Chapter 319: The Charmer Vs. The Conqueror (4)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
The Fortree City Gym was a vast canopy of interwoven branches and synthetic turf, designed to mirror the floating habitats of the city outside. The air crackled with residual energy, heavy with the scent of ozone and dampened earth.
Azure stood at the center line, his expression a mask of stern neutrality. He was witnessing not just a battle, but an exorcism of shared history. Azure announced, his voice cutting through the silent tension, "2 Pokémon remaining for each side. The current score stands at four-four. Trainers, prepare your next Pokémon."
On one end, Sapphire stood rigid, her green eyes blazing with focused resentment. Her safari hat brimmed low over her face, concealing the hurt that fueled her rage.
Ruby, facing her, wore a white suit that looked pristine despite the grueling battle he had just fought. But the suit concealed nothing of the pain in his stance.
His eyes, usually cheerful and superficial, were now piercingly serious, reflecting the ancient, fierce battler he had once been. On the field, the tension doubled.
Sapphire stood with Kirly, her face alight with renewed purpose. Ruby reached into his pocket, his movements betraying no sign of the internal struggle other than the tightness around his jaw, feeling the pressure.
Ruby, recognizing the inherent power shift that was coming, adjusted his gloves. He reached for his operational Poké Ball.
Ruby whispered, his voice laced with the adoration he usually reserved for beauty contests, but overlaid now with a granite resolve, "Rara… Our time has come. Show them why you are the most beautiful and the strongest."
*Pop*
Rara, his cherished Gardevoir, materialized on the field, her expression serene but determined. Clasped around her neck was the [Gardevoirite].
Azure recognized the significance of the moment. These were their partners, the manifestation of their own mirrored, conflicting natures.
Sapphire slammed her hand against her Key Stone bracelet as she declared, "Exceed your limits, Kirly! Mega Evolve!"
Ruby matched her movement, the Key Stone on his cuff blazing as he yelled, "Let destiny guide us, Rara! Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
Rainbow spectrums of light erupted from the stones, engulfing the two Pokémon. The air in the gym compressed, echoing the sudden, massive rush of power as both Pokémon revealed themselves.
Gallade's head fin sharpened into a crest, its elbows forming longer, deadlier blades. Gardevoir's dress flowed, transforming into a flowing white gown with a red horn protruding from its chestplate, channeling raw psychic energy.
Mega Gallade, Kirly, and Mega Gardevoir, Rara, locked eyes across the field. Two sides of the same psychic coin, now poised for mutually assured destruction.
Ruby commanded, wasting no time, "Rara, Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
Rara nodded as it prepared itself. Mega Gardevoir materialized a dense orb of dark energy and launched it with surprising speed.
Sapphire countered immediately, "Teleport, Kirly!"
*Wooosh*
The Gallade vanished just as the Shadow Ball ripped into the turf where it had stood. Kirly reappeared directly behind Gardevoir, its blades flashing as Sapphire added, "Go, Kirly! Knock Off, now!"
*Swooosh*
Kirly swung its arm low, aiming to disarm Rara, but Ruby had anticipated the close-range retaliation. He countered fiercely, "Move, Rara—then reverse!"
*Wooosh*
Gardevoir shimmered out of the way, the attack missing by a hair. Before Kirly could recover, Rara's eyes glowed fiercely as Ruby ordered, "Psychic!"
*SHIII*
A wave of overwhelming force lifted Kirly high into the air, suspending the Blade Pokémon helplessly above the field. Ruby's voice was strained, the effort of controlling the immense psychic power visible on his face, "Slam it down!"
*WOOOOSH*
Pushing her arm down, Rara motioned for Kirly to go down. Kirly plummeted toward the ground, but Sapphire wasn't done yet as she ordered, "Protect! Brace yourself!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green shield encapsulated Gallade just as it hit the ground, the impact shaking the entire gym structure and causing dust to billow, but leaving Kirly unharmed from the attack.
As the shield faded, Rara pressed the attack before Kirly could launch an offensive, as Ruby ordered, "Thunderbolt. Full power!"
*ZAP*
Yellow electrical energy erupted from Gardevoir's hands, striking Kirly directly, landing a hit. The specialized attack, unexpected from a Psychic/Fairy type, slammed into Gallade as its eyes widened in shock.
