Chapter 131: Ecruteak City [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Johto Region, Later, Ecruteak City]
After helping Whitney bandage her up and the news Crew out, Azure left, already heading to his next destination. Gold returned to Goldenrod City to gamble with his new Pokémon, Sudowoodo.
Azure adjusted his trusty backpack, the weight familiar and comforting. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its electric cheek pouches sparking with excitement, while Eevee trotted faithfully by his side, its bushy tail swishing.
Celebi happily clung to his free shoulder, enjoying the brush of the air of nature. Goldenrod City was a blur in the rearview mirror, another gym badge secured, another step forward on his Johto journey.
Route 37 was a welcome change of pace after the bustling metropolis of Goldenrod, and after rescuing Whitney, obtaining a powerful Rhydon in the process. The path snaked through rolling hills, dotted with patches of wildflowers.
Sunlight dappled through the trees, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Azure breathed deeply, savoring the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Pikachu chirped happily, its tail wagging with enthusiasm.
As they walked, Azure took the opportunity to train his Pokémon. He focused on honing their existing skills, working on accuracy and power. He also encouraged them to develop new techniques, pushing them to reach their full potential.
Pupitar practiced its Rock Throw, launching stones with increasing precision. Misdreavus worked on its Confuse Ray, learning to control its spectral energy.
Quagsire, surprisingly agile for its size, practiced dodging attacks. Houndoom unleashed its Flamethrower with impressive force, charring the ground before it.
Flaaffy charged up its Electric attacks, its wool glowing brightly. Skarmory soared through the air, executing intricate aerial maneuvers.
The hours flew by, filled with training and laughter. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Azure and his team arrived at Ecruteak City.
The city exuded an ancient charm, with its traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Temples and pagodas dotted the landscape, giving the impression that time had stood still against time.
Azure breathed, gazing at the stunning scenery, "Wow. This place is incredible."
Pikachu's nose twitched, and it hopped off Azure's shoulder, scampering ahead with Eevee and Celebi, vibing, floating by his side. Pikachu chirped, eager to explore, "Pika! Pika!"
Azure chuckled as he said happily, "Alright, alright, I'm coming."
They spent the evening sightseeing, marveling at the architecture, and learning about the city's rich history. They visited the Bell Tower, a magnificent structure that dominated the skyline, and the Burned Tower, a tragic reminder of a devastating fire that had occurred long ago.
Azure felt a profound sense of respect for the city's resilience and its commitment to preserving its heritage. The next morning, Azure decided to challenge the local Gym Leader, Morty, a renowned expert in Ghost-type Pokémon.
He had heard tales of Morty's skill and strategic prowess, and he was eager to test his abilities against him. He believed Misdreavus would be an asset.
As he approached the Ecruteak Gym, he noticed a small crowd gathered outside. People were whispering amongst themselves, their faces etched with disappointment.
Azure approached them, curious to find out what was happening. He said politely, "Excuse me. What's going on?"
An elderly woman turned to him, her eyes filled with sadness. She said, her voice barely above a whisper, "Morty is not here. He has gone on a journey to another Town in Johto that needed his assistance."
Azure's heart sank. He had been looking forward to battling Morty, to testing his skills against one of the region's most respected trainers.
He sighed, a wave of disappointment washing over him. Azure asked, hoping for some good news, "Do you know when he'll be back?"
The woman shook her head. Another member, a Gym Trainer, said helplessly, "No one knows. He left without saying when he would return."
Azure ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. He had planned his route specifically to challenge Morty, and now his plans were in disarray as he said, forcing a smile, "Well, thank you anyway. I appreciate the information."
He turned away from the crowd, his shoulders slumped. Pikachu and Eevee, sensing his disappointment, nuzzled against his legs, offering comfort.
Azure said calmly, patting their head slyly, smiling, "It's alright, guys. We'll figure something out."
Despite his disappointment, Azure refused to let the setback derail his journey. He knew that unexpected challenges were a part of being a Pokémon Trainer, and he was determined to overcome this obstacle.
He sat down on a nearby bench, Pikachu and Eevee settling down beside him, and pondered his options. He could wait in Ecruteak City until Morty returned, but there was no guarantee when that would be.
He could continue his journey, leaving the Ecruteak Gym for later. Or he could find another way to challenge himself, to grow as a trainer.
