Chapter 180: Water Field! Vs. Silver [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Water Field]
The next day, there were only the top 64 Trainers left in the Tournament. The hum of a thousand eager voices vibrated through the grand stadium of the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament, a symphony of anticipation that Azure knew by heart.
It was a sound that had echoed in his ears for years, a familiar prelude to the ultimate test of a Trainer's bond and skill. Azure, a seasoned veteran of countless Gyms and preliminary rounds, stood amidst the bustling crowd, a calm smile gracing his lips.
Perched comfortably on his shoulder, Pikachu, his oldest and most steadfast partner, twitched an ear, its bright eyes reflecting the shimmering banners overhead. At his feet, Eevee, a fluff of soft brown fur, nudged his ankle, a silent guardian always attuned to his moods.
They weren't just Pokémon; they were extensions of himself, each beat of their hearts in rhythm with his own. Pikachu, his lightning-quick strategist; Eevee, his intuitive protector, always ready for whatever came their way.
Celebi and Marshadow are at his Trainer Hut along with a few of his Pokémon, watching the TV screen, seeing their friends battle their hardest. Azure murmured, stroking Pikachu's head, "Alright, partners. Looks like the show's about to begin."
Pikachu chirped in agreement, a spark dancing on its cheeks. Eevee let out a soft cry while rubbing its head against his leg, "Vee!"
The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament was a spectacle unlike any other. Two hundred and fifty-six of the most promising trainers from across the regions had converged, each vying for the coveted title of League Champion.
Now dwindled to the Top 64 trainers remaining, Azure knew his time to battle was drawing nearer with each encounter. A booming voice, amplified by unseen speakers, cut through the din, signaling the start of the announcements. "Attention! Trainer Azure Sky, reporting to Water Field! Your opponent is Trainer Soul Silver!"
Azure's smile didn't waver, but a flicker of recognition crossed his features. Soul Silver. The name was legendary, whispered among the elite.
He wasn't just any trainer; he was a Dex Holder, a prodigy, and known by the unique, enigmatic title: 'Exchanger.' Rumor had it, Silver had an uncanny ability to turn the tide of battle, to exchange a disadvantage for an advantage with precise, brutal efficiency.
Azure had faced him before when he was weaker, but he respected the reputation he earned over the Trainer Community. This wasn't just a preliminary match; it was an early test of his mettle against one of the best.
Azure mused aloud, a thoughtful hum escaping him, "Water Field, huh? Looks like we're starting with a splash, huh?"
Pikachu let out a determined, "Pika! (That joke stinks!)"
Eevee lifted its head, ears perked as it barked, "Bui! (Seconded!)"
Azure's face twitched, hearing his partner's comments using his Viridian Force to translate their words. Both laughed at his expression as he murmured to himself, "Tch. You just don't know a good joke…"
Navigating the bustling corridors of the stadium, Azure soon found himself at the entrance to Water Field. The air here was cool and humid, carrying the fresh scent of chlorine and clean water in the air.
The field itself was a magnificent sight: a vast, circular pool of shimmering blue water, interspersed with rocky islets and submerged platforms that offered minimal dry ground. A referee stood ready at the edge, a stern but fair expression on his face.
On the opposite side of the field, standing with an almost regal stillness, was Soul Silver. He was tall, with a lean, athletic build, and his eyes, sharp, seemed to miss nothing. He held himself with an air of quiet confidence, a stark contrast to the usual nervous energy of preliminary participants.
He offered Azure a curt, respectful nod as Azure took his position. The referee announced, his voice echoing slightly over the water, "Trainers, welcome to Water Field! This will be a 2-on-2 Pokémon battle. The battle will conclude when all of one trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Are both Trainers ready?"
Azure called, his voice clear and unwavering, "Ready!"
Silver gave a single, firm nod as he replied seriously, "Ready."
The referee nodded, waving both flags down, declaring out loud, "Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
Silver moved first, with a practiced, fluid motion. He reached for a shimmering Poke Ball at his belt as he declared, hurling out, "Kingdra, battle!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and a magnificent Kingdra materialized on the water's surface. Its sleek, draconic body, a deep sapphire blue, shimmered with condensed power.
