Chapter 397: Vs. Lucy the Pike Queen!
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, (July 2nd), Battle Frontier – Battle Pike]
Finally, after what felt like an astonishingly short time – though the internal clock of the Pike confirmed he had indeed traversed the full 129 rooms – Azure found himself in a grand, circular chamber.
In the chamber was a Maid he'd seen in many rooms before. The maid stepped forward, her expression somber, and declared, "Challenger. You have reached the final stage. Ahead are three doors. All three, however, lead to a horrifying event."
She paused, her eyes meeting his as she continued, "From every path I sense a dreadful presence."
Azure's brow furrowed slightly as he thought, 'So much for a choice.'
He took a steadying breath, his gaze sweeping over the doors ahead. With a determined expression, he pushed open the central door and stepped through.
Lucy was already waiting, standing on a circular battlefield that shimmered with an ethereal light. The air crackled with anticipation.
Lucy, the Pike Queen, awaited him, her sinuous form and piercing gaze as striking as her Pokémon. Her signature Seviper, coiled elegantly at her feet, mirrored her serpentine grace. Lucy purred, her voice a low, resonant hum, "Remarkable. Absolutely remarkable. I've never navigated its turns with such… certainty. Your Gardevoir's empathy, your Houndoom's advanced detection – you truly have a gift for predicting which door to choose. Or perhaps, for influencing the very currents of probability."
Azure offered a small, polite bow as he replied casually, "It's all thanks to my Pokémon, Queen Lucy. They're exceptional partners."
Lucy's smile widened, revealing a flash of sharp teeth as she added, "Oh, it's more than that, young man. The Battle Pike doesn't simply test pure luck; it tests if a Trainer has what it takes to draw luck towards them. To anticipate, to prepare, to create their own fortune. You, my dear, are a master of that craft."
She gave a curt nod, her Seviper hissing softly as she continued, "However, the true test awaits. You've earned the right to face me."
With that, she turned, she greeted, a genuine smile now gracing her lips, "Congratulations on making it this far. You truly are a unique Trainer."
Azure chuckled as he replied casually to the Pike Queen, "Thank you, Queen Lucy. Though I must admit, breezing through the rooms didn't leave much to be desired in reaching you. It almost felt... too easy."
Lucy's smirk returned, a predatory glint in her eyes as she replied, "On the contrary. That ease you experienced is precisely why you are here. Not everyone possesses the foresight, the ability, or indeed, the exact team to nullify the Pike's challenges with such certainty. You didn't just get lucky; you made your luck. That, Azure Sky, is a skill rarer and more potent than any."
Azure had to admit she had a point. He nodded, his expression hardening as their eyes narrowed in mutual respect and nascent rivalry as he replied honestly, "Alright, Queen Lucy. I understand."
She responded, her voice dropping to a serious tone, "Excellent! It'll be a 3-on-3 battle. Best of luck to whoever wins."
The battle was on.
Azure reached for his Poké Ball, hurling out, declaring, "Slaking, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Azure sent forth a colossal Alpha Slaking. Its bulk was immense, a testament to its raw power, and on its wrist, a subtle shimmer indicated its held item, [Leftovers].
Lucy commanded, her first partner, the sleek, venomous Seviper, emerging with a hiss, "Seviper, let us show him our true colors!"
Its own held item, a crimson [Focus Band], was barely visible on its tail. The air thrummed with tension.
Azure ordered, going straight for raw power, "Slaking, Giga Impact!"
*ZOOOOM*
Slaking roared, a guttural sound that shook the very ground, and charged, a blur of immense force. But Lucy was too quick as she countered, "Seviper, Protect!"
*BANG*
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier instantly materialized around Seviper, absorbing the devastating Giga Impact. Slaking recoiled, panting, its powerful body momentarily paralyzed as it entered its recharge state.
Lucy seized the opening, "Now, Rain Dance!"
*RMBL*
Dark clouds swirled above the battlefield, and within moments, a gentle but steady rain began to fall, turning the arena slick and reflecting the battle's intensity. But by then, Slaking was mobile again.
Azure frowned, anticipating the next move. He barked as Seviper prepared its own attack, "Slaking, Taunt!"
Lucy countered, trying to poison the lumbering giant, "Toxic!"
But Slaking was faster, its Taunt hitting first. Seviper's eyes flashed with frustration, its Toxic attack momentarily forgotten as it was forced to use an offensive move.
Lucy snarled, adapting instantly, "Knock Off!"
