Chapter 236: Admins Tabitha and Courtney
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Nighttime, Mauvile Sea – S.S. Cactus]
Sapphire, hiding again, considers her position. Kirly has them hide nearby Courtney in the trees as she thought with her eyes closed, 'Huf… huf… I can't believe it. How'd she know I was there from the get-go? I'm a good hider! And…'
Sapphire frowned as both her Rono and Chic fainted from the battle as she grit her teeth, thinking helplessly, '… oh! She's strong!! Rono… and even Chic – A fire-type – are burned somethin' fierce. My eyes hurt so much I can't open 'em! I didn't even get the chance to see what the enemy looks like! And to top it off…'
Furthermore, Ruby is still on board, and Sapphire is sure he'll suffer defeat at the hands of the other stranger. But then she remembered, calmly thought, 'Right! Master is here with him; he should be safe, but… Master doesn't know they're here! I gotta find them somehow!!'
*Drop*
Kirly quickly used Life Dew as it poured a drip of water into Sapphire's eyes. She blinked slowly as the healing effects of Life Dew worked, giving her a few seconds to recover quickly, seeing again.
She blinked, grinning happily, being able to see as she hugged her Kirly, thanking her greatly in a proud tone, "Good thinking, Kirly! Using Life Dew on my eyes is genius! I suppose Master did mention having a healing move would be good. Now… can you locate where Master or Ruby's emotions are at?"
With that, she ordered her Kirly to find Azure or Ruby's emotions. Kirly nodded as its horns glowed lightly, using Teleport…
*Shiii*
… both then vanished in blue psychic light. Sapphire decides to try to find them before it's too late.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Mauvile Sea – S.S. Cactus]
Back at Ruby's location, he continues to chase the trouble-making Plusle and Minun as he recalls his team not wanting them to get dirty by berry juice. He yelled, being belted a berry, "Just you wait!!"
*FWUP*
Ruby dives down face-first as the Plusle and Minum fall past them. Ruby has been splattered by berries on his face as he muttered, "Ow…"
But then he realizes that they've been keeping him from going near one door, and guesses getting a reaction from the Wild Pokémon, "Hahaha… I've figured it out. There's a pattern to your movements!!"
Seeing their startled reaction, Ruby got more confident as he declared boldly, "I'm right, aren't I? You've been pretending to run randomly all over the place… but you're trying to keep me from that door. That means there's something special behind it, right?"
The Wild Minun and Plusle eyed the door for a second, which confirmed Ruby's words as he grinned smugly, declaring, "And I'm guessing it's an extremely rare berry! A rare berry that may grow here. Well, whatever – "
*POP*
*CLANG*
Before he could do anything, Rara came out using Protect in time. That got Ruby's attention as he turned senses fully alert as he thought, 'Rara! If she came out and used Protect, then that means there's an enemy– '
His eyes turned to see Tabitha, his fist blocked by Rara's Protect just in time. Ruby's eyes narrowed, seeing Tabitha, and at the same time, Sapphire managed to locate Ruby teleporting in the trees, hiding her presence.
Sapphire, with Kirly, managed to see again and was about to jump in. But a thought occurred to her, causing her to stop as she thinks, '… Master says his strong. But how could he be strong if his – '
*Pop*
Before she could finish her thinking her eyes widened slightly, seeing Ruby's serious expression on his face. As the effects of Protect fade, Ruby hurled 2 more Poke Balls, ordering calmly, "Good. No one around… go! Mumu! Water Gun! Nana! Hyper Beam! Rara! Imprison!"
Each of his Pokémon came out as Tabitha's eyes widened, stunned as he ordered his Torkoal, alarmed, "Oh shit! Protect – AHHH!!"
*Shiii*
A forcefield from Rara's Imprison blocked Torkoal its move to protect, which forced Tabitha to be defenseless against Mumu's Water Gun and Nana's Hyper Beam. The attacks combined as they pushed Tabitha and Torkoal through the walls of the S.S. Cactus.
*BOOOM*
Ruby's eyes glared as he brought his glasses to see clearly as he muttered harshly, "If you know what's good for you! You'd better back off!!"
Sapphire, on the other hand, looked stunned. Her mouth agape as she yelled out loud, startling Ruby, "You!! What did you… just do?!"
*Tmp*
Sapphire jumps down, catching Ruby in the act as she stuttered, seeing his skill in a stunned tone, "You've… got some serious battle skills!"
*Shiii*
In that moment, Ruby's eyes widened seeing Mumu and Rara evolving. He quickly brought out his camera as he said to Sapphire, "Ah! Rara and Mumu are evolving! Sorry, but can you wait a second!"
Ruby began video recording his Pokémon moment, evolving with Mumu evolving into Marshtomp and Rara into Kirlia. Sapphire processed what just happened as she recalled her Master's words back at Dewford, 'Master said Ruby was strong… did he already know that just by seeing him…'
Sapphire frowned slightly, knowing this as Ruby finished up taking a video of his Pokémon evolution in a calm tone, "Whew… talk about close there. But… how long we're you seeing me battle…?"
