Chapter 183: Top 16! Vs. Karen [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Evening, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Green's Hut)]
Later in the evening, Green was reviewing the matches of Azure along with Silver, whom she allowed to visit, planning strategies against Azure. Reviewing the matches, Green spoke in a confident tone, "I see that Azure has improved a lot over the years. Even his new team isn't pushovers."
Silver nodded, but a flicker of hesitation was shown on his face as he asked cautiously, "I see… his very strong Big Sis, but… can you beat him? You said his main team is total monsters, like your main team? He did defeat you last time…"
Green slyly smirked as she heard that. She replied, rubbing his head in a confident tone, making Silver blush, "Yeah, he did. But I've only gotten better over the years, little bro, and besides… I have an ace in the hole against him and his ace of a Pikachu. And if not? A free win for me."
Green smirked, expressing her confidence as her gaze landed on the Poké Balls arranged at the table. One Poke Ball was placed slightly apart from the others, its positioning deliberately marking its unique importance, radiating heat…
/////
[Kanto Region, Meanwhile, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Blue's Hut)]
On the same evening, in another hut, Blue was observing the matches in detail. The matches involved Azure's Pokémon as he leaned his back against his chair. He mumbled to himself, "So that's the Pokémon he trained in Johto, huh? I must say that raising them to Level 60 ranges is impressive."
Blue smiled, seeing that Azure's matches, he tried to formulate strategies against him based on the data he had. His gaze shifted to the Poké Balls arranged at the table. One Poke Ball was placed slightly apart from the others, its positioning deliberately making its unique importance, radiating sparks…
Blue smirked, feeling confident, but reigned in his overconfidence as he muttered, reviewing the video recording of the matches as he mumbled, "But still… he hasn't shown his Main Team strength. I wonder if this was deliberate to make us falsely assume his strength or strategically save his true strength…"
But then Blue eyes narrowed, seeing the opening ceremony of the Tournament as he finished off what he said, "… or he has something else planned. What is he thinking I wonder…."
/////
[Kanto Region, Meanwhile, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Red's Hut)]
On the same evening, in another hut, Red was observing the matches in detail. The matches involved Azure's Pokémon as he leaned his back against his chair he mumbling to himself, "So that's the Pokémon he trained in Johto? I have to say he certainly has more options than last time… but…"
Red grinned as he turned, seeing his Pika sleeping, Poli doing push-ups, and Venusaur resting for the matches ahead. Red chuckles, grinning happily at his trio, "But we haven't gotten weaker. Especially with some new friends along the way."
Red smiled, seeing that Azure's matches, thinking of plans against him. His gaze shifted to the Poké Balls arranged at the table. One Poke Ball was placed slightly apart from the others, its positioning deliberately making its unique importance, radiating frost…
Red smiled as that Poke Ball looked intently at the matches as he said calmly, "No worries. You'll see him again and show off your stuff. Besides, you two have a history, right?"
The Poke Ball stopped radiating the frost as it stared at Azure's matches. The Freeze Pokémon stared intently at the matches, with Red observing his Articuno's reaction to battling Azure in the matches ahead…
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
The colossal, sun-drenched stadium pulsed with an energy that could rival a thousand Voltorb. Waves of cheers and anticipation rolled down from the sky-scraping stands, engulfing the central battlefield.
This was the Indigo Plateau, the revered arena where the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament reached its zenith. For weeks, trainers had navigated a labyrinth of challenges, starting from a staggering field of 256 hopefuls in the preliminaries.
But for Azure Sky, he succeeded in every battle he came across. He'd battled across varied terrains of the Ice, Rock, Water, and Grass fields.
Now, from the elite Top 16, Azure found himself standing on the hallowed ground of the main stadium, the cheers of thousands echoing in his ears. Azure, a trainer whose calm demeanor belied a steel-trap mind, had two steadfast partners always by his side: his exuberant Pikachu, a beacon of electric energy on his shoulder, and his adaptable Eevee, a loyal friend on his head.
