Chapter 572: Elite Four Ground Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Bertha's Room]
Bertha's Pokémon were down, and Azure, having utilized only one of his own, a new phase of the battle began. Bertha only had 3 Pokémon left.
Azure's Lucario stood on the battlefield, radiating an intense, controlled power. The Aura Pokémon had been called in to clean up against Quagsire and had done so with remarkable efficiency.
Its held item, the [Expert Belt], shimmered faintly around its waist, hinting at boosted super-effective attacks. A soft blue aura pulsed around Lucario, a visual manifestation of its heightened state: +3 Attack, +1 Evasion, and +2 Speed stages. The temporary effect of Magnet Rise kept it hovering a few inches above the jagged floor, immune to any residual Ground-type attacks.
Bertha's gaze settled on Lucario, a keen observation in her eyes. She reached for another Poké Ball as she said calmly, "A formidable opponent, Lucario. But the earth has more to offer. Mamoswine, return to the battlefield!"
*POP*
With a flash of red light and a guttural trumpeting cry, Bertha's fourth Pokémon, Mamoswine, materialized. The colossal Ice-Ground type, with its tusks curving majestically, stomped onto the field.
Azure noticed the faint, icy glint on its body, recognizing the [Never-Melt Ice] it held, poised to boost its Ice-type attacks. Bertha commanded, her voice firm, "Mamoswine, Sandstorm!"
*WHOOOOSH*
Mamoswine roared, slamming its mighty feet into the ground. The arena floor began to churn, and within seconds, a fierce whirlwind of sand and coarse earth erupted, swirling violently around the battlefield. The whooshing and grinding of the sand filled the air, obscuring vision and battering everything in its path.
Azure countered, his voice cutting through the din, "Lucario, don't let up! Power-Up Punch, Strong Style!"
Before the Sandstorm could fully envelop the arena, Lucario sprang into action. Its boosted speed allowed it to move with blinding velocity, a blue blur cutting through the nascent sand shroud. It lunged from its elevated position, a phantom of concentrated power.
*WHAM*
A devastating punch, crackling with Aura, slammed into Mamoswine's side. The impact sent a tremor through the colossal Pokémon. Before Mamoswine could even fully brace itself, Lucario was already winding up for another strike.
Azure urged, "One more, Lucario!"
*CRACK*
Another Power-Up Punch, even more potent, connected with chilling force. The combined might of those two blows, amplified by Lucario's already impressive +3 Attack, proved too much.
*THUD*
Mamoswine let out a pained cry, its massive form staggering for a moment before collapsing with a thunderous THUD that shook the entire chamber. Its eyes swirled, then glazed over.
Bertha, however, merely nodded, a faint, satisfied smile on her face. She murmured as she recalled her fallen Pokémon, "Thank you, Mamoswine. Even in defeat, you had completed your assigned task."
The Sandstorm, though fading slightly, had been successfully activated. Lucario landed gracefully, its fists still glowing with residual Aura. Its Attack stat now surged to an incredible +5 stages. The [Expert Belt] pulsed with satisfaction.
Azure felt a thrill of anticipation. Bertha looked at Azure, her serious expression returning, tinged with a hint of challenge.
She held up another Poké Ball, and Azure's eyes widened as he saw the distinct gleam of a Mega Stone affixed to it. She said calmly, "You are truly a remarkable trainer, Azure. But let us see how you handle this. Steelix, it's your turn!"
*POP—THUD*
With a flash and a mighty ROAR, Steelix, a colossal steel snake Pokémon, erupted onto the field, "ROARRRRR!!!"
Its serpentine body, composed of hardened ore, coiled and uncoiled, cast an intimidating shadow. Azure's gaze immediately fixated on the [Steelixite] Mega Stone gleaming in a setting near its head.
Bertha raised her arm, revealing her Mega Ring, a Key Stone embedded within its elegant design. She declared resolutely, "Beyond the strength of the earth lies the power of evolution itself! Mega Evolve, Steelix!"
