Chapter 329: Beginning of the End (10)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Seafloor Cavern]
*Shiii*
The two champions vanished under Azure's Gardevoir Teleport. The world twisted around them in a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations, then solidified, bringing them back into the chilling air of the Seafloor Cavern.
Azure immediately recalled his Gardevoir, offering a silent word of gratitude before she vanished into her Poké Ball, utterly drained. The air crackled with tension, and the sound of battle, raw and desperate, reached their ears.
*RMBL*
*BOOOM*
They hastened towards the commotion, their hearts pounding. They arrived just in time to witness a heartbreaking sight.
*Thud*
Sapphire's Blaziken, Chic, and Ruby's Swampert, Mumu, collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The two young trainers, bruised and disheveled, stared in shock as their last active Pokémon fell, their spirits sinking.
Standing before them were Maxie and Archie, the leaders of Team Magma and Team Aqua, respectively. Both men were scarred, their expressions feral.
They had lost an arm each, a brutal consequence of Giovanni's earlier interference, a detail that was chillingly clear in their furious eyes. Maxie snarled, his voice a gravelly rumble, "Anyone who stands against us dies!"
Archie echoed his sentiment, a venomous hiss escaping his lips. They unfurled their next Pokémon…
*Pop*
Maxie's Houndoom, a menacing silhouette against the dim cavern light, and Archie's Tentacruel, its tentacles swaying menacingly. But it wasn't just the Pokémon that caught Azure and Steven's attention...
*SHIII*
An oppressive aura, crimson around Houndoom and cerulean around Tentacruel, pulsed around them. The Red and Blue Orbs, though not physically visible, were clearly empowering them.
Azure's keen eye immediately registered the terrifying difference with his [Observe] as he thought cautiously, 'Houndoom and Tentacruel are imbued with an unnatural power, their Attack, Special Attack, Defense, and Special Defense all boosted by +2 stages. Just like the Lusamine fight damn…'
Azure realized, a cold dread settling in his stomach as he muttered regretfully, "This is what Ruby and Sapphire were up against."
The raw power of the Legendary Orbs or the leftover power, even when not directly controlling the titans, was enough to make ordinary Pokémon into engines of destruction. Azure couldn't help but think, 'No wonder the young trainers had lost most of their team. They weren't prepared for this.'
Maxie and Archie barked their commands, the empowered Pokémon lunging forward. Ruby and Sapphire, with no active Pokémon left, instinctively clutched their fainted partners, bracing for the inevitable impact, for the final, crushing blow…
*Pop*
But that blow never landed.
In a flash of motion, Azure and Steven reacted, their hands moving as one, drawing their Poké Balls. Both called out they're respective Pokémon in a determined tone, "Sceptile, I choose you! Aggron, stand ready!"
*Wooosh*
Two blurs of light resolved into Azure's verdant Sceptile and Steven's metallic Aggron. Both Champions ordered, "Sceptile, Protect! Aggron, you too!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier enveloped Sceptile, and a metallic gleam surrounded Aggron. Houndoom's Fire Fang and Tentacruel's Acid Spray slammed into the twin shields, dissipating harmlessly.
The leaders of Team Magma and Aqua recoiled, their anger twisting into surprise. Azure and Steven stepped forward, emerging from the shadows, their faces grim, their posture radiating an unyielding resolve.
Ruby and Sapphire, stunned but relieved, scrambled to their feet, recalling their fallen Pokémon and rushing to the Champions' side. Azure offered a small, reassuring smile to the two young trainers, noting their exhaustion but relief that they were mostly just bruised from battling Maxie and Archie.
Steven, however, maintained a stern, unflinching gaze fixed on Maxie and Archie, his Aggron a formidable sentinel by his side. Steven declared, his voice resonating with authority, "Your time terrorizing the Hoenn Region is over. Surrender now by handing over the Orbs, or else..."
Maxie and Archie's eyes, however, weren't fixed on Steven alone. They locked onto Azure, a flicker of comprehension dawning in their expressions.
The Orbs, even when not in their hands, were linked to the legendary Pokémon they controlled. They knew. Groudon and Kyogre had been captured…
And by him.
A twisted, dangerous logic began to form in their minds. Azure, and Steven by extension, had just battled a Super Ancient Legendary Pokémon. They were at their weakest, their Pokémon likely exhausted.
