Chapter 301: Double Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Verdanturf Town]
The first rays of Hoenn's morning sun, filtered through the rustling leaves of Verdanturf Town's abundant flora, painted soft, shifting patterns across Azure's eyelids. He stirred, a comfortable weight pressing against his chest, and a familiar warmth radiating beside him, looking confused as he groaned, waking up.
Opening his eyes, he was met with the sight of his two most steadfast companions: Pikachu, a bright spark of yellow, curled snugly against his shoulder, and Eevee, a fluffy brown bundle, nestled beneath his chin, both slumbering contentedly.
A soft smile touched Azure's lips. The memory of yesterday's whirlwind events was still vivid, playing like a high-definition replay in his mind.
The frantic chase through the treacherous tunnel, the harrowing confrontation with Courtney and her zealous Team Magma grunts, the sheer power of their Pokémon. And then, the unexpected arrival of allies.
Together, they had driven back Team Magma, and in the chaos, Azure had found himself face-to-face with a magnificent Absol, a creature of prophecy and disaster, whose power and nobility had instantly captivated him. After a challenging battle, aided by his partners, he had successfully added the Disaster Pokémon to his growing team, a formidable new ally for his Hoenn journey.
Just as he was about to gently shift, allowing his partners a few more moments of sleep, the bedroom door creaked open. Two figures stood silhouetted against the brighter light of the hallway as they yelled, "Azure, you're awake!"
The exclamation, a dual chorus of surprise and unbridled relief, shattered the room's quiet. Wally, his usually reserved demeanor replaced by an almost frantic joy, practically bounced into the room, followed closely by a visibly relieved Ruby.
Their voices, though well-intentioned, startled Pikachu and Eevee from their dreams. For a moment, the two Pokémon blinked, disoriented, then their eyes locked onto Azure. A collective squeal of delight erupted from them.
Pikachu, with an electrifying surge of energy, launched himself, landing with a soft thud on Azure's chest, nuzzling furiously. Eevee, not to be outdone, clambered up and began licking his cheek with enthusiastic abandon.
Azure chuckled, his arms instinctively wrapping around them, pulling them close, "Whoa, whoa, easy now, you two!"
He rubbed Pikachu's head and scratched Eevee behind the ears, a soothing rhythm. He said calmly, easing they're concerns, "I know, I know, I over-exhausted myself a bit yesterday. But I'm fine, truly."
Their frantic wiggles and happy chirps slowly subsided, replaced by contented purrs as they settled back into their positions, though now fully awake and alert. Azure, his smile still warm, looked up at the two boys, asking in a confused voice, "Wally? What are you doing here?"
He hadn't expected to see his friend again so soon. Wally, now less agitated, beamed as he replied seriously, "Ruby messaged me! When I heard what happened, I came flying back as fast as I could with Vibrava. I was so worried when Ruby told me how badly you and your Pokémon got beaten up!"
Ruby, though usually composed, looked genuinely concerned. He stepped forward, holding out a neatly folded bundle of fabric. There was a hint of pride in his voice, but his brows remained slightly furrowed, "Your clothes. They were a bit… singed. But I managed to restore them. My handywork, you know."
Azure took the clothes, a faint burn mark still visible on the sleeve despite Ruby's best efforts. He pulled them on, the familiar fabric a small comfort, "Thank you, Ruby. Glad to have something to wear again."
But then his expression turned grim. Yesterday's battle had been too close for comfort as he said bluntly, "Ruby… Wally… do you think they'll come back? Team Magma, I mean. Will you be able to defend yourself? Defend everyone here?"
Ruby's cheerful demeanor vanished. He frowned, his gaze drifting towards the window, where the morning sun now shone unobstructed.
He didn't reply, but his silence was a clear and chilling answer in Azure's eyes. The threat of Team Magma wasn't an isolated incident; it was a persistent shadow over Hoenn.
It was Wally who broke the somber quiet. His voice, usually soft, now resonated with a determined edge as he held up a fist, his small frame radiating a surprising intensity, "Azure! If it's… if it's possible, would you… Would you battle me?"
Azure raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He'd seen Wally's growth as a trainer, but this level of proactive challenge was new.