Its eyes glowed with an ancient wisdom, and the powerful flow from its twin tails created gentle ripples across the water. It was an imposing sight, perfectly at home in its aquatic domain, giving off a challenging air at Azure.
Azure didn't hesitate. His opponent's choice was expected on a Water Field, and a powerful one at that, to disrupt Silver's plans.
He reached for a Poké Ball, a knowing glint in his eye. He hurled it up into the air as he declared, "Skarmory, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Another flash, and a metallic gleam pierced through the air. Skarmory soared into the arena, its formidable steel wings catching the light.
Its sharp, angular body, like a living weapon, descended to hover just above one of the larger platforms, its talons ready to grip the stone.
The crowd, which had been buzzing, quieted slightly. Skarmory against Kingdra. A Steel/Flying type against a Water/Dragon type.
On a Water Field. It seemed like a disadvantage for Azure, yet his expression remained calm. The referee looked at the trainers as he declared, "Trainer Azure Sky sends out Skarmory! Trainer Soul Silver sends out Kingdra! Let the battle begin!"
Silver's sharp gaze locked onto Skarmory. He swiftly ordered, "Kingdra, don't give our enemy an inch to move! Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Kingdra roared, gathering immense water pressure within its mouth. A colossal blast of water erupted, a raging torrent aimed directly at Skarmory.
The sheer force of it was enough to churn the water below. Azure commanded, his voice firm, eyes narrowed, "Skarmory, Tailwind, then follow up with Agile Style Steel Wing! Meet it head-on!"
*Fwp*
With one flap of its wings, a rush of wind blew over to Skarmory's side, gaining speed and momentum. Skarmory didn't retreat.
With a defiant screech, it folded its wings, the metallic feathers glowing. It banked sharply, using its hardened wings as a shield, slicing through a portion of the Hydro Pump using the gravity of falling towards it and Tailwind boosting its speed.
*Shinng*
The remaining water still slammed into it with immense force, pushing it back, but Skarmory held its ground, a testament to its incredible defense. The blow whistled past, leaving a trail of steam where it had impacted the air.
Azure followed up, wasting no time, "Now, Skarmory, Spikes!"
*Fwp*
Skarmory rapidly beat its wings, sending a flurry of razor-sharp, steel quills scattering across Silver's side of the battlefield. The spikes are particularly on the few patches of dry land and shallower water.
They embedded themselves with faint clicks, forming a hazardous minefield. Silver's eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance in their depths as he thought cautiously, 'A clever move, setting up entry hazards early. Then I won't allow him the chance.'
Silver eyes narrowed as he quickly ordered, "Kingdra, Dragon Pulse!"
Kingdra coiled, then unleashed a shimmering, multi-colored beam of draconic energy. It was fast, powerful, and homed in on Skarmory.
*PEW*
Azure countered, his strategy unfolding in a calm voice, declared, "Dodge with Agility and Stealth Rocks!"
*Zoooom*
Skarmory, despite its bulk, moved with surprising agility. It weaved through the Dragon Pulse, the attack barely grazing its metallic tail feathers.
Then, with a burst of speed, it spun around, shooting out stones that floated around before turning invisible, setting up Stealth Rocks. Silver frowned, realizing what Azure wanted to do as he thought, 'He plans to do chip damage to Kingdra. And with Skarmory naturally learning Whirlwind, he could force switch my Pokémon out.'
Seeing through Azure's strategy, Silver quickly ordered in a serious tone, "Quick Kingdra! Dive into the water!"
*Splash*
Diving into the water of the Water Field, Silver sighed a breath of relief, seeing the frown on Azure's face, realizing his plan. Azure, seeing Silver see through his plan, thought happily, 'I see he saw through my plan. Using Roar and Whirlwind wouldn't work here if Kingdra is underwater… then plan B it is then.'
As Silver tried to formulate a plan to counter him, Azure ordered calmly, "Skarmory! Poison the water with Toxic!"
*Splat*
Skarmory fires a stream of purple liquid from its mouth at the water, badly poisoning anything inside the water. Silver's eyes widened as he yelled, "What?! No! Kingdra!! Get out immediately!!"
