Chapter 341: Elite Four Ice Battle
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Pokémon League (Hoenn) – Glacia's Room]
Stepping through the corridor after defeating Phoebe, he saw the light at the other end of the room. Now, Azure found himself on the precipice of the third chamber. A faint chill began to permeate the air, a precursor to the environment he was about to enter.
The path ahead transformed into a snowy bridge, stretching precariously over a frosty void that seemed to reach into an abyssal depth. Snow blanketed the roof of the building, pristine and untouched, while long, dagger-like icicles hung ominously from its edges, glinting with a sharp, ethereal light.
*Wooosh*
As he approached, a sudden, powerful blizzard roared through the area, whipping snow and ice into a frantic dance. The biting wind stole his breath for a moment, but Azure stood firm, his eyes narrowed, adjusting to the sudden drop in temperature.
When the squall subsided as quickly as it had begun, the bridge beneath his feet had been transformed, now covered in a layer of non-slippery, crystalline ice, surprisingly stable underfoot…
*Tmp*
He stepped into the room, and the cold deepened, seeping into his bones. It was a cavernous space, bathed in an ethereal ice-blue glow.
Two deep pits, filled with perfectly frozen, translucent water, flanked the central battling ground. Beneath the glassy surface, intricately sculpted ice bricks formed a mesmerizing pattern, hinting at depths that were untold.
Against the back wall, a single, elegant blue armchair rested, an almost incongruous touch of comfort in the frigid expanse. And there, in the center of this frozen domain, stood Glacia, the Ice Type Elite Four Member.
Tall and slender, her pale skin contrasted sharply with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She was a vision of glacial elegance, adorned in a long, flowing mauve ball gown with a sweetheart neckline that hinted at underlying strength.
White spiked gloves encased her hands, while a brown-and-gold belt cinched her waist, adding a touch of bold luxury. A lavender choker adorned her neck, and high-heeled mauve shoes completed her regal, yet formidable, ensemble.
Azure blinked, his breath misting in the cold air. The temperature was a constant, pressing presence, but his focus remained unwavering.
Glacia's lips curved into a sly grin, a hint of playful challenge in her gaze. She purred, her voice crisp and clear as breaking ice, "Welcome, Azure Sky. The rules, as you know, are simple: a full-on six-on-six Pokémon Battle. Let the chill truly begin."
Azure met her gaze, a matching grin spreading across his face as he replied, "Wouldn't have it any other way, Glacia."
Before the battle could commence, Glacia's expression softened slightly as she said, "Before we dive into the fray, I must thank you. Your assistance during Groudon and Kyogre's awakening was invaluable to the Hoenn region. Many lives, both human and Pokémon, were saved by your intervention."
The memories of primordial power clashing, the earth trembling, and the seas roaring were still vivid. But Azure waved a dismissive hand as he said casually, "It was nothing. Steven called, needing help, and I responded. I just... never expected how big the problem truly was until I was in the thick of it."
Glacia chuckled, a sound like wind chimes made of ice. Her eyes, however, sharpened, the playful glint in them now turning cold, a clear signal that pleasantries were over as she said calmly, "A true hero, modest to a fault. Very well, let us see if your Pokémon are as formidable as your conscience."
She sent out her first Pokémon as she declared coldly, "Abomasnow, to battle!"
*Pop*
A towering, bipedal Pokémon, half-plant, half-ice, materialized onto the field, its boughs bristling with sharp, icy needles. A faint shimmer was wrapped around its wrist, indicating that its held item [Icy Rock].
*RMBL*
The moment Abomasnow appeared, a new wave of cold energy permeated the room. Glacia announced proudly, "Snow Warning activated! Hail will now fall, augmenting my Ice-type partners!"
Instantly, tiny pellets of ice began to patter down from the unseen ceiling, bouncing harmlessly off the crystalline floor, painting the room in an even more frigid embrace. Azure felt the incessant chill, but it only served to ignite his own spirit, his determination burning brighter than any cold Glacia could summon.
Reaching to his belt, he unclipped a particularly sturdy Poké Ball, its surface gleaming. He smirked as he hurled it out, declaring confidently, "Alright, my friend! Let's show her the warmth of our power! Slaking, I choose you!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
With a flash of brilliant light, his Alpha Slaking materialized. Unlike the typically sluggish Pokémon of its species, Azure's Slaking stood tall, muscles rippling under its fur, its movements surprisingly agile.
A quiet clinking sound around its neck revealed its [Leftovers]. Glacia, ever observant, raised an elegant eyebrow.
Her gaze lingered on the powerful Normal-type, a flicker of genuine curiosity in her blue eyes. She murmured, more to herself than to Azure, "Unusual. Your Slaking... it seems remarkably active and lively. Most Slaking are content to simply laze about."
Azure grinned, a spark of pride in his eyes. Azure confirmed gazing at his partner, proudly explained, "He is. I trained him to be. While their default is often laziness, with enough intense training, even a Slaking can surpass its natural inclinations. He's a testament to breaking expectations."
Glacia's curiosity was piqued, a subtle shift in her stoic demeanor. She looked as though she wanted to delve deeper into Azure's training methods, but shook her head, her focus returning to the looming battle.