*FLASH*
A brilliant stream of light erupted from Bertha's Keystone, connecting with the [Steelixite]. Steelix roared, its body beginning to contort and expand. Its metallic scales became more jagged, its jaw broadened, and its immense size increased even further, adorned with floating metal fragments. In moments, the mighty Mega Steelix stood before them, an even more formidable titan of steel and ground. Its very presence seemed to make the rocky arena feel more oppressive.
Azure's eyes narrowed, a sudden realization dawning on him. He asked, though he already knew the answer, "That's why she sacrificed Mamoswine! The active Sandstorm, coupled with Mega Steelix's ability, Sand Force…"
Rotom confirmed, a note of alarm in its electronic voice, "Affirmative, Bzzt! Mega Steelix's ability is now Sand Force, boosting Ground, Rock, and Steel-type moves in a Sandstorm! Bzzt!"
A dangerous battle, indeed. But instead of fear, Azure felt a surge of pure, unadulterated excitement. He looked at Lucario. With an eager grin, he declared, "Alright, Lucario. Looks like it's time to really have some fun."
Bertha, hearing Azure's casual comment, raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her expression. But her curiosity quickly turned to outright shock.
*FLASH*
Lucario let out a low growl, its eyes blazing with an inner fire. A powerful, ethereal blue aura erupted from its body, swirling violently around it. The aura wasn't just a visual effect; it was raw power, shaping and molding Lucario's form.
*CRACKLE*
Its fur became spikier, its mask-like features sharpened, and twin black spikes emerged from its chest and head. The energy was almost audible as Lucario, of its own volition, transcended its limits, transforming into the awe-inspiring Mega Lucario.
Bertha's jaw dropped ever so slightly. She breathed, an unprecedented level of surprise in her voice, "It... it Mega Evolved on its own?! Without a Key Stone?!"
Azure smirked; a secret shared between him and his loyal partner. Lucario's innate Aura was truly special, a bond so deep it bypassed the need for traditional catalysts. Azure thought, the smirk widening, 'And with its ability now set to Adaptability. This is going to be good."
Azure commanded, wasting no time, "Mega Lucario, Strong Style Aura Sphere!"
*WHOOOSH*
Mega Lucario's paws glowed intensely. It gathered a massive ball of pure, concentrated Aura, even larger and more volatile than usual, thanks to its Adaptability. With a powerful hurl, it launched the sphere directly at Mega Steelix.
*ZAP*
The Aura Sphere tore through the air, a beacon of blue energy. Bertha, recovering quickly from her shock, was already countering and ordered, "Steelix, Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier, almost invisible to the naked eye, shimmered into existence around Mega Steelix just as the Aura Sphere made direct contact. The powerful attack crashed against the barrier, dissipating harmlessly.
Bertha ordered, her voice sharp, "Steelix, Bind!"
*Zooom*
Mega Steelix retaliated, its massive body coiling and whipping forward with surprising speed for its size. Its steel-hard tail lashed out, aiming to entangle Lucario. Lucario, moving quickly, tried to evade, but the sheer size and speed of the attack were overwhelming, and it surprised him.
*THWIP*
It was caught, its limbs momentarily pinned by the massive coils. Even while bound, Lucario's Aura surged. Its eyes blazed. Azure commanded, trusting his partner's innate power, "Aura Sphere, Lucario!"
Despite being restrained, Mega Lucario focused its Aura. A smaller, but no less potent, Aura Sphere materialized in front of his mouth and directly in front of Mega Steelix's face, still holding Lucario captive!
*FWOOSH*
The blast was point-blank, raw energy exploding outward…
*CRASH*
Mega Steelix roared in pain, its coils loosening as it was blasted backward, slamming against the jagged rocks at the edge of the arena. It screeched, shaking its enormous head, clearly disoriented but still very much in the fight.
Azure pressed the advantage, "Now, Drain Punch!"
Mega Lucario, freed from the coils, lunged forward, its fist glowing with verdant energy, aiming for another powerful strike. But Bertha countered immediately, commanding, "Steelix, Dig!"
