Chapter 672: White's Choice
~Third POV~
[Unova Region, Afternoon, Nimbasa City – Plaza]
The afternoon sun hung high over Nimbasa City, casting long, geometric shadows across the gleaming cobblestones of the central Plaza. It was a city that never truly rested, vibrating with the electric hum of the nearby Gym and the distant, whimsical melodies of the Musical Dome.
Azure sat at a small, wrought-iron table outside a chic cafe, the scent of roasted Nanab berries and fresh pastries wafting through the air. On his shoulder, Pikachu was nibbling on a high-grade Poffin, while Eevee peered curiously over the edge of the table at a passing group of tourists. Hidden from public view by a shimmering veil of psychic energy, Victini and Meloetta hovered nearby.
Meloetta's voice echoed directly into Azure's mind. Her tone was haughty, her invisible arms crossed, 'This coffee is acceptable, I suppose. But don't think for a moment that your victory against the 'Shining Beauty' means you can slack off on my vocal rehearsals, Azure! Hmph!'
Azure chuckled softly, taking a sip of his tea. He replied mentally in a casual tone, 'I wouldn't dream of it, Meloetta.'
Across from him, Black was practically vibrating with leftover adrenaline. His Bolt Badge was pinned proudly to the inside of his jacket, and he was currently midway through his third plate of pancakes.
Black couldn't help but gush at Azure's battle with Elesa in an excited tone, "That battle was legendary, Azure! Your Zoroark's illusion? The way Golett handled that Wash Rotom? Man, I need to get to Driftveil. My blood is still pumping! I can already see it—the next Badge is mine!"
White, sitting beside Black, was busy tapping away at her Xtransceiver, her brow furrowed in a mix of professional focus and characteristic worry. She said, not looking up, "As much as I admire the enthusiasm, Black, we're at a literal standstill. I just checked the transit updates. The Driftveil Drawbridge on Route 5 is still raised. Maintenance issues, apparently. Or rather, the bridge is 'undergoing a synchronization recalibration,' which is a fancy way of saying nobody is crossing it today."
*Clatter*
Black's fork hit his plate with a clatter. He groaned in a defeated tone, "What?! Still up? Why can't we just fly over? Brav could take us!"
Azure interjected, his Arc Phone buzzing on the table, "No can do."
A small, blue light flickered as Rotom's face appeared on the screen. Rotom chattered, its digital voice chirping with programmed glee, "Z-z-zt! Information update! Police and Pokémon Rangers have established a strict aerial no-fly zone around the Route 5 perimeter! Trying to bypass it would result in a fine higher than your current Agency budget, White-z-zt!"
White sighed, finally looking up. She then asked curiously, "Hear that? We're grounded. We could take the long way through Route 16, but that's a massive detour through rough terrain. We might lose days."
Black groaned, leaning back so far his chair creaked. He argued in an annoyed tone with a pouting expression, "So what? We just sit here and wait for a bridge to drop? I have a dream to fulfill! The League awaits!"
Azure leaned forward, a knowing glint in his eyes. He had lived through enough regions to know that when one path closed, a more interesting one usually opened. He opened his mouth and said, "Actually, there's something new opening today right here in Nimbasa. I heard the announcements while I was at the Pokémon Center."
Black's ears perked up. And asked curiously, "A new arena? Is it a tournament?"
White tapped her chin. Then she recalled something as she commented, "Oh, I remember seeing a flyer about a meeting regarding Pokémon battling. I ignored it because I wanted to focus on the Musical Dome yesterday, but..."
Azure said in a knowing tone and sly grin, "It's more than just a meeting. Word is that Elite Four Marshal is the guest of honor for the inauguration. And there are even whispers that Champion Alder himself might be making an appearance."
Black stood up so fast his chair nearly flipped. He exclaimed, "The Champion?! Alder?! And Marshal?! Why are we still eating pancakes?!"
Victini's voice chirped in Azure's head, sounding amused, 'He's so loud. Can I burn him a little? Just a tiny bit of victory fire to calm him down?'