Her expression turned ice cold as she began the battle in an excited tone, "Fascinating. But for now, let's see if that activity translates into victory. Abomasnow, prepare!"
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with authority, "Slaking, Fire Punch!"
*Zoooom*
*Ssssss*
Slaking roared, a sound that seemed to shake the very icicles from the ceiling. Its massive fist erupted in a blaze of orange and red, streaking across the field like a meteor, showcasing its pure, unadulterated strength.
Glacia's eyes narrowed, the playfulness gone, replaced by a serious focus as she thought, 'Fast! But manageable!'
She quickly issued her commands, "Abomasnow, counter with Ice Punch!"
*CRACK*
Abomasnow met the charge, its own fist glowing with an icy aura. The two elemental punches collided in the center of the room with a thunderous CRACK, sending a shockwave rippling through the air that momentarily distorted the hail.
Both trainers watched intently. When the dust of the impact settled, Abomasnow visibly flinched, its icy hand bruised and aching from the sheer force of Slaking's blow, a testament to the Alpha Pokémon's raw power.
Then, Slaking entered its familiar, yet for Glacia, unfamiliar, Truant state. It stretched, a leisurely yawn escaping its massive jaws.
Glacia, seizing the momentary lull, barked, "Abomasnow, use Aurora Veil!"
*Shiii*
Shimmering, multifaceted shields of light erupted around Abomasnow, extending to cover the entire field. The hail intensified within the Aurora Veil, active, refracting light into dazzling patterns.
Azure frowned, realizing the implications. He muttered, "She's boosting her team's defenses. Aurora Veil cuts damage by half during hail."
*Ding*
*Ding*
Simultaneously, the stinging hail pelted Slaking, chipping away at its health. Azure calculated, "1/8th down, but [Leftovers] will compensate."
Slaking stirred from its Truant-induced inactivity. Azure commanded, wasting no time, "Slaking, Brick Break!"
*Zoooom*
Slaking lunged, its massive hand chopping down with incredible speed. Glacia, confident in her defense, countered, "Abomasnow, Wood Hammer!"
*Zoooom*
The Abomasnow's icy boughs hardened, preparing to strike. But Slaking was too fast, too powerful…
*CRACK*
… Its Brick Break slammed into the Aurora Veil with a resounding CRACK, the sound shockingly akin to glass shattering. Azure's smirk widened. He shouted, confirming Glacia's dawning realization, "Brick Break broke the Aurora Veil!"
The shimmering shield fractured and dissipated, leaving Abomasnow completely exposed. Slaking's super-effective attack crashed into the Snow Pokémon, sending it staggering backward with a groan of pain.
Again, Slaking entered its Truant state, a moment of rest after its powerful assault. Abomasnow, however, despite the pain, growled in defiance.
Glacia roared, capitalized on the hail's accuracy buff, "Blizzard!"
*Swooosh*
A powerful gale of frozen wind and jagged ice shards erupted from Abomasnow, engulfing Slaking. The Alpha Pokémon took the brutal hit, its immense form momentarily obscured by the whiteout.
But when the icy tempest cleared, Slaking was already in motion. Azure grinned as he ordered, "End it, Slaking! Strong Style Mega Punch!"
*Zoooom*
It lunged forward, reeling its colossal fist back for a devastating Mega Punch. The attack landed squarely, a direct hit that sent Abomasnow flying…
*SMASH*
*THUD*
The Ice-Grass type crashed into one of the frozen pits, its form going limp as the ice groaned beneath its weight. Abomasnow fainted from the attack, clearly showing it could no longer battle.
Glacia recalled her Abomasnow, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She mused in shock, "Such power… And your Slaking is... truly unique."
She took a deep breath, composing herself. Grabbing her next Poké Ball, she declared, "Very well. Then let's see how you handle pure, unadulterated speed! Beartic, go!"
*Pop*
Another formidable Ice-type materialized – a colossal polar bear Pokémon, its thick fur coated in a fresh layer of ice. A glint of metallic sheen on its arm revealed its held item [Muscle Band].
Slaking, having just delivered the knockout blow, settled once more into its Truant state, seemingly defenseless. Glacia commanded, "Beartic, Ice Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Azure's eyes widened. Beartic moved with astonishing speed, a blur of white across the icy floor, its punch already blazing with frozen energy.
Baffled by its sheer speed, Azure had his mind racing as realization hit him as he thought worriedly, 'Its ability! Slush Rush! Doubles Speed in Hail!'
*SMASH*
Beartic's Ice Punch connected, delivering a harsh blow to Slaking. It retreated when Azure had his turn with Slaking free of Truant. Azure shouted, "Slaking, Pursuit!"
Glacia's eyes widened for a fraction of a second. She countered, expecting a direct attack, "Beartic, Protect!"
*Shiii*
But Slaking didn't launch a physical strike. Instead, a dark aura enveloped it, a spectral veil that settled onto Slaking like a mark. Glacia's brow furrowed as she thought worriedly, 'That isn't what Pursuit is supposed to work! It looks like he developed something new…'
Beartic, confused but safe behind its shield, watched as Slaking went into its Truant state once more. Glacia seized the moment, ordering, "Beartic! Whatever trick they have will pull through! Ice Punch!"
