Chapter 338: Ever Grande City [Bonus]
~Azure S. POV~
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Ever Grande City]
The salty air of Ever Grande City hit me first, a welcoming embrace after two solid weeks of intense, almost monastic training. My shoulders, usually tense from the rigors of travel and battle, felt a pleasant ache, a testament to the dedication I'd poured into preparing for what lay ahead.
Pikachu, ever my steadfast companion, stirred on my shoulder, letting out a soft cry as if sensing my internal shift from focused trainer to appreciative tourist, "Pika? (You okay there, partner?)"
Eevee, nestled snugly on my head, twitched an ear, her soft fur a familiar comfort, "Bui? (You okay, big guy?)"
I murmured, my voice a little rough from disuse, my gaze sweeping over the vibrant cityscape, "Nah. I'm good, you two. But look… We're here, guys."
The very air hummed with a different kind of energy than Kanto, a subtle tropical warmth that permeated everything. This was Hoenn, and after two League titles back home, it felt like a fresh, exhilarating chapter.
My belt, usually adorned with a rotating cast of partners, held a carefully selected six today. Metagross, Sceptile, Milotic, Gardevoir, Salamence, and my formidable Alpha Slaking – they were the chosen ones for the Hoenn Elite Four.
We'd spent those two weeks in a secluded pocket of the Secret Meadow, pushing limits, refining strategies, and forging an even deeper bond. Every one of them, from Metagross's unwavering focus to Slaking's terrifying power, was ready.
After the trials of facing down the Legendaries and they're senior members of my team, they gained immensely over the course of this journey. I could feel their readiness, a silent confidence echoing within their Poké Balls.
I smiled proudly at this. Even they're status was a far cry from before as they all leveled up immensely, fighting against foes stronger than them.
|Name: Metagross (Iron Leg Pokémon)
|Type: Steel/Psychic
|Level: 66
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Expert Belt]/[Metagrossite]
|Ability: Clear Body
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Cosmic Power, Gravity, Telekinesis, Reflect, Light Screen, Agility, Hone Claws, Iron Defense, Miracle Eye, Double Team, Zen Headbutt [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Bullet Punch [A][S], Flash Cannon [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Meteor Mash [A][S], Psychic Noise [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Gyro Ball [A][S], Psychic Fang [A][S], Heavy Slam [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Stone Edge [A][S], Explosion [A][S], Protect (TM), Hammer Arm [A][S] (IM), Magnet Rise (IM), Confusion [A][S] (IM), Metal Claw [A][S] (IM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Gardevoir (Embrace Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Level: 65
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Gardevoirite]
|Ability: Telepathy (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Teleport, Double Team, Substitute, Misty Terrain, Hypnosis, Calm Mind, Wish, Recover, Gravity, Imprison, Telekinesis, Attract, Pain Split, Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, Miracle Eye, Disarming Voice [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Draining Kiss [A][S], Psybeam [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Moon Blast [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Dream Eater [A][S], Psychic Noise [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Aura Sphere [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Mystical Fire [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Protect (TM), Dazzling Gleam [A][S] (IM), Magical Leaf [A][S] (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Disable (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Sceptile (Forest Pokémon)
|Type: Grass
|Level: 65
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]/[Sceptilite]
|Ability: Overgrow
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Screech, Agility, Detect, Double-Team, Grassy Terrain, Dragon Dance, Sunny Day, Leafage [A][S], Bullet Seed[A][S], Giga Drain [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S], Grass Pledge [A][S], Grass Knot [A][S], Frenzy Plant [A][S], Leaf Storm [A][S], Grassy Glide [A][S], Solar Blade[A][S], Solar Beam [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Dig [A][S], Fury Cutter [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Assurance [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Drain Punch [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Dragon Claw [A][S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Protect (TM), Dual Chop [A][S] (IM), Leaf Blade [A][S] (IM), Synthesis (IM), Leech Seed (IM), Magical Leaf[A][S](EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Slaking [Alpha] (Lazy Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Level: 64
