Chapter 186: Top 8! Vs. Leaf Green (3)
~Third POV~
[Johto Region, Blackthorn City – Dragon's Den]
Within the Johto Region in Blackthorn City resided the famous Dragon's Den. A clan of masters of Dragon-type Pokémon has lived in the city for generations. The masters built the Dragon's Den, a cavern with an underground lake that contains a shrine to Dragon Pokémon, as well as the elders of the Dragon clan.
An Ace Trainer in the Pokémon Center claims that it's a special cave for Gym Leaders to train themselves. The entrance is located behind the Gym, across a small pond, while the main cavern seems to be located underneath the city itself.
It is inaccessible before defeating Clair in the Blackthorn Gym, as it is blocked off by a man in front of the cave, and then it must be traversed to finally obtain the Rising Badge. Besides the strong Trainers that dwell within the cavern, the Master of the Dragon User Clan can be found here.
But today, the Master of the Clan watched the TV screen, viewed with Clair, watching the event unfold before them. Clair's eyes widened in shock as she muttered, "There's no denying it… that Sheep – I mean Ampharos truly has Dragon Blood within it. How did he evolve such a creature and…"
No words were needed as she swallowed her pride. She recalled how she scoffed, berating Ampharos during their first encounter against Azure for the badge, only to truly see the Dragon Blood within it rise to defeat a Legendary Pokémon.
The Dragon Master, wearing a samurai helmet, in the statue of Rayquaza, calmly stated, stroking his chin, "… It seems to me we need to add a new Starter Pokémon for the Dragon Clan. Along with us breeding Dratini and Horsea line, we'll need to add Mareep into the equation. Truly, we need to adapt to the changing times in hope one of our own can awaken such a forgotten dragon, truly shameful on our end…"
Clair merely nodded her head, agreeing with the Dragon Master's goal. Clair, seeing the bond between them through the TV screen, could only think, 'What he just did will definitely change how Pokémon battles are going to become…'
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium, Stands]
The Dex Holders, Red, Blue, Gold, Silver, Yellow, and Crystal, all froze seeing this occur. They all witnessed something unbelievable occurring, seeing Ampharos evolve further beyond and defeating a Legendary Pokémon.
Gold looked towards his seniors as he asked in a stunned tone, "Hey! Seniors, did you know he could do that?"
But seeing their stunned expressions, Gold got his answer. They truly didn't know what occurred, but if any of them looked, some of they're Pokémon shook being stimulated by the appearance of Mega Evolution.
They weren't the only ones to experience this from the other end of the stands. The audience was stunned seeing this predicament.
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
A roar of approval, a symphony of cheers and applause, swept through the arena like a tidal wave. Azure released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Pikachu jumped on his head, chittering excitedly. Eevee barked joyfully, circling his legs.
Azure smiled towards his majestic Mega Ampharos, who slowly came down next to him, tiredly. Azure praised, stroking its woolly head, "You were incredible, Ampharos. Incredible. You were amazing."
Ampharos leaned into his touch, its eyes shining with quiet satisfaction. It pounded its chest in a proud cry, "Amp! (Heh! I'm your Electric Dragon after all!)"
Across the field, Leaf Green recalled her Moltres, her expression a mix of awe and uncharacteristic frustration. She looked at Azure, a new respect dawning in her eyes. She said calmly, her voice carrying clearly, "Azure Sky. You truly are an experienced trainer. That was… an electrifying battle."
Green gazed at her choices before calmly resolving her determination. But her expression was unreadable.
She retrieved another Poké Ball, her fingers tracing its contours for a moment before she sent her next Pokémon out. Green's choice materialized in a flash of light as she says, "Clefable! I need your help!"
*Pop*
She called out, and the pink, star-adorned Fairy-type Pokémon landed gracefully on the battlefield, its large ears twitching with its held item [Fairy Feather]. Clefable, a creature of pure charm but known for its incredible bulk and surprising offensive capabilities.
Azure didn't hesitate. He quickly recalled Mega Ampharos as he said, "Return! You did a good job, Ampharos. Now… Go! Venusaur!"
*Pop*
A powerful roar filled the air as his magnificent Venusaur, its floral back blooming vibrantly, emerged, stomping its large feet, ready for battle. DJ Mary exclaimed excitedly, "A Venusaur for Azure Sky, a classic, powerful choice! And Clefable for Leaf Green! A fascinating type matchup, folks! Grass/Poison against Fairy! Venusaur holds a clear advantage offensively with its Poison-type moves! This promises to be a strategic opening!"
