Chapter 404: Vs Arena Tycoon Greta (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Afternoon, Battle Frontier – Battle Arena]
The rain intensified, the arena echoing with the sound of dripping water. Greta recalled her partner with a nod as she praised Azure, "Good fight. You're good, kid. But I'm just getting started."
She reached for her second Poké Ball. Greta, unfazed, thrust a hand toward the sky as she declared, "Breloom, show him what steel fists feel like!"
*Pop*
The mushroom-like Pokémon appeared, its red cap bright, its arms like coiled springs. It held a [Toxic Orb]. As the poison flared, Breloom's eyes sharpened—its Ability, Poison Heal, activating. The pain made it stronger, faster, hungrier.
Azure inhaled as his mind snapped, 'Poison Heal?'
He could already sense the faint whisper of the ability—the Pokémon would automatically heal itself from poison, turning its poison into an advantage. He glanced at Quagsire, which was already drenched, and felt a pang of concern against Breloom.
But he kept a strong face as he made his commands, keeping Quagsire in, "Quagsire, keep the pressure on—Surf, then Ice Beam!"
*Splash*
Quagsire summoned a wave as it rushed forward towards Breloom. Then it began to channel Ice-type energy…
*PEW*
Quagsire's eyes glowed a bright sapphire, and a blast of icy energy burst from its mouth aimed at Breloom. But Breloom didn't dodge as Greta ordered, "Mach Punch!"
*Zoooom*
It charged through, fists a blur—Mach Punch, repeatedly, deflecting water and ice like a boxer weaving through blows. Greta commanded, "Drain Punch!"
*SMASH*
Breloom lunged, fist glowing green. Quagsire tried to jump—too slow. The punch landed, siphoning health.
Quagsire staggered as Greta followed up with a raised fist, "Breloom! Follow up with double Power-Up Punch!"
*SMASH*
*SMACK*
Then it stretched its arms—Power-Up Punch. Twice. Breloom's arms glowed brighter with each strike. Its Attack rose—+1, then +2. Brutal efficiency.
Azure frowned as he commanded, "Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
Quagsire launched an Earth Power, but Breloom cartwheeled aside. As the ground cracked, Azure saw the opening commanded, "Ice Punch—now!"
*KRACKLE*
Quagsire swung—twice. The first Ice Punch knocked Breloom back, its foot skidding in the mud...
*SMASH*
… The second nearly landed… but Breloom twisted, caught Quagsire's leg. Greta smirked, ordering, "Giga Drain!"
*Shiiii*
Breloom opened its mouth, shooting a red energy ray as it sucked Quagsire's health, doing 4x damage against it, and threw it like a sack of bricks.
*Thud*
Quagsire crashed into the wall, then the ceiling—crack—before falling, limp, into the rain-soaked earth. The rain slowed. The field stilled.
A collective gasp rose from the spectators. Scott leaned forward, his eyebrows knit as he smirked, commenting, "Even my lefties won't believe that—Quagsire was a rock! That Breloom's a beast."
Green's smile was faint but sincere as she replied, "He held on. But the battle isn't over yet... not when you put him into a corner."
Azure's mind raced—he could almost taste the battle's bitter sweetness. He recalled Quagsire thanking it for its efforts, "Thanks, Quagsire. You've done well."
Azure's own next move came with a flick of his wrist, declaring grabbing his Poke Ball from his belt, "Blastoise, I choose you!"
*Pop*
He released the mighty Water‑type, a massive turtle whose shell bore the pattern of ancient seashells. A [Splash Plate]gleamed on its back, the relic's faint aura pulsing in rhythm with the Pokémon's heartbeat.
The crowd reacted in a chorus of gasps and cheers. Scott leaned forward, his eyes wide, muttering, "Blastoise is an interesting pick? I wonder what he plans to do..."
Green, always the analyst, muttered under her breath, "Even Quagsire's defense wasn't enough for that Breloom's power. But a Blastoise defense isn't something to dismiss… I should know that personally."
Azure's voice was calm, almost surgical, "Blastoise, set up Aqua Ring."
