Chapter 318: The Charmer Vs. The Conqueror (3) [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
Sapphire, her jaw set, recalled her fainted Pokémon. The sting of losing two Pokémon to a single Delcatty was infuriating, but it only strengthened her resolve. She chose her third Pokémon with deliberate intensity.
Sapphire commanded, her voice ringing with newfound determination, "Let's bring the fire! Chic, let's go!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and Chic, her female Blaziken, materialized on the field, exuding power and a fierce, unyielding aura. It's Held Item, a [Blazikenite], shimmered faintly, a clear counter to Kiki's Cute Charm, which only affected Pokémon of the opposite gender.
The two Pokémon faced each other, disparate yet equally formidable. Chic, a blaze of orange and red, its powerful limbs coiled, versus the elegant, deceptively fragile Kiki, its eyes gleaming with playful malice.
Ruby's eyes narrowed, seeing Chic as he called out, his voice filled with a desperate hope, "Kiki, let's keep up the momentum!"
Hearing this, the battle continued. Sapphire ordered, "Fire Punch!"
*Ssss*
Chic initiated, a blur of motion. Chic's fist burst into flames, aiming for Kiki's lithe form. But Kiki, with a dancer's grace, weaved out of the way, just narrowly avoiding the scorching blow and singeing its fur.
*Wooosh*
Ruby countered, "Double-Edge!"
*SLAM*
Kiki, its head lowered, charged Chic, slamming its body into the Chic with surprising force. Chic recoiled but stood its ground.
Sapphire roared, "Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
A torrent of superheated flame erupted from Chic's mouth, sweeping across the field. But Ruby urged, "Double Team, Kiki!"
*Wooosh*
Kiki, already a master of evasion, split into multiple afterimages, dancing around the inferno, making it impossible for Chic to land a direct hit. Sapphire, however, was not one to be easily outmaneuvered or fall for the same trick twice, as she countered, "Chic! Redirect the fire! Swerve, take out the clones!"
*Sssss*
Chic, with incredible agility, adjusted its Flamethrower, spinning its body, the fiery stream arcing and swirling, engulfing each shimmering afterimage. One by one, they dissolved, swallowed by the heat.
But just as the last clone vanished, a flash of silver connected along with Ruby ordering, "Now, Kiki! Iron Tail!"
*Wooosh*
Ruby had anticipated the move that made Sapphire grit her teeth, annoyed by being read this easily. Kiki, emerging from the dissipating flames, had lashed out with its hardened tail, striking Chic squarely.
Chic grunted, but Sapphire's quick thinking saved it from further damage as she countered, "Agility! Counter with Quick Attack!"
*SMACK*
Chic, already fast, surged with newfound speed, dodging Kiki's follow-up and then crashing into the Delcatty with a burst of accelerated force. Kiki skidded across the ground, struggling to regain its footing, though it eventually bounced back up.
Sapphire didn't let up as she was all offensive as she ordered, "Don't give it time to breathe, Chic! Flamethrower again!"
*Sssss*
Chic didn't let up, unleashing another wave of fire, catching Kiki mid-recovery. The Delcatty cried out, singed by the intense heat.
Sapphire pressed her advantage, "Agility, Chic!"
*Zooom*
Chic blurred again, its speed stat soaring, now at an astounding +4 stages. The air crackled with its momentum as Sapphire gave her order, "Now, Focus Punch!"
*BOOOM*
With a final, explosive surge, Chic delivered a devastating blow, its fist glowing with raw energy, striking Kiki with unyielding force. The Delcatty collapsed, unconscious, its delicate form utterly overwhelmed.
Azure declared, his voice cutting through the ringing silence, "Kiki is unable to battle! Ruby, send your next Pokémon!"
/////
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym (Hallway)]
Flannery, watching from the shadows, beamed with fierce pride as she said proudly, "That's my girl! No subtlety, just pure overwhelming offense!"
She had been one of the Gym Leaders, along with Winona, who had readily accepted Sapphire into their alliance against the Super Ancient Pokémon, seeing the potential that others had been blind to.
