Chapter 344: Hoenn's Champion Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Pokémon League (Hoenn) – Champion's Room]
Now, with four Pokémon each remaining, the tension was palpable. On the octagonal stage, Azure's Gardevoir stood, its graceful form glowing faintly with psychic energy. The [Twisted Spoon] it held pulsed with a subtle power, amplifying its psychic capabilities.
Steven, a faint smile playing on his lips, retrieved his current Pokémon. He said calmly, his eyes glinting with a challenge, "You've come far, Azure. But the championship isn't yours yet."
He threw his next Poké Ball, declaring, "Go, Claydol!"
*Pop*
With a shimmer of light, Claydol materialized, its ancient, segmented form hovering gracefully above the stage, its three eyes glowing. The [Expert Belt] around its waist seemed to thrum, ready to harness opposing attacks.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, "Gardevoir, Calm Mind!"
*Drip*
Gardevoir closed its eyes, its hands coming together. A serene aura enveloped it, its psychic energy coalescing, strengthening its resolve and mental fortitude. Its Special Attack and Special Defense stats surged by +1 Stage, a visible ripple of power emanating from its elegant form.
Steven's smile widened, a calculating glint in his eyes. He then commanded calmly, "Claydol, Heal Block!"
*THUMP*
A dark, swirling vortex of energy erupted from Claydol, hurtling towards Gardevoir. Azure frowned. He knew Steven's strategy as he thought, 'Heal Block, a move designed to prevent recovery, would have been devastating against Milotic's Recover. Gardevoir, while capable of healing, didn't rely on it as heavily. Still, it was a nuisance, cutting off any potential Wish or Recover support…'
Steven, ever the strategist, adapted quickly. Steven ordered, not giving Gardevoir a moment to gather itself, "Imprison!"
*Shiii*
Claydol's eyes flared, and a shimmering, invisible barrier began to solidify around Gardevoir, designed to trap it and seal its moves. It was a potent, disorienting attack, but Azure countered, his voice ringing with urgency, "Teleport!"
*Swf*
Just as the forcefield was about to solidify, Gardevoir dematerialized, shimmering out of existence using Teleport. It reappeared a split second later, a few feet away, outside the encroaching barrier.
Before Claydol could react, Gardevoir's hand snapped forward, and a single, emerald-green leaf, charged with immense psychic power, shot forth. Azure roared, "Agile Style Magical Leaf!"
Steven's mind flashed to a memory of Excadrill's swift defeat in his mind. Steven's eyes narrowed as he thought, 'The leaf was more than just a projectile; it was a bladed projectile, honed by psychic force. The very same move that had knocked out Excadrill earlier… but I won't be surprised again.'
*BOOOM*
It cut through the air with an audible crack, breaking the sound barrier. It was impossibly fast, aimed squarely at Claydol.
But Steven was ready. His eyes, narrowed in focus, had anticipated such an aggressive counter-command: "Claydol, Teleport, then Rapid Spin!"
*Swf*
Claydol vanished just as the Magical Leaf tore through the space it had occupied, leaving a faint, shimmering trail. It reappeared directly behind Gardevoir, and the air around it distorts.
*BASH*
With a sudden burst of momentum, Claydol began to spin, its ancient body a blur of motion. The Rapid Spin slammed into Gardevoir's back, catching the Psychic-type off guard. The force of the impact sent Gardevoir stumbling forward, a gasp escaping its psychic lips.
The attack, however, had also served to increase Claydol's speed by +1 Stage, making its next move even more challenging to evade. Gardevoir struggled to regain its balance, its elegant form swaying.
Before it could properly recover, Claydol was on it again, a whirlwind of ancient earth and pottery. Another Rapid Spin connected, this time sending up a cloud of dust and fine sand that billowed around Gardevoir, further disorienting it.
*SMACK*
The Champion's Pokémon was relentless. Steven commanded, pressing his advantage, "Now, Shadow Ball!"
*CRACKLE*
A sphere of dark, spectral energy began to coalesce between Claydol's segmented hands, growing rapidly in size and malevolence. It was aimed directly at the disoriented Gardevoir, a devastating blow designed to knock it out.