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Silk Scarf]/[Leftovers]/[Eject Button]
|Ability: Truant
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Yawn, Slack Off, Encore, Rest, Endure, Sleep Talk, Uproar [A][S], Furry Swipes [A][S],Snore [A][S], Covet [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Mega Kick [A][S], Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Chip Away [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Hyper Voice [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Drain Punch [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Brick Break [A][S], Night Slash [A][S], Play Rough [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Poison Jab [A][S], Trailblaze [A][S], Protect (TM), Swagger (IM), Focus Punch [A][S] (IM), Counter [A][S] (IM), Body Slam [A][S] (IM), Crush Claw [A][S] (IM), Slash [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Salamence (Dragon Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon/Flying
|Level: 66
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Dragon Fang]/[Salamencite]
|Ability: Moxie (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Naïve
|Moves: Scary Face, Iron Defense, Roar, Tailwind, Double Team, Roost, Dragon Breath [A][S], Dragon Claw [A][S], Twister [A][S], Draco Meteor [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Outrage [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Air Slash [A][S], Hurricane [A][S], Dual Wingbeat [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Earthquake [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Dragon Rage [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Headbutt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Zen Headbutt [A][S], Hydro Pump [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Steel Wing [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Thunder Fang [A][S], Psychic Fang [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Giga Impact [A][S], Defog (HM), Fly [A][S] (IM), Protect (IM), Dragon Dance (IM), Dragon Rush [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Milotic (Tender Pokémon)
|Type: Water
|Level: 66
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Flame Orb]/[Leftovers]/[Mystic Water]
|Ability: Marvel Scale
|Nature: Bold
|Moves: Protect, Refresh, Recover, Rain Dance, Attract, Safeguard, Coil, Aqua Ring, Life Dew, Haze, Toxic, Dragon Dance, Hydro Pump [A][S], Scald [A][S],Aqua Tail [A][S], Flip Turn [A][S], Brine [A][S], Muddy Water [A][S],Hidden Power [A][S], Hyper Beam [A][S], Flail [A][S], Twister [A][S], Wrap [A][S], Disarming Voice [A][S], Dragon Tail [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Dragon Pulse [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Blizzard [A][S], Brutal Swing [A][S], Dive [A][S] (HM), Whirlpool [A][S] (HM), Waterfall [A][S] (HM), Surf [A][S] (HM), Water Pulse [A][S] (IM), Mirror Coat (IM), Dragon Breath [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
Just seeing they're status makes me glad I tested a few ideas I had. For starters, the idea of every Pokémon capable of learning moves outside of its games or media.
I had this idea when I had Gardevoir learn from Metagross how to use Miracle Eye. With its supercomputer-like brain showing how Gardevoir could produce the move, it worked splendidly after a couple of attempts.
Knowing that Pokémon moves if trained properly could allow Pokémon to learn moves outside of they're own move sets. Prime example being Pikachu learning Extreme Speed is one such case.
Using that knowledge and my Arc Phone data, I did the best I could to prepare against the Hoenn Elite Four. And expanding my knowledge of move usage, having Slaking learned Pursuit is the best thing to have happened, gaining the Counter Status Condition…
In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, a Pokémon with the Truant ability can still counterattack if it has the Counter status, as the status effect is triggered by being hit, not by actively taking an action. And I'm glad to say… it worked.
I can't wait to see their faces when Slaking can move after they finish attacking… I could only imagine the baffled expressions. I might just end up having Slaking being banned if it works out, but for now, I can only hold that experiment in.
I allowed myself a casual stroll, a rare moment of peace before the storm. The city was a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and sounds – the distant cry of Wingull, the murmur of conversations, the rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore.
I saw other trainers, some with looks of fierce determination, others simply enjoying the break, their Pokémon enjoying the sun. It made me smile.