Wattson chuckled, seeing the match as he added joyfully, "A decisive finish. Four stages of speed and a Focus Punch? Very few Pokémon could stand against that."
Roxanne nodded, her earlier skepticism giving way to grudging respect as she commented on Sapphire's skills, "Her offensive approach is certainly effective, if a little reckless. She doesn't hold back."
Brawly, however, remained impassive as he commented, "She uses her Pokémon's natural strengths well. A Blaziken is built for that kind of direct force."
But the relative calm of their commentary was shattered by new arrivals. Wallace, the Water Type Gym Leader and former Champion of Hoenn, a figure of flamboyant elegance, and Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader, both appeared, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm.
Seeing the other Gym Leaders huddled in the hallway, their eyes fixed on the unfolding battle, Winona immediately bristled. Winona demanded, her voice sharp with concern, "What in the world is going on here? Why are you all here, and why is Sapphire battling that boy in my GYM without my knowledge?"
Wattson, ever the eager informant, stepped forward, explaining the situation to her, "Azure hatched a little plan, Winona. He's arranged this battle to… well, to test Sapphire's mettle, so to speak."
Winona's brow furrowed, a storm cloud gathering behind her eyes as she stated sternly, "Azure's plans are too… unorthodox. This is not the way to gauge someone's readiness for a crisis of this magnitude!"
She made to stride into the arena, but Roxanne and Brawly moved subtly, blocking her path. Roxanne said calmly, her tone firm but respectful, "Hold on, Winona! We want to see this through. We need to be fully convinced Sapphire has what it takes to join us against the Super Ancient Pokémon. Her age… it gives us pause."
Brawly simply nodded, reinforcing Roxanne's stance. Winona gasped, her eyes widening in shock as she uttered, "You're questioning my judgment? After I vouched for her?"
Wallace, meanwhile, had been observing Ruby intently. The young man's expression, a mix of determination, regret, and a desperate plea for understanding, resonated deeply with the former Champion.
Wallace recalled his own youthful struggles, battles fought not just for victory, but for something far more profound. His lips curled into a brief, knowing smile. To see his student, Ruby, so utterly determined, so willing to lay everything on the line, genuinely piqued his curiosity.
He had always known Ruby possessed prodigious talent, but this raw, unyielding spirit was something else entirely. Wallace quipped flamboyantly, a light jab at the Gym Leaders' apparent disagreement, "Ah, the discord among Hoenn's finest!"
Winona shot him a withering glare, making him halt his theatrical gesture with a whimsical, apologetic smile. But seeing Roxanne, Brawly, and Wattson standing firm, unmoving, Winona could only glare helplessly as the match continued, the fate of Sapphire's involvement hanging in the balance.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
Back in the arena, Ruby recalled his defeated Kiki, his face etched with concern, yet his eyes burned with renewed resolve. He reached for another Poké Ball as he said calmly, "You fought beautifully, Kiki. Rest now. Fofo, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
A gentle Pokémon, Castform, appeared, its cloudy form radiating a soft light. This was Fofo, Ruby's weather manipulator, equipped with its held item, a [Damp Rock].
Ruby commanded, wasting no time, "Rain Dance!"
*RMBL*
Fofo emitted a soft glow, and within moments, the Fortree City Gym's open dome began to mist over, then a gentle, steady rain began to fall, pattering softly on the leaves and the battlefield, promising to last for several turns thanks to the [Damp Rock].
Sapphire, however, saw an opening. She wasn't one to let a turn go to waste as she ordered, "Chic! Swords Dance!"
*Shiii*
Chic, roaring softly, began to channel its inner strength, its attack stat surging, boosting it by two stages. Simultaneously, Fofo's ability, Forecast, was activated, changing its form into its Rainy Form, its cloud now darker and more robust, with a perpetual drizzle around it.
Ruby pressed, "Weather Ball!"
*SHIII*
Fofo condensed a sphere of water, firing it at Chic with increased power due to the rain in effect. But Sapphire countered, her voice sharp and decisive, "Baton Pass!"