Azure's eyes widened, a desperate plan forming. He quickly countered the attack, "Gardevoir, Future Sight!"
*Shiii*
Just as Claydol hurled the Shadow Ball, a shimmer of distortion appeared before Gardevoir prepared her attack. With a final, desperate surge of psychic power, it managed to intercept the incoming attack.
*Swf*
The Shadow Ball didn't explode; instead, it seemed to phase out of existence, pulled through the shimmering portal into a different timeline in a distinct moment, sent into the future. This alarmed Steven.
Steven's eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise in their depths, quickly replaced by cautious thought. He mused, his mind racing, 'Future Sight…. A gamble. Sending my own attack into the future. That makes its return near impossible to predict.'
He knew the fundamental principle: Future Sight sends an attack into a temporal distortion, only to manifest two turns later. But for it to absorb an opponent's attack and send that into the future?
That was a highly advanced application. He had to assume it would return Claydol's Shadow Ball, as he thought, 'But when? And where?'
He settled into a waiting game, a plan already beginning to form in his tactical mind. He would wait for the inevitable return, and he would be ready.
Returning his focus to the present, Steven pressed on. Steven ordered calmly, "Claydol, Signal Beam!"
*PEW*
A vibrant, multi-colored beam of energy erupted from Claydol's central eye, arcing towards Gardevoir. Azure ordered, "Teleport!"
*Swf*
*BOOOM*
Gardevoir vanished, reappearing momentarily to avoid the incoming blast. The Signal Beam struck the octagonal stage, carving a scorched gouge into the dark brown surface and kicking up a dense cloud of dust and debris, a makeshift smokescreen.
Azure commanded, unwilling to cede ground, "Magical Leaf barrage!"
*PEW*
Gardevoir unleashed a flurry of glowing green leaves, a psychic storm aimed at where Claydol had been. But the Clay Doll Pokémon was elusive as Steven ordered, "Not a chance. Claydol! Teleport!"
*Swf*
It vanished again with Teleport, reappearing above the rising smokescreen, its three eyes glowing, its speed now noticeably increased. Steven's voice cut through the air, "Rapid Spin, direct the smoke!"
*SPIN*
Claydol began to spin rapidly, not to attack Gardevoir directly, but to manipulate the environment. The powerful centrifugal force it generated began to draw in the dense smokescreen, shaping it into a swirling vortex that it then launched back towards Gardevoir's direction.
Azure shouted, realizing the danger, "Magical Leaf, barrier!"
*Swooosh*
Gardevoir quickly formed a shield of glowing green leaves, attempting to protect itself from the incoming cloud of suffocating dust and sand. The strategy worked, partially, as the barrier absorbed the worst of the impact.
Claydol's speed, however, had now increased again. Before Gardevoir could fully recover from defending against the smokescreen, a new threat emerged.
*SPIN*
Claydol, still spinning, intensified its Rapid Spin, not just using the existing dust but now kicking up fresh debris from the earlier battles – the shattered remnants of rock from Skarmory's encounters, the scorched earth from Salamence's flames, the stray shards left over from Steven's Excadrill's battle against Milotic.
*RMBL*
This chaotic mix of earthen fragments and psychic energy began to form a miniature twister, roaring to life around Gardevoir. Claydol's speed was now at an astounding +3 stages, making it an almost untouchable blur.
*SMACK*
Gardevoir, caught off-guard, struggled desperately to avoid the swirling vortex, but the force was too great for it to escape. It was lifted, suspended within the violent, earthy column, unable to escape.
Steven pressed his advantage, his voice cold and calculated, "Shadow Ball, into the twister Claydol!"
Steven's eyes hardened as he thought, calmly calculating the situation, 'This was the moment. It had to appear here now!'
*CACKLE*
Claydol gathered another dark orb of spectral energy, aiming it directly at the helpless Gardevoir trapped within the twister. The attack was imminent, poised to deliver a crushing blow…
*Swf*
But then, a ripple appeared in the air directly behind Claydol. A portal, shimmering with residual psychic energy, opened, and from it burst a familiar, dark sphere – Claydol's own Shadow Ball, sent into the future by Gardevoir's earlier Future Sight!
