Chapter 363: Reaction
~Third POV~
[Sevii Islands, Later, One Island – Pokémon Net Center]
*Swf*
The salty tang of the sea still clung to Azure's clothes, a phantom memory of the furious struggle that had just unfolded on Treasure Beach. Arcanine's Teleport had whisked them away in a flash of orange light, depositing them in the sterile quiet of the Pokémon Network Center on Island One.
The sudden shift from the roar of battle and the ocean's expanse to the hushed, climate-controlled corridor was jarring. Azure felt the exhaustion seep into his bones, a profound weariness that went beyond physical exertion.
Every muscle ached, and a faint, metallic taste – a byproduct of overusing his Viridian Force – lingered on his tongue. He then spoke up, uttering as his team appeared, "Come out, guys. Time to relax and heal up."
*Pop*
Pikachu, usually boundless with energy, was slumped on Azure's shoulder, its small body trembling faintly. Eevee nuzzled against his leg, its fur ruffled, eyes half-lidded. Behind him, Gengar floated a little lower than usual, its ethereal form flickering with fatigue.
Scizor's metallic wings drooped, no longer reflecting the light with their usual sharp gleam, while Dragonite's powerful frame seemed to sag under an invisible weight. Even Arcanine, the picture of regal strength, walked with a slightly less confident stride, its head held a little lower.
The Ultra Ball clipped to Azure's belt, containing their hard-won prize, pulsed faintly, a testament to the battle's ferocity. He gazed a bit at him as he thought, 'I'll have to fix you up later. I must get back to her side…'
He pushed open the door to the medical bay, the soft hum of life-support equipment filling the air. Green lay still on the bed, pale and unresponsive, her eyes still closed, her expression haunted by the trauma of seeing her parents vanish.
Azure's stomach tightened with a familiar knot of guilt. He had left her, albeit briefly, to confront Organism No. 1, knowing the danger it posed to everyone.
He moved to the chair beside her bed, collapsing into it with a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world. He reached out, gently combing a strand of hair from Green's face, a silent apology.
He whispered next to her, though he knew she wouldn't hear him, "I'm back, Green. Something urgent came up. Couldn't exactly protect you well if you got attacked in your state."
Just then, Bill entered, his face etched with concern. He hadn't witnessed the entire battle, but he had seen the chaos wrought by the invisible entity, felt the caution it instilled in Red, Blue, and Green.
His gaze fell upon Azure's weary form and the exhausted Pokémon, his brow furrowing deeper. He began, his voice lowered, "Azure. Did you… Did you lose to it as well?"
The question was laced with a dread born from prior encounters, from seeing three of the region's best trainers falter. Azure didn't answer immediately. Instead, he simply nodded towards his partners, a silent, shared understanding passing between them.
These Pokémon were more than just tools; they were family, seasoned warriors who understood his unspoken commands. Pikachu stirred, its small cheeks sparking softly as it conjured a shimmering, golden Wish.
*Shiii*
A wave of soothing energy washed over the team. Eevee, ever the empathetic partner, echoed its comrade's efforts, a warm, gentle light emanating from its own Wish, enveloping them all in comfort.
*Sssss*
Arcanine, with a soft whimper, unleashed the revitalizing warmth of Morning Sun, bathing itself in golden light that seemed to chase away the shadows of fatigue. Dragonite's powerful wings stretched, then folded as it entered a meditative state, absorbing ambient energy for Roost.
Scizor followed suit using Roost, its metallic wings retracting as a low hum of restorative energy coursed through its body. For Gengar, however, Azure had a different method. He extended a hand, a faint emerald aura shimmering around his palm.
*SHIIII*
This was his Viridian Force, a unique ability allowing him to tap into his own life force to heal and connect with Pokémon. He closed his eyes, focusing, channeling a portion of his essence into his ghostly partner.
Gengar absorbed it greedily, its flickering form solidifying, its grin returning, albeit a tired one. The cost to Azure was immediate; a wave of dizziness washed over him, and the metallic taste in his mouth intensified.
Bill watched the coordinated display of healing, his eyes widening in comprehension. The sheer effort, the dedication, and the synchronized recovery spoke volumes about the intensity of what they had just faced.
He shook his head slowly, a grim understanding dawning on him. Finally, Azure replied, his voice a little hoarse, but with a note of quiet triumph, "We don't have to worry about that one. I managed to capture it. But it took a whole team effort to do it."
Bill's shoulders slumped in relief. A profound exhale escaped him. He repeated, disbelief warring with pure elation, "Capture it? Azure, that's… that's incredible! Red and Blue barely managed to drive it off, and Green…"
He trailed off, glancing towards the still figure in the bed. He sighed as he continued in an excited tone, "I'll inform them. They'll be relieved, though probably frustrated they couldn't pull it off themselves."
He pulled out his Rotom Phone, already envisioning the messages he'd send. Azure offered a small, tired smile. He unclipped a small pouch from his belt, producing a handful of colorful Poke Blocks.
