Chapter 401: The Flying Star
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, (July 3rd) Battle Frontier – Battle Pyramid]
Green's eyes darted around, a subtle urgency in her movements that Azure, still basking in the glow of victory, completely missed. Pikachu and Eevee, however, seemed to pick up on her unspoken signal, their ears twitching as they scanned their surroundings.
As Green attempted to steer Azure past the labyrinthine pathways of the Battle Frontier complex, a sudden, powerful roar echoed through the air, causing the ground beneath their feet to tremble, "RAAAAAI!!"
*ZZZT*
A flash of brilliant blue electricity crackled in their path, followed by the thunderous beat of wings. They skidded to a halt, finding their exit blocked by an imposing assembly of figures in front of them.
Standing before them were the very Frontier Brains Azure had either recently defeated or was yet to challenge. Anabel, the Salon Maiden, stood front and center, her usually calm demeanor replaced by an expression of stern authority.
Beside her, Raikou, its majestic form crackling with untamed energy, glowered, its gaze fixed accusingly on Azure. Anabel's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument, "Hold it right there, Azure Sky!"
Behind her, Tucker, the Dome Ace, stood with his mighty Salamence hovering menacingly overhead, its scales glinting. Lucy, the Pike Queen,'s Seviper, was coiled defensively, its fangs bared, while Noland, the Factory Head, looked on grimly, his trusty Pinsir ready for action.
Even Greta, the Arena Tycoon, had her imposing Umbreon by her side, its rings glowing faintly in the dimming light. Pikachu and Eevee, sensing the shift in atmosphere from triumphant celebration to tense confrontation, immediately took defensive stances in preparation.
Pikachu's cheeks sparked with electricity, while Eevee bristled, a low growl rumbling in her throat, prepared to protect their trainer. Raikou, however, looked a bit… helpless. Its powerful gaze, usually so full of fierce determination, held a flicker of internal conflict as its Trainer accused Azure, the 'Rainbow Hero,' of some unspecified crime.
Azure, caught completely off guard, could only offer a helpless, slightly bewildered smile back to the Legendary Pokémon. Anabel stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she stated coldly at him, "Azure Sky, we demand that you reveal where you stole the Rental Pokémon."
A hush fell over the area, broken only by the distant calls of wild Pokémon. Todd, who was with them, fled the scene once the Frontier Brains appeared.
Green's eyes widened in alarm. She clutched Azure's arm tighter. She whispered fiercely, trying to convey the gravity of the accusation, "Azure, no! Don't say anything, you don't understand the situation!"
But Azure, blissfully unaware of the underlying tension and the serious nature of the charge, merely raised an eyebrow. He looked genuinely puzzled as he muttered, "Stolen Rental Pokémon?"
He repeated, a casual indifference in his voice that made Green want to scream. He mused, a genuinely curious glint in his eye, "I didn't steal any Rental Pokémon. I've been a bit busy, you know, smashing through the Battle Frontier. Perhaps, you're accusing a criminal who actually is a criminal in the Battle Frontier?"
Tucker, his patience clearly exhausted, snarled as he uttered, "That's enough! You're coming with us for interrogation!"
He took a step forward, Salamence descending slightly, ready to grab the young trainer. But then, a deep, resonant voice cut through the tension, "Stop."
From within the Battle Pyramid's grand entrance, Brandon, the Pyramid King himself, emerged. His imposing figure, framed against the ancient stone, exuded an aura of calm authority as he spoke in Azure's defense, "Azure Sky can't be the criminal you're looking for, Anabel."
All eyes turned to Brandon. He walked past the other Frontier Brains, his gaze settling on Azure as he stated, "In my experience, a trainer who cheats does not face the challenges of the Battle Frontier with such genuine passion and skill."
He then turned to Anabel as he continued bluntly stating, "More importantly, Azure has been here the majority of the time since yesterday night to today, completing my Battle Pyramid mazes, and engaging in our final, arduous battle. He was inside the Battle Pyramid when the incident with Noland's Rental Pokémon occurred."
Anabel's expression remained unyielding as she argued in a calm voice, "That may be true, Brandon, but consider this: out of everyone who could have pulled off such a highly skilled theft, only Azure and Green are here with their Pokémon. The press don't have their Pokémon with them. With no other clear suspects, through the process of elimination, the only answer left is either Azure or Green."
Azure shrugged, a surprisingly nonchalant gesture given the gravity of the accusation. He commented, still seemingly unperturbed, "Makes sense."
*THWACK*
Green exclaimed, smacking him over the head with an audible thwack, "No, it doesn't! It makes absolutely no sense! We're not thieves!"
Azure shot Green an odd expression. But she returned with a sweet expression, causing him to whistle innocently as she thought, 'Try bringing up my experience being a thief, and I'll bonk you again?!!'
Anabel, observing their dynamic, seemed to soften slightly, but her resolve was firm as she asked, "Green, Azure. In order for us to prove your innocence, you will have to tell us everything you know. Everything you've seen, everything you've heard."
