Chapter 79: Finals (5)
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau, Stadium]
Azure glanced down at his second-to-last Poké Ball, the familiar weight a small comfort in the face of the challenge ahead. He had played his cards as carefully as he could, anticipating Red's moves, exploiting weaknesses, adapting to the unpredictable shifts in the battle.
But Red was Red. He had an uncanny ability to break through strategies, push his Pokémon beyond their limits, and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Azure's heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the monumental pressure. He gripped the worn Poké Ball, its surface warm and familiar. This was it, his final ace Pokémon at full health.
His last chance to turn things around. The journey had been arduous, a relentless climb through countless battles, each victory hard-earned, each battle a painful lesson etched into his memory.
Across the battlefield, Red stood stoic, an almost unnerving calmness radiating from him as he wore his cheeky grin. His fiery red cap, a beacon in the stadium lights, seemed to blaze even brighter under the moment's intensity. Red, the prodigy, the Fighter, the trainer, everyone expected to win.
Azure swallowed hard, forcing down the rising tide of nervousness. Doubts gnawed at him, whispering insidious insecurities as he thought, 'Had I trained enough? Was my strategy sound? Was I truly ready to face Fire Red?'
He pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the present moment, on the Pokémon he was about to unleash. He yelled, his voice cracking slightly despite his best efforts, "I'm glad it was you who was with me on my journey. Let's finish this! Dragonite, I choose you!"
*Pop*
He hurled the Poké Ball into the air. It burst open, releasing a brilliant flash of light. From the light, a magnificent Dragonite emerged, its orange scales gleaming under the spotlight. Its gentle, intelligent eyes, usually so serene, now burned with a fierce determination as it roared proudly, "Drooo? DROOOOOOO!!!! (Let's do this!)"
Dragonite let out a powerful roar that shook the stadium, a defiant challenge to Red and his Pokémon. This was his second partner, the Pokémon who had been with him since Viridian Forest. It was a tiny Dratini, the culmination of training of unwavering loyalty, and trust.
Red remained unmoved, his expression unchanging. He commanded, his voice a low, steady rumble, "Gyarados, take the stage!"
*Pop*
Another Poké Ball arced through the air, unleashing a colossal Gyarados. Its serpentine body, a terrifying combination of blue scales and razor-sharp fins, dwarfed even Dragonite. Its eyes, cold and predatory, locked onto Dragonite, assessing its opponent with ruthless efficiency.
Gyarados roared, a deafening screech that echoed through the stadium, "GYRAA!!!"
The crowd erupted, their cheers a chaotic blend of excitement and trepidation. The clash of these two titans, Dragonite and Gyarados, was a spectacle everyone had been waiting for between these two powerful Pokémon Trainers.
The referee signaled the start of the battle. Azure commanded, his voice ringing with renewed confidence, "Dragonite, start with Thunder Wave!"
*Zzzz*
Dragonite unleashed a surge of electric energy, a crackling wave of yellow light that sped towards Gyarados. Red countered as he yelled immediately and decisively, "Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Gyarados's mouth opened, and a torrent of pressurized water, shimmering with an otherworldly blue light, erupted forth. The Hydro Pump collided with Dragonite's Thunder Wave, the two attacks meeting in a spectacular explosion of water and electricity.
*BOOOM*
The stadium lights flickered momentarily as the power surge threatened to overload the system. Azure watched intently, analyzing the aftermath of the clash, seeing the outcome.
The Thunder Wave had partially connected, slowing Gyarados' movements slightly. But the sheer force of the Hydro Pump had pushed Dragonite back, momentarily disrupting its balance.
Azure shouted, adjusting his strategy on the fly with Dragonite listening, "Dragonite, charge in and use Dragon Claw!"
Dragonite, recovering quickly, charged forward, its claws glowing with emerald energy. It lunged at Gyarados, aiming a powerful strike at its vulnerable underbelly.
Red countered, his voice calm and precise, "Gyarados, dodge and use Ice Fang!"
*Wooosh*
Gyarados, despite being slightly slowed, reacted with surprising speed. It twisted its immense body, narrowly avoiding Dragonite's Dragon Claw. Its jaws snapped shut, its teeth crackling with icy energy, as it clamped down on Dragonite's wing.