*Zooom*
Nodding its head, it unleashed another Ice Punch, utilizing its high Physical Attack Stat of 130. This time, there was no Protect. The icy fist landed squarely on Slaking's jaw, seemingly taking the hit…
*BASH*
However, what happened next shocked the two. To Beartic's utter shock, as the attack connected, Slaking's Truant state briefly flickered…
*SMACK*
*THUD*
… A powerful Mega Kick erupted from its seemingly lazy frame, sending Beartic hurtling into the icy wall with a resounding thud. Beartic was dazed but not yet defeated.
Glacia stammered, genuinely bewildered by the scene of the impossible happening, "How… how is that possible in its Truant state?!"
Azure's grin was pure triumph. He explained proudly with his arms crossed to Glacia, "A new status condition I developed. 'Counter Status Condition.' When my Pokémon is hit, it automatically counters with a move, formulated from the basis of Pursuit, Counter, and Payback. Even in its lazy state, it can retaliate."
Glacia's mind reeled. The implications were terrifying as she thought worriedly, 'Slaking's Truant was a built-in weakness, predictable and exploitable. But with Counter Status, even in its 'lazy' turn, it could lash out, punishing any attacker that dared to strike…'
As Glacia was startled by this development, Azure remained calm, a strategy already forming. He ordered calmly, "Slaking, Rest!"
Glacia blinked, momentarily stunned. She echoed, a hint of genuine confusion in her voice, "Rest?"
Hearing this, she was baffled by Azure's choice as she thought cautiously, 'What is he planning? To allow his Pokémon to sleep during such an intense battle? It's a waste of a turn! Even with Counter Status, a sleeping target is still vulnerable.'
She seized the perceived opportunity, ordering, "Beartic, Ice Beam!"
Beartic, powered by Slush Rush, moved back in the distance. It began charging up an Ice Beam, going for long-distance attacks as Slaking, now technically asleep and entering its Truant state, let out an incredibly loud, booming yawn.
*YAWNNN*
The sound, coupled with the unexpected nature of the move, caught Beartic completely off guard, momentarily stunning it. Beartic, unable to react in time, was overwhelmed by the yawn's effect and fell asleep on the spot, just before its Ice Beam could even launch.
*Thud*
Beartic took a literal nap, curled up peacefully asleep. Glacia's eyes widened in stunned disbelief at what she was seeing, thought, 'First Counter Status and this Yawn Tactic? How is he accomplishing this during its Truant state?!'
Azure, however, merely grinned. He stated, a proud glint in his eyes as he explained, "He's not lazy, Glacia. He's strategic. I trained him to utilize his Truant ability, even in sleep!"
He didn't let the opportunity slip by him as he ordered, "Slaking, Sleep Talk!"
Slaking stirred, its eyes still closed, but its massive body moved with an uncanny, dreamlike purpose. Its arm reeled back, muscles coiling like springs.
Recognizing the move, Azure grinned excitedly. Azure commanded, his voice a battle cry, "Giga Impact!"
*BOOOOM*
Glacia's face drained of color as the words registered. Her Pokémon was asleep, defenseless, caught completely off guard.
She gasped, but it was too late, "No!"
Slaking, still technically sleeping, unleashed a colossal blast of raw energy, its colossal fist streaking forward. The Giga Impact slammed into the slumbering Beartic with earth-shattering force.
*THUMP*
The Ice-type Pokémon was sent hurtling backward, slamming into the back wall with such immense power that it created a deep, jagged crater in the solid ice. Beartic lay utterly motionless, knocked out cold before it could even wake.
Glacia recalled her Beartic, a weary smile finally gracing her lips. She said, her voice laced with genuine respect, "Truly remarkable, Azure. To train a Slaking not just to overcome its Truant ability, but to utilize it offensively, you managed to create a Counter StatusCondition enabling you to disrupt my momentum entirely... that is the mark of a truly skilled trainer."
Azure chuckled lightly, running a hand through his own hair. He replied, his gaze sweeping over his slumbering Slaking, "It's a trainer's job to find the best way to utilize their Pokémon's unique strengths and weaknesses. And knowing my Pokémon's strength, I'll guide them to victory, no matter the obstacle."
Glacia nodded, her previous composure fully restored, though a new, deeper seriousness had settled into her gaze. She was no longer just curious; she was genuinely challenged as she thought, 'When was the last time I've had such a hard battle…'
She smiled as her fighting spirit renewed. She grabbed her next Poké Ball, a determined glint in her eyes as she said excitedly, "A lesson I'm currently relearning. Then let us continue this fascinating display. Walrein, endure for us!"
*Pop*
Another formidable Ice-type appeared, a massive, tusked walrus Pokémon, its rotund body swaying slightly. Like Slaking, it held [Leftovers], a constant source of recovery for the enduring Ice-type.
The battle resumed.
Glacia ordered, opting for a move that would grow in power with each successful hit, "Walrein, Ice Ball!"
Walrein roared, charging up a sphere of concentrated ice. Azure commanded, "Slaking, Sleep Talk!"