It was aimed at Claydol, a poetic, karmic retribution. But a knowing grin spread across Steven's face as he thought, 'Bingo. I was correct. Now time to give Azure's Gardevoir a taste of its own medicine.'
He had expected this. He had been waiting to issue his counter, "Claydol, Future Sight! Use your Shadow Ball to intercept!"
*Shiii*
Without hesitation, Claydol's eyes flared. The Shadow Ball it had just prepared for Gardevoir, didn't fly forward. Instead, just like Gardevoir had done, it enveloped the incoming Shadow Ball from the past within its own psychic energy, and with a burst of temporal distortion, both converged and vanished into another future portal.
*Swf*
Steven's counter-move was swift and precise. A split second later, a new portal, larger and more volatile, ripped open directly above the struggling Gardevoir in the twister. From it, both Shadow Balls, Claydol's original and Gardevoir's redirected one, erupted…
*KA-BOOOM*
The combined attack slammed into Gardevoir with devastating force, amplified by the swirling debris of the twister. Gardevoir cried out, a psychic shriek of pain, as it was sent flying, crashing hard onto the stage.
*THUD*
It hit with a heavy thud, sliding several feet across the polished surface. It struggled, pushing itself up on trembling arms, its elegant form battered, but its eyes still defiant. It tried to stand, but its legs buckled, slipping on the disturbed earth and debris.
As the dust began to settle and the clouds of sand parted, revealing the critically injured Gardevoir, Steven knew it was time to finish the job. Steven ordered calmly, "Hyper Beam, full power!"
*SHIII*
Claydol charged, its three eyes glowing with an intense, golden light. A colossal beam of raw energy began to form, rapidly expanding, threatening to obliterate Gardevoir.
Azure yelled, his voice strained, "Protect!"
He knew this was Gardevoir's last chance.
*CLANG*
With a final, desperate surge of energy, Gardevoir manifested a shimmering green barrier around itself, just as the Hyper Beam erupted from Claydol hit its barrier. The immense power of the attack hammered against the shield, causing the entire octagonal stage to tremble, but Protect held.
The Hyper Beam dissipated, leaving Claydol momentarily vulnerable, paralyzed from the immense energy expenditure. Azure seized the fleeting opportunity, "Now, Strong Style Shadow Ball!"
*CACKLE*
Gardevoir, its form still weak, mustered its remaining strength. A dark, spectral orb, smaller than before but still potent, shot towards the stationary Claydol.
Steven, however, remained calm. He had accounted for this as Claydol finished recharging, ordered, "Claydol, Mirror Coat!"
*Shiii*
Despite its momentary paralysis, Claydol's ancient form shimmered. A reflective barrier, barely visible, flickered into existence around it. Gardevoir's Shadow Ball slammed into the Mirror Coat…
*CLANG*
… and instead of exploding or being absorbed, it was instantly and powerfully reflected. The dark orb, now charged with an amplified vengeance, shot back at Gardevoir with terrifying speed. Gardevoir, already on the brink, had no time to react…
*BOOOOM*
The reflected Shadow Ball struck it squarely, overloading its psychic defenses. With a final, faint shimmer, Gardevoir collapsed, its eyes dimming, utterly defeated. Azure's heart sank, a heavy sense of loss washing over him.
He slowly recalled his valiant partner whispering kindly, "Thanks for the help, girl… leave the rest to us."
Steven, a knowing grin spreading across his face, sighed as he thought, 'A challenging opponent, indeed. But the victory…'
Just as the thought formed, Claydol, still hovering, began to flicker. Its three eyes dimmed, its segmented body swaying precariously…
*Thud*
With a sudden, violent tremor ran through its ancient form, and with a soft, almost imperceptible sound of crumbling earth, it fell. The [Expert Belt] lay momentarily still before dropping to the stage.
Azure, despite his fatigue, felt a surge of grim satisfaction, proudly thinking, 'That's my girl! Taking them down with her.'
He looked at Steven, who for the first time showed a genuine surprise, before a deeper understanding dawned in his eyes. Steven murmured, his grin returning, laced with respect, "Destiny Bond. A double knockout. Clever, Azure. Very clever."
