Chapter 242: Sparing Session
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Route 110]
The salt-laced breeze of Slateport City still clung to Azure Sky's jacket as he ventured deeper into the Hoenn region. Now, a fresh canvas lay before him, a new challenge, and a raw, untamed team ready to forge their legends.
At his side walked Sapphire, a whirlwind of boundless energy and ambitious dreams. She was his student, yes, but more importantly, a kindred spirit, her passion for battling burning as fiercely as any champion's. Her Pokémon, meticulously cared for and rigorously trained, were a testament to her dedication.
Completing their trio was Ruby, a trainer with a keen eye for Pokémon Coordinator and a calmer, more reflective demeanor that often served as a much-needed anchor to Sapphire's exuberance and excited nature. He was a companion, a chronicler, and often, an unwitting stranger during their training session.
Their journey from Slateport had begun after a thorough resupply, their backpacks laden with Poké Balls, berries, and essentials for the wild. Route 110 stretched before them, a winding ribbon of sun-dappled earth beneath the sky.
Lush green fields gave way to rocky outcrops, interspersed with patches of vibrant wildflowers. The air hummed with the chirps of cheerful Wingulls soaring overhead and the rustling of leaves as unseen Pokémon moved among the foliage.
They chose a leisurely pace, allowing the grandeur of Hoenn to wash over them. Azure, despite his past glories, walked with a quiet humility. His focus was no longer solely on conquest but on discovery, growth, and the unique bonds formed with each new Pokémon he met along his Hoenn Journey.
Within their Poké Balls, his new Hoenn team stirred: Metang, a calculating intellect; Grovyle, swift and silent; Gardevoir, elegant and empathetic; Ninetales, mischievous and fiery; Golduck, calm and powerful; Crawdaunt, a force of raw aggression; and the trio he was currently focusing his energies on – Bagon, still dreaming of flight; and Vigoroth, a restless embodiment of pure speed.
He wanted to understand Hoenn through their eyes, through their strengths and weaknesses. That was when Sapphire exclaimed, her gaze sweeping across a panorama of rolling hills, "This is incredible, Master! It's so different from Slateport City's industrial vibe, isn't it?"
Azure replied, a faint smile on his lips as he shared his experience, "Every region has its own heart. Hoenn's seems to beat with the rhythm of nature and adventure."
Ruby nodded, already sketching in his notebook. He spoke out passionately, "The wind currents here are fascinating. Imagine the patterns a Beautifly could make!"
As dusk began to paint the sky with hues of orange and purple, they decided to set up camp in a secluded clearing, surrounded by tall trees that offered both shelter and privacy. The aroma of a simmering stew soon filled the air, a comforting scent that spoke of shared journeys.
It was during this tranquil moment, as the first stars began to prick holes in the twilight canvas, that Sapphire finally made her declaration. She began, her voice firm, eyes alight with determination, "Master! I want a rematch! Here. Now!"
Azure turned from stoking the campfire, his expression unreadable for a moment before a knowing smile spread across his face as he said coolly, "Already? You've been itching for this since we left Slateport, haven't you?"
Sapphire's cheeks flushed slightly, but her resolve didn't waver. She declared proudly, "You know I have! My team has grown so much. Chic, Rono, Kirly… they're ready! I need to see how far I've come, against the best."
Azure chuckled softly. He admired her spirit, her relentless pursuit of improvement. This wasn't just a battle; it was a lesson, a test, a conversation between trainers as he calmly agreed and replied with an eager grin, "Alright, Sapphire. I accept. But no pressure, remember this is about growth, not just victory."
Ruby sighed dramatically, but his eyes held a glint of anticipation. He said boredly, "Battle maniacs. Very well, I'll be the impartial referee. Standard rules: 2-on-2, first to two knockouts wins. Any substitutions are allowed. Are your Pokémon ready, trainer?"
Sapphire practically vibrated with excitement as she declared, "Ready, Ruby!"
Ruby turned to Azure as he asked, "And you, Azure?"
Azure affirmed, his voice calm, but a keen glint in his eyes revealed his excitement, "Ready as I'll ever be."
He decided to field a combination of his newer, less tested Pokémon. It was a chance to understand their true potential under pressure as he thought calmly, 'Hmm… I'll use Vigoroth, and Bagon. They need some experience and could provide the chance for Bagon or Vigoroth to evolve.'
Ruby gestured to the open clearing. He declared overdramatically, "Excellent. Trainers, take your positions! Let the battle begin!"
The air crackled with anticipation. Sapphire stood on one side, her Poké Balls clutched tightly as she thought, 'I've improved since my first battle in Littleroot Town. And training under Master's teachings, it's time I see how much I've improved!'
Azure mirrored her, a quiet focus settling upon him. Sapphire announced, sending out her Poke Ball, bringing out Lairon, "Alright, this is where Rono shines!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
The Steel/Rock-type Pokémon landed with a heavy thud, its metallic hide gleaming in the moonlight. Azure grinned as he hurled his next choice, "Vigoroth, let's go!"
