Chapter 254: Winstrate Family Challenge!
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Route 111 – Winstrate Family Home]
The Hoenn breeze, thick with the scent of salty air and verdant growth, was a welcome change for the duo as Azure breathed in the fresh air. Beside him, Sapphire and his student, a Trainer still finding her footing but brimming with an almost boundless enthusiasm, practically vibrated with excitement.
She exclaimed, clenching her fist together in a fiery tone, "This is it, Master! New Pokémon, new challenges!"
Azure chuckled, a low, easy sound. His Kanto partners, Pikachu and Eevee, were nestled comfortably on his shoulders, their small bodies a familiar weight as he said cooly, "Indeed, Sapphire. Hoenn offers unique growth opportunities for both Pokémon and Trainers."
Their first major was to cross Route 111. Checking on his Arc Phone, Azure stated, consulting his Map App, "Route 111. It's a diverse landscape, perfect for some initial training and getting to know our new surroundings. We might even find some strong Trainers looking for a battle."
The transition from Mauville's urban hum to Route 111's rugged terrain was abrupt but refreshing. Rocky outcrops gave way to sandy stretches, dotted with sparse vegetation in front of them.
The air was dry, and the sun beat down, but Azure and Sapphire were unperturbed, their spirits high. They were deep in discussion about type matchups and battle strategies when Sapphire pointed ahead.
Sapphire exclaimed, surprised, "Look, Master! A house, way out here?"
Indeed, nestled amidst the rocks, stood a surprisingly well-maintained, if rustic, dwelling. Smoke curled from its chimney, and the sounds of laughter and Pokémon cries drifted on the wind. As they approached, a sign became visible, hammered into a sturdy post:
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THE WINSTRATE FAMILY CHALLENGE! Prove Your Mettle Against Hoenn's Finest! PRIZE: A Genuine Macho Brace!
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Azure raised an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue in his usually calm eyes as he muttered, "Well, this is unexpected. A family of Trainers offering a challenge."
He knew the Macho Brace was a valuable training item, designed to boost a Pokémon's Effort Values – a clear sign that this family took training seriously. Sapphire's eyes gleamed as she said excitedly, her voice cheerful, "A Macho Brace! That's amazing! Should we try it, Master? It sounds like fun!"
Azure considered it. This wasn't a League challenge, or a Gym battle, but an intimate, personal test of skill.
It was exactly the kind of unscripted experience that helped a Trainer grow. He replied to Sapphire as he gazed at his belt, "It certainly could be instructive, Sapphire. Not just for us, but for our Pokémon."
He glanced at Pikachu and Eevee, who seemed to share his sentiment, their tails giving an almost imperceptible wag. They began to journey to the house of the Winstake Family, genuinely interested in the challenge.
As they stepped closer, a cheerful woman with a kindly face emerged from the house, followed by three other family members, one a young boy, another a middle-aged man, and an elderly woman. They introduced themselves as the Winstrate Family: Vicky, the grandmother; Victor, the husband; Vivi, the grandmother; Victoria, the wife, and Vito (who seemed to be away now).
Vicky beamed as she looked at the duo in an excited tone, "Welcome, young Trainers! Are you here to take on the Winstrate Challenge?"
Azure inclined his head. With a light nod, he spoke curiously, "We are. My name is Azure, and this is my companion, Sapphire."
Victor, the middle-aged man, suddenly piped up, his eyes widening as he asked in a surprised tone, "Azure Sky? You mean, the Indigo Champion Azure Sky? The one with the Pikachu and Eevee...?"
He gestured excitedly at Azure's shoulders. Azure offered a small smile with a sheepish grin as he replied casually, "The very same. It seems my reputation precedes me, even here in the Hoenn Region."
*Clap*
Vicky clapped her hands together. She said excitedly, gazing at Azure, "Oh, how wonderful! A Champion gracing our humble home! This will be a truly magnificent challenge! We've had a few Trainers pass through today, but no one has managed to defeat us all yet. Are you both ready?"
Sapphire declared, brimming with anticipation, "Ready!"
Nodding her head, Vicky announced proudly with a challenging glint, "Excellent! Well, then, Victor, you're up first! Show our esteemed guests what a Winstrate can do!"
Victor puffed out his chest, a mix of nervousness and pride on his face. He announced, stretching his arms, "Alright! I'm Victor. And I'm first up! Our battles are 2-on-2. Are you ready?"