Azure thought back with a smile, 'Not today, Victini,'
Azure commanded, turning his head to his Arc Phone, "Rotom. Locate the opening ceremony for the new facility."
Rotom buzzed as it chimed in, replying, "Bzz-t! Calculating coordinates! The Gear Station is in the northern sector of Nimbasa City! It's the hub for the new Battle Subway system! Set your GPS to 'Excitement,' because we are moving out!"
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[Unova Region, Nimbasa City – Gear Station (Battle Subway)]
The group navigated the bustling streets of Nimbasa until they reached a structure that looked more like a palace of steel and glass than a transit hub. The Gear Station was a marvel of modern Unovan architecture, its exterior etched with gear motifs that reflected the city's industrial spirit.
As they stepped inside, the cool, conditioned air hit them, carrying the scent of ozone and polished metal. The station was vast, with multiple platforms stretching into the darkness of the tunnels. But the center of the main hall was what commanded attention.
*Clang—Swish*
The sounds of high-level combat echoed through the vaulted ceiling.
A Mienshao, its long fur flowing like silken ribbons, was dancing around a battlefield. Opposite it stood a sleek, purple-and-gray Accelgor, its movements so fast it seemed to blur out of existence.
Black's eyes widened, muttering, "Is that...?"
Standing on the sidelines was a man of immense physical presence. His skin was tanned, his muscles corded like iron, and he wore the traditional robes of a martial artist. That was the Marshal of the Elite Four.
Opposite him, looking relaxed—almost too relaxed—was a man with a wild mane of red hair and a cloak lined with Poké Balls. Alder, the Champion of Unova. Alder said, his voice calm and melodic, "Accelgor, use Double Team."
*Fwoosh*
In an instant, a dozen Accelgors surrounded the Mienshao.
Marshal commanded, "Don't let them trick you! Aerial Ace!"
*Woosh*
Mienshao leapt into the air, its movements a blur of grace and precision. It struck out at the illusions, but each one dissipated into smoke.
Azure whispered, his analytical mind recording every frame, "It's like watching a ninja against a monk. Marshal relies on the physical extension of his Pokémon's reach, while Alder uses the battlefield as his own tool of deception."
Black exclaimed, "Look at Mienshao's arms! They're like whips!"
Azure corrected in a casual tone, "Actually, Black, that's its fur. It can extend and retract it at will to grapple or lash out. Watch."
*Whip*
As if on cue, Mienshao's arm-fur shot out like a coil of rope, snaring the real Accelgor just as it reappeared. With a powerful heave, Mienshao swung the ninja Pokémon toward the ceiling. But before the impact could occur, Accelgor vanished again, reappearing safely on the ground.
Alder laughed, raising a hand. He then said in a casual tone, "That's enough. A fine display, Marshal. Truly."
Marshal bowed deeply to his master as he said respectfully, "The score is 2 to 1075, Master. I still have much to learn."
Alder chuckled, patting his stomach, replying, "Ho ho! I believe it was 2 to 1077, wasn't it? Or was I counting the times I tripped over my own feet?"
Marshal said seriously, though a small smile played on his lips, "You counted correctly the first time, Master."
Alder boomed, noticing the trio standing nearby, "I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding!"
Azure stepped forward, his presence naturally commanding respect. Behind him, a shadow flickered. Suddenly, a pair of glowing eyes and a wide, mischievous grin appeared in the air behind Azure.
Gengar's voice hissed aloud, though only Azure and his team could truly understand the spectral speech: "Keke... look at the old man."
Gengar physically manifested for a second, poking its tongue out at the Champion before vanishing back into Azure's shadow. Alder blinked, then laughed, saying aloud, "A Ghost-type with a sense of humor! I like it! And you young ones... You have the look of trainers who have seen some miles."
Black was practically vibrating. He exclaimed excitedly, introducing himself to Champion Alder, "Champion Alder! I'm Black! From Nuvema Town! I'm going to beat you and become the Champion!"
Alder smiled warmly as he replied to Black's words, "A bold goal! I look forward to it. But for now..."
He looked around, his expression turning slightly disgruntled, muttering aloud, "Where is that Mayor? He's the one who insisted on this grand opening, and he's keeping me from my nap."
