Chapter 569: Elite Four Bug Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Aaron's Room]
*Thud*
Azure passed through the imposing main gates, the heavy thud of their closing echoing behind him. He found himself in a striking blue and white hallway, divided by a small, gleaming lift and illuminated by rhythmic yellow and red lights that pulsed softly.
The path to the first Elite Four member, Aaron, began with a particularly long lift, its mechanism humming with anticipation. Azure stepped onto it, feeling a gentle whir as it ascended, carrying him higher into the challenge ahead.
*PING*
With a final ping, the lift reached its destination, and Azure stepped forward, pushing open the ornate, heavy double doors that led to Aaron's chamber. Heavy stone doors creaked open, then a solid thud as they closed behind Azure.
*THUD*
The interior of the room was a stark contrast to the sterile hallway. It was an homage to nature, a cleverly constructed biome of deep browns, verdant greens, and rugged textures. Rough-hewn logs lay scattered across grassy patches, interspersed with formations of moss-covered rocks that seemed to sprout from the very ground.
The air carried a faint, earthy scent, like a forest after a spring rain. At the far end of this natural arena, standing amidst a cluster of tall, slender trees, was Elite Four Aaron. He was a young man with a calm, focused gaze, his green hair slightly dishevelled, and a relaxed posture that belied his formidable power. He wore the signature Elite Four uniform, an elegant yet practical design.
Aaron greeted Azure, his voice even and pleasant, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Welcome, Azure Sky. I've been expecting you. It's a true honor to face a challenger of your caliber."
He stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with respect. His smile broadened, stating, "First, allow me to congratulate you on reaching the Elite Four. And more importantly, for your crucial role in dealing with Team Galactic. Cynthia spoke highly of your efforts."
Azure nodded, offering a respectful bow as he answered in a respectful tone, "Thank you, Aaron. It's an honor to be here. And working with Champion Cynthia was an experience I won't soon forget."
Aaron took another step closer, his expression shifting to one of profound gratitude, almost surprising Azure with its intensity. He began, his voice laced with a deeper sincerity, "And... I must also personally thank you for something else. The return of the Hisuian Pokémon to our present day, and the discovery of a magnificent new evolution path for Scyther... Kleavor..."
He paused, a look of almost childlike wonder in his eyes before continuing, "A personal favorite of mine, I must admit. Their unique characteristics, their connection to the past... It's a blessing for all Bug-type enthusiasts."
Azure chuckled, a soft sound that momentarily broke the solemnity of the moment. He emphasized with a slight smirk, hinting at his unique origin without fully revealing it, "Well, I can't take all the credit, Aaron. While I certainly did... travel through time, it was truly the tireless work of Prof. Oak and the top leading breeders across various regions who painstakingly revived them using the data and artifacts I brought back. I just happened to be the guy who brought them back to the future, so to speak."
Aaron backed up, a hearty laugh escaping him. He nodded wholeheartedly, the pleasantries seeming to recharge his spirit as he explained, "Nonetheless, your part was instrumental. Such magnificent creatures! To think, a Rock/Bug type that commands such power... truly inspiring."
But with the greetings and shared admiration out of the way, Aaron's demeanor shifted instantaneously. His smile evaporated, replaced by a serious, focused expression. A subtle, almost imperceptible pressure filled the air, the kind that emanates from a seasoned trainer about to engage in a high-stakes battle.
His eyes, now sharp and unwavering, locked onto Azure. Aaron stated, his voice firm, "However, now that the pleasantries are concluded, we stand at the threshold of battle against the Elite Four. As per the League rules, this will be a 6-vs-6 Pokémon Battle. Are you ready, Azure?"
Azure replied, his playful smirk giving way to a fierce determination matching Aaron's, "Ready when you are, Aaron!"
He moved swiftly, taking his position on the designated trainer's mark on the brown floor. The Arc Phone at his hip subtly vibrated, Rotom's energy thrumming.
Both trainers retrieved their first Poké Balls, holding them aloft. The tension in the room crackled, palpable.
