Chapter 373: Rematch! Vs. Giovanni! (2)
~Third POV~
[Sevii Island, Sevel Island – Trainer Tower (Unown Battlefield)]
The battle between the two was intense. Inside the conjured battlefield, neither side took the chance to let up.
Azure commanded, his voice cutting through the swirling sand, "Scizor, Quick Attack into Metal Claw!"
*Zoooom*
Scizor became a red blur, zipping across the arena. Giovanni, eyes narrowed, immediately barked, "Tyranitar, Screech!"
*CLANG*
The tyrannical Pokémon roared, but Scizor was too fast. The ear-splitting shriek didn't have enough time to fully register before Scizor's enhanced Metal Claw connected with a resounding CLANG against Tyranitar's rocky hide, denting its armor, sending a tremor through the ground from the impact.
Tyranitar stumbled, shaking its head, but quickly regained its footing. Azure wasn't finished as he kept up the pressure, ordering, "Again, Scizor! Metal Claw!"
*PINCH*
The agile Insectoid Pokémon lunged, grabbing one of Tyranitar's massive arms with its pincer. The behemoth was momentarily suspended, its feet struggling to find purchase in the shifting sand as it was being lifted.
Giovanni's eyes widened in alarm. Giovanni ordered, his voice laced with urgency, "Tyranitar, use your weight! Heavy Slam!"
*SLAM*
With a primal bellow, Tyranitar used its sheer mass to its advantage, twisting its body and slamming Scizor, still clinging to its arm, into the ground. Scizor released its hold, rolling with the impact and springing back to its feet, dust clinging to its metallic form.
Giovanni pressed the attack, "Fire Punch!"
*Sssss*
Tyranitar's fist blazed with orange energy, striking out. Scizor narrowly dodged, the super-effective attack grazing its shoulder pincer, a surprised grunt escaping Azure's lips. The heat radiated even through its steel plating.
But Giovanni didn't let up, following up, "Flamethrower!"
*Ssssss*
A torrent of fire erupted from Tyranitar's maw, arcing towards the agile Scizor. Azure, however, was already anticipating. He quickly countered, "Scizor, Swords Dance! Use the rotation to block!"
*SHIII*
Scizor began a mesmerizing dance, its pincers whirling in a defensive vortex. The Flamethrower was deflected, scattered into harmless sparks, while Scizor's Attack stat surged, its crimson form glowing with newfound power.
The rapid, unpredictable movements of Scizor seemed to bewilder the massive Tyranitar, leaving it momentarily confused. Giovanni advised, his voice surprisingly calm, "Relax, Tyranitar… Let him come closer."
Azure, ever cautious, didn't immediately leap. He knew Giovanni's cunning, and a passive stance from the Team Rocket boss usually meant a trap.
He weighed his options. Scizor's boosted attack is tempting, but the super-effective Fire Punch is still fresh in his mind.
But Giovanni saw this as hesitation as he made his move. Giovanni roared, breaking the tense silence, "Now! Stone Edge!"
*RMBL*
Tyranitar snapped out of its confusion, its eyes blazing with a berserk fury. Jagged rocks erupted from the ground around it, sharp and deadly. Scizor attempted to close the distance with a Metal Claw…
*SMACK*
… but Tyranitar, fueled by a raw, primal energy, moved with unexpected speed, swatting Scizor aside before it could land its blow. Scizor was knocked off its feet, tumbling end over end before crashing to the ground.
It rose, somewhat dazed, but determined. The sandstorm continued to rage as Giovanni seized the advantage, "Dark Pulse!"
*PEW*
A wave of shadowy energy pulsed from Tyranitar, hurtling towards the recovering Scizor. Azure's command was sharp, his focus absolute, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier flickered into existence just in time, absorbing the Dark Pulse entirely. The blow rattled the barrier, but Scizor remained unharmed, ready for the next move as it was laser-focused.
Azure countered, "Agile Style Steel Wing!"
Giovanni responded simultaneously, "Tyranitar, Earth Power!"
*Woooosh*
Scizor launched itself into the air, its wings hardening into blades of steel, diving towards Tyranitar. But at the same moment, the ground beneath Tyranitar buckled and erupted, a wave of raw earth power surging outwards.
Both Pokémon missed their marks, Scizor's Steel Wing slicing through empty air as it dodged the Earth Power, and Tyranitar's attack dispersing into the sandstorm. Scizor, however, found its opening…
*Zoooom*
*SHINNG*
With another burst of speed, it connected with a Metal Claw, striking Tyranitar's chest. But this time, the sheer mass of Tyranitar worked against Scizor.