*CRUNCH*
Dragonite cried out in pain, the Ice Fang's frigid grip sending a sharp jolt through its body. The ice began to spread, encasing its wing in a layer of frost.
Azure gritted his teeth, his heart clenching with worry. He had to act fast as he commanded, "Dragonite, use Thunder Punch to thaw the ice and break free!"
*Zzzzz*
Dragonite, summoning its inner strength, cloaked its fist in electric energy. The sudden heat of electricity melted the ice rapidly, freeing its wing from Gyarados's icy grip.
It swung its fiery fist towards Gyarados, aiming an electric blow at its head. Red instructed quickly, "Gyarados, protect yourself with Protect!"
*CLANG*
Gyarados lowered its head, then the transparent barrier of Protect formed, blocking the Thunder Punch from harming it. Dragonite's Thunder Punch slammed against Gyarados's barrier, creating a shower of sparks.
The force of the impact sent both Pokémon staggering backward. The battle raged on, a mesmerizing dance of power and strategy.
Azure and Red exchanged command after command, each trying to anticipate the other's moves. Dragonite and Gyarados, battered and bruised, fought with unwavering determination, their roars echoing through the stadium.
Dragonite unleashed a devastating Hurricane, a swirling vortex of wind that buffeted Gyarados relentlessly. Gyarados responded with a Hydro Pump so powerful that it carved deep furrows into the battlefield.
Azure, using his quick thinking, let Dragonite soar higher into the sky to try and get an advantage. Seeing this, Red simply called out, "Gyarados, use Rain Dance!"
*Rmbl*
Rain clouds formed as it released a heavy rainstorm, pouring down on both. Azure knew this was not good, as the rain only powered up Gyarados' water attacks even further.
The crowd was on its feet, roaring their encouragement, witnessing a clash of titans that would be forever etched in the history of the Indigo League. Azure could feel the exhaustion creeping in, but he refused to yield.
He had come too far, sacrificed too much, to give up now. He glanced at Dragonite, its scales scuffed and its wings torn, but its eyes still burning with determination. Azure said, his voice low and steady, "Dragonite… we've come this far together. We're not giving up now. Let's show them what we're made of!"
Dragonite roared in response, its voice filled with renewed vigor, "Drooo!!! (Let's do this! I'm not down yet!!)"
Azure knew then that he had to go all in. He had one last gambit, a move he thought, with the conditions perfectly set, 'With Rain Dance active, I'm left with two moves that'll work guaranteed to deal massive damage against Red's Gyarados. But if Dragonite is too slow, then it will all be over. It was risky, but it was our only chance.'
Having no choice, Azure commanded with Dragonite, determinedly listening, "Dragonite, use Extreme Speed to maximize your speed!"
*Zoooom*
Dragonite's body blurred as it moved with incredible speed, the crowd not even being able to follow where it was going. Red eyes tried to find where Dragonite would be as he thought concerned, 'Damn it…! Where is that Dragon Pokémon? With Extreme Speed, I won't be able to give my Gyara the command needed to turn the battles in our favor.'
Just as Red was pondering where Dragonite was, his eyes drifted to Azure. His expression looked up above them as Red followed up just as Azure shouted, "Now, Dragonite! Use Thunder!"
*KABOOOOM*
Just as Azure's voice gave his command, a pillar of lightning struck down the Gyarados. It was as if a force of nature smite Gyarados as Red's eyes widened, alarmed, looking above, muttered in shock, "From above the clouds! By using the rainclouds produced by Rain Dance, he doesn't have to worry about Thunder missing! Gyarados, meet it head-on with Hyper Beam, full power!"
*BOOOOM*
The power of Thunder and Hyper Beam collided in mid-air, a blinding explosion of light and force. The ground trembled, and the air crackled with raw power. The two beams of thunder and energy struggled against each other, neither giving way.
The audience could only shield their eyes as the two continued to push more power to see which would fall. Azure could see the strain on Dragonite, the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm it.