*Sssss*
Slaking stirred again, its movements still dream-like. Its fist erupted in flames as Azure recognized the move, "Fire Punch!"
*PEW*
Walrein finished charging up its Ice Ball and launched it. At the same time, the blazing fist of Fire Punch shattered the first Ice Ball mid-air, sending crystalline fragments scattering across the battlefield.
*CRACK*
But Glacia was relentless. She pressed, "Again, Ice Ball!"
*PEW*
Walrein fired another projectile. Azure, again, ordered, "Sleep Talk!"
This time, however, Slaking merely stirred, blinked its eyes, and let out a small groan. It was awake. The Sleep Talk had failed.
*SMACK*
The second Ice Ball smashed into Slaking, dealing a solid hit. But the Counter Status condition, still active, kicked in.
*Zooom*
*ZAP*
Slaking retaliated with a potent Thunder Punch, sending Walrein skidding back, stunned but still standing. But Glacia didn't relent.
She commanded, knowing the hail would guarantee a hit, "Blizzard!"
*SWOOOSH*
A ferocious blizzard erupted from Walrein, a vortex of ice and wind. It slammed into Slaking, forcing it back away from it. The icy blast rained down, and Slaking took the full force of it as it took a step back.
However, Glacia noticed that Slaking didn't retaliate. A realization dawned on her as she thought, surprised, 'The Counter Status condition… it only works on Physical attacks, not Special ones? Interesting. Even if this Status Condition looks invincible… everything has a weakness if you look deep or stumble hard enough.'
The knowledge brought a renewed hope to her face. Azure could see it as he mentally frowned, 'Tch. She figured out Counter Status's fatal flaw… it won't trigger to Special Attacks, only Physical Attacks…'
Glacia, with her newfound insight, ordered, "Walrein, keep using Blizzard!"
As Walrein unleashed its icy barrage, Azure countered instantly, his voice firm, "Slaking, Strong Style Drain Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Slaking roared, taking the full brunt of the freezing blizzard head-on, its fur bristling with ice. But even as the cold bit deep, its massive fist slammed into Walrein's stomach with a sickening THUD.
*THUD*
Walrein skidded backward, grunting in pain, while Slaking felt a surge of warmth as some of its lost health flowed back, thanks to the Drain Punch. However, Walrein, an expert in endurance, fired back with another Blizzard as per Glacia's Command.
*SWOOOSH*
Slaking, caught in its Truant state after the Drain Punch, could only brace itself, taking another wave of damage. The hail continued to pelt both Pokémon, a constant, stinging reminder of Glacia's icy dominion.
Azure's eyes scanned the battlefield, calculating. He saw a subtle shift in the air, a thinning of the icy veil as he noticed, 'Hail's ending…'
Seizing the chance, he shouted, "Now! Strong Style Giga Impact!"
Glacia, seeing the impending danger, commanded, "Walrein, counter with Blizzard! Don't let them get close!!"
But Azure's grin widened as he thought, 'Checkmate.'
*Rmbl*
The hailstorm, after relentless minutes, finally faded, the last scattered pellets dissolving into nothingness. Without the hail, Blizzard's accuracy was no longer guaranteed.
*Swoooosh*
As Walrein unleashed its icy breath, Slaking, suddenly bursting with renewed energy, tilted its massive head to the side, a deceptively quick movement for its size. The Blizzard surged past harmlessly as it missed…
*KA-BOOOOM*
… Then, with an unstoppable momentum, Slaking's entire body became a living battering ram, a Giga Impact of pure, unadulterated power. It slammed head-first into Walrein, sending the colossal Pokémon crashing into the back wall, forming yet another massive crater in the icy structure…
*THUD*
Walrein slumped, completely knocked out. Azure's Alpha Slaking stood triumphant amidst the shattered ice, its chest heaving slightly, proving once again that even a Pokémon believed to be limited by its nature could, with the right training, become an unstoppable force.
Three of Glacia's formidable Ice-types had fallen to this uniquely trained Slaking, and the Elite Four battle was far from over. Glacia, her expression a mix of awe and renewed determination, knew she would have to dig deep into her own reserves to match the Indigo Champion's unorthodox brilliance.
The room, though still cold, felt charged with an even greater intensity, the anticipation of the coming storm. The hailstorm, a fierce ally to Glacia's team, had dissipated with Walrein's fall, leaving the air merely crisp rather than biting.
Glacia recalled her Walrein, a rare hint of a furrow in her brow. Her sly grin from moments ago had vanished, replaced by a much more serious, yet still composed, expression as she stated, "Impressive. Your Slaking is truly... unique. To turn a drawback like Truant into such a potent weapon, and your 'Counter Status Condition'... I admit, you've left me quite surprised."
Azure chuckled, already sensing the shift in Glacia's strategy as he replied fondly, "It's all about understanding your Pokémon, Glacia. Every weakness can be a hidden strength if you train it right."
He cast a glance at Slaking, who, after that final Giga Impact, was now visibly winded, chest heaving slightly as it settled back into its Truant state, a faint aura of exhaustion clinging to it despite its unusual vigor. Its [Leftovers] had done their job, but the cumulative damage from Glacia's Blizzard attacks had built up.
