Chapter 406: Battle Dome! [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Battle Frontier – Battle Dome]
The sun rose over the jagged silhouettes of the Battle Frontier, painting the skies in shades of gold and cerulean. The air hummed with anticipation. In the heart of the tropical archipelago, the Battle Dome towered like a futuristic coliseum, its polished steel dome shimmering under the morning light.
Trainers from all regions milled about, buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the day's grand tournament a gauntlet of strategy, power, and will.
Azure stepped out of the Battle Frontier hotel, Pikachu perched comfortably on his shoulder, and Eevee nestled on his head. Beside him walked Green, a radiant smile on her face. She was accompanied by a baby Mew, recently hatched the night before, thanks to a wish granted by Jirachi, currently invisible.
Their destination: the Battle Dome, and the challenge of facing Tucker. He'd already claimed the symbols from Noland, Brandon, Greta, and Lucy, leaving only Tucker standing between him and complete mastery of the Battle Frontier.
Mew flapped its minuscule tail, eyes wide with wonder, before transforming into a tiny, squeaky Pichu. It waddled over to Pikachu, who handed it a small bottle of Moomoo Milk with surprising gentleness.
Eevee chirped in amusement as the infant Pokémon sipped eagerly. Green teased, ruffling Eevee's fur, "You're already getting spoiled."
Azure grinned, seeing his partners take care of the baby Mew in a Pichu disguise, "Can't blame them. It's not every day a Mew is born on a whim."
Green rolled her eyes at his comment as she muttered shamelessly, "You're just lucky that Jirachi granted that wish. One word off and you'd have wished for infinite Pokéblocks instead."
Azure laughed as he replied, "Hey, I'd still be happy."
A surge of excitement coursed through Azure as he approached the Dome, the thrill of competition a familiar comfort. He'd enjoyed a good night's rest, sharing stories and berries with Pikachu, preparing for the battle ahead…
*BOOOM*
A thunderous BOOM shattered their moment of peace. Suddenly, a colossal explosion rocked the arena, sending a plume of smoke and debris into the sky. From the heart of the chaos emerged Tucker, soaring through the air on the back of his Salamence, held aloft by a network of shimmering strings.
The dragon circled the dome gracefully, its tail laced with thin, nearly invisible strings that tethered Tucker to its back, allowing him to glide like a bird of prey. Tucker's voice echoed through the arena via a hidden PA system, "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Battle Dome — where strategy reigns supreme, and only the tactically gifted rise to glory!"
He dipped low, casting a shadow over the gathering crowd. His tone shifted — respectful, but edged with challenge, "And a special welcome to the Champion of Three Leagues — Azure Sky! I know why you're here. You've already claimed four of our symbols. You've bested Noland, Brandon, Greta, and Lucy. But you're not here just for the Tactics Symbol, are you? You're here to stop what's coming."
Azure's expression darkened. He had come to expose the remnants of Sird's operation — the shadowy network that had once infiltrated the Battle Frontier. And he had already achieved his objective of collecting Jirachi and using its three wishes.
But this wasn't the time for speeches. Azure's enthusiasm didn't wane as he asked bluntly, stepping forward, "Just the battle, then? No lengthy speeches?"
Tucker's jovial facade cracked, but he smirked as he stated proudly, "Impatient as ever, I see. Very well. But before we begin, allow me to direct your attention to the S.S. Tidal, docked at the Frontier."
He gestured towards a large ship bustling with activity. Azure and Green turned to see. Docked at the edge of the Frontier's artificial harbor was the S.S. Tidal, a massive luxury liner. Hundreds of Trainers were disembarking — kids, veterans, coordinators, and challengers alike, all dressed in gear and clutching Poké Balls.
Green, her keen eyes scanning the scene, noted the stream of Trainers disembarking and muttered, "There are a lot of people leaving that ship."