But he also saw the unwavering determination in its eyes, the refusal to surrender. Azure urged, "Dragonite, you can do it! Focus all your energy!"
With a final, earth-shattering surge of power, Dragonite's Thunder overwhelmed Gyarados' attack, breaking through its defenses and slamming into its chest. Gyarados roared in agony as the full force of the Thunder struck it, sending it crashing to the ground.
*THUD*
A cloud of dust and smoke obscured the battlefield. The crowd held its breath, waiting to see the outcome. As the dust settled, Gyarados was lying motionless, its eyes swirling, a sign that it was unable to battle as the rain dance ended.
The referee raised his arm as he announced the outcome, putting his flag down, "Gyarados is unable to battle!"
The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers, applause, and whistles. Azure stood frozen for a moment, the reality of his victory washing over him.
But the victory was short-lived; the celebration abruptly halted as Red reached for his last Poké Ball. Red announced, a familiar glint returning to his eyes, "It's all down to this, Azure. My last Pokémon."
Azure's heart sank. He had poured everything he had into defeating Gyarados. Dragonite was exhausted, barely able to stand.
He glanced at his remaining Pokémon, able to continue fighting his Partner Pikachu. He had gambled everything on Dragonite, and now he faced the consequences.
Red tossed the Poké Ball into the air. He commanded coolly as the Poke Ball popped, "Aerodactyl, go!"
*Pop*
The ancient Pokémon materialized, its leathery wings unfolding with a snap. Aerodactyl was a Rock/Flying-type, a fearsome predator from a bygone era. It was fast, powerful, and possessed a devastating array of attacks.
Azure knew this was a terrible match-up. Rock was super effective against Flying, and Dragonite was already weakened.
He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. He had no choice. He had to fight. Azure said, his voice weary but resolute, "Dragonite…. You've given it your all. I know you're tired, but we can't give up. Not now. Not ever."
Dragonite, hearing Azure's words, straightened its posture, its eyes burning with renewed determination. The referee raised his hand as he announced, "Begin!"
The battle erupted. Red commanded, "Aerodactyl, use Ancient Power!"
*Rmbl*
Purple aura shrouded the nearby rocks as they levitated into the air. Then Aerodactyl unleashed a barrage of rocks, hurtling towards Dragonite with incredible speed.
Seeing the incoming danger, Azure shouted in a serious tone, "Dragonite, dodge them if you can with Agility! If you can bust them up with an Ice Punch!"
*Wooosh*
*BASH*
Dragonite weaved and turned, dodging some of the rocks, but several still struck home, further weakening it. Azure knew he couldn't keep this up for long.
Dragonite was too slow, too tired. Red commanded, his voice filled with grim determination, "Aerodactyl, Stone Edge! Finish this!"
*RMBL*
Aerodactyl gathered energy, creating a jagged blade of rock that shimmered with power as it slammed down, creating a wave of rock spikes towards Dragonite. It lunged towards Dragonite, ready to deliver the final blow.
Azure felt a surge of despair. But he remained determined as he commanded his voice clear and strong despite the roaring in his ears, "Dragonite, use Agility and then Agile Style! Dragon Claw!"
*Zoooom*
Dragonite responded instantly. It blurred into motion, its Agility sharply increasing its speed. It danced around Aerodactyl's initial attack, a Stone Edge that pulverized the ground where Dragonite had just been.
Then, with a powerful surge, it lunged forward, its claws crackling with draconic energy with a defiant roar, "Drooooo!!!!"
Red countered calmly as his eyes narrowed at Dragonite's determination, "Aerodactyl, meet it head-on with Wing Attack!"
*Woooosh*
Aerodactyl, with its superior Flying-type speed, intercepted Dragonite's attack. Its wings glowed a vibrant white as it slammed into Dragonite's Dragon Claw, the clash of the two attacks creating a shockwave that rippled through the arena.
*BOOOM*
The two Pokémon locked in a furious struggle, each trying to overpower the other. Dragonite strained against Aerodactyl's sharp, bladed wings, while Aerodactyl attempted to claw through Dragonite's tough hide.