Azure and Green exchanged a long look. An unspoken conversation passed between them – a quick assessment of the situation, a mutual understanding of the bind they were in. They nodded.
Green sighed as she said, stepping forward, "Alright…"
She pulled out her Pokédex, her fingers flying over the holographic interface as she continued, "We accept. And it all starts with this."
She projected an image onto the air, a shimmering, star-shaped Pokémon with long, flowing tendrils. Below it, the Pokédex entry for Jirachi scrolled. Green explained, her voice steady, "Jirachi. The Wish Pokémon. It awakens only once every thousand years and grants wishes for seven days. This is the Pokémon that appeared in the sky, the one we saw."
The other Frontier Brains reacted with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Tucker scoffed, his Salamence letting out a disdainful growl, "Are you making things up now? A wish-granting Pokémon? Sounds like a fairytale!"
Lucy's Seviper hissed in agreement. Anabel commanded, her voice cutting through the murmurs, "Silence! I have heard of Jirachi."
Her eyes, usually so focused and composed, held a hint of wonder as she continued, "It is indeed a wish-granting Pokémon, said to awaken only once every thousand years."Tucker, however, found the story hard to believe as he commented, "Once every thousand years? Come on, Anabel, who would even be alive to confirm that?"
Noland, ever the pragmatist, nodded in agreement, stating, "He has a point. Such a legend, while intriguing, lacks verifiable evidence."
Greta, her Umbreon sensing her unease, let out a soft whine. She admitted, "I still have my doubts, but if Anabel has heard of it..."
Anabel closed her eyes for a moment, communing with Raikou through her powerful telepathy. Raikou's thoughts, a cascade of primal energy and ancient wisdom, flowed into her mind, 'He is not a liar, Anabel. The Rainbow Hero… I have seen his character long ago. He is true. Ho-Oh himself earned its trust, and that is not given lightly.'
Trusting Raikou's profound words, Anabel reopened her eyes, a renewed resolve shining within them. She declared, silencing the other Brains, "I trust them. Raikou vouches for him. And for Green, by extension."
Green, meanwhile, had managed to download the available data on Jirachi onto her Pokédex. She explained, "The Pokedex does have a tracking system, but unfortunately, it doesn't work on Mythical Pokémon. Their unique energy signatures make them impossible to lock onto with standard technology."
Azure interjected, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "But here's the thing. Although it appeared just to disappear again, Jirachi actually just fell to the ground somewhere nearby."
He pointed vaguely into the distance as he said excitedly, "I bet we can still find it! We should go, right now!"
Before Green could even react, Azure, ever the impulsive trainer, took off like a shot, determined to be the first to capture the legendary Jirachi. He made it about three steps before a blur of crimson and muscle descended from above.
*Swoosh*
Tucker's Salamence, with surprising agility, chomped gently but firmly on Azure's backside, effectively stopping him in his tracks. Azure yelped, trying to wriggle free from the Dragon Pokémon's surprisingly gentle, yet unyielding, grip, "Whoa! Hey! Get off me, Salamence! I'm not your chew toy!!"
Tucker hardened his glare and stared down at him as he stated bluntly, "Is this it, then? You challenged the Battle Frontier to hide your true objective? To sneak around and capture a legendary Pokémon?"
Azure, still struggling against Salamence, didn't even hesitate. He stated, completely earnest, "Conquering the Battle Frontier is my objective… Capturing Jirachi is just… a side objective. An incredibly cool, once-in-a-millennium side objective! Think of the bragging rights!"
Green sighed, rubbing her temples. She confirmed, giving Azure a weary look, "He's not lying. While Azure is clearly obsessed with the Battle Frontier, I have no interest in conquering it. Capturing Jirachi, on the other hand, was a job I was given. I only gained access inside the Frontier thanks to Azure's challenge, allowing me to accompany him. And on a date."
She continued eyeing the Brains in a calm voice, explaining, "The time of Jirachi's awakening just happened to coincide perfectly with the opening of the Battle Frontier. It was an uncanny coincidence, at first. But now..."
Azure added, now free from Salamence's mouth but still holding his backside, "To clear up any confusion. Jirachi awakens every thousand years, but it's only awake for seven days at a time. So, we're on the clock."
Tucker roared, his face turning red, "Seven days?! We must find the criminal who stole the Rental Pokemon, not go on some wild goose chase for a fair-- "
Greta interjected in a calm voice, her usually placid expression now thoughtful, "Wait. It might be possible… if Jirachi is a wish-granting Pokémon, and it's only awake for seven days… what if whoever attacked Noland is also looking for Jirachi? What if they want to make a wish?"
Green's eyes met Greta's, a spark of understanding passing between them. She confirmed, "That's exactly our theory. The timing, the secrecy… it all points to someone trying to exploit Jirachi's power."
Greta, though, quickly reminded them in a stern tone, "However, you are still under suspicion. Your story, while compelling, does not entirely clear you."
