Chapter 257: Vs Rival Wally! (2) [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Route 111]
After complimenting Wally, Azure returned to focusing on the battle at hand. Trapinch hid in the ground using Dig as it was already gone, burrowing deep into the sandy earth, leaving only a small crater.
Wally had learned well. Azure observed a flicker of approval in his eyes. Trapinch's Dig would give it temporary invulnerability and allow it to attack from below.
It was a classic tactic. Azure calmly instructed, eyeing the battlefield, "Mudkip, use your fin and listen for movement!"
*Flick*
Mudkip's fin flickered, its keen ears attuned to the faint vibrations beneath the ground. By using the fin on its head, Mudkip can detect changes in air and water currents as well as bodies of water. Its fin can also point in a certain direction.
The ground floor remained still for a moment, then a minute later…
*Rmbl*
…. a tremor emanated from a spot to Mudkip's left. Azure called out, "Coming up on your left, Mudkip! Use Tackle to intercept!"
*Wooosh*
Even before Trapinch could fully emerge, Mudkip dashed forward. Its small body slammed into Trapinch just as it broke the surface, sending the ground-type Pokémon stumbling back a few steps.
*SMACK*
Wally urged, capitalizing on the momentary confusion, "Trapinch, use Rock Tomb!"
*RMBL*
Before Mudkip could fully recover from its Tackle, Trapinch, shaking off the hit, stomped its massive jaws into the ground. Boulders of varying sizes erupted from the earth around Mudkip, attempting to cage it in.
Mudkip looked above in shock. But Azure Command brought Mudkip to its senses, "Smash through them with Rock Smash and follow up with a Water Gun!"
*SMASH*
*Wooosh*
Mudkip, with its innate awareness, weaved through the falling rocks, using its head to break down the rocks furiously with Rock Smash. As it destroyed the last boulder…
*Shiii*
Mudkip's mouth began to charge a sphere of water, preparing its Water Gun. Then it whipped its head, going for a dive as it unleashed the Water Gun at Trapinch!
*SPLASH*
The Water Pulse sailed through the air, catching Trapinch across its sturdy body, making it wince from the pain. Wally cried, urging his Pokémon forward, "Stay strong, Trapinch! Use Crunch!"
Trapinch, ignoring the pain, lumbered towards Mudkip, its massive jaws snapping menacingly. It lunged, aiming to clamp down on the flying-type Pokémon as it dived close to it.
But Azure grinned, anticipating this as he countered, "Mudkip, Supersonic!"
*SQUAK*
Just as Trapinch's jaws closed, Mudkip let out a piercing, high-pitched shriek. The sound waves vibrated through the air, disorienting Trapinch.
Its eyes swirled, and it shook its head violently, momentarily forgetting its attack. Azure seized the opportunity, "Now, Mudkip, finish it! Strong Style Water Gun!"
*SPLASH*
Mudkip, still close to its opponent, unleashed another Water Gun. This one struck Trapinch squarely in the face.
The ground-type Pokémon cried out, staggering back. The super-effective hit, coupled with the previous damage, proved too much.
*Thud*
Trapinch wobbled, then collapsed onto the sand, swirly-eyed. Sapphire announced, "Trapinch is unable to battle! Azure's Mudkip is the winner!"
Azure smiled, a silent nod of appreciation to his Mudkip. Wally, though disappointed, returned Trapinch to its Poké Ball with a gentle touch.
He whispered, before looking up at Azure with renewed determination, "You did great, Trapinch. Get a good rest."
Azure smiled, seeing Wally's determination. Azure conceded, "You've gotten stronger, Wally. That Trapinch is well-trained."
Wally smiled, hearing this, but said resolutely, a spark in his eyes, "Thank you. But this isn't over. Go, Kirlia!"
*Pop*
With a flourish, Wally's second Pokémon appeared: a graceful, humanoid Pokémon with a flowing white body and a pair of red horns. Kirlia, an evolution of Ralts, emanated a calm, psychic energy.
Azure observed Kirlia. Wally had clearly put a lot of time into training it. Its movements were fluid, its eyes intelligent.
A graceful, humanoid Pokémon with a flowing white body and green hair appeared. Kirlia, Wally's iconic Psychic-type, shimmered with an aura of gentle power. It bowed slightly, ready for battle.
Azure considered his options. Kirlia was a Psychic/Fairy type, known for its special attacks and psychic abilities. Mudkip, a Water type, would be at a disadvantage against special attacks and might struggle against Kirlia's psychic prowess.