Azure analyzed the situation in a split second. Aerodactyl's Wing Attack was powerful, but Dragonite was starting to back into a corner as he thought seriously, 'I need to think fast or else Dragonite will fall. But if Dragonite is this weak… then attack and attack. That's the only path we have left!'
Eyes narrowed, Azure shouted, giving his command, his voice determined, "Dragonite, break free and use Dragon Tail!"
Dragonite, with a burst of raw strength, pushed Aerodactyl back and lashed out with its tail, which glowed with the same draconic energy as its claws. The Dragon Tail connected, slamming Aerodactyl into the ground with tremendous force.
*SLAM*
Aerodactyl staggered, momentarily disoriented. Azure, seeing this thought, took another gamble in a serious tone, thought, 'We've got an opportunity! But to knock that oversized Fossil Pokémon down from the air, I'll need to use Dragonite's signature ability to deal damage and disorient the Fossil Pokémon. Hurricane.'
Azure seized the opportunity, taking a gamble, "Dragonite, now! Hurricane!"
*WOOOOOSH*
Dragonite unleashed its signature move. A swirling vortex of wind erupted from its body, a miniature hurricane that engulfed Aerodactyl. The ancient Pokémon was buffeted by the fierce winds, struggling to maintain its balance.
Red, however, wouldn't let his Pokémon fall so easily. He smirked as he had a plan as he commanded, "Aerodactyl, use Roar to break free!"
With a mighty bellow, Aerodactyl unleashed a sonic wave that shattered the Hurricane, "Roaaaaarr!!!"
The sudden disruption threw Dragonite off balance, leaving it vulnerable. And in that moment, forcibly switched Dragonite into its Poke Ball.
*Pop*
Switching in place was the shocked Pikachu being dragged out. Not allowing time for Azure to command his Pokémon, his voice finally rising above its usual calm tone, "Let's end this, Aerodactyl! Earthquake!"
*BOOOM*
Diving bombing down to the ground, daring to go near Pikachu, it stomped the ground, unleashing a powerful Earthquake. The ground where Aerodactyl landed shook, making white shockwaves come out of the ground and at Pikachu.
Pikachu managed to jump into the air on time as Aerodactyl landed. Azure frowned as he commanded, "Pikachu! Use Wish!"
Pikachu nodded its head as it cried out, and an image of a shooting star appeared behind it, and a white light shot up around its body, "Pika!"
*Swooosh*
Lunging quickly, Red commanded as Aerodactyl landed its attack, "Wing Attack!"
*SMACK*
*Thud*
Pikachu was hit by the Wing Attack as it fainted, being tossed to the side. The referee announced out loud, "Pikachu has fainted! Azure, please send your final Pokémon!"
Azure recalled Pikachu smiling at his partner in a soft tone, "I'm sorry for putting you there, partner. But thanks to your last move, we have a chance."
Reaching out for Dragonite's Poke Ball, his heart raced. His eyes narrowed as he thought in a serious tone, 'That Roar move threw me for a loop. But with Pikachu's quick thinking, we got the chance we needed to turn this around… everything is all on you, Dragonite!'
*Pop*
Hurling Dragonite's Poke Ball out to the field, materialized the Dragon Pokémon. Red's eyes narrowed as he thought bitterly, 'I was too late to stop Wish's effects…'
*Shiii*
The image of the shooting star reappears behind Dragonite and becomes outlined by white light, healing it, much to Dragonite's surprise. Azure spoke in a serious tone, getting Dragonite's attention, "Dragonite… you're my last Pokémon. Pikachu used Wish to heal as much as he could for you… This is our final battle; we must win for our comrades."
Dragonite's eyes widened, hearing this. With a determined glare shifted its attention to Red and Aerodactyl, having regained some health to continue fighting with a defiant roar, "Dro? DROOOOO!!!!"
Red, hearing this, narrowed his eyes as he commanded, "Ancient Power!"
*Rmbl*
The air around Aerodactyl shimmered, and rocks began to levitate around it, glowing with ancient energy. Then, with a terrifying roar, Aerodactyl unleashed a barrage of these rocks at Dragonite, "ROAWWWWWWRRR!!!"