If they could eliminate the Champions now, they could reclaim the Orbs from the intruder (Giovanni) later, seize control of the legends, and achieve their goals without further interference. With a chilling understanding, Maxie and Archie exchanged a glance with each other.
The animosity between them, a rivalry that had defined their lives, momentarily dissolved. A truce. An unholy alliance formed.
Seeing they're agreement, they turned to the Champions as Maxie spat, "So, you dare interfere with our destiny, Champion? You think you can stop us?"
Archie grinned, a predatory glint in his eyes as he boastfully declared, "We will remove all obstacles. Gym Leaders, Elite Four, the Pokémon Association, Legendary Pokémon, and yes, even Champions like you. Once the path is clear, our true battle will begin, and history will know our names!"
Just then, Ruby, catching his breath, interjected, "Wait! You guys don't have the Orbs! Another person... he took them!"
The news hit Steven hard. He frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion and anger. Azure, however, remained remarkably calm, his expression unwavering.
He turned to Ruby and Sapphire, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument as he said sternly, "Get away from here. Leave this battle to us."
Sapphire started to protest, her youthful defiance rising, but Ruby, wiser than her, understood. The Champions were ready to unleash their full power, and their presence, in their current state, would only be a liability…
*Pop*
He quickly summoned his Rara, his Gardevoir, as he ordered, "Rara, Teleport! Take us out of here!"
*Shiii*
With a flash of psychic energy, Rara whisked Ruby and a reluctant Sapphire away, vanishing away of Seafloor Cavern. Steven watched them go, a ghost of a smile touching his lips as he muttered fondly, "That student of Wallace is good. He learned they wouldn't be of help, as we can fight to our fullest."
Azure chuckled lightly, a low, determined sound, "Indeed. With them out of the way, we can fight without restraint."
Azure's Pikachu cheeks sparked in anticipation over his shoulder, and his Eevee on his head barked, bearing her fangs ready to defend them. Steven chuckled at this, but his ghost smile vanished with cold determination at Maxie and Archie.
*Tmp*
Azure's Sceptile, with its held item [Sceptilite] embedded firmly in its neck in its green scarf accessory, stood ready, radiating raw power. Steven's Aggron, its [Leftovers] held item gleaming, exuded resilience. The two Champions and their chosen Pokémon stood as an impregnable wall against the combined might of two madmen and their orb-empowered beasts.
Archie's Tentacruel and Maxie's Houndoom, still surging with the Orbs' malevolent energy, lunged forward with reckless abandon. Maxie roared, "Houndoom, Inferno! Tentacruel, drown'em with a Hydro Pump!"
*Sssss*
*SPLASH*
The cavern erupted in a maelstrom of fire and water. But against the Champions' years of experience, their perfectly synchronized movements, and the sheer talent of their Pokémon, raw power alone was not enough.
Azure commanded, "Sceptile, Leech Seed! Aim for Houndoom's legs!"
*Wooosh*
*Plop*
Sceptile blurred, a volley of emerald bullets striking Houndoom, disrupting its charge as vines grew, sapping its strength. Steven countered, "Aggron, Iron Head on Tentacruel!"
*BAM*
Aggron, a metallic battering ram, slammed into Tentacruel, sending it reeling. The battle became a blur of expertly coordinated strikes.
*SHINNG*
Sceptile used its speed, darting around Houndoom, landing furious Leaf Blades and Dual Chops. Aggron met Tentacruel's brute force with its own, shrugging off Acid Sprays as it delivered powerful Heavy Slams and Stone Edges.
*RMBL*
Despite the villains' Pokémon's boosted stats, the Champions' Pokémon fought with a fluid grace born of countless battles. In a display of overwhelming skill, they easily subdued Houndoom and Tentacruel, leaving the two villain leaders seething with rage.
Maxie snarled, his hand already on another Poké Ball, "Hmph! You may be strong, but we have more! Charizard, let's go!"
Archie, equally furious, followed suit, "Blastoise, finish this!"
*Pop*
Two more formidable Pokémon appeared, ready to join the fray. But Azure and Steven were relentless. Azure ordered, his Sceptile already channeling draconic energy, "Sceptile, Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
A vibrant, multi-colored beam erupted from Sceptile, striking both Charizard and Blastoise with incredible force, sending them flying back towards their trainers. Steven smirked as he followed up, "Aggron, Surf!"
*SPLASH*
Steven's Aggron stomped, summoning a powerful wave of water that crashed over the two Pokémon, washing them further back to Maxie and Archie's side. The villains, however, remained unfazed.