Aaron declared, swinging his arm forward, "Let's begin! Heracross, to battle!"
*POP*
From a swirl of crimson light, a towering, blue beetle-like Pokémon with a massive horn emerged, landing with a solid thud in the center of the arena. It was Heracross, its powerful frame radiating raw strength.
As it materialized, a faint orange glow enveloped its body for a moment, and Heracross flinched, a small wisp of smoke curling from its horn. It had been instantly afflicted with a burn from its held item, the [Flame Orb].
But instead of weakening, its muscles visibly tensed, crackling with renewed intensity. Its eyes, previously calm, now burned with a fierce resolve. The Guts Ability had activated – a formidable power that not only boosted its Attack by 50% under a status condition but also negated the usual Attack-halving penalty of a burn.
Azure called out, his voice strong and clear, "Go, Togekiss!"
*POP*
With a graceful flourish, a beautiful, white, flying Pokémon with a cheerful demeanor and delicate wings unfurled from a beam of light. Togekiss descended, landing lightly on the grassy patch opposite Heracross, its [King's Rock] held securely on its head. She flapped her wings once, a picture of serene readiness.
Azure's lips curved into a confident grin, eyeing Aaron's Heracross, and commented in an appreciative tone, "A bold move, Aaron, relying on Guts with the [Flame Orb] right from the start. I like it!"
He gave his first command, "Togekiss, start with an Aerial Ace!"
*WHOOSH*
Togekiss launched herself into the air, a white blur streaking across the arena with incredible speed. Her body became infused with a pale, shimmering energy as she aimed for Heracross.
Aaron, unfazed, barked his own order, "Heracross, use Leer!"
Heracross lowered its head, its eyes narrowing into a menacing glare, attempting to intimidate its swift opponent. However, Togekiss was simply too fast. Before Heracross could finish its menacing stare, before the psychological effect could take hold, Togekiss was already upon it.
*THWACK*
Heracross grunted, the Aerial Ace striking its tough exoskeleton with a definite impact, sending a shiver through its sturdy frame. It stumbled slightly but quickly regained its footing, its Guts-fueled power undiminished.
Azure praised, "Excellent start, Togekiss! Now, Agile Style, Air Slash!"
Togekiss, still airborne, quickly recovered from her attack. Her graceful wings began to beat with increased vigor, catching the air with agile, rapid movements. A swirling sphere of light-blue energy materialized between her wingtips, rapidly expanding.
*ZAP*
Heracross roared, shaking its head, "Hera! (Oh no!)"
Just as the sphere transformed into a concentrated beam of energy, firing directly at Heracross, Aaron reacted swiftly. Aaron commanded, "Rock Smash, on the ground, Heracross!"
*CRACK*
Heracross slammed its powerful fist into the rocky floor of the arena with immense force. A resounding CRACK as the ground split, followed by a rumble. Jagged shards of earth and stone erupted upwards, coalescing into a makeshift, yet surprisingly sturdy, rocky shield directly in front of Heracross.
*KRA-POW*
The Air Slash beam slammed into this impromptu barrier with a loud sound, scattering debris and dust, but successfully blocking the attack. Aaron commanded, seizing the momentary disruption, "Now, Horn Attack!"
Heracross bellowed, its formidable horn glowing with a dangerous red energy as it charged through the dissipating dust cloud, aiming straight for Togekiss!
Azure countered with a calm voice, "Detect!"
*Fwooosh*
Just as Heracross's horn was about to connect, Togekiss shimmered, becoming translucent and intangible for a split second, the attack passing harmlessly through her. Heracross's horn met only empty air, its momentum carrying it slightly past its target. Togekiss reappeared almost instantly, floating a few feet away.
Azure pressed, not letting up, "Now, Strong Style Aerial Ace!"
Togekiss, her wings beating powerfully, executed another Aerial Ace, this time with a visible surge of raw power. She became a white missile, her trajectory slightly adjusted to account for Heracross's overextension.