Azure recalled Mega Ampharos as it would be affected by Clefable's Fairy-type moves due to its new type. Green wasted no time taking the chance to set up, "Clefable, start this battle with Light Screen!"
*Shiii*
Clefable glowed, and a shimmering, ethereal barrier materialized around its side of the field. Gaining the free setup, she followed up, "And follow up with Calm Mind!"
The charming fairy closed its eyes, focusing its mind. A soft, soothing aura enveloped it, boosting its special attack and special defense.
After getting her free setups, Azure finally went to the offense as Green was setting up, turning Clefable into an impenetrable wall. Azure swiftly ordered, "Venusaur, don't let up! Use Sludge Bomb!"
*Splat*
Venusaur bellowed, ejecting a vile, green sludge that arced through the air with surprising speed. Clefable, however, seemed to glide, easily sidestepping the attack.
Green commanded, her voice steady in a determined tone, "Psychic, Clefable!"
*Shiii*
Clefable conjured a sphere of shimmering psychic energy, firing it directly at Venusaur. The attack slammed into the Grass/Poison type, Venusaur, recoiling from the damage.
Venusaur managed to hang on, but seeing how tired it was, Azure narrowed his eyes as he thought calmly, 'Venusaur hanging on by a thread after tanking Ninetale's earlier fire attacks. I gotta cripple that fairy!'
Azure countered fiercely, knowing he needed to chip away at Clefable's bulk, "Venusaur, use Leech Seed!"
Green's eyes narrowed. She swiftly ordered, "Protect, Clefable!"
*CLANG*
Just as the tiny seed of energy shot forth, Clefable shimmered, enveloped itself in a translucent barrier, and the Leech Seed harmlessly bounced off. Azure muttered, "Clever! She's doing everything she can to win…"
Green was playing defensively, ensuring Clefable remained untouched while it boosted its stats. Azure ordered, "Venusaur, Earthquake! Shake the ground!"
*RMBL*
Venusaur reared up, then brought its massive feet down with earth-shattering force. The ground beneath Clefable cracked and splintered, dust erupting.
However, Green quickly ordered, "Clefable, use Minimize!"
In a flash, Clefable shrank, becoming a speck, almost invisible to the naked eye, barely affected by the tremors. DJ Mary roared in excitement, "Unbelievable! Clefable's evasiveness is off the charts! Azure's Venusaur is struggling to land a hit!"
Azure's mind raced. Minimize was a dangerous tactic, making Clefable incredibly hard to hit. He had to force it to expand as he commanded, "Venusaur, use Vine Whip! Wide sweep!"
*Whip*
Venusaur's two sturdy vines shot out, whipping across the battlefield in a wide arc, aiming to catch the miniature Clefable. It was a desperate move, but accuracy was plummeting as Clefable was elusive.
Green's smile widened faintly as she thought, 'I found my win condition!'
Green ordered swiftly, finding an opportunity, "Clefable! Psychic!"
*Shiii*
Not leaving to chance, Clefable jumped up. Powered by psychic energy, Clefable sent a small sphere of psychic energy towards Venusaur, which exploded upon contact.
*BOOOOM*
Azure's eyes widened as his Venusaur slumped down defeated, and the referee announced, "Clefable is the winner! Venusaur is unable to battle!"
Green smirked as Azure recalled his Venusaur. His eyes narrowed, but he grinned as Green thought cautiously, 'I'm not out yet. With this, I have three chances to take down his Pokémon. With Clefy at +2 Evasion and +1 Sp. Attack and Def. I gotta keep the momentum coming.'
Azure countered, his voice clear and firm as he hurled his next choice, "Alright, Scizor! Let's show them our spirit!"
*Pop*
His own Poké Ball soared, releasing a crimson blur that solidified into his powerful Bug/Steel type, Scizor. Its metallic claws gleamed under the stadium lights, its compound eyes fixing on Clefable with unyielding focus.
Azure didn't hesitate. He swiftly ordered, "Scizor, Bullet Punch! Straight in!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor launched itself forward, a red streak across the field. Its metal claw glowed with focused energy, aiming to strike before Clefable could react.