As he sat there, lost in thought, he was approached by two trainers. His eyes drifted to the sky, thinking to himself, 'Sigh… getting Morty's Badge is a bust. I could go to Olivine Gym to get the Jasmine Badge, or head to Pryce… and there's Falkner, as he should be back.'
Contemplating his choices, it was when the two Trainers approached him as one of them spoke out, getting his attention in a casual tone, "Oh my. You wouldn't happen to be Azure Sky, the Ninth Pokémon League Champion, would you?"
Azure took notice of the two trainers, lightly raising his eyebrow. He noticed them to be a beautiful girl and psychic wearing a mask as he replied casually, "Yeah, that's me? And who might you two be?"
Will, wearing a mask and an aristocrat uniform, replied casually, "I'm Will, a Psychic that specializes in Psychic Pokémon."
Karen flicked her hair as she replied casually, talking to Azure, "I'm Karen. I specialize in Dark Pokémon. We were wondering if you wish to battle us?"
Azure raised an eyebrow, hearing that, but Will, beneath his mask, thought using Telepathy with Karen, responding to his thoughts in a cautious tone, 'Careful, Karen. I tried to read this guy's thoughts, but I'm getting nothing from him.'
Karen, hiding her expression, eyed Azure with genuine interest as she replied to her partner in an interested tone, 'I see. The Masked Man asked us to gather info on the Ninth Pokémon League Champion, seeing his been busy dismantling his organization's lackies. He couldn't handle himself here, asking us to see his abilities.'
Azure calmly stood up as he shrugged his shoulders, agreeing, "Sure. How about we make it a double battle? You pick two each, and I use four. Sounds fair for you?"
Will and Karen nodded, agreeing to the terms. They were merely sent to find information about him and his Pokémon team.
/////
[Johto Region, Ecruteak City, Pokémon Center – Battlefield]
Having chosen the Pokémon Center, Battlefield, Will, and Karen respectively chose their Pokémon. Azure, meanwhile, had four he picked suited to this level of battle as his Pikachu and Eevee stood on the sidelines.
Both held their respective Pokémon in hand. Karen and Will hurled their Pokémon out as they yelled, "Go! Jynx/Umbreon!"
*Pop*
Both materializing their respective Pokémon, Azure hurled his Poke Balls, "Go! Skarmory! Pupitar!"
*Pop*
Skarmory flapped its wings in the air, and Pupitar landed on the ground. Seizing the chance, Will commanded, "Jynx Psychic on Pupitar!"
Karen followed up dramatically, "Umbreon Dark Pulse on Pupitar!"
Both were aiming to eliminate the weaker opponent once they realized that Pupitar was at a weaker level compared to their Lv.42 Umbreon and Jynx. In a doubles battle like this, targeting the weak link is the right call.
Jynx unleashed a psychic beam of energy, and Umbreon released a beam of darkness at Pupitar. Both attacks were aimed at Pupitar as it stood its ground.
*PEW*
Azure remained calm as he countered, "Pupitar Protect! Skarmory Tailwind!"
*CLANG*
*Fwp*
Pupitar took both attacks head-on on being protected by its transparent barrier forming around it thanks to Protect. Skarmory flapped its wings, creating a whirlwind, granting it priority in attacks.
Will and Karen's expression shifted to seriousness, seeing the situation. But Azure didn't allow them the pleasure to retaliate as he ordered, "Skarmory! Whirlwind! Pupitar Dragon Dance!"
*FWP*
*WOOOSH*
Unleashing a powerful whirlwind at Karen and Will's Pokémon, they were forced back and returned to their Poke Balls. Both were forced to switch into their strongest Pokémon coming out.
*Pop*
Both brought out a Lv.47 Houndoom and a Lv.42 Xatu. Both Pokémon were surprised by the sudden call as Azure ordered, "Skarmory! Whirlwind! Pupitar! Sandstorm!"
*FWP*
*WOOOSH*
Before Karen or Will could even bark commands, Skarmory flapped its wings, pushing the two Pokémon back, switching them again. In the meantime, Pupitar unleashed a Sandstorm, blinding the battlefield under their control.
*Pop*
Returning to the field were Umbreon and Jynx were subjected to the sandstorm damage caused by Pupitar. Will bitterly yelled at Azure, seeing this tactic, "What kind of battle is this, Sky! Are you planning to attack us at all!!"