Marshal explained respectfully, "He went to take a walk, Master. He said the Bouffalant outside were looking particularly restless."
Alder turned without a second thought and headed for the exit. Alder said in a carefree tone with an eager grin, "Ah! Bouffalant! Now those are Pokémon who know how to live!" "I'll be right back!"
Black asked, frustrated about the battle Alder and Marshal had earlier, "Wait! Why did the battle end like that? It looked like a draw!"
Azure answered softly, "It was Acid Spray,".
Marshal turned his gaze toward Azure, looking impressed. Marshal said in a surprised tone, "You saw it?"
Azure nodded, explaining himself in a casual tone, "Just at the end. Accelgor used a concentrated burst of Acid Spray on Mienshao's fur joints. It didn't look like much, but it lowered Mienshao's guard and softened its defenses. If the battle had continued, one hit would have ended it."
Marshal said firmly, agreeing, crossing his arms, "Correct. My master is a man of peace, but his mastery of the subtle arts of battle is unmatched. He showed me I was beaten without having to hurt my Pokémon. That is the mark of a true Champion."
*THUD*
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the station burst open. A portly man in an expensive suit scrambled in, mopping his brow with a silk handkerchief.
The Mayor gasped for air, then looked at White, exclaiming aloud, "My apologies! Deepest apologies! The parade preparations ran long! Ah! President White! There you are! Why weren't you at the celebration party last night? We had a VIP booth reserved for the BW Agency!"
White turned a sheepish shade of pink. She muttered shyly, "I... well..."
Azure stepped in smoothly, placing a hand on White's shoulder and respectfully explaining to the Mayor, "She was exhausted from the travel and the Musical preparations. She fell asleep the moment we reached the hotel and didn't wake up until dawn. A president's work is never done, after all."
The Mayor huffed, but Azure's tone was so reasonable he couldn't stay mad. Changing subjects, he asked Marshal, "Hmph. Well, no matter. Where is the Champion?"
Marshal pointed, replying, "Outside. Wrestling."
The group followed the Mayor outside just in time to see Alder—the highest-ranking trainer in the region—literally grappling with a wild Bouffalant. The massive bull Pokémon charged, and Alder caught it by the horns, laughing as he was pushed back several feet before being flipped into a haystack.
*Thud*
Alder climbed out of the hay, brushing himself off. He said happily, getting himself up again, "Ho ho! Still got it!"
Wild Pokémon—Patrats, Pidoves, and even a few Deerling—began to gather around him, nuzzling his cloak. White whispered, her eyes wide, "Look at that… They aren't afraid of him at all. Even the wild ones."
Marshal explained, joining them with a smile, "It is his nature. He does not seek power for the sake of it. He seeks understanding. To Alder, every Pokémon is a friend first, and a partner second. He is a man of the earth."
The Mayor cleared his throat loudly as he said firmly, "Ahem! Yes, yes, very touching. But we have a facility to promote! Marshal, if you would?"
Marshal nodded and turned back to the trio. He said firmly with his arms crossed, "The bridge may be closed, but Nimbasa offers a different kind of progress today. Welcome to the Battle Subway. It is a new attraction designed to test the limits of trainers in a confined, moving environment."
He led them back inside to one of the sleek, silver trains.
The Mayor explained, regaining his professional poise, "The rules are simple. One train. Seven cars. In each car, you face a different opponent. You must win seven battles in a row to complete a 'set.' It is a format used in the Battle Frontiers of other regions, adapted for Unova's transit system."
They stepped into one of the cars. It was long and narrow, with barely enough room for two trainers to stand comfortably apart.
Marshal noted, his voice echoing in the metallic space, "The battlefield is restrictive. The train moves at high speeds. You must maintain your balance, account for the vibration, and manage your Pokémon's movements in a space that doesn't allow for wide maneuvers. It is a trial of focus."
The Mayor added proudly, puffing his chest, "We have eight lines planned. For now, six are operational. We have Single, Double, and Multi-battle lines, categorized for both beginners and veterans."
Black asked curiously, "And at the end of the line?"
