Chapter 574: Elite Four Fire Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Flint's Room]
Flint recalled his fainted Heat Rotom with a sigh, a glint of respect in his eyes as he stated in grudging respect, "Impressive, Azure. Transferring those buffs and hitting immediately… a true masterstroke."
He then chuckled, grabbing his Poké Ball from his belt. His arm shot out as he declared, "But let's see how you handle this! H-Arcanine, light it up!"
*POP*
With a burst of crimson and white light, Flint's fourth Pokémon materialized: Hisuian Arcanine. Its majestic, flame-maned form exuded a fierce, untamed aura, its powerful legs already poised for action. A faint shimmer around its collar suggested the item it held: an [Expert Belt], ready to amplify its super-effective attacks.
Flint barked, "H-Arcanine, Agility!"
Flint's Arcanine barked, "Growl!"
*Whooosh*
H-Arcanine responded instantly, its movements a blur as it surged forward, circling the field. The speed it generated was incredible, making it almost impossible to track with the naked eye.
Azure's Gallade, his psychic awareness heightened, saw the blur approaching. Azure instructed, "Agile Style Aqua Cutter!"
*Whooosh*
Gallade's psychic spoon-blade shimmered, a blade of condensed water forming along its edge. It slashed out with blinding speed, attempting to intercept the charging H-Arcanine. However, the Fire/Rock type was quick, its Agility allowing it to weave effortlessly through the attack, leaving a trail of shimmering air in its wake.
Flint commanded, "Now, Sunny Day!"
*FLASH*
H-Arcanine let out a powerful roar, and the reddish-brown room was suddenly bathed in an intense, artificial sunlight. The lava pits seemed to glow even brighter, and the air grew thick with heat, amplifying the power of Fire-type moves.
Flint's eyes, sharp and analytical, narrowed as he observed Gallade. He noticed the dangerous, almost razor-sharp edge emanating from its psychic blades – an innate keenness that seemed to hum with potential.
Flint mused aloud, a flicker of understanding crossing his face, "Hmm, that Gallade… those arms are more than just for show. He has the Sharpness ability, doesn't he? I'll have to be cautious not to let H-Arcanine get sliced up."
Rotom chimed in, its small screen showing an alert icon, "Roto! He noticed your Sharpness, Gallade! Be extra careful!"
Flint roared, his voice thick with excitement, "Arcanine, Rock Head! Charge in!"
H-Arcanine, now moving with incredible momentum, lowered its massive, rocky head and slammed directly into Gallade. The impact was like a cannonball striking a shield!
*CRACK—BANG*
Gallade, reacting with lightning speed, managed to block a portion of the attack with its psychic spoon-blade, the blade glowing intensely blue as it absorbed the force. But the sheer power behind H-Arcanine's full-body assault was overwhelming. Despite the block, the force sent Gallade hurtling upwards, spinning precariously into the air.
Flint followed up without hesitation, "Now, Solar Beam, Arcanine!"
*Fwooo—PWOOOOM*
H-Arcanine's body began to glow, its flames intensifying as it rapidly absorbed the sunlight now flooding the room. In mere moments, a brilliant, focused beam of green energy erupted from its mouth, streaking upwards, aimed directly at the airborne Gallade.
Azure's eyes flashed. Most Trainers would panic, scrambling to find a way to dodge the powerful, super-effective attack. But Azure had seen this before. He knew Gallade's capabilities.
He bellowed, "Gallade, Full Counter!"
High above the lava pits, Gallade's body shimmered with an incredible psychic energy. Its blades and entire form pulsed, first blue, then green, then a dazzling white. Gallade wasn't dodging the move.
Instead, Gallade was imbuing both Light Screen and Reflect into his Psychic Spoon, preparing himself to reflect the incoming move. The Solar Beam, striking the shimmering shield, seemed to hit an invisible mirror.
*BOOM—WHOOOSH*
With an audible whoosh from Gallade's Psychic Spoon hitting the Solar Beam, the green beam was not absorbed, not merely blocked, but reflected with equal force right back at H-Arcanine!
Flint, however, merely grinned. He chuckled, a glint of anticipation in his eyes, boasting, "Heh! Knew you'd pull that one!"
