Chapter 179: Grass Field! Vs. Gold
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Evening, Indigo Plateau – Hotel Room]
Within the Trainer Village in the evening, the Top 256 Trainers have been narrowed down to the Top 128 participants remaining. Crystal and Yellow were staying in the hotel room as she sighed in a defeated tone, "Sigh… I didn't think I'd lose that badly against him. I thought I had a fair shot against Azure with the 2-on-2 format with my strongest… didn't think he beat me that badly and so outclassed…"
Yellow patted her friend's shoulder, having been her traveling companion in the Johto Region with Chu-Chu by her shoulder, as she said softly, "No worries, Crys. He is the Ninth Pokémon League Champion for a reason. You did your best."
Crystal smiled, having been supported by her friend as she was kicked out of her hut after losing her stay in a hotel for the night. But then the door to their hotel room opened.
*Thud*
Crystal looked up to see another of the participants remaining Leaf Green, following along with Soul Silver. Green smirked as she waved at Yellow, "Hello, Yellow! How are things between you and Red? Hmm…?"
Crystal raised an eyebrow as Yellow tucked her hat, hiding her blushing face as she muttered silently, but enough for all to hear, "N-N-Nothing much… his been busy for this after he became the Viridian City Gym Leader… Uh…"
Green chuckled at Yellow's antics as her gaze shifted to Crystal, as they introduced themselves, "Heh. You know it's always cute teasing you, Yellow. And you must be Crystal the 'Catcher' that prof. Oak hired, right? I'm Leaf Green, and this is my little brother, Soul Silver."
Both greeted each other politely as Silver blushed, lightly turning away to see Crystal. Green smirked, seeing this as she thought, 'Oh? Does my little bro have a crush? I'm so gonna milk this for what it's worth, teasing him over.'
After introducing each other, Crystal asked, confused about their appearance in their hotel room, "Sorry to ask, but why are you two here? And how did you get in?"
Crystal, realizing they had locked the door, was confused as Green subtly put away her lock-breaking tools in her spatial handbag. Green shrugged innocently, saying, ignoring her questioning expression, "I don't know, it was unlocked when I turned the handle. As for why we're here, we were wondering if you could give us any info or insight on you battling Azure and his Pokémon. Any info could prove useful facing him."
Silver nodded, adding in a curious tone, eyeing Crystal calmly, "Yeah. Any info against the champion would be useful if you could give us your insight, please."
Crystal blushed a bit from the two as they discussed what they learned. Leaving Green to do the talking, Silver checked his Rotom Phone, seeing Azure's match for tomorrow, 'Let's see… Azure is in the Grass Field battling… oh. Oh, this I gotta watch.'
Silver smiled happily, almost excitedly, at the next match. He saw the name of Azure facing off against Ethan Gold in the Grass Field, wanting to see his rival fall against him.
But he quickly composed himself, keeping that to himself as he thought calmly, 'Ahem! No… his merely bait. Yes, bait to draw out more of Sky's skills… it has nothing to do with seeing my stalker getting crushed. Nope, not, oh who am I kidding? I wanna see my stalker/friend/rival get steamrolled.'
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Grass Field]
The vibrant hum of a thousand voices, the crackle of a million hopes, and the potent aura of countless Pokémon filled the grand stadium of the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament. Azure Sky, a trainer whose calm demeanor belied a lifetime of intense battles, stood at the heart of it all, a faint smile gracing his lips.
By his side, his partner Pikachu, ears twitching, surveyed the bustling scene with keen, intelligent eyes. At his feet, Eevee, ever curious, nudged his ankle, a silent comfort.
Azure's journey to this moment had been long, paved with the dust of countless roads, the sweat of training, and the unwavering bond with his Pokémon. He wasn't one for grand declarations, preferring the quiet strength found in mutual trust and understanding.
His team was an extension of himself – resilient, adaptable, and deeply loyal. The preliminaries of the tournament were a massive undertaking, designed to whittle down the initial 256 trainers across a myriad of unique battlefields to the top 128.
Each arena replicated different biomes, challenging trainers to adapt their strategies and Pokémon choices to the environment. The air rippled with anticipation as the giant jumbotrons flickered, announcing the matchups.
The announcer's booming voice echoed as he announced the next match, "Attention, trainers! The next round of preliminaries will soon commence! On the Grass Field, we have Trainer Azure Sky versus Trainer Ethan Gold!"
A ripple of excitement went through the crowd. Ethan Gold, the Dex Holder of the Title of 'Hatcher', was a formidable name, known for the exceptional bond he forged with his Pokémon from their earliest days, often hatching them himself.
His Pokémon were said to possess unparalleled loyalty and an almost intuitive understanding of their trainer's commands. Azure's smile widened, a glint of friendly competition in his eyes. He patted Pikachu's head as he said calmly, "Looks like our second dance is on the grass, buddy. Ready?"