*SMACK*
Seviper lunged, its sharp tail whipping out, striking Slaking's wrist. The [Leftovers] flew from its grip, skittering across the wet ground.
Now, without passive recovery, Slaking roared in annoyance, "Slaaaa~ (Fuck! My snack! You bitch!!!)"
Azure declared as his eyes hardened at them, "You won't get another free hit! Strong Style Giga Impact!"
*ZOOOOM*
Slaking, having just finished recharging, lunged forward with another earth-shattering Giga Impact. Seviper had no chance to Protect again, trapped by the Taunt and Slaking blitzing the field with renewed vengeance…
*CRUNCH*
It took the full force of the blow, a sickening crunch echoing through the arena. The coiled Pokémon was sent flying, crashing hard…
*Flash*
Yet, miraculously, it stirred. Its [Focus Band] gleamed, a testament to its activation, allowing Seviper to cling to a sliver of consciousness.
Azure muttered under his breath, a flash of irritation crossing his face, "She got lucky with that Focus Band, didn't she?"
Lucy merely smirked, her true intention revealed as she stated, "Luck favors the prepared, Azure. And I am very prepared."
She raised her left arm, revealing a sleek, obsidian Z-Ring. With a flourish, she slotted a glowing Poisonium-Z crystal into place as she declared, "You've seen my skill, but you haven't seen my full power. I intend to use everything to defeat you! Seviper, unleash your Z-Move! ACID DOWNPOUR!"
*RMBL*
Energy surged from Lucy, through her Z-Ring, and into Seviper. The air grew heavy, the rain intensified, and a swirling vortex of corrosive, emerald green energy erupted around Seviper. With a deafening shriek, the snake Pokémon unleashed a torrential downpour of concentrated acid.
*SPLASH*
Slaking, still reeling and recharging from its last Giga Impact, was a sitting target. The Acid Downpour crashed upon it, searing its skin, causing it to cry out in agony. When the storm subsided, Slaking was heavily damaged, its large frame trembling.
A deep purple sheen spread across its skin – it was badly poisoned. The battlefield itself turned toxic, the pooling rainwater now infused with potent venom.
Azure's expression hardened as he ordered, "Slaking, Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Slaking slammed its massive fists onto the ground. The arena shuddered violently, cracks splintering across its surface, deep fissures appearing as if the earth itself was tearing apart from Slaking's might.
Lucy commanded, her voice cutting through the tremors, "Dodge it, Seviper! Use your tail as a springboard!"
*Boing*
Seviper, with remarkable agility, coiled its tail, launching itself into the air just as the ground beneath it erupted. It soared above the destructive Miasma, then descended with deadly precision.
Lucy commanded, "Poison Tail!"
*SMACK*
The venomous tail struck Slaking with a sickening thud, sending the colossal Pokémon reeling towards a wall. It was a truism of Slaking's power: one turn of immense offense, one turn of enforced rest.
With its Truant turn now upon it, Slaking could only suffer the blow. But Azure's plan was already in motion as he whispered, "You did well, Slaking."
The cracks created by the Earthquake, deep and wide, began to act as conduits. The poisoned, watery battlefield, instead of spreading, started to recede, draining into the fissures below.
Slaking, despite its pain, had achieved its objective, clearing the toxic environment. Lucy, however, was mercilessly commanded, "Venoshock! Double the damage, now!"
*SPLAT*
Seviper unleashed a potent stream of concentrated poison. With Slaking already poisoned, the attack struck with devastating force, the venom coursing through its massive body. Slaking staggered, then with a final, shuddering groan, collapsed, unconscious.
*THUD*
Azure solemnly recalled his fallen partner. His grip tightened on the Poké Ball, his expression now a mask of grim determination as he whispered, "You fought bravely out there, Slaking. Thanks for your efforts."
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Battle Frontier – Battle Factory]
Outside the Battle Pike, a small assembly of Hoenn's most distinguished Frontier Brains had gathered. Scott, the enigmatic owner of the Battle Frontier, stood alongside Greta of the Battle Arena, Tucker of the Battle Dome, and Brandon of the Battle Pyramid.
They had invited Noland of the Battle Factory to join them. All their attention was fixed on their Rotom Phones, which projected the live feed of Lucy's battle.
Greta cheered, a rare, gleeful smile on her usually serious face, "Well, well, it seems Azure has lost his Slaking! That's one down! Lucy's doing well."