Their eyes burned with a fanatical zeal, their resolve unbroken. They ordered their Pokémon to continue their fierce, reckless attacks.
*Fwp*
*Ssss*
Charizard soared, unleashing Flamethrowers, while Blastoise unleashed Hydro Pumps, targeting the Champions and their Pokémon. The raw power of their attacks began to take its toll when both attacks landed on Aggron…
*SPLASH*
*THUD*
Aggron, despite its immense bulk and [Leftovers], eventually succumbed to a concentrated barrage, collapsing with a groan. Steven said, his voice laced with pride, but his expression grim, "Aggron, return, you've done enough."
*Wooosh*
He swiftly sent out his other ace as Steven hurled his next Poke Ball in a confident voice, "Metagross, now!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
A mighty Metagross, its metallic body gleaming, appeared, ready to take up the fight, its Metagrossite already shimmering. This gave Azure a precious window as he barked, "Sceptile, Synthesis!"
*Shiii*
Sceptile glowed green, drawing energy from its surroundings, restoring some of its lost health. The battle renewed with a terrifying intensity.
Maxie commanded, "Charizard, Quick Attack!"
*Zoooom*
Charizard shot forward like a fiery arrow. Azure eyes widened in surprise as he thought, 'A Charizard can learn the move Quick Attack! Note to self must train mine to do it…'
It aimed at Sceptile as it took a step back, but Azure countered, "Sceptile, Leaf Storm! Keep him at a distance!"
*WOOOOSH*
A swirling vortex of razor-sharp leaves erupted around Sceptile, pushing Charizard back from getting close. Meanwhile, Archie's Blastoise rushed in with an Aqua Jet, aiming for Azure's Sceptile…
*SPLASH*
… But Steven's Metagross was quicker as he ordered quickly in a determined voice, "Metagross, Psychic, halt it!"
*SHIII*
A wave of invisible force slammed into Blastoise, stopping it mid-charge and slamming it fiercely to the ground. Steven, now focused solely on Archie, prepared for a direct engagement.
Azure, in turn, concentrated on Maxie. Charizard, agile even amidst the gale-force Leaf Storm, found a gap.
*Fwp*
Flapping its wings, Maxie roared, "Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
A torrent of fire tore through the swirling leaves, cutting the Leaf Storm short and racing towards Sceptile. Azure commanded, "Detect and Leaf Blade!"
*Wooosh*
Sceptile, moving with its characteristic speed, sidestepped the flames using Detect and, in the same motion, brought its arm blades down, intercepting Charizard's follow-up Iron Tail attack…
*CLANG*
The clash of Leaf Blade and Iron Tail sent sparks flying, and Sceptile, with a powerful twist, managed to throw Charizard back. Azure's voice boomed, "Now, Sceptile! End it with Frenzy Plant!"
*RMBL*
Sceptile slammed its tail into the ground. Roots, thick as tree trunks and sharp as spears, erupted from the cavern floor, snaking around Charizard. The fiery Pokémon tried to dodge, but the roots were too fast, too numerous.
*GRIP*
They ensnared Charizard, lifting it high into the air, a prisoner in a botanical cage. With a final, crushing arc, the roots slammed Charizard into the ground with devastating force, knocking it out cold.
*BOOOM*
Maxie cried out in disbelief as his partner lay defeated, "Charizard!!"
*SMASH*
Steven, too, had managed to finish his match. His Metagross, its Psychic powers overwhelming Blastoise, had followed up with a series of thunderous Thunder Punches. Each electric-infused strike sent Blastoise reeling until the final blow sent it hurtling towards Archie's side, unconscious.
*THUD*
Both Maxie and Archie recalled their defeated Pokémon, their faces a mixture of fury and grudging respect. Maxie conceded, a dangerous glint in his eye, "Impressive, Champions. Truly impressive..."
Archie nodded, "Your strength is undeniable."
But then, a wicked smile spread across Maxie's face as he declared, "However, you haven't seen our full power. We have a trump card, Champions."
Maxie and Archie reached for two more Poké Balls…
*Pop*
From them emerged a volcanic Camerupt and a sleek, predatory Sharpedo. Both Pokémon wore a determined expression, and around their necks, glinted the tell-tale signs of power: a [Cameruptite] and a [Sharpedonite].
Maxie and Archie declared in unison, their voices echoing with a dark, triumphant anticipation, "Now... Mega Evolution!"