Glacia nodded slowly, her gaze sharpening as she agreed in an honest voice, "Indeed. But surprises can only get you so far."
Her hand went to her belt, pulling a new Poké Ball, its sleek, metallic surface gleaming in the cool light of the arena. Glacia took a deep breath, her demeanor shifting from calm confidence to tactical precision as she said calmly, "You have certainly earned your reputation, Azure. But I believe you relied heavily on brute force and luck thus far. Let's see how well you fare against precision."
She produced a Poké Ball wrapped in frosty vapor. With a graceful fling, she sent out her next Pokémon, declaring, "Let's see how your Slaking handles a different kind of challenge! Vanilluxe, show him your beautiful storm!"
*Pop*
Vanilluxe appeared, floating high above the field, its twin icy heads radiating cold. It's held item, [Icy Rock], shimmered. Instantly, the ability Snow Warning was activated.
A brief, sharp gust of cold air slammed through the chamber, initiating a fierce hailstorm that battered the field.
*Wooosh*
Azure frowned, seeing this as he thought to himself, 'Another Hail setter. The hailstorm is guaranteed to last longer now.'
Glacia recognized the Alpha Slaking's unique and frightening potential: a physical threat that could counterattack, even in its Truant state, utilize its Counter status condition to retaliate against any physical attack, regardless of its inability to move that turn. Therefore, physical attacks were out of the question.
Glacia commanded, "Blizzard, Vanilluxe!"
*Swooosh*
The hailstones intensified, and a massive cone of freezing wind slammed into Slaking. The Alpha Slaking, unable to move due to Truant, braced itself and took the heavy special damage but endured.
The hail continued to chip away at its health, only for the [Leftovers] to restore a portion of it, resulting in a net neutral effect on the monster's HP. Now, out of its Truant state, Slaking was ready to move.
Azure shouted, hoping to capitalize on the Ice Type's weakness to Fire Type moves, "Slaking, Strong Style Fire Punch!"
*Ssssss*
The massive primate lunged forward, arm engulfed in red-hot flames. But Vanilluxe was agile; it bobbed above the punch and unleashed a point-blank Blizzard before Slaking could recover its posture.
*Swooosh*
The attack landed squarely. Azure watched in alarm as ice crystals formed rapidly across Slaking's dense fur as he saw a screen he had never seen before.
[Slaking has been hit with [Frostbite] Status Condition!]
Azure blinked, confused, seeing this as he tried to rack his brain. Thankfully, Glacia explained coolly, her blue eyes narrowing in focus, "That's the Frostbite Status Condition. It's a nasty Status condition. It causes a steady loss of health—1/16th per turn—and significantly reduces the power of the afflicted Pokémon's special moves."
Azure's alarm deepened when he noticed the frosting worsening under the raging hailstorm currently active. Glacia pressed her advantage with a gleeful smirk, "Under this hail, the damage is amplified. How do you plan to negate the status, especially when every other turn leaves you vulnerable?"
Slaking entered its Truant turn. Glacia immediately ordered hit-and-run tactics, having Vanilluxe zip around the large chamber, firing off Blizzards that chipped away at the paralyzed Slaking, the Frostbite stacking its damage turn after turn.
Finally, Slaking's active turn returned, its body heavy with ice. Azure ordered decisively, "Enough stalling! Slaking, Rest!"
Slaking immediately fell into a deep sleep, its massive body collapsing onto the icy floor as a white aura enveloped it. The Frostbite status immediately vanished, and its HP bar instantly refilled to maximum.
Glacia frowned slightly, her perfect composure cracking for a moment. She knew Slaking's Rest/Sleep Talk strategy was potent; Azure had used it earlier to take down two of her previous Pokémon, catching her opponent off guard.
But she also knew what this meant. She snapped, anticipating a setup move like Yawn, "Vanilluxe, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Sure enough, a sleepy expression crossed Slaking's face as it let out a massive, energy-infused Yawn during its Truant state. Glacia sighed in genuine relief as Vanilluxe shielded itself with a pale blue barrier, narrowly avoiding the crippling status.
Azure muttered to himself, adjusting his grip on a Poké Ball, "Glacia knows my tricks now. Hard to rely on the setup."
Knowing he used his tricks, Azure ordered, "Slaking, Sleep Talk!"
Azure was playing the odds, and Glacia knew it. She braced herself as Slaking's form shimmered…
*Shiii*
*PEW*
The move that Slaking used during Sleep Talk was Encore. A white orb of energy shot from Slaking's mouth, striking Vanilluxe. The ice cream Pokémon sparkled white, locked into using Protect.
Glacia wore a bitter expression as she gritted her teeth, hands clutched into fists, as she thought frustratedly, 'Trapped in Protect? Not good, and I can't send a new Pokémon out just to get clobbered by this beast…'
The Truant turn came. Glacia could only watch as Vanilluxe threw up its Protect shield again, confined to the non-damaging move failing.
Azure commanded, "Sleep Talk, again!"
This time, the randomized move that manifested was Uproar. Slaking's body vibrated as it unleashed a deafening, sonic attack, "RAOOOOORR!!!"