Seeing the genuine fire in Wally's gaze, the resolve etched on his face, Azure's lips curved into a light smile as he replied, "A battle, Wally? You're on."
But then he paused, then added calmly, staring at Ruby, "But on one condition. It's a Double Battle, and Ruby… you're going to be Wally's partner."
Ruby, who had been listening intently, stiffened. His aversion to direct combat was well-known as he said instinctively, "Me? You know I'm not really one for battling…"
He was about to refuse outright, a polite but firm rejection already forming on his lips. But Azure interrupted, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "If you participate. I'll have my Gardevoir use Teleport on you directly to Lavaridge Town after the battle. It's the closest town to Fallarbor, where you need to be next, isn't it?"
Ruby's eyes widened. Lavaridge was a significant detour by road, but a mere blink of an eye with Teleport.
He cursed under his breath, the convenience outweighing his discomfort, "Fine! You drive a hard bargain. I'm short on time anyway."
A hearty breakfast followed, Wanda having already prepared a feast for both humans and Pokémon. Azure's Pikachu and Eevee happily joined their new friend Absol, along with the rest of Azure's Pokémon, all enjoying their Pokémon food.
Wally's Vibrava and Ruby's Nana (Mightyena) also munched away, the Pokémon's jovial chatter a stark contrast to the tactical discussions brewing among their trainers. Ruby, ever the Coordinator, made sure his Nana's fur was perfectly groomed even after eating.
After the meal, they quickly made their way to a clearing just outside Wanda's home, a natural arena perfect for a friendly but serious match. Azure stated, his voice calm and authoritative, "Alright, here are the rules. It'll be a 2 vs 1 battle. Wally and Ruby, you'll each use three Pokémon, making it six total for your side. I'll only use four. This is to give you both a fighting chance."
He gave them a reassuring nod, but internally, his mind was already calculating. This wasn't just a friendly spar; it was a crucial opportunity to sharpen his Double Battle strategies, a skill he knew would be vital when he eventually faced the formidable duo, Tate and Liza, when the time comes.
With the rules set, a renewed sense of anticipation crackled in the air. Ruby adjusted his gloves, his earlier reluctance replaced by a focused resolve.
Wally nodded, his determination unwavering. Wally declared, his voice surprisingly firm, "Understood! Let's do this, Azure!"
He enjoyed seeing the growth in these young trainers. Azure responded, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him, "Then let's begin!"
Wally took a deep breath, clutching his Poké Ball as he hurled it outward, declaring, "Magneton, I choose you!"
*Pop*
With a flash of red light, Magneton materialized, its three spherical units humming with electric energy, the faint glow of its [Magnet] held item visible between its main spheres. It pulsed with electrical energy.
Ruby followed suit, a glint in his eye indicating he wasn't entirely displeased with the challenge now as he declared, "Nana, show them what you've got!"
*Pop*
Outburst Nana, his Mightyena, its dark fur gleaming in the sunlight. As it appeared, a subtle ripple in the air accompanied its growl, signaling the activation of its Intimidate ability, causing a momentary dip in Azure's Pokémon's attack stats.
A thick [Muscle Band] was fastened securely around its bicep-like leg. Azure briefly smiled, seeing this as he thought, 'Ruby, the coordinator who supposedly disliked battles, is showing a formidable understanding of strategic Pokémon deployment. He didn't just pick a pretty face; he chose a Pokémon with an advantageous ability and a power-enhancing item. This boy truly had grown.'
Azure said calmly, his hand hovering over two Poké Balls, declaring, "Alright then, you two, let's do this! Let's introduce you to my newest partner. Absol, to the field! And Shelgon, I need your strength!"
*Pop*
Two flashes of light illuminated the field. First, Absol, with its pristine white fur and dark scythe-like horn, is a stark contrast against the green grass background. Its piercing scarlet eyes scanned its opponents, a [Scope Lens] subtly attached to its head, promising increased critical hit chances.
Beside it, Shelgon, a sturdy, rounded Pokémon encased in an armored, blue-hued shell, let out a confident rumble. Its [Dragon Fang], a sharp, ancient-looking tooth, glinted around its neck, ready to amplify its draconic attacks.
