Chapter 1 – New Awakenings
A city of grandeur was the slogan. And grandeur was right. Skyscrapers reached up into the clouds, housing the pulsing beat of Unova's economy. Castelia was far and away the largest city in the region, a melting pot of cultures and identities. People from all over the world visited here, if only to get lost for a time in everything the amazing city had to offer.
The harbour was bustling with activity, ships horns sounding every so often. Street vendors hawked wares, and people moved in a non-stop cadence to the sounds of business. Tugs could be seen moving the larger ships in and out of docks. Finally, one ship in particular eased in to berth. The large vessel was carrying goods and people here to Unova out of Olivine. Lines were tossed and secured, and finally the gangplank was lowered.
Arthur Soul smiled as he stepped off the boat, following the crowds' footsteps. Blaze walked right behind his trainer, marveling at the new sights. Only Goldenrod and Saffron cities had come truly close to the massive metropolis they were stepping foot into. The cooperation between human and Pokemon were on display in full force here. Once on the docks however, warehouses and other storage facilities blocked the view. The two paused off to the side, mainly so Arthur could get his bearings. Part of the young trainer longed to explore the city, but he had come to Unova because of the whisperings, and so his first task was to head east towards another seaside city.
"Do we really have to get on another boat?" the fire type finally asked. Arthur laughed at his long-time partner.
"Well, I was hoping not to spend weeks getting to Nuvema on foot. Unless you're offering a ride the entire way."
"Not likely!" Grinning Arthur checked his gear and headed further into the docks. Various signs signaled the different docks and passenger ferries to other destinations. Having Blaze around was helpful as people kept a slight gap around the two travelers, if only to avoid the fire types heat. Finding the correct dock, Arthur headed down the walkway towards another vessel, this one considerably smaller than the one he had just arrived off. Arthur stepped up to the desk just before the docks entrance to purchase his ticket. Looking around, he could not help but laugh again as Blaze was sniffing around one of the vendors food stalls. Wandering over to his partner, he purchased a few snacks, Blaze eagerly snatching his up as they waited to load on to the next ferry.
Professor Aurea Juniper stood down by the waterfront staring out to sea. It was a brisk autumn morning, the leaves on the trees just turning to their golden and red colours. A small ferry boat was just coming in to port, some of the only activity in the sleepy little town. The professor couldn't help but smile at the sense of peace she had living here. It was the perfect place to study the origins and migrations of Pokemon. Today was a rather special day however. Aurea had met powerful trainers back in her travelling days, the young man she was about to meet today was of a different sort.
It was not hard to spot the young man stepping off the ferry. Most people around here had never seen a Typhlosion before as they were almost non-existent in the Unova region. Adjusting her skirt and jacket, the professor walked over to the Champion.
"Arthur?" she asked just loud enough to be heard.
"Professor Juniper! Nice to finally meet you!" Arthur said with an easy smile while holding out his hand. Juniper smiled back as she started leading the two travelers back to her vehicle.
"I trust the crossing was alright?" The professor asked, trying to make polite conversation.
"Thoroughly enjoyable" the trainer replied while his partner growled slightly. Arthur laughed. "Well enjoyable for me anyways. I wouldn't say Blaze is in love with the water." This also caused the professor to join in laughing.
"I must say, your Typhlosion is an impressive one. I saw your championship match on TV, but it doesn't quite compare." Arhtur smiled as they drove back to the professors lab.
"Yeah Blaze was my first ever Pokemon, so our bond has become quite strong. I don't know where I'd be without him." The professor nodded at that. It was something all trainers could relate to, the close bond they had with their first Pokemon. The drive to the lab was short, and the professor led the way in, by passing the labs to the kitchen area so everyone could have some breakfast.
"I must say," the professor began as they sat down to scrambled eggs and bacon, "I am surprised you decided to come and visit Unova. I know you decided against taking the Champions role, but why come visit here?" Arthur took his time in answering.
"I guess I just had a feeling. I've heard some whisperings about unrest here and there. But something about Unova was pulling me here." The professor frowned slightly. It was true, there had been whisperings, even reaching as far out here to the lab.