*RMBL*
Before Lucario's fist could connect, Mega Steelix vanished beneath the rocky floor, leaving a gaping hole in its wake. The ground trembled…
*RMBL*
Seconds later, a tremor pulsed upward directly beneath Lucario. Azure's eyes narrowed. Bertha's observation skills were indeed top-notch. She had anticipated Lucario's attack and turned it into a counter.
Azure countered, "Lucario, Detect!"
*BOOOM*
Just as Mega Steelix burst from the ground with an earth-shattering BOOM, its massive head lunging upwards, Lucario's Aura Sense flared. Its eyes glowed, and it shifted its weight, a fraction of a second before Steelix's attack could land.
*WHOOSH*
The colossal head shot past where Lucario had been, missing by mere inches. Rotom beeped from the Arc Phone, "Bzzt! Close call! Bertha's observation is sharp! Gotta be careful, Azure! Bzzt!"
Azure nodded, his expression grim as he thought cautiously, 'Dragging this battle on wouldn't do. Mega Steelix, even with its speed disadvantage, was a tank, and the Sandstorm was still active…'
He decided, "Time to end this. Lucario, prepare Aura Storm!"
The command was unambiguous. Mega Lucario began to charge, its entire body becoming a conduit for immense Aura. The blue energy around it intensified, spiraling and condensing into a formidable, crackling sphere between its paws. The power building was immense, visibly distorting the air around it.
Bertha's eyes widened, recognizing the sheer destructive potential of such a move. She ordered, "Steelix, Stone Edge! Aim for the charging Lucario!"
*CRACKLE*
With a guttural roar, Mega Steelix summoned massive, jagged stones from the ground. From the ground, sharp projectiles shot through the sand, propelled directly at the charging Mega Lucario.
Even as it focused on gathering its power, Lucario's Aura Senses were sharpest. Its body moved with an almost ethereal grace, sidestepping, ducking, and weaving through the incoming volley of sharpened rocks.
*CLANG—CLANG*
Stones shattered harmlessly against the ground as Lucario continued its charge, inching closer to the colossal Mega Steelix. When it was mere feet away, its Aura Sphere reaching critical mass, Mega Lucario launched itself into the air…
*Wooosh*
With an incredible leap, it soared directly in front of Mega Steelix's face, its glowing sphere of energy directly in the titan's vision.
Azure bellowed, "Aura Storm!"
*FWOOSH-WHOOSH-ZAP*
The concentrated Aura Sphere erupted, not as a single blast, but as a continuous, devastating beam of pure, raw energy. The torrent of Aura enveloped Mega Steelix's head, unleashing a catastrophic amount of damage at point-blank range.
The sheer force shook the entire chamber.
*BOOOM*
Mega Steelix let out a deafening, agonizing scream. The light of its Mega Evolution shimmered, then flickered out as its massive body sagged, then crashed to the ground with a final, earth-shattering BOOM…
*Thud*
Dust and debris flew, and when the air cleared, Mega Steelix had reverted to its normal form, unconscious. Bertha let out a long, slow sigh, her eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and resignation.
She recalled her Steelix, a faint smile returning to her lips. She then held up her final Poké Ball as she said resolutely, "Truly impressive, Azure. And a battle-hardened Lucario. But this battle is not over yet!"
She announced, releasing her last, most powerful combatant, "My final Pokémon is Alpha Nidoking!"
*POP-ROAR*
With a powerful ROAR, a Nidoking, larger and radiating a more intense aura than any Azure had seen before, appeared on the field. Its purple scales rippled with raw power, its horn gleaming.
Azure immediately recognized the unique presence, a creature that had clearly reached an apex of its species. He also noticed the faint, crimson glow from its held item, the [Life Orb], and mentally clocked its Hidden Ability: Sheer Force. This Nidoking was built for raw offensive power.
Mega Lucario landed gracefully, its body still pulsing with Aura. It met Nidoking's furious gaze with a confident smirk, taking on a ready battle stance.
Azure mused, understanding his partner's eagerness for a true test of strength, 'This is enough for him.'
Bertha commanded, unleashing a barrage of elemental attacks, "Nidoking, let's go with a combination! Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch!"
Nidoking roared, its fists crackling with flame, then electricity, then chilling frost, launching a rapid succession of devastating elemental strikes!
