Chapter 187: Top 4! Vs. Blue Oak (1) [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Pokémon Center]
After exiting the battlefield and entering the Pokémon Center, Azure was swarmed by reporters blocking his path, shoving microphones and cameras toward his face. They began to pester him with questions, annoying him.
"Excuse me, are you Champion Azure Sky from Viridian City?"
"It is said that you were the first to discover Mega Evolution. Is that true?"
"We've heard that your Ampharos can evolve! Can you confirm this?"
"What was that move you used against Green at the end?"
"Will you be revealing the secret of Mega Evolution to the public, so that all Trainers can benefit?"
Azure stopped in his tracks and turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto the reporter who asked that question. He replied nonchalantly, "Not sure. I've only been doing this research, but I do plan to share this with Prof. Oak for more details. Till then, I can't say more on the subject."
With that, Azure waited inside the Pokémon Center, waiting for his team to be healed. Shortly afterward, Pokémon Center staff arrived, blocking the journalists from following him and preventing further disturbances.
Meanwhile, the remaining Trainers in the lobby exploded into whispers after the match. Their eyes widened seeing him as Nurse Joy handed him his Poké Balls, thanking her as he began to leave the area.
Seeing Azure leave the Pokémon Center, they noticed his friends were still around, as he had been seen with Green, Blue, and Red. In an instant, the 3 Dex Holders of Kanto were surrounded as the Johto Dex Holders took a side step away from the crowd.
Staring at the overly friendly smiles in front of them, they were utterly confused. They also wanted to ask Azure in greater detail about Mega Evolution as they gritted their teeth, as they all thought, 'Who am I? Where am I? What do you people want?'
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Trainer's Village]
After winning against Green, Azure, along with a select few, managed to move up into the Top 4 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…
Blue Oak.
Not only that, but he also saw the other matches of the kind of opponents he'll be facing in the future. Once Azure obtained the information, he turned to the screen and immediately started researching Blue's team. He raised an eyebrow, seeing his lineup.
====
Name: Blue Oak (Seeded)
Gender: Male
Age: 14
Hometown: Kanto Region, Pallet Town
Achievements: Participated in the Ninth Pokémon League Tournament, Collected 8 of the Kanto Gym Badges
Pokémon: Scizor, Charizard, Golduck, Machamp, Porygon, Rhydon, Pidgeot, Ninetales, Exeggutor, Alakazam, Arcanine, Heracross, Dragonite, Tyranitar, Gyarados, Aerodactyl, Tauros, Marowak, Slowbro, Electabuzz, Pinsir, Clefable, Miltank, Gengar, Houndoom, Piloswine, Kingdra
====
Azure slowly blinked, seeing Blue's Pokémon as he mumbled to himself in a surprised tone, "I… I don't think I can properly formulate a plan like this. Blue has way too many Pokémon for me to formulate the right team for this…"
Azure frowned, leaning his back against his seat. Pikachu and Eevee were both asleep on his bed. Celebi and Marshadow were both watching the other matches in fascination.
*Beep*
While Azure analyzed, trying to formulate a plan, he paused, hearing his Arc Phone ring. He picked it up to see text messages filling his Text App as he frowned lightly, reading the text messages that came.
[Steven: Azure, are you there? I heard your Ampharos evolved again? Is it related to those stones you asked me to help you find?]
*Beep*
[Prof. Oak: The tournament isn't over yet? Is the information you said about ME helping you right?! SEND ME THE PICS?!!]
*Beep*
[Geeta: Would you be willing to share how you Mega Evolved with your friend? In fact, a class demonstration would be perfect!]
*Beep*
[Green: Azure… how the heck did you learn Mega Evolution! Evolving Pokémon is my specialty! I'm the Evolver, damn it!]
*Beep*
Azure chuckled, turning off his Arc Phone, helplessly shaking his head. But he shifted his attention to his future matches as he pondered, "Sigh… I'll deal with the backlash later. I'll be sure to inform Prof. Oak of the news about this…"
Azure paused as he read Steven's text messages. He slyly grinned as he muttered to himself, "But first, I'll see if I can get anything out of Steven explaining how to perform Mega Evolution. It'll be a very big topic soon, and I bet those folks of Kalos are gonna be pissed about what I did…"
/////
[Kalos Region, Meanwhile, Shalour City – Tower of Mastery]
As the Indigo League Tenth Pokémon Tournament went underway, the news of Mega Evolution went viral when Azure demonstrated it to the world. The Mega Evolution of Ampharos was the talk of the news in the Trainers community.