Their eyes were wide with shared excitement. Azure's smile was a testament to his journey, a quiet confidence born of countless shared victories and lessons learned as they headed to the stadium.
A deep, resonant voice boomed through the stadium speakers, the commentator, DJ Mary, beginning his pre-match hype in an excited tone, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the magnificent Indigo Plateau Stadium! The Top 16 have been decided, and the air is thick with excitement as we prepare for the first monumental clash of the day!"
Azure took a deep breath, the scent of the freshly mown battlefield grass already reaching him. He knew his opponent. Karen, a former kid who worked under the Masked Man with the potential of an Elite 4 Trainer level.
A name whispered with reverence and a touch of fear among the League. A specialist in Dark-type Pokémon, her reputation preceded her.
Her battles were legendary for their sheer ferocity and the often-unpredictable tactics of her Pokémon. She was known for her confidence, almost bordering on arrogance, and her ability to turn a losing situation on its head.
DJ Mary continued, her voice swelling as she hypes the crowd into a fever, "Our first battle pits a rising star against a seasoned veteran! From the vibrant Kanto region, with a tactical mind as sharp as a newly forged blade, we have Champion Azure Sky!"
A section of the crowd erupted, a wave of cheers and applause reaching Azure. He allowed himself a small, confident smile.
This was what he trained for. This was what his Pokémon had pushed themselves for. DJ Mary's tone shifted a note of almost theatrical dread entering her voice, "And facing him… the enigmatic, the unpredictable, the master of darkness… Trainer Karen!"
The roar intensified, a deeper, more primal sound for Karen, whose dark aura seemed to precede her even before she stepped into the light. Azure could already feel the tension in the stadium, a palpable energy that vibrated through the ground.
His smile remained, though a flicker of seriousness entered his eyes. This wasn't just another battle; this was a statement.
He heard the footsteps, slow and deliberate, as the Trainer beside him entered the arena. Karen. She was everything the rumors painted her to be – an elegant figure, clad in shades of deep purple and black, her eyes a piercing sapphire that seemed to assess him in a single glance.
A smirk played on her lips, a mixture of challenge and amusement. Karen spoke as she passed him by, "So we meet again, Azure. Unlike in Blackthorn City, you won't get away like last time. Here? I'll show you where you belong under my heels."
Azure chuckled as they continued walking side by side, and he nonchalantly said, "Heh. That's only if you can defeat me? Let's see if you can even do that much."
As they reached their designated trainer platforms on opposite ends of the vast stadium battlefield, the sheer scale of the arena became overwhelming. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their faces a blur of anticipation.
The massive jumbotron screens overhead showed close-ups of him and Karen, then zoomed out to display the lush, green battlefield, outlined by a pristine white border. The sky above was clear, but the air crackled with an impending storm.
The referee's voice cut through the lingering applause, sharp and authoritative as he declared, "Trainers, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Karen's smirk widened. She reached for her first Poké Ball, her movements fluid and confident as she said proudly, "Let's see if you can handle my power, Azure. Don't disappoint me. Go, Gengar!"
*Pop*
With a flash of ruby light, a shadowy, grinning figure materialized on Karen's side of the field. Gengar. Its mischievous eyes gleamed, and its chilling laughter seemed to echo despite the crowd's noise. Its form shimmered, a testament to its agility and spectral nature.
Azure felt a thrill run through him. Gengar. A formidable Ghost/Poison type, known for its high Special Attack and blistering speed, as he muttered, "Karen isn't holding back, starting with a powerful special attacker…. Now this is interesting."
This was exactly the kind of challenge he relished. He took a moment, his gaze unwavering, before reaching for his own Poké Ball.
Azure said excitedly, his voice ringing with a calm strength that belied the tension grasping at his old partner's Poke Balls, "Alright, Karen… You'll find we're ready for anything. From this point forward, I'll start fighting with our true strength! Scizor, let's do this!"
