Chapter 591: Hero's Welcome
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Morning, Mossdeep City – Mossdeep Space Center]
The morning sun over Mossdeep City was obscured by a thin veil of high-altitude haze, but the heat was stifling. The air tasted of salt and ozone. The sound was like a thunderclap that refused to end: "ROOOAARRRR!!"
*SWOOOSH*
A massive, serpentine shape descended from the clouds, its scales shimmering with an emerald luster that seemed to drink in the sunlight. Rayquaza, the Lord of the Skies, spiraled down toward the landing pad of the Mossdeep Space Center.
On its back sat Azure, clad in a sleek, high-pressure white-and-gold spacesuit provided by Devon Corp. Inside the suit's HUD, two icons flickered.
Rotom's voice bounced around inside Azure's helmet, "System check complete, zzt! Azure, we are back on terra firma! Oxygen levels at 84%, suit integrity 100%! We did it! We really did it, zzt-t!"
Azure asked, "Porygon-Z, status?"
From a port on his wrist, a digital chime sounded, "
Azure exhaled a breath he felt like he'd been holding since he left the atmosphere. He touched the ground, his boots making a heavy thud on the concrete.
*THUD*
Behind him, the massive green dragon let out a low huff of smoke, its golden eyes scanning the horizon. Azure sighed in relief as he held the Ultra Ball, thought excitedly, 'Alright! Talk about a massive save-the-world mission! And I got a SHINY MYTHICAL!'
Standing at the entrance of the Space Center were Steven Stone and Zinnia, who awaited him. Steven looked like he hadn't slept in 48 hours, but his eyes lit up with a spark of hope the moment he saw Azure.
Zinnia, however, was staring at Rayquaza with an intensity that bordered on religious fervor. Azure reached up and hissed the seals on his helmet, pulling it off. The humid Hoenn air hit his face, smelling of tropical flowers and rocket fuel.
Azure said, his voice a bit raspy, "Mission accomplished. And I'm not dead!"
He reached into his belt and pulled out a darkened Ultra Ball, adding, "The Grand Meteor Delta is dust. And I brought back a souvenir."
Steven stepped forward, his eyes widening as he looked at the ball. He asked, amused, crossing his arms, "You actually did it. You intercepted it in space. And that... is that what I think it is?"
Azure confirmed with a confident grin and excited tone, "Deoxys. But not just any Deoxys. Organisms No. 1 and No. 2 helped, but this one... No. 3... it was the core of the meteor. And it's Shiny."
Zinnia stepped forward, her eyes darting between Azure and the dragon. She asked curiously, eyeing the Dragon Lord, "The Lorekeeper's burden... You took it upon yourself. Lord Rayquaza... it speaks to you, doesn't it?"
*Puff*
Rayquaza let out a sudden, sharp snort, a puff of dragon-fire singeing the pavement near Zinnia's feet. She stumbled back, falling to the ground with a gasp. The dragon didn't even look at her, its gaze fixed firmly on Azure, waiting for its next command.
Azure said with a sigh, "I think it's saying it's tired of being stared at, Zinnia."
He looked down at her. He didn't have the heart to tell her that in this world, Rayquaza didn't care about ancient bloodlines—it cared about strength and the will to protect. And he proved that already, being his partner and equal.
Steven chuckled, though it was a weary sound. He then asked amusingly, "I see you haven't lost your touch for the rare and the powerful. A Shiny Mythical... Azure, you truly are a collector at heart."
Azure grinned, holding up the Ultra Ball, justifying himself, "Can you blame me? It was a SHINY MYTHICAL POKÉMON, Steven! In space!! I couldn't exactly let it just float away or crash onto the planet. Besides, it was putting up a hell of a fight. Mewtwo and the other Deoxys had to pin it down just so I could get the throw in."
Steven asked, turning his gaze toward the sky, "And the meteor itself?"
Azure said bluntly, "Shattered."
He gestured behind him. A heavy, reinforced space-bag was strapped to Rayquaza's saddle. Mewtwo, who had been cloaked in psychic invisibility, suddenly materialized, lifting the bag with a flick of his three-fingered hand.
*Clatter*
The bag landed with a heavy clatter of stone as Azure explained, "I grabbed as many fragments of the core as I could. I figured you'd want to study them."
Steven's eyes sparkled as he asked excitedly, "Meteorite fragments from the Grand Delta... Azure, do you realize what this means? These stones are the source of Mega Evolution energy. With the meteor scattered, shards are falling all over the globe. The other regions are already reporting 'shooting stars' landing in their territories."
Azure noted, nodding his head, explaining, "I'm hoping there are some Key Stones or Mega Stones in there. I've got a few Pokémon that could use a power boost, and if I have duplicates, I'm willing to sell."
Steven perked at the news, with a pleased grin, and stated, "Devon Corp will buy every single one you're willing to part with. But honestly, the League is already drafting your reward package. Saving the world isn't something we can just pay off with a few Pokéballs and a 'thank you.' You'll likely have your pick of rare Pokémon, land grants, or whatever else the regional Chairmen can scrounge up."