Bullet Punch, a priority move, was designed to strike quickly and forcefully. Green, however, was prepared as she countered, "Clefable, Reflect!"
*Shiii*
Faster than Scizor could close the distance, Clefable's small hands glowed. A shimmering, ethereal barrier of light materialized between it and Scizor, just as Bullet Punch connected, halting the impact.
*CLANG*
The blow landed, a metallic clang echoing through the stadium, but the Reflect absorbed much of the impact. Clefable barely flinched, its expression serene.
Azure murmured, watching the barrier shimmer, "Hardy, Clefable. It's gonna be a pain to damage it."
He knew Clefable had already boosted its stats as he frowned. He needed to apply pressure as he followed up by ordering seriously, "Scizor, follow up with X-Scissor! Don't let up!"
*Shinng*
Scizor lunged again, its sharp claws crossing into a powerful X-pattern, lunging forward after the Fairy Pokémon. But Green countered swiftly, "Clefable, Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Producing a small fireball from its hands, it unleashed a stream of fire as Scizor lunged forward after it. Realizing the danger, Azure quickly aborted his orders as he said, "Abort X-Scissor! Use Agility to get away!"
*Tmp*
In the nick of time, Scizor back-stepped out of the incoming Flamethrower produced by Clefable at the same time boosting its Speed by +2 Stages. But Green gained another chance as she ordered, "Perfect! Use Cosmic Power!"
*Shiii*
While Scizor was avoiding Scizor, Clefable used Cosmic Power. Clefable focuses its energy, and its body starts to glow brightly as it gains defensive power.
Azure frowned, seeing Clefable perform another setup. Clefable has a boosted power of +2 Evasion, +1 Sp. Attack, +1 Def, and +2 Sp. Def in total.
At the same time, Azure knew he had to take down that Clefable. Azure commanded, his voice clear and concise, "Scizor, Bullet Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor moved with a blur of crimson, its arm drawing back, then shooting forward faster than the eye could track. Bullet Punch, a Steel-type priority move, was devastatingly fast and powerful, especially against a Fairy-type like Clefable.
Green's eyes narrowed. She quickly ordered, "Clefable, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Clefable shimmered, a translucent green barrier flickering into existence just as Scizor's punch connected. The barrier absorbed the blow, shattering into glittering fragments, but Clefable remained untouched.
Azure murmured, undeterred as he gained an opportunity, "Excellent! Now, Scizor, Swords Dance!"
Scizor's pincers clanked together, a surge of raw power radiating from its metallic body as its Attack stat sharply increased. Its aura deepened to a menacing crimson.
But Green grinned as she thought proudly, 'Finally! I was waiting for this moment!'
Green countered, her voice calm, "Clefable, Encore!"
Clefable points both of its fingers at Scizor and waves them around. Scizor is then stuck using Swords Dance for a short period, causing Azure's eyes to widen.
Green smirked as she bought herself more time to set up. But she also knew she had to save Clefable for Mega Ampharos, as she thought, 'This should be good enough. It's time for the sweep, Blasty.'
Azure was stunned as his eyes narrowed at Green. She grinned as she ordered, "Sorry, Azure, but I'm winning this! Clefable! Baton Pass!"
Clefable raises its hands into the air and goes back into its Poké Ball. Green smirked, choosing her last Pokémon to gain the benefits as she declared her hand sweeping forward, "All right, Blastoise, let's show them what we've got!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and a colossal Blastoise materialized, its powerful water cannons already swiveling expectantly with its held item [Leftovers]. Its shell gleamed, reflecting the stadium lights, and its eyes narrowed, assessing the field.
Not only that the effects of Baton Pass activated. When Blatoise was sent out, all Clefable's stat changes were added to it.
Azure took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the Blastoise. A powerful starter, known for its incredible defense and offensive capability, as he muttered, "Not only that… it also gains Clefable's boost transferred over. +2 Evasion, +1 Sp. Attack, +1 Def, and +2 Sp. Def in total… this won't be easy."
Azure quickly recalled his Scizor, seeing this Blastoise come out, "Scizor return!"
Green took the chance as she ordered while Azure switched, "Blasty! Aqua Ring!"
*Splash*
Veiled in healing water in the form of a ring, Azure frowned, seeing the shield that Green managed to set up. Azure looked at his choices on his belt, clenching Scizor's Poke Ball. He had 3 Pokémon left, one being Scizor and the other being an exhausted Mega Ampharos.