He had seen Azure's Kleavor use this precise technique earlier in the match, a clever application of combined defensive moves. But Flint thought confidently, 'But he isn't the only one to have tricks!'
Flint then commanded in a confident tone, "Arcanine, Flame Wheel Counter Shield! And add Flamethrower to the mix!"
*HISSSS*
H-Arcanine, already aware of its Trainer's intentions, spun rapidly, its body engulfed in scorching flames. As it rotated, it unleashed a torrent of Flamethrower, turning the swirling inferno into a dazzling, defensive barrier.
The flames, whipped by its spinning motion, extended outwards like fiery whips, a maelstrom of heat and light designed to both protect and retaliate. The reflected Solar Beam slammed into the Flame Wheel Counter Shield.
*WHOOSH-FIZZLE-CRACKLE*
The green energy struggled against the fiery onslaught, sparks and steam erupting as the two powerful attacks collided. The Flame Wheel acted as a perfect defense, blocking and dissipating the reflected Solar Beam, preventing it from inflicting any damage on H-Arcanine.
Flint watched, satisfied. He mused mentally, expecting Gallade to land cautiously, waiting for an opening, 'No way Gallade would dare to charge straight into that. It would be too insane to try entering this inferno trap.'
But Azure's Gallade wasn't just any Pokémon. Having absorbed the buffs from Kleavor, and with its own inherent fighting spirit heightened, it seemed almost ecstatic. It landed lightly, its feet barely touching the ground, and then, instead of hesitating, it surged forward, a whirlwind of motion.
*Zoooom*
Azure smirked, knowing his Pokémon's reaction. He commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Gallade, Razor Wind Counter Shield!"
*WHIRLLL*
Gallade's body began to spin, its blades glowing with a pale, silver-blue energy. It rapidly generated a powerful, miniature tornado of razor-sharp wind, encasing itself in a spiraling vortex…
*WHOOSH—SWISH—TEAR*
The Razor Wind Counter Shield, a tempest of cutting air, charged directly into H-Arcanine's Flame Wheel Counter Shield. The wind and fire clashed in a brutal elemental struggle. The Razor Wind, imbued with the Sharpness ability, didn't just meet the flames; it shredded them. The cutting winds tore through the fiery whips, dissipating the heat and scattering embers like autumn leaves.
Moment by moment, Gallade's Razor Wind carved a path through the inferno. The roar of the flames was replaced by the whine of slicing wind, until finally, with a powerful burst, Gallade broke through.
It was directly in front of H-Arcanine, its Psychic Spoon glowing faintly gold.
*SLICE—SKZZZZT*
Before H-Arcanine could react, Gallade slashed down with its psychic spoon-blade. The blade, crackling with an unseen energy, imbued with the shocking power of Thunder Wave, connected squarely with H-Arcanine's flank.
*Zzzzzt*
H-Arcanine let out a pained cry, sparks flying from its fur as it was sent skidding backwards across the rocky floor, "GROOOOOWWLL!"
Its powerful legs, usually so steady, wobbled. Its eyes grew wide, and its body twitched uncontrollably.
Flint's eyes widened slightly. He muttered in disbelief, "Thunder Wave when did he… he imbued it into the attack? Clever!"
He quickly processed the situation. He commanded, "Arcanine, Flare Blitz!"
Flint was hoping to capitalize on H-Arcanine's powerful, recoil-immune Hidden Ability. He mentally mused, 'My H-Arcanine has Rock Head, so it's immune to recoil damage from Flare Blitz! This should finish that Gallade!'
*Zap*
But as H-Arcanine tried to gather itself for the all-out attack, its body spasmed. The sparks from Gallade's Thunder Wave attack were still dancing across its fur. Its powerful limbs locked up, unable to execute the full-force charge.
It was paralyzed!
Rotom's voice blared from the Arc Phone, a red warning flashing across its screen: "PARALYZED!"
Azure saw the opening. He smirked as he commanded, "Gallade, Agile Style Aqua Cutters! Don't let up!"