Pikachu let out an enthusiastic, "Pika-chu!"
Eevee twirled in excitement and let out her cry, "Bui!"
They made their way to Grass Field, a sprawling arena of lush, verdant turf, dotted with strategically placed bushes and a small, gurgling stream. The scent of fresh earth and damp grass filled the air.
On the opposite side, a young man with a spiky, determined haircut stood, his posture radiating quiet confidence. This was Ethan Gold.
Gold nodded respectfully, his voice clear and earnest as he said in a smug tone, "Azure Sky! Better be prepared to lose to me because it's payback time!"
Azure replied, a slight bow making a smug grin as he said proudly, "I look forward to a challenging battle. And please… I'll wipe the floor with you."
The referee, a stern-faced woman in a striped uniform, raised her arm. She declared the rules, "Trainers, prepare your Pokémon! This is a 2-on-2 battle! The first trainer to have all 2 Pokémon unable to continue will be declared the loser! Begin!"
Ethan called out, and with a flash of light, his Pokémon Ambipom materialized on the field, "Alright, Aibo!"
*Pop*
The Long Tail Pokémon, with its two prehensile tails, looked ready for action, its eyes sharp and focused. Ethan declared in a confident tone, "Show them your speed, Aibo!"
Ethan smiled, recalling how Aipom evolved as he thought proudly, 'Heh. Who would've thought that my partner and old friend Aibo could evolve? And it was thanks to the same guy who introduced that certain moves that evolve certain Pokémon. Thanks, Sky, I'll be sure to use your knowledge against ya when I win!'
Ethan smiled as he researched ways to get stronger when he was informed by Prof. Elm that his Aipom could evolve as he read the research paper by Prof. Oak and Azure Sky. They collaborated in ways how Pokémon evolved using certain moves like the Tangela and Yanma line, for example.
It just so happened that Aipom was also one of the Pokémon that evolves once it learned a certain move. Azure observed Ambipom, noting its agility and the clear bond it shared with Gold. He looked genuinely surprised as he thought, 'Ah… so he managed to evolve his Aipom into an Ambipom, huh? He doesn't do that till later in the series… guess he must've wanted me to lose and made to train his Pokémon.'
He reached for a Poké Ball, a different kind of challenge brewing in his mind. He hurled his choice outward, "Ampharos, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
A brilliant flash of light filled the arena, and when it subsided, Ampharos stood tall and proud, its luminous tail glowing faintly. It let out a confident battle cry, "Baaa-pharos! (It's go time!)"
Its woolly body contrasts against the green backdrop. Gold mused aloud, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes, "A surprising choice, an Electric-type on a Grass Field. But I won't underestimate it. Aibo, start with Double Hit!"
*Zooom*
Ambipom darted forward, its two tails striking with incredible speed and precision. Its movements were a blur, a testament to its agility.
Azure commanded, his voice calm amidst the rapid assault, "Ampharos, Thunder Wave, then follow with Agile Style! Power Gem!"
*Zzzz*
Ampharos's gem glowed, and a wave of crackling electricity surged from its body, aimed at the incoming Ambipom. Ambipom, mid-strike, yelped as the electricity coursed through its body, slowing its movements drastically.
*Zap*
It wasn't fully paralyzed, but its momentum was broken. Before it could recover, Ampharos unleashed a barrage of sparkling, multi-colored gems from its body, shimmering with raw energy.
*SMACK*
The Power Gem struck Ambipom directly, sending it skidding backward. Gold urged, refusing to let the initiative slip as he yelled fiercely, "Aibo, shake it off! Use Agility, then Brick Break!"
Ambipom, though still somewhat sluggish from the Thunder Wave, managed to pick up speed. Ambipon began gathering momentum as it closed the distance once more, its tails glowing with fighting energy.
Azure countered, his strategy clear: overwhelm with power, "Ampharos! Strong Style! Thunderbolt!"
Ampharos roared, a surge of brilliant yellow lightning erupting from its body, arcing through the air towards the rapidly approaching Ambipom. The Thunderbolt was massive, consuming the space between them.
*KABOOOM*
Ambipom, despite its Agility, couldn't completely avoid the blast. It took the full brunt of the attack, a cry escaping its lips as it was engulfed in electricity. When the lightning dissipated, Ambipom lay on the grass, still and unmoving, with faint swirls in its eyes.
The referee observed the Long Tail Pokémon before declaring, "Ambipom is unable to battle! Ampharos wins!"
A ripple of applause swept through the stadium. Azure's Ampharos had shown impressive power and resilience.