The noise slammed into Vanilluxe, dealing significant damage, and the sheer volume instantly jolted Slaking awake, ending its sleep state. Now, Slaking was active, but locked into Uproar. Vanilluxe was locked into Protect.
For the next few agonizing turns, Slaking's Uproar dominated the chamber, battering Vanilluxe. Glacia could only watch, frustrated, as Vanilluxe's repeated use of Protect finally failed, leaving it vulnerable to the sonic devastation.
*Thud*
With a final, shattering cry, Vanilluxe fainted, leaving Glacia with only two Pokémon left. The Uproar ended just as the Vanilluxe hit the ground.
Glacia sighed, retrieving the defeated Pokémon as she complimented him, "A clever loop, Azure. But that Slaking of yours is too volatile to rely on for long."
She released her next partner as she hurled her Poké Ball into the air, declaring, "Glalie, let's cool him down!"
*Pop*
Glalie appeared, giving off a frosty aura, glaring intensely at Slaking. Its Held Item was its [Never-Melt Ice], materialized, its round body radiating frigid energy.
Azure mentally raised an eyebrow, seeing this as he thought cautiously, 'No Mega for Glalie? Either she has something up her sleeve, or she doesn't have the Mega Stone for it. Best to beat her team first.'
Focusing on the battle and with Slaking's free turn, Azure roared, "Slaking, Strong Style Mega Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Slaking charged, its exhaustion forgotten in the heat of battle. But Glacia was prepared as she ordered, "Double Team!"
*Wooosh*
Glalie zipped around the massive Pokémon, using Double Team to create evasive shadows, dodging the slow but powerful strike. Slaking entered its Truant state, panting heavily from the exertion.
Having this chance, Glacia ordered, "Now, Glalie, Taunt!"
Glalie focused its icy gaze, locking Slaking into using only attacking moves on its next available turn. Glacia was ensuring that its dangerous status moves (like Yawn or Rest) could not be used again.
Azure knew he was trapped in a cycle. He roared, needing to inflict damage, even at the cost of the next turn, "Giga Impact, Slaking!"
*ZOOOOM*
Slaking gathered energy for the colossal strike. Glacia was prepared as she roared, "Not so fast! Protect!"
*CLANG*
Glalie threw up its shield right before the massive strike landed. The Giga Impact was absorbed harmlessly. Slaking was now immobile, recharging.
Glacia smiled grimly, using her free turn perfectly ordered, "Blizzard!"
*WOOOOSH*
The powerful move slammed into the recharging Slaking, inflicting heavy damage and, critically, applying the Frostbite Status Condition yet again. Azure's jaw tightened as he thought sadly, 'Glacia had mastered the tempo of the battle against the heavy-hitting Slaking. She was locking it into cycles of attack, Truant, and status damage. She figured out my pattern…'
Azure took a deep breath and exhaled as he said, thankfully, recalling the behemoth, "You've proven your worth, big guy. Take a nice, long rest."
Glacia nodded, acknowledging the tactical withdrawal as she said, "A wise decision. That monster is too much of a liability in the face of a status application."
Azure clipped the Slaking's Poké Ball onto his belt and reached for another. He hurled it onto the field as he declared, "Metagross, the battle is yours!"
*Pop*
The quad-legged steel beast materialized, its body humming with psychic energy. It held the [Metagrossite].
Glacia's eyes narrowed, recognizing the threat instantly. A Metagross facing Ice-types in the hail was a challenge; however, she thought cautiously, '… but this one looked dangerous. It gives off that familiar vibe of danger as Steven's Metagross…'
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with renewed authority, "Metagross, power up! Maximum efficiency!"
*SHIII*
Metagross responded with a focused psychic pulse. Its four linked brains—a singularity of computational power—began coordinating simultaneously.
Agility accelerated its heavy chassis to impossible speeds by +2 Stages. Hone Claws sharpened its metallic limbs and focused its inner accuracy, increasing its Attack and Accuracy by +1 Stages...
*Zzzzz*
Magnet Rise lifted it completely off the ground, negating the icy terrain effect and any Ground-type attacks. Finally, Cosmic Power reinforced its durable body with shimmering psychic energy, boosting its Defense and Special Defense stages by +1.
Glacia watched the four maneuvers execute in less time than it took for a single snowflake to land. Her cold facade wavered slightly as she thought, the realization striking her with sharp clarity, 'He's figured it out. Using Metagross's four brains to execute four moves at once—just like Steven Stone's strategy. This is troubling.'
Glacia rallied instantly. She wasn't going to lose yet as she roared defiantly, "Glalie, press the attack! Blizzard!"
*Swooosh*
A cyclone of freezing wind and razor-sharp ice crystals ripped across the arena, hurtling toward the powered-up steel spider. But Azure didn't mind as he ordered, "Metagross! Forge a path! Gyro Ball!"
*ZOOOOM*
Metagross didn't levitate away; it curled its massive body into a high-speed metallic sphere. Having used Agility, the Gyro Ball was now moving at maximum velocity, leveraging the inverted speed mechanics of the technique…
*BASH*
The heavy steel sphere carved through the center of the Blizzard, its gathered momentum pushing the icy attack aside. The Steel-type attack slammed into Glalie…
*CRACK*
The sound was a sharp, concussive CRACK. Glalie recoiled, badly wounded, but the perpetual hail provided a tiny reprieve. Its Ice Body ability is activated, knitting a fraction of the damage back together.