*ZZZZZ*
The hit caused the Blade Pokémon to cry out in pain and stumble backward, its stance momentarily broken. Ruby roared, pressing his advantage, "Now, keep it up, Rara! We got them cornered!"
Sapphire gritted her teeth as she countered, "Kirly, Mystical Fire!"
*Sssss*
With a savage snarl, Kirly gathered fiery energy and unleashed a massive, swirling vortex of flame that consumed the space between them and engulfed Rara. It was a pure, aggressive blast that Sapphire hoped would vaporize Ruby's desperate hold.
The flames roared, filling the gym with heat. Sapphire thought she had won the exchange, but then Ruby's desperate voice cut through the sound of the combustion, "Rara! Ignore the pain! Psychic—redirect the heat!"
*SHIIII*
In a maneuver that defied reason and took a staggering toll on Rara. Mega Gardevoir exerted full mental control, forcing the vortex of bright blue Mystical Fire to twist, turning the attack back toward Kirly.
Sapphire yelled, her eyes widening in shock, "Counter with Air Slash, quick!"
*SHINNG*
Kirly, recovering quickly, slashed upward with its blades, sending sharp, compressed arcs of air to collide with the redirected flames. Explosion after explosion rocked the battlefield between these Mega Pokémon.
*BOOOM*
*BOOOM*
*BOOOM*
But Ruby was unforgiving. His desire, the desperate need to break through Sapphire's wall of anger, fueled Rara's resolve as he commanded, "Keep the Psychic pressure on Rara! Drive it all back!"
*SHIIII*
The residual energy from the Mystical Fire, the slicing force of the Air Slash, and the sheer mental weight of Rara's Psychic command began to fuse. The combination was a terrifying maelstrom—a vortex of air, fire, and unstable psychic power that condensed into a single, devastating projectile aimed at Kirly.
*WOOOOSH*
The intensity of the attack silenced the entire hallway. Everyone understood that this was the definitive moment.
Ruby had fused three attacks into a unique, terrifying super-move. Sapphire, seeing the uncontrolled force barreling toward her partner, realized that Ruby was truly fighting with everything he had—the ferocity he had denied himself for years.
This wasn't just a battle; it was his confession. But Sapphire didn't back down as she ordered, not backing away from his challenge in a determined yell, "Kirly! Concentrate every fiber of your being! Psycho Cut! Tear right through it!"
*SHINNG*
Mega Gallade slammed its hands together, focusing all its remaining strength into a focused, razor-sharp beam of psychic energy. It was a blade of pure light, honed to perfection.
*BOOOOOM*
… The Psycho Cut sliced through the fused combination attack. The massive vortex shattered in a spray of fire and psychic feedback, and the hyper-focused beam continued its trajectory, striking Mega Gardevoir head-on.
The impact was immediate and final. Rara staggered, the intense light of her Mega Evolution flickering violently before extinguishing completely.
*Thud*
… With a silent gasp, the Mega Gardevoir collapsed onto the smoky turf, reverting to its standard form, unconscious. Azure declared calmly, "Gardevoir is unable to battle! Ruby, send out your last Pokémon!"
A stunned silence fell over the gym. Sapphire, breathing heavily, momentarily felt the surge of victory, a hard-won, visceral relief. She had beaten him.
She had forced him to admit his strength. Kirly stood panting, its blades smoking from the sheer exertion of the Psycho Cut…
*CRACKLE*
Then, a low, ominous energy crackled around the Blade Pokémon. Sapphire cried, a cold dread washing over her, "Kirly, what is it?"
Kirly's body suddenly seized as it panted. The rainbow sheen around its blades dissipated, and the crest faded as the Mega Evolution dissolved, leaving the Pokémon paralyzed by an invisible force.
*Thud*
It took two steps, stumbled, and then collapsed next to the exhausted Gardevoir. Azure raised an eyebrow as he thought calmly, 'Destiny Bond. Rara must've set it up just before the final strike landed. Quite the clever and loyal Pokémon.'
Azure, after a moment to confirm the status of both fallen Pokémon, made the definitive call as he declared, "Gallade is unable to battle! The result of this full six-on-six battle score is 5-5! Both Trainers use they're final Pokémon!"