Gallade, moving with a newfound agility thanks to its increased Speed, blurred into action. Its psychic spoon-blade glowed with a vibrant blue as it unleashed a rapid flurry of Aqua Cutters. Each strike was precise, aimed at H-Arcanine's vulnerable spots, and each was amplified by Gallade's Sharpness ability.
*SLASH-SLASH-SLASH*
*SLASH-SLASH-SLASH*
Flint's mind raced. H-Arcanine was paralyzed, vulnerable!
He shouted, a desperate measure, "Protect!"
*SHIII*
H-Arcanine growled defiantly, "GROWL!"
With a surge of willpower, H-Arcanine managed to conjure a shimmering green barrier around itself just as Gallade's first few Aqua Cutters struck!
*CLANG—CLANG*
The barrier held. But Azure was a step ahead. He had seen this defensive play countless times, already having a counter.
He countered, "Gallade, Feint!"
Gallade's psychic spoon-blade, still glowing blue from the Aqua Cutter, suddenly pulsed with a brilliant, pure white light. It wasn't a strong attack, but it was incredibly fast, designed to pierce defenses.
With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, Gallade slashed…
*SHATTER*
The Protect barrier, meant to withstand powerful blows, cracked and dissolved instantly, leaving Flint utterly shocked. He hadn't seen that coming.
Azure roared, "Now, finish it! Aqua Cutters!"
*SLASH-SLASH-CRITICAL HIT-SLASH-SLASH*
Gallade, with the barrier gone, unleashed the full fury of its Agile Style Aqua Cutters. Its blade was a blur of blue and white; it struck H-Arcanine repeatedly, each slash precise, each amplified by Sharpness, and many landing as critical hits.
Rotom's triumphant cry echoed, "CRITICAL HIT! CRITICAL HIT! CRITICAL HIT!"
H-Arcanine groaned in pain, "GROOOOAN!"
*THUD*
H-Arcanine reeled under the relentless assault, its majestic form collapsing to the ground with a final, desperate whimper. Its eyes glazed over. It was knocked out.
Azure's Gallade stood tall, its psychic spoon-blade returning to its natural pinkish hue, a subtle indicator that the Water-type energy had dissipated. Flint stood silent for a moment, recalling his fainted H-Arcanine to its Poké Ball.
He looked at the ball in his hand, then back at Gallade, a slow smile spreading across his face. He said excitedly, "Incredible… incredible! Not only did that Gallade manage to imbue Thunder Wave into its slash, but it also used Feint to break through Protect. And the color of its blade… that's how you know what type of energy it's channeling, isn't it? That's a useful technique, allowing it to adapt on the fly!"
*Clap*
Flint clapped his hands together once, a loud, sharp sound adding proudly, "I'm thoroughly impressed!"
Rotom buzzed, proudly displaying Gallade's victorious pose on the Arc Phone, "Roto-tom! Gallade is unstoppable!"
Azure merely nodded, a quiet acknowledgment of the praise. His gaze, however, was already focused on Flint, anticipating his next move. Flint declared, his eyes gleaming with renewed excitement as he hurled another Poké Ball, "Alright, then! Let's keep this hot streak going! Houndoom, it's your turn to unleash the inferno!"
*POP*
With a burst of dark energy and flame, Flint's fifth Pokémon, Houndoom, appeared. Its sleek, black body and powerful horns gave it a menacing appearance, and the glint of its held item, a [Houndoominite], promised an even greater challenge.
Flint commanded, activating his Mega Bracelet, "Mega Evolve!"
*FLASH*
A brilliant, pulsating wave of energy erupted from the keystone, enveloping Houndoom. The Pokémon let out a powerful howl as its form elongated, its horns grew more elaborate, and its fiery collar intensified. Mega Houndoom stood before them, its eyes burning with malevolent power, its new Solar Power ability already tingling in the sun-drenched arena, boosting its Special Attack.
Flint wasted no time commanding, "Mega Houndoom, Shadow Ball!"
*CRACKLE-PEW*
A swirling orb of dark, ghostly energy materialized before Mega Houndoom's mouth and shot towards Gallade!
Azure reacted instantly, ordering, "Gallade, Agility!"
*Wooosh*
Gallade, already boasting a +4 Speed buff, became a mere flicker. It swerved, ducked, and weaved, effortlessly avoiding the incoming Shadow Ball, leaving it to harmlessly dissipate against the distant rock wall with a soft poof.