Turning his attention to Sapphire, nervously, Sapphire finally spoke up, gesturing to him in a frustrated tone, "All of it... Your moves and control ain't somethin' no ordinary trainer could pull off! Especially that advanced Moves like Imprison and Hyper Beam!"
Ruby sweated hearing this as he gestured for his Pokémon with an uncomfortable expression on his face as he stated, "Strange, huh? I guess Nana and Rara were really tryin' hard…?"
Sapphire growled at this as she argued back, "Stop playin' dumb with me!!"
Unfortunately for Sapphire, she didn't have any spare Pokémon to bring to force Ruby into a battle. Along with other important matters occurring, she took in a deep breath as she exhaled, stating seriously, "Fine… you don't wanna tell me, huh? Okay. Whatever. But did you see one of the bandits, a girl here?"
Seeing the seriousness of Sapphire's expression, Ruby frowned as he stated calmly, "No. Only the guy I attacked in self-defense. Wait… there's another one?!"
*Tmp*
It didn't take long before Courtney and Tabitha returned, visibly angry. Tabitha looked worse to wear, with his Torkoal glaring hatefully at Ruby, along with Courtney's eyes narrowing at Sapphire with her Ninetales by her side.
Both Ruby and Sapphire flinched seeing two of them come as they thought, 'Aw crap… what now?!'
*CREAK*
It was then that a door creaked open from the other side, startling everyone present. Coming out of the door revealed Azure as he saw the scene, holding the Scanner as he asked, seemingly baffled voice, "Okay, what the heck are you doing now, Ruby arguing with Sapphire again – what the hell did I just stumble into?"
Pikachu was on his shoulder, and Eevee was on top of his head. Courtney and Tabitha eyed the Scanner in Azure's hands. A small, sleek device, remarkably intact despite the corrosion surrounding it.
Both Admins' eyes widened as they thought, 'It's the Scanner!'
Azure grinned as he got their attention using [Observe] on the Scanner. His eyes drifted to the Scanner he found reading the Diary that the Wild Plusle and Minun had, who had already fled from the scene.
[Item: Scanner
Rarity Item: -
Type: Key Item
Description: A device found inside the Abandoned Ship of the S.S. Cactus. A device used to search for life-forms in water. It looks too difficult to use.]
But seeing Sapphire's and Ruby's frightened expression, Azure's heart pounded. The hum of the Scanner in Azure's hand intensified.
Team Magma Admins, Tabitha and Courtney, their faces grim, their eyes fixed on the Scanner in Azure's hand. Tabitha grunted, his voice gruff, his Torkoal lumbering into view behind him, unaware of Azure's identity, "Well, well! Looks like the little pipsqueak found her way to you. Hand over the device. It's vital our plans."
Courtney, her gaze sharp and calculating, smirked, her Ninetales standing beside her. But she recognized Azure as she said slyly, "You might have won a few regional tournaments, Indigo Champion, but you're out of your league here. Especially since you started with your new team. That Scanner is ours."
Azure raised an eyebrow as Courtney said that, confused at first, but then realized quickly as he thought, 'How the heck does she – oh right… Wasn't she a friend of Daisy Oak? Damn… Daisy has been talking about my repeats. Fuck it, we ball.'
Ruby, his face pale, saw Tabitha come out with Torkoal, while Sapphire, gathering her wits, prepared her Relly and Kirly. But the Admins were not to be underestimated. It was clear with a glance that this was a different caliber of opponent.
Their young Pokémon, though brave, were outmatched if they fought. Azure, ever the strategist, saw the predicament.
His companions were strong, but not yet ready for this level of threat they could face. He needed to buy them time, to create an opening for escape.
And he had exactly the Pokémon for the job. Azure's voice cut through the clamor of battle, calm and commanding, "Sapphire, Ruby! Get out of here! I'll handle them. Go back to Lorry!"
Before they could protest, Azure moved. He pressed two Poké Balls, their clasps clicking open, yelling out loud, "Corphish! Psyduck! Let's go!"
*Pop*
A splash of water accompanied the emergence of Psyduck, its perpetually dazed expression belying a hidden power. Beside it, Corphish brandished its large claws, scuttling into a battle stance.
The Admins scoffed seeing his choice. Tabitha sneered as he said disdainfully, "A Psyduck and a Corphish? You think they can stop us?"
Courtney added, her Ninetales letting out a low growl, "Such a waste of time. Ninetales, Confuse Ray!"
Tabhita added, giving his command, "Torkoal, Lava Plume!"
The battle erupted. Ninetales' Confuse Ray swirled towards Psyduck, but the Duck Pokémon, with a surprising burst of clarity, deflected it with a quick Water Pulse. Corphish launched a Crabhammer at Torkoal, but the fire turtle's shell proved resilient.
*BOOOM*
As they clashed, Ruby and Sapphire looked conflicted, seeing Azure buying them time to escape. They could only watch as they bit, they're teeth, allowing Azure to face them alone against Team Magma Admins.