*SHIII*
Waves of raw energy pulsed from the keystones on their wrists, connecting with the Mega Stones. Camerupt's humps swelled with molten rock, its fur bristling with volcanic energy, transforming into the mighty Mega Camerupt. Sharpedo's body streamlined, its fangs sharpening into deadly blades, becoming the terrifying Mega Sharpedo.
Steven and Azure met their gaze, their own expressions hardening with renewed resolve. They knew this tactic.
This was the true test. Steven commanded, his keystone pin glowing brightly, "Metagross, Mega Evolve!"
Azure echoed, his keystone glove glowing brightly as his Sceptilite responded in kind, "Sceptile, Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
A blinding flash of light enveloped the Champions' Pokémon. When the radiance faded, two new titans stood ready for battle.
On the Champions' side, the multi-limbed, chrome-plated form of Mega Metagross hovered, its power palpable. Beside it, Mega Sceptile, its tail transformed into a Christmas-tree-like missile, crackled with raw, untamed energy.
The ultimate showdown in the heart of the Seafloor Cavern had truly begun. The final confrontation had begun.
Azure struck first as he roared, "Sceptile, Frenzy Plant!"
*STAB*
*RMBL*
*BOOOM*
The Mega Sceptile slammed its tail blade down, and the stone floor exploded as massive, thorny vines, thick as pillars, shot out toward Sharpedo. Archie, seeing the immense power, was quick to react and ordered, "Aqua Jet! Dodge and run the vines!"
*SPLASH*
Sharpedo became a hydro-powered missile, narrowly dodging the initial blast, but the vines were too fast. They looped and reached, attempting to pluck Sharpedo from the air…
*Ssssss*
… Before they could connect, Maxie intervened as he ordered, "Camerupt, Flamethrower! Burn a path!"
A torrent of blistering flame tore through the vines, incinerating them and allowing the Mega Sharpedo to land safely behind the residual smoke. Archie commanded, "Poison Fang! Close the distance!"
*Zooom*
Sharpedo darted forward, its fangs dripping with venom…
*Wooosh*
Only to be stopped as Steven ordered, "Metagross! Bullet Punch!"
*CLANG*
Steven's Metagross intercepted the attack with a crackling Bullet Punch, but Sharpedo was already in motion, bypassing the steel meteor. But Archie ordered, "You bastard! Sharpedo! Crunch!"
*CRUNCH*
It drove its powerful jaws into Metagross's side with a vicious Crunch, managing several super-effective blows before Metagross could pull back. Steven frowned as he thought, 'That was bad. I've got to be wise not to get hit too many times…'
Azure countered, aiming to capitalize on the momentary distraction, "Sceptile hit another Leaf Storm!"
*Woooosh*
Sceptile unleashed a spiraling vortex of razor-sharp leaves that tore across the cavern and connected squarely with Sharpedo. Knocking the behemoth back violently, forcing it to regain its balance.
Both Trainers' eyes narrowed as they ordered at the same time, "Sceptiel Leaf Blade! Sharpdeo use Liquidation!!"
*SHINNG*
Sceptile and Sharpedo closed again, the battle becoming a deadly, symmetrical dance. Mega Sceptile pitted its ultimate power move, Leaf Blade, against Sharpedo's crushing Liquidation. Blades of green energy met a surging column of deep blue water…
*CLANG*
Neither could gain an advantage in the brutal, echoing clash. But Maxie saw the stalemate as he assited commanding, "Assist him! Flamethrower!"
*Sssss*
As the flames gathered, but Steven's Metagross intervened. Steven ordered, "Psychic! Halt the attack!"
*Shiii*
A wave of concentrated mental energy slammed into Camerupt, disrupting the Flamethrower blast before it could launch. Steven then added, "Now, Metagross! Power-Up Punch!"
*SMASH*
Metagross then immediately followed the mental strike with a physical one. Metagross hammered the rocky side of Camerupt, forcing the massive Pokémon to skid back toward Maxie, momentarily locked in their own private duel.
*CLANG*
Sceptile and Sharpedo separated, skidding back from the force of their mutual attacks. Azure pressed his advantage as he ordered, "Leaf Storm, again! Launch it high!"
*WOOOOSH*
The second Leaf Storm connected perfectly, knocking the already reeling Sharpedo high into the cavern's humid atmosphere. Sharpedo was airborne once more.