Its speed was now truly astonishing, a blur that zipped across the room. Rotom exclaimed, its screen showing Gallade's speed stat off the charts, "Whoa! Too fast!"
Azure ordered, capitalizing on Gallade's newfound agility, "Now, Aqua Cutter!"
*Zooom*
Gallade, a streak of pink and blue, closed the distance to Mega Houndoom in an instant, its psychic spoon-blade glowing with water energy. But Flint saw this as he thought, 'I need to take him out. Now!'
Flint countered, his voice sharp, "Fire Blast!"
*HISSSS*
Mega Houndoom unleashed a massive character of fire, shaped like the Kanji symbol, directly at the rapidly approaching Gallade. The sheer size and heat of the Fire Blast made it impossible for Gallade to simply dodge at such close range.
The heat washed over it, threatening to consume it. But Azure had a plan.
Azure countered, "Gallade, Teleport!"
*Pop*
Just as the Fire Blast was about to engulf Gallade, he smirked as he shimmered and vanished with a soft pop!
*BOOOM*
The Fire Blast slammed into empty air, incinerating the spot where Gallade had been. Flint frowned as Mega Houndoom was on high alert.
*Pop—ZWOOOSH*
Then, with an equally abrupt pop! and a flash of pink light, Gallade reappeared – directly in front of Mega Houndoom, having used Teleport to bypass the attack entirely and position itself for a direct hit.
Its Aqua Cutter, mid-swing, was now ready to land…
*SLASH-SLASH-SLASH-SLASH-SLASH*
A furious flurry of Aqua Cutters, amplified by Gallade's Sharpness and its massive Attack stat, landed squarely on Mega Houndoom. The Mega Evolution howled in pain as the super-effective water attacks ripped through its fiery form.
*Thud*
The dark-type Pokémon staggered, its enhanced form shimmering and then collapsing, reverting to its normal Houndoom state, its eyes spiraling. Flint, a flicker of concern in his eyes, watched Houndoom fall.
He waited, his expression tense, for the tell-tale sign of a comeback. He suspected Destiny Bond. Azure, however, had trained Gallade against such tricks.
Rotom warned, its screen flashing a purple skull icon, "Roto-tom! One nasty Destiny Bond coming!"
Azure had seen the slight, almost imperceptible shift in Houndoom's stance just before it fell, a tell-tale sign of the move. He commanded, "Gallade, Life Dew!"
*Drip*
Before Houndoom could fully activate the lingering effects of Destiny Bond, Gallade's psychic energy pulsed outwards. A gentle, shimmering mist of water enveloped it, restoring a small but crucial amount of its health, just enough to negate the effects of Destiny Bond, with Houndoom restoring some HP.
The shadowy aura that would have dragged Gallade down to defeat with Houndoom simply faded away, harmlessly. Azure ordered, sealing the deal, "Good with that out of the way… Power-Up Punch!"
Gallade, its Attack stat now at an incredible +5 stages from its earlier buffs and the residual energy from its attacks, lunged forward. Its fist glowed with fighting energy, connecting with the already weakened Houndoom.
*BAM*
Houndoom cried out, a final, pained yelp and then sagged entirely, completely knocked out, "Wooof!"
Flint let out a soft sigh, a mixture of defeat and admiration. He returned his fainted Houndoom to its Poké Ball, a respectful silence falling over the arena, stating, "Well played. Completely negated the Destiny Bond… you truly are prepared for anything. You've truly surpassed my expectations."
He then gave a triumphant grin, grabbing his last Poké Ball, declaring, "But let's see you handle my last partner! The original! Infernape, let's go!"
*POP*
With a powerful roar, Flint's final Pokémon, Infernape, burst forth. Its fiery crown blazed, its eyes burning with fighting spirit, and its muscles rippled under its orange and white fur. The [Expert Belt] around its waist gleamed, ready to boost its super-effective attacks.
Flint roared, going for an all-out offense, "Infernape, Close Combat!"