But within the Kalos Region, there was an uproar over the news of the world seeing Mega Evolution. Within the Kalos Region, Shalour City is a city located in the western portion of the Kalos Region.
It is the hometown of the Gym Leader Gurkinn. Reflection Cave is to the south, the Tower of Mastery is to the north, and Route 12 is to the east. This moderately sized city is a seaside location, known for its amazing views.
Within the Tower of Mastery, the landmark in Kalos, but also a place to learn about Mega Evolution. The only students who learned Mega Evolution from their Teacher, Gurkinn, were Korrina, Diantha, Peche, Ile, and Or.
Currently, Diantha was away doing her business as an Actress, but at the same time, the other students learned of the news of Azure's Mega Evolution. They all watched on the TV as their eyes widened, seeing Mega Ampharos.
Korrina was pissed seeing a non-successor of someone not associated with them using Mega Evolution for the world to see. Gurkinn saw this as Korrina yelled, "Grandfather Guru Gurkinn! You've always told me that the succession of Mega Evolution was not to be taken lightly!! My duty is to bestow Mega Evolution to those I have tested and accepted through an official succession, that is what you said!!"
Gurkinn nodded with his arms crossed, "Uh-huh. That's right."
Korrina is pointing at the TV showing Azure's battle with Green, showing off Mega Ampharos, and asks frustratedly, "Then… who is this?!"
But then Gurkinn showed a serious expression, halting Korrina's rants, "No idea. But it seems to me the family secret is about to be exposed. Seems like I need to head to Kanto to see this Trainer and ask where he learned about Mega Evolution."
Gurkinn's students remained silent, hearing this as Gurkinn saw Azure's battle. He turned, slyly grinning, seeing this as he thought, 'My ancestors were the ones who introduced Mega Evolution to Kalos. My family has been the one in charge of managing the succession of Mega Evolution… so I wonder where this young man learned of this?'
Gurkinn was interested to learn more about Azure Sky. Korrina gritted her teeth, clenching her fist, and thought angrily, 'Grr… I don't know who you are, mister, but I'll make you pay for not being chosen!'
/////
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
Into the next day, the air in the grand stadium crackled with an almost tangible excitement. Thousands of spectators roared, their collective energy a physical force rippling through the arena.
Giant screens on either side of the colossal battlefield displayed the names of the two formidable trainers: Azure Sky and Blue Oak. The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament's Top 4 was underway, and this was the opening match.
Blue Oak, the legendary Dex Holder with the revered title of 'Trainer', stood opposite him, a familiar smirk playing on his lips. Blue's reputation preceded him – a prodigy, a rival to the Champion, and a master strategist.
Azure Sky, however, met Blue's gaze with a calm, assured smile. His journey from the preliminaries of 256 trainers to this elite top 4 had been arduous, a testament to his skill and the unbreakable bond with his Pokémon.
Pikachu and Eevee, his loyal partners, were perched protectively on his shoulders, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. DJ Mary's voice boomed, amplified across the stadium for all to hear, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first battle of the Top Four! In the corner, the prodigious Blue Oak! And in the other corner, the incredible Champion! Azure Sky!"
Blue stood on the opposing side, a confident smirk playing on his lips, his gaze sharp and assessing. He carried an aura of cool authority, a stark contrast to Azure's calm, almost serene presence.
Their eyes met as no words were needed between them, as both were determined to win. The referee, an imposing figure in a crisp white uniform, raised both arms as he declared, "Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
Blue's voice cut through the stadium's hum, clear and commanding, "Scizor, let's show them what we've got!"
*Pop*
A flash of red light erupted, and in a blur of metallic crimson, Scizor materialized on the field with its held item [Chesto Berry] safely tucked away. Its segmented, armor-like body gleamed, and its mighty pincers clicked menacingly, eyes fixed on Azure with an unyielding intensity.
Azure, ever composed, offered a small, knowing smile. He threw his own Poké Ball with a smooth, practiced flick as he said, "Skarmory, you're up!"
*Pop*
A burst of white light followed, and with a majestic cry, Skarmory unfurled its massive, razor-sharp wings, its metallic body shimmering like polished steel with its held item around its neck [Sharp Beak]. It soared briefly above the field before settling into a defiant stance, its steely gaze meeting Scizor's.
Pikachu chirped excitedly on Azure's shoulder, a spark of electricity flickering on its cheeks, while Eevee let out a soft cry of encouragement, its tail swishing gently. They were ready to support Azure, regardless of the circumstances.