"I fear most of those may just be rumours. I know of many different groups here in Unova, all of them of the opinion they are the right ones. But I'm not sure we have anything on a scale like Team Rocket. The authorities and the League have stepped up security." Arthur nodded at that.
"I think all the regions have done so. Perhaps it is nothing. But I still thought I might travel around a bit and see."
The rest of the day passed quickly, as the professor showed Arthur around the lab and the champion lending a hand with the various Pokemon that lived here. Almost all were of species he had never encountered before, and the professor could see the young man was having fun interacting with the younger Pokemon. Even his partner Blaze was getting along with everyone, even though most should have been intimidated by the fire types size and bulk. It was after all, one of the strongest Pokemon most people would ever meet.
As the night fell, the Champion and professor were sharing a cup of tea outside the living quarters of the lab. The deck out back overlooked some of the grounds Aurea kept for housing various trainers Pokemon as needed. Blaze was laid out to Arthur's left, the egg just in front of the fire type. A crack reverberated through the night, almost causing both humans to drop their scalding drinks. Arthur quickly looked down at the egg, seeing a dark line marring the pebbly grey surface. Blaze was partially up, staring intently at the egg. Another crack, another line spreading. Moments later, the egg began shattering, revealing the small Pokemon. Arthur was both shocked and surprisingly emotional.
"A Larvitar!" Professor Juniper exclaimed. "They are so rare! Where did you get that egg from?"
"A friend back home wanted to get into breeding. She's an amazing person. Before I left to come here, I left most of my team back home. But Lyra said this egg was meant for me. She had worked on it non-stop after the Team Rocket incident. And I finally know who's Pokemon she used." Tears welled up in the young man's eyes. Blaze seemed emotional too, staring down at the new team member. Large red-brown eyes stared back up at Arthur, who bent down to pick up the small rock type.
"Hey there little guy!" the champion said with a smile. The Larvitar smiled back making a small noise.
Arthur was in complete darkness. But it was comforting, almost familiar. Blaze stepped up beside him, confused.
"Where are we?" his partner asked, but Arhtur was just as surprised.
"I think we're in a 'dreamworld' of sorts. I think…" before Arthur could finish, that brilliant silver glow began rising up.
"Bit dramatic…" Blaze said in an undertone.
I can hear you Argyra responded. Blaze stiffened at the retort, and Arthur started laughing, unable to hold it in. That warm presence of Argyra touched Arthur's mind. You have travelled far indeed.
"It felt necessary. After battling Red… I don't know. There was something almost empty about Johto. It was like there was already someone there." Arthur felt an understanding from the legendary.
I sense you have made the right decision. Something there is terribly amiss. I sense animosity and fear.
"Then we should call the others back" Blaze said. The fire type understood how serious this was.
Unfortunately, Blaze, I am not certain that is wise. Something clicked in Arthur's head.
"You think I restart my journey" Arthur's tone was barely above a whisper. Blaze looked towards his partner then back to the legendary.
"If you think I'm going to leave Arty alone and unprotected, you have another thing coming!" Heat was pouring off the Typhlosion as his lit the fire on his back. As Blaze looked at Argyra however, he noticed that she too seemed off. After a few tense moments, Blaze stood down.
"Arygra… you can't be serious…"
I know Blaze. But Arthur may be able to pass less noticed without his old companions. If he truly does need you, he can send for you. But I fear there may be too few of us for what lies ahead if Arthur travels with you. While Argyra's words made sense to Arthur, there was still that block in his mind of what was being asked. Blaze had been with him since the beginning. They had conquered not one, but two regions together. Through thick and thin, Blaze had always been by Arthur's side, ready to jump in and fight if needed. His old team had all looked to the fire type for guidance and leadership. How was Arthur supposed to set that type of a bond aside?
"This is asking a lot Argyra."
I know. It is why I needed to speak to both of you now.
"You really think there's something out there that the six of us couldn't handle?"
It is not a question of can you handle it, but more of is it enough? Even now the other legends are on edge. There are some who are missing. And not enough who have been bonded. Arthur looked down thinking. While he couldn't shake what the loss would mean, not having Blaze by his side, the sense of getting to know a region from the ground up was rather strong.
Through Johto you both stood for something. An ideal that you could overcome any obstacle. It is this inner strength that you must find once more Arthur.