*Swooosh*
Chic, with its incredible +4 Speed and +2 Attack stages, vanished in a flash of light, returning to its Poké Ball. The Weather Ball sailed harmlessly past, splashing against the empty space where Chic once was.
*BOOM*
Ruby's expression instantly fell into a frown. He knew the implications: Sapphire was about to send out a Pokémon that would inherit those formidable stat boosts, transforming it into a temporary powerhouse.
The air hummed with anticipation as Sapphire's next choice materialized as she hurled her next Poke Ball, "Troppy, let's go!"
*Pop*
A majestic Tropius, its massive leaves rustling gently in the artificial rain, emerged. This was Troppy, ready to inherit Chic's formidable stat boosts. It carried a [Miracle Seed], further bolstering its Grass-type attacks.
*Fwp*
Troppy soared into the air, its powerful wings beating against the rain-laden air, positioning itself high above Fofo. Sapphire commanded, "Razor Leaf!"
*Shinng*
Troppy whipped its enormous leaves, sending a flurry of razor-sharp leaves hurtling down at the grounded Fofo. Ruby called out, quickly, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
Fofo erected a shimmering barrier, deflecting the incoming attack, holding its ground. But Sapphire quickly followed up, commanding, "Bullet Seed!"
*PEW*
*PEW*
*PEW*
Troppy followed up with a barrage of seeds, each one a miniature missile. But Ruby's eyes narrowed as he countered, "Double Team!"
*Wooosh*
Fofo once again multiplied, creating multiple watery afterimages that danced around the battlefield, making it impossible for Troppy's seeds to find their mark. The Bullet Seeds missed as Sapphire grit her teeth, 'Damn it! Even if it's cute, it's very difficult to deal with. And I can't use Sunny Day unless I want to deal with Sunny Form Castform. Then I'll use the rain to my advantage!'
Ruby seized the initiative as he ordered, "Fofo! Hurricane!"
*WOOOOSH*
In the rain, Hurricane's accuracy was guaranteed. A swirling vortex of wind and water erupted from Fofo, tearing towards the airborne Tropius.
Sapphire's eyes widened as she shouted, "Troppy, Gust to counter the Hurricane!"
*FWP*
*WOOOSH*
Troppy beat its massive wings furiously, creating a powerful counter-gust that met Fofo's Hurricane head-on, dispersing some of its force but not entirely nullifying it. Ruby's eyes narrowed as he saw an opening despite the strong winds, launched a focused attack.
He quickly ordered, "Fofo! Icy Wind!"
*Woooosh*
A chilling blast of frozen air slammed into Troppy, causing the large Pokémon to shiver and slow moments. Smirking Ruby pressed, hoping to follow up and freeze Troppy, "Now, Ice Beam!"
*Swooosh*
But the Tropius, despite the Icy Wind's effect, managed to evade the concentrated beam of ice, its body swaying just enough to avoid the worst of the attack, though its leaves were now coated in a thin layer of frost. Ruby gritted his teeth in frustration, so close to landing a decisive blow.
Sapphire commanded, turning Fofo's own strategy against it, "Troppy, Hurricane!"
*SWOOOSH*
Troppy, now harnessing the lingering effects of the rain, generated its own powerful vortex, trapping Fofo within its churning currents. Fofo, caught off guard, spun helplessly, taking significant damage.
As Fofo was left exposed and disoriented by the powerful winds, Troppy descended, its leaves glinting with menacing intent. Sapphire smirked as she ordered fiercely, "Troppy, use Razor Leaf, finish it!"
*FWP*
*SHINNG*
A final, devastating volley of razor-sharp leaves descended upon the struggling Castform. Fofo cried out, its form flickering, before it collapsed, unconscious.
Azure announced clearly, the sound cutting through the rain, "Castform is unable to battle! Ruby, send your next Pokémon!"
Ruby recalled Fofo, his expression unreadable, though a spark of grim determination had taken root. He was fighting fiercely, using skills he hadn't touched in years, yet Sapphire was pushing him to his absolute limit.