Sapphire stared at the fallen Kirly, the realization hitting her like a physical blow. Ruby hadn't just fought her; he had accounted for the possibility of his own defeat and ensured she would pay the ultimate price for the victory.
On the field, the intensity was palpable. Both had one Pokémon left. The fate of Hoenn, and more importantly, their own fractured relationship, rested on this final exchange.
Sapphire took a deep breath, her gaze locked on Ruby. With a confident toss, she declared, "Chic, I choose you!"
Ruby responded, a grim determination etched on his face. He hurled his last Poke Ball, "Mumu, let's finish this!"
*Pop*
Sapphire sent out her Blaziken, its fiery aura already a formidable presence, holding the [Blazikenite]. Ruby countered with his Swampert, Mumu, its sturdy form radiating strength, clutching the [Swampertite].
The echoes of their previous Mega Evolutions, used during Rara and Kirly's fierce clashes, lingered in the air. Both knew Mega Evolution was off the table; its power had been expended earlier in the battle.
Mega Evolution was out of the question. This showdown would be a test of pure skill, grit, and the unspoken bond between trainer and Pokémon.
Ruby initiated the exchange, a simple yet effective command: "Mumu, let's go with Power-Up Punch!"
*Wooosh*
Mumu's fists glowed with increasing power. Chic, however, with astonishing agility, dodged the initial strike and retaliated with a searing Blaze Kick….
*Sssss*
*BAM*
Mumu landed with a grunt, but its fins, sensitive to the subtlest shifts in air currents and soundwaves, had already registered Chic's movements. The fiery attack landed, but Mumu, remarkably, stayed on its feet…
*Wooosh*
*Wooosh*
It then began a series of evasive maneuvers, its fins subtly twitching, its keen senses picking up the slightest shifts in air currents and sound waves generated by Chic's movements. It was a dance of evasion, a testament to its trainer's strategic foresight as they avoided unnecessary blows.
Ruby commanded, his voice tight, "Screech, Mumu!"
*SCREEE*
The ear-splitting cry momentarily disoriented Chic, and Mumu seized the opportunity, charging for another Power-Up Punch. Seeing its fist Sapphire countered, "Chic! Counter with Flamethrower!!"
*SSSSS*
But just as Mumu lunged, Chic unleashed a scorching Flamethrower, sending Mumu crashing to the ground. Chic's hand clamped around Mumu's head, lifting it with a grunt before hurling it against the arena wall.
*BAM*
A flicker of pain crossed Mumu's face, but then, Ruby's voice, a desperate plea, sliced through the haze of battle: "Mumu! Fight! Don't give up!!"
*SNAP*
The renewed determination in his trainer's voice ignited something within Mumu. Its eyes snapped open, and it surged forward, a whirlwind of Hammer Arm, Water Pulse, and Ice Punch, "GARAAAA!!! (I WON'T LET HIM DOWN!!)"
*WOOOOSH*
Detecting the danger ahead, Sapphire quickly ordered, "Quick! Use Detect and Agility Chic! Dodge them all!!"
*Wooosh*
Chic, utilizing its speed, dodged each blow with practiced grace, a blur of red and orange. Chic, showcasing incredible agility, dodged each attack.
Mumu, however, changed tactics, undeterred, chased Chic, driving it towards the wall, pursuing Chic, catching it off guard, and landing a crushing Hammer Arm. Chic recoiled in pain from the blow…
*THUD*
Mumu tried to fire a Water Pulse, but Sapphire ordered, "No! Fire Spin!"
*SSSSS*
Chic opened its mouth, unleashing a stream of fire circling it around just as the Water Pulse contacted it. Chic neutralized it with Fire Spin, creating a cloud of steam that momentarily disoriented Mumu.
*Pooof*
With a wall of steam erupting between them, obscuring Mumu's vision. Creating a cloud of steam momentarily disoriented Mumu, giving Sapphire the chance to counter as she cried, "Now, Chic! Sky Uppercut!!"
*WOOOSH*
Using the cloud of steam, Chic lunged forward, its fist coated in Fighting Type energy as it launched a Sky Uppercut, but Mumu's fins, ever vigilant, alerted it in the nick of time, allowing it to dodge. This surprised Chic, eyes widening in disbelief, but Ruby ordered, utilizing the steam blocking Chic's vision, "Now's the chance, Mumu! Use Hammer Arm and Ice Punch!"