*Pop*
Another flash, this time of brilliant white, and a magnificent, crimson-armored insectoid Pokémon landed with a soft clang on Azure's side. Scizor. Its metallic claws gleamed, reflecting the stadium lights, and its compound eyes fixed intensely on Gengar.
A Bug/Steel type, Scizor was a powerhouse of physical attack and defense, often underestimated for its speed but capable of devastating priority moves. DJ Mary exclaimed, her voice rising in excitement, "Ooh, an interesting choice from Trainer Azure! Scizor versus Gengar! A Bug/Steel type against a Ghost/Poison type! On paper, Scizor's Bug moves will be resisted by Gengar's Poison typing, but its Steel moves will deal neutral damage. However, Gengar's Ghost attacks will also deal neutral damage to Scizor while being immune to its Poison attacks! This is a battle of brute force against speed and special prowess!"
Karen chuckled, a low, melodic sound. She said, curiously eyeing Azure's Scizor, "A Scizor, huh? Bold. Let's see if that armor can withstand a good haunting."
The referee raised his arm. He declared, "Battle begin!"
Karen was the first to act, her voice sharp and clear. She ordered swiftly, "Gengar, Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
Gengar let out a sinister cackle, its shadowy hands gathering dark energy into a churning orb. With a flick of its wrist, the sphere hurtled across the field, trailing wisps of purple and black.
It was fast, as it was aimed at Scizor. Azure reacted instantly as he commanded, "Scizor, destroy it! Agility followed with Bullet Punch!"
*BAM*
Scizor lunged forward it smacking the Shadow Ball away as its pincers were coated in steel energy. Using Agility, it quickly made a flashing movement towards Gengar as its eyes widened in alarm.
*Wooosh*
Karen quickly noticed how Scizor managed to close the distance as her instincts screamed at her as she thought, 'Fast. Too fast! Gengar barely has enough time to retreat!'
*Zoooom*
Before Gengar could fully process the impact of its Shadow Ball being deflected, Scizor was a blur as it used Agility. Its massive pincer, now gleaming with steel energy, shot forward with incredible speed.
*Zoooom*
Inches away from Gengar's face saw Scizor's Pincers were coated in Steel-type energy. This was Scizor's signature move, Bullet Punch, a priority move that struck before most opponents could react, enhanced by its ability, Technician, which boosted the power of weaker moves.
Karen commanded, her eyes widening slightly at Scizor's unexpected speed, "Gengar, avoid it quickly!"
But Gengar was swift. It phased slightly, becoming translucent, and the Bullet Punch, though incredibly fast, clipped only air.
*Wooosh*
Gengar giggled, a taunting sound, as it reformed a few feet away. DJ Mary shouted, "A near miss! Scizor's Bullet Punch is incredibly fast, but Gengar's ethereal nature makes it a difficult target to pin down!"
Karen pressed her advantage, knowing Scizor's reliance on physical attacks would be nullified if it were asleep, and ordered, "Gengar, Hypnosis!"
Gengar's eyes glowed with an eerie light, and a swirling pattern of purple energy emanated from them, aimed directly at Scizor. Azure's eyes narrowed as he ordered, "Scizor, counter it with Mimic!"
Scizor turned as it used Mimic to copy Gengar's Hypnosis, as both moves canceled each other out, much to Gengar's frustration. But then Azure ordered, "Now! Agile Style! Night Slash!!"
*Zooom*
Scizor lunged forward, coating its pincers in a light purple aura and slashing them towards Gengar. Gengar, unfortunately, couldn't escape this time, as it was tossed away towards Karen's side.
*SHINNG*
Slashing Gengar, Karen frowned, noticing the golden aura indicating a critical hit, but frowned, noticing the power of the Night Slash as she muttered, "That was too powerful to be normal. Even if it was a critical hit, it shouldn't have been that powerful… I didn't even get the chance to use Destiny Bond. Damn it…"
Karen recalled her Gengar as Azure smirked, taunting her. He grinned as he thought with Scizor wiping its claws, 'Perfect. With Agile Style, I changed Night Slash's Base Power of 70 to 55. But using Scizor's Technician ability boosted the move's power to 82.5 Base Power. Pokémon with Technician have a greater advantage with Agile Style. Moves with 80 or less Base Power with Agile Style heavily support my Scizor with its Technician ability.'