DJ Mary's voice boomed over the loudspeakers as she said excitedly, "A Steel-type matchup! Blue Oak's formidable Scizor against Azure Sky's sturdy Skarmory! Both known for their defensive and offensive capabilities, respectively, this promises to be a strategic clash!"
Blue's smirk widened. But his eyes were calculating as he ordered, "Let's see how that armor holds up, Azure! Scizor, Bullet Punch!"
*Zooom*
Scizor became a red blur, its metallic fist glowing as it rocketed towards Skarmory, the speed of its attack astonishing. Blue was wasting no time, going for an immediate, powerful strike.
Azure's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained steady. He commanded, "Skarmory, fly up! Then follow with Tailwind!"
*Fwp*
Skarmory avoided the confrontation as it flew up. And with a flap of its wings, it creates a strong, turbulent whirlwind, granting its team priority.
Blue eyes narrowed, seeing this, his mind already calculating what moves Skarmory is capable of, as he ordered, "After it, Scizor! Bullet Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor lunged forward, opening its wings as it pushed itself into the sky. Azure's eyes narrowed as he countered, "Skarmory! Steel Wing!"
*Fwp*
*Shinng*
Skarmory met the charge head-on, its mighty wings hardened and glowing with steely energy. The clash was deafening, a ringing CRANG! that echoed through the stadium, sending vibrations through the ground.
*CRANG*
Sparks flew as Scizor's Bullet Punch connected with Skarmory's extended wing, a testament to both Pokémon's incredible resilience. Neither Pokémon gave ground immediately, a testament to their trainers' skill and their inherent strength.
*Tmp*
Scizor landed back down as Skarmory returned to the skies. Both were clearly wary of each other, trusting their trainer's commands. Azure ordered, "Skarmory! Spikes!"
*Fwp*
Skarmory spins its body rapidly, and multiple glowing, metallic red spikes come out of its body and fall onto the battlefield. The spikes sink into the ground when they land.
Upon seeing this, Blue's eyes narrowed, realizing Azure's plan as he thought, 'Hazard entry tactics. Now I understand why he used this Pokémon till now… he was waiting till he showed his hand with this.'
Blue quickly realizes Azure's plan as he frowns. He knew what to do as he quickly recalled Scizor seriously, "Scizor! Return! Planning some dirty tricks there, Sky."
Recalling Scizor into its Poke Ball, Azure shrugged with a smug grin as he replied, "Maybe… but what you call dirty tricks, I call tactics. Since you switched, I get a free move-in when you call out your next Pokémon."
Blue chuckled, hearing that, but didn't deny his words. Reaching for his next Poké Ball on his belt, he swiftly made his choice, "Heh. Fair enough, but don't forget I'm the genius here. Let's go! Charizard!"
*Pop*
A flash of red light erupted, coalescing into the magnificent form of Charizard. Hidden away in the flames of its tail, Charizard has its held item [Sitrius Berry].
Its orange scales shimmered under the stadium lights, its powerful wings unfurled, and it let out a mighty roar that echoed through the arena, a puff of smoke escaping its nostrils, "CHARR!! (It's Showtime!!)"
The crowd gasped, then cheered wildly. Charizard was a fan favorite and Blue's powerhouse.
Pikachu tensed on Azure's shoulder, a low growl rumbling in its chest. Eevee let out a small, worried whimper, seeing the sheer power emanating from Charizard's presence.
Azure, however, remained calm. He had anticipated this as he calmly analyzed the situation, 'Figures he'd send his powerhouse early. With Spikes around, any land-based Pokémon would get harmed only by sending a Pokémon that can naturally fly and can avoid the effects of Spikes. In a high-stakes match like this, we each must play this carefully, expecting what the other Trainer does.'
Knowing this, Azure swiftly got his free move in as Charizard appeared, "Skarmory! Stealth Rocks!"
*Fwp*
Skarmory spins around in the air, forming a swirl of sand and jagged rocks around its body. It then stops spinning, sending the rocks floating around the battlefield, where they disappear from view.
Blue eyes narrowed as he knew Azure had completed his entry hazard plan, but thought seriously, 'It will be troublesome… but I'll have to force him to use both his Z-Move and Mega Evolution. The key to victory is to force him out of his gimmicks. Unlike Green, I've already had a plan in mind to force him once I've done my research. But I need to draw him into a corner to pull it off…'
Having this in mind, Blue swiftly ordered, "Charizard! Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
With an earth-shattering roar, Charizard unleashed a torrent of super-heated flames, a blazing inferno directly aimed at Skarmory. The sheer heat warped the air around it, aiming at Skarmory, and it felt the heat.