Azure had a diverse team. But he could use his higher-level Pokémon, but chose not to in the end. He wanted to give one of his younger, less experienced Pokémon a chance to shine.
Azure nodded at Mudkip, who cried proudly. He recalled Mudkip, a small sense of pride swelling within him, "Excellent work, Mudkip. Return."
After returning Mudkip, Azure picked another Poké Ball from his belt. He grinned as he called out, "Alright, Electrike, I choose you!"
*Pop*
The Poke Ball releases the canine-like Electric-type. Electrike barked excitedly, a charge of electricity crackling around its fur, "Graooo!"
It was quick, full of boundless energy, but still a bit raw. This was a perfect opportunity for it to gain some valuable battle experience.
Sapphire called out, "Battle, begin!"
Wally's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"
*Wooosh*
Kirlia extended its arm, and a flurry of sharp, glowing leaves, imbued with psychic energy, flew towards Electrike. The attack was swift and unavoidable.
Azure instructed, hoping to close the distance and land a hit, "Electrike, Quick Attack, then Agile Style Spark!"
*Zoooom*
Electrike darted forward, its speed impressive, but the Magical Leaves were faster, impacting it before it could reach Kirlia. The Grass-type attack, though not super effective, still stung.
*SMACK*
Electrike yelped, but shook it off, continuing its charge. It slammed into Kirlia with Quick Attack, then followed up with a burst of static electricity from Spark.
*ZAP*
Kirlia flinched, but quickly recovered, floating back gracefully. But then Electrike's ability Lightning Rodactivated, having gained enough electricity from its running to gain a +1 Sp. Atk boost.
Wally's eyes narrowed, seeing this as he thought, 'His using the fur from his Electrike to boost its ability. Just as expected of Sky-Sensei!'
But Wally remained determined as he ordered, "Use Confusion!"
*Shiii*
Kirlia's eyes glowed, and a wave of psionic energy washed over Electrike. Electrike stumbled, shaking its head, momentarily disoriented.
Its movements became erratic. Azure urged, noting Kirlia's edge in special attack, "Electrike, snap out of it! Use Thunder Wave!"
It was clear Wally had focused Kirlia on its psychic abilities. Electrike managed to focus, a pulse of electricity shooting towards Kirlia.
*ZAP*
But Kirlia, still agile despite the earlier hits, dodged it with a swift sidestep, its psychic power seemingly granting it precognition. Wally pressed the advantage, "Now, Kirlia Psychic!"
*SHIII*
Kirlia's body glowed intensely, and a powerful wave of pure psychic force erupted. It struck Electrike with immense power, sending the Electric-type skidding across the ground, a pained whimper escaping its throat, "Awoo!"
Electrike struggled to push itself up, its legs trembling. The Psychic attack was clearly taking its toll.
Azure frowned, but a glint of determination entered his eyes. He wouldn't give up on Electrike as he ordered confidently, "Electrike, stay strong! Use Leer, then charge with Spark!"
Electrike, though wobbly, managed to let out a defiant growl, its eyes narrowing as it glared at Kirlia, attempting to lower its defenses. Then, gathering what little strength it had left, it launched itself forward in a desperate Spark.
Wally, seeing the attack coming, simply commanded, "Kirlia, Teleport!"
*Wooosh*
Kirlia vanished in a shimmering flash of light only to be reappearing a few feet away, effortlessly avoiding Electrike's lunge. Wally's voice was sharp, pressing the attack, "Now, end it, Kirlia! Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
A sphere of dark, spectral energy formed between Kirlia's hands and launched itself at Electrike. The Ghost-type attack landed squarely, sending Electrike sprawling.
*Booom*
A cloud of dust obscured the Pokémon. Sapphire gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. It looked like Electrike was done for.
Even Azure, for a fleeting moment, felt a pang of concern. Kirlia was proving to be a formidable opponent. But then, from within the settling dust, a soft, ethereal light began to emanate in the area…
*SHIII*
It wasn't the light of a Pokémon fainting, but something else entirely. The light intensified, growing brighter, swirling around Electrike's prone form.
Wally's eyes widened as he muttered in a stunned tone, "What… what's happening?"
Azure felt a surge of pride, a wide, knowing grin spreading across his face as he answered proudly, "It's happening, Wally! Electrike… It's evolving!"
The light pulsed, growing to an almost blinding intensity, obscuring Electrike completely. The silhouette within began to shift, to grow, to change.
