Chapter 184: Top 8! Vs. Leaf Green (1)
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Evening, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Azure's Hut)]
After winning the first round, Azure, along with a select few, managed to move up into the Top 8 of the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament. He saw the battles and grinned excitedly as he knew his next opponent in a full-on 6-on-6 Pokémon battle…
Leaf Green.
Not only that, but he also saw the other matches of the kind of opponents he'll be facing in the future. There, he saw, Blue and Red engaged in their respective battles, conquering their matches with relative ease.
Due to Azure's interference, he saw that all 3 of them were significantly stronger than they were before. Each uses a different Pokémon compared to their Manga Counterparts, keeping their main team hardly switching to different Pokémon.
As a result, both Red and Blue displayed overwhelming dominance, effortlessly defeating their respective opponents. Once all battles concluded, the remaining trainers appeared on the large screen.
Within moments, the system swiftly rearranged the matchups, generating the new battle pairings. It just so happened his opponent was Leaf Green of Pallet Town.
Once Azure obtained the information, he turned to the screen and immediately started researching Green's team. He raised an eyebrow, seeing her lineup.
====
Name: Leaf Green (Seeded)
Gender: Female
Age: 14
Hometown: Kanto Region, Pallet Town
Achievements: Participated in the Ninth Pokémon League Tournament, Collected 8 of the Kanto Gym Badges
Pokémon: Wigglytuff, Blastoise, Ditto, Clefable, Nidoqueen, Grandbull, Victreebel, Ninetales, Gengar, Kangaskhan
====
Seeing her line up, he gazed at his own Pokémon team as he pondered out loud, "Hmm… I wonder who would do well against Green's team…"
Azure was left wondering which 6 of his Pokémon to take with him to battle against Green's Pokémon. He contemplated which one to choose as his Pikachu, Eevee, Celebi, and Marshadow looked curious about who he would pick…
/////
[Kanto Region, Meanwhile, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village (Green's Hut)]
Meanwhile, at the same time in the evening, Green was reviewing her team's choices as she grinned, having settled on what team she was using in a confident tone, "Perfect! With this lineup, I'll have the chance to floor him!"
Inside her hut were Silver wanted to know what she was planning. Silver looked at her lineup and asked in a concerned tone, "You sure you got this, big sis? I mean, his strong right that he defeated you in the previous tournament?"
Green, seeing Silver's doubtful expression, slyly grinned, crossing one leg over the other, sitting on her bed confidently, says, "True. But that was years ago when we battled, and it was only with a 3-on-3 battle. This time, I'll show off my full strength with my team. And if not… I have my ace in the hole."
Silver's eyes gazed at Green's Poké Balls. Eyes widening, seeing Moltres as Green thought confidently, 'Besides, he won't see this one coming. My true hidden wild card is not shown in the info provided.'
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
The roar of the crowd was a physical entity, a wave of sound crashing against the transparent walls of the stadium. Azure Sky stood at the precipice of a dream, the stadium lights reflecting in his determined eyes.
The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament was no ordinary competition; it was a crucible for the best, a proving ground where ambition clashed with skill. From a sprawling 256 hopefuls, battling across diverse, challenging terrains, he had clawed his way into the elite Top 8.
Beside him, a familiar yellow spark of energy, Pikachu, chirped excitedly, its tail twitching. At his feet, Eevee, ever alert, nudged his leg, a silent promise of support.
Azure smiled, remembering the feeling of victory, the exhaustion, and the profound satisfaction of reaching this stage when he battled Red. Now, the main stadium, a coliseum of dreams, awaited.
The draw had been announced with a dramatic flourish: Azure Sky versus Leaf Green. The name rippled through the stadium, igniting murmurs of anticipation.
Leaf Green, the Dex Holder, is known across regions not just for her unyielding resolve but for her uncanny ability to draw out the ultimate potential in her Pokémon, earning her the moniker 'Evolver.' Her reputation preceded her, a quiet strength that promised a formidable challenge ahead.