Azure saw the chance to finish it as he ordered, "Frenzy Plant! Finish it!"
*RMBL*
The ground thrashed violently, the massive vines chasing Sharpedo's trajectory. But Mega Sharpedo was built for speed; it managed to orient itself mid-fall.
But Sharpedo was relentless. Mid-fall, it oriented itself, landing securely atop the thick vines. The vines managed to keep Sharpedo from advancing further, maintaining the standoff.
Archie ordered frantically, "Aqua Jet! Take the high ground and use Slash!"
*SPLASH*
*SHINNG*
*SHINNG*
Sharpedo landed securely atop the thickest vine, harnessing the propulsion of the Aqua Jet to race along the green surface toward Sceptile, using Slash to systematically slice the obstructive vines out of its path. Sharpedo roared as it was, carving a path through the obstacles…
*SHINNG*
*SHINNG*
Meanwhile, Steven was giving no quarter as he ordered, "Flash Cannon!"
*BOOOM*
Mega Metagross launched a brilliant beam of steel energy that scored a direct hit on Mega Camerupt. The ground trembled, but the attack failed to halt the Fire/Ground-type's progress as it gritted its teeth.
Maxie ordered angrily, "Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
Camerupt retaliated, spitting spikes of concentrated earth—Earth Power—aimed at both Champions' Pokémon. Rows of earth spikes were coming towards the two, but Azure countered, "Sceptile! Leaf Blade to slash the earth spikes!"
*Shinng*
Sceptile smoothly sliced through the earth obstacles using Leaf Blade, escaping damage. Steven at the same time ordered, "Metagross! Magnet Rise into Meteor Mash!"
*Zzzzz*
Metagross utilized Magnet Rise, narrowly dodging the attack as it floated inches above the cavern floor. Its eyes glared at Camerupt and retaliated with a Meteor Mash, connecting with brutal force…
*BASH*
… Camerupt skidded violently back toward Maxie. But at the same time Archie ordered, "Now! Night Slash!"
*SHINNG*
Before Metagross could capitalize on it, Sharpedo, having escaped the vines, launched itself across the battlefield and swatted the Mega Metagross with a powerful Night Slash. Metagross cartwheeled backward, but Steven's precision control allowed it to arrest its momentum by clawing into the stone floor, halting inches from Steven's feet.
*RMBL*
Azure knew this was the moment. The four-way battle was wearing down stamina. The battle reached a fever pitch.
Azure knew one massive hit was needed. He roared, "Sceptile! Jump high into the air and unleash Strong Style Energy Ball!"
*Woooosh*
Sceptile vaulted high into the air, its body framed against the cavern's oppressive darkness. And it clasped its hands together…
*SHIIII*
An emerald sphere of concentrated energy formed in Sceptile's grasp. It grew, rapidly swelling until it was unnaturally massive, crackling with raw Grass energy. The villain's eyes widened, feeling the danger of the Energy Ball.
Archie's eyes widened in panic as he ordered, "Ice Beam! Counter it!"
*PEW*
Sharpedo gathered its last reservoir of power, sending a freezing blue beam toward the colossal Energy Ball. The two attacks collided high above the battlefield, spiraling into a violent power struggle.
Maxie, seeing his partner struggling, threw caution to the wind and ordered, "Camerupt! Hyper Beam! Combine the attack!"
*PEW*
The immense, volatile energy of the Hyper Beam slammed into Sharpedo's Ice Beam, fueling the chilling attack, pushing the combined might brutally against Sceptile's Strong Style Energy Ball.
*RMBL*
The combined force was overwhelming. Steven instantly reacted as he ordered, "Metagross! Hyper Beam! Fuel Sceptile's attack!"
*PEW*
A counter-blast of pure, crystalline energy shot forth from Metagross, slamming into the back of Sceptile's Energy Ball. The combined might of the Champions' Pokémon stalled the villains' double attack.
Azure could feel the defensive energy of Sceptile straining, nearing total exhaustion. He grit his teeth, the cheering chorus of his resting partners—Pikachu and Eevee—echoing faintly in the cavern.
Azure grit his teeth, sweat plastering his hair to his forehead. Sceptile was giving everything, yet the pressure was immense. From his shoulder and head, he could hear the faint, high-pitched cheers of his core partners, "Pika! Eevui! (Don't give up!! You can do it!!)"
*SHIIII*
Their encouragement was a tiny spark in the dark. Against all odds, against the exhaustion and the overwhelming power the Orbs had gifted the villains, a sudden, blinding glow erupted from Azure.