He reached for a shimmering, white Poké Ball. He muttered to himself, then to his Pokémon as he declared boldly, "… Rara, let's go prove that battling isn't just about beauty!"
*Pop*
His Gardevoir, Rara, appeared, holding its [Gardevoirite]. Against a weakened Troppy, Ruby knew he couldn't allow Sapphire to repeat the Baton Pass maneuver. He had to disrupt Sapphire's rhythm.
Sapphire ordered immediately, sensing the immense threat of the Psychic-Fairy type, "Troppy, switch out!"
But Ruby wouldn't allow that. Ruby yelled, his voice cutting through the damp air, "Rara, Mean Look! Don't let it escape!"
*STARE*
Rara's eyes flared blue, locking Troppy in place. The Grass-type could no longer retreat. Sapphire swore under her breath, trapped.
Sapphire gritted her teeth and changed tactics as she needed to negate the rain and weaken his team's Water Type power, "Fine! Troppy, Sunny Day!"
However, Ruby was prepared for this. Ruby was faster, his tactical mind fully engaged as he countered, "Disable, Rara! Stop that move!"
*SHIII*
Rara focused its psychic energy, stunning Troppy just as it began calling for the sun. Ruby then followed up, "Now, Telekinesis!"
*SHIII*
Rara raised its hands, and a powerful blue aura encased the massive Tropius. Troppy was lifted into the air, struggling violently, crying out in pain as the force squeezed it.
Sapphire screamed, her anger finally boiling over, laced with genuine confusion, "What is this, Ruby?! Why are you doing this?! You hate battling! You're supposed to focus on Contests! On beauty! Why are you fighting me like this? Why are you trying to take my place when Hoenn needs help?!"
Ruby stared at her, seeing the raw confusion and hurt beneath her fury. He knew the full truth now—that the fearful girl he helped was the furious trainer standing opposite him. He knew he had to answer, but he couldn't break his own focus.
Rara maintained the crushing grip of Telekinesis. Ruby ordered, his voice echoing the command, but never breaking eye contact with Sapphire, "Rara, Moonblast!"
*BOOOM*
A massive orb of pink and purple fairy energy slammed into the bound Troppy, sending the massive Pokémon crashing hard into the sodden field. The thud resonated through the gym as it fainted.
*THUD*
Ruby finally replied, his voice strained from the intensity of the fight, "Yesterday… talking to Azure... it made me realize how much I was running from. Not just from battling, but from myself. And from you."
He offered no further explanation. Sapphire stared, completely bewildered. Azure, standing between them, simply offered a small, knowing, cheeky grin that answered nothing as he said calmly, "Gardevoir is the winner! Sapphire chose your next Pokémon!
Seeing her beloved Troppy crumpled on the ground, unresponsive, Sapphire grit her teeth, her entire body trembling with rage and confusion. Sapphire recalled her partner, snapping the Poké Ball shut.
Ruby had just claimed his fourth Pokémon, evening the stakes three-to-three. But with Rara poised as the rain ended, protected by a tactical lock, Sapphire realized she wasn't battling just a Coordinator anymore.
She was battling the full, brutal strength of a strategist who knew exactly how to hurt her the most. Sapphire sneered as she declared, hurling a Poke Ball, "Fine. If you want to use beauty to hide your strength, I'll smash through it! Rono, prepare for battle!"
*Pop*
Rono, a sturdy Lairon, landed heavily on the field, its gray armor clanking. Sapphire had chosen Rono for the type advantage against Rara, anticipating a Psychic or Fairy-type assault, and Rono's held item, the [Chesto Berry], suggested immediate, aggressive tactics that might require quick recovery.
Azure declared, "Battle starts!"
Ruby did not hesitate as he ordered, "Rara, Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
The dark sphere of spectral energy launched with blinding speed. Sapphire immediately commanded, "Rono, Iron Head! Charge straight through it!"
*BANG*
Lairon lowered its massive head, its metallic armor glowing as it absorbed the Shadow Ball, continuing its relentless, ground-shaking sprint towards Gardevoir. Ruby, anticipating the physical assault, didn't let up, "Psychic! Keep it moving, Rara!"
