Chapter 412: Vs Salon Maiden Anabel
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Battle Frontier – Battle Tower (Highest Floor)]
Once Scott said his words, the battle began. Azure didn't hesitate as he hurled his Poké Ball, declaring, "Tyranitar! Tear it down!"
Anabel whispered, though her lips barely moved as she hurled her Poké Ball, "Alakazam. It's time to dance."
Simultaneously, both tossed their Poke Balls. Two Poké Balls burst open.
*POP*
On one side, a humanoid fox clutching two silver spoons materialized in a meditative hover, revealed to be Alakazm the Psi Pokémon. Around its neck, a Mega Stone glinted its held item [Alakazite].
*THUD*
On the other side, the floor cracked under the weight of a kaiju. Tyranitar, with its held item [Leftovers], roared, a sound that vibrated in the spectators' chests, "GRAOOO!!! (For thousands of years I lay dormant, who disturbs – oh, hey, Dad!)"
*Wooosh*
Instantly, its Sand Stream ability triggered. The calm night air was shredded as a violent sandstorm erupted from Tyranitar's armor, whipping around the arena and obscuring vision within seconds.
Azure commanded, "Start with Taunt!"
Tyranitar snarled, making a rude, aggressive gesture to goad the Alakazam into a physical confrontation. But Anabel's eyes glowed a faint purple.
She didn't speak. She didn't need to.
Anabel telepathically ordered, 'Miracle Eye.'
*Flash*
Alakazam's eyes flashed. A strange symbol appeared over Tyranitar's forehead, stripping away the Dark-type immunity to Psychic moves.
Before the Taunt could even register, Alakazam flicked a spoon, followed by Anabel's telepathic command, 'Telekinesis.'
*SHIII*
Sapphire gasped from the stands, "What?!"
The massive, rock-skinned Tyranitar was lifted off the ground as if it weighed nothing. Suspended in the air, Tyranitar thrashed, his footing gone.
Azure yelled, "Don't let him breathe! Dark Pulse!"
*PEW*
Tyranitar opened its maw, firing a beam of dark, negative energy. But Alakazam, floating serenely, simply raised a spoon as Anabel commanded, 'Psybeam.'
*PEW*
A multi-colored ray of confusion energy intercepted the Dark Pulse, neutralizing it in a shower of sparks. Anabel's voice echoed in Alakazam's mind, 'Follow that up with a Focus Punch.'
*Zoooom*
The Psi Pokémon vanished in a blur of speed, appearing right in front of the floating Tyranitar. Its fist glowed with concentrated fighting energy.
*BAM*
The impact was sickening. Tyranitar was launched backward, crashing into the invisible barrier with enough force to ripple the energy field.
*THUD*
He slid down, gasping, the [Leftovers] held in his claws glowing softly to heal a fraction of the damage. Noland muttered, shaking his head helplessly, "He's getting toyed around with. Without commands, her reaction time is instantaneous. Azure can't shout faster than she can think."
Azure gritted his teeth. The sandstorm raged, buffeting Alakazam, but the Psychic-type seemed unbothered, shielded by a layer of telekinetic force.
Azure calmly analyzed the situation as he muttered, "If we can't hit him, we change the game. Tyranitar! Dragon Dance!"
*SHIII*
Tyranitar stomped the ground, performing a mystic, terrifying stomping ritual. His Attack and Speed rose by +1 stage.
*PEW*
Alakazam moved to interrupt, firing another Psybeam. Azure roared, "Use the sand! Sandstorm Shield!"
*WOOOOSH*
Tyranitar didn't dodge. He manipulated the whipping sands of his own ability, compressing them into a dense, rotating wall of grit in front of him. The Psybeam hit the sand wall and dissipated.
Azure commanded, "Now, bring him down to earth!"
*WOOOOSH*
Tyranitar roared, and the sandstorm grew heavier. It wasn't just wind anymore; the sand clung to Alakazam, weighing down the spoon-bender. The Telekinesis faltered under the physical weight of the sediment, and Alakazam sank toward the floor.
Anabel's eyes narrowed. She touched the Key Stone on her bangle. She projected, 'Beyond the limits, Alakazam. Mega Evolution.'
*FLASH*
A blinding light erupted from Alakazam. Its beard grew long and white, its body became frail and elderly, and five spoons levitated behind it in a geometric halo. Mega Alakazam. Its Psychic power skyrocketed, pushing the heavy sand away with a mere thought.
Anabel's voice echoed in Alakazam's mind, 'Psybeam. Full power!'
*PEW*
The beam that fired this time was twice as thick, crackling with energy. Azure screamed, "Counter Shield! Sand Tomb variant!"
*WOOOSH*
Tyranitar smashed its tail into the ground. A vortex of sand erupted, but not at Alakazam—it spun around Tyranitar. The Sand Tomb created a spinning tornado of rock and debris, completely obscuring Tyranitar from view…
*BOOM*
The Psybeam hit the tornado and was deflected, scattering into harmless lights. Spencer murmured, leaning on his staff, "Incredible. He's using an offensive trapping move as a defensive barrier. The boy's creativity knows no bounds."