Ruby's eyes widened slightly in recognition of Absol, a testament to yesterday's events of encountering it. Ruby gasped as he exclaimed, "The Absol you just caught! You're using it already?"
Azure gave a subtle nod, confirming his words as he observed their choices, thinking to himself happily, 'Mightyena, a physically strong Dark-type, and Magneton, a special-attacking Electric/Steel-type. A good combination, covering various ranges and attack styles. Seems like they planned for this.'
He allowed himself a small, approving nod as he murmured to them, "Excellent choices, both of you."
*Wooosh*
The cool breeze of Verdanturf Town seemed to hold its breath as the six Pokémon faced each other. The battle was about to begin. Riley, acting as referee, shouted, barely containing his excitement, "Battle begins!"
The air immediately crackled with energy. And both of Azure's Pokémon flinch due to Nana's Intimidate ability, signaling the true start of the battle.
Ruby commanded, surprisingly decisive, "Alright, let's go, Nana! Snarl!"
Wally's voice followed immediately, his initial nervousness giving way to a developing focus, "Magneton, assist with Flash Cannon!"
*PEW*
*SNARL*
Nana, with a guttural growl, opened her maw, and a wave of dark energy, imbued with a demoralizing aura, surged towards Azure's Pokémon. Simultaneously, Magneton's central eye glowed intensely, then fired a blinding beam of metallic energy.
Azure's commands were swift, precise, cutting through the air, countering they're moves, "Absol, Detect! Shelgon, Protect!"
*Wooosh*
*CLANG*
Absol, reacting with preternatural speed, shimmered as it focused, a faint force field briefly appearing around it, allowing it to accurately predict the incoming Snarl and completely evade the attack. Shelgon, meanwhile, roared, and a shimmering green barrier instantly sprang up, deflecting Magneton's Flash Cannon with a clang.
Both of Azure's Pokémon skillfully dodged or blocked the initial assault. Ruby conceded, a note of grudging admiration in his voice, "Impressive, as usual."
Azure subtly nodded and countered, wasting no time, "Now, Absol, Swords Dance! Shelgon, Agile Style Dragon Breath on Mightyena!"
*Shiii*
Absol, with an elegant, almost ritualistic movement, began to dance, its scythe-like horn gleaming as it focused its inner power. Red energy swirled around it, raising its Attack stat significantly by +2 Stages.
*PEW*
Shelgon, on the other hand, opened its armored jaws and let loose a concentrated blast of crackling purple energy. The Dragon Breath streaked towards Nana, who, despite her agility, took the hit square on.
*SMACK*
She recoiled, a pained yelp escaping her, and a faint paralysis shimmered around her. Ruby cried, worried, "Nana, are you okay? Shake it off!"
Wally locked in as he directed, seeing the threat to his partner, "Magneton, Thunderbolt on Shelgon!"
*Zzzz*
Magneton, undeterred by Shelgon's Dragon Breath, responded immediately. Arcs of potent yellow electricity crackled around its body before lashing out in a powerful bolt towards the armored Dragon-type.
Magneton, with its [Magnet] item, wasted no time, launching a powerful Thunderbolt towards Shelgon. The electric blast tore across the field, but Shelgon, despite the super-effective damage, braced itself, its naturally high defense and steely resolve absorbing much of the impact.
*ZAP*
The Thunderbolt left scorch marks on its shell, but Shelgon merely grunted, shaking off the residual electricity. Ruby commanded, his voice sharp and focused, "Nana, use Crunch on Absol!"
*Zooom*
Mightyena, benefiting from its [Muscle Band], lunged forward, fangs bared, aiming for Absol's shoulder. Azure ordered calmly, his voice ringing with authority, "Absol, retaliate with Dark Pulse on Nana, then use Quick Attack!"
*PEW*
Absol, with graceful agility, sidestepped Nana's initial lunge, a powerful Dark Pulse erupting from its mouth, striking Mightyena squarely in the chest. The Bite Pokémon yelped as blast boomed on its fur, momentarily staggering it….