Glacia bit her lips, ordering, "Ice Fang!"
*Zooom*
It retaliated, flying in close to use Ice Fang. But Azure countered, "Send it back!"
*Wooosh*
Metagross met the lunge with a solid, psychic repulsion, the Gyro Ball's residual rotation effortlessly deflecting the sharp bite. Glacia tried a different tactic, ordering, "Tch. Use Ice Shard Glalie!"
*Crackle*
Glalie quickly tried a different tactic: Ice Shard. A burst of crystallized ice shot forth, but Azure merely smiled, countering, "Take it!"
*Shiii*
Metagross's psychic field flared blue. The launched Ice Shard stopped mid-air, trembling under the influence of Telekinesis….
*Wooosh*
Metagross's brain instantly calculated the proper trajectory and hurled the concentrated shards back at Glalie with three times the original velocity. Glalie scrambled to recover, but the deflected attack opened it up to the next maneuver.
Metagross shot forward, its four limbs retracting as it focused its mass again. Azure ordered calmly, "Finish it! Gyro Ball!"
*CRACK*
The steel sphere struck Glalie directly, and this time, the damage was final. Glalie shattered against the far wall, neutralized. Glacia slowly recalled Glalie, her pale lips pressed into a thin line frown.
She was down to her final Pokémon. Azure still had his full six, though Slaking and Metagross had sustained damage, and the relentless hail continued its icy assault, but against a full team, she knew what this meant.
Glacia conceded, her voice regaining its cold steel, uttered, "Impressive, Challenger… You truly are a master tactician. But I have one Pokémon left. And she will freeze your advancements in their tracks."
Glacia released her last partner as he hurled the Poke Ball into the air, declaring, "This is our last stand! Froslass freeze them!!"
*Pop*
A graceful, spectral figure materialized: Froslass, its delicate, kimono-like body shimmering with spectral energy. But what caught Azure's immediate attention was its held item, as it held the [Froslassite].
Before he could even think, the battle brought his focus. Glacia commanded, "Froslass, Nasty Plot!"
*Shiii*
Froslass drifted upwards, its body dissolving into the swirling snow. Its ability to create illusions and hide within the environment was amplified by the blizzard.
The spectral energy mixed with the hail made it impossible for Metagross to lock onto its location. Azure frowned, caution replacing his triumph as he knew this move thought cautiously, 'If Froslass got off a few Nasty Plots, given her naturally high Special Attack, she could sweep my entire team...'
Realizing the danger, Azure's eyes hardened as he ordered bluntly, "Metagross, this is critical! Miracle Eye, locate her!"
*SNAP*
Metagross's sensor is glowing red, pushing outwards through the psychic field. The complex calculation sliced through the illusory noise and the physical interference of the hail, instantly pinpointing Froslass's single, true location.
Froslass shimmered back into visibility, revealed only briefly. Glacia whispered, her hand moving swiftly to the key stone embedded in her mauve belt, "Too late. The true potential of ice and spirit awaits! Answer the call, Froslass! MEGA EVOLUTION!"
*SHIII*
A brilliant column of light enveloped Froslass. When it dissipated, Azure gasped, seeing its new Mega Form.
Mega Froslass was a terrifying specter. Its body doubled in size, the horns elongating and sharpening like deadly crystals. Its kimono-like torso flowed downward in layered purple and light blue fabric, adorned with multiple ice crystals that formed a jagged snowflake pattern.
It no longer merely floated; it rested upon a flat mass of dense cloud that emanated from the base of its garment, hovering just above the icy floor. It looked majestic, yet utterly lethal in appearance.
Azure didn't hesitate. Facing a Mega Evolution and an impending sweep, immediate escalation was necessary as he roared, "Metagross! Time for us to go all out!! MEGA EVOLUTION!"
Metagross's body morphed, the four legs retracting into a single, immense, multi-appendaged body with greater mass and speed. The distinctive X-mark across its face glowed an icy blue. Mega Metagross roared, the sound cutting through the hail, "METAAA!!"
The battle of the Mega Evolutions began.
Azure struck first, aiming to hit the ghostly Pokémon with a super-effective attack, ordered, "Agile Style Fire Punch!"
*Zoooom*
*Sssss*
Metagross's fist ignited, a searing orange heat cutting through the blizzard conditions as it launched itself toward Mega Froslass. Glacia's smirk returned, colder than the arena itself as she ordered, "Ice those flames! Icy Wind!"
*Swooosh*
Mega Froslass released a concentrated jet of sub-zero, spectral air. The freezing power hit the Fire Punch head-on…
*CRACKLE*
To Azure's shock, the flames didn't merely extinguish—they froze, encapsulated instantly into an orange, burning cube of ice. Glacia explained calmly, her voice coldly amplified by the ice field, "Mega Froslass's ability to manipulate cold has increased substantially. When infused with spectral energy, the cold can freeze even the intangible—wind, heat, and flames alike."