Tucker nodded, explaining to the group in a flamboyant tone, "Indeed. Regular Trainers. Invited not as spectators, but as competitors. We decided to open the Battle Dome's tournament to the public. The old system — computer-controlled battles — was growing stale. Real people. Real stakes. Real excitement."
From the shadows, Anabel stepped forward, her psychic aura calm but firm as she stated to them, "We know the risks. But with your help, capturing Sird, we're able to proceed forward. We know how to protect our guests. The Frontier Brains will stand guard. No one will be harmed."
Tucker continued, explaining the structure of the Battle Dome tournament, "Sixteen Trainers will compete in a series of five rounds. Only the victor of each round of sixteen will earn the right to challenge me for the Tactics Symbol."
They entered the Dome, a cavernous space filled with the excited chatter of spectators. Tucker, with a flourish, launched back into the air, performing a dazzling aerial display with his Salamence.
Pikachu and Eevee, released from their perches, scampered over to Green, who was already finding a spot in the stands. Baby Mew, still getting used to its form, playfully used Transform, mimicking a Pichu and happily accepting another bottle of Moomoo Milk from Pikachu.
Azure made his way towards the challengers' corner, but the effect of his reputation preceded him. A ripple of recognition spread through the assembled Trainers. Eyes widened, whispers circulated, and a path instinctively parted for him, allowing him to take a seat.
He could feel their intense scrutiny, the desire to test their strength against the legendary champion. Azure studied the crowd. His eyes narrowed. He could feel the energy — anticipation, ambition, fear. And then, the weight of recognition.
As he strode toward the Battle Dome's entrance, the crowd parted. Whispers rippled through the air.
"That's him…"
"Azure Sky — the guy who beat Hoenn's Elite Fours."
"I've heard he took down a Mega Metagross with a Lv. 50 Pikachu."
"He used one move to beat four Frontier Brains."
Some stepped back. Others stared in awe. A few narrowed their eyes, clenching their fists — challengers who saw not a legend, but a target.
Azure ignored them. He was used to it, of course. Three League victories tended to draw attention. But he couldn't help but clench his fist, his thoughts turning to the Pokémon waiting in their Poke Balls.
But inside his pocket, his fingers brushed against three Poké Balls. The three he'll be choosing against Tucker: Milotic. Ampharos. Dragonite.
He'd chosen them carefully. Each held a key item: Milotic with its [Flame Orb], burning with pain to fuel its ferocity; Ampharos with the [Ampharosite], ready to Mega Evolve at a moment's notice; and Dragonite, cradling the [Dragoninite], eager to unleash its Mega form at full power.
These weren't just Pokémon — they were weapons of war, forged in battle after battle. And he'd need every ounce of their power to face Tucker.
The tournament began, and battles erupted across the arena. The arena roared to life. The stands were packed. A massive digital board displayed the tournament bracket: 16 Trainers. 5 Tiers. 1 Victor.
Scott, the Frontier's overseer, stood at the commentator's booth, adjusting his glasses with a smirk as he announced, "Folks, welcome to the Battle Dome! Only by winning five straight battles can a Trainer face Tucker — live, in the flesh, to battle! And look who's on the starting roster…"
He pointed to the screen. The screen revealed:
AZURE SKY vs. AROMA LADY ROSE
The crowd gasped. On the challenger's side, Rose — a floral-robed Trainer from the Johto Region, known for her elegant Grass-types — stepped onto the battlefield, a confident smile on her face.
But on Azure's side, his expression was grim focus as he entered from the other side. He said calmly, tossing the Poké Ball, "Dragonite, I choose you."
*Pop*
The great dragon erupted in a flash of light — massive, powerful, her eyes gleaming with restrained excitement. Around her neck was its held item [Dragoninite].
Rose commanded, hurling her Poke Ball, "Shiftry, stand strong!"
*Pop*
The woods-tempered creature landed with a thud, leaves swirling. Around its neck was the held item [Miracle Seed] as it took its stance.
Rose cried, "Tailwind!"