He closed his eyes, recalling this sensation before, as he thought in such a dire moment, 'I remember this feeling… this sense of pressure and helplessness before. Just like with the time I battled Giovanni…'
Azure slowly recalled this sensation before as he was focusing his energy, visualizing the bond he shared with Sceptile, the friendship, the lessons, and the battles fought side-by-side…
Azure's connection to Sceptile deepened beyond standard Mega Evolution. The memories flooded his mind—Sceptile as a Treecko, the stubborn, fast-growing Grovyle, and the evolution into the loyal, powerful Sceptile he now was.
This bond, forged through his journey across the Hoenn Region and countless trials, fueled an unprecedented drive. Azure's eyes flashed, shifting from a faint blue to an intense, pulsating viridian green light.
*Shiii*
His Viridian Force and aura were reacting to his bond with Sceptile. He guided those feelings as he opened his eyes filled with Viridian Force and aura as he channeled his emotions, his hopes, and his dreams into his Pokémon, as it was shown a blue, viridian-like aura veiled him and Sceptile.
Unlike his battle with Giovani from before, his eyes briefly widened as he saw a text-screen pop-up showing him reacting to Azure's emotions. It read as follows, with him being aware of reading the texts…
[Ding!]
[User has temporarily activated Bond Phenomenon!]
[User has activated Viridian Force, fueling the Bond Phenomenon!]
[Temporarily unlocking Sceptile's latent potential!]
[The Level of Sceptile is temporarily rising due to Viridian Force empowering the Bond Phenomenon!]
[Lv.69… Lv.78… Lv.89… Lv.93… Lv.100!]
*SHIIII*
A surge of energy flowed between them, a powerful connection that transcended the physical realm. Sceptile began to glow with an intense, emerald light.
Its scales bristled with Viridan Force energy, its power amplified beyond its normal limits as its eyes widened. Azure, seeing this, smiled as his eyes shone brightly as he thought, 'So this feeling… no wonder it feels familiar to me. But I can worry about this later, for now we fight to win, right Sceptile!!'
As if hearing Azure's thoughts, Sceptile slyly grinned. Azure roared, his voice echoing Sceptile's own challenging cry—their hearts were one, "End this nightmare once and for all, Sceptile! Strong Style Energy Ball!!"
*SHIII*
Against all odds, against the raw, corrupting power of the Legendary Pokémon's residue, Sceptile fought on, driven by memory. The growth, from the spunky Treecko that first met Azure, to the powerful Grovyle, and now this magnificent Mega Sceptile, flooded its consciousness.
The drive to protect its Trainer, to win this definitive battle, surged. They're shared bond moved and transcended the Forest Pokémon.
Unaware of the celestial blue and viridian green light radiating from his body, Azure's connection with Sceptile achieved a level of synch none had seen before, even if it was temporarily…
*FLASH*
… The Bond Phenomenon locked their hearts as one.
*SHIIII*
The colossal Energy Ball immediately surged in size, shocking all four trainers present at the sudden rise in power. The Energy Ball exploded outward, drawing on the new, overwhelming source of power. It transcended its existing size, growing exponentially larger, a swirling vortex of emerald might.
It devoured Sharpedo's Ice Beam and Camerupt's Hyper Beam, enveloping the combined attack entirely. Then, the sphere of green energy washed over the villainous Pokémon themselves…
*KA-BOOOOOM*
A cataclysmic shockwave explosion tore through the Seafloor Cavern, forcing everyone—Azure, Steven, Maxie, and Archie—to shield their eyes against the blinding light and the resulting torrents of dust and rubble.
*RMBL*
The stone ceiling groaned, and water began to cascade from newly formed fissures. Silence descended, punctuated only by the dripping water. A massive cloud of thick, sickly ochre dust veiled the battlefield…
*Wooosh*
When the dust slowly began to settle, the cavern was deafeningly silent. Sceptile stood, reverted to its normal form, leaning heavily, taking a knee on the cracked stone. Metagross reverted, exhausted but fully alert.
Sceptile's chest heaved, but its eyes were victorious, "Scep… (Take… that…)"
On the ground before the Champions, Mega Sharpedo and Mega Camerupt reverted to normal again and were both unconscious, defeated. Azure, breathing heavily, staggered forward, feeling the aftereffects of the Bond Phenomenon disappear…
He quickly retrieved the two Mega Stones—the [Cameruptite] and [Sharpedonite]—from the fainted Pokémon, pocketing them as a precaution against future abuse. He wasn't going to waste loot like them on them.