Azure knew that if Dragonite were hit by a direct strike, it would be devastating. Healed or not, he commanded in a serious tone, "Dragonite, dodge with Agility into the air! Don't let it hit you!"
Dragonite weaved and dodged, its Agility paying off as it narrowly avoided the Ancient Power projectiles. The rocks crashed into the ground around it, creating craters and sending dust and debris flying.
The battle raged on, a relentless back-and-forth between two powerful Pokémon and their skilled trainers. Azure was constantly strategizing, adapting to Red's moves, and pushing Dragonite to its limits.
He knew he couldn't afford to make a single mistake. Red, on the other hand, remained outwardly calm, his movements precise and economical.
He seemed to anticipate Azure's every move, countering with calculated precision. Red commanded, "Aerodactyl! Fly! Then use Stone Edge!"
*Swooosh*
Aerodactyl soared into the sky, gaining altitude before diving down towards Dragonite. Its wings sliced through the air, creating a powerful gust of wind as it prepared its next attack of Stone Edge.
Razor-sharp stones materialized around Aerodactyl, glowing with a menacing energy. Azure knew Stone Edge was a critical hit waiting to happen.
Dragonite wouldn't be able to withstand a direct hit from that attack at this stage of the battle. He had to think fast as he thought critically, 'With Red divebombing us, we won't be given enough time… but…'
Sticking to his plan, Azure called out as Dragonite listened with a side-eyed glance, "This is it, Dragonite! Can you do it again? We need to break open a path! There's no other option but to fight them head-on!"
Dragonite slyly grinned with a nod, prepared to follow Azure's word as Red says, "You're determined, but I'm sorry I'm going to defeat you!"
Azure called out, "Dragonite, use Rain Dance!"
It was a risky move, potentially giving Aerodactyl a speed advantage, but it was the only way he could think of to disrupt Stone Edge. Dragonite roared, and dark clouds gathered overhead, "DROOOOOO!!!"
*RMBL*
The heavens opened, and a torrential rain began to fall, soaking the arena and both Pokémon. Red's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. The rain would weaken Aerodactyl's Rock-type moves, but it also opened the possibility of Dragonite using Thunder.
He had to be cautious. Red commanded, swiftly adapting to the changing conditions, "Aerodactyl, abort Stone Edge! Use Hyper Beam!"
*Shiii*
Aerodactyl charged up its most powerful attack, a beam of pure energy that crackled with immense power. The Hyper Beam was a risky move, leaving Aerodactyl vulnerable after its use, but it was a guaranteed hit if it connected.
Azure knew this was his chance. If Dragonite could survive the Hyper Beam, Aerodactyl would be left defenseless.
Azure shouted in concern in his voice, his heart pounding in his chest, "Dragonite, brace yourself! Protect!"
*CLANG*
Dragonite took a deep breath, bracing itself for the full force of the Hyper Beam. The attack slammed into Dragonite's Protect with devastating power, engulfing it in a blinding light. But the sounds of the barrier breaking caused Azure to alarm.
*CRACK*
The crowd gasped, fearing the worst. The sounds of Protect breaking as the beam engulfed Dragonite. Just as Dragonite was engulfed by the Hyper Beam, crossing its arms, it remembered before the battle of Red in the waiting room what Azure said, having a memory flashback moment…
/////
[Flashback, Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau, Stadium – Waiting Room]
A few hours back, Azure was in the waiting room with his Pokémon team. Scizor, Arcanine, Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar, and Dragonite. They all sat in line as Azure says in a determined tone, "We'll be facing the toughest opponent we'll ever face. We'll be put to our limits fighting Fire Red. The Fighter with an unbelievable talent in Pokémon Battling…"
All his Pokémon nodded as Azure took a deep breath and explained in a determined tone to them, as he said in a firm voice, "We are the challengers here. Our experience doesn't match up to our opponents… so we can't afford to overlook the smallest opportunity. We just need to concentrate on what's in front of us."
Placing his thumb over his chest with a soft grin, he said in a determined tone, eyeing his Pokémon fully believing them, "But inside we're aiming for the top. Our bodies will follow the dreams of our hearts. Always. This is our first step towards the dreams of the future."