*SMACK*
As Nana tried to recover, Absol vanished, reappearing in a blur and landing a devastating Quick Attack to Nana's flank, capitalizing on Nana's moment of weakness. Nana skidded back, a pained whimper escaping it.
Wally called out, adapting quickly to the situation, "Magneton quickly, try Flash Cannon on Absol!"
*Shiii*
Magneton pivoted, gathering metallic energy, and fired a gleaming Flash Cannon. Azure countered instantly, "Shelgon, block it with Protect!"
*CLANG*
Shelgon glowed with a shimmering barrier just as the Flash Cannon struck, dissipating harmlessly against the shield. Azure pressed his advantage, "Good! Now, Shelgon, use Dragon Breath on Magneton!"
*PEW*
Shelgon, its [Dragon Fang] shimmering, unleashed a torrent of draconic energy. The Dragon Breath, though not super-effective, was a potent special attack, slamming into Magneton and rattling its metallic body.
Green sparks flew, and Magneton shrieked, its hover-magnets flickering precariously. Ruby, seeing Nana struggling against Absol's swift, powerful attacks, quickly switched tactics as he ordered, "Nana, Howl! Boost your attack!"
Mightyena let out a guttural Howl, its cry echoing across the field, its attack power surging. It then tried to follow up with Take Down on Absol, hoping for a clean hit.
Azure swiftly commanded, recognizing the danger, "Absol, Double Team, then Psycho Cut on Magneton!"
*Wooosh*
Absol created multiple illusory copies of itself, confusing Nana's charge. As Nana crashed through an illusion, Absol, moving with surprising speed, burst from its Double Team copies and lunged towards Magneton, its horn glowing with psychic energy….
*SHINNG*
The Psycho Cut sliced through Magneton's central sphere, causing it to shudder violently. Magneton was clearly struggling. Its metallic frame was dented, its electrical surges sporadic. Wally, ever observant, saw the critical state of his partner. He clenched his fist as he desperately urged, "Magneton, use Spark one last time on Shelgon!"
*Zzzz*
Magneton, with a supreme effort, unleashed a final burst of Spark. But Azure countered with a firm voice, "Shelgon, finish it with an Agile Style Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
Shelgon unleashed a quick stream of fire at the charging Magneton using Spark. The combined force of the Flamethrower and Absol's previous attacks was too much as Magneton recoiled in pain.
*Thud*
Magneton cried out, its magnetic field collapsing, and it crumpled to the ground, fainting from the spot. Riley, acting as a makeshift referee, called out, "Magneton is unable to battle!"
Wally rushed forward, concern etched on his face, gently recalling his fainted partner as he said proudly, "You did great, Magneton. Take a good rest."
He looked back at Azure, his eyes still shining with determination, though tinged with sadness. Ruby, seeing an opening and not wanting Nana to take more damage, made a tactical retreat. He said calmly, recalling his Nana just before Absol could launch another attack, "Nana, return! Good job, girl."
Azure acknowledged, a respectful nod in their direction, "That was a great first round, you two. You both fought admirably."
Wally declared, reaching for his next Poké Ball, hurling outward, "We're not done yet! Vibrava, help us out!"
*Pop*
With a flash, his green dragon-bug Pokémon appeared, its wings beating softly, kicking up a small dust cloud. The [Soft Sand] held in its claw was a clear indicator of its ground-type prowess.
Ruby announced, sending out his next Pokémon, "Feefee, you're up!"
*Pop*
The magnificent water-type Pokémon Milotic shimmered into existence, its beautiful scales glistening. Ruby immediately tossed a [Flame Orb] into its grip, which Milotic promptly swallowed, absorbing the orb's energy.
*Shii*
A soft, reddish glow enveloped Feefee, indicating the activation of its Marvel Scale ability, boosting its already formidable defenses as it became afflicted with a burn. Azure subtly nodded as he thought, 'Ruby is finally utilizing his Pokémon abilities to their fullest. Feefee is now a tank, made even tougher by the burn and its ability Marvel Scale.'
However, he kept the excitement to himself as the battle escalated. He muttered, eyeing the new opponents, "Interesting choices… Absol, Shelgon, stay sharp!"