*Pop*
Azure is releasing its next fighter. Vigoroth burst forth, a bundle of unrestrained energy, bouncing on the balls of its feet. It let out an excited grunt, eager for the fight, "Vigorothh!! (Let me at 'em! Let me at 'EM!!)"
Both got out into the field. Sapphire ordered, "Rono, use Iron Head!"
Rono the Lairon charged with surprising speed for its bulk, its head glowing. Azure grinned as he countered, "Vigoroth, focus! Use Focus Punch!"
*Woooosh*
Vigoroth, a blur of motion, met it head-on. The two Pokémon collided with a sound like thunder as they clashed.
*BOOOOM*
Vigoroth's Focus Punch, charged with pure fighting spirit, cracked against Lairon's armored head, but the Steel Pokémon barely flinched, its own Iron Head sending a jolt through Vigoroth. Both grinned, eyeing each other.
Sapphire cheered, grinning as she ordered eagerly, "Too slow, Vigoroth! Now, Rono, use Rock Slide!"
*SWF*
Lairon stomped the ground, and large boulders began to fall from above the white portals appearing beneath Vigoroth. Vigoroth saw the incoming boulders and was fully alerted, prepared to fight them.
Azure's eyes hardened as he commanded, his voice firm, "Vigoroth, use your speed! Dodge and use Strong Style Slash!"
*Shinng*
Vigoroth moved like lightning, weaving through the falling rocks with incredible agility, its restless energy finally channeled into precise evasion. It was almost impossible to track as it became a white blur.
It closed the distance instantly, its claws glowing white as it connected with a powerful Strong Style Slash across Lairon's side. The attack left a visible mark on the steel hide as Rono recoiled in pain.
Sapphire flinched seeing the hit. But Azure urged as he continued the pressure, "Again, Vigoroth! Keep the pressure on with Mega Punch!"
*BASH*
*SMASH*
Vigoroth unleashed a flurry of rapid punch attacks, a dizzying succession of punches that rained down on Lairon. Each strike, though not devastating individually, chipped away at Lairon's formidable defense.
Especially against an Alpha Vigoroth with Stab and a Silk Scarf boosting its Normal-type moves, increasing its power. Rono grunted in frustration as Sapphire ordered, "Oh no! Rono quick use Heavy Slam!"
*Thud*
Rono was trying to retaliate with Heavy Slam, but Vigoroth's speed made it a difficult target as it moved out of the way. Sapphire shouted, trying a different tactic, "Rono, don't let it get away! Use Metal Burst!"
Lairon pulsed with metallic energy, unleashing a wave of retaliatory force. Azure's eyes widened as he ordered, "Quick use Protect – "
*BOOOOM*
Vigoroth took the full brunt of Rono's burst of energy from its body. It knocked the Vigoroth into a nearby tree as it struggled to stand up…
*Thud*
… but then fainted on the spot from the attack. Rono panted tiredly but grinned smugly, finally winning for Sapphire as Ruby announced, his eyes wide, "Vigoroth is unable to battle! Rono wins! That was a bold move, Sapphire!"
Azure recalled his fallen Pokémon with genuine surprise on his face. He smiled lightly, praising Sapphire's plan as he said, surprised, "Okay, I must admit you using Metal Burst was something I didn't expect. I didn't even know you taught your Rono that high-level Steel Type move."
Sapphire smiled, recalling Rono, which let out a final, triumphant grunt before disappearing into its Poké Ball as she explained proudly, "I know! But I happened to encounter a TM for Metal Burst at the Slateport Market. I gotta have a secret weapon, don't ya know?"
Azure chuckled, being humbled by Sapphire as he said calmly, "Fair enough."
Sapphire grinned cheekily, a determined glint in her eyes. She hurled her last Pokémon, "I have one more! Kirly, it's up to you!"
*Pop*
From its Poké Ball, a majestic Gallade materialized. Kirly, Sapphire's male Gallade, stood with a noble posture, its blade-like arms gleaming in the twilight.
It was a Pokémon of grace and precision, a stark contrast to the raw power of Lairon or the agile ferocity of Combusken. Azure grinned as he hurled his last Pokémon for the night, "Good. Bagon, let's see that tenacity!"
*Pop*
Azure called, sending out the stubborn Dragon-type. Bagon appeared, its body twitching in anticipation.
Sapphire commanded, her voice ringing with renewed confidence in a determined tone, "Gallade, use Psycho Cut!"
*Shinng*
Kirly moved with incredible speed, its arm blades glowing with psychic energy as it launched a precise, arcing attack towards Bagon. Azure is quick to see the attack countered, "Bagon! Strong Style Dragon Breath!"