Anabel remained unmoved as she commanded mentally, 'Psyshock. Break it.'
*BOOOM*
Mega Alakazam thrust all five spoons forward. A wave of physical psychic energy materialized, slamming into the sand tornado. The Counter Shield shattered, the sand blasting away to reveal...
*Wooosh*
Nothing. A hole in the ground.
Anabel's eyes widened for the first time as she spoke for the first time in shock, "Tyranitar used Dig?!"
Azure's voice cut through the storm, "NOW! ROAR!"
*BOOOM*
The ground beneath Mega Alakazam exploded. Tyranitar burst upward, not to attack, but to unleash a primal, terrifying roar, "GRAOOOO!!! (FUCK OFF!!!)"
The sonic wave was infused with a phantasmal energy that forced a switch. Mega Alakazam was dragged back into its Poké Ball by the red light of the forced recall.
Anabel gasped, her telepathic link severed abruptly. Soon, a random Poké Ball from her belt popped open…
*Pop*
"Snorlax!"
The Sleeping Pokémon materialized, blinking groggily, a [Chesto Berry] clutched in its paw. It looked around, confused by the sudden summons and the stinging sandstorm.
But Azure grinned, seeing the opportunity declared, "Don't give it a second! Strong Style Stone Edge!"
*RMBL*
Tyranitar slammed the ground. Jagged pillars of rock shot up, slamming into Snorlax before it could orient itself.
Anabel recovered instantly. Her mind touched Snorlax's as she telepathically ordered, 'Belly Drum. Maximize power.'
Snorlax raised its hand to drum its belly, preparing to sacrifice health for maximum attack power. But Azure caught it immediately as he thought, 'Belly Drum with Chesto Berry into Rest. No fucking way I'm dealing with a MAX Attack Snorlax!'
Azure countered, "Oh no, you don't! Taunt!"
Tyranitar snarled, mocking the Snorlax, "Heh. (I ate your favorite food.)"
Snorlax took offense to Tyranitar's Taunt, "Snor… SNORLAX?! (Hmm… WHAT?!! YOU ARE COURTING DEATH!!!)"
Enraged, Snorlax abandoned the strategic buff. It roared back, its eyes burning with anger. It could only use attacking moves now.
Anabel's eye twitched as she mentally commanded, 'Ice Punch.'
Seeing the incoming Ice Punch, Azure countered, "Power-Up Punch!"
The two titans collided in the center of the arena. Snorlax's fist, encased in sub-zero ice, met Tyranitar's fist, glowing with orange fighting energy.
*BOOM*
A shockwave blew the sand away from the center of the roof. Tucker yelled, holding onto his crown, "Look at the power! They're shaking the whole tower!"
Snorlax was heavy, but Tyranitar was a mountain. With the Power-Up Punch connecting, Tyranitar's Attack rose further. Tyranitar was now at +2…
*BOOOOM*
They traded blows again. Snorlax landed a heavy Ice Punch on Tyranitar's shoulder, super-effective damage, freezing the armor. Tyranitar didn't flinch.
*BOOOM*
He countered with another Power-Up Punch to the gut. Snorlax doubled over as Tyranitar's attack grew to Attack +3.
Azure commanded, "Keep going! Don't stop!"
Snorlax swung a massive arm. Tyranitar ducked and slammed a Strong Style Headbutt into Snorlax's chin and a Power-Up Punch to the gut.
*BAM*
Snorlax stumbled back. Tyranitar's attack grew to Attack +4.
Greta observed, her fists clenching as she commented, "It's a snowball effect. Every time Tyranitar hits that Power-Up Punch, it gets stronger. Snorlax is tough, but he can't out-damage a Tyranitar that keeps buffing itself."
Anabel sensed the danger. Snorlax was taking too much damage from the sandstorm and the blows.
Anabel telepathically commanded, 'Focus Punch. End it.'
Snorlax tightened its focus, ignoring the sand pelting its face. Its fist glowed with immense power. It swung—a haymaker that would have knocked Tyranitar out cold.
But Azure countered, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
A green energy shield snapped into place. Snorlax's fist slammed into the barrier, the energy dissipating harmlessly. Snorlax stumbled forward, off-balance from the missed swing.
Azure smirked as he commanded, "Now! Power-Up Punch again!"
*BOOOM*
Tyranitar uppercutted the off-balance Snorlax. Tyranitar's attack rose again, now stacking at +5 Attack Stats.
Snorlax roared, trying one last desperate Focus Punch. But Azure ordered, "Now Tyranitar! Jump!"
*BOOOM*
Despite his size, the +1 Speed from the earlier Dragon Dance allowed Tyranitar to launch himself into the air. Snorlax's fist smashed into the concrete floor, cracking the roof tiles. Snorlax hissed in pain, clutching its hand.
Azure pointed a finger down as he commanded, "Finish it! Giga Impact!"
*BOOOM*
Gravity took hold. Tyranitar fell from the sky, wrapped in a chaotic aura of purple and orange energy. He slammed into Snorlax like a meteor. The impact was deafening. Dust and debris clouded the entire barrier.