Azure shrugged but was excited by the news. He replied casually, "I'm just glad I can take this suit off soon. It's itching like crazy."
His expression darkened as he remembered the conversation from two days ago. Azure asked seriously, "Steven... did you find it? The leak?"
Steven's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, hard stare. He explained, "We did. A lead scientist here at the Space Center. Name's Arthur. He was the one who broadcast the Champions' meeting to the public. He claimed it was the 'right of the people' to know their end was coming, but I don't buy it. He was too well-prepared."
Azure countered, his eyes narrowing, "A random scientist doesn't just hack a Level- encrypted League channel. He had help. Someone on the inside. Maybe even one of the Elite Four from the various regions, or a League official."
Steven nodded slowly as he whispered, "I've reached the same conclusion. Cynthia and I are conducting a private inquiry. We're keeping the 'traitor' theory under wraps for now to avoid further panic, but... Azure, be careful. If someone wanted the world to fall into chaos, they won't be happy that you stopped it."
Azure looked at Rayquaza, then back at the Space Center. He smirked, stating arrogantly, "Let them try. Most have failed. I've got a Shiny God-slayer in my pocket and the Lord of the Skies at my back."
Zinnia tried to approach Rayquaza again, her hand outstretched, "Please... Dragon Lord... I am the Lorekeeper..."
*SHREEEEE-AHH*
Rayquaza let out a deep, vibrating growl that shook the very windows of the Space Center. It flared its fins/wings, a gust of wind knocking Zinnia flat on her back again. Azure sighed, mounting the dragon's back, saying, "She never gives up, does she? Sorry, Steven. I think Rayquaza's had enough of Mossdeep. I'm going to head back to the airship, get some sleep, and then check on the kids."
Steven waved with a knowing grin and replied casually, "Give my best to your Pokémon. And Azure? Thank you. From all of us."
Azure called back with a cheeky grin and replied, "Don't mention it. Rotom, set a course for Pallet Town. Let's go home!"
Rotom chirped excitedly as it said loudly, "Zzt-t! Course plotted! Engaging hyper-speed altitude, let's fly!"
With a massive beat of its wings, Rayquaza launched into the sky, leaving a sonic boom in its wake that rattled the teeth of everyone on the ground. Azure smirked as he checked his newest Pokémon status screen.
|Name: Deoxys (O3) (S) (DNA Pokémon) [Can change Forme Freely]
|Type: Psychic
|Tera: Stellar
|Level: 90
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Pressure
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Leer, Pain Split, Teleport, Gravity, Skill Swap, Cosmic Power, Calm Mind, Recover, Reflect, Light Screen, Agility, Double Team, Protect, Telekinesis, Psycho Shift, Nasty Plot, Psychic Terrain, Psyshock, Psychic, Zen Headbutt, Psybeam, Stored Power, Future Sight, Expanding Force, Psychic Noise, Hyper Beam, Extreme Speed, Giga Impact, Wrap, Night Shade, Knock Off, Swift, Pursuit, Shadow Ball, Water Pulse, Energy Ball, Focus Blast, Psycho Boost (IM) (15 Moves left to learn)
Azure smirked when he read the status screen, thinking, 'Neat! It also has the Tera type of Stellar. Sweet!!'
/////
~Ghetsis H. POV~
[Unova Region, Meanwhile, Team Plasma Castle]
I stared at the monitor in my private chambers within the Team Plasma Castle, my fingers gripping the arms of my throne so tightly the antique wood groaned. The screen showed a grainy, high-altitude feed—captured by one of our hidden satellites—of the boy.
Azure Sky.
I watched as his Rayquaza tore through the atmosphere, a green streak of defiance. I watched as he stood atop that celestial beast, a mere child wielding the power of legends. And then, the moment that made the bile rise in my throat…
… the capture of the Shiny Deoxys.
The cosmic DNA Pokémon. A creature of pure potential, glowing with that sickeningly rare golden hue.
I spat, my voice echoing in the cold, cavernous room, "Insolent whelp."
He plays at being a hero. He saves the world and expects the adulation of the masses. But I see him for what he is: a hoarder. A thief who has snatched the ultimate weapons from the hands of those who truly deserve to wield them.
How can one boy possess so much?
Four leagues won.
Two Battle Frontiers conquered.
Bested Champions.
He carries Legends as if they're common Pokémon and a Darkrai in his shadow. And now, he has the power of the Grand Meteor itself.
The voice of a Shadow Triad member whispered from the darkness behind me, "Lord Ghetsis? The fragments have begun to fall across the Unova region. We have located several landing sites near the Region."
I commanded, not taking my eyes off Azure's face on the screen, "Go. Gather them. Every shard, every glimmer of Mega Stone energy. If this boy thinks he can monopolize the power of the stars, he is mistaken."
I felt a sharp pain in my palm and looked down. I had clenched my fist so hard that my nails had punctured the skin…
*Drip*
Blood, dark and red, stood out against my pale skin.