This world, our world, was always alive.
My path naturally led me north, towards the looming presence of the deep mountains. There, a formidable cave yawned open, a maw in the rock face that was universally known among trainers as Victory Road.
Hoenn's Victory Road, specifically. I took a deep breath, the air growing cooler, heavier, as I approached its monolithic entrance.
Two Ace Trainers, their uniforms crisp and bearing the proud emblem of the Hoenn Pokémon Association, stood guard. They were young, their expressions a mix of professionalism and a touch of awe as I drew closer, Pikachu's tail twitching behind my ear, Eevee blinking serenely from my crown.
One of them began, a tall woman with a confident stance spoke to me, "Welcome! Are you heading deep into the mountain, Trainer? To train, or perhaps to the Pokémon League stationed on the other side?"
I offered them a relaxed smile as I explained casually, "Just a visit to the League, actually. Meeting some old friends."
It wasn't a lie, not entirely. Steven is a friend, a kindred soul who understood the weight and exhilaration of what we did.
Their eyes widened slightly, a flicker of recognition in them. Perhaps my relaxed demeanor, or the very presence of my iconic partners, gave me away.
The other Ace Trainer, a stocky man with a serious face, chimed in as he said calmly in a casual voice, "Oh, in that case, please proceed. But be warned, sir. Victory Road is teeming with other ambitious trainers, and the wild Pokémon within are exceptionally powerful. They reside deep within the mountain."
I replied, giving an easy wave as I stepped past them, "Got it. Thanks for the heads-up. Keep up the good work."
I wasn't being dismissive, merely acknowledging the information. I had faced the wild Pokémon of Kanto and Johto's Victory Road, and the trainers there, too.
Hoenn couldn't be that different. My team and I were ready for anything.
/////
[Hoenn Region, Victory Road]
The moment I stepped inside, the oppressive weight of the mountain enveloped me. The air grew damp, the light dimming to a perpetual twilight save for the scattered glow of luminous crystals embedded in the rock.
The natural acoustics of the cavern amplified every sound – the drip of water, the scuttling of unseen creatures, the distant roar of a wild Pokémon. It was a symphony of the wild, and I found its raw power invigorating.
*Beep*
My Arc Phone whirred to life, its screen illuminating the immediate surroundings as I accessed the Map App. It revealed the intricate, winding network of tunnels, bridges, and caverns that spanned the island.
I muttered, mostly to myself, but Pikachu and Eevee picked up on my tone. "Alright, team! Let's make our way through."
It didn't take long for the mighty wild Pokémon to make their appearance. A booming Loudred emerged from a side cave, its vocal cords rattling the very stone.
*Pop*
Before it could unleash a supersonic attack, a flash of red light from my belt, and Gardevoir materialized, elegant and serene. I commanded, my voice calm, "Gardevoir, Psychic."
*Shiii*
With a graceful hand gesture, Gardevoir's eyes glowed, and the Loudred was lifted effortlessly into the air, its booming silenced by mental pressure. A gentle push, and it floated back into its cave, dazed but unharmed.
Next, a Hariyama lumbered out, its massive frame blocking the path. It cracked its knuckles, ready for a brawl.
*Pop*
This time, Sceptile burst forth, a verdant blur. I called, "Sceptile, Leaf Blade!"
*Shinng*
*Zoooom*
Sceptile moved with impossible speed, his arm blades glowing green. The Hariyama, despite its bulk, was no match for Sceptile's agility and precision.
A few swift slashes, and the fighting Pokémon staggered back, realizing it was outmatched, retreating with a grunt. Then came the locals as they greeted us.
Sableye, their mischievous eyes gleaming in the shadows, tried to ambush us. Lairon, armored and defiant, stood its ground. Even a colossal Alpha Aggron roared a challenge from a higher ledge.
Medicham attempted its precise martial arts, and several flocks of Golbats swooped from the high ceilings. But Gardevoir's psychic prowess and Sceptile's lightning-fast strikes were more than enough.