When it settled, the massive Snorlax was laid out flat on its back, eyes swirling. Scott declared, "Snorlax is unable to battle! Tyranitar wins!"
The crowd cheered, but Azure didn't smile. Tyranitar stood panting heavily, the Giga Impact leaving him immobile for a moment to recharge. He was battered, frozen in patches, and tired.
Anabel recalled Snorlax. She looked at Azure, a flicker of respect in her eyes as she said calmly, "You forced my hand. But power comes with a cost."
She threw her ball in a confident voice, "Alakazam!"
*Pop*
The Mega Alakazam returned to the field, its spoons humming with vengeance. It saw Tyranitar frozen in the recharge state, unable to move.
Anabel commanded telepathically, 'Focus Blast.'
*SHIIII*
Alakazam gathered a sphere of unstable fighting energy—4x effective against Tyranitar. Green cried out, clutching Eevee tight, "He can't move!"
*BOOOOM*
The blast fired. It struck Tyranitar dead in the chest. An explosion of smoke engulfed the armor Pokémon.
Anabel waited for Scott to call it. But from the smoke, a low growl emerged, "Graoo… (I'm… not… out… yet…)"
As the dust cleared, Tyranitar was still standing. He was on one knee, his armor cracked, breathing raggedly, but the [Leftovers] were working overtime, and his sheer natural bulk—combined with the special defense boost from the sandstorm—had allowed him to survive on a sliver of health.
His rage was palpable. Tyranitar roared, pulling itself to its full height, "GRAOOOO!!! (I CAN STILL FIGHT!!!!)"
Noland adjusted his goggles, disbelief written on his face, "He survived?! That was a STAB Focus Blast from a Mega Alakazam!"
Brandon said excitedly with a rare grin, "That's pure guts."
Anabel's brow furrowed as she telepathically commanded, 'Again. Focus Blast.'
Azure screamed, "Hyper Beam!"
*PEW*
Tyranitar opened its mouth, unleashing a beam of pure destruction. It met the second Focus Blast in mid-air.
*BOOOOM*
The beam tore through the orb, detonating it early, and continued toward Alakazam. Anabel, seeing the danger countered in Alakazam's mind, 'Teleport.'
*Swf*
In the blink of an eye, Alakazam vanished, avoiding the attack. The Hyper Beam scorched the air where it had been.
Alakazam reappeared behind Tyranitar. Its eyes glowed blue.
*SHIII*
It grabbed Tyranitar with Telekinesis again—this time, Tyranitar was too weak to fight the grip. Alakazam hurled the massive beast through the air.
*THUD*
Tyranitar flew over the battlefield and smashed into the invisible barrier directly in front of the spectators. The Dex Holders flinched as the giant rock lizard slid down the energy wall right in front of them.
Azure yelled, "Tyranitar!"
Tyranitar struggled to get up. He was running on fumes. Both Trainers sensing Tyranitar's end each gave their command vocally and telepathically.
"Strong Style Stone Edge!"
'Energy Ball!'
*RMBL*
Both attacks launched simultaneously. Tyranitar slammed his fist into the ground one last time. Sharpened stones shot out of the earth, catching Alakazam as it tried to teleport away. The rocks slammed into the Mega Pokémon, dealing massive damage.
*PEW*
But at the same moment, a sphere of green nature energy struck Tyranitar. The Energy Ball exploded.
*BOOOM*
Tyranitar held his ground for one second... two seconds... and then, with a heavy groan, the Desert King toppled forward. The earth shook as he hit the ground, unconscious.
*THUD*
Scott shouted, "Tyranitar is unable to battle!"
Azure recalled his fallen Pokémon. He held the ball to his forehead as he whispered proudly, "You took down a Snorlax and nearly broke a Mega Alakazam. Rest now, buddy. You did perfectly."
The sandstorm slowly began to die down, revealing the battered battlefield. Mega Alakazam floated in the center, panting, its white beard singed and its body bruised from the Stone Edge.
Anabel stared at Azure as she calmly stated, eyeing him warily, "One down. Two to go. Your shield is broken, Azure Sky. What will you do now?"
Azure clipped Tyranitar's ball to his belt and reached for the next one. He looked at the red-armored warrior waiting inside. Azure said excitedly, his eyes burning, "My shield is gone. So now I bring the sword. Scizor, you're up!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, the crimson Pincer Pokémon materialized. Its metallic exoskeleton shone under the moonlight, and its held item [Scizorite] mega stone fastened to its chest plate glinted menacingly.
Anabel didn't flinch. Her eyes flashed purple as she telepathically ordered, 'Alakazam use Recover.'
*Shiiii*
Mega Alakazam crossed its spoons. A golden aura enveloped its body, knitting together the bruises from Tyranitar's Stone Edge.
In seconds, the damage was erased. It was back to full health.
Azure grinned, seeing its health return as he commanded excitedly, "Perfect. I prefer you at your best. Scizor, Tailwind!"