Azure walked to his designated side of the circular battlefield, the cheers growing louder, distinguishable from the general hum of the crowd. He glanced across the verdant expanse, remaining calm.
There, cool, calm, and composed, stood Leaf Green. Her eyes met his for a moment, a flicker of professional respect passing between them before she turned her gaze to the field.
No words were needed between them as they reached their positions, each determined to win against the other. The referee's voice boomed, cutting through the stadium's electric hum, "Trainers, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Green, with a graceful sweep of her arm, released her Poké Ball as she declared, "Ninetales, show them your grace!"
*Pop*
A burst of shimmering light materialized into the elegant, nine-tailed Fox Pokémon holding its held item [Heat Rock]. As soon as Ninetales touched the ground, a wave of intense heat radiated outwards, causing the very air to shimmer.
*Sheee*
The stadium lights seemed to intensify, the verdant grass of the battlefield taking on a golden hue. DJ Mary's voice echoed, explaining the sudden shift, "Ninetales' hidden ability, Drought, has activated! The battlefield is now under harsh sunlight!"
Azure's brow furrowed, but his gaze remained resolute. He couldn't help but think to himself, seeing Green's move, 'Harsh sunlight is a boon for Fire-types, boosting their power and weakening Water-types. Along with its held item [Heat Rock] made to extend harsh sunlight. It's a clear statement from Green. She's got something planned and Water Type moves won't work well here… if that's the case…'
He took a deep breath, reaching for his own Poké Ball. He grinned as he hurled it out in a determined voice, "Scizor, stand by for battle!"
*Pop*
In a flash of crimson and steel, his Scizor appeared, its metal pincers gleaming under the artificial sun with its held item [Razor Claw]. Scizor, a powerhouse of Bug and Steel, with its Technician ability, boosts the power of its weaker moves.
Green eyes narrowed as she muttered to herself, seeing Scizor in a serious tone, "Scizor and not Pikachu, huh? Even against Fire Types, he has a plan in mind…"
The referee announced the match, "Battle begin!"
Green, calm, and composed commanded, her voice calm yet firm, "Ninetales, start this battle off with a Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Ninetales let out a guttural growl, and a torrent of super-heated flames erupted from its maw, searing across the field towards Scizor. The sunlight seemed to feed the inferno, making it burn with an unnatural intensity.
Yet Azure saw this move and knew how to counter. He countered, "Scizor! Agility and Swords Dance!"
*Woooosh*
Scizor spins around, increasing its agility, deflecting the intensified fire with relative ease as blue energy swords surrounded it. Having finished its step, Scizor's eyes narrowed, having gained +2 Speed and Attack.
Even with Drought having empowering Flamethrower didn't do much damage as Green was hoping, as she muttered and issued a command in a serious voice, "I should've figured as much. Thought with Drought would make it flinch or power through, but oh well… Ninetales! 9-shot Mystical Fire!"
*Sssss*
Azure blinked, confused about what Green meant, till he saw it. Ninetales' tails swing around, forming a ring of red-orange flame at the tips of its 9 tails. It then releases a red-orange stream of fire from each tail.
Azure's eyes widened, seeing the incoming danger, as he quickly ordered, "Shit! Scizor! Use Baton Pass!"
Scizor raises its pincers into the air and goes back into its Poké Ball. Just in time to avoid the 9 streams of Mystical Fire as Green smirked, "Heh. Running away, are we, Sky? Guess it was too hot for you to handle?"
Azure grinned smugly as he brought his next choice in a confident tone, "Sure. But I brought someone who can! Come out, Arcanine!"
*Pop*
With a powerful throw, Azure sent out his partner. A flash of light, and then a magnificent Arcanine, a creature of noble power and speed, landed with a low growl, "Grrr… Awooo!!! (I've returned!!)"
*Shiii*
When Arcanine was sent out, all Scizor's stat changes were added to it. Green frowned, seeing that Arcanine gained the +2 Attack and Speed, along with noticing its held item being the [Expert Belt].