I didn't even need to switch many times. My chosen six for the Elite Four were just too well-honed, too powerful.
That, and they fought against Legends. They're reaction time is on par with my Main Team, just lacking in the experience department.
But these were merely warm-ups, a chance to get into the rhythm of the mountain. I observed my partners, impressed as always by their seamless teamwork and raw strength. They were ready for the League.
Further in, the passages opened into wider caverns, some with subterranean lakes reflecting the faint light. It was here, amidst the rugged beauty of the mountain, that I encountered the other trainers.
As the Ace Trainers had warned, they were indeed here, many of them using the wild Pokémon as sparring partners. But they also saw me, a lone trainer with Pikachu and Eevee, and a challenge was inevitable.
The first was a young Ace Trainer, brimming with confidence, who sent out a spirited Breloom. He yelled, "Let's see what you've got!"
I returned his enthusiasm with a quiet smile, "Slaking, it's your turn."
*Pop*
The Poké Ball opened, and out burst Slaking, a truly imposing figure. This wasn't just any Slaking; this was an Alpha, larger, more powerful, a living embodiment of untamed strength. Its sheer presence made the ground tremble slightly.
The Ace Trainer's eyes widened, his confidence visibly deflating as he murmured, "An Alpha Slaking?! His no joke…"
I stated, my voice echoing in the cavern, "Slaking. Agile Style Giga Impact."
*Woooosh*
My Slaking let out a roar, a surge of raw energy engulfing its massive form. It charged, a living, breathing wrecking ball. The Breloom, caught completely off guard by the sheer speed and power, barely managed to register the attack before Slaking slammed into it with the force of a small landslide…
*BOOOOM*
*RMBL*
The impact was deafening, a concussive blast that sent dust and pebbles flying. When the dust settled, Breloom was down, unconscious, and Slaking, momentarily spent from the colossal effort of Giga Impact, stood panting.
The trainer quickly recalled his Pokémon, a look of stunned disbelief on his face as he murmured, "Unbelievable... a one-shot!"
I just nodded, recalling Slaking thanking my partner, "Good job, big guy."
Slaking, despite its power, could be lazy, but when called upon, it was utterly devastating. That one-shot capability was precisely why it was on my Elite Four team.
And not only that… I had him be very active following Norman's Slaking diet, making him very lively and active. I had the Counter Status to thank me for that, and my Arc Phone on how to make a Slaking be lively and active, mitigating the effects of Truant.
The next battle was against an Ace Trainer who proudly led with a Banette. He declared, clearly having observed the previous battle, "You won't hit this one with brute force!"
Seeing the Banette, I acknowledged calmly, "Smart. Metagross, you're up."
*Pop*
A flash of light, and my Metagross hovered into the cavern, its four brains whirring in perfect synchronicity, its metallic body gleaming. The trainer exclaimed, his confidence wavering again, "A Metagross! A Psuedo-Legendary Pokémon. But… Banette is a Ghost-type, so I should have the advantage…"
I replied, a smirk playing on my lips, "Indeed. Metagross, Meteor Mash."
*Zoooom*
Metagross launched itself forward, a shining projectile. Its fists glowed with cosmic energy. The Banette, attempting to phase through the attack, found itself unable to escape Metagross's incredible speed and the sheer force of its strike.
*BASH*
Meteor Mash wasn't just physical; it carried a spectral resonance, a crushing blow that bypassed the ghostly intangibility. The Banette shrieked as it was struck, sent tumbling back against the cavern wall, out cold.
Again, the fight was over in mere seconds. My Metagross, a steel fortress of intellect and power, had effortlessly dispatched the threat. I recalled it, giving a silent nod of appreciation.
These battles, while quick, were more than just victories. They were a reminder of the journey I'd undertaken, the evolution of my strategic thinking, and the sheer power my Pokémon had cultivated.