*GRAB*
The tyrannical Pokémon roared, grabbing Scizor's arms, holding it fast. Scizor was struck by the sudden move. Azure's eyes widened as he countered, "Agility, Scizor! Get away! Then Agile Style Brick Break!"
*Zooom*
With a burst of internal energy, Scizor's movements became a blur, slipping free from Tyranitar's grasp. It then spun, its pincer glowing white as it prepared to unleash a devastating close-combat attack.
Giovanni commanded, "Tyranitar, stand your ground!"
He'd noticed the unique shimmer of Scizor's attacks, the way its Steel-type moves carried an unnatural weight. The [Iron Plate] was more than just a regular held item; something ancient, something that amplified its wielder's power to an almost mythical degree.
Even with his Viridian Force, Giovanni could tell that the Plate Scizor he held was giving it more Steel-type power than he had ever seen. He frowned as he mentally thought, 'Brat still has a trump card…'
*CRACK*
The Brick Break connected with a deafening CRACK, exploiting Tyranitar's crippling 4x weakness to Fighting-type attacks. A shockwave rippled through the arena, and the ground cracked beneath Tyranitar's feet.
*BOOOM*
The colossal Pokémon roared in pain, staggering back several steps, but incredibly, it remained standing, a testament to its raw power and Giovanni's unwavering will. Giovanni snarled, unwilling to yield, "Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
The ground erupted once more, tossing Scizor high into the air. Before it could recover, Giovanni roared, "Earthquake! Finish it!"
*RMBL*
The entire Viridian Gym battlefield shook violently as Tyranitar stomped with immense force. Cracks spread across the ground, threatening to swallow Scizor whole. Azure's eyes widened but hardened as he thought, 'If this lands, then Scizor would be knocked out! It was all or nothing now…'
Azure shouted, his voice hoarse, "Scizor, Bullet Punch!"
*ZOOOM*
With a final, desperate burst of speed and power, Scizor righted itself mid-air. Its metallic fist glowed, shooting forward like a bullet, uppercutting the colossal Tyranitar just as it brought its foot down for the finishing blow.
*BOOOM*
The force of the Bullet Punch was immense, amplified by the [Iron Plate], striking Tyranitar square on the chin. The behemoth's eyes glazed over, its mighty frame listing before it toppled backward with a deafening crash, raising a cloud of sand.
*THUD*
Tyranitar was down. Scizor landed hard, panting heavily.
Its crimson armor was scratched, its movements sluggish, but it had won. Azure smiled at his brave Pokémon, a silent nod of respect passing between them.
The [Iron Plate], one of the legendary Arceus Plates, had truly been a game-changer, pushing Scizor's capabilities beyond what Giovanni had anticipated. Giovanni conceded, for once without a trace of sarcasm, "A worthy victory, brat…"
His gaze lingered on the faint shimmer of the [Iron Plate] on Scizor. He now understood – this was not merely a rematch; it was a clash of philosophies, of power, and of secrets. He had gleaned crucial information, but at the cost of his lead Pokémon.
The sandstorm continued its relentless assault, making visibility difficult, but Giovanni's next move was decisive. He withdrew another Poke Ball, the weight of his resolve evident in his posture.
Giovanni declared, a fearsome smile gracing his lips, "My turn. Garchomp!"
*Pop*
With a guttural roar, a fearsome land shark Pokémon materialized, its skin the color of desert sand and its fins sharp as blades. This was no ordinary Garchomp; it was an Alpha, larger, fiercer, and imbued with an innate power that dwarfed its regular kin.
A [Muscle Band] was strapped to its arm, ready to amplify its already devastating physical attacks. The very air around them vibrated with its raw predator energy.
Azure felt a chill that had nothing to do with the sand-laden wind. An Alpha Garchomp, fresh and powerful, against his team. This battle was far from over.
Azure reached for another Poke Ball, his mind racing through the options. Each Pokémon on his team was a partner, a friend, meticulously trained and intimately understood.
He needed a strategy that would exploit Garchomp's weaknesses while mitigating its overwhelming strengths. Azure quickly analyzed the situation, given that he thought critically, 'An Alpha Garchomp, Dragon/Ground type. Physical attacks are its forte, and the [Muscle Band] would make its physical attacks even deadlier. Usually, I would've picked Scizor for this, but in a Sandstorm in its natural environment, its current also weakened is undesirable, so it's a no. So, who do I pick…'
Pikachu and Eevee, while his closest partners, were susceptible to Garchomp's sheer power and lacked the defensive bulk to withstand its attacks. Gengar, a Ghost/Poison type, was immune to Ground moves but weak to Ghost, Psychic, and Dark.