Scizor, having +2 Speed thanks to Agility, allowed it to stay around. Karen took a deep breath as she glared at Azure, hurling her next Pokémon seriously, saying, "I'm not out yet, Azure. Let the darkness consume you! Go! Houndoom!"
*Pop*
From her Poké Ball, a surge of dark energy coalesced, solidifying into the intimidating form of a Houndoom. Its sleek, black fur gleamed under the stadium lights, its bony ridges and twin horns giving it a devilish appearance.
A low growl rumbled in its throat, its burning red eyes fixing on Azure. The crowd gasped at the sheer power emanating from the Dark/Fire type.
Azure remained unfazed. He grinned as Scizor's pincers clicked excitedly, "Alright, Scizor! Let's show them our speed and precision!"
Keeping Scizor in the field, DJ Mary exclaims in an exciting voice, hyping the crowd, "A bold choice from Azure! Scizor's Steel typing offers a neutral resistance to Houndoom's Dark-type moves, but its typing makes it vulnerable to Fire by x4! A classic high-risk, high-reward situation, folks!"
Karen chuckled, a low, confident sound. Seeing Azure's choice, she added, "Interesting. Houndoom, Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Houndoom obliged instantly, unleashing a scorching torrent of crimson fire from its maw. The flames roared across the battlefield, a wave of heat washing over the stadium.
Azure commanded, his voice calm but firm with a sly smirk on his face, "Scizor, quick! Swords Dance! Then Agile Style! Brick Break!"
*Swooosh*
Scizor moved with incredible speed, a blur of red steel. It danced through the raging inferno, as blue energy swords appeared around having gained +2 Attack Stage.
After managing to get through the Flamethrower without harm, it lunged forward with its pincer, glowing with Fighting-type energy. Reeling its pincer, it delivered a lightning-fast punch to Houndoom's flank…
*Wooosh*
… but the attack never landed. What Scizor attacked was an afterimage, eyes narrowing as Azure muttered, seeing what occurred, "Double-Team. At the last second, when Flamethrower was over, it used Double-Team to increase its evasion."
Observing the scene, Karen smiled although a bead of sweat trickled down her face. She thought cautiously as Houndoom avoided a fatal hit, 'Good job, Houndoom, using Double-Team at the last second. But now the game has changed with Scizor's increased stats. We must take them out and fast.'
Azure's eyes narrowed, seeing that allowing Houndoom to play in the field would be dangerous. He extended his arm forward, declaring, "Scizor! Bullet Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor's pincer was coated in Steel-type energy as it jabbed a quick punch at Houndoom. But Karen smiled, given the opportunity, "Now! Sucker Punch!"
*SMACK*
At the last second, given priority due to Sucker Punch, when Scizor was about to attack, Houndoom launches its tail, startling and distracting it. Then, its foot becomes covered in dark purple energy, and it suddenly kicks Scizor, giving some distance.
Houndoom managed to gain a moment. A moment that Karen took as she declared, "Go! Fire Blast!"
*Sssss*
Houndoom prepares for a powerful Fire Blast. But Azure smirked and countered, "Scizor! Mimic Sucker Punch!"
*SMACK*
The attack landed with a sharp clang, and Houndoom recoiled, letting out a yelp of pain, aborting its Fire Blast. Scizor's eyes narrowed, closing in as Karen gritted her teeth as she ordered, "Houndoom! Smog!"
*Pooof*
Releasing a poisonous gas from its mouth, Houndoom tried to cover the area to hide. Karen knew it was useless to attack Scizor with it, but it was an effective smokescreen to get away from it swiftly.
However, their distance was too close. Azure ordered swiftly, "Scizor! Agility then Agile Style! Brick Break!!!"