He placed them on the floor. Pikachu and Eevee immediately scampered forward, nibbling contentedly on the sweet, energy-rich treats as they cried happily. Arcanine crunched its down with a satisfied sigh, while Dragonite and Scizor, now looking significantly more refreshed, leisurely picked at theirs.
Gengar, ever the playful one, phased through its block before finally consuming it with a contented cackle. The quiet sounds of contented eating filled the room, a warm contrast to the earlier intensity.
Then, Azure reached for the Ultra Ball containing Deoxys. It still pulsed, but the frantic energy that had marked it earlier had subsided into a weary thrum. He brought the ball close and once again, focused his Viridian Force, carefully channeling a steady stream of emerald energy into the dormant Pokémon.
*Shiii*
With his meta-knowledge, he knew that this Deoxys was in a highly unstable state, its body fluctuating between its various forms, draining its own vitality. He needed to stabilize it, heal it, before he could even begin to understand its true potential or its place in the larger, looming narrative he was all too aware of.
The effort was taxing, making the dizziness return with renewed vigor, but he persevered. The DNA Pokémon would need time, but at least it was no longer a threat. Then he checked his Arc Phone, seeing its status and info.
[Deoxys the DNA Pokémon. Deoxys was formed by the mutation of a virus from space. The Pokémon is highly intelligent; its brain appears to be the crystal in its chest. This organ can fire laser beams.
It was also shown to have the ability to morph its tentacles into human-like hands. While inactive, it can also take the form of a triangular, stone tablet. Deoxys can regenerate any part of its body that it may have lost during a battle. It has also demonstrated the ability to create an aurora without changing its form.
These auroras can have different electromagnetic wavelengths and are used to communicate with other Deoxys. It is also shown that the various electromagnetic waves given off by people, Pokémon, and all electronics can obscure its vision if there is enough interference with its communication. Deoxys can use powerful telekinesis in combat, and its different forms grant it further abilities and techniques to use in battle.
Deoxys has been observed to create clones of itself. These clones have lifeless eyes and duller color, lack the trademark crystal on the chest, and seem to be unable to change from the Normal Forme. Furthermore, they seem unable to morph their tentacles into hands. When these clones are defeated, they dissolve into dust-like particles. Deoxys is a bitter enemy of Rayquaza, with the two often clashing with each other. Deoxys has four forms: Normal Forme, Attack Forme, Defense Forme, and Speed Forme.]
|Name: Deoxys (Unstable) (DNA Pokémon) [Can change Forme Freely]
|Type: Psychic
|Level: 70
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Pressure
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Leer, Pain Split, Teleport, Gravity, Skill Swap, Cosmic Power, Calm Mind, Recover, Reflect, Light Screen, Agility, Double Team, Protect, Telekinesis, Psycho Shift, Nasty Plot, Psychic Terrain, Psyshock, Psychic, Zen Headbutt, Psybeam, Stored Power, Future Sight, Expanding Force, Psychic Noise, Hyper Beam, Extreme Speed, Giga Impact, Wrap, Night Shade, Knock Off, Swift, Pursuit, Shadow Ball, Water Pulse, Energy Ball, Focus Blast, Psycho Boost (IM) (5 Moves left to learn)
Azure read the info shown. He raised an eyebrow as he mentally thought, 'Lots of support moves, but with its speed and power, it could outmatch many. Just need some variety of moves to be useful…'
Azure sighed as he'll deal with Deoxys' move pool later. At the very least, he managed to secure a training partner for Mewtwo and his team.
He leaned back in the chair, eyes drifting to Green. Her trauma was deep. He knew the anguish of seeing loved ones disappear, the helplessness that clawed at one's heart. He regretted having to leave her, even for a moment, but the threat Deoxys posed was too immediate, too dangerous.
He watched the outside world through the window, the fiery hues of the sunset painting the sky over the Sevii Islands. His thoughts drifted to Red and Blue, wondering how their intense training with Ultima was progressing as he muttered, "They would need it. Any help is much appreciated."
The world, this Pokémon Adventures world, was far more dangerous than anyone truly knew, filled with threats that tested the very fabric of reality. But for now, Azure could take this chance to rest as the next part would soon commence.
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[Sevii Islands, Meanwhile, Island Seven – Trainer Tower (TR Base)]
Far away, on Seven Island, within the imposing structure of the Trainer Tower, the serene sunset was replaced by the harsh glow of computer screens. Deep within the tower, a hidden observation room buzzed with the hum of high-powered processors.
Carr, his face illuminated by the data streams scrolling across his massive console, meticulously monitored the 'R' program, his fingers flying across the holographic keyboard. Before them, a colossal screen replayed the battle on Treasure Beach, captured in startling detail by a sophisticated Rotom Drone.
Giovanni, his broad shoulders casting a formidable shadow, stood unmoving, his eyes fixed on the display. Beside him, Orm squirmed in his seat, agitated, while Sird remained poised, observing everything with unnerving stillness.