*Woooosh*
Scizor slammed its pincers together, vibrating its wings at a hypersonic frequency. A whirlwind whipped up behind Azure's side of the field, doubling Scizor's speed and giving him the initiative.
Anabel narrowed her eyes. She sensed the threat as she thought, 'Scizor is a Bug/Steel-type—lethal to Alakazam. I have to end this quickly.'
Her eyes flashed purple as she commanded, 'Fire Punch Alakazam!'
*Swf*
Mega Alakazam vanished. It teleported directly behind Scizor, its fist engulfed in scorching flames—a 4x effective move that would incinerate the Steel/Bug type instantly.
Sapphire screamed from the stands, "Behind you!"
Azure shouted, "Detect!"
*Wooosh*
Scizor didn't turn around. Instead, his eyes flashed with a pre-programmed instinct. Utilizing the move Mimic, Scizor accessed a memory of a training session with a fighting type move Detect. A shimmering, protective eye symbol appeared over Scizor just as the flaming fist connected.
*Swooosh*
The Fire Punch phased harmlessly through Scizor's body. Alakazam's eyes widened in shock as Azure followed up, "Now! Bullet Punch!"
*ZOOOOM*
Seizing the opening, Scizor spun around, his pincer glowing like a speeding bullet. Empowered by the Technician'sability, the priority move slammed into the side of Alakazam's head with the force of a cannonball.
*BAM*
Mega Alakazam was sent skidding back across the pavement. Scott yelled, nearly dropping his remote, "Detect?! Since when does Scizor learn Detect?"
In the stands, Spenser leaned forward, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he commented, "I've seen this before. In the Palace, his Eevee used Mimic to copy Perish Song. This boy... he trains his Pokémon to Mimic specific defensive maneuvers from his other teammates and store them for the moment they are needed most."
Tucker whipped his cape, eyes wide as he added flamboyantly, "He turned a checkmate into a counterattack! Marvelous!"
Ruby and Sapphire cheered, with Eevee barking proudly from Green's lap. Sapphire shouted, "Show them your power, Master!"
Azure didn't let up as he commanded, "Defense up! Light Screen!"
*Shiii*
Scizor raised a pincer, creating a wall of glittering glass panes in front of him to dampen Special Attacks. Anabel commanded telepathically, 'Alakazam Psybeam.'
*PEW*
Alakazam fired a beam of multicolored psychic energy. It refracted through the Light Screen, weakened, but still dangerous.
Azure countered as he commanded, "Swords Dance! Weave through it!"
*Wooosh*
Scizor didn't block; he danced. He pirouetted through the fractured beams of light, his movements sharpening his focus. His Attack stat skyrocketed by +2 stages.
Azure followed up, "Pounce!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor lunged, aiming to drop Alakazam's speed. But Anabel countered her voice, echoing in Alakazam's mind, 'Alakazam slam it with Psychic.'
*ShiIi*
Anabel's will slammed into Scizor. A wave of telekinetic force caught the Scizor in mid-air, halting his lunge and throwing him backward.
But Azure commanded in the moment, "Mid-air! Agile Style Flash Cannon!"
*PEW*
Even while tumbling back, Scizor aimed his pincer. A sphere of silver light gathered and fired…
*BOOM*
The beam struck Alakazam in the chest, pushing the psychic type back. Anabel telepathically ordered, 'Quick use Recover!'
*Shiii*
Anabel remained cold. Alakazam glowed gold again, undoing the damage from the Flash Cannon.
Green muttered, biting her lip, "She's stalling. She's trying to wear Scizor out."
But Azure wasn't deterred as he ordered, "Metal Claw!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor dashed in, claws gleaming. But Anabel countered, 'Alakazam! Fire Punch.'
*Sssss*
Alakazam began charging a massive fire attack, tanking the Metal Claw to deliver a devastating blow. But Azure ordered swiftly, "Dodge and strike!"
*Wooosh*
Scizor ducked under the fire fist of the Fire Punch and uppercutted Alakazam with the Metal Claw, striking the jaw. Alakazam's eyes flinched in pain.
*Smack*
But Anabel's voice echoed in its head, 'Now! Psybeam!'
*PEW*
At point-blank range, Alakazam fired the beam into Scizor's face. Scizor stumbled back, his eyes swirling as it got the status condition Confusion.
However, seeing this, Azure knew exactly what he had to do. Azure yelled, "Snap out of it! Iron Head on the ground!"
*SLAM*
Scizor, disoriented, raised his head and slammed it violently into the concrete floor. The pain was sharp and immediate—but it cleared the fog. The confusion vanished.
Anabel kept her cool using the free turn to heal, 'Alakazam Recover!'
*Shiii*
Alakazam healed again. Azure finally had enough as he was genuinely getting annoyed as he thought, 'Oi! Would you quit Recover spamming already?!'
Azure let out a breath, calming himself down as he said boldly, "Okay. No more games. You want to see power? I'll show you power."
He raised his left hand. The Key Stone on his Mega Glove pulsed as he declared, "It's time to go beyond Scizor! Mega Evolution!!"