Kingdra, a creature of the water, was less agile in a close-quarters aerial assault. Thus, when Silver made the call to escape but he muttered in a stunned tone, "Damn it! I didn't expect his Skarmory to use Toxic! He used its poison to toxicate the water field, ensuring no water Pokémon will make it out unless they're willing to get poison!"
*Splash*
Kingdra hopped out of the water, but there was a purple hue around its face. It was poisoned gravely as Silver's brow furrowed slightly, issuing a command, "Kingdra, focus! Hydro Pump once more!"
*SPLASH*
The water around Kingdra's snout began to swirl, and its eyes locked onto Skarmory, using its remaining energy to attack. It surged forward, closing the distance to Skarmory before Azure could react, and unleashed another Hydro Pump at point-blank range.
Azure shouted, knowing it was a long shot, "Skarmory! Protect!"
*CLANG*
Skarmory attempted to raise its wings, as the transparent barrier managed to block the Hydro Pump thanks to Tailwind getting priority. The full force of the Hydro Pump slammed into Skarmory's Protect.
Managing to stop the attack completely, Azure commanded, "Skarmory! Strong Style! Brave Bird!!"
*FWP*
A metallic shriek tore through the air as the Steel-Flying type roared, "SKARRR!!! (Target on sight! Bombardment initiated!!)"
Skarmory pulls in its wings and dives down at the opponent like a missile, its body bursting into flames. Then, it pulls out its wings, its body becomes surrounded by a blue aura, and it slams into the opponent.
*BOOOOM*
Kingdra was sent skidding across the poisoned water as it landed on the platform. When the glow fades, light blue sparks run up Skarmory's wings as it takes recoil damage. But the damage was done.
Kingdra was on the platform, unmoving. The referee declared, raising his flag, "Kingdra is unable to battle! Skarmory is the winner!"
A murmur went through the crowd. A swift, decisive victory for Azure's Skarmory. Silver, however, remained unfazed.
He took a deep breath as he recalled Kingdra in a thankful tone, "Thanks for the help, old friend. Get some rest."
Putting Kingdra's Poke Ball onto his belt, his eyes narrowed, gazing at Azure. He took a deep breath as he thought, 'So this is the Pokémon League Ninth Champion Azure Sky. Despite him not using his main team… are all his Pokémon this strong?'
*Gulp*
Silver gulped, facing Azure as he fought him seriously. But his eyes never wavered as he thought seriously, 'Even so… he and Red are the only others to have faced my father and won. To beat them is to say I have the strength to face Giovanni, so I must not fail!'
Silver didn't hesitate. He reached for his Poké Ball as he hurled it, yelling, "Feraligatr! Stand by for battle!"
*Pop*
From a sleek Poké Ball, a torrent of blue energy erupted, coalescing into the imposing form of Feraligatr. The Big Jaw Pokémon landed with a splash on one of the larger floating platforms, its powerful jaws wide, its three dorsal fins rigid.
It roared, its voice echoing across the water, a challenge to all who heard, "Fera – "
*BOOOM*
But that was as far as it could get, as it was bombarded from the Spikes and Stealth Rocks upon entry. It growled, seeing Skarmory in the sky, "Frrr…"
But Azure smiled, seeing this. He recalled his Skarmory as he said steadily, his voice calm but imbued with a steel conviction, "Skarmory, return! It's time I show them the might of a truly unstoppable force. Tyranitar, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
Azure's Poké Ball sailed through the air, releasing a burst of red light that materialized into the colossal form of Tyranitar. The Armor Pokémon landed on a stable platform with a thunderous thud that sent ripples through the water.
Its eyes glowed, surveying the watery battlefield, its massive frame exuding an aura of raw power. Immediately, the air shifted…
*Wooosh*
A swirling vortex of sand began to churn around Tyranitar, obscuring the pristine blue of the water with fine, abrasive particles. The ability Sand Stream had activated, blanketing the arena in a harsh sandstorm.
The crowd gasped. DJ Mary's eyes widened seeing this play as she commented on what unfolded, "A Water Field, yet Azure had brought a Tyranitar, a Rock/Dark type that summoned its desert environment! This is certainly a bold, almost audacious move, folks! What else is this madman going to do next!!"