The battle resumed with renewed intensity. Wally's Vibrava immediately unleashed a powerful Earth Power, sending a wave of concentrated earth energy towards Absol and Shelgon.
*RMBL*
The ground beneath them fissured, but Shelgon, still standing strong, took the brunt of the attack, its armored shell absorbing much of the damage. Ruby commanded, aiming for the armored dragon, "Feefee, use Hydro Pump on Shelgon!"
*SPLASH*
Milotic coiled elegantly, then unleashed a torrent of high-pressure water. Azure ordered, his voice unwavering, "Shelgon, Protect again!"
*CLANG*
Shelgon, though slightly slower, managed to erect its protective barrier just in time, deflecting the ferocious Hydro Pump. But Azure began his counterattack, "Absol, Sucker Punch Vibrava, then Dark Pulse Feefee!"
Azure's strategy was to keep the pressure on. Absol glanced at Azure and nodded as it blitzed forward, lunging at Vibraba.
*Zooom*
Absol darted forward, its [Scope Lens] reflecting the sunlight, aiming for Vibrava. But Wally, anticipating, shouted, "Vibrava, counter with Screech!"
*SCREE*
Vibrava flapped its wings fiercely, unleashing a screeching sound, halting Absol's attack straight on forcing it to flinch. Feeling a slight headache, Azure groaned, placing a hand over his head as he thought, 'Right, I forgot that Vibrava's wings can create vibrations and ultrasonic waves… that'll hurt a lot…'
Gaining the moment, Wally exclaimed, taking advantage of the situation, "Vibrava use Dragon Tail on Shelgon!"
*Fwp*
Flapping its wings, it soared towards Shelgon, its tail glowing with Draconic energy. Azure countered calmly, "Shelgon, meet it with Strong Style Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Shelgon roared, unleashing a wave of draconic energy from its mouth, colliding with Vibrava's charge. The exchange was fierce. Vibrava and Shelgon duked it out, their dragon-type attacks clashing in mid-air and on the ground, the [Dragon Fang] and [Soft Sand] amplifying their respective moves.
Absol kept up the pressure on Feefee with its precise, critical-hitting attacks, forcing Ruby to play defensively. Azure knew he had to break through Feefee's defenses or take down Vibrava quickly to gain an advantage in the two-on-one scenario.
*BOOM*
Managing to force Vibrava back with Shelgon's Dragon Breath, as it panted tiredly, alerting Wally. Wally started, his voice tinged with urgency as he directed an attack, "Oh no! Vibrava, use—"
*SHIII*
But before he could utter the command, a blinding light engulfed Vibrava. The ground beneath it seemed to tremble, and gasps rippled through the onlookers. In the very moment Wally had called out its name, Vibrava began to shimmer, its form shifting, growing.
The sand-spewing creature of the desert was undergoing a metamorphosis. Gabby shrieked, her microphone catching the excited outburst, "It's… It's evolving!"
Ty, his eyes wide behind his camera lens, chimed in, "Unbelievable! A mid-battle evolution! This is groundbreaking footage!"
Vibrava, bathed in the brilliant light, transformed. Its wings unfurled, its body elongated, and its roar became a thunderous cry. Vibrava had evolved into Flygon, a formidable Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, its power amplified.
*Fwp*
On the sidelines, Wanda squealed with delight, clapping her hands. Riley, the referee, let out a low whistle, impressed by the sudden shift in the battle's intensity. Even Pikachu and Eevee, who had been watching with keen interest, let out excited chirps, their tiny bodies vibrating with the thrill of the unexpected turn of events.
Azure, though surprised, felt a surge of respect for Wally. To witness such a pivotal moment in a trainer's journey was a testament to the bond he shared with his Pokémon.
He met Wally's jubilant gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The battle had just escalated, and Azure found himself leaning forward, the thrill of a challenging double battle igniting within him.
/////
A/N: Hey guys author here wants to say a few things. First off, I've finally made it to the 300 Chapter Mark, which is a first for me in writing much for a Gamer Path Fic. So to celebrate that feat, I'm giving you folks the Double Chapter Treat! Enjoy!
On a side note... Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!