Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 99: Full Power Tournament! (1)

~Third POV~

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

Azure Sky, a name whispered with reverence across Kanto, stood on the sandy shores of Melemele Island, the warm Alolan sun kissing his face. The Indigo League Champion, the savior of Kanto, the boy who had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Dex Holders, was now just another face in the vibrant tapestry of Alola.

He wasn't here for fame or glory, though. He was here to learn, to grow, and to embrace a new chapter in his Pokémon journey.

Pikachu, nestled comfortably on his shoulder, twitched his nose, inhaling the salty air. Eevee, perched atop Azure's backpack, gazed with wide, curious eyes at the exotic flora and fauna.

Back at Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town, Scizor, Arcanine, Dragonite, and Gengar were enjoying a well-deserved rest. Even his Pokémon from his Boxes were resting in Prof. Oak's lab, deserving some free time out of the box, even Larvitar is being taken care of in its daily needs once it grows out of its baby phase.

Azure knew they deserved it after the trials they had faced together. His decision to attend Pokémon School in Alola had surprised many. After all, he was already a champion.

But Azure knew that true strength wasn't just about winning battles. It was about understanding your Pokémon, about learning from the world around you, and about always striving to improve.

He also had a secret desire to unlock the power of Z-Moves, a uniquely Alolan phenomenon that intrigued him. He knew in the future he would be fighting the Masked Man, who can go toe to toe with Legends.

He needed a power-up as Mega Evolution alone wouldn't be enough. And with limited time under a year, he set his sights on Alola for their Z-Moves, just the power up he'll be needing in future fights, just didn't expect getting one to be difficult.

Professor Oak, ever supportive, had pulled some strings with his cousin, Samson Oak, the headmaster of the Pokémon School. Azure was to be an honorary student for a year, immersing himself in the Alolan curriculum alongside promising young trainers like Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, and the already established second-year student, Ilima.

A few weeks melted away, filled with fascinating lessons on Alolan Pokémon, island traditions, and the delicate balance of nature. Azure found himself enjoying the structured learning environment, a stark contrast to his previous, more self-directed training.

He reveled in the opportunity to learn from passionate instructors and interact with fellow students who shared his love for Pokémon. Soon, talk of the Full Power Tournament in Iki Town began to circulate.

It was a local tradition, a celebration of strength and community. But for Azure, it was more than just a tournament. It was the only way for an outsider like him to obtain the Island Challenge Certificate, a prerequisite for embarking on the Island Challenge and earning a Z-Ring.

The rules were strict. Participants could only use Pokémon below level 20 in single battles with a team of two. Azure knew he couldn't use his experienced team for this tournament as they're above the level limit.

Instead, with a determined glint in his eyes, he focused on the three Pokémon he had received from his 2 year time skip, specifically for his Alolan adventure: Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. All three were currently at level 15, perfectly adhering to the requirements.

He spent countless hours training them on the beaches and in the forests surrounding the school. Charmander's Fire Pledge grew stronger with each blazing sunrise.

Bulbasaur's Grass Pledge snared targets with increasing speed and precision. Squirtle's Water Pledge became a torrent, carving paths through the sand.

Each of them responded well to Azure's guidance. After that, he decided to participate in the Full Power Tournament to finally get the item he sought. The Z-Ring and Z-Crystals for the future battle ahead.

/////

[Alola Region, Melemele Island, Iki Town]

The day of the tournament dawned bright and clear. Iki Town was bustling with activity. Colorful banners adorned the streets, and the aroma of grilled Tauros and fresh malasadas filled the air.

Azure stood nervously near the entrance to the battle arena, Pikachu perched securely on his shoulder, offering silent encouragement. Eevee was at his feet, nudging his leg with her head.

He could feel the weight of expectation, the knowledge that he was not just representing himself but also the legacy he had built back in Kanto. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was about learning, about embracing a new challenge.

The preliminary rounds were a whirlwind of battles. Azure chose Charmander and Squirtle for his first match.

The opponent was a local boy with a Yungoos and a Pikipek. Charmander's Ember quickly overwhelmed Yungoos, while Squirtle's Water Gun knocked Pikipek out of the sky. Victory in the first round.