Azure and Sapphire moved to the designated battle area, a neatly flattened patch of earth beside the house. The rocky terrain formed a natural arena, the harsh sun serving as the only spotlight.
Victor took his position opposite them, a Poké Ball already held firmly in his hand. Vicky announced, taking on the role of referee, "Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
Victor declared out loud, tossing his Poké Ball high, "Alright, Taillow, let's show them what we're made of!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light and a triumphant cry, a spry Taillow materialized, flapping its wings excitedly, its small body radiating energy, "Taiii!"
Azure observed the Taillow – quick, agile, clearly well-trained. A common sight in Hoenn, but not to be underestimated.
He then glanced at Sapphire, who was about to reach for one of her own Poké Balls. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as he said calmly, his voice low, "Sapphire, allow me to take this one. I have a specific Pokémon in mind for this match."
Sapphire looked at him, curious, but nodded, trusting his judgment as she replied, "Okay, Master."
Azure reached for a specific Poké Ball on his belt; one he'd held onto carefully. He smirked, hurling the Poke Ball into the air, materializing it into light, "Alright, Mudkip, it's your time to shine!"
*Pop*
Mudkip appeared, its blue skin and fin shimmering under the sun. It let out a cheerful cry, bobbing its head, its small eyes bright with curiosity, "Kip! (I'm ready!)"
Sapphire blinked, surprised. She asked, confused, seeing him own one, "Mudkip? Master, when did you catch a Mudkip? I don't remember seeing you with one!"
Azure chuckled, a rare, relaxed sound. He cheekily replied, rubbing the back of his head, explaining himself, "Ah, yes. I found this little one on Route 118, close to the coast. It was drawn by the food I made, and I joined my team for the food. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for it to gain some battle experience, wouldn't you agree?"
Sapphire's eyes lit up with understanding. She nodded her head absentmindedly as she replied, "Oh, that's great!"
She turned her attention to the eager Mudkip as she cheered, "Good luck, Mudkip!"
Mudkip nodded, liking Sapphire's attitude. Victor, meanwhile, grinned, taking the chance, "A Mudkip, huh? Alright then! Taillow, start us off with Quick Attack!"
*Fwp*
*Zooom*
The Taillow became a blue-and-red blur, zipping across the short distance before Mudkip could even react. It struck with a solid thump, knocking the Mud Fish Pokémon backward through the dust.
*SMACK*
Azure called out, concerned, "Mudkip! You, okay?"
Mudkip scrambled back to its feet, shaking off the dust, a determined glint in its eyes. It was clear Victor's Taillow was fast and well-trained.
A direct offensive wouldn't work. They needed to control the field. Azure ordered, "Use Water Gun, not at Taillow, at the ground in front of it!"
*SPLASH*
Rio complied, unleashing a jet of water that splashed against the hard-packed earth, turning the immediate area into a patch of mud. Victor chuckled as he continued his attack, "Trying to slow it down? A good thought! But my Taillow's wings are strong! Fly up and use Focus Energy!"
*Fwp*
The Taillow easily avoided the mud, soaring high into the air. It hovered there, its body tensing, its gaze becoming even more laser-focused.
Azure knew what that meant: its next attack would be critical, likely devastating.
He had an idea. It was risky, but it was their best shot. He quickly ordered, "Mudkip, get ready! When it comes down, I want you to use Mud-Slap straight up into the air!"
*Wooosh*
Just as Azure finished his command, Taillow dived down. Victor cried out loud, "Aerial Ace, Taillow! Finish it!"
*Wooosh*
The Taillow tucked its wings and dive-bombed like a feathered missile, the move's inherent perfection guaranteeing it wouldn't miss. But Azure countered with great timing, "Now, Mudkip! Mud-Slap!"
*SPLAT*
As Taillow shot downward, Mudkip, with remarkable timing, kicked its powerful legs, sending a shower of thick, heavy mud directly upward. The Taillow, committed to its downward trajectory, flew straight into the muck.
The mud splattered across its wings and, crucially, plastered over its eyes. Blinded and disoriented, the Taillow cried out, its perfect Aerial Ace ruined as it veered off course and crash-landed awkwardly in the mud puddle Mudkip had created.
*THUD*
Azure and Victor winced seeing that. But Azure didn't let an opportunity like this go by as he seized the moment, yelling, "Now! Tackle!"
*BASH*
Mudkip didn't need to be told twice. It charged forward, its body low and solid, and slammed into the struggling Taillow with all its might.