Noland, ever the pragmatist, stroked his chin as he suggested, "At a cost, though. Her Seviper is barely clinging to consciousness. One more solid hit and it's out."
Brandon, his gaze piercing, nodded slowly as he added on, "Indeed. She used her Z-Move early, an aggressive play. Bold. But was it the right move? Only time will tell if that gamble pays off."
/////
[Hoenn Region, Battle Frontier – Battle Pike]
Back in the Battle Pike, the rain continued to fall, though less intensely. Azure reached for another Poké Ball
Lucy, seeing the look in his eyes, grinned, her confidence radiating. She taunted softly, "Your next choice will be crucial, Azure. With the rain still active, a Fire-type Pokémon would be at a distinct disadvantage. Have you chosen poorly?"
Azure merely closed his eyes for a moment, a barely perceptible flicker of a smile on his lips. This action bewildered not only Lucy but also the Frontier Brains watching the feed as he calmed himself down.
Then, with a decisive movement, he opened them, declaring, "Let's do this, girl! Houndoom, come on out!"
*Pop*
From the Poké Ball, a sleek, dark Houndoom emerged, its fangs bared, a crimson [Flame Plate] clasped firmly around its neck. Its eyes, burning like coals, fixed on Seviper.
Lucy's grin faltered as she thought critically, 'A Fire/Dark type in the rain? Not exactly ideal. But perhaps Azure has a trick up his sleeve.'
She commanded, aiming to go underground and surprise Houndoom, "Seviper, Dig!"
Azure countered instantly, his voice sharp and clear, "Sucker Punch!"
*SMACK*
Seviper vanished beneath the earth, but Houndoom, with an explosive burst of speed that belied its size, moved first. Just as Seviper began to emerge, Houndoom's paw, cloaked in shadow, slammed down with unerring accuracy.
*SMACK*
Seviper cried out, unable to finish its attack, and was driven back into the ground with decisive force. A moment later, its faint, dazed form popped out, unconscious.
*Thud*
Lucy's smirk vanished, replaced by a slight frown. She recalled her Pokémon, her respect for Azure growing, "Clever. A well-timed priority move. You may have dealt with my Seviper, but you won't be as lucky this time. Milotic, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
From her Poké Ball, a creature of breathtaking beauty emerged – Milotic, its serpentine body shimmering with iridescent scales, elegantly coiling in the watery arena. A faint glow indicated its [Flame Orb], which immediately activated, inflicting a Burn status.
But instead of pain, Milotic seemed to grow stronger, its Marvel Scale Ability activating, boosting its already formidable defenses. Azure didn't waste a second commanding, "Houndoom, Sunny Day!"
Lucy countered, "Milotic, Aqua Ring!"
*SHIII*
Both Pokémon moved simultaneously. Houndoom howled at the sky, and the heavy rainfall parted. In its place, a brilliant, harsh sunlight descended, bathing the arena in warmth and banishing the lingering dampness.
*Splash*
At the same time, Milotic shimmered, a ring of life-giving water circling its graceful form, instantly negating the damage from the Burn it had just received. The two powerful Pokémon stared each other down, the air now dry and charged with tension in the air.
Azure ordered, aiming to limit Milotic's options, "Houndoom, Taunt!"
Lucy snapped back, her eyes narrowing, "Mud Shot!"
*SPLAT*
Milotic's long, elegant neck whipped forward, launching a glob of thick mud. It struck Houndoom squarely, dealing super-effective damage and immediately slowing the Dark-Fire type.
Houndoom staggered, its speed visibly reduced. Internally, however, Azure remained calm as he thought, 'Milotic indeed powerful, but with Taunt active, Lucy couldn't use any supportive moves, including its crucial Recover, to heal itself or boost its stats. Lock those, and she's a sitting duck…'
Azure followed up, relentless, "Torment!"
Lucy frowned internally. Azure was cornering her.
Now, with Torment active, Milotic was locked out of choosing the same move twice in a row. She had to think fast as she ordered, "Twister!"
*WOOOSH*
Milotic spun, a vortex of wind and water whipping around Houndoom, striking it again. Houndoom looked battered, its earlier vigor dimmed.
But Azure merely grinned as he thought, 'All according to plan.'
Grinning, he commanded, "Good. Now, Houndoom, Pain Split!"
*SLAM*
With surprising agility, Houndoom lunged forward, closing the distance between itself and the majestic Milotic. It slammed its body into Milotic's side, and then, a beam of energy, vibrant and golden, shot from the healthier Milotic, transferring its vitality to the more injured Houndoom.