*FLASH*
The symbol of Infinity burned in the night sky. Scizor's armor split and reshaped. His pincers became massive, serrated clamps. His legs became serrated blades. Mega Scizor hovered off the ground, the engines on its back humming with terrifying power.
The crowd roared, the tension reaching a fever pitch. Anabel's eyes hardened as she telepathically commanded, 'Be careful, Alakazam, our opponent just got more dangerous. Use Psychic!'
*Shiii*
Anabel pushed harder once she saw Mega Scizor. Alakazam lifted Mega Scizor into the air, holding him suspended.
Azure said calmly, his eyes narrowing at them, "You can hold Scizor. But you can't stop the weight. Curse!"
*CRACK*
Mega Scizor stopped struggling. A dark aura flowed over his armor. His Attack rose to +3. His Defense rose to +1. His Speed dropped, making him heavier as its inner muscles condensed its shell, cracking from within.
Anabel's voice echoed in Alakazam's mind, 'Psybeam!'
*PEW*
Alakazam fired a concentrated beam of psychic energy. Scizor took it, the Light Screen, and his boosted defense absorbed the blow.
*BOOM*
The sandstorm from earlier had faded, leaving a thick plume of dust. Through the haze, Anabel made her move as she telepathically declared, 'Alakazam use Fire Punch now! End it before it could get the chance to respond!'
*Ssssss*
Mega Alakazam lunged through the smoke, fist blazing. Azure, seeing this quickly commanded, "Agility! Use the impact!"
*BAM*
Scizor took the hit. The Light Screen shattered.
The fire seared his armor. But instead of falling, Scizor used the force of the blow to spin, his body flaring. He accelerated, negating the speed drop from Curse and gaining a net +1 Speed boost.
Now regaining the momentum, Azure ordered, "Now! Bullet Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor struck back, but Alakazam, sensing the danger, teleported back…
*Swf*
Alakazam reappeared from behind. Anabel commanded, 'Fire Punch. Again!'
*Sssss*
Alakazam came in for a second pass, aiming for Scizor's exposed back. But Azure's command was instantaneous, "Counter!"
*BAM*
Scizor didn't dodge. He turned, his massive pincer glowing with a red aura. He absorbed the Fire Punch, his armor screeching under the heat, and then swung his other pincer with double the force.
*CRACK*
The Counter connected squarely with Alakazam's chest. The Psychic-type was launched across the arena, crashing into the barrier.
*THUD*
Alakazam pushed itself up, trembling. Anabel's mind screamed the command, 'Quick use Recover!'
*Shiii*
Alakazam began to glow gold. Azure pointed as he commanded, "Oh no, you don't! Mimic! Recover!"
*SHIII*
The crowd gasped. Mega Scizor glowed with the same golden aura.
As Alakazam healed, Scizor healed too, erasing the damage from the Fire Punch. Anabel frowned, her composure cracking as she whispered to herself in disbelief, "He's... keeping pace with my mind. I've never encountered anyone that –"
However, she was interrupted as Azure didn't let up as he commanded, "Scizor! Agile Style Tera Blast!"
*PEW*
Scizor's body crystallized with energy—a technique Azure had brought from a world far beyond this one. He fired a beam of pure, neutral energy. Combined with its ability Technician and Agile Style, forcing the base 80 Power of Tera Blast to 60, increased to a staggering 90 Base Power!
And with Tera Blast preferring to use the Pokémon with the highest attack stat, the special attack became pure physical as it was launched. It slammed into Alakazam, the raw force causing the Psi Pokémon to cry out.
*BOOOM*
The attack upon impact caused an explosion as Anabel felt its pain flinch. But thankfully, as the smoke clears Mega Alakazam used Endure to keep only a sliver of HP remaining, but was panting, clearly exhausted.
Anabel's expression was worried as her mind roared, 'No! Recover!'
But Azure didn't allow it the chance to breathe as he commanded, "Don't let him breathe! Agile Style X-Scissor!"
*ZOOOM*
Mega Scizor vanished, reappearing in front of Alakazam. He crossed his massive pincers. Alakazam met him with a desperate Fire Punch.
*CLANG*
Sparks flew. Fire met Steel.
But Azure was relentless, commanding, "Lunge!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor broke the deadlock, lunging forward to lower Alakazam's attack. But Anabel's mind was faster, ordering, 'Disable!'
*SHIII*
Alakazam's eyes glowed blue. A psychic seal locked Scizor's muscles, preventing him from moving forward.
But Azure grinned as he commanded confidently, seeing Alakazam on the ropes, "Fine. If I can't touch you... I'll blast you! Agile Style Tera Blast!"
For once, Anabel yelled, "Psybeam!"
*PEW*
The two beams collided in the center of the arena—one a swirl of psychic colors, the other a jagged beam of crystallized energy. The power struggle lasted for a heartbeat.
But Mega Scizor, boasting a +3 Attack stat and the raw power of the Mega Evolution, was simply too strong. The Tera Blast overwhelmed the Psybeam. The beam tore through the psychic energy and engulfed Mega Alakazam.