*CRACKLE*
The crackling sounds of electricity grew louder, more powerful, intermingling with a deep, guttural growl that Electrike had never possessed. The ground trembled slightly under the sheer force of the evolutionary energy.
Sapphire watched, mesmerized, her jaw agape as she muttered in awe, "An evolution! In battle! So cool~"
The light finally dissipated, revealing a magnificent new form. Where Electrike had been, now stood a sleek, blue, and yellow Pokémon, much larger and more powerful.
Its mane was no longer just fur, but a vibrant, jagged crest of yellow, resembling a lightning bolt. Its eyes, now sharper and more focused, glowed with raw power. A distinct, powerful roar echoed across the plains, announcing its arrival, "AWOOO!!"
Azure practically boomed, his grin splitting his face as he greeted his Discharge Pokémon, "Welcome to the world, Manectric!"
Wally stood frozen, surprise etched onto his features, his Kirlia momentarily wide-eyed. The entire dynamic of the battle had just shifted dramatically.
Manectric, invigorated by its new form and overflowing with newfound power, crackled with uncontainable electrical energy. Its eyes fixed on Kirlia, its prior exhaustion replaced by a fierce determination.
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with exhilaration, "Manectric, use Strong Style Thunder Fang!"
*Zooom*
Manectric launched itself forward, a blur of lightning-fast speed. Its fangs glowed with crackling electricity. It moved so quickly that Kirlia, still processing the dramatic evolution, barely had time to react.
*CHOMP*
Manectric clamped its electrified jaws around Kirlia, delivering a powerful, Electric-type attack. Kirlia cried out in pain, its psychic defenses momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer force of the attack.
The tide had not just turned; it had surged with the force of an oncoming storm. Manectric, no longer a struggling Electrike, was now a powerful force to be reckoned with, ready to unleash its full electrical might upon the field.
A pained cry escaped the Psychic Pokémon. Wally gasped, his heart aching for his partner, "Kirlia!"
He knew Kirlia was resilient, but Azure's Manectric was pushing it hard. Regaining his focus, Wally's eyes hardened as he ordered, "Are you okay? Focus, Kirlia! Use Confusion again, full power!"
*Shiii*
Kirlia, shaking off the hit, managed to stabilize itself. Its eyes glowed brighter, and a more potent surge of psychic energy erupted, forming a swirling, vortex-like attack.
*Wooosh*
It managed to push and pry off the Discharge Pokémon as it was forced back. This Confusion was stronger, fueled by Wally's concern and Kirlia's determination.
Azure watched the incoming attack, his mind already three steps ahead. Manectric was fast, but Kirlia's Psychic power was considerable.
He could dodge, but he sensed Wally was trying to bait him into a predictable pattern. Azure commanded, "Manectric, Spark! Take the hit, then burst forward!"
Manectric, surprisingly, didn't try to dodge. The swirling Confusion attack enveloped it, causing a jolt of pain. But even as the psychic energy coursed through its body, Manectric pulsed with electricity, absorbing some of the impact with sheer grit.
*BOOOM*
It became a lightning bolt, launching itself out of the Confusion attack with incredible speed, striking Kirlia before the Psychic Pokémon could react. Manectric slammed into Kirlia, dealing damage, then instantly retreated, appearing a safe distance away.
*ZAP*
The move showcased Azure's ability to take calculated risks, turning a defensive maneuver into an offensive one. Kirlia stumbled from the pain as its physical defenses weren't its highest stats, making it fragile.
*Zzzz*
Its graceful movements were now jerky, and its breath came in shallow gasps. Not only was it hit by Spark, gaining the Paralysis status condition.
Wally gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his Poké Ball. He saw his strategy – wearing down Kirlia, exploiting its paralysis, using Manectric's speed to maintain control…
But he wouldn't yield. He ordered, "Kirlia, Draining Kiss!"
Kirlia, gathering what little strength it had left, created a heart-shaped aura of pink energy. It launched the Draining Kiss, a Fairy-type move designed to steal health, towards Manectric, a gamble.
The attack was slow due to paralysis, but potent if it connected. Azure saw the desperation, the last-ditch effort.
He knew Draining Kiss could restore some of Kirlia's health, turning the tide of battle. He wouldn't allow it.
Azure's voice was sharp, decisive as he ordered calmly, "Manectric, accelerate! Finish this with Wild Charge!"