*Splash*
The turtle lowered its massive arms, water swirling around its shell, forming a glowing ring that pulsed with a soft cerulean light. The aura seemed to infuse the arena with a gentle hum, the sound reminiscent of distant ocean waves.
Greta's next move was decisive. She retrieved a shimmering Z‑Crystal, its surface glittering with an iridescent hue. She declared, placing the Fightinium Z into her Z‑Ring, "Time to get serious! Z-Move! ALL-OUT PUMMELING!!"
*SHIII*
Azure's eyes narrowed. He had seen Z‑Moves before, spectacular displays of power that could turn the tide in an instant.
*ZOOOOM*
Greta's Breloom drew a deep, primal strength from the crystal. In a flash, the arena lit up. Breloom's paws glowed, the fighting type energy of All‑Out Pummeling surging like a tidal wave.
*SMACK*
*BASH*
*SMASH*
*BAM*
*BANG*
The attack slammed into Blastoise's shell, the impact sending a shockwave of water and earth rippling across the arena. The turtle staggered, its Aqua Ring flickering but not extinguished.
A chorus of "Ooooh!" rose from the stands as Blastoise shook off the blows, its eyes narrowing with determination. Greta's eyes narrowed as she thought, 'Even taking such hits, it still stood…'
Greta shouted, "Breloom, keep the pressure!"
*BOOM*
*BANG*
*SMASH*
*MASH*
*CLANG*
Breloom's paws whipped forward in rapid Mach Punches, each strike a blur of green and brown. The turtle raised a massive shield, its shell glowing with the protective barrier of Protect.
Each punch fell harmlessly against the shimmering barrier, the impact resonating like thunder. For a moment, both trainers were locked in a silent battle of wills—Greta's relentless assault against Azure's unyielding defense.
The arena's lights reflected off the wet surface, the rain's after‑glow still clinging to the stone. The audience watched with bated breath as the battle surged back and forth between them.
Azure, seizing a brief opening, gave a whispered command, "Blastoise, Strong Style Skull Bash!"
*BOOOM*
The massive turtle lunged forward, its shell rotating like a battering ram. The force of the impact sent Breloom slamming into the arena's side wall, a spray of soil and leaves erupting upon contact.
The crowd gasped as Breloom scrambled back onto its feet, its eyes blazing with fury. Greta wasn't ready to yield. She ordered, "Focus Punch—now!"
Breloom's muscles tensed, its body glowing faintly with an inner light as it prepared the devastating move. The arena fell silent, the only sound the faint ticking of the massive clock embedded in the arena's walls.
Blastoise's eyes flickered. Azure hesitated, then shouted, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
The shield surged up, enveloping the turtle in a shimmering barrier just as Breloom's fist surged forward. The impact was so strong that the shield cracked, a burst of light spilling out, but the barrier held—just enough.
However, the strain was too great. The shield shattered, and Blastoise fell backward onto its stomach, the force reverberating through its body.
*SLAM*
Breloom's fist slammed the ground where the turtle had been, shaking the arena's floor. It was a moment where the battle seemed to hinge on a razor's edge—an instant of pure, raw power against a steadfast defense.
The audience rose, a collective gasp filling the air. Green's breath caught in her throat, eyes darting between the two opponents. She whispered, admiring the resilience of Azure's team, "He's still alive."
Azure shouted, desperation searing his voice, "Now!"
*WOOOSH*
Blastoise, though reeling, managed to summon a final surge of power as Azure commanded, "Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
The turtle's mouth opened, a vortex of icy blue energy exploding outward, a beam of frigid light cutting through the arena's warm air. The shard of ice struck Breloom squarely on its torso, an explosion of frosty particles scattering in all directions.
*BOOM*
The effect was immediate. Breloom's body shivered as the ice enveloped it, a crystalline shell forming around its limbs. The Breloom's fighting spirit faltered, its movements slowing dramatically as the freezing energy spread through its veins.
*Thud*
Breloom had fainted. The grass‑clad Pokémon collapsed onto the arena floor, its eyes glazing over as the icy grip took hold.
The rain had ceased entirely now, the only sounds the echo of the crowd's cheers and the soft hiss of melting ice. Azure, breathing heavily, murmured, "Too close for comfort there. But the battle isn't over yet…"
Greta's expression was fierce, undaunted. She held her last Poké Ball with a warrior's grip as she declared, "Heracross! Show him true guts!"