*BOOOOOM*
An explosion rocked the summit. When the smoke cleared, Mega Alakazam had reverted to its normal form, lying unconscious on the scorched tiles.
Scott announced, his voice shaking with excitement, "Alakazam is unable to battle! Mega Scizor wins!"
The crowd went wild. The Frontier Brains looked at each other in disbelief. Noland whispered, "He beat the telepathy. He actually out-thought the empath."
Anabel recalled her fallen ace. She looked down at the Poké Ball, then up at Azure. The wind whipped her violet hair around her face.
She wasn't smiling anymore. Her eyes were intense, glowing with a power that made the hair on Azure's arms stand up.
Anabel said calmly, her voice echoing not just in the air, but in Azure's mind, "You have broken the shield. And you have shattered the mind. But now..."
She reached for the final Poké Ball on her belt. The air pressure dropped…
*ZZZZZ*
Static electricity began to dance across the metal railings of the tower. Thunder rumbled in the clear night sky as she whispered, throwing the ball high into the air, "… Now you face the storm itself."
*POP*
A bolt of lightning struck the Poké Ball as it opened. A massive, tiger-like beast descended, landing on the arena floor with a crash of thunder. A purple cape of storm clouds flowed from its back. Its fangs crackled with voltage.
The Legendary Thunder Pokémon. Raikou. Floating gracefully above Raikou's back was a white, spherical object tied to its body—an [Air Balloon].
Azure's eyes narrowed as did Scizor's. Then he looked at Pikachu on his shoulder as he said calmly, feeling the static prickle his skin, "Well, buddy… This is it. The final boss."
Pikachu's cheeks sparked as it cried out, "Pika-chu! (Heh. We've got this.)"
Scott whispered, lowering his sunglasses, "A Legendary... And she gave it an [Air Balloon] to negate its ground-type weakness. She's taking no chances."
Azure stared at the beast. But instead of fear, a look of recognition crossed his face. Azure said calmly, his voice calm despite the roaring wind, "It's been a while. You look good. Better than the last time we met in Ecruteak."
Raikou's red eyes locked onto Azure. It didn't roar in aggression.
Instead, it dipped its head in a curt, respectful nod. Raikou's voice echoed in Azure's head, channeled through Anabel's empathy, 'It is an honor to stand before you again, Rainbow Hero. The winds of Johto still speak of your deeds.'
Tucker asked in a confused tone, leaning over the railing, "Rainbow Hero? What is that thing talking about?"
However, Raikou continued, its eyes narrowing, 'But do not expect mercy. My mistress seeks victory, and my loyalty to her is absolute. Prepare yourself.'
Azure grinned, adjusting his hat as he stated bluntly, "I wouldn't have it any other way. Come at me with everything you've got."
Raikou threw its head back and roared, a sound of pure challenge that shook the glass walls of the tower, "HRAAAAGH! (Challenge accepted!!)"
Anabel asked knowingly, though a faint smile played on her lips, "Are you quite done catching up?"
Azure nodded as he replied, "We're good."
In the stands, the confusion was palpable. Scott asked curiously, looking at Green for answers, "Why are the Legendaries so chill with him? First Spenser's Suicune, now Anabel's Raikou?"
Green shrugged helplessly, though her eyes danced with amusement as she replied, "I wish I knew, Scott. Azure keeps his cards close to his chest. I guess that's just a secret between the Hero and the Legends."
Scott sighed but declared, "Battle start!"
Anabel's eyes flashed purple. Her voice echoed in Raikou's head, heeding her command, 'Electrical Jail.'
*ZZZZZT*
Raikou unleashed a precision Thunder Shock. But instead of attacking Scizor, the electricity wove a cage around Raikou itself, forming a crackling barrier around the [Air Balloon].
Brandon took notice as he noted, "She's shielding the item. She's ensuring that Air Balloon doesn't pop, keeping Raikou immune to Ground moves indefinitely."
Azure saw the setup and smirked as he commanded, "Scizor! Baton Pass!"
Scizor, still glowing with the massive stat boosts from the previous round (+3 Attack, +1 Defense, +1 Speed), dissolved into red energy. He rushed back to his Poké Ball, passing the energy baton to the incoming partner.
Pikachu absorbed the energy of Scizor's stat boosts as he smiled, declaring, "It's all on you, partner! Let's go!"
Pikachu landed on the field, sparks flying from his cheeks, "Pika! (It's go time!)"
*FLASH*
The red aura of the Baton Pass flowed into him, his muscles tightening with the inherited power of a Mega Scizor. Greta blinked as she muttered, "Pikachu? Against a Raikou? I know it's his starter, but..."
Green said softly, leaning forward, "It's his Ace."
Ruby and Sapphire watched with sparkling eyes, watching their childhood hero in action. Ruby whispered in awe, "The Uncrowned Champion's partner… Finally taking the stage against a Legend."
Anabel wasted no time as she mentally commanded, 'Careful, Raikou. Use Swift.'
*PEW*
Raikou summoned a barrage of star-shaped energy projectiles. But Azure commanded happily, "Pikachu! Zippy Zap!"