*SHIII*
Rara's eyes glowed fiercely with psychic energy, and an invisible barrier slammed into Rono, momentarily halting its charge. Rono struggled against the telekinetic force, its progress slowing to a painful crawl.
Ruby was deliberately keeping the fight at range, utilizing Rara's superior speed to kite the bulky Steel/Rock-type. Sapphire was gritting her teeth in frustration as her Rono couldn't come close to Rara in the slightest.
Her plan—brute force and overwhelming offense—was being neutralized by Ruby's tactical movement. Despite all her recent, desperate training, Ruby, even after years in Contests, was clearly a natural battler whose body remembered the rhythm of combat.
It was Lairon, Rono, who noticed the shift in his Trainer. He heard the sharp, desperate edge in Sapphire's voice, saw her clenched fists, and the flicker of helplessness in her eyes—an expression he remembered vividly, an expression of profound fear.
The memory was sharp and immediate: the savage silhouette of a charging Salamence, the overwhelming roar, and the tiny, terrified girl he had sworn to protect. He remembered the boy who had rushed forward, battered and bloodied, but unyielding, standing between them.
A primal surge unlike any before coursed through Rono. He let out a deafening, guttural bellow that echoed through the gym, "LAIIII!!!"
*SHIII*
A blinding white light enveloped the Lairon. Azure exclaimed, surprised eyes widening, "What in the—!"
The evolution was swift and spectacular. When the light receded, Rono was gone. In its place stood a towering, terrifying Aggron. Its white horns flared, and its armored hide glistened, a behemoth of steel and concrete fury.
Sapphire's earlier despair vanished, replaced by a triumphant, determined smirk as she said excitedly, "Aggron! Now we fight!"
Ruby's eyes widened momentarily, but his years of high-pressure Contests taught him to adapt instantly as he thought tactfully, 'Defeating an evolved Aggron with Rara would be risky, even with a special attack focus.'
Ruby smiled as he praised, retracting the loyal Gardevoir, readying another Poke Ball from his belt, "Rara, return! Excellent work! Feefee, time for the spotlight!"
*Pop*
With a splash of elegance, his Milotic, Feefee, coiled onto the field. Feefee was a beauty contestant, but its power was legendary.
Crucially, Ruby had equipped the physical tank with a [Flame Orb]. The moment it was released, the orb activated, inflicting the Burn status condition. Feefee's eyes flashed—its Ability, Marvel Scale, was immediately active, greatly boosting its already considerable Defense.
Sapphire was unfazed as she ordered, "Aggron! Use Rest!"
Rono instantly curled up, the newly evolved Aggron falling asleep, recovering all of the damage it had sustained from Rara. Ruby commanded, needing to strike before Aggron woke up naturally, "Feefee, Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
A colossal torrent of pressurized water surged across the field, slamming into the sleeping Aggron. The attack was devastating, but the ground shook as Aggron immediately began to stir as its held item, the [Chesto Berry], was consumed, instantly rousing the sleeping giant.
*GULP*
Sapphire roared, her voice laced with desperation and urgency, "Charge! Straight through the water, Rono!"
Ruby cursed silently. He had forgotten the implications of her reckless abandon. He had failed to account for Aggron's Ability... Sturdy.
*THUD*
Aggron didn't fall. It stumbled, dripping wet, but stood defiant.
*TMP*
Aggron had reached Feefee, standing directly over the massive serpent. Sapphire ordered fiercely, "Metal Burst! Up close, Rono!"
*BOOOM*
Aggron unleashed a wave of glittering, concentrated steel energy directly into Milotic's face. The attack, at point-blank range, was delivered with the force of a desperate Pokémon protecting its trainer.
Feefee shrieked, recoiling sharply. The force of the attack was tremendous, but thanks to the dual boosts of Marvel Scale and its natural bulk, Feefee absorbed the hit.