Winning the Pokémon Leagues twice hadn't just been about raw strength; it had been about understanding my Pokémon, trusting their instincts, and pushing them to be the very best versions of themselves. Hoenn was a new challenge, a different region with different styles, but the core principles remained.
My bond with my partners, our shared resolve – that was our true strength.
I thought back to those two weeks in the Secret Meadow. The long hours, the countless drills, the specific matchups we'd practiced.
Milotic, weaving through simulated attacks, her elegance masking immense power. Gardevoir, honing her psychic defenses and offensive capabilities. Sceptile, a blur of speed and precision.
Salamence, soaring through the cavernous training grounds, its Dragon breath scorching imaginary foes. And Slaking, surprisingly eager to follow my commands, unleashes its incredible power.
We'd worked as a unit, each one contributing, each one growing.
Pikachu nudged my cheek, his tail swinging gently. Eevee purred, her soft body a warm weight on my head. They were my anchors, my first partners, and their presence always reminded me of where it all began.
They weren't in my battle team today, but their spirit, their unwavering support, was with me every step of the way. They had seen more battles than I could count, and their silent encouragement was a constant source of strength.
The air began to change again, growing fresher, the light at the end of the tunnel becoming less a distant glow and more a distinct, beckoning brilliance. The echoes softened, replaced by the sounds of rushing wind and the distant cries of sea Pokémon…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Ever Grande City – Pokémon League (Hoenn)]
Finally, after what felt like an age of winding passages and challenging encounters, we made it. I stepped out of the mouth of Victory Road, taking a deep, fortifying breath of the pure, unadulterated Hoenn air.
The sun, bright and golden, washed over me, a stark contrast to the eternal twilight of the mountain. I grinned, a wide, genuine smile that stretched from ear to ear. I murmured; my voice filled with a profound sense of accomplishment. "We made it, guys."
The climax of our journey in Hoenn was now truly at hand.
Looking out, the majestic vista unfolded before me. The Hoenn Pokémon League stood in the distance, a grand, imposing structure nestled against the backdrop of the ocean. It was an awe-inspiring sight, a monument to the countless battles fought, the dreams pursued, and the bonds forged between trainers and their Pokémon.
Ahead lay the ultimate test.
I reached for my belt, pulling out the Poké Balls one by one as I hurled them up, saying in a proud tone, "Come on out, everyone!"
*Pop*
In a series of brilliant flashes, my chosen six materialized: Metagross, its metallic body gleaming in the sunlight; Sceptile, poised and ready; Milotic, shimmering elegantly; Gardevoir, serene and powerful; Salamence, majestic and imposing; and Slaking, a colossal figure of calm strength.
They took in the view, each in their own way. Salamence let out a soft roar, a triumphant sound that resonated with the wind. Milotic swayed gently, her eyes reflecting the endless blue.
Gardevoir closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the energy of the place. Sceptile thumped its tail against the ground, a subtle but firm declaration of readiness. Metagross hummed with its internal processors, ready for any challenge. Even Slaking seemed to appreciate the moment, its usually lazy gaze fixed on the horizon.
Pikachu jumped off my shoulder, Eevee sliding down my arm, and they scampered to stand beside their larger companions, sharing in the moment of triumph. We had faced hardships, endured relentless training, fought countless battles, and made countless memories on this journey.
This view, this moment, was a culmination of all of it. A shared victory.
The only thing standing between us and the true end of this journey, the ultimate validation of our strength and bond, was the five strongest trainers in the Hoenn Region. The Elite Four. And then, the Champion…
*Bdmp*
*Bdmp*
My heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and pure exhilaration. I looked at each of my partners, a silent promise passing between us.
We were ready. Hoenn, prepare yourself. Kanto's champions have arrived.
The final stretch of our Hoenn Journey. It's time we make this our 3rd Pokémon League win, it was time… to game on!
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!