I whispered, a dark smile curling my lips, "Azure Sky... you are a glitch in the world I intend to build. Enjoy your rewards while you can. For every stone you collect, I shall collect ten. For every legend you tame, I shall find a way to break it. The world does not need a savior. It needs a ruler."
I turned off the screen, the image of his triumphant face flickering into a black void. For I, Ghestis Harmonia, shall be king of this World!
/////
~Lysandre's POV~
[Kalos Region, Meanwhile, Lumonise City – Lysandre's Labs]
The elegance of the Lumonise City skyline was visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my laboratory, but my attention was focused entirely on the holoprojector in the center of the room.
Malva stood beside me, her arms crossed, her eyes tracking the movement of the boy on the screen. Around us, my top admins—Xerosic, Aliana, Bryony—were frantically analyzing the data streams coming in from the Mossdeep leak.
Malva remarked, her voice dripping with a mixture of professional interest and personal disdain, "He is quite the specimen, isn't he? Our agent Arthur did his job well. The world felt the true weight of its own mortality for 48 hours. The fear was… exquisite."
I said, stepping closer to the projection of Azure Sky, "And yet, it was fleeting..."
I studied his face.
He didn't look like a hero.
He looked like a survivor.
His movements were efficient, a lack of the typical 'shonen' bravado that plagued the other Champions like Leon or Steven. He was a variable I had not fully accounted for in my calculations for a beautiful world.
I mused aloud in a cautious tone, eyes narrowed on the screen, "His presence is a threat to the equilibrium. He possesses Pokémon that shouldn't exist in the hands of a civilian. A Shiny Deoxys... 2 normal Deoxys… Rayquaza... Mewtwo. He represents the very thing I despise: the concentration of overwhelming power in the hands of the few, used to preserve a tainted, overcrowded world."
Xerosic interjected, clicking a button on his gauntlet, "Sir. The meteor fragments falling in Kalos are rich in Mega Evolution energy. Much higher concentrations than the stones we've found in the Geosenge region."
I ordered, my voice calm but absolute, "Collect them. Every single one. If we are to power the Ultimate Weapon, we need more than just the life force of Xerneas or Yveltal. We need the energy of the stars themselves."
I reached out, my hand passing through the holographic image of Azure's head. The light flickered around my fingers.
I whispered to the empty air, "Azure Sky... you have saved the world today. But in doing so, you have provided me with the tools to remake it. I will watch you. I will study your every move. And when the time comes to fire the shot that will cleanse this planet of its filth, I wonder... will your Rayquaza be fast enough to stop me?"
Malva looked at me, a smirk playing on her lips. She stated casually, "He's a collector, Lysandre. Perhaps we should offer him something he can't resist. Lead him into the trap with a golden lure."
I said bluntly, turning away from the window, "No. He is too intelligent for simple traps. We must be patient. Let him gather his 'rewards.' Let him feel secure. The higher he climbs, the more spectacular his eventual fall will be."
I looked back at the screen one last time before the feed cut out. The boy was smiling, talking to his Rotom. He looked happy.
How tragic. He doesn't realize that the world he saved is the very thing that will eventually try to consume him.
/////
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Pallet Town Outskirts – Sky's Airship]
The sun lingered high over Pallet Town, painting the world with a honeyed sheen. Azure returned to his airship, the Manaphy and Phione still sleeping peacefully in the gentle cradle of the water beds made for them, their soft snoring a lullaby against the humming of the engines.
Within the cabin, Rotom floated, its electric glow pulsating in time with Azure's own heartbeat. Rotom said, a hint of excitement in its digital voice, "Boss, the meteor fragments are catalogued. We have 31 Key Stones and a few Mega Stones. The leagues are already sending envoys for the rest."
Azure took a slow breath, feeling the weight of the world settle on his shoulders. He replied, his voice calm but laced with steel, "Good. We'll share what we can—but we'll keep the unique ones. The world's safety can't be compromised by greed."
A soft cackle floated from the shadows, and Gengar materialized next to him, its spectral eye gleaming. Gengar whispered, "You know, the world always needs a hero, but it also needs a villain. It keeps the story interesting."
Azure chuckled, a faint whoosh escaping his lips, replied, "Let's hope the villains in this story are a little more… subtle."
Outside the porthole, the sky was becoming a tapestry of stars, each one a reminder of the endless possibilities that stretched beyond the horizon. In the distance, the faint glow of Mossdeep Space Center pulsed like a heartbeat, a beacon of hope shining through the darkness that had almost consumed them.
And somewhere, deep beneath the surface of the earth, two secretive figures—Ghetsis and Lysandre—shed no tears for the meteor that had struck, but sharpened their schemes, ready to carve their own constellations in the night sky.
The world had been saved, but the balance of power had shifted, and the next storm—whether of meteor, of ideology, or of ambition—was already gathering on the far side of the horizon.
*Whooosh*
The wind whispered a promise. Azure thought, watching the sunrise bleed into the clouds with his eyes closing to slumber, 'This is only the beginning. And I'll be there, in the sky, wherever the next challenge climbs. But till then I need my beauty sleep…'
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!