The referee announced, his voice ringing out, "Tyranitar vs. Feraligatr! Begin!"
Silver wasted no time. He knew he had to act fast as he ordered, "Feraligatr, Aqua Jet! Close the distance!"
*SPLASH*
Feraligatr, despite the sand swirling around it, moved with astonishing speed. Its body became encased in a shimmering blue aura, propelling it like a torpedo across the water, avoiding the poison pool of water.
It leapt from one platform to another, effectively washing out the spikes in each platform, closing the distance to Tyranitar with terrifying efficiency. Azure commanded, his voice sharp, "Tyranitar, stop that croc! Stone Edge! Block its path!"
*RMBL*
Tyranitar roared, its mighty claws glowing with earthen energy. Spikes of jagged rock erupted from the platforms directly in Feraligatr's trajectory, forming a formidable barrier to block its path.
Feraligatr, caught off guard by the sudden terrain alteration, skidded to a halt, narrowly avoiding impalement. Its Aqua Jet dissipated as it landed on one of the safe platforms, growling.
Silver barked, his eyes narrowing as he continued the pressure, "Don't let up, Feraligatr! Hydro Pump!"
Feraligatr opened its massive jaws, and a geyser of pressurized water erupted, tearing through the sandstorm like a laser. The torrent slammed into Tyranitar's chest with incredible force, pushing its massive frame back a few inches.
*SPLASH*
The Super Effective hit was evident, as Tyranitar grunted, digging its clawed feet into the stone platform to maintain its footing. But its formidable defenses held, mitigating much of the damage.
Azure conceded, but his strategy was already evolving, praising Silver's Pokémon, "Impressive power, Silver, but… Tyranitar! Dark Pulse!"
*PEW*
Tyranitar's eyes glowed with malevolent energy, and a wave of shadowy, concentrated dark matter surged from its mouth. The Dark Pulse ripped through the swirling sand, a spectral projectile aimed directly at Feraligatr.
Silver, however, was prepared. He quickly ordered, "Feraligatr! Protect!"
*CLANG*
Crossing its arms, it endured a Dark Pulse from Tyranitar, forming a barrier blocking the attack. Unfortunately for Silver, Feraligatr couldn't dive into the poison water, as it could only do this much to block Tyranitar's attacks.
But Azure wasn't gonna allow him to be on the defensive for long as he ordered, "Clever, but not enough. Rock Slide."
*RMBL*
Tyranitar brought its mighty fists down, and massive boulders, jagged and heavy, rained down from the sky. They plunged into the water with explosive splashes, sending plumes of water and sand high into the air.
The impact created turbulence, making it difficult for Feraligatr to avoid the poison water, carefully avoiding being poisoned. Silver gritted his teeth as he ordered, "We have no choice… we must continue attacking! Aqua Jet then switched to Ice Fang!"
*SPLASH*
Launching itself, coated in water, Feraligatr lunged forward to attack Tyranitar. Feraligatr's jaws glowed, coated in a shimmering layer of ice.
It lunged, aiming for Tyranitar's exposed body. The speed of its Aqua Jet was incredible, a testament to its training.
However, Tyranitar smirked as did Azure. Azure countered, his voice sharp, "Now! Strong Style! THUNDERBOLT!!"
*Zzzzz*
Sparks of electricity veiled around Tyranitar, shocking Silver as his eyes widened. From its back crackles blue electricity as it follows up, forming in its mouth. It then forms a ball of blue electricity in front of its mouth as it roars, unleashing a beam of electricity, "Graooo!!! (EAT MY LAZER!!)"
*PEW*
*ZAP*
Zapping Feraligatr completely vaporized the Aqua Jet as it hurled the Big Jaws Pokémon out of bounds. And then it slammed hard onto a nearby wall, forming a crater as it fainted on the spot, as a smoke trail leaves Tyranitar's mouth.
Silver, across the field, looked at his fallen Feraligatr, his expression unreadable. He slowly recalled his Pokémon, his hand tightening around the Poké Ball. The referee announced, "Winner is Tyranitar! The winner of the Water Field is Azure Sky!"
Silver, clenching his Feraligatr's Poke Ball, murmured, his voice softer now, "You fought well, Feraligatr. Rest."