Realizing that Arcanine appeared, she quickly raised her Poké Ball in a serious tone, "Nope! I'm not gonna let you KO this one. Ninetales return!"
Quickly recalling Ninetales, Green knew it wouldn't be Arcanine's match. Green returned Ninetales, her expression unchanged, with a slight nod of acknowledgment as she said in a playful tone, winking at him, "Well played, Azure. But the battle is far from over. Gengar, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
Green called, and from her Poké Ball burst a mischievous, grinning purple specter, its red eyes glowing with predatory intent. Gengar floated ominously over the field, radiating an unsettling aura with its held item [Spell Tag].
Azure's smile widened, a glint of challenge in his eyes. Gengar was a tricky opponent, a Ghost/Poison type known for its evasiveness and paralyzing speed.
His Arcanine stood tall, eyes narrowed at the threat Gengar represents. Green made her move as she commanded, "Gengar, Hypnosis!"
Gengar's eyes glowed, and a swirling purple mist emanated from its form, drifting swiftly towards Arcanine. Azure commanded, his voice sharp, "Arcanine, time to hunt! Dodge with Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
With an incredible burst of acceleration, Arcanine became a blur, disappearing from its spot, avoiding the Hypnosis completely. It reappeared behind Gengar, an orange-black streak across the arena.
Azure pressed, capitalising on Arcanine's newfound position, "Now, Crunch!"
*Wooosh*
Arcanine's jaws snapped open, spectral teeth glowing with dark energy, aiming for Gengar's back. But Gengar was a master of evasion.
Just as Arcanine lunged, the Ghost Pokémon shimmered and phased through the attack, reappearing a few feet away with a taunting grin. Green called out, anticipating Azure's follow-up, "Double Team, Gengar!"
*Wooosh*
Gengar multiplied, and suddenly, a dozen spectral Gengar floated across the field, making it impossible to discern the real one. Azure narrowed his eyes as he ordered, "Odor Sleuth to locate it! Then use Flamethrower! Cover the area!"
Arcanine let loose a torrent of blistering flames, sweeping across the numerous Gengar illusions. The fakes shimmered and vanished, but the real Gengar, a true master of stealth, was nowhere to be found.
Sniffing its nose, Arcanine looked up. Green's voice cut through the air as her Gengar had been spotted, "Shadow Ball!"
*Pew*
From above, a dark orb of spectral energy hurtled downwards. But having noticed Azure countered, "Now! Teleport while Extreme Speed into Flame Charge!"
*Shiii*
Using Teleport, Arcanine vanished, alarming Green. But she shot her head up to see above as Arcanine charged forward…
*Ssss*
… Using Extreme Speed momentum, combined with Flame Charge coating its body in flames, enhancing its Fire Type Moves using Flash Fire as the Legendary Pokémon crashes into Gengar as they free-fall down.
*THUD*
Landing on Gengar Arcanine placed its paws over its back as it howled victoriously, "Arooow!!"
Backing off, having increased its speed to +3 stages, Gengar fainted on the spot, causing Green to frown as the effects of Drought ended. But, unaware, a shadow shifted into Arcanine's activating Gengar's last move…
Green said softly, recalling her Pokémon, "Gengar return."
Her expression was thoughtful, a hint of respect in her eyes. She took out another Poké Ball as she said calmly, "You pushed Gengar to its limits, Azure. But this battle is far from over… after all…"
*THUD*
Arcanine then fainted suddenly as it tumbled down. Azure's eyes narrowed, muttering to himself calmly, recalling Arcanine, "Double knockout. At the last second, Gengar used Destiny Bond to drag Arcanine down."
Green cutely grins, sticking her tongue out as she hurls her next Pokémon, "Bingo! Now to return the momentum! Go, Ninetales!"
*Pop*
Ninetales emerged once more, activating its Drought Ability. With the harsh sunlight returning, Azure's eyes narrowed as he picked his next choice, "Oh? So that's how it is, huh? Alright, Mismagius, it's showtime!"