Azure nodded, a tired but resolute glint in his eyes. Gardevoir, in its final moments, had sacrificed itself to take down its opponent. The scores were now tied: three Pokémon each for each side. A quiet tension filled the chamber. Both trainers, with three Pokémon each still in reserve, simultaneously reached for their next partners.
Steven stated, a hint of challenge in his voice as he revealed a Poké Ball, its surface glowing with an unusual intensity, "Now, Azure, let's see if you can handle my newest acquisition. Come forth! Metagross!!"
*Pop*
From it emerged a Metagross, but not just any Metagross. This one was larger, more imposing than any Azure had ever seen, its metal body shimmering with a deep, iridescent silver, and its four legs ending in sharp, gleaming points.
It wasn't just Alpha, the pinnacle of its species, but Shiny, its usual blue replaced by a striking, almost ethereal silver. Its eyes, usually red, burned with a cold, yellow intensity. Clutched subtly in one of its metallic arms was a [Metagrossite], pulsating with latent power.
Azure was genuinely stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief and a touch of awe as he uttered in disbelief, "An Alpha and Shiny Metagross?!! What the hell, Steven!!! I've never seen you with anything like that before!"
Steven chuckled, a rare, relaxed sound, as he admired his new Ace. He casually explained, "This one? Oh, I've been training it in secret. A labor of love, you might say. I knew it would become my new Ace, ready for the day if we ever fought, or if another truly strong trainer, like Wallace in the past, ever reached this peak. Impressed?"
Azure had to admit, a wave of professional jealousy washed over him. An Alpha Pokémon, the very embodiment of its species' potential, and shiny to boot—its unique coloration only amplified its imposing presence.
Azure couldn't help but think to himself enviously, 'Steven really knows how to flex his wealth and resources. Damn that pretty boy...'
But then, his gaze hardened. Such things were secondary to the bond with his partners. Azure conceded, a small grin playing on his lips, "Impressive… but not intimidated. My Pokémon trust me just as much as yours trust you, Steven. No matter the odds. Let's do this! I choose you, Sceptile!"
*Pop*
With his own resolve reinforced, Azure released his next partner: Sceptile. The Grass-type Starter landed with a powerful thud, its reptilian eyes glowing with fierce determination. Around its neck, a small [Sceptilite] glinted in its green scarf, ready to respond to its trainer's call.
The ultimate clash was about to begin.
Steven wasted no time. He commanded, "Metagross! Power up!"
*SHIII*
The Alpha Shiny Metagross, with its four brains processing information at an accelerated rate, acted with frightening efficiency. It shimmered with an unseen energy, its movements becoming impossibly swift as it used Agility…
*Shiii*
A faint, shimmering aura enveloped it as it called upon Cosmic Power, bolstering its defenses. Its metallic claws gleamed with sharpened purpose, powered by Hone Claws, and its already robust body became an impenetrable fortress with Iron Defense.
In a matter of seconds, Metagross had boosted its speed, attack, and both defenses significantly. Azure could feel the gap between them widening with each stat boost Metagross gained. Metagross was becoming an unstoppable juggernaut.
Azure voice boomed, ordering, "Sceptile! Leech Seed!"
Azure was attempting to negate the stat changes with a draining status condition. But Metagross's intellect was too great…
*Shiii*
Before the luminous seed could even fully form from Sceptile's mouth, Steven's Metagross pulsed with psychic energy, its Psychic attack manifesting as a shimmering barrier that deflected the nascent Leech Seed back, dissipating it before it could connect. Azure frowned as he thought, 'This Metagross is disturbingly perceptive.'
Steven's voice cut through the air, "Meteor Mash, Metagross!"
*Zooom*
Metagross launched itself forward, a silver blur, its metallic fist glowing. But Azure shouted, "Sceptile, Detect!"
*Wooosh*
Sceptile, with a burst of agility, shimmered out of existence just as Metagross's fist slammed into the ground where it had been. Appearing behind Metagross, Azure ordered, "Agile Style Fury Cutter!"
*Shinng*
Sceptile countered swiftly with a flurry of Fury Cutters, its leaf blades striking the steel body with surprising speed. The attacks, though fast, barely scratched Metagross.