*SWISH*
The attack didn't land squarely, but it grazed Heracross's side with significant force, leaving a scorch mark on its tough shell. Heracross recoiled, grunting in pain and surprise at Togekiss's fast pace.
Aaron's eyes widened slightly as he muttered, "Strong Style... that's a bold move, sacrificing speed for power."
Aaron quickly ordered, aiming to capitalize on Togekiss's momentary proximity, "Heracross, don't let up! Rock Blast!"
*Clack-clack-clack*
Heracross, still smarting, shook off the pain and stomped its foot. Small, sharp rocks began to form around its horn, ready to be launched in a rapid volley. But just as the first rock was about to fire…
*PING*
… Heracross visibly flinched, staggering back and clutching its head as if struck by an invisible force. The volley of rocks dispersed harmlessly. Aaron clicked his tongue, annoyance etched on his face.
He muttered, then his eyes narrowed as he observed Togekiss's subtle, confident tilt of her head, "Agh! [King's Rock]! And Serene Grace, of course. Boosting the flinch chance from 10% to 20% on certain moves. A nasty combination."
Azure merely grinned, his tactic clearly paying off. He followed up confidently, "Togekiss, Double-Team!"
*Whooosh*
Togekiss flapped her wings, creating multiple illusory copies of herself that spread out, gracefully circling the confused Heracross. The Bug-type Pokémon suddenly found itself surrounded, its Guts-fueled rage now compounded by disorientation.
Heracross roared, unsure of which target to pursue. Aaron, seeing his Pokémon's confusion, tried to calm it, "Heracross, relax. Don't let them fool you. Let Togekiss approach, then strike!"
He had a plan, a common counter to Double Team: wait for the real one to come close for an attack, then unleash a powerful, wide-range counter. He ordered, "When she's close, Heracross, use Fury Attack!"
Togekiss, seemingly complying, slowly approached one of the confused Heracross clones, narrowing the distance. Just as Heracross was about to spring, going berserk with a series of frantic jabs and slashes with its horn…
Azure's grin widened into a smirk. He countered Aaron's plan, "Too slow, Aaron! Counter Shield Silver Wind!"
Togekiss, instead of closing further, spun on the spot. A gust of silvery, glittering energy erupted from her body, quickly forming a small, shimmering tornado that encircled her. It wasn't merely a defensive move; it was a swirling vortex of offensive power. Heracross, caught in the throes of its blind Fury Attack, charged headlong into this unexpected phenomenon.
*WHOOSHING*
The silvery whirlwind enveloped Heracross, blowing it away with surprising force, disrupting its charge and sending it skidding across the rocky floor. Aaron's eyes widened in genuine bewilderment. He had never encountered such a technique.
Aaron exclaimed, confusion clear in his voice, "What was that?! A Counter Shield... Silver Wind? But... it just spun? And what was that energy?"
Azure watched Heracross pick itself up, clearly disoriented but still burning with Guts-boosted adrenaline. He mused internally, a satisfied hum in his mind, 'Aaron's never seen a Counter Shield before. Good.'
The technique he developed was often surprising in its versatility. Togekiss hadn't moved to close the distance; she had activated the move right where she was, creating a defensive and offensive buffer. The buffing effect of Silver Wind, when used in this Counter Shield manner, wasn't an immediate, single-stage boost.
Instead, it slowly accumulated. Togekiss would gradually grow stronger, faster, and more durable over time, like receiving a regular stat buff but carefully broken up into smaller, continuous increments until she reached the 'full' stat stage increase. He could see a faint, almost imperceptible glow beginning to form around Togekiss's body, a testament to the slow build-up of power.
Azure instructed, pressing his advantage, "Togekiss, Double-Team again!"
*Swooosh*
As Heracross closed the gap once more, attempting to force its way through the shimmering copies, Togekiss created even more illusions. Heracross jabbed its horn, a frustrated grunt escaping it as its attack phased through nothing. The Pokémon roared, growing angrier, its eyes scanning the rapidly shifting battlefield.