[Item: Cameruptite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Camerupt. This item helps the Camerupt species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
[Item: Sharpedonite
Rarity Item: S
Type: Held Item
Description: It is an item to be held by a Sharpedo. This item helps the Sharpedo species to Mega Evolve with the assistance of a Trainer holding the Key Stone.]
Placing the two Mega Stones into his [Sub-Space], he thanked Sceptile for his hard work in a proud tone, "Good work, buddy. You've aced this battle."
Sceptile smiled before finally fainting as Azure recalled it into its Poké Ball. But then Steven called out, his voice laced with sudden concern, "Azure! Come quick!"
Azure turned, following Steven's pointing finger, and froze. Maxie and Archie stood paralyzed, staring at the unconscious forms lying prone on the damp ground. Steven cautiously stepped forward, examining the scene.
But then something happened…
*Crackle*
Both eyes widened, seeing that Maxie and Archie's bodies were visibly breaking down. Steven instinctively backed away, Metagross returning to his side in a flash of retreat as he uttered in horror, "The Orbs! They allowed Kyogre and Groudon to possess and empower them! It's tearing their human forms apart!"
The effect of letting Kyogre and Groudon possess them, even temporarily, was breaking them down. Steven took a step back as Azure suggested, startled by the scene in a morbid voice, "Their bodies… they are rejecting the residual power. It's too much for them."
Maxie's skin turned ash-grey, fissuring like dry earth. Archie's flesh became pale and strangely fluid, his remaining arm trembling violently…
*Rmbl*
… They didn't scream or rage; they merely dissolved. Before the Champions' horrified eyes, the leaders of Team Magma and Team Aqua crumbled, their bodies slowly turning into fine, grey dust that settled on the cavern floor.
Azure stood motionless, watching the final, gruesome end of his enemies. But the horror hadn't finished as he murmured in shock, "Steven… their Pokémon…!"
He looked back at the unconscious Pokémon—Maxie's first three defeated partners, and now Camerupt and Sharpedo. The same process that claimed their trainers was claiming them…
*Crackle*
The defeated Pokémon were decaying—their forms losing definition, their color blanching, until they, too, turned into swirling particles of dust that were quickly absorbed by the moisture of the cavern.
Steven nodded slowly, his expression hollowed by shock, hypnotized, and uttered calmly, "Exposure, or perhaps the sheer corrupting power of the Orbs' remnants. We felt it—battling their teams, there was an oppressive, unnatural aura surrounding them. It enhanced their strength, but at a cost. A terrible cost, it seems."
The silence that followed was absolute. In the Seafloor Cavern, the Champions stood victorious against Team Magma and Team Aqua, but the victory felt chillingly empty. They had survived, but the true threat—the residual power of the Legendary Pokémon—had proved fatal to those who tried to harness it.
And the Orbs were still in motion, somewhere, carried by Giovanni. The risks they had just faced were monumental, and the price of failure had just been demonstrated in the most absolute, terrifying way.
Pikachu and Eevee comforted Azure's unease as he sighed. Rubbing his head, he said calmly, eyeing Steven, taking a seat against a nearby rock, "Sigh… thanks, guys, I'm fine... But moving on from this, though it seems like you'll get a headache from this ordeal."
Steven lightly chuckled as he replied, leaning on his Metagross, "True. But it's a good thing to be alive to experience it. Although I do have a question. What do you intend to do with Groudon and Kyogre in your possession now that this mess has subsided…"
Azure pondered on that as he saw the Ultra Balls containing Groudon and Kyogre, as he shrugged his shoulders, muttering, "Hmm… not a clue. It would be highly irresponsible to hand this to anyone, and considering what happened to those two… I'll think of something to deal with them. Somehow…"
Steven looked unconvinced, but it wasn't like he could do anything about it, either, seeing those who tried to control Kyogre and Groudon. But with Rayquaza by Azure's side, the only person to tame them as he sighed mentally thinking, 'Sigh… the Pokémon Association isn't gonna like this, but unless they can contain them, let Azure have it.'
/////
A/N: Hey, your author here with a surprise! Double Release for Thanksgiving, hope you enjoy! Did you guys like the way the battle with Team Magma and Aqua finally ended or not?
Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!