*ZOOOOM*
Pikachu vanished. Moving with the inherited speed boost, he zig-zagged through the Swift stars, appearing in front of Raikou in a blur. His fist crackled with priority electricity.
*BAM*
The hit connected, a guaranteed critical hit. Raikou slid back, surprised by the raw force behind the small mouse.
But they weren't done yet. Azure followed up, "Iron Tail!"
*SHINNG*
Pikachu spun, his tail turning into steel. But Anabel countered, 'Iron Head!'
*CLANG*
Raikou lowered its head, its metal plate glowing. The two attacks clashed—sending shockwaves through the arena.
Raikou's superior weight won out, shoving Pikachu backward. Anabel followed up with her eyes flashing purple, 'Now follow it up with Thunder!'
*RMBL*
Raikou summoned a massive bolt of lightning from the sky, crashing down on Pikachu, "GRAOOO!!!!"
But Azure smirked as he yelled, "It won't work!"
*ZZZZZT*
Pikachu stood his ground, raising his tail like a lightning rod. The massive Thunder attack was absorbed instantly into Pikachu's body. Pikachu glowed, his Special Attack rising by +1 thanks to its Hidden Ability Lightning Rod.
Anabel frowned as she just realized Pikachu's ability, as she thought, 'Electric attacks are useless. Just fuel for the fire… this is going to be quite annoying as Raikou can't use its Electric Type moves against it…'
Azure commanded, "Thunderbolt!"
Anabel quickly countered mentally, 'Aura Sphere!'
*BOOOOM*
Raikou opened its maw, firing a sphere of fighting aura as it couldn't attack with electricity. Pikachu unleashed his own Thunderbolt. The two beams collided in the center, exploding into a cloud of smoke.
But Azure's voice cut through the smoke, "Strong Style Iron Tail!"
*Wooosh*
Pikachu burst through the smoke. Anabel saw it coming as she mentally commanded, 'Raikou, take it.'
*CLANG*
Raikou braced itself. Pikachu's tail slammed into Raikou's flank, dealing damage, but Raikou didn't budge…
It was gathering aura in its mouth as Anabel mentally commanded, 'Now Raikou! Aura Sphere at point blank!'
*PEW*
Raikou turned its head, firing a sphere of energy directly into Pikachu's face. But Azure was quick to counter, "Blast it apart! Agile Style Thunderbolt!!"
*BOOOM*
Pikachu, with milliseconds to react, fired a Thunderbolt into the Aura Sphere. The explosion blew Pikachu backward, tumoring across the ground, but he landed on his feet, skidding to a halt.
But Anabel didn't stop mentally commanding, 'Don't let up, Raikou! Attack with Aura Sphere again!'
*PEW*
Raikou fired another homing blast. The Aura Sphere followed where Pikachu was located as it opened its eyes to see it coming at him.
But Azure quickly commanded, "Jump and Iron Tail the ground!"
*CLANG*
Pikachu leaped high, spinning. He slammed his steel tail into the concrete floor. The impact created a shockwave as Azure followed up, "Now use Quick Attack! Vibrate through your tail!"
*BOOOM*
Pikachu began to vibrate at ultrasonic speeds while standing in the crater he'd made. The air around him shimmered. When the Aura Sphere hit the vibrating air pocket, it destabilized and dissipated harmlessly.
Noland gasped as his eyes widened in disbelief, seeing the technique, "He repelled it with sound waves? The physics on that..."
However, Anabel didn't let up nor stop as she continued issuing mental commands, 'Don't let up! Extreme Speed! Don't let him rest!'
*ZOOOOM*
Raikou vanished, moving faster than the eye could follow. It reappeared mid-air, surrounded by Swift stars.
Seeing this Azure ordered, "Iron Tail barrage!"
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
Pikachu met the Legendary in mid-air. Steel tail met claws… They clashed once, twice, three times, sparks raining down like fireworks.
*PEW*
As they landed, Raikou unleashed another Aura Sphere. Azure roared, "Pikachu! Use Delta Shield!"
Pikachu crossed his arms. A geometric, triangular barrier of psychic energy materialized around him—a fusion of Reflect and Light Screen. The Aura Sphere smashed into the Delta Shield and exploded, creating a cloud of smoke.
*BOOOM*
The smoke cleared. Pikachu stood untouched inside the prism as it cried out, "Chaaa~ (Whew… too close there…)"
Tucker exclaimed as he gritted his teeth, seeing that Delta Shield again, "That damn Delta Shield again!! What is that? I've never seen a barrier like that!"
Scott muttered, eyeing the technique as he couldn't help but ask, "Delta Shield... Where did he learn a technique like that?"
Green's eyes narrowed. She recognized it instantly. The Deoxys crisis. The Sevii Islands, she whispered, "He really did learn from the enemy…"
Anabel's expression hardened. She couldn't break that shield with standard attacks as she thought critically, '… Seeing that Delta Shield, there's no Move that I know that can break it. But sound passes... In that case… let's get rid of the caster itself then…'
Anabel quickly commanded Raikou, 'Raikou! Roar!'