*SMASH*
*BASH*
Following Ruby's commands, Mumu complied as it reeled both its arms back at the mid-air Chic. Mumu retaliated with a powerful Ice Punch and a bone-jarring Hammer Arm, sending Chic to the ground.
*THUD*
Chic made a THUD sound as it fell to the ground hard and in great pain from Mumu's attacks. The constant use of Power-Up Punch had undeniably paid off, raising Mumu's Attack stage to a formidable level.
Ruby didn't let this chance pass him by. He quickly ordered with a sharp expression, "Now! Go all out, Mumu! Liquidation and Ice Punch!"
*SPLASH*
*CRACKLE*
Mumu pressed its advantage, its left arm crackling with Liquidation, its right fist encased in ice, prepared for its Ice Punch. It lunged, but Sapphire cried out, "Quick! Detect and counter with Sky Uppercut!!"
*Wooosh*
… in that moment, Chic, with uncanny timing, used Detect, anticipating the move. Chic unleashed another Sky Uppercut, but Mumu met it with its Ice Punch, the clash of forces creating a momentary stalemate.
*BOOOM*
They're clash made them skid across the field, wariness in they're eyes. But Sapphire ordered fiercely, "Don't let up, Chic! Blaze Kick!"
*Ssss*
Following Sapphire's command, it charged ahead, delivering an explosive Blaze Kick. But Ruby countered, "Mumu! Counter it with Liquidation!"
*Splash*
Chic unleashed another Blaze Kick, but Mumu countered with a decisive Liquidation. Mumu's Liquidation matched it, the collision sending tremors through the arena as they're attacks created a shockwave.
*RMBL*
Both Pokémon were visibly exhausted, their bodies battered, stood their ground, but their spirits burned bright, fueled by the unwavering conviction of their trainers' hopes, fueling their dwindling reserves. But they were also filled with… determination.
Mumu let out a guttural roar, "GRAO!!!"
*SHIII*
Mumu roared as its ability, Torrent, activated, its water-based attacks surging with renewed power. Chic responded with its own fiery roar, its Blaze ability flaring, painting the arena in hues of blue and red.
Two powerful auras, Mumu's calming blue and Chic's vibrant red, pulsed across the battlefield, neither trainer able to gain a decisive edge. Both Trainers ordered, "Mumu Ice Punch and Liquidation! Chic Sky Uppercut and Blaze Kick!!"
*WOOOSH*
*BOOOOM*
Both lunged at each other, each performing they're moves against one another. Ice Punch and Liquidation clashed with Sky Uppercut and Blaze Kick, each blow a desperate testament to their resilience as they echoed across the battlefield.
A stalemate. Their attacks, evenly matched, exchanged blows: Mumu's Ice Punch and Liquidation against Chic's Sky Uppercut and Blaze Kick.
The trainers' eyes narrowed, their focus absolute. They both thought at the same time, 'This was it. The final push. I must win this battle!!'
With the finale in sight, both Trainers and Pokémon gave their all. Both refused to back down as they fought to the bitter end.
Ruby bellowed, his voice raw, "Mumu, Hydro Pump!"
Sapphire roared back, her voice matching his intensity, "Chic, Overheat!"
*SPLASH*
Mumu nodded as it began its attack. Mumu unleashed a concentrated Hydro Pump, a torrent of water aimed with pinpoint accuracy…
*SSSSSS*
Chic nodded with narrowed eyes as it roared defiantly. Chic answered with a devastating Overheat, its flames burning with an almost otherworldly intensity…
*BOOOOM*
A blinding explosion engulfed the battlefield, a maelstrom of the power of both water and fire. The two elemental forces collided, creating a massive explosion that engulfed the battlefield in a blinding flash and a deafening roar, leaving the spectators in breathless anticipation.
*Sssss*
The crowd, consisting of the Gym Leaders and the seasoned trainer Azure, held their breath, waiting for the dust to settle. As the smoke cleared, a collective gasp rippled through the spectators.
As the smoke slowly dissipated, revealing the battered arena, a collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. The battlefield was empty, both Pokémon having collapsed. The match ended up as a tie.
*Thud*
The result was a tie. The battle, as intense and grueling as it was, had ended in a draw between both Trainers.