Aaron, however, quickly identified the real Togekiss amidst the confusion. She was the one radiating that faint, silvery glow, the one at the center of the wisps of the Silver Tornado that still spun gently around her, extending a few feet from her body. She had appeared a few feet to the side, relatively close to Heracross.
Azure commanded, before Aaron could issue a counter, "Dazzling Gleam!"
Togekiss, still encircled by her silvery aura, smirked. A brilliant, blinding pink light erupted from her body, quickly coalescing into a powerful beam that fired directly at the disoriented Heracross.
*ZAAAAP—CRACKLE*
Heracross bellowed in pain, trying to power through the blinding assault. The bright light in its face made it nearly impossible to aim, and Togekiss was already on the move, maintaining her Counter Shield as she released the attack.
Aaron roared, hoping to block or impede Togekiss, "Rock Tomb!"
*RMBL*
Heracross, partially obscured by the Dazzling Gleam, slammed its fist down, attempting to summon rocks. But the attack was rushed, misdirected by the light, and its aim was off. The rocks burst from the floor several feet away from Togekiss, leaving her unharmed. Heracross let out another roar of pain as the Dazzling Gleam registered its full damage, sending tremors through its body.
Togekiss made some distance, gracefully retreating while maintaining the Counter Shield Silver Wind. The faint glow around her body, Azure noted with satisfaction, was now slightly more pronounced. He glanced at Rotom, still humming gently in the Arc Phone.
Rotom's voice crackled from the device, low enough not to be overheard by Aaron but audible to Azure, "Bzzzt! Aaron's quite observant, but he's missing the full picture, bzzzt! The incremental buffs are adding up, bzzzt!"
Aaron, indeed, kept his eyes focused. He pondered why Azure was maintaining such distance, almost trying to stall. Then, he saw it again – the faint glow around Togekiss's body, much quicker and more noticeable than before.
*Flicker*
His mind clicked. A look of disbelief, then dawning alarm, spread across his face. Aaron exclaimed, his voice rising in pitch, "Wait a moment! That Silver Wind... and his Counter Shield technique... It's not just blocking! Your Togekiss is guaranteeing getting buffs! That's... that's +1 to Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, AND Speed, one stage each, constantly activating!"
His eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth agape added, "And now... It's already glowing more intensely! Has it... has it happened again?!"
Azure subtly nodded, a triumphant glint in his eyes. He had indeed. Togekiss now had +1 Evasion and a colossal +2 in Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. She was a flying fortress, a graceful speedster, and a powerful special attacker all rolled into one.
Aaron's alarm was evident on his expression. he called out, attempting to recall his wounded Pokémon, recognizing the overwhelming stat advantage Togekiss had amassed, "Heracross, return!"
But it was too late.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, "Now, Togekiss! Extreme Speed!"
*BOOOOM*
Togekiss, already incredibly fast, accelerated to an impossible blur, becoming a white streak that vanished and reappeared directly in front of Heracross. The Guts-boosted Bug-type barely had time to register the new threat before Togekiss delivered a devastating, point-blank strike.
*CRACK*
A concussive CRACK that echoes through the room, followed by a helpless grunt from Heracross. Heracross, battered and reeling from the previous attacks, collapsed to the ground, unconscious. It's [Flame Orb], still burning, now merely smoldering.
Aaron sighed, a long, weary exhalation, as he watched his Heracross fall. He recalled it to its Poké Ball with a soft ping, his gaze lingering on the ball for a moment. He pondered his next choice, his brow furrowed in thought, 'Azure's Togekiss is far more formidable than I had anticipated…'
Aaron admitted, a hint of grudging respect in his voice as he then reached for another Poké Ball, "You're a brilliant strategist, Azure, but it isn't over yet! Let's see how you handle this. Go, Flygon!"
*POP*
A majestic, green, bipedal Pokémon with large, diamond-shaped wings and red goggles over its eyes emerged, landing gracefully. This was Flygon, its held item, a [Smooth Rock], shimmering faintly.
Azure raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face, and asked curiously, "A Flygon? Interesting choice for an Elite Four Bug-type specialist, Aaron. A Dragon and Ground-type, not typically what one expects."