Gold's eyes widened as he saw his Ambipom lose that fast. He recalled his friend gazing at Azure's expression in a serious tone, murmuring, "The hell! Just two hits and my Aibo was knocked out?! How strong are his Pokémon…"
While Gold's Pokémon were respectively in the 40 – 50 level ranges, he wasn't aware that Azure's were well within the 60 – 70 level ranges. A massive gap of levels and experience as Gold grabs his next choice.
He looked at Exbo's Poke Ball, narrowing his eyes as he thought in a determined tone, 'I still have one ace in the whole left… the Pokémon that came with me starting our journey together. Let's go all out!'
Gold's arm shot forward, a blur of motion. He called out, "Go, Exbo!"
*Pop*
A flash of crimson light erupted, solidifying into a magnificent, bipedal Pokémon wreathed in a corona of fire. It was a Typhlosion, its powerful limbs coiled, its eyes glinting with controlled intensity.
The flames around its neck and back rippled, a testament to its immense power. Exbo, Gold's signature Pokémon, was a force to be reckoned with.
Azure took a breath, his gaze steady on the fiery beast. He saw its level and smiled in an impressed tone, mumbled, "It reached Lv. 53 despite its low level. Not bad but not good enough either… let's see…"
He reached for a specific Poké Ball on his belt. Picking it up, he hurled it out as he declared calmly, recalling his Ampharos, "You did a good job, Ampharos! Return! Alright, Houndoom, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Another flash, this one darker, more menacing. A sleek, black canine Pokémon burst forth, its fur like polished, its muzzle and chest a fiery orange.
Its curved horns swept back, and the bone-like rings on its ankles clinked softly as it landed. Houndoom, Azure's loyal and powerful Dark/Fire type, let out a low, guttural growl, its red eyes fixed on Typhlosion, "Awoooo~"
The commentator's voice boomed over the speakers, excitement palpable. DJ Mary explained excitedly, "What a turn of events! Ethan Gold goes with his majestic Typhlosion, Exbo! And Azure Sky counters with his fearsome Houndoom! An interesting type matchup, folks! Both are Fire-types, but Houndoom's secondary Dark-typing offers a unique dynamic. However, a pure Fire-type like Typhlosion often has raw, unadulterated fire power!"
Gold grinned. Seeing Azure choose Houndoom, he ordered excitedly, "A Fire versus Fire showcase, huh? Exbo, Eruption!"
*RMBL*
Typhlosion let out a mighty roar, slamming its paws into the ground. A torrent of superheated magma and fire erupted from the earth around it, surging towards Houndoom like a destructive wave.
Azure commanded, his voice calm amidst the fiery chaos, "Houndoom, use Agility to get close, then Dark Pulse!"
*Zooom*
Houndoom blurred, a dark streak against the orange inferno. It was incredibly fast, weaving through the erupting flames, its agility allowing it to dodge the worst of the incoming attack. As it closed the distance, its mouth glowed with dark energy. A pulsing orb of shadows launched itself at Typhlosion.
*PEW*
*BANG*
Exbo, surprised by Houndoom's speed, took the Dark Pulse directly. It staggered, a grunt escaping its throat, "Tyy…"
Gold quickly countered, seizing the initiative, "Typhlosion, Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
A concentrated blast of intense flame erupted from Typhlosion's mouth, aimed squarely at Houndoom, who was still relatively close.
Azure smirked, seeing this as he called, anticipating the move, "Useless… Houndoom, Nasty Plot!"
Instead of dodging, Houndoom absorbed the Flamethrower. Its body seemed to shimmer, and the fiery orange on its muzzle and paws glowed brighter.
Houndoom's Flash Fire ability had activated, not only nullifying the attack but boosting its own Fire-type moves. Then its eyes dilate as it cackles, getting a +2 in its Sp. Attack, "Keke… keke… (You foolish bug…)"
The crowd gasped. The commentator roared as DJ Mary explained in a stunned tone, "Unbelievable! Houndoom just absorbed a Flamethrower! Its Flash Fire ability has boosted its own power! What a strategic move by Azure Sky!"
Houndoom's growl deepened, its eyes burning with newfound power. It was ready, eyeing Exbo, letting a low growl escape its mouth, "Grr…"
Azure pressed his advantage as he calmly ordered, "Now show them true firepower, girl! Strong Style! Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Houndoom hunkered down for a moment, a sinister aura gathering around it. Its Special Attack stat surged. Then, with a roar, it unleashed its own Flamethrower, now supercharged by Flash Fire and Nasty Plot.
The flames were a deeper, more violent orange, lashing out with incredible force. The flames briefly turned azure, blue fire as they met with Exbo.
Typhlosion met the attack head-on, but even its mighty form was pushed back by the sheer power. It grunted, pain flashing in its eyes, "Graaao!"