*Pop*
Azure declared, releasing his own Pokémon. With a shimmering burst of rosy energy, Mismagius floated gracefully onto the field with its held item [Wise Glasses]. Its spectral form, adorned with a hat-like head and collar, pulsed with ethereal power.
But just as he called out Mismagius… Green quickly recalled Ninetales sticking her tongue out as she said sweetly, grabbing another Poke Ball in a swift, practiced motion, "Sorry, but not sorry! Return! Go, Victreebel!"
*Pop*
Quickly switching in Pokémon, there was a flash of white light, and a large, carnivorous plant Pokémon materialized on the field with its held item [Miracle Seed]. Its green body swayed slightly, its gaping maw-like head turning towards Azure, revealing sharp teeth. Victreebel, a Grass/Poison type, exuded a formidable aura.
Azure's mind raced as he thought seriously, considering why Green sent it out soon after Ninetales. But then it clicked in his head as he muttered, seeing the battlefield, "It's ability… Chlorophyll. Doubles the ability-bearer's speed during bright sunshine… It's the only thing that would make sense, choosing it after bringing Ninetales."
Azure's eyes narrowed at this. Green, on the other hand, smirked, seeing this as she thought cautiously, 'With Victreebel's speed doubled into 140 Base Speed, so long as Drought is in effect, it has the speed advantage. Even faster than his 105 Base Speed Mismagius.'
Green wasted no time. She issued her command, "Victreebel, use Sleep Powder!"
Victreebel let out a guttural cry as it attempted its move. Azure's eyes narrowed as he swiftly countered, "Taunt!"
Mismagius taunted Victreebel mischievously, calling it out, flipping it off, "Mis~ (I fucked your daddy last night!)"
Victreebel took exception to Mismagius' comment. It glared hatefully as it cried out, "Vic! VICCCC!!! (YOU! YOU'RE THE REASON WHY MOTHER LEFT TO GET MILK!!)"
Being forced into Taunt Green, she subtly frowned at this as she aborted Sleeping Powder and focused intently as she muttered, "Tch. Taunt huh? Guess I gotta work around that. It's a shame I used Gengar too soon, but against that Arcanine, it left me no choice but to take it out. Gotta power through – Ah!"
*Murmur*
*Murmur*
Upon Mismagius' murmuring chants, both trainer and Pokémon begin to feel dizzy. Green soon finds herself in a Bell Tower, as the crowd is shocked seeing the scene. However, Green is aware; it was merely an illusion of Mismagius' product.
Azure smirked, seeing they were caught off guard by Mismagius's illusion abilities. He commanded in a confident tone, "Alright, Mismagius! Imprison then unleash Strong Style Psychic!"
Mismagius effortlessly spins, as it creates a force field around its opponent's body that prevents it from moving. This prevents the opponent from using any moves that Mismagius knows.
Green's eyes widened as she bit her lips. She thought rapidly, 'Drat! I can't use Protect to get out of the forcefield! Then I must attack!'
Mismagius, already known for its agility, instantly became a blur. It twisted and twirled, a spectral dancer, as it danced, its eyes glowed a vibrant purple, and an invisible force surged towards Victreebel.
*BAM*
The Grass-type Pokémon recoiled, a faint aura of pain flickering around it as it was lifted slightly off the ground by the psychic energy. Green countered, her eyes narrowed in concentration, "Don't let up, Victreebel! Power Whip!"
*WHIP*
Despite the Psychic assault, Victreebel extended a long, prehensile vine from its mouth, snapping it like a whip towards Mismagius. The vine glowed with raw power, leaving a visible distortion in the air as it lashed out.
Azure grinned, feeling excited as he yelled, pushing his advantage, "Strong Style Mystical Fire, Mismagius! And circle it around!"
*Wooosh*
Mismagius ceased its Psychic attack, concentrating energy into a ball of swirling, purple flames that it launched directly at the incoming Power Whip. The Mystical Fire was super-effective, a strong special attack, along with Drought active, boosting its power.