Even with the Marvel Scale, the sudden loss of health was significant. Lucy frowned, her plan to wear down Houndoom with repeated attacks now complicated.
Lucy commanded, "Wrap! Hold it tight, then Iron Head!"
*WRAP*
With Houndoom so close, Milotic coiled its long body around the Dark Pokémon, binding its opponent tightly before its head snapped forward for a close-range Iron Head. But Houndoom was not to be outdone.
Seeing its opening, Azure commands, "Strong Style Fire Fang!"
*SSSSS*
Under the harsh sunlight, Houndoom's fangs ignited. The [Flame Plate] it held pulsed with energy, passively boosting its Fire-type moves by 20%.
More impressively, Houndoom's Flash Fire ability, which normally absorbed Fire attacks to boost its own, seemed to activate in response to the Plate's inherent flame, further boosting its Fire attacks by an astounding 50%.
The cumulative effect was breathtaking: its Fire Fang erupted in a brilliant, sapphire blue flame, completely surprising Lucy. With a powerful snap, Houndoom's jaws clamped down on Milotic's coiled body.
*CRUNCH*
The blue flames seared, and the sheer force of the blow, amplified by the staggering 120% boost, caused Milotic to flinch, its Iron Head attack interrupted. Azure grinned as he gained a free action.
Azure's eyes gleamed, ordering, "Inferno, close range!"
Houndoom, still with its jaws locked onto Milotic, unleashed a roaring torrent of blue fire. The proximity meant Milotic took the full, unmitigated brunt of the superheated flames. Alarm flashed in Lucy's eyes.
She screamed, a desperate gamble, "Giga Impact!"
Milotic, despite the Inferno engulfing it, lunged forward with its head, seeking to land a devastating blow on Houndoom…
*KA-BOOOOM*
The attacks collided in a blinding flash of light and heat. A massive explosion ripped through the arena, sending shockwaves through the air. Smoke and dust obscured the view, and for a moment, the outcome was uncertain.
When the dust began to clear, Milotic was still standing, battered and bruised, but resolute. It had taken heavy damage, but its Marvel Scale and natural bulk had allowed it to endure the explosion.
Houndoom, too, emerged from the haze, growling defiantly, but its body was trembling, and it clearly took some damage from the Giga Impact, "Grrr…"
Lucy watched, a sliver of hope rekindling. Houndoom was damaged. Another opening she could exploit.
But Azure's strategy was layered as he ordered, "Agile Style Solar Beam!"
Lucy's eyes widened in realization as she thought worriedly, 'The harsh sunlight is still active!'
*Shiii*
Houndoom wouldn't need to recharge for Solar Beam. A brilliant orb of solar energy formed rapidly between Houndoom's fangs, growing in intensity. In a fraction of a second, the concentrated beam of light, now pure destructive energy, hurtled straight at the severely weakened Milotic.
*PEW*
There was no time to react. The Solar Beam struck Milotic point-blank, engulfing it in another massive explosion.
*BOOOM*
This time, when the light faded, Milotic lay still, its beautiful form unmoving. Its head fainted as it fell down.
*Thud*
Houndoom, though weary, lifted its head and let out a triumphant howl, its blue flames shimmering around its powerful jaws, "Awoooo!! (Victory!)"
Lucy recalled her Milotic, a look of profound respect mingling with a hint of steel in her eyes. Azure had defeated two of her Pokémon, and now she was left with just one. The final round.
Scott, Greta, Tucker, and Brandon, the other Frontier Brains, began to gather at the observation deck. They had come and had arrived at the Battle Bike, expecting to witness their fellow Brain Lucy put Azure in his place. A collective murmur of disbelief rippled through them as they took in the sight before them.
Lucy was down to her last Pokémon, Milotic having fallen, and Azure's Houndoom, though visibly damaged, was still on the field, its fiery breath a testament to its tenacity. Brandon muttered, his usual arrogance momentarily forgotten, his brow furrowed in genuine shock, "Impossible…"
Greta, usually boisterous, was strangely quiet, her eyes wide. Scott simply stared, a flicker of something akin to awe in his gaze.
Green, witnessing their stunned reactions, let out a triumphant chuckle. She purred, a smug smile playing on her lips, "Looks like you underestimated him, gentlemen. Shame I didn't bet on it, otherwise I would've made a killing."