*Wooosh*
Steven's Ace spun around, its four powerful brains anticipating Sceptile's next move. Steven ordered, "Another Meteor Mash, now!"
*THWACK*
Metagross's metallic fist connected this time, a sickening THWACK echoing through the chamber. Sceptile cried out, sent flying across the arena, a stark demonstration of the immense difference in physical strength between the two.
But even as it soared through the air, Azure saw an opening as he commanded, "Now, Sceptile! Leech Seed!"
*PEW*
A shimmering green orb launched from Sceptile's mouth, arcing towards the mighty Metagross. But Steven was ready. He barked, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
A green, hexagonal barrier shimmered around Metagross just as the Leech Seed struck, dissolving harmlessly against its psychic shield. Metagross had predicted the status condition with unnerving accuracy.
Steven pressed his advantage, "Agility, Metagross! Close in!"
*Zoooom*
Metagross, now faster than ever, zoomed towards the still-recovering Sceptile. Azure commanded, desperate to create space, "Energy Ball, Sceptile!"
*Shiii*
A vibrant green sphere of concentrated energy erupted from Sceptile. Steven countered, "Metagross! Psychic!"
*Shiiii*
Metagross's eyes were glowing, a wave of raw mental force pushing back against the Energy Ball. The two attacks collided in a brilliant explosion of green and violet light.
*BOOOM*
But the Energy Ball, fueled by Sceptile's determination, managed to subdue the Psychic energy, causing a direct hit and leaving a visible scorch mark on Metagross's tough hide. However, the residual force of Steven's attack still sent Sceptile tumbling back, wincing in pain.
Seeing the damage, however slight, Steven muttered, "He predicted my strategy."
Azure, internally, offered a silent thanks to Steven. Years ago, Steven had gifted a Beldum to Azure, a gesture of helping find the best way to please his own Metagross.
That Beldum had since evolved into Azure's own Metagross, a powerful partner. Having trained his own Metagross, Azure instinctively understood the creature's thought patterns, its tendency to use Agility to close distances, then Psychic to control the battle.
Steven's tactics, while powerful, were familiar to Azure. Despite the hit, Steven decided to pull back for now.
He called, the Alpha Shiny Pokémon vanishing back into its ball, "Return, Metagross!"
Having Metagross returned, Steven thought slyly, 'Too soon. I want to enjoy this battle a bit more and have my partners get stronger…'
Steven tactfully recalled Metagross. Grabbing another Poke Ball from his belt, he smiled, declaring, "Aggron, stand by!"
*Pop*
A new Poké Ball released a hulking Aggron, its metallic armor gleaming, a [Leftovers] held in its powerful claws. Steven's gaze, usually so placid, now held a renewed fire declared, "While I may be the strongest trainer in Hoenn, Azure, that alone isn't enough for me. Only by facing truly strong trainers, champions like yourself, can I continue to grow."
Azure, usually so composed, felt a rush of adrenaline as he thought, 'I'd never seen Steven so fired up before, so openly passionate about pushing his limits. This just lights a fire in my stomach!'
A wide grin spread across Azure's face as he replied excitedly, "The feeling's mutual, Steven! And I will win this Champion Battle. For every person and Pokémon who has cheered us on to this point!"
With a similar flourish, Azure recalled his Sceptile as he said calmly, "Rest up, Sceptile. You've earned it."
Then, with a deliberate motion, Azure chose his next partner as he declared, "We need to break his momentum! Slaking, I choose you!!"
*Pop*
From the Poké Ball emerged a truly massive Pokémon, its fur a pristine white, its muscular frame rippling with immense power, yet its default expression remained one of serene indolence. It was another Alpha, an Alpha Slaking, and it carried its own [Leftovers] with an unexpected grace.
Steven blinked, a flicker of genuine bewilderment crossing his features as he thought carefully, 'Slaking. The infamous Truant ability, which allowed it to attack only every other turn, is a notorious limitation. To bring such a Pokémon to the final stretch of a Champion Battle, against an opponent like me, seemed almost… suicidal.'