Its special attack might be useful, but Garchomp's speed could be an issue. Dragonite, a Dragon/Flying type, shared a Dragon weakness with Garchomp, making it a risky choice for a confrontation, despite its own formidable power.
Arcanine, his loyal Fire-type, seemed like the most promising immediate counter. While Garchomp resisted Fire, Arcanine's speed and powerful physical attacks, possibly even Extreme Speed, could put pressure on the Alpha Pokémon.
The more he thought about it, the more likely Azure knew his choice as he thought, 'More importantly, Arcanine's ability, Flash Fire, is always active. The source of its power is a flame blazing wildly inside its body, together with its ability to always have its Fire-type moves increase by 50% more power. Plus, its [Flame Plate] would be a bonus…'
Azure's mind raced once he made his choice, but he quickly strategized as he thought carefully, 'Scizor exhausted, but it still possessed the stat boosts it had gained earlier: +4 Speed, +2 Attack, and +1 Evasion. A risky play, but one that could pay off…'
Azure commanded, "Scizor, Baton Pass!"
*Shiii*
With a final surge, Scizor vanished in a flash of red light, but not before transferring its accumulated power to its successor. From Scizor's place, another Poké Ball opened as Azure declared, "Let's do this, old friend! I choose you… Arcanine!"
*Pop*
The Legendary Pokémon blazed into existence, its fur rippling in the sandstorm. A [Flame Plate] glowed fiercely at its neck, radiating intense heat even through the swirling sand. The moment Arcanine materialized, the transferred stats from Scizor surged through it, making it unnaturally swift and powerful.
Simultaneously, Giovanni gave his command, "Garchomp, Dragon Dance!"
*SHIIII*
Garchomp roared, its scales shimmering as it began to glow, boosting its Attack and Speed by one stage each. Giovanni's eyes, however, were fixed on Arcanine's neck. The [Flame Plate] pulsed with visible energy, an artifact of Arceus, just like the [Iron Plate].
His Viridian Force hummed, sensing the immense heat it radiated. Giovanni thought curiously, 'Fascinating, these Plates... where did he acquire them?'
But the thought was fleeting, overcome by the urgency of battle. Giovanni commanded, striking first, "Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"
*ZOOOOM*
The Alpha Garchomp became a terrifying blur, wreathed in draconic energy, charging at incredible speed through the sandstorm. Azure countered, his voice ringing with confidence, "Arcanine, Sunny Day! Tank the hit!"
*Shiii*
Arcanine let out a powerful bark, and the heavens above the Viridian Gym replica responded. The sandstorm began to dissipate, replaced by a sudden, intense sunlight that beat down, instantly shifting the weather advantage…
*BOOOOM*
The Dragon Rush slammed into Arcanine, a devastating blow, but the Legendary Pokémon, imbued with Scizor's transferred power and its own inherent resilience, endured the hit. Azure pressed, "Now, Strong Style Flame Wheel!"
*SSSSSS*
Arcanine surged forward, wreathed in an inferno that pulsed with an unnatural, azure-blue hue, a testament to the [Flame Plate] power. Giovanni's eyes widened as he thought in concern, 'That fire… it was far more potent than any normal Flame Wheel!'
Giovanni roared, alarm in his voice, "Dragon Pulse, Garchomp!"
*PEW*
Garchomp unleashed a destructive beam of draconic energy. The Dragon Pulse clashed with Arcanine's azure Flame Wheel in a spectacular explosion of light and force…
*BOOOOM*
*SSSSS*
… But the Flame Wheel, fueled by the Arceus Plate, overpowered the Dragon Pulse, slamming directly into Garchomp. Garchomp roared in pain, "GRAOOO?!! (What the fuck!!! How did you surpass my power!!)"
Giovanni roared, unwilling to cede momentum, "Dragon Claw!"
Garchomp lunged, its claws glowing with draconic energy. Azure countered, "Iron Tail, Arcanine!"
*CLANG*
Arcanine's tail hardened to gleaming steel, lashing out. The two Pokémon met in a blur of motion, a flurry of Dragon Claws and Iron Tails, each attack met and parried. Azure noticed Arcanine wincing, occasionally flinching as it connected with Garchomp.