*Ssss*
The flames engulfed the vine, burning it and causing Victreebel to cry out in pain, recoiling from the burns. Mismagius used the moment of distraction to float swiftly to Victreebel's flank, cutting off its angle of attack.
Green barked, refusing to yield, "Sludge Bomb!"
*SPLAT*
Victreebel spat a glob of noxious, dark purple sludge that arced through the air, aimed squarely at Mismagius. But just as it tried to hit its Sludge Bomb…
*Wooosh*
… Mismagius wasn't even there, missing its attack, which alarmed Green as they fought an illusion of the Magical Pokémon's creation. A spectral silhouette gradually showed itself behind the surprised Victreebel.
Not giving her any time to formulate a counterattack, Azure roared, seizing the opening, "Now! Strong Style Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
Mismagius gathered dark energy, forming a swirling orb of shadowy malice. It launched the Shadow Ball with incredible speed.
*BOOOM*
Victreebel, still trying to recover from the Power Whip recoil and the missed Sludge Bomb, was too slow to react. The Shadow Ball slammed into its body, sending it skidding back several feet away.
Green called out, concern etched on her face, "Victreebel, are you alright?"
Victreebel struggled to stand, visibly weakened but determined. Green nodded as she roared out, "Alright, Victreebel, one more time! Power Whip! All you've got!"
*WHIP*
Victreebel summoned its remaining strength, its vines glowing brighter than before as it wound up for a devastating Power Whip. But Azure was prepared.
Azure's voice was firm, confident ordered, "End this with Psychic, Mismagius!"
*Shiii*
Mismagius's eyes flared, and a torrent of pure psychic energy erupted from its form, engulfing Victreebel before its Power Whip could even launch. The Grass-type Pokémon shrieked as it was lifted high into the air, suspended in a shimmering purple prison, then slammed back down onto the field with a resounding thud.
*THUD*
A dust cloud erupted. When it cleared, Victreebel lay unmoving, swirls in its eyes. The referee announced, raising his flag towards Azure, "Victreebel is unable to battle! Mismagius wins!"
The stadium erupted in thunderous applause. Azure offered a small, grateful smile to Mismagius, who floated proudly beside him.
Green, though disappointed, returned Victreebel with a gentle nod as she said softly, "You fought well, Victreebel. Rest."
She then looked at Azure, a glint of respect in her eyes. She says passively, "Impressive, Azure. Your Mismagius is quite potent."
Azure replied modestly, secretly anticipating her next move, "Thank you, Green. Your Victreebel wasn't bad either."
Green smirked, but Azure knew she wouldn't go down that easily, having lost 2 of her Pokémon. Green said confidently, reaching for another Poké Ball, "Let's see how you handle this! Go, Ninetales!"
*Pop*
Ninetales emerged once more elegantly onto the field, and again its Hidden Ability Drought was activated, setting the harsh sunlight. Azure's expression flinched, seeing this setup, already more or less fed up with it.
But then Green recalled it before the battle could start. That just made Azure frustrated by her tactics, but made him feel uneasy as well.
With a fluid motion, Leaf Green unclipped a Poké Ball from her belt, as she declared her voice clear, ringing with pride, "Sorry, just gotta set up the Sunny Day Azure. But this one will blow your team out of the tournament… Moltres!!"
*Pop*
A flash of light enveloped the stadium, momentarily blinding. As the light subsided, a majestic creature materialized on her side of the field with its held item [Choice Specs]. Its feathers blazed with the intensity of an inferno, wings spanning wide, eyes glowing with ancient power. A legendary Pokémon.
Azure's breath hitched as he muttered, "Moltres… I think I might be fucked."
/////
A/N: Hey guys, finally, at the start of the intensive fights against the Kanto Dex Holders for this portion of the Tenth Pokemon League Tournament. I hope you guys like Green's fight, how she picked her team choices.
I also hope you guys like the surprises, not knowing what Pokémon the MC will use. It'll be a bit more interesting to see which team members he chose. Now then... Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!