Chapter 97: Alola!

Chapter 97: Alola!

~Third POV~

[Kanto Region, Aftermath]

Waking from a dream where Yellow enjoyed a nap with Pika and her unevolved Pokémon, Yellow is surprised to find Red and the others making their way across the sea. Azure confirms that Lance disappeared along with the Legendary Pokémon, and Blue adds that the armies of Pokémon invading Kanto have been defeated.

Blaine remarks on the miraculous evolutions of Yellow's Pokémon that, without Red's Pokedex, finally managed to evolve. While Bill questions Green over Red being the only one unaware that Yellow is a girl.

Green, much to Bill and Blue's annoyance, declares that it's much more entertaining for Red to be in the dark, and Yellow nearly faints when Red suggests that they live together since Yellow has also become Pika's Trainer.

With the Elite Four saga concluded, the Pokédex holders assist the Gym Leaders in rebuilding Kanto. Lt. Surge and Sabrina, following Giovanni's orders, return to their cities, leaving the fates of Koga and Giovanni unknown.

Back at home, Green communicates with an unseen associate (Silver), saying that her investigations into the Elite Four have not turned up anything that might assist her in finding the Pokémon that abducted her. She thanks him for assisting her on his side.

All seemed right in the world as everyone was taking their chance to rebuild Kanto. Almost all, as the Champion had other plans after paying Mew for its assistance…

//////

[Kanto Region, Days Later, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]

Within Pallet Town, inside Prof. Oak's Lab, an important discussion was being held with Prof. Oak and Azure. While discussing with each other, Prof. Oak's face lit up at the mention in a surprised tone, "Alola? My cousin? Oh, you mean Samson! That's right, he's the principal of a Pokémon School in Alola. If you're planning a trip, I can ask him to be your guide!"

Excited by the prospect of reconnecting with his cousin, Oak rummaged through a nearby box, eventually pulling out a small gift. He then asked Azure excitedly, "If you're visiting the Alola Region, then you must visit Samson! Could you deliver this for me?"

Azure accepted the package without hesitation as he said, "Of course."

Putting the package away in his Spatial Bag, Azure asked curiously, "By the way, how's the Dex Trio doing these days?"

Prof. Oak, familiar with the term, smiled as he explained their progress on their own quests happily, "Ah yes, them! Green is still searching for where this big Bird Pokémon is located, along with searching for her parents. Red is helping around Viridian City with Yellow. And Blue is off on his journey, training a new Pokémon Team, I heard."

Hearing the news, Azure shook his head helplessly as he uttered, "Sigh… and they still can't help you fill in your Pokedex."

Prof. Oak chuckled, sighing, hearing that. But he shook his head as he asked Azure curiously about his interest in Alola, "Hahaha, yeah, yeah pity me. But moving on from that, can I ask why the sudden interest in traveling the Alola Region?"

Hearing this, Azure calmly stated, getting Prof. Oak to blink, surprised by his words, "It's simple. I heard they have these Z-Crystal moves exclusive to Alola. Couldn't help but just go hear the news, not only that… I'm planning to stay a whole year to finally relax without any world-threatening issues."

Prof. Oak chuckled, hearing that understanding the stresses everyone's been under thanks to the Elite Four's actions. But hearing this, Prof. Oak suggested as Azure listened to his words, "Haha… I suppose so. But if I can suggest, have you thought about being an Honorary Student in Alola? You see, my cousin is also a Pokémon School Principal."

Azure blinked, hearing this as Prof. Oak explained to him. Prof. Samson Oak studies the regional forms and Totem Pokémon of the region. But his also a principal of the Pokémon School or Trainer's School when his not doing his research, like Prof. Samuel Oak Summer School.

Hearing this, Azure makes a mental note to see about it while studying. Azure prepares to leave as he cheerfully says, "Well, Professor, I'll make sure Samson gets your gift when I reach Alola."

The box was unusually heavy, giving the impression it contained something valuable. But Azure wasn't one to pry, so he didn't bother checking with [Observe]. With that, he turned and left, starting his new adventure in a new land ahead.

/////

[Alola Region, Hours Later, Airplane]

The Alola region is a region of the Pokémon world. Alola is made up of four islands: Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula'ula Island, and Poni Island.

In the center is an artificial island by the name of Aether Paradise. It is a popular resort destination and attracts a lot of tourists from other regions.

In Alola, humans and Pokémon coexist in a very close relationship, and a culture has developed that is different from other regions. The island kahuna of each island is known to offer the first partner Pokémon to Trainers beginning their journey in this archipelago.

The kahuna of Melemele Island, Hala, will offer the options of Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio to beginner Trainers in Alola. Professor Kukui of Hau'oli City Outskirts will offer the same three Pokémon on Hala's behalf.

Aether Paradise is being constructed in this part of early history, described as a "very large floating structure" or VLFS, and Poké Pelago, a group of small, uninhabited islands. People can travel between the islands via boat, the Pokémon Ride's Charizard Glide, and Mantine Surf; it is not possible to use the Pokémon Ride's Lapras Paddle or Sharpedo Jet, or any field moves, to move between the islands.

All four natural islands are, to an extent, forested and mountainous. Most of these islands' cities and towns are on the coast, with the notable exceptions of Iki Town and Paniola Town. Routes are relatively developed here compared to other regions, with several of them having their own Pokémon Centers in addition to residential buildings.

The ecology of Alola is described as diverse. While plenty of the Pokémon who live in Alola have lived with human natives for generations, plenty of new Pokémon from other regions have shown up recently as well.

Alola's environmental conditions affect its Pokémon in various ways. To adapt to the unique environmental pressures of their Alolan habitats, several Pokémon species originally found in the Kanto region have developed regional forms named Alolan forms.