His next opponent had a Grubbin and a Cutiefly. He swapped Charmander for Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur's Vine Whip expertly navigated around the Cutiefly's Fairy Wind, ensnaring the Bug-type and securing another win. Squirtle easily took care of Grubbin with a well-aimed Bubble attack.

Round after round, Azure's team persevered, their teamwork and Azure's strategic decisions proving to be a formidable combination. The crowd, initially curious about the outsider, began to cheer for him, impressed by his skill and humble demeanor.

Finally, he found himself in the round qualifiers for the last 8 to enter the Full Power Tournament. His opponent was a stern-faced young woman with a Makuhita and a Rockruff. This would be his toughest challenge yet.

He chose Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Makuhita, despite its small size, was surprisingly powerful. Its Arm Thrust sent Bulbasaur reeling, but the Grass-type Pokémon retaliated with a Sleep Powder, putting the Fighting-type to sleep.

Both had switched, seeing the disadvantage to their next Pokémon. Squirtle expertly dodged Rockruff's Bite attacks.

The battle became a dance of strategy and resilience. Bulbasaur managed to keep Makuhita asleep, allowing Squirtle to focus on Rockruff. But the Rockruff was relentless. Its Bite attacks were getting stronger, and Squirtle was beginning to tire.

Azure knew he had to act fast. He commanded Squirtle to use Withdraw, raising its defense. Then, as Rockruff lunged forward, he shouted, "Squirtle, use Strong Style! Water Gun at close range!"

*SPLASH*

The Water Gun, amplified by the proximity, struck Rockruff with tremendous force, knocking it off balance. Quickly switching in with Bulbasaur, finally recovered, unleashed a powerful Razor Leaf, finishing off the dazed Rockruff.

With Makuhita still asleep, Bulbasaur easily defeats it with a quick Vine Whip. Azure had won into the final 8.

Azure Sky adjusted his cap, a nervous flutter in his stomach. He hadn't anticipated this – the Full Power Tournament, a high-stakes competition that stood between him and the Island Challenge Certificate.

He glanced at Pikachu, perched happily on his shoulder, its tail crackling with contained excitement. Beside him, Eevee nuzzled his leg, sensing his slight anxiety.

They were his anchors, reminders of his past accomplishments – of standing victorious in the Indigo League. But this was different. This was Alola, a region with its customs and challenges.

He'd deliberately chosen a new team for this journey. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, all carefully trained to level 15, were his chosen partners. He wanted to learn, to grow, to experience Pokémon training from the ground up, shedding the weight of his past victories… but most importantly, forming a strong bond for when the time comes for them to Mega Evolve.

Reaching the final eight was expected of him due to his journey in Kanto made him a tough Trainer and Champion. But checking out the other 5 made him sigh.

He'd seen the skill and dedication of his classmates – Lana with her mastery of Water-types, Kiawe with his fiery passion, Mallow with her deep connection to nature, Sophocles with his ingenious inventions, and Ilima, the second-year student who radiated calm confidence. But two others joined, but didn't give much thought, as he saw them in the Pokémon School.

Knowing them as opponents was both thrilling and daunting. Elder Hala, the Kahuna of Melemele Island, stepped forward, his voice booming across the arena. He said, "Trainers! The final rounds of the Full Power Tournament are about to begin! Remember the rules: Pokémon must be below level 20, and each battle is a single elimination, two-on-two! May the best trainer win!"

The crowd roared its approval. Azure took a deep breath and focused. He'd strategized, trained, and observed his opponents.

He had a plan, or at least, the beginnings of one. The bracket was displayed on a large screen.

Sky vs. Lana.

Mallow vs. Hiroki.

Ilima vs. Sophocles.

Kiawe vs. Oluolo.

Azure scanned it, his heart skipping a beat. First up: Lana.

He walked towards the battlefield, Pikachu jumping down to join Eevee at the sidelines with Samson Oak watching. He reached for a Poké Ball as he hurled out, "Alright, Charmander, let's go!"

*Pop*

A flash of red, and Charmander stood bravely on the field, its tail flame burning bright. Lana, with a determined glint in her eyes, said playfully, "Going for a Fire Type against a Water type? Sorry, Sky, but I'm not losing here! Let's go, Brionne!"

*Pop*

Lana sent out her own Pokémon: a playful yet powerful Brionne. Lana commanded confidently, "Brionne, use Water Gun!"