To Will and Karen's surprise, he calmly said through the sandstorm produced by his Pokémon, "Yes. I'm planning to buff my Pokémon to the max and steamroll your team. If you can stop my strategy, go ahead. I like to see you try."
Hearing his blatant words, Karen and Will's eyes narrowed at his response. From an outsider standpoint, Karen and Will should have the edge due to their higher-level Pokémon out-battling Azure's lower-level Pokémon.
Azure knew this, hence he decided to ask for a double battle between them against his team as he smirked, controlling the flow of battle. He saw through the Sandstorm that they had conflicted expressions on their faces, trying to locate his Pokémon.
Will, observing the battle, gave out commands, trying to locate Sky's Pokémon, cautiously muttered, "With the things that are going his controlling the battle will lead to our demise. We must break through Jynx! Blow this Sandstorm using Psychic!"
Karen tried to give her next order as Jynx's body glows psychic energy, only for Azure to interrupt, ordering, "Skarmory! Roar! Pupitar! Rock Slide!"
Skarmory roared, hidden well within the Sandstorm, "SKARRR!!!"
*Pop*
Forcing their Pokémon to retreat again, Xatu and Houndoom were brought out. But this time, Pupitar prepared for them as it slammed down, as multiple gray rocks appeared behind it, and then flew, sending the stones at the startled Xatu and Houndoom.
*SMACK*
Their Pokémon were caught in the attack, dealing super-effective damage. Azure called out, "Skarmory! Roar! Pupitar Strong Style! Ancient Power!"
Hearing this, Karen gritted her teeth as she yelled out loud, "Oh no you don't! Dark Pulse Houndoom!"
Will feeling extremely annoyed by his tactics, ordered, "Xatu! Future Sight!"
However, Houndoom and Xatu weren't fast enough to launch their attacks as they were forced back into their Poke Balls. Forcibly swapping in were Jynx and Umbreon as Pupitar held purple energy like rocks, hurling them towards Jynx!
*SMASH*
The Ancient Power smacked Jynx in the face, alarming Will, as his Pokémon hit. But that was when Karen noticed the wind, her eyes widening, 'Wait… the Tailwind from before… It's fading!'
Both realizing this might be they're chance of counterattack announced, "Umbreon! Dark Pulse! Jynx! Psychic!"
*PEW*
Both gained the chance to attack, their eyes focused on the sky as Skarmory effortlessly flew above with a smug grin. This enraged the two as they focused on it, unleashing an energy beam of psychic and darkness at Skarmory.
Azure smirked as he countered, extending his arm out, "Skarmory! Protect! Pupitar! Strong Style! Earthquake!"
*CLANG*
Blocking the attack, Skarmory grinned, seeing that both aimed to see it faint. Unfortunately, as Will and Karen focused on Skarmory, Pupitar was given the chance to deal major damage as it shook the earth, as cracks led towards Umbreon and Jynx.
*SMASH*
Both were hit by the Earthquake as the trainers shifted their attention to Pupitar, glaring at them menacingly. Azure took this time to order, "Skarmory! Tailwind! Pupitar Strong Style! Tera Blast!"
*Shiii*
Pupitar began to gather energy at the center of its mouth as Skarmory began to flap its wings, regaining the whirlwind of their priority. Karen and Will ordered seriously, "Jynx Taunt! Umbreon Protect!"
Jynx mocked Skarmory, halting its Tailwind, growling at it. And Umbreon summoned a transparent barrier blocking the energy beam directed at Jynx.
*CLANG*
Managing to break through the control Azure had, the two immediately acted. They barked out commands, "Jynx! Blizzard on Skarmory! Umbreon! Double Kick on Pupitar!"
Finding the way out, they launched their attacks respectively. And Azure, in turn, countered as he ordered, "Skarmory Fly! Pupitar! Strong Style! Stone Edge!"
*Swooosh*
Skarmory flew up above, avoiding the incoming Blizzard as it was directed at it. Pupitar saw the incoming Umbreon as it stood its ground, and it jumped up.
*Swooosh*
Avoiding the Umbreon thanks to its Dragon Dance, increasing its speed, it slammed down onto the ground. Upon doing so, sharp rocks emerged from the ground, piercing through Umbreon's skin as it yelped in pain, "Argh!"