It was grievously wounded, its usually pristine scales scuffed and dull, but it was still in the fight. Ruby shouted, his voice tight as there was no time for healing, "Oh no!! Feefee, quickly use Aqua Tail!"
*SPLASH*
The massive, water-infused tail whipped around with concussive force, striking the weakened Aggron across the head. The blow was final.
*THUD*
Aggron collapsed, reverting to its humility in defeat. Azure confirmed as he declared, "Rono is unable to battle! Sapphire, bring out your next Pokémon!"
Sapphire recalled her partner, touching its Poké Ball gently as she praised him, "You did amazing, Rono. That was all I could ask for."
She looked at the damaged Milotic and smiled, a predatory expression returning to her face as she added, "But you didn't get away unscathed."
She reached for her next Poké Ball, choosing her ace with deliberate malice, declared, "Kirly, come out!"
*Pop*
The fighting spirit of a Gallade, Kirly, materialized, holding the [Galladite]. Ruby immediately recognized the threat.
Gallade, especially a Mega Gallade, was an absolute wrecking ball against his defensive Feefee. Ruby ordered quickly, "Feefee, Recover, quickly!"
Sapphire commanded, "Kirly, Teleport!"
*Shiii*
Before Feefee could focus its energy, Kirly warped instantly, appearing not ten feet behind the damaged Milotic. The speed was breathtaking as Sapphire commanded, "End it now! Leaf Blade Kirly!"
*SHINNG*
The glowing green blade of energy materialized on Kirly's arm, descending in a single, surgical strike onto Milotic's head. The force of the super-effective attack was too much for the already battered serpent, even with its augmented defenses.
*THUD*
Feefee slumped to the ground, unconscious. Azure announced loudly, his voice carrying the finality of the exchange, "Milotic is unable to battle! Ruby, send out your next Pokémon!"
The score now stood at 2-2, but the momentum had shifted violently back to Sapphire. The sudden, brutal efficiency of Kirly's attack shattered the brief quiet.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym (Hallway)]
The Gym Leaders in the hallway once again exchanged impressed glances. Flannery exclaimed, wide-eyed, "That speed! Did you see that combination? She learned that Teleport-attack combination from Azure, didn't she?"
Winona stepped forward, determination hardening her graceful features as she stated, "That is enough. The severity of the battle is too high. Sapphire has clearly demonstrated her caliber. Roxanne, Brawly—move aside. I am intervening."
Roxanne and Brawly glanced at each other, then remained rooted in their positions, blocking Winona's path. Brawly insisted, "Not yet, Winona. She's shown skill, yes, but not endurance. Not what it takes to fight the threat we face."
Roxanne added firmly, agreeing with Brawly as she said knowingly keeping her stance, "Agreed. We need to see if she breaks under pressure or if she can push through. We need to see the limits of this drive."
Winona glared at them, frustrated at their callous disregard for the young girl's Pokémon's health, though she had to admit, the battle was intoxicatingly fierce. Suddenly, a new, imposing presence appeared at the end of the hallway, overshadowing the Gym Leaders slowly coming into view.
Norman, the Normal-type Gym Leader and Ruby's father, walked forward with slow, deliberate steps, radiating an authority that silenced the entire group. He stopped directly in front of Winona, his stare piercing.
His voice was low, but every word was a command, "Let. Their. Battle. Continue."
Winona protested, appalled as she argued back, "Norman! You cannot be serious! They have proven themselves!"
Norman countered, his eyes flickering toward his son, a subtle, fierce grin playing on his lips as he stated, "They have proven nothing yet… Battling for a ribbon is meaningless. Battling for a reason—that is when a trainer truly comes alive. Wattson, Wallace, do you agree?"
Wattson and Wallace exchanged a look. Wallace simply nodded as he agreed, "I am curious to see where this intensity leads my student."
Wattson chimed in, laughing joyfully, seeing Azure's plan unfold, "Hahaha! Me too! The variables are too compelling to stop now."
Norman turned back to Winona, sealing the intervention as he stated firmly, "My son has found something worth battling for again. I won't allow anyone to take that away. Not until he finishes what he started."
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!