It baffled him, yet he didn't let his guard down in front of Azure as his eyes hardened, thinking cautiously, 'If Azure, a Champion, brought a Slaking to this pinnacle, it had to be unique in some way. I can't let my guard down around him…'
Steven's instincts screamed caution. Steven commanded, deciding to test the waters, "Aggron, Metal Claw!"
Aggron roared, its metallic claws glowing as it charged forward. Azure yelled, "Slaking, use Counter!"
*Shiii*
But this wasn't the move "Counter" that returned double the damage. Instead, a vibrant, fierce Fighting-type aura erupted around Slaking, enveloping its colossal body. Steven's eyes narrowed as he thought, 'This wasn't a standard move; this was a status condition or a unique ability, something entirely different…'
It was the activation of its "Counter Status Condition," a latent power that confused Steven and sent a ripple of anxiety through him. Aggron's Metal Claw slammed into Slaking's chest with a resounding clang.
*CLANG*
Slaking grunted, taking the hit, but the Fighting-type aura around it flared. The "Counter Status Condition" was activated, defying its Truant ability, and Slaking retaliated with a devastating Power-Up Punch.
*Booom*
The force of the blow sent Aggron skidding back several feet, a groan escaping its ironclad body. Simultaneously, Slaking's Attack stat visibly increased by one stage. But witnessing this shocked Steven as he thought, 'This is beyond shocking; it had counterattacked when it should have been lazing around! How did he bypass Truant?!!'
Steven stared, dumbfounded. He noticed, too, how unusually active the Alpha Slaking was, its eyes seemingly more alert than any Slaking he'd ever encountered.
This new variable made him profoundly cautious. With its Truant turn seemingly bypassed by this unique counter mechanic, Azure seized the opportunity, "Slaking, go onto the offensive! Strong Style Brick Break!"
*ZOOOM*
The Alpha Slaking, a creature renowned for its sluggishness, moved with unfathomable speed. It lunged, a white blur, its massive fist cloaked in fighting energy.
Steven's instincts, honed by countless battles, screamed danger. He bellowed in urgency, "Aggron, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Just in time, a shimmering green shield enveloped Aggron. Slaking's colossal fist, charged with Brick Break power, slammed into the barrier…
*RMBL*
The entire octagonal room shook violently, dust raining from the ceiling, the impact reverberating through the very foundations of the building. Even through Protect, Aggron shuddered.
Steven's brow furrowed as he thought, 'This Slaking is not what it seems.'
Steven commanded, hoping to create an opening, "Aggron, Metal Sound!"
*SCREEE*
A high-frequency shriek of grinding metal erupted from Aggron, a piercing sound that assaulted Slaking's senses, noticeably lowering its special defenses. Predictably, thanks to its Truant ability, Slaking could only stand there, covering its ears, enduring the sonic assault.
Steven raised an eyebrow, seeing this as he thought, 'It didn't retaliate? Why? Is there perhaps something to his counterattacks?'
Sensing something amiss, Steven's mind got to work, wanting to know why. But now it was Azure's turn again; he wasn't given the chance to think as Azure ordered, "Slaking, Power-Up Punch!"
*Zoooom*
The Alpha Slaking, still affected by Metal Sound, lunged forward with renewed ferocity. Steven quickly countered, "Flash Cannon, Aggron!"
*PEW*
A beam of concentrated steel energy shot from Aggron, striking Slaking head-on. The attack connected…
*THUD*
… but it didn't stop the rampaging Alpha. Slaking roared, pushing through the pain, and landed another crushing Power-Up Punch on Aggron, sending the Iron Armor Pokémon skidding back even further.
*BASH*
Slaking's Attack stat visibly spiked again, now at +2 stages. Steven ordered, hoping to utilize Aggron's sheer weight against the lighter-looking Slaking, "Heavy Slam, Aggron!"
*THUD*
Aggron lumbered forward, slamming its heavy body into Slaking. The blow landed with a sickening crunch, and for a moment, Slaking staggered. But then, as if on cue, the Fighting-type aura flared around it once more…
*SMASH*
Slaking, though in its Truant state from the Heavy Slam, activated its Counter Status Condition and unleashed another Power-Up Punch. The force was immense, sending Aggron flying, crashing into the ground with a pained bellow.