The bird Pokémon skidded across the ground and didn't get up. A moment of stunned silence was broken by Vicky as she declared swiftly, a note of pleasant surprise in her voice, "Taillow is unable to battle! Mudkip wins!"
Victor then laughed. He recalled his Taillow. Then he clapped his hands together, complimenting him, "A clever strategy! Using the environment and my own power against me! Well done, Azure! Well done indeed!"
Azure smiled, approaching Mudkip and gently stroking its head as he replied proudly, "You did incredibly well, Mudkip. That was a fantastic first battle. You showed amazing spirit for your first battle."
Mudkip chirped happily, puffing out its chest a little, clearly proud of its victory. It was tired but exhilarated recalling him.
Victor announced, retrieving his next Poké Ball. He looked at Azure, a hint of admiration in his eyes as he declared proudly, "Alright, Taillow, good effort. Alright, my next Pokémon is… Zigzagoon!"
*Pop*
A brown and white raccoon-like Pokémon with a distinctive zigzag pattern appeared. Zigzagoon chittered, looking ready to rummage for trouble.
Azure grinned as he picked his next choice. He reached for a specific Poké Ball as he declared, "Electrike, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
A flash of red light, and then the lean, green canine Pokémon with a lightning bolt pattern on its sides appeared, its fur bristling with latent electrical energy. Electrike barked, its tail wagging slightly, eager for action, "Barr!"
Victor commanded, hoping to catch Electrike off guard with a direct strike, "Zigzagoon, use Headbutt!"
*Wooosh*
Zigzagoon charged, head lowered, a determined look on its face. Azure ordered, pushing Electrike to use its speed proactively, "Electrike, use Quick Attack to create distance, then unleash a Discharge!"
*Zooom*
Electrike was buzzing in excitement, zipping away from the charging Zigzagoon, creating a gap. Before Zigzagoon could recover from its missed attack, Electrike flared, releasing a widespread burst of electrical energy in all directions.
*ZAP*
Zigzagoon yelped, caught squarely in the electrified field, "Ziiig-za-gooooon!"
It staggered, its fur standing on end, clearly paralyzed. But then something unbelievable happened…
*Zzzzz*
Electrike's ability Lightning Rod activated. Sparks flared into its tail as its Sp. Atk stage increased by +1, surprising Victor, "Nani?! How the heck did that Electrike gain a boost from running around?!"
Azure merely smirked as he observed Electrike's ability in action. He thought proudly, already the answer, 'Because of its fur. Using the electric charge found in its fur, they use friction from the atmosphere to generate electricity, an outside force where the Lightning Rod can shine! All it really needs to do is run.'
Azure commanded loudly, ending the battle cleanly in a cool tone, "Now, Electrike, finish it with a Spark!"
*ZAP*
Electrike, seizing the opportunity, rushed forward, ramming into the still-stunned Zigzagoon, unleashing its Spark move. The Normal-type Pokémon tumbled, unconscious with swirls in its eyes.
Vicky announced, a broad smile replacing her initial disappointment, "Zigzagoon is unable to battle! The winner is Azure Sky!"
Victor retrieved his Zigzagoon. Meanwhile, Azure praised his Lightning Pokémon proudly, "Well done, Electrike! You were brilliant!"
Electrike barked happily, jogging back to Azure, its fur shining. Its eyes sparkled, and a faint glow shimmered around its body – the telltale sign of experience points gained, propelling it closer to its next evolution.
Azure gently patted Electrike's head, smiling fondly as he said happily, "Excellent work, Electrike. You performed admirably. You've earned a good rest."
He returned it to its Poké Ball. Sapphire clapped, genuinely impressed as she praised him excitedly, "Wow, Master! That was so efficient! You barely took any hits, and Electrike got so much experience!"
Azure explained, looking from Electrike's Poké Ball to Sapphire, "That's the goal. Every battle should serve a purpose. Sometimes it's to win, sometimes to learn, sometimes to train a specific Pokémon. Electrike needed that focused experience against opponents it could handle, building confidence and refining its moves."
Victor approached, extending a hand. He gestured towards the house in a proud tone, "A truly impressive display! I can see why they call you a champion in Kanto. My Pokémon never stood a chance against that Electrike's speed and Mudkip's power."
Azure nodded, a quiet satisfaction settling over him. One step closer, he felt a familiar thrill. This was what he loved – the challenge, the growth, the pure joy of battling.
Azure grinned as he said excitedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, "Thank you, Victor, but first... Who's next?"
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A/N: Reach the goal of 50 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!