*Pop*
The beetle Pokémon landed with a heavy thud, its horn gleaming, a sharp focus in its eyes. Azure noted the distinct shape of the [Heracronite] adorning its horn guard.
Knowing this, Azure sighed as he ordered, "Blastoise! Rain Dance!"
*RMBL*
Blastoise shot a ball of energy into the air from its cannons. The sky above rumbled as clouds began to form as Greta declared, "Focus Punch!"
*BOOOOM*
Heracross slammed its fist into Blastoise's underbelly as it recoiled in pain. Then it flopped down over fainting from the spot as the rainfall began to drop.
Azure recalled the battered Blastoise as he praised its work, "Great work. Now... Salamence! The sky is ours!"
*Pop*
His final Pokémon materialized in a burst of light – the imposing Dragon Pokémon, its wings already flexing with barely contained power. A matching [Salamencite] glowed faintly at its throat.
Simultaneously, both Trainers raised wrists adorned with Key Stones. The arena air crackled with sheer, primal energy.
Greta commanded, her voice rising above the gathering storm of power, "Heracross! Tear that dragon down! MEGA EVOLVE!"
Azure shouted, his own Key Stone Glove blazing, "Salamence! Unlock your wings! MEGA EVOLUTION!"
*SHIII*
Twin spirals of light engulfed the Pokémon. Mega Heracross emerged, its horn colossal, segmented, becoming a terrifyingly powerful drill, its carapace thicker, bulkier. Mega Salamence roared, its wings elongating and merging into a single, massive crescent moon shape, its body sleeker, radiating draconic fury.
Greta frowned deeply, knowing the type disadvantage – her Mega Heracross (Bug/Fighting) faced Mega Salamence (Dragon/Flying). Bug and Fighting attacks would do minimal damage.
But her eyes held fierce resolve. She'd see this through.
Azure saw her resolve and knew he couldn't rely solely on type advantage against the relentless Skill Link ability Mega Heracross now possessed – guaranteeing multi-hit moves would always land five times. The rain hammered down.
Greta yelled over the downpour, "Rock Blast! Pin it down!"
*PEW*
*PEW*
*PEW*
Mega Heracross tensed, its horn glowing with rock-type energy. Azure reacted instantly commanding, "Salamence! Tera Blast!!"
*PEW*
The unique move met Salamence's innate ability. The Normal-type energy coalescing in its maw was instantly transformed into a screaming vortex of Flying-type power by Aerilate. Salamence unleashed it – a torrent of sound and wind that shredded through the incoming barrage of five fast-flying rocks.
*BOOOM*
The Rock Blasts dissolved into dust before reaching their target. The transformed Tera Blast roared onwards towards Mega Heracross.
Greta screamed, "PROTECT!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier flared just in time, absorbing the devastating Aerilate-boosted blast with a deafening CRACK and erupting into a thick smokescreen. Azure didn't wait for it to clear; he knew the rain guaranteed perfect accuracy for his next move.
Azure roared, "Hurricane! Cleanse the field!"
*FWP*
*WOOOOSH*
Salamence flapped its massive wings within the smoke. Instantly, the rain was whipped into a violent, swirling storm funnel. It tore through the smoke and engulfed Mega Heracross before it could react.
The Bug/Fighting type cried out as the tempest lifted and slammed it down hard. When the wind subsided, Heracross stumbled, eyes swirling – confused. Greta gritted her teeth as she barked orders, "Heracross! Shake it off! Use Mimic! Match its strength!"
*WOOOOSH*
The bewildered Pokémon focused through the haze, its horn glowing as it copied the last used move. A second Hurricane erupted from Mega Heracross, slamming into Mega Salamence with equal fury.
The dragon roared as it was battered, its own eyes swirling with confusion as the secondary effect of Hurricane took hold. Both titans were now grounded, reeling, mindlessly thrashing against insubstantial foes.
Pikachu squeaked in alarm. Tucker whistled. Anabel barely blinked.
*SMACK*
Azure saw Greta open her mouth to command, but then Heracross swung wildly, smashing its own horn-arm into its head in a cloud of dust. Confusion damage.