But due to Mega Ampharos' new typing of Dragon/Electric, he knew sending it in now would be asking for trouble. But his last one that he hadn't sent out yet, he slyly grinned, 'Well… I did choose you for this match specifically against Blastoise. You're my direct counter against her, let's do this!'
Thus, he picked his last choice against Blastoise. He opted for a strategic counter that he had chosen from the beginning of his planning against Green's Blastoise.
He hurled out his last hidden Pokémon as he yelled out, "It's time for you to shine, big guy. I choose you! Quagsire!"
*Pop*
Another flash, and Azure's Quagsire, with its perpetually cheerful grin, appeared on the field. It waddled slightly, its expression unchanging as it faced the mighty Blastoise. The crowd initially seemed confused, murmuring.
"Quagsire?"
"Against a fully evolved Kanto starter like Blastoise?"
Green, however, showed no surprise. Her eyes flickered with understanding as she said curiously, "A Quagsire… Brave, Azure. Or perhaps foolish."
Azure murmured to himself, "We'll see about that."
He knew Quagsire's unique typing – Water/Ground – granted it an invaluable immunity to Water-type moves, and its ability, Water Absorb, would heal it when hit by one. This was a calculated risk, a way to bait Green into using her most powerful attacks, only for them to become Quagsire's strength.
Not only that, but Azure also had another reason for choosing Quagsire for this current matchup. Green commanded, wasting no time gauging its ability, "Blasty, start with Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Blastoise's cannons glowed, then unleashed twin torrents of high-pressure water, converging into a single, devastating stream aimed directly at Quagsire. The attack was immense, capable of knocking out most Pokémon in a single hit thanks to its boosted stats gained from Clefable's Baton Pass.
Azure instructed, a slight smirk playing on his lips in a confident voice, "Quagsire, stand firm and use Haze!"
The Hydro Pump slammed into Quagsire, engulfing it in a geyser of water. The crowd collectively gasped, expecting an immediate faint.
But as the spray cleared, Quagsire stood there, its goofy smile unchanged, a faint green glow indicating its health regenerating. Green exclaimed, genuinely shocked, "What?! Its ability is Water Absorb!"
*POOF*
By then, it was too late as Quagsire unleashed a black smoke from its mouth. Blastoise was hit by Haze, causing Green to lose her confidence as she thought, 'Haze! With that move, it reset my Pokémon stat stages back to 0! And not only that, but Water Type moves are useless against Quagsire… damn it!'
Realizing her stat setups were useless, Azure seized the opportunity, "Now, Quagsire! Strong Style! Mud Bomb!"
*SPLAT*
Quagsire's grin widened, and it began scooping up the damp earth, molding it into clumps with surprising speed, then launching a volley of muddy projectiles at Blastoise. The Mud Bombs landed against Blastoise's Water typing, splattering against its shell and face, obscuring its vision in the process.
Green eyes narrowed as she urged, "Blastoise, shake it off! Rapid Spin!"
*Wooosh*
Blastoise began to spin rapidly, shedding the mud and creating a powerful vortex of water around itself, pushing Quagsire back slightly. But Azure escalated as he countered, "Keep the pressure, Quagsire! Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Quagsire slammed its tail onto the ground, and the entire battlefield trembled under its might. Cracks spiderwebbed across the rocky elevation, and the water in the pool rippled violently in its wake.
Blastoise, standing on the earth terrain, felt the full force of the ground-shaking attack, its legs buckling slightly. It grunted in pain but slowly healed under Aqua Ring's effects.
Green's brow furrowed. Azure's Quagsire was proving far more resilient and offensive than she'd anticipated.
Green ordered swiftly, "Blastoise, use Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
A shimmering blue beam of ice shot from Blastoise's mouth, searing towards Quagsire. Ice Beam was a special attack, capable of freezing and being neutral against Quagsire's Water/Ground typing.
However, Azure called out, "Agile Style! Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
Quagsire slammed its tail onto the ground and used Earth Power. The ground in front of it erupted, lifting a pillar of stone that blocked the attack entirely as Azure grinned, "Sorry, but it'll take a lot more than that to take down my Pokémon Green. Let's see which of our tanks is the strongest!"
The battle raged on. Blastoise unleashed a powerful Skull Bash, connecting squarely with Quagsire and sending it skidding back.
