grunted in surprise. The nervous teenager swallowed hard, his face pale as he mumbled, "I... I don't want to do this…"
The leader's grunt snapped as he sent his Pokémon angrily, "Shut up, you idiot! Go! Koffing!"
*Pop*
A Koffing floated into view, emanating a pungent odor. Recalling Growlithe, Azure called out, "Dratini, your turn!"
Dratini slithered forward; its eyes focused on the Koffing. The grunt leader ordered, "Koffing, use Smog!"
Koffing released a cloud of thick, black smog, obscuring the battlefield. Azure yelled, "Dratini, use Twister!"
*Swooosh*
Dratini unleashed a powerful whirlwind, dispersing the smog and striking the Koffing with tremendous force. The Koffing spun wildly before Azure called out, "Now end it with Dragon Rage!"
*BOOOM*
A fireball was expelled out of Dratinu's mouth, hitting the Koffing and causing it to explode in a plume of smoke. The three Team Rocket grunts stood defeated and shocked, their Pokémon lying unconscious at their feet.
The leader grunted and sputtered, pointing at Azure accusingly, "You... you cheated!"
Azure laughed, hearing that. He glared at them coldly as he said in a calm tone, "Cheated? No, I just trained harder. Do you think you can just bully people and steal their Pokémon? It doesn't work that way. Now, get out of here before I call the authorities."
The grunts, defeated and humiliated, scrambled to retrieve their Poké Balls and fled into the tall grass. Azure sighed, running a hand through his hair as he muttered, "That was easier than I thought. Still, it's a good reminder that Team Rocket is always lurking. Shame I couldn't rob them with us being close to Saffron City, Sabrina's turf."
He turned to his Pokémon, a proud smile etched on his face. He praised them each as he said proudly, "You guys were amazing! Pikachu, your Iron Tail was perfect. Growlithe, your Ember was right on target. Dratini, that Twister was incredible!"
The group cried out happily as Azure took a moment to heal his Pokémon with some potions he had bought in Cerulean City. He patted them all as he said, his voice ringing with confidence, "We're a great team. Now, let's get to Vermilion City!"
They continued their journey down Route 5, their spirits lifted by their victory. Azure felt a renewed sense of determination, a conviction that he could overcome any obstacle that stood in his path.