A frown touched his lips. But then he realized Garchomp's ability as he thought, 'Rough Skin, Giovanni's Garchomp has the Hidden Ability. Every physical hit Arcanine landed would cause it damage in return.'
Azure ordered, hoping to maintain range, "Fire Blast!"
*Ssssss*
Arcanine gathered a massive orb of blue flame, but Garchomp moved with startling speed. Giovanni countered, "Stone Edge!"
*RMBL*
Jagged rocks erupted from the ground beneath Arcanine, catching it off guard as it was hit. The super-effective attack landed hard, sending Arcanine stumbling, taking a significant chunk of damage.
Giovanni pressed the advantage, "Draco Meteor!"
*RMBL*
*PEW*
From Garchomp's maw, a shower of meteoric, draconic energy rained down, each projectile slamming into the injured Arcanine. But Azure was ready.
Azure countered, "Morning Sun!"
*BOOOM*
As Arcanine took the full brunt of the Draco Meteor, it simultaneously absorbed the radiant energy of the Sunny Day. The attack caused massive damage, but Arcanine endured, its fur glowing as it healed, regaining nearly half of its lost health.
*Shiii*
Giovanni's eyes narrowed, a cold glint in them as he thought cautiously, eyeing the Legendary Pokémon, 'A healing move, under Sunny Day, is a dangerous asset. This Arcanine is proving to be a persistent threat.'
Azure commanded, "Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
Arcanine vanished, reappearing almost instantly right in front of Garchomp, a blur of pure velocity. Giovanni countered, "Dragon Claw!"
*Wooosh*
Garchomp counterattacked, but Arcanine was too fast. Azure grinned, a predatory glint in his eyes, "Teleport!"
*Swf*
Arcanine vanished, its Extreme Speed momentum carrying it into a temporal distortion. Garchomp, bewildered, swiped at empty air.
*Wooosh*
Giovanni's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise on his usually stoic face. But also concerned not knowing where Arcanine would appear…
*Swf*
But from behind Garchomp, Arcanine reappeared, having lost none of its speed. Azure added, "Play Rough!"
*SMACK*
The Legendary Pokémon lunged, its expression fierce, dealing a super-effective Fairy-type attack to Garchomp. The Alpha Pokémon roared in pain, caught completely off guard as it was bitten by Arcanine's Play Rough.
Giovanni frowned as he barked, "Dragon Claw!"
*Swf*
… but Garchomp's attack once again missed as Arcanine shimmered, using Teleport again, trying to escape its vision. Garchomp growled, trying to locate the elusive hound…
*Swf*
When Arcanine finally reappeared, it was already glowing again, bathed in the sunlight. Azure declared triumphantly yet again, "Morning Sun!"
*Shiii*
Arcanine's health is returning to its peak. Garchomp roared in frustration, a primal sound of fury, "GRAOOO!!! (Fight me, you coward!)"
Giovanni frowned as he ordered, "Dragon Rush!"
*BOOOOM*
Garchomp thundered, charging in with incredible speed, a final, desperate attempt to end the fight. Azure's commands were clear and concise as he countered, "Evade with Extreme Speed, Arcanine! Then Fire Spin!"
*Zoooom*
Arcanine dodged the Dragon Rush with its incredible burst of speed…
*Sssss*
… then circled the enraged Garchomp, trapping it in a vortex of blue flames. Giovanni commanded, realizing the danger, "Sandstorm, Garchomp! Break free!"
*WOOOOSH*
Garchomp unleashed a localized sandstorm, its raw power distorting the Fire Spin and allowing it to escape. Giovanni followed up, "Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Gathering Draconic energy in its maw, Garchomp prepares its attack. A powerful blast of draconic energy erupted from Garchomp, aimed directly at Arcanine.
Azure countered, "Strong Style Fire Blast!"
*SSSSSS*
Arcanine unleashed a colossal torrent of azure flames. The Dragon Pulse and Fire Blast collided in a spectacular, deafening explosion…
*BOOOOM*
… But Arcanine's Fire Blast, supercharged by the [Flame Plate], proved overwhelming. It tore through the Dragon Pulse, striking Garchomp directly.
Giovanni's eyes narrowed, a grim acknowledgment on his face. This confirmed his suspicions as he thought cautiously, 'Those Plates are not just boosting Azure's Pokémon; they're magnifying their power to an unheard-of degree. This Arcanine is proving to be an almost insurmountable obstacle…'
Realizing the danger Giovanni commanded, his voice strained, "Giga Impact! Garchomp, use your remaining strength!"