Azure had planned for this chaotic moment. He commanded, not at Heracross, but pointing fiercely downwards, "Salamence! Zen Headbutt! Clear your mind! Aim for the ground!"
*SLAM*
Confused but still responsive to its trusted trainer, Mega Salamence roared and plunged its psychic-empowered head directly into the muddy earth with a colossal THUD sound. The impact reverberated through the arena. Dirt sprayed.
When Salamence lifted its head, its eyes were sharp and clear again – the confusion status condition gone. The shock snapped it out of confusion.
Azure exhaled, seeing his Pokémon back in control. Then he spoke, "Back in control, good. Now, stay sharp."
Greta tried to recover as she commanded, "Rock Blast—again!"
*SMACK*
Heracross summoned the stones. But confusion lingered. The Rock Blast misfired—two stones hit Salamence, but three slammed into Heracross's own body.
The Heracross roared in pain—but then stilled. Clarity returned in its eyes as Greta smiled internally, thinking, 'Oh, thank god it finally broke out of confusion! I have to change this battle around!'
But Azure didn't give her time. He quickly ordered, "Strong Style Hurricane!"
*FWP*
*WOOOSH*
The storm descended once more. Salamence flapped its wings as Greta ordered, "Endure Heracross!"
Heracross crossed its arms, initiating Endure. It stood its ground…
*BOOOM*
The attack hit. The crowd gasped as Heracross dropped to one knee, armor cracked, but still breathing.
Greta grits her teeth, commanding, "Rock Blast!"
Then, with a defiant scream, it launched a final Rock Blast. But…
*Woooosh*
Salamence twisted, narrowly dodging them with Dragon Dance. A red glow showed as it gained +1 Attack and Speed.
Azure's voice was calm. Resolved as he uttered, "Strong Style Hyper Beam."
*Shiiii*
Salamence drew in light—pure, radiant energy. It coiled in its maw, growing brighter, hotter till…
*PEW*
It—fired. The beam cut through the air like a falling star.
Heracross raised its arms. But it wasn't enough.
*KA-BOOOOM*
The Hyper Beam struck true—engulfing Rock Blast, shattering the barrier, and consuming Heracross in a blinding explosion. When the light faded, the beetle was down. Heracross fainted on the ground.
Silence.
Then—cheers. Azure dropped to one knee as Salamence landed beside him, wings folding. He wrapped his arms around the draconic neck, breathing hard as he praised it, reverting to normal again, "We did it. We did it!"
Greta recalled her Pokémon with a smile. She stepped across the field, handing over the Guts Symbol—a golden medallion shaped like a clenched fist. She said proudly, "You earned this. Not just for winning, but for fighting. You never broke. Not once."
Azure took it reverently. He said tiredly, voice hoarse, "Thanks, but… ah… I'm gonna… take a nap now."
She laughed at his reaction as she offered politely, "You've got accommodations here now. Battle Frontier's yours to rest in. You've earned that, too."
He nodded, exhaustion catching up like a wave. Green approached, Pikachu leaping into her arms while Eevee nuzzled Azure's leg. She teased lightly, "Took you long enough. Only 4 Frontier Brains in 4 days? Slacking."
He grinned weakly as he replied dismissively, "Wait till I go after the next one. Then you'll see slacking."
She rolled her eyes, but there was pride in them as she stated, "Just don't get cocky. There are still 3 more Symbols out there."
Azure said confidently, looking at the Guts Symbol in his palm, "And I'll get everyone. Not because I want to prove something. But because the journey means something."
Pikachu climbed back onto his shoulder, chirping softly. Eevee purred at his feet. And high above, the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the Frontier—a kingdom of trials, of strength, of spirit.
Azure Sky had won today. But tomorrow?
Tomorrow was another battle. And he would meet it—with guts.
[Darkrai uses its ability [Bad Dreams]!]
[Ding!]
[Due to the User's Viridian Force, it blocked Darkrai's ability!]
Azure's eyes twitched seeing that again as he yawned internally, thinking, 'Ahhh… damn, I really need to deal with Darkrai soon enough. The better question would be how to deal with him…'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!