In addition to this, some Pokémon are known to only live on individual islands, due to each island's subclimates. This has also affected some Pokémon, such as Oricorio, which are known to change their form depending on the type of nectar and flora present on the island they're found in…

*Woooosh*

Though the air of Alola airspace was a plane that departed from the Kanto Region and set its course for the Alola Region. Within the plane lies Azure, calmly observing the scenery with Eevee and Pikachu chilling on the seats.

As they relaxed, they heard the speakers from the airplane pilot saying, "We have arrived at Alola Region! Repeat passengers, we've arrived at the Alola Region, Melemele Island! Alola to the Alola Region!"

Azure smirked as he slowly got up, talking to his partners, "Welp! Seems like we made it right, guys?"

Pikachu climbed over his shoulder happily responding, "Pi! Pika!"

Eevee hopped onto Azure's head, barking happily, "Bui! Eveow!"

Smirking at this, Azure prepares himself for his new adventure in the Alola Region as he mutters excitedly, "Up next! The Alola Region! Time to collect those Z-Crystals!"

/////

[Alola Region, Later, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City]

The Alola Region, nestled in the tropics, boasted abundant natural resources and world-class tourism appeal. Every year, Alola attracted countless tourists looking to relax and explore.

Azure, dressed like a typical tourist, arrived at the bustling port of Melemele Island. Pikachu over his shoulder and Eevee on top of his head couldn't help but be in awe at such a sudden change from Kanto.

But soon they made their way out of the port, and they spotted their welcoming party waiting for them. Azure knew from a distance, the towering 10-meter Alolan Exeggutor holding a sign with his name was hard to miss.

Reaching out to their destination, the greeter waved enthusiastically as Azure approached, "Alola! Welcome to the Alola region!"

The person standing before them bore an uncanny resemblance to Professor Oak, save for their darker skin and distinctive hairstyle. It was none other than Samson Oak, the Alolan counterpart/cousin of the famous Professor Oak.

Azure smiled, replying, blending in with local customs as he introduced himself to him with a polite nod, "Alola. Hello, Professor Oak. I'm Azure Sky, and this here is Pikachu and Eevee. Say hi."

Both waved at Prof. Samson as he chuckled, greeting them in return in a friendly tone, "I've heard about you from Samuel! And let me tell you what happened in Kanto recently sure caused quite a stir-staryu!"

Azure's exploits during the Elite Four incident and his title as the youngest Pokémon League champion had earned him some recognition. Even Samson Oak in Alola had heard of him being concerned for his cousin and his grandson, Blue, in Kanto.

While being recognized was flattering, Azure and his Pokémon couldn't quite follow Samon's Pokémon pun, leaving an awkward silence in its wake. Samon, however, seemed unfazed by their lack of reaction, as though he was used to it.

Eventually, Azure broke the silence, coughing into his hands as he said, "Ahem! Prof. Oak, where's the new Professor I've heard about? Professor Kukui?"

Although Samson Oak served as the principal of Alola's Pokémon School, Kikui was the region's representative and teacher at Oak's Trainer School. Understanding his confusion, Samson explained, "Kukui wanted to meet you as you both work on Pokémon Moves. But being a Teacher as well, he was backed up on some overdue work hahaha…"

Azure simply nodded in understanding. Samson turned to Azure as he asked curiously, "So, enough about that. Let me take you to my place first. Kukui should be back soon, by the way… do you have a place to stay? If not, you're welcome to use the Pokémon School's facilities."

Smiling at this Azure, simply nodded his head as he replied, "Sure. It would be an honor, sir."

With that, Samson began to show Azure around Hau'oli City. Azure and his Pokémon took in a deep breath, seeing the scenery so much different from the Kanto Region.

/////

[Alola Region, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City – Pokémon School]

After a Tauros taxi ride, accompanied by a swaying Alolan Exeggutor, they arrived at the Pokémon School. Inside Samson Oak's office, Azure finally met Kukui.

The professor looked a bit worse for wear, his clothes and his expression haggard. Samson asked, startled by his disheveled appearance, "Kukui, what happened to you?"

Kukui coughed awkwardly as he explained his appearance in an embarrassed tone, "There was a herd of startled Mudbray running through Iki Town. I went to handle it, and it took quite an effort to calm them down. This is the result."

He was embarrassed. Meeting a Ninth Pokémon League Champion while looking like this wasn't exactly the impression he'd hoped to make for Alola.

Still, there was nothing to be done. Kukui turned to Azure, eyes widened as he greeted them happily, "Alola! Welcome to Alola! Big fan of yours, Sky!"

Extending a hand to shake hands, Azure accepted, reaching his as he replied warmly, "Alola! Heard good things about you from Samuel."

Getting a firm handshake, both let go after a friendly greeting. Azure was sizing up Kukui as he scratched his head apologetically, saying, "I had planned to give you a tour of my lab today, but in this state, it'll have to wait until tomorrow. I hope you don't mind."

Azure replied casually, nonchalantly nodding his head in a chill tone, "Not at all. I'm planning to stay a year to train my new team. Besides what Samuel mentioned, I'm an honorary student during my stay here. But can I make a suggestion?"

/////

A/N: Here's your extra chapter! The MC will try to get most Z-Crystals and learn about the Pokémon world for this mini-arc in the Alola Region, as it's the closest vital tools he needs for a Trainer, keeping his trump cards instead of solely relying on Mega Evolution.

Besides that, I don't see many Pokémon fanfics ever get the Z-Moves. So it would be a fresh start with the MC getting them and actively using them as a last resort, if possible, during future battles ahead.

Oh, and on one side note. Johto Arc begins in Ch.108. Till then, hope you enjoy this mini-arc for the MC till then.