The Mayor said simply, "The Subway Bosses."
Two men stepped out from the shadows of the adjacent car. They were twins, dressed in elaborate conductor uniforms—one in pristine white, the other in deep black. Their faces were stoic, almost mechanical in their precision.
The man in black said, his voice projecting as if he were announcing a departure, "I am Ingo…"
The man in white said, a sharp, slightly eerie smile on his face, "I am Emmet! I like winning more than anything else. I love Pokémon battles!"
Marshal said curiously while crossing his arms, "They are the ultimate hurdle here… Black, you seem like a boy of action. Why not be the first to officially test the line?"
Black's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. He reached for a Poké Ball, his hand trembling with excitement as he was about to say, "I—!"
Azure said, putting a firm hand on Black's shoulder, "Wait."
Black blinked. Then argued, "What? Why? This is perfect!"
Azure reminded him, his voice calm but firm, "We're on a schedule, Black. The bridge could open at any time. If you commit to a full Subway set now, and the bridge lowers in an hour, we lose our lead toward Driftveil. We need to be ready to move the moment the Rangers give the word."
Black's shoulders slumped. He looked at the sleek train, then at the exit. He groaned in a defeated tone as he muttered, "You're right... the Gym is the priority. But man... this looks so cool."
White, however, hadn't moved. She was looking at Alder, who was still outside, sharing a piece of bread with a Pidove. Then she looked at the Battle Subway car, her reflection caught in the polished chrome.
White murmured, repeating a thought she'd had while watching Alder, "You don't seek the strong or the beautiful. You just... understand them."
Her Tepig, Gigi, hopped out of her arms and onto the floor of the subway car. The small fire-type looked up at White, its eyes burning with a sudden, fierce determination. It nudged White's leg, then looked toward Ingo and Emmet, letting out a spirited, "Tep-pig!"
White looked surprised. She asked, "Gigi? You want to stay?"
Gigi nodded vigorously, sparks dancing from her snout.
White thought about her dream—the BW Agency, the Musical, the idea of Pokémon as entertainers. But she also remembered the feeling of helplessness when Team Plasma had attacked. She looked at Azure, who had taught her that strength wasn't just about winning, but about protecting what you love.
And then her mind wandered to how Azure and Grimsley fought Team Plasma with ease. Then her mind recalled how Black and Azure fought against Team Plasma. And when they encountered Virizion frozen in place, Azure remained calm, handling it.
White's fist clenched tightly. White said softly in realization, "I've spent so much time trying to make Pokémon shine on a stage. But maybe... the stage isn't always a theater. Maybe for Gigi, the stage is here… and I can't hold them back."
She looked up, her eyes bright with a new kind of resolve.
White announced, "I'll do it."
Black's jaw dropped. HE couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief, "White?! You? You hate battling!"
White corrected, a small smile playing on her lips, "I don't hate it. I just didn't understand it. But if Gigi wants to fight, then I'm her partner. I'm her manager, isn't that right? And a good manager provides the best opportunities for her talent."
Azure nodded, a look of genuine pride crossing his face. He said proudly, "A wise choice, White. The Battle Subway isn't just about power; it's about coordination and environment. It'll suit your organizational mind perfectly."
Meloetta's voice rang in Azure's head, 'Finally! Some backbone! Though her form is amateurish, I suppose I can tolerate staying here a bit longer to watch her fail—I mean, attempt her best.'
Azure ignored the tsundere musing. Marshal crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow with an approving grin, but stated, "A bold declaration, young lady. However, the rules of the Battle Subway are absolute. To enter the tournament lines, you will need at least a full, registered team of Pokémon ready for combat."
White didn't flinch. She placed her hands on her hips with fierce determination. She stated firmly, "Don't worry about that. I'll assemble my team in no time. Vivi, Marina, Solly, Lavi... and Gigi. We'll find a way."
Azure offered a small, affirmative nod, resting his hand on his Poké Ball belt. Azure thought happily, 'Looks like our detour in Nimbasa City just got a lot more interesting. But I wonder what her last team member will join her…'
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A/n: Hope you like the chapter!