Azure, ever pragmatic despite his earlier flippancy, seized the opportunity. He said, pushing a stray lock of hair from his eyes, "Then it's simple. We follow them. We find who attacked Noland, find Jirachi, and prove our innocence all at once. What do you say?"
The Frontier Brains looked at each other, a silent debate passing between them. The stakes were high, the mystery deepening. And with Jirachi's limited awakening, time was running out…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Next Day (July 4th), Artisan Cave]
The next day, July 4th, dawned with a clear sky. A makeshift expedition had been quickly organized. Azure, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder and Eevee balanced precariously on his head, leaped into the shimmering waters of a nearby lake.
*FWP*
With a powerful flap of its wings, its mighty Salamence burst from the depths, catching him deftly on its back. Green, meanwhile, rode her elegant Moltres, its fiery wings cutting through the morning air with majestic grace.
Tucker, with Greta behind him, rode his own powerful Salamence. Lucy, her expression stern, sailed smoothly atop her magnificent Milotic, Anabel sharing its comfortable ride. Spencer, the Palace Maven, glided on his Lapras, with Brandon, ever the stoic leader, beside him.
Noland had been left behind, a crucial guardian for the Battle Frontier in case their true quarry decided to make a run for it. As they flew and swam, moving with surprising speed, Green's control over Moltres was evident, a silent testament to her formidable skill.
Anabel and Greta exchanged wary glances; this girl was no ordinary partner for Azure, and they realized they shouldn't let their guard down around either of them, even on this joint mission.
Their journey led them to the mouth of Artisan Cave, a gaping maw in the earth, shrouded in ancient moss and shadow. Azure recalled his Salamence with a flash of light.
*RMBL*
The moment they stepped inside, a horde of wild Smeargle, their tails dripping with vibrant paints, launched a coordinated ambush. The cavern filled with the sounds of battle as the Frontier Brains and their Pokémon engaged the artistic attackers.
Azure, however, had other plans. With a mischievous grin, he simply sprang over the scrambling Smeargle, his movements surprisingly agile and light. He yelled back, dodging a splatter of purple paint, "I'm not fighting these guys!"
Green, exasperated, recalled her Moltres as she yelled, "Seriously, Azure?!"
*Pop*
She then manifested her Blastoise, affectionately nicknamed 'Blasty,' and with a roar, used its hydro cannons as a makeshift jetpack, rocketing past the Smeargle horde, paint splattering around her.
Azure, never one to miss an opportunity for a jab, called out, "Hey, Smeargle! I won't fight you, but Green will! She loves a good messy brawl!"
The Smeargle, taking his words as a challenge, abandoned their pursuit of Azure and turned their colorful fury onto Green. Green let out a furious shout that echoed through the cave as he laughed, childishly running ahead, leaving his furious partner to deal with the painted onslaught, "AZURE, YOU JERK!"
They eventually caught up to him, deeper within the cave, where the air grew still and charged with an almost ethereal energy. Azure stood utterly captivated before a sight that stole their breath.
There, nestled amongst ancient crystals, was Jirachi. It was tiny, almost fragile, resembling a silver star with three tags flowing gently, its single eye closed in slumber. As the group silently approached, a soft hum filled the cave.
*FLASH*
Jirachi stirred, its eye slowly opening to reveal a brilliant sapphire gem. It unfolded itself, stretching its metallic limbs, and then, with a silent burst, released a blinding flash of light that momentarily disoriented almost everyone.
Gasps and cries of surprise filled the cave as the Frontier Brains shielded their eyes. Azure, however, was already moving as he thought, 'Perfect! Jirachi blinded everyone, and with this small chance, you're my new little buddy!'
He didn't hesitate, his eyes fixed on the magnificent Pokémon. His hand flew to his belt, snatching a gleaming Luxury Ball. His Viridian Force, a subtle pulse of green energy, seemed to guide his aim, focusing his intent.
He aimed for the distinctive line on Jirachi's stomach, an intuitive understanding telling him that was where its most vital energy resonated. The Luxury Ball flew true, connecting with a soft thwack.
*Wooosh*
*Thwack*
Jirachi, still somewhat disoriented by its own awakening flash, was sucked inside a swirling vortex of red light. A tense silence descended, broken only by the triumphant click of the Luxury Ball...
*BON*
It signaled an easy capture, almost too easy. Azure caught the Ball mid-air, a wide, victorious grin spreading across his face, a silent cheer erupting from Pikachu and Eevee as he thought, 'Easiest capture of my life. But here comes the hard part…'
*Clang*
But then, just as Azure gripped the Luxury Ball firmly in his hand, a sudden, dissonant clang reverberated through the ancient cavern, echoing off the crystalline walls. The sound was metallic, heavy, and utterly out of place.
Before any of them could react, a shadowy figure, tall and imposing, materialized directly in front of them, its form indistinct in the dim light. Azure's Viridian Force, which had just helped him secure Jirachi, flared around his hand, a silent warning, as the new, unknown presence solidified between them and the path ahead. The 'easy' capture of Jirachi, it seemed, was far from over.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chaper!