*Zoooom*
Infernape charged, a flurry of powerful punches and kicks aimed directly at Gallade. Azure, never one to back down from a direct challenge, matched him. He commanded, "Gallade, Close Combat!"
*Zoooom*
The two Fighting-type powerhouses met in a spectacular clash of fists and blades!
*WHAM-THWACK*
*SWISH-CRASH*
Infernape, with its Hidden Ability Iron Fist activated, boosted the power of every punch, turning each strike into a devastating blow. Its fists were a blur, a relentless assault of raw power and speed.
Gallade, however, was equally formidable. His Sharpness ability amplified its slashes, turning its psychic spoon-blades into even more lethal weapons. Each parry, each counter-slash, was delivered with incredible precision and force.
The reddish-brown room became a stage for their furious dance. Infernape ducked under a slash, delivering a scorching uppercut. Gallade sidestepped a kick, responding with a rapid series of blade attacks that forced Infernape to guard.
Sparks flew, wind howled from their movements, and the very air crackled with the intensity of their battle. Neither Pokémon held back, pushing themselves to their absolute limits. Both with eager grins, enjoying this brawl fest.
Rotom buzzed excitedly, its screen showing both Pokémon's health bars slowly depleting, but Gallade's still holding strong thanks to the remaining buffs, "Roto-tom! What a brutal brawl!"
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of furious exchanges, Azure saw an opening. Infernape, momentarily staggered by a well-placed parry, left itself vulnerable. Azure commanded, his voice ringing with authority, "Gallade, let's end this battle with style! Strong Style Psyblade!"
Gallade gathered all its remaining psychic energy. Its psychic spoon-blade flared with an intense, vibrant pink light, pulsing with raw power. With a powerful, wind-up motion, it brought its blade down in a devastating, all-or-nothing strike.
*WHOOSH*
*CHOOOOOOM*
The Psyblade slammed into Infernape with crushing force. The Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon cried out, its fiery crown sputtering as it was sent flying back, skidding across the ground before finally coming to an unconscious halt.
*THUD*
The intense glow of its fiery crown dimmed, and its eyes spiraled. Infernape was knocked out with a satisfied grin.
A stunned silence fell over the room as Gallade stood victorious, its chest heaving but its posture still proud. Its psychic spoon-blade glowed faintly before settling back to its normal hue.
Flint let out a long, slow sigh, a profound satisfaction etched on his face. He returned his Infernape to its Poké Ball, a fond look in his eyes. He said, his voice soft with genuine admiration, "You… you did it, Azure. You truly did. That was… a phenomenal battle. Every single one of the Pokémon you showed had incredible skill, power, and heart. And your Gallade… that Gallade is a force of nature. Truly amazing."
The pressure in the room dissipated, replaced by a warm, friendly atmosphere once more. Rotom cheered, practically dancing on the Arc Phone screen, "Roto-tom! We won! We won, Azure!"
Azure approached Flint, a faint smile gracing his lips as he said fondly, "Thank you, Flint. Your Pokémon were incredibly strong. It was an honor to battle against them."
He pulled out two Full Restores from his bag as he said softly to his Pokémon, "Gallade, Kleavor, take these."
*POP*
He tossed Kleavor's Poké Ball, and the Pokémon materialized, still looking a bit singed but conscious. He gave the two Pokémon the restorative items, watching as they instantly brightened, their injuries fading.
Flint said excitedly, his hand resting on Azure's shoulder, a firm, encouraging grip, "Congratulations, Azure Sky. You've earned your way to the final two. Lucian, the Psychic-type master, is next. And then… Champion Cynthia herself."
He gestured to the grand, ornate gates behind him, now slightly ajar, and grinned, "Go on, Azure. Wish you the best of luck. You're going to need it, but I have a feeling you've got what it takes to go all the way."
Azure nodded, a surge of renewed determination filling him. He replied respectfully, "I will. Thank you, Flint."
With a final, respectful bow to the Fire-type Elite Four member, Azure turned. His gaze fixed on the open gates, a path to the next challenge, to Lucian, and then, to the pinnacle of the Sinnoh League. Rotom buzzed with anticipation from the Arc Phone. He stepped through the gates, leaving the fiery chamber behind, ready for what lay ahead.
The journey was almost complete.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!