*Splash*

Brionne unleashed a powerful stream of water. Azure countered, "Charmander, dodge it! Then use Ember!"

*Brrr*

Charmander nimbly leaped aside, narrowly avoiding the Water Gun. It then unleashed a volley of Embers, which struck Brionne, dealing significant damage.

Lana frowned as she called out, "Brionne, use Disarming Voice!"

*BREEE*

Brionne sang a melodic tune, which seemed to harm Charmander. Azure calmly ordered, "Charmander, use Smokescreen!"

*POOF*

Charmander released a cloud of thick smoke, obscuring the battlefield. Lana, clearly caught off guard, hesitated.

However, for Azure, that was all it took as he yelled, hoping his intuition was right, "Now, Charmander! Strong Style! Thunder Punch, aimed at where you think Brionne is!"

*Zzzz*

Charmander unleashed a powerful Thunder Punch into the smoke. A cry of pain echoed from within the cloud, followed by the sound of a Pokémon fainting.

*THUD*

When the smoke cleared, Brionne lay defeated on the ground. Lana recalled Brionne, her expression unreadable.

She took a deep breath as she said, clenching her next Poke Ball tightly, "Impressive, Azure. But this battle isn't over. Go! Lapras!"

*Pop*

*THUD*

Lapras landed on the ground as she ordered, "Lapras, use Icy Wind!"

*Wooosh*

A cold breeze swept and swirled around the battlefield, chilling Charmander to the bone. Azure called out, concerned, "Charmander, you okay?!"

Charmander gave a small nod, shivering slightly. Getting a response, Azure countered fiercely, "Charmander, use Flamethrower! Try to melt the snow!"

Lana's eyes widened seeing Charmander use a high-level move as it unleashed a stream of flames, which met with Icy Wind head-on. The two attacks collided, creating a cloud of steam.

*Pooof*

The Icy Wind weakened, but Charmander was visibly struggling against the cold. Lana commanded, seizing the opportunity, "Lapras, use Ice Shard!"

*Pew*

A flurry of sharp ice shards hurtled towards Charmander. Azure knew Charmander couldn't withstand a direct hit.

Azure shouted desperately, "Charmander, dodge it!"

*CRACK*

Charmander tried to dodge, but the Ice Shards were too fast. One struck its leg, knocking it off balance. Another hit its side.

Charmander cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground. Azure cried, his heart sinking, "Charmander!"

Charmander, despite the pain, struggled to its feet, its tail flame flickering weakly. He recalled Charmander to its Poké Ball, his mind racing, "Charmander, return!"

Azure knew he couldn't risk Charmander taking more damage. He had to choose carefully against Lapras as he considered his options.

Squirtle was resistant to Ice, but Lapras was fast, and its Special Attack made it a dangerous opponent. Bulbasaur was resistant to Water but weak to Ice.

He took a deep breath. Eyes narrowing, he thought, clenching his choice, 'One doesn't become the Pokémon Master without picking up a thing or two. Besides, I think it's about time for my Pokémon to show off. Besides, this is starting to make me remember the preliminary rounds in the Indigo League.'

Azure made his choice as he hurled his next Pokémon he yelling, "Alright, Bulbasaur, I need your help!"

*Pop*

Bulbasaur emerged from its Poké Ball, its eyes filled with determination. Azure commanded, "Bulbasaur, Strong Style! Razor Leaf!"

Bulbasaur nodded as it grinned. Lana tried to counter, "Quick use – "

*BANG*

But the sound barrier breaking caught Lana's voice. A loud banging sound was heard as Lapras recoiled from a sharp pain, slumping its head down, and fainting.

From the sharp pain, a single leaf was gently flying down as Lana tried to comprehend what had happened, that a single leaf from Razor Leaf was the source of the loud sound barrier breaking. Her eyes widened as Lapras was instantly knocked down as she muttered, "W-What just happened…"

Swirling down was a single leaf that Bulbasaur launched. It was the same tactic that Azure used in the Indigo League Tournament with Eevee shooting a Razor Leaf against Selena's Flygon.

Lana trembled lightly as she recalled Lapras, a small smile playing on her lips. She said kindly as she shook off her disappointment, "You're a worthy opponent, Azure. Good luck with the rest of the tournament."

Azure nodded, relieved but still focused. He'd won, but the battle had been close. Lana was a formidable trainer.