The Admins were relentless, their Pokémon coordinating attacks with practiced precision. Torkoal's heat was oppressive, and Ninetales's agility made it a slippery target.
*Sssss*
Dodging a Flamethrower aimed at him with practiced ease. Azure, however, held his ground, his eyes fixed on his Pokémon, a faint, almost imperceptible grin beginning to form on his lips as he thought proudly, 'It's almost time… Corphish and Psyduck just needed a little push…'
He knew his team, knew their potential. He had trained them not just for strength, but for growth, for moments like these. The pressure mounted, the intensity of the Admins' attacks pushing Corphish and Psyduck to their absolute limits.
Psyduck, battered by Ninetales' Quick Attack, its head throbbing, let out a pained cry. Corphish, scorched by the residual heat of Lava Plume, stumbled.
Then, it happened.
*SHIII*
A blinding white light erupted from Psyduck, enveloping its form. The dazed expression vanished, replaced by a surge of raw psychic energy. Its body elongated, its bill sharpened, and a radiant red gem appeared on its forehead.
The light faded, revealing a majestic Golduck, its eyes now sharp and focused, radiating an aura of immense power, "QUACK!!! (THE KING IS HERE!!)"
*SHIII*
Before the Admins could fully register the transformation, a second, equally brilliant light exploded from Corphish. Its shell hardened, its claws grew larger and more menacing, and its eyes burned with fierce determination.
The light receded, revealing a formidable Crawdaunt, its dark red armor gleaming, its massive pincers ready for action, "Caaaa!! (YOU ARE SO FUCKED!!)"
Azure's grin widened, a silent testament to his foresight. He swiftly gave out commands once his Pokémon evolved, "Now, Golduck, Strong Style Surf! Crawdaunt, Strong Style! Crabhammer!"
The tide turned with a vengeance. Golduck, its psychic abilities now fully awakened, unleashed a torrent of water, a focused jet that slammed into Ninetales, sending it skidding across the deck with a yelp.
*SPLASH*
Crawdaunt, its newly evolved claws imbued with incredible force, charged Torkoal. The Crabhammer struck with the force of a battering ram, cracking the ground beneath the Torkoal's feet and shaking it to its core.
*CRACK*
Tabitha and Courtney's faces, moments ago filled with smug confidence, now twisted into expressions of shock and frustration. Their Ninetales and Torkoal, previously dominant, were now on the defensive, reeling from the sudden, overwhelming power surge.
Tabitha roared as Torkoal struggled to its feet, "Impossible!"
*Wooosh*
Courtney spat, her Ninetales barely dodging another powerful Surf, "They… they evolved mid-battle!"
Azure pressed his advantage. He didn't allow the Admins the chance to act, "Golduck, Psychic! Pin Ninetales! Crawdaunt, Aqua Jet, direct hit on Torkoal!"
*Shiiii*
Golduck's eyes glowed, and an invisible force lifted Ninetales, holding it suspended in the air, helpless. Crawdaunt, shrouded in a glistening aura of water, rocketed towards Torkoal, slamming into it with bone-jarring impact.
*BOOOM*
The Torkoal cried out, collapsing onto the deck, clearly out of the fight. Defeated and furious, Tabitha and Courtney knew when they were beaten.
The Scanner was important, but their lives, and the integrity of Team Magma's upper echelons, were more so. Tabitha growled, pulling out another Poké Ball, "This isn't over! Magmar, Teleport!"
*Pop*
With a flash of bright orange light, a Magmar appeared, its arms already raised, a shimmering portal forming before them. Tabitha eyed the Scanner in Azure's hands as he grit his teeth in frustration, recalling his Torkoal.
Courtney glared at Azure, her eyes promising future retribution. She declared coldly, recalling her Ninetales, "You haven't heard the last of us!"
*Shiii*
And with that, the two Admins and their remaining Pokémon vanished, leaving only the lingering smell of ozone and the groaning of the abandoned ship. Silence descended once more, thicker now, punctuated only by the lapping of waves against the hull.
Azure recalled his victorious Golduck and Crawdaunt, a proud, satisfied expression on his face. Ruby and Sapphire, who had paused their escape to watch the awe-inspiring battle, slowly approached, their faces etched with a mixture of fear, relief, and profound respect, seeing how he took care of them.
Sapphire whispered in admiration, her eyes wide, twinkling, "Master… that was… incredible!! You were so amazing!!"
Ruby, for once, was speechless. He simply stared at Azure, then at the spot where the Admins had vanished, a newfound understanding dawning in his mind.
When he was younger, he had seen his father battle before, but seeing this, he thought differently, 'This was a trainer of a different caliber entirely.'
Azure merely smiled, patting the Poké Ball of his newly evolved Pokémon. He turned to Sapphire and Ruby as he said calmly, "Every journey brings new challenges, and every challenge brings new growth. This Scanner… it seems Team Magma is very interested in what it can do. We'd better leave as soon as possible unless they come back."
Hearing his words, both nodded they're heads. With that, the group began to leave the area, entering Route 108…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!