Beside her, Pikachu and Eevee waved miniature flags, emblazoned with Azure's name and a caricature of his focused face, cheering wildly, their little voices adding a joyful counterpoint to the tense silence of the Frontier Brains.
Lucy calmed herself down regaining her composure, fixed her gaze on Azure as she stated seriously, "Very well, Azure. You've proven remarkably resilient. But let's see how you handle my ultimate gamble!"
She withdrew her last Poké Ball, a glint of fierce determination in her eyes, and yelled, "Gyarados, it's your time to shine!"
*Pop*
With a majestic splash of light, a formidable Gyarados erupted onto the field. Its scales shimmered an intimidating blue, and its roar reverberated through the chamber, a sound of raw, untamed power.
As it appeared, its Intimidate ability activated. A palpable wave of oppressive energy washed over the field. Wrapped around its neck was a necklace holding its held item [Gyaradosite].
Houndoom, already injured, flinched visibly, its posture sagging under the sudden psychological pressure. A subtle dark aura flickered around it –1 its Attack Stage had been lowered by one, significantly reducing its offensive power.
Lucy wasted no time. She commanded, "Gyarados, Taunt!"
The fearsome serpent lunged forward, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent, effectively locking Houndoom into using only attacking moves. Azure, however, had anticipated this coming.
He declared, recalling the valiant Fire/Dark-type, "Houndoom, excellent work. Return! Save your strength for later, my friend."
He thanked his partner, a quiet show of appreciation. He knew Houndoom, weakened and Taunted, would be less effective.
With a deep breath, Azure chose his final Pokémon. He hurled the Poke Ball into the air as he declared, "Gardevoir, time to finish this!"
*Pop*
His elegant Gardevoir appeared once more. Its serene presence was a stark contrast to the ferocity of Gyarados. It held its [Gardevoirite], a silent promise of untapped power. Lucy, seeing the temporary respite, seized the opportunity.
She commanded, "Now, Gyarados! Rain Dance!"
*RMBL*
Dark clouds, summoned by Gyarados's command, swiftly gathered overhead, and a gentle, then steadily increasing, rainfall began to patter down within the chamber. Water-type moves would now receive a formidable 50% boost.
Azure, unfazed, touched his Key Stone Glove as he declared confidently, "Gardevoir, Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
A brilliant cascade of light enveloped Gardevoir as it underwent its incredible transformation. Energy surged, its form refined into the graceful, powerful Mega Gardevoir. Its flowing gown became even more elaborate, its arms extending into delicate, powerful wings.
Lucy, meanwhile, clenched her fist, resisting the urge to Mega Evolve her Gyarados. Internally, a bitter thought gnawed at her. She knew that upon Mega Evolving, Gyarados would gain the Dark typing, adding to its existing Water-type. This would make it devastatingly weak against Gardevoir's Fairy-type moves, which would now deal super-effective damage if she Mega Evolved her Gyarados.
It was a gamble she simply couldn't afford to take. Her strategy hinged on raw power and the rain boost, not on a weakness to exploit.
Lucy roared, the command cutting through the drumming rain, "Gyarados, end it quickly! Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
A colossal torrent of water, supercharged by the Rain Dance, erupted from Gyarados's mouth, surging towards Mega Gardevoir with terrifying force.
Azure countered, his voice steady, "Gardevoir, intercept with Thunderbolt!"
*ZZZZZT*
Mega Gardevoir's elegant hands glowed with crackling electricity. A blinding bolt of pure energy shot forth, a brilliant yellow streak against the grey rain. The Thunderbolt met the Hydro Pump mid-air, a violent clash of elemental forces.
*SHINNG*
To Lucy's alarm, the electricity not only held its ground but began to overpower the surging water, pushing it back, sizzling through the downpour. Lucy barked, a desperate shift in tactics as the Thunderbolt continued its advance, "Iron Tail!"
*ZAP*
Gyarados, with incredible speed for its size, twisted its massive body. As the Thunderbolt connected, it deftly slammed its tail onto the ground, mitigating the worst of the damage. The electricity, rather than tearing through its body, was partially grounded, channeled away through its scales and into the floor.
It was a clever, practiced defensive maneuver, allowing Gyarados to avoid major damage, but it had come at a cost – Gardevoir had held its ground and was now free for another move. And Azure used that turn effectively.
Azure commanded, his eyes gleaming with strategic intent, "Now, Gardevoir! Psychic Terrain!"