*BAM*
Quagsire retaliated with another crippling Earthquake, further wearing down Blastoise's defenses. Azure continued to bait Blastoise into using Water-type moves, letting Quagsire absorb them, healing itself while chipping away at the mighty tortoise Pokémon with Mud Bombs and Earthquakes.
*RMBL*
Eventually, after a prolonged and grueling exchange, a final, desperate Aura Sphere from Blastoise, but Quagsire tanked it through with Endure, shortly followed by Recover, regaining some health.
Blastoise, left exhausted by Quagsire's unbelievable stamina and determination, was followed by a powerful Earthquake. Blastoise roared in defiance, but then its eyes glazed over, and it sank to one knee, faint.
*THUD*
The referee announced in a surprised voice, "Blastoise is unable to battle!"
The crowd erupted in cheers for Quagsire, a true underdog triumph. Azure said proudly, calling it back, "Thank you, Quagsire. You were incredible."
Quagsire gave a happy gurgle before returning to its Poké Ball. Green tossed her last Pokémon as she declared fiercely, "Okay, that Quagsire was a surprise. But I'm not going down without a fight!"
*Pop*
Clefable came out relatively full health as Azure tossed his Poké Ball, "Yeah. It would've been boring if you didn't try Green."
*Pop*
Scizor appeared once more as its eyes narrowed at Clefable. Doing so, Green prepares as Azure thinks to himself calmly, 'With its Encore, it would be difficult for me to land a decisive blow if it blocks my Pokémon from unleashing different commands. Best to one-shot this thing with a Z-Move.'
As Green tries to strategize a way to win, she notices Azure and Scizor nodding, performing a strange dance as she thinks confused, 'The heck is that idiot doing? Is he… trolling me?! The nerve – '
*Shiii*
But her thoughts were cut short as Scizor struck a series of synchronized poses with Azure to build Z-Power, glowing brightly. This alarmed Green as Azure declared, "Sorry, Green, but it's time for this battle to reach the finale! Z-Move! CORKSCREW CRASH!"
*BOOOM*
Scizor, being filled with Z-Power, jumps into the air and spins rapidly, turning into a crimson red drill. Green, sensing the danger, ordered, "Quick! Clefy use Protect!"
Casting a protective barrier, Clefable braced itself to block the attack. Unfortunately for Green, she isn't aware that Z-Moves broke through protective moves as the red drill strikes and...
*CRACK*
… pierces through its defenses. Clefable was sent flying as the red drill struck full force, seeing the barrier of Protect break. Green's eyes widened as Clefable fainted, as red drill halts showing Scizor's satisfied expression.
*Thud*
Clefable fell to the ground and fainted from the super-effective hit. Clefable, though tough, lay defeated, its charming form now crumpled and K.O.'d.
The stadium erupted in cheers. Azure let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding as the referee declared, "Clefable is unable to battle! The winner is Azure Sky!"
The stadium erupted, shattering the stunned silence with a thunderous wave of sound. The cheers were deafening, a mix of disbelief and roaring appreciation for a highly intense Pokémon battle.
Azure stood frozen for a moment, then a wide, genuine smile broke across his face. Green walked across the field, her expression calm, but a hint of admiration in her eyes. She said respectfully, extending a hand, "An incredible battle, Azure Sky. I completely underestimated your Pokémon. You fought with true spirit."
Azure shook her hand, an equal respect in his gaze. He slyly grinned as he said proudly, "Thank you, Green. You're an incredible trainer, and your Pokémon are truly powerful. You certainly surprised me with that Moltres."
As the crowd continued its jubilant roar, Azure looked down at Eevee, then at the Poké Ball containing his Quagsire, Venusaur, Scizor, Arcanine, Ampharos, and Mismagius.
His journey to the Top 4 had been arduous, but this battle, this unexpected triumph, cemented his place among the elite. The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament was far from over, and the challenges ahead would be even greater.
With his Pokémon by his side, Azure Sky knew he was ready for anything. But when he exited, multiple people outside were waiting, wanting answers.
Seeing the horde of people, his face darkened as he thought solemnly, 'Ah, right… I showed off Mega Evolution and my Z-Moves… I'm not gonna get any rest, am I?'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter! And I hope you guys like the battle with Green against the MC!
But no worries, his next opponent will push the MC's plans and strategies more. Hope you guys like the matches thus far!