*SMASH*
Zooming through where it was last seen, Houndoom Scizor raised its pincer high, glowing in Fighting-Type Energy, and launched a hit. Fortunately, it was fast enough as it slammed its pincer against Houndoom's face.
*THUMP*
Skidding across the battlefield, Houndoom bounced off. Its eyes swirl as it fainted, landing on the ground with a THUMP noise, with the referee declaring, "Houndoom is unable to battle! Scizor is the winner!"
Azure grinned, seeing this as Karen frowned, recalling her Pokémon. She gritted her teeth as she hurled her last Pokémon, "Go, Vileplume!"
*Pop*
From her Poké Ball, a majestic Vileplume materialized, its large, red bloom radiating a faint, sweet aroma that somehow carried even to Azure's side of the field. Its blue body was sturdy, its eyes intelligent.
Azure nodded, his mind already calculating, observing Karen's choice, 'Vileplume, a Grass/Poison type. A curious choice for a Dark-type specialist, but Karen often used unexpected Pokémon to disorient her opponents. Plus, it fits her Elite Four game counterpart… and there isn't a lot of Dark-type Pokémon in Johto and Kanto…'
Keeping Scizor in with its buffs, Scizor looked at the Flower Pokémon in pity. Vileplime glared at Scizor, crying out, "Plume! (I'll kick your ass!)"
But it made Scizor pity it even more. Karen commanded, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness, "Vileplume, Petal Dance!"
*Woooosh*
Vileplume began to spin, shedding a dazzling flurry of razor-sharp petals that swirled towards Scizor. Azure countered instantly, "Scizor, Quick Attack, then Aerial Ace!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor blurred, moving with incredible speed, dodging the worst of the Petal Dance. It closed the distance on Vileplume in an instant, then its body glowed streaks of white energy, lashing out with a devastating Aerial Ace directly at Vileplume.
*THUD*
The attack landed with a solid thud, sending Vileplume skidding back a few feet, clearly hurt but still standing. Karen urged immediately, "Vileplume, Stun Spore!"
*Poof*
Before Scizor could follow up, Vileplume shook itself, releasing a cloud of golden, shimmering spores. Azure shouted, hoping to mitigate the effect, "Scizor, Agility, then end it with a Strong Style Quick Attack!"
*ZOOOM*
Scizor's wings come out of its back, and they glow white. Then Scizor moves so fast that it becomes a red blur, blitzing past the Stun Spore with Agility as it was already close to Vileplume, alerting it.
*BAM*
Scizor didn't hesitate as a Strong Style Quick Attack Base Power of 40 into 50. With its ability, it increased again into a 75 Base Power attack as it slammed hard against Vileplume, taking the attack.
*THUD*
Vileplume fainted from the impact as it skidded across, fainting from Scizor's physical attacks as it crossed its arms, crying out, "Scizor!! (Tch. This was a warm-up. No challenge at all.)"
With Vileplume lying on the ground, fainted, the referee declared, "Vileplume is unable to battle! Scizor is the winner! The winner of the first round is our Champion Azure Sky!"
Azure grinned as he recalled Scizor congratulating it in a proud tone, "Glad to see you haven't dulled your pincers, Scizor. Your battle was amazing, considering your opponents were in the level 60 range, solo all of them."
Scizor puffed its chest in pride, soloing that many opponents without once falling below 80% of its Health within its Poké Ball. Azure chuckled as Karen recalled her Pokémon as he said happily, "Good match, Karen. It was fun battling you."
Karen took in a deep breath and exhaled as she smiled dangerously as she said respectfully, "Same. This Pokémon League Tournament has been quite fun, I suppose. I'll be curious to see how far you go."
Karen turned to leave as Azure saw some Pokémon Association Members talking to her, already attempting to persuade her to join the Elite Four. Azure chuckled as he left, showing a rare serious expression as he muttered to himself, "With this, I'm in the Top 8, meaning full-on battles. 6-on-6 battles… this might be interesting…"
Azure grinned, unable to wait for his next opponents. He casually walked back to the audience as he prepared to watch the other matches with great interest…
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A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!