*FLASH*
Mega Gardevoir's hands glowed once more, but this time, a vibrant, ethereal purple light pulsed outwards, bathing the entire arena. The air itself seemed to thicken, humming with psychic energy.
Lucy's eyes widened in alarm. Within this Psychic Terrain, every Psychic-type move used by Azure's Pokémon would receive a devastating 50% boost.
Lucy shouted, trying to disrupt Azure's setup, "Gyarados, Waterfall!"
*ZOOOM*
Gyarados lunged forward, its body churning through the rain-slicked air, intent on crashing into Gardevoir with a powerful Water-type attack. But Gardevoir was faster, its movements graceful and precise even amidst the downpour.
Azure commanded, "Hypnosis!"
*Shiiii*
Mega Gardevoir's eyes glowed with a soft, hypnotic light. A wave of shimmering, swirling energy emanated from it, striking Gyarados mid-lunge…
*THUD*
The fearsome Pokémon's eyes glazed over, its powerful body faltered, and with an unceremonious splash, it collapsed into the soaking floor, succumbing to a deep sleep under Hypnosis effects.
Lucy pleaded, her voice laced with desperation, "Wake up, Gyarados! Wake up!"
*Zzzzz*
… but her Pokémon remained motionless, its heavy breathing the only sound apart from the rain. With Gyarados left vulnerable and unconscious, Azure decided to end the battle decisively.
He reached for the Z-Crystal fastened to his wrist – the Psychium-Z. His movements were fluid, precise, as he performed the intricate Z-Move dance, channeling his inner energy into the crystal.
Azure declared with a confident grin on his face in a bold voice, "Gardevoir, let's finish this! Z-Move! Shattered Psyche!"
*SHIIII*
Mega Gardevoir responded, a vortex of shimmering psychic energy forming around it. The air crackled, the Psychic Terrain intensifying the ambient power.
The energy coalesced, forming a massive, ethereal orb that pulsed with an almost blinding purple light. With a silent, yet immensely powerful push, Gardevoir launched the orb directly at the slumbering Gyarados.
*CRACK*
*KRA-BOOOOOM*
The Shattered Psyche struck with cataclysmic force. The ground shuddered, and a blinding explosion of psychic energy engulfed Gyarados…
*THUD*
When the light faded, Gyarados was motionless, swirls in its eyes, definitively defeated. It had fallen without managing to deal any real damage to Gardevoir.
Mega Gardevoir, having delivered the final blow, performed a slow, elegant curtsy, a silent bow of triumph, before gleaming and reverting to its normal form, "Gaaaa… (Thank you for the performance.)"
The rain began to subside, and the Psychic Terrain dissipated, leaving behind a profound stillness. Lucy looked at her fallen Gyarados, then back at Azure, a slow smile spreading across her face.
It was a smile of respect, not defeat. She praised, her voice holding a genuine warmth, "Truly magnificent. To keep that strategy hidden from me for multiple rooms, yet to execute it with such precision when it mattered most... You are indeed a master of fortune. You have more than earned this."
She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small, intricately carved symbol as she stated, "The Luck Symbol. It is yours."
Azure walked forward, a tired but satisfied smile on his face as he replied, "Thank you, Lucy. That was a truly exhilarating battle."
He accepted the Luck Symbol, its smooth surface cool against his palm, and carefully placed it in his Badge Case, alongside the others he had already collected. As he turned to leave, his gaze fell upon Brandon, who still looked utterly stunned.
Azure stated boldly, deliberately omitting any honorific, "Brandon, I'll be challenging your facility next."
Brandon snapped out of his stupor, bristling at the disrespectful address, his face flushing with indignation, but Azure merely offered a curt nod before moving towards the exit. Lucy called out, "Azure, wait. You don't have to go back through the maze. There's an exit through the back."
She gestured towards a discreet, unmarked door. Azure paused, a grateful smile touching his lips as he said sheepishly, "Ah, thank you, Lucy. Much appreciated."
With that, Azure, Green, Pikachu, and Eevee, their flags now neatly folded, followed Lucy's instruction, heading towards the convenient back exit. Behind them, the stunned silence of the watching Frontier Brains lingered, broken only by the fading echo of Lucy's final praise. Azure had not just won; he had redefined luck itself, bending the odds to his will and leaving a lasting impression on the formidable Battle Frontier.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!
Other than that how did you guys like the Lucy fight? I've made sure to keep her theme of using serpentine-like Pokemon.