*BOOOOM*
Garchomp roared, gathering all its might, coalescing into a single, devastating, full-body strike. Azure, however, simply grinned as he countered, "Arcanine, spin to evade! Follow with Flamethrower!"
*Woooosh*
Arcanine, with incredible agility, spun, narrowly avoiding the Giga Impact. Before Garchomp could recover from the recoil, Arcanine unleashed a continuous, searing Flamethrower.
*SSSSSS*
The blue flames enveloped Garchomp, a relentless inferno burning it. The Alpha Pokémon, already battered and exhausted, let out a final, pained cry as it collapsed, defeated.
*Thud*
The sandstorm had completely vanished with Garchomp's defeat, replaced by the persistent, artificial sunlight of Sunny Day. Azure had won another round. Two of Giovanni's Pokémon were down, and the Trainer Tower's peak hummed with the afterglow of their epic clash.
The [Flame Plate] shimmered, a silent testament to its power, as Arcanine, though weary, stood victorious. But Giovanni still had four powerful Pokémon left, and Azure knew the true challenge was far from over.
/////
[Sevii Islands, Meanwhile, Seven Island– Seagallop]
Far away, across the turbulent seas, the Seagallop cut through the churning waves, struggling toward Seven Island. Inside, the heroes—Red, Blue, Green, Lorelei, and Ultima—watched the wall of Unown separating them from Azure.
Green's parents and Professor Oak were safe below deck, receiving medical care. Green's face was etched with determination as she uttered, "We must break through, or Azure's sacrifice will be in vain."
Blue's eyes were narrowed, focusing on a weak point in the psychic barrier. He unleashed his powerful companion, hurling his Ultra Ball out, "Zapdos! Lightning Storm!"
*Pop*
*ZZZZZT*
Materializing from its Poké Ball was Blue's Zapdos as it shot Thunderbolts into the sky, hurting the Unown. Green countered with pure heat, hurling her Ultra Ball into the air, "Moltres! Quickly Heat Wave!"
*Pop*
*SSSSSS*
Materializing from its Ultra Ball was Moltres screeching into the air. Then, with a flap of its wings unleashed a powerful Heat Wave, harming the Unown alongside Zapdos, causing major damage to them.
The combined power of the Legendary Birds hammered the Unown, causing thousands of the letters to momentarily flicker and dissolve, but the swarm instantly thickened again. Blue looked toward Red, frustration mounting as he yelled, "Red, where is your Articuno? We need the full trio to punch through this intensity!"
Red grimaced, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as he explained himself helplessly, "Ah, well, I left Articuno back in Viridian Gym. Everything happened so fast, and I was worried about Yellow…"
He paused, his expression shifting from sheepishness to firm resolve. He produced the Mega Stone from his pocket with a grin as he said, "But that doesn't mean my Pokémon are slouches, either."
*Pop*
Red hurled a Poke Ball into the air, materializing it to be his Aero his Aerodactyl. He sent out his ancient flying companion, tossing the Mega Stone to it, then yelling, "Aero! Time to Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
Aerodactyl roared, enveloped in the iridescent light of Mega Evolution. It transformed, its ancient body sharpening into a more aggressive, aerodynamic form. Red commanded, renewing his efforts, "Aero, use Rock Slide! Clear the skies!"
*SWF*
*RMBL*
The three trainers, now backed by the overwhelming power of a Mega Evolved Aerodactyl, two of the Legendary Birds intensified their attack. The Unown barrier began to thin, crackling under the combined assaults of electricity, fire, and stone. Just as the wall showed signs of breaking, the battle changed...
*WOOOOSH*
From the receding void created by the dissolving Unown, several shadowy, crystalline forms appeared. Deoxys Clones. The psychic shockwave from their arrival pushed the Seagallop back, much to the group's intense frustration.
They had defeated one obstacle only to face a new, terrifying swarm. Green spat, recalling Moltres to defend against a psychic tendril, "This is relentless!"
Lorelei said grimly, unleashing her Lapras to combat the waves of enemies, "Giovanni always has contingencies. Azure knew this. He bought us the time we need to break through, but now we must make sure he lives long enough for us to reach him."
The group nodded as they continued battling waves of enemies. Green clenched her fist, thinking concernedly, 'Please hold out a bit longer, Azure…'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!