*SZZZT-FWOOSH-CRACKLE*
The air shimmered with the combined power. But something extraordinary happened. As the elemental barrages hurtled towards it, Mega Lucario's form began to shift again…
*FLASH*
The blue aura around it intensified, but this time, its body became even more sleek, almost translucent around the edges, its spikes retracting slightly, and its posture becoming more fluid. It wasn't just Mega Lucario, Azure knew. It was Mega Lucario Z, a form honed for maximum evasion and defense, a secret technique taught to Azure by none other than Mewtwo himself.
Rotom buzzed, its analysis struggling to keep up, "Bzzt! New Mega Form detected! Defensive and evasive capabilities enhanced! Bzzt!"
Bertha's eyes widened again, her composure momentarily shaken. The surprise in her voice was clear, a genuine astonishment at the unprecedented display, "Another Mega Form?! It can change Mega Forms at will?!"
Azure merely nodded mentally, a silent thanks to Mewtwo echoing in his thoughts. The legendary Psychic Pokémon had seen Lucario's unique connection to its Aura and helped Azure unlock this incredible potential.
Mega Lucario Z, now a paragon of agility, moved with effortless grace. It wasn't just dodging; it was flowing through Nidoking's attacks. A fiery fist passed harmlessly through its translucent form as it shimmered slightly to the left.
*CRACKLE—WHOOSH*
An electric punch crackled where it had been a moment before, only for Lucario Z to reappear behind Nidoking. An icy strike whooshed past its head as it glided downwards. Nidoking roared in frustration, its powerful body twisting and turning, but it simply couldn't land a single hit. Lucario Z seemed to anticipate every move, every angle, every feint.
With an almost casual elegance, Lucario Z glided to the side of a missed Fire Punch, its eyes never leaving the pursuing Nidoking. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it launched a precise Ice Punch!
*WHAM*
The chilling blow connected, sending Nidoking skidding across the rocky floor. Nidoking regained its footing with a snarl, its powerful legs digging into the earth. But Lucario Z was already there, a blur of motion. It charged behind Nidoking, unleashing a rapid barrage of Agile Style Ice Punches.
*THWACK-THWACK-THWACK*
Each hit was swift and precise, pushing Nidoking further back and chipping away at its defenses. Nidoking, growing angrier, whipped its tail, attempting a Poison Tail attack. Lucario Z, with a fluid motion, dodged the venomous strike, then swiftly delivered a powerful kick to Nidoking's side, sending it tumbling.
*Whoosh*
Before Nidoking could recover, Lucario Z followed up with a Vacuum Wave, a burst of compressed air that whooshed out and knocked Nidoking even further back. Azure mentally noted, a grin forming, 'This Nidoking is strong, but Lucario's evasion is incredible in that form!'
Bertha, seeing her final Pokémon being outmaneuvered so thoroughly, knew she had to unleash everything. She commanded in a grim tone, "Nidoking, use everything you have! Hidden Power!"
Nidoking let out a furious, earth-shattering roar. Its body began to glow with a chaotic, multi-colored energy. Massive lasers of raw, uncontained Hidden Power erupted from its form, spreading around the entire room!
*ZAP—ZZZZZZT*
*CRACKLE*
The energy beams crisscrossed the arena, tearing into the jagged rocks, leaving scorched marks and sending debris flying. It was a desperate, all-encompassing attack designed to force an opening.
Lucario Z, nimble as ever, dodged the first wave of lasers. It weaved and zipped, a ghost in the storm of energy. However, the sheer volume and spread of Nidoking's attack were immense.
*ZING*
A couple of the chaotic beams managed to graze Lucario Z's sleek form. Though it shrugged off the minor hits, Azure mused mentally, 'Even Lucario wouldn't survive if he took those hits head-on. The defensive boost from Mega Lucario Z is helping, but the raw power of an Alpha Nidoking with Sheer Force was truly terrifying.'
Azure knew this was the moment. He ordered, "Lucario Z, begin charging Aura Sphere! Move in, and don't stop dodging!"