*ZOOOOM*
Manectric pulsed, ignoring the lingering fatigue. With a guttural growl, it charged forward, enveloped in a fierce aura of crackling yellow electricity.
It was moving so fast that Sapphire could barely track its trajectory. The Draining Kiss, though still approaching, was easily outmaneuvered.
Wally watched, his heart pounding. Kirlia, still paralyzed, could only brace itself.
*SLAM*
Manectric slammed into Kirlia with the full force of its electric-infused body. The Wild Charge was devastating, a direct, powerful hit that sent Kirlia reeling.
A bright flash of electrical energy engulfed the Psychic Pokémon, followed by a final, pained cry. When the light faded, Kirlia lay on the ground, unconscious, the energy drained from its form.
Manectric, panting slightly, still pulsed with residual electricity, the recoil from Wild Charge evident in its slightly slumped posture, but its eyes remained sharp, victorious.
Sapphire, after a moment of stunned silence, raised her hand as she declared, "Kirlia is unable to battle! The winner is Master and Manectric!"
Wally rushed to Kirlia's side, kneeling. He gently cradled his Pokémon, taking out a Super Potion as he said softly, "You did great, Kirlia. You fought so hard."
He looked up at Azure, a mixture of awe and disappointment in his eyes as he said shyly, "You… you're incredible, Azure. Manectric is so strong."
Azure walked over, recalling his Manectric with a soft word of praise. He knelt beside Wally, a kind smile on his face as he said calmly, "Kirlia has grown immensely, Wally. It showed incredible resilience and power. You've become a fantastic trainer."
He paused, looking at Kirlia. Then he provided some points and praised the duo, "That Draining Kiss was a smart move, trying to regain health. And your Magical Leaf kept the pressure on. You planned well."
Wally felt a blush creep up his neck. But he replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head, "I tried… but Manectric's speed and power, and your strategies… I couldn't keep up at all…"
Placing a hand over his shoulder, Azure said gently, "That's the difference experience makes. You've got the spirit and the talent. Keep training, and you'll be a force to be reckoned with. You're already miles ahead of where you were."
He remembered the timid, sickly boy, and felt a surge of pride for Wally's transformation. Sapphire approached them, her eyes wide with what she had just witnessed as she said excitedly, "Master, that Spark… and then using Wild Charge to finish it off while ignoring the Draining Kiss! That was amazing!"
Azure chuckled. He looked at Wally as he explained coolly, "Sometimes, a calculated risk is exactly what you need. Manectric can handle a bit of recoil, especially when it means securing the victory. And Kirlia's paralysis gave us the opening. You pushed us, Wally. You made us work for that win, and that's the sign of a good trainer."
Wally carefully returned Kirlia to its Poké Ball. He said in a thankful tone, "Thank you. For everything. For the Sacred Ash, and for this battle. It means a lot to me."
He stood, looking out at the desert, a newfound determination in his eyes as he declared resolutely, "I'm going to get stronger. And one day, I'll beat you!"
Azure grinned, placing a hand on Wally's shoulder. He nodded towards the desert as he said curiously, "I look forward to it, Wally. Keep that fire in your heart. We're heading deeper into Route 111. Where are you off to?"
Wally explained as he waved, a spring in his step, already planning his next training session, "I'm heading back to Verdanturf. I want to train more near Rustboro and Petalburg. I'll see you around, Azure! And you too, Sapphire!"
As Wally disappeared over a dune, Sapphire turned to Azure, her eyes still sparkling with the afterglow of the battle as she muttered excitedly, "He really improved, didn't he? And to see you battle like that… it was truly inspiring, Master. I learned so much just watching you read his moves."
Azure smiled, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over him. He glanced at the vast, sandy expanse ahead, "That's the goal, Sapphire. Every battle, win or lose, is a lesson. For both trainers and Pokémon. Now then, the desert awaits. Shall we continue?"
Sapphire nodded, her resolve hardening as she agreed happily, "Yes, Master! Let's go! Adventure and training await us!!"
Together, they stepped into the shimmering heat, ready for the challenges and discoveries that the heart of Hoenn would undoubtedly bring. The desert wind whispered tales of ancient Pokémon and hidden wonders, and Azure and Sapphire walked on.
But for Azure, there was another importance heading into the desert area of Route 111 to train. But the other, he thought excitedly, 'If I recall correctly… The Rock Titan should be around these parts. What better opponent for us to train effectively than battling one of the Regi Trio? Time to clash with Legends once more!'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!