Sapphire, her chest heaving, her voice raw with exhaustion, finally voiced the question that had been burning within her mind, asked Ruby a question laced with exhaustion and a raw vulnerability, "Why? Ruby… why? Why did you go through all of this?"
Ruby met her gaze, a flicker of something akin to vulnerability in his own eyes. He removed his hat, the gesture surprisingly disarming as he admitted, his voice hushed, "Because… I… I like you, Sapphire. That's why I couldn't just… let you keep fighting alone. Not after that Salamence in Johto."
The words, simple and honest, struck Sapphire like a bolt of lightning. The boy who had saved her, the one with the reckless, powerful fighting style… it was Ruby.
The battle had been a mirror, reflecting his familiar, yet evolved, fighting spirit. Then, her eyes fell on the faint scar on his forehead, a souvenir from their past encounter.
And then, her gaze fell upon the faint scar on his head, a memento from that long-ago encounter. The realization crashed over her, a wave of regret and affection.
*WHACK*
With a swift, impulsive movement, she punched him, not with anger, but with a frustrated tenderness. She muttered, her voice thick, "Idiot…"
Then, she threw her arms around him, a hug born of years of misunderstanding and newfound clarity as she said quietly, "Why didn't you just say so sooner?"
Azure chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound. His Pikachu and Eevee, who had been sharing a bag of popcorn in the background, chirped contentedly.
He declared the battle a tie, a truce brokered by circumstance and a shared understanding. He promised Sapphire his full support, and now, with Ruby's reintegration, Hoenn would have two champions fighting for its cause.
The Gym Leaders, finally emerging from the hallway, offered their congratulations, their expressions a mix of awe and understanding. Roxanne and Brawly nodded in approval as she conceded, "She has the spirit!"
Brawly added, a rare smile on his face, "And the skill."
Flannery, ever effervescent, offered her congratulations. Ruby glanced at his father, Norman, who stood with a nervous smile.
Norman placed a hand on his son's head, his eyes filled with pride. He said proudly, a sly grin playing on his lips with a proud voice, "I'm so proud of you, son. You've truly grown through your journey."
Ruby groaned, burying his face in his hands. He mumbled childishly with a pointed look, "I still hate battling. Give me Pokémon Contests any day. I'm only helping so I can continue my Contests. Nothing more."
He insisted that his involvement was solely for his Contests, a statement that raised skeptical eyebrows from Sapphire, Norman, Azure, and Wallace. However, each of them exchanged amused glances, a silent acknowledgment that they saw through his carefully constructed facade.
But no one chose to press the issue. However, just as a sense of peaceful resolution settled over them, a looming sense of dread took over…
*DREAD*
Winona's voice cut through the air, sharp and clear, cutting through the heartwarming scene. Her gaze, however, was fixed on Azure as she asked, her innocent smile sending a shiver down Azure's spine, "And who is going to pay for the damage these two hooligans inflicted on my Gym?"
The trio – Ruby, Sapphire, and Azure – froze. Sapphire and Ruby, in a moment of exquisite, synchronized self-preservation, immediately pointed at Azure. They chorused, their stunned faces turning towards him, "He will!"
Azure's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief. From the background, Pikachu and Eevee erupted into silent, shaking laughter, "Pika!!! Bui!!! (He's so screwed!!)"
Before Azure could even stammer a rebuttal, the other Gym Leaders chimed in. Roxanne stated, her voice carrying an edge of amusement, "It was his plan, after all."
Azure stood flabbergasted, a deer caught in the headlights. Azure had never found himself utterly speechless, and this cornered him before. He couldn't help but think, 'Is this what the consequence of my actions looks like?'
*SHIVER*
Winona's innocent smile, as she grasped his shoulder, sent a shiver down his spine, a fear far more potent than any Legendary Pokémon. She said calmly, her voice dangerously sweet, "We'll have a lot to discuss, Azure, about this little… 'misuse' of my Gym. Without my consent."
Azure could only stare, the shadow of a legendary Pokémon's gaze paling in comparison to the impending lecture he was about to receive. His Pikachu and Eevee, from their perch in the background, let out a series of delighted giggles.
The battle had ended, but the true reckoning for Azure Sky had just begun as he muttered in despair, "Aw, Krabby baskets…"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!