Raikou inhaled deeply and unleashed a sonic roar that distorted the air, "RAIIIIII!!!! (You shall not pass!!!)"
The intent was to force Pikachu back into his ball and drag out Mega Scizor to end the match. But Azure was more than prepared as he yelled, "Drop the shield! It won't stop the sound! Anchor yourself! Iron Tail!"
*CLANG*
Pikachu disabled his own Delta Shield. He stabbed his Iron Tail into the concrete floor, burying it deep…
*WOOOSH*
The Roar washed over him, the gale-force wind trying to blow him away, but Pikachu held fast, rooted to the spot by his tail. Lucy looked impressed and uttered in shock, "He withstood the Roar?! That takes absurd physical strength."
Anabel seized the opening as she thought, seeing Pikachu mentally commanded, 'The Delta Shield is down. Pikachu is rooted. Time for a counterattack! Raikous use Extreme Speed into Body Slam!'
*ZOOOOM*
Raikou launched itself like a missile…
*BOOOM*
Then Raikou slammed into the anchored Pikachu, knocking him loose and sending him flying high into the air. But Anabel didn't let up by following up mentally, 'Now! Use Extrasensory Raikou!'
*SHIII*
Raikou's eyes glowed. It fired beams of psychic energy at the falling Pikachu.
But Azure quickly countered, "Flying Press!"
Pikachu, high in the night sky, tucked his limbs. He glowed with Fighting energy. He dove, spinning like a meteor. He crashed through the Extrasensory beams, taking the hits, and slammed body-first onto Raikou's back.
*CRASH*
Both Pokémon rolled away, panting heavily. They were battered, bruised, and running on fumes, refusing to stand down.
Azure looked at his Z-Power Ring. Then he looked at Pikachu. Azure said calmly, "One shot, partner. Let's show them the rainbow."
He crossed his arms, striking the pose. The Pikashunium Z crystal glowed with blinding light as they began their Z-Move.
Anabel saw it. She adjusted her gloves, revealing her own Z-Ring. She began the dance for the Normalium Z as she declared, "I will meet your spirit with my own! Raikou! Z-Move! Breakneck Blitz!"
*ZOOOOOM*
Raikou roared, wrapped in a shroud of white-hot kinetic energy. It charged, tearing up the ground as it reached terminal velocity.
And at the same time, Azure grinned as he confidently declared at the top of his lungs, "Let's do this, partner! Z-Move! 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!"
*ZZZZZT*
Pikachu leaped into the air. Seven colors of electricity—the colors of the rainbow—erupted from his body. He fired the multicolored beams, a storm of judgment descending from the heavens. The two ultimate moves collided in the center of the tower.
*ZZZZZ-BOOOOOM*
The sound was deafening. A vortex of light and electricity engulfed the tower summit. The barrier system whined, struggling to contain the energy…
*Wooosh*
When the smoke finally cleared, the arena was a ruin. Raikou stood on shaking legs, its mane tattered. Pikachu stood opposite, one eye closed, sparks weak.
Scott breathed, "Still standing..."
*BOOOM*
Pikachu let out a cry, releasing a sudden, massive eruption of yellow electricity, "Pika… CHUUUU!!! (It's not over yet!! I can keep going!!!)"
Azure screamed, his fist in the air, "Finish it, Pikachu! Pika Papow!"
Anabel commanded, her voice cracking with emotion for the first time, "Giga Impact! Everything you have!"
*ZOOOOOM*
Raikou charged, wrapped in purple energy, determined to win. Pikachu charged, wrapped in yellow lightning. They met in the center.
A literal head-to-head collision of wills…
*BAM*
*BOOOOM*
The shockwave knocked Anabel and Azure back a step. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The Mouse and the Tiger stood locked in impact.
And then...
*THUD*
… Raikou's legs gave out. The Legendary Pokémon let out a low, rumbling groan and collapsed sideways onto the rubble.
Scott's voice boomed, though he sounded breathless, "Raikou is unable to battle! The winner... and the conqueror of the Battle Frontier... is Azure Sky!"
Pikachu stood over the fallen legend. He offered a smug, exhausted grin, gave a "Peace" sign to the crowd, and then promptly fell over, fainting from exhaustion.
Azure ran forward, scooping his partner up, praising him proudly, "Pikachu! You did it, buddy. You were incredible."
The crowd erupted. Ruby and Sapphire were jumping up and down. Green was clapping, a genuine, proud smile on her face. Eevee and Pichu (Mew) jumped up and down happily, cheering for them. Even the Frontier Brains were applauding, acknowledging the birth of a legend.
Anabel recalled Raikou. She walked across the ruined battlefield, her composure returning, though her eyes shone with tears of pride.
She stopped in front of Azure. Anabel said softly, praising Azure, "You have weathered the storm. Your bond... it is a sound that will echo in this tower forever."
She opened her hand. Resting in her palm was the Ability Symbol, a golden emblem representing the pinnacle of skill, as she stated happily, "Congratulations, Uncrowned Champion. The Battle Frontier... you have conquered it."
/////
A/N: Hope you guys liked the battle!