*FWP*
Shiftry spun, flapping its wings, producing Tailwind. A gust of air surged across the field, speeding up her Pokémon.
Azure didn't blink as he commanded, "Extreme Speed."
*ZOOOOM*
Dragonite vanished — a blur of motion. Before Shiftry could react, Azure followed up, "Followed up with Fire Punch."
*CRACK*
… it was struck mid-air and sent crashing into the wall with a thunderous crack. Before it could rise, Dragonite spun — Fire Punch, lighting her fist like a meteor — and slammed it home.
*THUD*
Shiftry slammed onto the ground as it formed a crater. Shiftry fainted.
The crowd erupted. Rose staggered back, eyes widening at the difference in power, "No way… one hit?!"
She didn't have time to mourn. She recalled Shiftry bringing another Poké Ball as she hurled it with a cry, "Vileplume! Go!"
*Pop*
The giant flower Pokémon landed with a puff of toxic spores. Its held item was a [Miracle Seed] as it carefully eyed Azure's Dragonite.
Rose shouted, "Giga Drain!"
*ZAP*
Vileplume extended its petals, siphoning energy from Dragonite. But Azure's Dragonite didn't flinch, just raised an eyebrow with an amused expression.
Azure sighed as he commanded dismissively, "Sigh… Fire Punch. Again."
*BANG*
Another blur. Another impact.
*THUD*
Vileplume soared across the field, landing in a crumpled heap. The announcer bellowed, "Victory goes to Azure Sky!"
The crowd roared in excitement as Azure recalled Dragonite praising its work, "Good work, girl. Just like usual."
Scott approached Azure, impressed as he asked curiously, "That Dragonite is something else. How did you get it so strong?"
Azure shrugged as he explained casually to Scott, "Just a lot of training and vitamins. I used the Battle Points I earned from the other facilities to maximize its IVs."
Azure appreciated the convenience of the Battle Dome's Battle Card system, which provided detailed information on his opponents' Pokémon and strategies as he muttered, "The key to beating the Battle Dome is picking the right tactics, using the information they give you."
He reviewed the card again, preparing for his next battle against Ranger Masaharu. Scott, meanwhile, grinned as he whispered under his breath, "And you're not even Mega Evolving. This is terrifying."
//////
[Hoenn Region, Later, Battle Frontier – Battle Dome (Outside)]
Azure stepped into the open air, breathing deeply. The roar of the crowd faded behind him. He needed a moment — to reset, to recalibrate.
He and others were given a 15-minute break to collect their thoughts. Azure for himself needed to rest his mind.
He found a quiet bench beneath a palm tree, Eevee leaping into his lap, Pikachu hopping beside him. Baby Mew, still in Pichu form, curled up on Green's lap as she sat beside him. She said, nudging him with a teasing grin, "You're on fire. One-move KOs. People are calling you the Tyrant of Tactics."
He snorted as he replied, "I prefer Strategist Supreme."
Before she could retort, two familiar voices cut through the noise as one came a loud, boisterous cry, "Master!"
Azure turned to see Ruby and Sapphire rushing towards him, their faces beaming with excitement as Ruby exclaimed, "Azure! We're so glad to see you!"
Ruby and Sapphire the Hoenn duo, legend in their own right marched toward him, grins wide. Ruby dressed in his contest gear, adjusted himself and asked in a happy tone, "Took us long enough to find you. We've been tracking your battles since the Frontier."
Sapphire, wild-haired and energetic, punched her palm as she exclaimed, "We saw the news on our Rotom Phones! Thought we'd come see the big shot in action!"
Azure stood, smiling as he asked, surprised, "What are you two doing here?"
Ruby crossed his arms with a grin as he explained casually, gesturing to the dome, "Why not? The Battle Frontier is the ultimate test. And after seeing you compete, we decided — we're joining the tournament."
Sapphire cracked her knuckles. Her eyes full of fighting spirit declared, "And when we win, we're challenging you."