The screen showed Azure in action, his commands precise, his team a seamless extension of his will. Deoxys, a blur of cosmic energy, shifted between its Attack, Defense, Speed, and Normal forms with terrifying rapidity.
Red and Blue had fought with raw power and tactical analysis, respectively, but they had struggled, unable to anticipate the alien Pokémon's unpredictable movements. Green had been overwhelmed before she even had a chance to retaliate.
But Azure… Azure was different.
He didn't just react; he predicted.
His Pikachu and Eevee moved with an uncanny synchronicity, their combined speed and agility allowing them to dodge attacks that had crippled others. Gengar, phasing in and out of existence, baited Deoxys into predictable patterns. Scizor's metallic blur of a Bullet Punch, Arcanine's scorching Flare Blitz, Dragonite's powerful Draco Meteor – all were perfectly timed, perfectly executed.
The Beasts watched, awestruck, as Azure meticulously dismantled Deoxys's overwhelming advantage, culminating in its strategic capture. Carr sputtered, slamming a fist on the armrest of his chair, "Impossible! No human should be able to predict its movements so accurately! It's… It's like he knows what it's going to do before it does it!"
His frustration was palpable, born of a deep-seated belief in Team Rocket's superiority. Orm leaned forward, a rare spark of awe in his eyes as he said calmly, "His response times… his team's synergy… far exceeding baseline parameters. And the capture strategy… brilliant. He didn't just defeat it; he neutralized it as a threat to himself."
Carr grumbled, a professional annoyance creeping into his tone, "My predictive algorithms were completely off. He's an anomaly. No... a god damn cheat!"
Sird, however, simply tightened her lips, a glint in her eyes that betrayed a complex mixture of surprise and cold calculation. She observed, her voice low, "He didn't just fight it… he countered it. Every form, every shift. He was prepared to battle Organisim No.1..."
Giovanni's eyes hardened, not in surprise, but in confirmation. He had always known Azure was a formidable trainer; his victories were testament to that. But this… this was something else.
He had suspected a deeper well of knowledge within the young man, and this battle provided damning evidence. Giovanni thought, a chilling realization settling in his gut, 'He knows. He knows exactly what he's facing.'
He let out a slow, deliberate breath. Giovanni mused aloud, his voice a low rumble, "At least with some comfort. Azure would be temporarily out of commission. His team is exhausted; they will need time to recover."
The capture of Organism No. 1 itself was a surprise, but ultimately, a minor inconvenience in his grand scheme. It had served its purpose, providing invaluable data on Azure's current capabilities to prepare for.
Giovanni's true focus remained unwavering: Organism No. 2.
He knew the fate of Organism No. 1 was too volatile, its body destabilized by its journey through space and its multiple form changes. Even if Azure had captured it, its power in its current state was unreliable, a liability.
He had planned to dispose of it once it had either weakened Azure, forced him to waste energy, or simply provided enough data for Team Rocket's scientists. Its capture, while unexpected, merely meant the data collection was now complete.
Orm and Carr exchanged glances. The capture of Organism No. 1 was a surprise, yes, but Giovanni's reaction suggested it wasn't a vital setback. Orm ventured, "It's capture… that wasn't part of the plan, Boss."
His gaze returned to the screen, now showing a paused image of Azure, exhausted but triumphant. Giovanni stated, a strategic calm in his voice, "Organism No. 1 did its job. It has shown us how strong Azure has gotten over the past five years. Now we know what to prepare for when the true encounter arrives."
He turned from the screen, his mind already shifting gears as he commanded coldly, "For now, we remain focused on our plans. Organism No. 2 will surely react to Red's emotions soon enough."
But Sird thought differently. Her true allegiance lay not with Team Rocket, but with Team Galactic. Her purpose was to acquire Deoxys, not for Giovanni, but for Cyrus and his own megalomaniacal plans.
She had watched Azure with a different set of eyes, recognizing not just a powerful trainer but a profound threat to Team Galactic's ambitions. The Dex Holders were formidable, yes, but Azure possessed a calm foresight, an almost prescient understanding that set him apart from the Dex Holders.
His presence, his knowledge, was a variable too dangerous to ignore. Sird mentally frowned as she thought, 'He needs to be taken care of, one way or another…'
Sird murmured, her voice barely audible, though her eyes blazed with a cold fire, "He is a threat, a significant one. A threat that needs to be taken care of, permanently, before he can truly interfere with our objectives."
She registered Giovanni's dismissal of Organism No. 1, but for her, the captured alien Pokémon was still a prize. And Azure, the one who held it, was now at the top of her personal hit list. Sird's temporary exhaustion was merely a reprieve, an opportunity for her to formulate a more definitive plan.
A subtle, dangerous plan began to unfold in the calculating depths of Sird's mind, even as she maintained her outward facade of loyalty to Giovanni. The game had just grown infinitely more complicated.
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!