Slaking's Attack stat climbed again, now at an alarming +3 stages. Steven frowned, a cold knot forming in his stomach as he thought, 'This Slaking is a menace. But I feel like I'm missing something crucial in this battle…'
His focus snapped back to the field. With a free turn, Azure instructed, "Slaking, Power-Up Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Aggron was still reeling, but Steven's quick thinking kicked in. He shouted, "Protect, again Aggron!"
*CLANG*
The shield shimmered into existence just in time, blocking the devastating punch, but Slaking's Attack stat roared to +4, making it incredibly dangerous. However, as Slaking's punch bounced off the Protect, Steven finally noticed it as he thought, 'It doesn't attack during non-attacking moves only physical... but does the same apply to Special Attacks?'
An idea sparked in Steven's mind. He ordered during Slaking's Truant turn, "Flash Cannon, Aggron!"
*PEW*
The steel beam struck Slaking, and this time, there was no retaliatory Power-Up Punch, no surge of fighting aura. Seeing this, Steven thought in realization, 'So that's it! That's his trick and weakness…!'
It clicked. The auto counterattack with the fighting-type aura only triggered when Slaking was hit by a Physical attack. Azure's brilliant, unconventional strategy was laid bare. Steven finally understood.
Now having the pattern down, he felt a surge of confidence as he thought, 'Knowing the pattern… I can handle this.'
Azure's voice cut through his newfound certainty, "Slaking, Rest!"
Steven's newfound confidence immediately wavered. Slaking, with a contented sigh, settled onto the ground and fell fast asleep, recovering all its health.
Steven frowned as he thought calmly, 'This is a setback, but I still have the pattern down. I just have command at the right time…'
Steven ordered, planning to punish the sleeping Slaking, "Aggron, Flash Cannon!"
But then, he noticed Azure's small, smug grin. A shiver ran down Steven's spine. He knew, with a terrifying certainty, that something incredibly wrong was about to occur.
As Slaking lay asleep, entering its Truant state, it suddenly let out a massive, booming yawn. A shimmering wave of energy pulsed from its open maw, washing over Aggron. Aggron, mid-charge, was instantly hit by the Yawning effect.
*YAWNNN*
Its eyes grew heavy, and like a puppet whose strings had been cut, the mighty Aggron suddenly fell into a deep Sleep Condition, collapsing onto the battle stage. Steven's eyes widened, finally realizing the full, terrifying danger in front of him as he murmured, "This wasn't merely a Physical Attack trigger; this was a meticulously crafted trap!"
Azure didn't give him a chance to recover, ordering, "Slaking, Sleep Talk!"
The Alpha Slaking stirred in its sleep, its massive body twitching. A random move was selected by the power of Sleep Talk, and it was devastating: Earthquake.
*THUD*
Slaking slammed its colossal foot onto the stage, sending a shockwave that tore through the ground. The earth buckled, and Aggron, unmoving in its sleep, was caught directly in the epicenter of the quake…
*RMBL*
With its Attack stat boosted to an incredible +4 stages, the Earthquake was overwhelmingly powerful. Aggron roared in pain, a sound muffled by the earth, as it was lifted and then slammed back down, defeated.
*Thud*
Steven recalled his partner, the Poké Ball clutched tightly in his hand. He stared at the sleeping Alpha Slaking, utterly surprised by its fighting style. Tanking each hit, countering when he least expected it, then setting up an ingenious sleep trap.
He murmured to himself, his mind already racing to figure out his next move, "Quite the troubling Pokémon to face…"
Azure, meanwhile, simply grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. He wondered how Hoenn's unshakeable Champion would get out of this predicament.
The battle was far from over, but Azure had just landed a psychological blow as impactful as any physical attack, as he thought, 'Now Steven… how'd you break from this strategy. That's the key to moving past Slaking…'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS for a Bonus Chapter!
I've decided to return to 100 PS again, mostly to build suspense and have some chapters made in progress. On a side note, how do you guys like the battle with Steven going so far?
And for future champion battles and when the MC goes to Sinnoh... how strong do you guys want Cynthia to be? And what team should the MC have during his time in Sinnoh in the meantime?