Lucario Z nodded, its eyes fixed on Nidoking. While continuing its impossible dance through the crisscrossing lasers, its paws began to gather a concentrated Aura Sphere. It moved with relentless purpose, inching closer to Nidoking, its energy gathering, even as the walls around them bore the scars of Nidoking's fury.
Nidoking, exhausted but determined, roared once more, gathering its last reserves. Bertha commanded, "Hyper Beam, Nidoking!"
*ROOOOOAR-ZAP*
A colossal beam of pure, destructive energy erupted from Nidoking's mouth, a final, despairing assault using his remaining energy in this final attack. The Hyper Beam tore through the air, a devastating wave of power.
Bertha's voice held a note of triumph, "Lucario Z cannot dodge in mid-air!"
But Azure already had a plan. He grinned, commanding, "Now, Lucario Z! Use the Hyper Beam!"
To Bertha's utter disbelief and Alpha Nidoking's shock, Lucario Z didn't try to dodge the Hyper Beam. Instead, with a flash of Aura, it skated on top of the colossal energy beam itself!
*Skeeee*
Its feet, imbued with Aura, glided across the superheated surface, carrying it directly towards Nidoking. The move was utterly unprecedented, a testament to Lucario's mastery over its Aura and Azure's ingenious strategy.
*BOING*
The charging Aura Sphere in Lucario Z's paws pulsed brighter than ever. With a final, explosive surge of speed, it used the Hyper Beam as a launching pad, leaping off it just as it reached Nidoking.
The Aura Pokémon soared through the air, directly in front of Nidoking's face, its massive Aura Sphere ready. Azure commanded, his voice ringing with absolute certainty, "Aura Storm, point-blank!"
*BOOM*
The Aura Storm unleashed its full fury, a blinding, concentrated beam of blue energy that slammed directly into Nidoking's face. The force was immense, sending the Alpha Pokémon crashing into the jagged rock walls of the chamber. The impact reverberated through the entire room, shaking it to its foundations.
*THUD*
When the dust settled, Nidoking lay still, its body etched into the rock, unconscious. Bertha sighed, a long, drawn-out exhalation. She slowly recalled her Nidoking, her expression a mix of exhaustion and profound respect.
She looked at Azure, a genuine smile spreading across her face as she said, "Remarkable. Truly remarkable. And Lucario… your ingenuity in that final attack, using the Aura Sphere as a focus while your body instinctively dodged, then that incredible use of the Hyper Beam… that was truly beyond anything I've ever witnessed."
Mega Lucario Z shimmered, then slowly reverted to its normal form. It exhaled, a visible cloud of steam escaping its mouth, a sign of the immense energy it had expended. It looked at Azure, its ears perked.
Azure walked over, kneeling to Lucario's level. Patting his head, he said proudly, "You were incredible, Lucario. Absolutely amazing. That was a masterclass in Aura manipulation and battle strategy."
He scratched Lucario behind its ears, and the Aura Pokémon's tail began to wag happily at the praise, a deep rumbling purr emanating from its chest. Rotom chirped, buzzing excitedly from the Arc Phone, "Bzzt! Lucario's performance was 100% efficient! Data recorded for future analysis! Bzzt!"
Bertha watched the interaction, a warmth in her eyes, muttering, "A deep bond indeed. You are more than ready for the challenges ahead."
She gestured to the gates behind her, which now slowly began to open, revealing another brightly lit hallway. She said while handing him Full Restores, "Use this Full Restore on your Lucario, dearie. And good luck against Flint. He will bring the heat, literally."
Azure took the Full Restore, gently applying it to Lucario. The Pokémon's exhaustion faded, its aura glowing faintly. He then returned Lucario to its Poké Ball, a silent promise of rest and more delicious treats.
He nodded respectfully to Bertha as he said in a thankful tone, "Thank you, Elite Four Bertha. It was a privilege battling you."
With a final nod, Azure stepped through the newly opened gates, leaving the rocky, earthy chamber behind. The hallway ahead gleamed with the intense orange glow of fire, a clear indication of his next formidable challenge against the Elite Four Flint.
He was ready. And it would be him to bring the heat.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!