Azure countered, his eyes locked on his Pokémon as he yelled, "Skarmory, brace yourself with Swords Dance!"
*Fwp*
Skarmory crossed its wings and began to spin. Just as Skarmory spun around, it deflected the Flamethrower from its sheer speed of its spin, repelling it as it glowed red aura, gaining +2 Attack stage to its stats.
As the flames dissipated, Skarmory remained standing with a smug grin. It let out a proud shriek, "Skar!! (Ha! This but a dance fire lizard!)"
But it was still in the fight, proving its incredible prowess. Charizard growled, seemingly taking offense at the Armor Bird's Pokémon provocation.
DJ Mary shouted in awe, her voice of what she witnessed, "Incredible! Skarmory avoids Charizard's Flamethrower by dancing! What a play!"
Blue's eyes narrowed, a hint of respect entering his gaze as he thought, 'Azure's Skarmory is tougher than it looked. But then again, I suppose this wouldn't be a simple, straightforward battle after all.'
Meanwhile, Azure kept the lead as he gained the attack stage bonus. His eyes darted towards Charizard in the air as he thought, 'Good, at least we managed to avoid that. Now, how to deal with Charizard… best to chip it as best as I could.'
Smirking at this Azure ordered, "Skarmory! Taunt!"
Skarmory smiles smugly at Charizard and waves at it tauntingly, causing it to become agitated and not listen to its Trainer's instructions. Blue frowned as he ordered, "Tch. No support moves in that case… Charizard! Flare Blitz!"
*Ssss*
Charizard's body becomes engulfed in red-orange fire, and it charges at Skarmory, "Char!! (You're toast!)"
Charizard charges after Skarmory in the sky, and Azure frowned. He quickly ordered, "Tch. Skarmory! Substitute!"
*Poof*
Charizard charged straight into Skarmory, but was unaware that at the last second, Skarmory had an energy copy of Substitute. And as Charizard charges at the copy, exploding upon contact, Skarmory dives down, avoiding the attack entirely as it glides down to the ground.
Blue quickly noticed the real Skarmory escaping from Flare Blitz as he said curiously to Azure, "Oh? I see you used a quarter of your max health to create Substitute. But you only just managed to avoid the attack."
Azure grinned as he adjusted his hat and replied nonchalantly, "Yeah. But if Skarmory took the hit, it would've been heavily damaged. But now that your Charizard is distracted… Skarmory! Toxic!"
*Fwp*
Making a drastic turn, Skarmory flapped its wings as it spat out purple sludge from its mouth, aimed at Charizard's back. But Blue quickly countered as he ordered, "Charizard! Swat that poison with Steel Wing!"
*Shinng*
Flickering its wings, it managed to swat the Toxic away by turning its wings into metal, avoiding being poisoned. But this gave Skarmory the chance to close the distance as Azure followed up, "Perfect! Go for an Agile Style! Dual Wingbeat!"
*SMACK*
*SMACK*
Just as Charizard blocked the Toxic Skarmory, it hasn't relented on heading straight towards it in the slightest. Using the chance of Toxic distracting Charizard, Skarmory's wings glowed white as it slammed the target with its wings, inflicting damage as it was hit twice in a row.
*Fwp*
Flying above Charizard, puffed out smoke, getting hit by Skarmory, recoiled in pain. Blue eyes narrowed, but he had a sly grin on his face as he muttered, "Oh? He used Toxic to bait me while he planned another attack, heading straight towards Charizard. But it means his Skarmory only has one way out then…"
*Sssss*
Skarmory's eyes widened as it felt heat radiating off Charizard's body. Blue grinned as he snapped his fingers, "… Charizard! INFERNO!!"
*SSSSS*
Charizard releases a stream of fire from its mouth aimed at Skarmory high above. Azure's eyes widened as he thought, 'Inferno! With its 50% Accuracy, it's no concern, but… with Skarmory showing its back aimed high in one direction, Blue won't need to worry about accuracy checks! Damn it!'
Watching the blazing inferno reach Skarmory, Azure ordered, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
Blocking the raging inferno of fire, Skarmory cast a transparent barrier to defend against the fire. But its eyes squinted, seeing the Charizard closing in on it in the sky as the clash between the two began.
Blue eyes narrowed as did Azure as they both thought more determined to win, 'There's no way we're losing here. Not here. And certainly… Not now. Not till we're the very best like no one ever was before!'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter! And hope you guys like the first time battling Blue Oak!