*RMBL*
Being tossed to the side, Karen's eyes narrowed, seeing that her Umbreon was tossed aside like that. Azure himself kept the situation in control as he thought, 'These two were arrogant, but with me humbling them with my Pokémon control made they became serious. But the damage is already done.'
Taking this chance, Azure ordered his Pokémon's next move, "Pupitar! Agile Style! Stone Edge on Jynx!"
*RMBL*
*SMACK*
Pupitar, thanks to its STAB and speed buffs, along with Agile Style it managed to land the first attack on Jynx, dealing super effective damage. Will's eyes widened seeing Jynx being knocked out, fainting.
And at the same time, Skarmory divebombed down at Umbreon, finishing its Fly attack, hurling it back on Karen's side. Unlike Jynx, Umbreon is much bulkier than it, managing to stay in the field, but Jynx was no longer helpful as Will recalled it.
*Pop*
Hurling his last Pokémon, Xatu, the battle continued, renewed as Will orders bitterly, "Xatu! Shadow Ball!"
Karen followed suit as she commanded her Umbreon, "Reflect!"
Azure smirked as he countered, ordering his Pokémon, "Skarmory, dodge, then use Strong Style! Steel Wing! Pupitar Agile Style! Headbutt!"
*Swooosh*
Both Pokémon lunged forward as Skarmory avoided the Shadow Ball as its steely wings shone bright with Steel Type Energy. And Pupitar charged forward at Umbreon, propelling itself faster as they both landed their hits.
*SMACK*
*SHINNG*
Skarmory landed its Steel Wings at Natu, dealing damage, tossing it at Will's side of the field. Umbreon, it was sent flying as it collided with the nearby tree, recoiling in pain, "Um!"
*Thud*
Karen's expression flashed from surprise to anger. She recalled her Umbreon shifting her direction at Azure as she hurled her last Pokémon, "You!! I'll make sure to take down your Pokémon! Go! Houndoom!"
*Pop*
Revealing her Houndoom out it growled, gazing at Azure's Pokémon. Both Will and Karen frowned, seeing that despite their high level gap between them and Azure's Johto Team, his skill of showing his Pokémon abilities outclassed theirs.
Relying on their aces, they both ordered, getting the chance to turn the tables, "Houndoom! Flamethrower! Xatu Psychic!"
*Ssss*
*Shiii*
Both attacks were launched towards their targets as they released a stream of flames and psychic waves directed at Azure's Pokémon. Azure gave his order as he commanded, "Pupitar! Protect! Skarmory! Fly!"
*Fwp*
Soaring up into the air, avoiding the attacks, and Pupitar blocking them with Protect, managed to avoid the damage. However, Will and Karen ordered, "Xatu! Teleport Skarmory here! Houndoom Flamethrower!"
Seeing their strategy, Skarmory had a blue hue of psychic energy veiling it. Azure immediately realized their plan as he ordered, as the effects of Taunt are over, "Skarmory! Roar!"
*Shiii*
Skarmory teleported in as Houndoom opened its mouth, Skarmory roared, "SKARR!"
Both were momentarily frozen as Will and Karen's eyes widened in shock. Will, realizing this strategy, thought, stunned, 'This… Isn't this the technique that the Masked Man taught Sham and Carl, using Roar to momentarily stun their enemies? How does he know such a move!'
Freezing both Pokémon in place, Azure ordered both his Pokémon, "Skarmory! Strong Style! Steel Wing! Pupitar! Strong Style! Earth Power!"
*SHINNG*
*RMBL*
Unleashing their moves, Skarmory expertly slashed through Xatu's body as, upon impact of the Steel Wing, it made a golden glow, insinuating a critical hit launched to the sky. And while Houndoom had already taken damage from a Rock Slide, it was hit full force by Pupitar's Earth Power, hurling it to the sky.
*THUD*
Both fainted as they fell to the ground due to their attacks. Azure's Skarmory and Pupitar panted exhausted from the battle as Azure said, "Thanks for fighting, you two. You both were amazing."
Both smirked at his praise as Azure recalled them. Will and Karen bit their lips as she said in a calm tone, clenching her recalled Pokémon, "Thank you for the battle, Mister Champion… it had been a very enlightening experience…"
Before Azure could speak further, they both turned and left, clearly feeling bitter about the experience. Azure simply shrugged as he left to heal his Pokémon in the Pokémon Center and brainstorm his plans.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!