Azure laughed — a real, full-bellied laugh as he said happily, "You're both insane. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
Green stood as she said with light tease, "They'll beat you, you know."
Azure merely smirked as he stated confidently, "Doubt it. But I'd love to see them try."
As the four made their way back toward the dome, none of them noticed someone watching from the shadows.
Scott.
He adjusted his coat, eyes gleaming. A shiver ran down his spine as he murmured, "Ruby. Sapphire. Azure. Tucker. The Hoenn Dex Holders… returning to the stage. This tournament just became more exciting."
/////
[Hoenn Region, Battle Frontier – Battle Dome]
The battlefield crackled with energy. Azure returned from the intermission as he had Ampharos taking the lead against his finalist opponent.
Masaharu — a Frontier Ranger known for his Water- and Fighting-types — stood tall, Gyarados thrashing behind him, its rage palpable. Masaharu eyes Azure and Ampharos cautiously with sweat trickling down his face.
Masaharu commanded, "Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Gyarados slammed its tail to the ground, causing the arena to shake. The ground shattered, fissures racing toward Azure.
Azure said calmly, "Stand firm, Ampharos. Magnet Rise."
*ZZZZT*
The towering yellow Pokémon planted its feet above the ground as an electric aura veiled around it, activating its Magnet Rise move. No Mega Evolution — not yet. Just raw power and discipline.
*Wooosh*
The quake hit. Dust exploded.
But Ampharos remained, unshaken and unharmed, as it levitated casually above the battlefield with a cheeky grin indicating the attack missed. Azure ordered, "Strong Style Thunderbolt."
*ZZZZZZT*
Then — Thunderbolt. A bolt of pure electricity split the sky, striking Gyarados whole body as it spasmed in pain.
*THUD*
It roared — then collapsed, fainted. Masaharu's eyes widened as he whispered, "No… it didn't even flinch?"
He gritted his teeth, recalling Gyarados. Then he hurled his next Poke Ball, declaring, "Ursaring! Finish it with Hammer Arm!"
*Pop*
The bear Pokémon roared as it eyed Ampharos with sheer ferocity. Then it charged — Hammer Arm aimed like a sledgehammer.
But Ampharos crossed its arms as Azure ordered, "Delta Shield."
*SHINNG*
Delta Shield. Light Screen and Reflect combined into a shimmering barrier.
*BOING*
The blow landed — and bounced off. Masaharu paled seeing it did no damage, desperately ordered, "Hyper Beam! Full power!"
*SHIII*
Ursaring began to charge the beam, but Azure ordered, "Charge."
*ZZZZT*
Ampharos's whole body began to glow as electricity in its wool began to charge up for a devastating electric attack. But Ursaring charged the colossal beam — a white-hot lance of energy as it struck the Delta Shield.
*PEW*
*BOOOOOM*
The Delta Shield shook — but held. Masaharu paled, seeing as he muttered, "What the hell kind of move is this?!"
But seeing his Ursaring in its recharge state, Azure didn't hesitate to capitalize on it. And then, Ampharos raised its head…
*ZZZZZT*
It began to charge — electricity gathering in its core, lighting up the entire arena. As it dropped its head, the Delta Shield dropped.
Azure commanded, "Zap Cannon."
*PEW*
A single, crackling orb of energy fired — slow, deliberate. It raced towards the exhausted Ursaring as it could only widened its eyes in shock seeing the incoming orb of electricity as it landed on its chest…
*KA-BOOOOM*
The Zap Cannon sent the bear flying. It skidded across the field, unconscious.
The announcer soon declared in an excited tone, "Victory to Azure Sky! He advances to the Finals!"
The crowd lost it. Even Ruby and Sapphire, watching from the stands, exchanged stunned looks as Ruby uttered, "He didn't even Mega Evolve…"
Sapphire grinned as she replied, "That's why he's Master."
Both nodded as they planned to enter the next round of the Tournament. Both determined to see how much they improved over the past few months…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 400 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!