*PEW*
Bagon roared, unleashing a burst of purplish energy from its mouth. The Dragon Breath collided with Kirly's Psycho Cut in a dazzling explosion of light and force.
*BOOM*
Both Pokémon were pushed back, neither gaining an immediate advantage. Sapphire declared as she ordered fiercely, "Bagon's attack is strong, but Gallade's speed is unmatched! Kirly, close in with Fury Cutter!"
*Zooom*
Gallade vanished, reappearing almost instantly beside Bagon, its arm glowing with verdant energy. It aimed a swift, powerful Fury Cutter.
Azure commanded, "Bagon! Strong Style Headbutt!"
*Wooosh*
Bagon, true to its nature, met the attack head-on with its incredibly hard skull. The Fury Cutter hit with a sickening thud, but Bagon absorbed the force, then retaliated with a forceful headbutt that sent Kirly stumbling back.
*THUD*
It was a rough, unrefined fighting style, but incredibly effective when Bagon's resilience was considered. Sapphire shouted, trying to create distance, "Kirly, Psychic!"
*Shiii*
Gallade used Psychic, lifting Bagon into the air, holding it suspended. Azure's voice was calm but firm, urging Bagon to tap into its primal Dragon rage, "Don't give up, Bagon! Focus on your target! Dragon Rush!"
*Shiii*
Bagon roared, its body glowing blue, a dragon-shaped aura covering its body. It then struggles against the Psychic hold with full force…
*CRACK*
Using Dragon Rush, Bagon managed to break free from its hold. With a surge of raw power, it broke free from the Psychic grip, dropping to the ground with a grunt. Bagon charged Gallade, ignoring all strategy, relying solely on its innate power.
Sapphire countered sharply, knowing this was her last chance to counter, "Kirly, dodge with Teleport and follow up with Close Combat!"
*Shiii*
Gallade swiftly teleported away a short distance in a better position as it eyed the Bagon with a sharp glare. Gallade, a master of close-quarters combat and swordsmanship, moved like a dancer and then…
*SMASH*
*SHINNG*
*BASH*
It landed a series of devastating Close Combat blows – rapid punches and kicks – impacting Bagon from multiple angles. Bagon received hit after hit, but its stubborn nature kept it on its feet.
Each blow seemed to only fuel its rage further. But then Sapphire ordered, "Now! End it with a Psycho Cut!"
*SHINNG*
Slamming down its arm, unleashing a powerful slash of psychic energy, it landed on the Bagon without mercy. Bagon was sent flying as it crashed into a nearby tree, and it fainted on the spot from the impact.
Ruby rushed forward, checking on Bagon before finally making his call, declared, "Bagon is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner is Sapphire!"
A sigh of relief and exhaustion escaped Sapphire. Azure immediately went to check on Bagon, patting its head gently as he said softly, "You fought well, little gal. You showed incredible spirit in the fight."
He returned it to its Poké Ball. Sapphire hugged Kirly happily as she declared, "Great job, Kirly! You've grown stronger and even won against Master!"
Kirly nodded proudly, grinning. Afterward, she recalled it back into its Poké Ball as Sapphire admired Azure's Pokémon proudly, "Master, that was... incredible! Your Vigoroth, so fast and strong! And Bagon, it just wouldn't give up! My Pokémon pushed harder than ever before."
Azure walked over to her, a genuine warmth in his eyes. He assists Sapphire's growth, being under him as he said calmly, "And yours did too, Sapphire. Rono's defense was formidable, and Kirly's precision was truly something to behold. You've grown a lot as a trainer. You're thinking strategically, adapting, and pushing your Pokémon to their very best."
Sapphire grinned, hearing his praise. But Ruby chimed in, having finished his referee duties, as he said bluntly, "But you still lost Champ."
Azure countered gently as he casually said to Ruby dismissively, as he praised Sapphire's usage of her Pokémon, "Winning isn't always the point. It's about learning, about understanding your Pokémon and yourself better. And I can see Sapphire learned how to use they're Pokémon's natural abilities in battle."
Sapphire nodded, a thoughtful expression replacing her earlier excitement as she admitted sheepishly, "Yeah. I tried to think about how I could trick or beat you in our sparring matches like these deeply… I felt like I was learning with every move. Thank you, Master. This was exactly what I needed."
As the last vestiges of twilight gave way to the deep, star-studded embrace of the Hoenn night, the trio settled around the rekindled campfire. The air was filled with the quiet rustling of leaves and the gentle chirping of nocturnal Pokémon.
Azure, his mind already drifting to the next day's journey towards Mauville City, felt a profound sense of contentment. His new team, though still young and unproven on the grand stage, had shown immense promise.
And his student, Sapphire, was blossoming into a trainer worthy of her own champion's path. Ruby is still finding his path in life, and Azure grinned, seeing them grow as he pondered mentally to himself, 'These two are still greenhorns. But they're improving, here's hoping they grow strong…'
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A/N: Reach the goal of 50 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!