He looked up, his gaze locking onto Azure. There was no anger, only a deeper, more calculating intensity as he said calmly, "A potent Tyranitar, Azure. You know how to push your Pokémon to their limits."
Azure replied, a respectful nod as he calmly said, "Just as you do, Silver. Feraligatr was incredibly strong."
Silver acknowledged with a nod. He turned to leave, but not before saying, "Indeed. But this battle is far from over. One day I'll reach your level."
Azure smiled as he recalled Tyranitar turning to leave as he muttered silently to himself, "I hope you do. But till then, you've got a lot to learn, kiddo."
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Water Field, Stands]
From the stands showed Green, Blue, Gold, Red, Yellow, and Crystal as they saw the battle from they're seats. Gold sighed sadly as he blurted out, "Sigh… not even my rival is a match against him. The hell… how's he that strong?"
Crystal nodded, frowning, seeing how they're strength doesn't compare to theirs in the slightest. Green nodded as she added calmly, "Yeah… at least judging from the looks of things, they brought him a bit serious. But…"
Green wanted to say more, being biased towards her little brother, but couldn't find the words to defend him. They've trained together for years, but he was too young to properly take care of his Pokémon till he reached the desired age to do so.
Blue bluntly stated, getting the Johto Dex Holders to flinch as he said in a calm voice, "You lot are too naïve to think to reach his level yet. Azure gained experience traveling around as a Trainer and applied it to his new or old Pokémon alike. You merely started while he'd been grinding. It's exactly how it is… You were outclassed, simple as that."
The Johto Dex Holders frowned at being looked down upon, but couldn't defend they're words as Blue stated the truth. But Gold gritted his teeth as he roared out, "Oh yeah?! Then I'll train hard to defeat him!"
Blue's words only added fuel to Gold's fire, determined to surpass them. Crystal also made a mental note to improve after this encounter.
But Green looked at Silver with light concern and fury in her eyes as she muttered coldly, eyeing Azure with a smile on her face, "No worries, Silver, just let your Big Sis handle the big bad Sky… he'll regret it."
*Shiver*
Everyone felt a chill from her words as Green radiated a Big Sister aura. Red gazed at them as he chuckled nonchalantly, rubbing the back of his head, "Hahaha… well, at least this year's Pokémon matches would be interesting."
Yellow innocently clasped her hands together as she innocently said, "I pray you survive this encounter, Sky. Amen."
This caused the group to chuckle at Azure's misfortune. Unaware they weren't the only ones watching intently…
/////
[Kalos Region, Meanwhile, Shalour City]
Meanwhile, from far away, within the Kalos Region, Shalour City lies a man wearing a black trench coat and a fedora hat in his hotel room. His eyes lingered on the screen, watching the Kanto television news about the latest battle on his laptop.
His eyes briefly widened seeing his son battle against Azure as he softly smiled, "Soul Silver… that's my boy."
The man revealed to be none other than Giovanni, the Leader of Team Rocket, as he paused the screen watching from his laptop. He saw the way Silver battled and the glint in his eyes, easily recognizing his son...
Giovanni knew that look and red hair as his eyes hardened with a cunning smile appearing on his face as he muttered, "So you are still alive out there… no worries, my boy. I'll come for you when my unfinished business is done."
*Tmp*
Taking a sip of tea, Giovanni stands up calmly as he gazes at his Poké Balls on the desk nearby. He smiled coldly as he spent years training a new team from scratch. He carefully placed his rewards for his training journey that led him to the Kalos Region.
The sunlight entering his window revealed Giovanni's Key Stone on his Team Rocket insignia 'R' on his breast pocket. And lying on the table were four Mega Stones for his new team that consisted of Aggronite, Tyranitarite, Garchompite, and… Beedrillite.
Giovanni smirked confidently but brushed it off as he muttered coldly, gazing at the outside world through the window as he muttered, "You'd better prepare yourself for when the time comes… Red… Azure… because whatever doesn't kill or defeat me… will only make me stronger."
/////
A/N: Reach the Goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!
Also, on a side note, how do you like knowing Giovanni can now use Mega Evolution? And how hard do you want him to be when he battles either Red or Azure...