Azure felt a stab of fear seeing Mega Froslass's new abilities as he thought cautiously, eyeing the Mega Froslass warily, 'This battle is no longer just about brute strength; it is about the absolute control of status and environment.'
Glacia pressed her psychological advantage as she ordered bluntly, "Froslass, copy his strength! Psych Up!"
*Shiii*
Mega Froslass's spectral eyes locked onto Mega Metagross, its body absorbing the information and mirroring the psychic energy. In an instant, Mega Froslass gained all Metagross's painstakingly accumulated buffs: +2 Speed from Agility, +1 Attack/Accuracy from Hone Claws, and +1 Defense/Special Defense from Cosmic Power.
Azure's eyes widened seeing this as he thought bitterly, 'A faster, tougher, and highly accurate Mega Froslass… great. Just what I needed…'
Azure screamed, seizing the opportunity, "Now, Shadow Ball!"
*PEW*
A massive orb of dark, ghostly energy formed in Mega Metagross's grasp and shot toward Mega Froslass. But before he could finish the move, Glacia executed her strategy to perfection, "Freeze the darkness! Icy Wind!"
*SWOOOSH*
The jet of freezing air struck the Shadow Ball, encapsulating it in a sphere of dark ice. The Icy Wind continued past the frozen projectile, slamming the concentrated cold into Mega Metagross.
The full force of the gale hit, and Mega Metagross immediately displayed the tell-tale sign of status: Frostbite. It was severely hindered, its metallic body turning a deep, painful blue from the attack.
The danger was terrifyingly clear—Mega Froslass could systematically freeze Metagross and every subsequent member of his team. Azure swallowed hard, realizing the gravity of the situation.
He couldn't risk further long-range combat. Taking a deep breath, ordered, "Metagross, ascend! Create space! Stone Edge!"
*RMBL*
Metagross flew upward violently, the magnetic repulsion of Magnet Rise combining with its Agility to give it shocking altitude. From above, chunks of jagged rock, conjured by psychic power, rained down on Froslass.
Froslass, now equally swift, effortlessly drifted and navigated through the falling stones. Glacia had foreseen the move as she ordered, "Blizzard!"
*Swooosh*
Mega Froslass unleashed a furious, swirling vortex of ice that tore upward, chasing Metagross into the high air. Azure knew he was running out of time. If he hesitated, the Frostbite would wear him down, or Froslass would land a direct hit with a boosted special attack.
He had to use the one advantage Froslass couldn't counter: Metagross's overwhelming physical mass and its specialized ability. Taking the chance, Azure ordered, "Metagross! Ignore the cold! Strong Style Iron Head! Charge down!"
*SHINNG*
*ZOOOOM*
Metagross ignored the swirling Blizzard and folded its body, concentrating its speed and weight into a single, devastating impact. It plunged through the thickest part of the icy torrent.
But Glacia watched the descent, her eyes gleaming with predatory certainty, declared, "It's over. Freeze it solid!"
*CRACKLE*
The ice encased Metagross completely. In the heart of the Blizzard, Mega Metagross became a colossal, armored shell of solid, heavy ice.
It was a spectacular freeze. Glacia muttered, satisfied, truly believing she had captured the behemoth, "It's over."
But Azure's face, etched against the background of the blizzard, was not one of defeat. He was grinning as he thought, 'Yeah… this battle is over.'
The frozen Metagross did not stop. Encased in its prison, its descent accelerated. The ice shell, rather than hindering the attack, added tremendous, concentrated mass to the already formidable Steel-type move.
Metagross hit Mega Froslass like a frozen, metallic meteor…
*BOOOOM*
*RMBL*
The attack, now an Ice Metal Head, was catastrophic. Mega Froslass, despite its ghost typing, possessed a fragile physical defense.
The combination of Mega Metagross's colossal, buffed Attack stat (+1), the raw power of Iron Head, the critical boost from its Tough Claws ability, and the added inertia from the frozen shell resulted in an impact that shook the entire icy arena.
*CRACK*
A deafening crack echoed through the chamber. Mega Froslass cried out, the spectral energy dissolving violently. Its massive form dissolved, falling back to the floor in a shimmering, unstable torrent of vapor and ice crystals.
Mega Froslass was defeated.
Mega Metagross rebounded slightly from the impact. The ice shell shattered, harmlessly falling away, revealing the steel giant, weary but victorious.
Glacia stood silent for a long moment, staring at the space where her strongest Pokémon had been. She closed her eyes, then opened them, a deep sigh escaping her lips. She finally admitted, recalling Froslass, "A magnificent counter. You used my own element against me. That was pure brilliance. You anticipated the freeze and utilized the added mass to convert a defensive move into an overwhelming offensive."
She offered a small, sincere smile with a light bow of her head, added, "Congratulations, Trainer. You have earned the right to proceed."
Azure nodded, a profound relief washing over him. He walked forward, recalling Metagross and Slaking and using a pair of Full Restores immediately.
He murmured to the recovered Poké Balls on his belt, knowing the hardest part of the Hoenn challenge still lay ahead, "Thank you, both."
He turned toward the adjoining corridor, the air already growing warmer, less oppressive, beckoning him toward the domain of the next Elite Four member. The path to Drake's room, and the final challenge, lay open.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!