Aaron offered a wry smile, a hint of his good humor returning despite the loss of Heracross. he gestured towards Flygon, which chirped inquisitively, "Ah, yes. A valid observation. But you see, Flygon helped me train extensively against Cynthia's Alpha Garchomp. And in its defense... it does look rather like a giant, flying insect, doesn't it?"
Azure chuckled, nodding in agreement, "Ha! Fair enough."
His grin returned, indicating the battle was far from over as he stated, "Let's continue the battle, then!"
The Sandstorm, however, was already taking shape. Aaron commanded, "Flygon, Sandstorm!"
*WHIRRRRRL*
Flygon beat its powerful wings, kicking up a furious vortex of sand that quickly began to fill the arena. The air grew gritty, visibility slightly reduced as grains of sand lashed against everything.
Azure instructed, barely audible over the rising wind, "Togekiss, Safeguard!"
*Whooosh*
Togekiss responded instantly, her form momentarily veiled in a shimmering, ethereal pink aura shield. The fine grains of sand that swirled around her were repelled, harmlessly deflected by the protective barrier. The chip damage from the Sandstorm, a common nuisance, was negated.
Aaron yelled through the din of the sandstorm, going for a powerful, wide-area attack, "Now, Flygon, Boomburst!"
*BOOOM*
A deep, resonant BOOOOM of powerful sound waves. Flygon unleashed a devastating wave of sonic energy, a concussive blast that pulsed outwards, intending to engulf and damage Togekiss even through the sand.
Aaron watched, expecting to see Togekiss flinch or be buffeted. But Azure merely grinned. He said, his voice calm, "Togekiss! Foresight!"
*PING*
Togekiss's eyes briefly glowed, her vision cutting through the sandstorm, pinpointing Flygon's exact location and form despite the concealing sand. And to Aaron's shock, the sound-based attack simply... didn't damage Togekiss. It washed over her Safeguard shield, dissipating without effect, like water hitting a rock.
Aaron cried out, genuinely bewildered, "What?! How did it block that?! Safeguard doesn't block sound-based moves!"
Azure mused internally, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, 'That's because my Safeguard isn't just any Safeguard, Aaron.'
He had spent countless hours training all his Pokémon capable of using Safeguard, pushing the limits of the move's protective capabilities. He had taught them not only to block small projectile attacks but also to filter sound, creating a localized, silent bubble. Meaning, no sound-based moves could touch them, and most critically, they could make no sound themselves when concealed within it.
Azure's voice cut through the air, "Now, Togekiss! Extreme Speed, then Moonblast, point-blank!"
*CRACK*
Togekiss, already blazing fast and further boosted by her accumulated buffs, blurred, becoming an invisible streak of white light that vanished from her position. By the time Aaron's eyes could track her, she had reappeared directly in front of Flygon, mere inches from its surprised face, her Safeguard still shimmering faintly.
Aaron shouted, "Flygon, dodge!"
… But it was futile
A brilliant, pulsating sphere of pure pink fairy energy formed in front of Togekiss's body, already at maximum power. It erupted moments later, a devastating blast delivered at absolutely zero range.
*KABOOOM—CRASH*
A deafening KABOOM as the Moonblast explodes, followed by the shattering CRASH of Flygon hitting the wall. Flygon, caught completely off guard, emitted a pained roar as the Moonblast slammed into it…
*THUD*
The sheer force of the close-range attack sent the Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon hurtling backward like a projectile, slamming into the rough, rocky wall of Aaron's arena with a sickening THUD. Dust and small pebbles showered down as Flygon slumped to the ground, utterly knocked out.
Aaron's jaw dropped. Two Pokémon gone, in quick succession, to a single Togekiss. He recalled his Flygon, his expression grim, the Sandstorm still raging. He only had two Pokémon left, and Azure had yet to lose one.
This was going to be an uphill battle, a truly grueling test against a challenger unlike any he had faced before.
/////
A/N: Now we have reached the endgame of the Arc. Time for the Elite Four and Champion Battles incoming!