Gold yelled, desperation creeping into his voice, "Exbo, don't let up! Counterattack with Hyper Beam!"
Typhlosion roared, its entire body radiating intense power. Building up power to unleash a Hyper Beam, it began to charge up…
*Zoooom*
*SMACK*
But only for it to be closed shut as Azure ordered with Houndoom performing its move at the same time, "Sucker Punch!"
*BOOOM*
Forcibly closing the Hyper Beam in its mouth, it exploded, engulfing Typhlosion's body, harming it internally. Opening its mouth revealed black smoke escaping from its jaws as it stood there flinching from the pain.
It struggled to stand, its legs wobbling. Azure's voice was filled with determination as he commanded, "One more, Houndoom! Strong Style! Dark Pulse!"
Houndoom's mouth glowed a furious, almost black, purple. A massive, swirling orb of dark energy shot across the field, faster than before.
*PEW*
Typhlosion, weakened by its own Hyper Beam and the previous attacks, tried to react, but the Dark Pulse slammed into its chest with concussive force. Gold could only watch in horror as an explosion erupted, engulfing his Exbo.
*BOOOM*
The ground beneath Typhlosion cracked. Exbo let out a final, pained cry, its flames flickering, and then collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The referee raised her flag as she declared the results, "Typhlosion is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!"
Gold hurriedly recalled his Exbo as he left, concerned for his Pokémon. Houndoom casually came to his side as he said proudly, "Good work, Houndoom."
Houndoom wagged its tail happily, barking in content, "Awoo!"
Azure didn't get the chance to say anything to Gold as he turned to leave. The victory against him was one-sided as he murmured silently to himself, "Sigh… a bit disappointing. Hopefully, the next trainer would put up more of a fight."
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Grass Field, Stands]
From the stands showed Blue, Green, Silver, and Crystal as they saw the battle from they're seats. Silver sighed sadly, but his happy expression betrayed him, "Sigh… such a shame he had fought him. But Gold didn't land a single attack against him."
Blue simply nodded as Green snickered, jabbing Silver's shoulder as she mischievously said with a cheeky grin, "Oh? You say that, but that grin says a lot, little bro? You just wanted to see him get his butt kicked, did you?"
Silver shamelessly nodded his head as he shot a glare at Gold on the battlefield, as he muttered to himself, with those near him listening, "That Gold deserved it. Slapping my Big Sis' rear, he deserved to lose, or worse…"
Crystal choked, hearing that as Blue raised an eyebrow, eyeing Green. Seeing their gaze, she rubbed the back of her head as she explained, "When I met Gold, he meant to clap my shoulder but accidentally slapped my rear instead. Then Silver went ballistic on him."
Silver shrugged his shoulders as he muttered coldly, "He still deserved it."
Blue, Crystal, and Green all thought, 'Siscon.'
But then Blue turned to Crystal as he asked curiously, changing the subject, "Aren't you supposed to be with Yellow, cheering for Red's match?"
Crystal, hearing this, rubbed the back of her head as she replied sheepishly, "Yeah… but I wanted to see Azure's Match and support my friend Gold in his match. I didn't think he got that outclassed…"
Blue nodded as he examined Azure's Pokémon carefully. Green took notice as she thought calmly, 'I wonder if anyone noticed… each of his Pokémon was faster than usual. Not only that, but their reaction time is excellent…'
Blue, noticing Azure's Pokémon movements, thought calmly, analyzing the scene before his eyes, narrowing, 'They're movements are too fluid. Too smooth, as if they practiced that movement effortlessly…'
As the group pondered, they eventually left for their respective matches. Strategies in mind as they analyze each other's matches, making counter strategies for when the time comes to battle each other…
/////
[Kanto Region, Evening, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Azure's Hut)]
Later in the evening, Azure was lying in his bed. He turned his head to the side, reviewing the other Dex Holders of Kanto matches as they breezed through the competition with Pikachu, Celebi, Eevee, and Marshadow watching intently.
Azure sighed as he checked his Arc Phone for the next opponent with a raised eyebrow, muttering to himself curiously, "Is it just me, or am I facing all the Johto Dex Holders in the preliminaries?"
He saw that in the next match for tomorrow, Azure would be facing Soul Silver in the Water Field. Azure simply smiled as he wondered out loud, "Oh? In the Water Field, huh? I suppose Silver might have the edge if he uses his Pokémon correctly…"
Azure simply lay on his bed as his Pokémon watched the matches. He also saw some top contenders like Flint, Volkner, Will, Karen, Koga, and Bruno in the matches as he grinned, seeing that the future battles won't be as disappointing.
Elsewhere, Silver saw his match-ups, cursing to the heavens that night, getting matched against Azure the next day. Karma had a funny way of getting back to some people one way or another…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!