All his Pokémon cried out happily, agreeing as Pikachu and Eevee bounced all over him, nuzzling and comforting his worries. Scizor nodded his head, agreeing to Azure's determination.
Gengar laughed wickedly, throwing punches, showing she was ready to throw down. Arcanine simply nodded with a sly grin, eager for battle. And Dragonite gazed at the group it fought with ever since Viridian Forest as it cried out, agreeing, "Drooooo! (We'll be victorious!)"
Azure, seeing their determined expressions, sighs in relief. He grinned as he said, "I'm glad that we all met. Now… It's time we win!"
/////
[Present, Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau, Stadium]
Returning to the present, Red remained composed as he smirked, seeing that victory was within sight. Azure, on the other hand, stood still with disbelief expressed on his face muttering, "No… fucking… way…"
The people suspected disbelief on his face was for his apparent defeat, but for him, it was looking at a familiar screen. He slowly grinned, seeing this familiar scenario before happening again as he thought thankfully, 'Dragonite… everyone… thank you for battling for me this hard.'
[Dragonite toughed it so you wouldn't feel sad! Learned the move [Endure]!]
When the light subsided, Dragonite stood its ground, battered and bruised, but still standing. It had endured the Hyper Beam, its sheer willpower pushing it beyond its limits as Red uttered in disbelief, "What! Your Dragonite is still standing after taking Aero's Hyper Beam head-on!!"
Aerodactyl, exhausted from the Hyper Beam, slumped towards the ground, unable to move. The recoil of the powerful attack had left it completely spent.
Now was the time. Azure knew he had to seize the moment as he yelled, his voice filled with desperate hope, "Dragonite, finish it! Strong Style! Thunder!"
*RMBL*
Dragonite, despite its exhaustion, mustered its remaining strength and brought forth the move Thunder as the clouds above rumbled underneath Aerodactyl. Red's eyes looked up as the clouds formed…
*KABOOOOM*
Unleashing a powerful thunder strike on Aerodactyl, cackling with Electric Energy. The Thunder strikes true, hitting Aerodactyl with a final, decisive blow. Its body was charred and damaged as the mighty Fossil Pokémon slumped down…
*THUD*
The stadium erupted in a thunderous roar. The referee, his voice trembling with excitement, raised his flag as he announced proudly, "Aerodactyl is unable to battle! Dragonite wins! Azure is the champion of the Indigo League!"
Azure couldn't believe it. He had won. Against all odds, he had defeated Red and become the champion.
He ran towards Dragonite, embracing his Pokémon in a joyous hug. He cried, tears of joy streaming down his face, "We did it, Dragonite! We did it!"
Dragonite nuzzled against him, its gentle eyes filled with pride and affection. They had fought together, struggled together, and emerged victorious together. Their bond, forged through training and countless battles, had been tested and proven unbreakable.
Red approached Azure, his expression still calm and composed. He extended his hand after recalling Aerodactyl and said, his voice sincere, "Congratulations, Azure. You fought well. You earned this victory. You and your Pokémon are true champions."
Azure shook Red's hand, a surge of respect flowing between them. They had been rivals, competitors, but they were also fellow trainers, united by their passion for Pokémon and their unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As Azure raised his trophy, a gleaming symbol of his victory, the cheers of the crowd washed over him. He looked out at the sea of faces, each one filled with admiration and excitement. He had proven himself, not just to the world, but to himself. He was the Ninth Pokémon League Champion.
But the victory was more than just a title. It was a testament to his hard work, his dedication, and his unwavering belief in himself and his Pokémon. It was a beginning, not an end.
The journey was far from over. He had a whole world to explore, new challenges to face, and countless more Pokémon to meet. And as he stood there, bathed in the adulation of the crowd, he knew that he was ready for whatever the future held.
He had his Pokémon by his side, and together, they would conquer any obstacle that stood in their way. The Indigo League was only the first step for him to become the Pokémon Master.
/////
A/N: Phew... talk about a long chapter, huh? So did you guys see the final clash between Red and Azure with their last Pokémon?