Chapter 297: Alluring Fire (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town – Rusturf Tunnel]
*SCREEE*
The van screeched to a halt, jolting everyone from their thoughts. They had arrived at the entrance of Rusturf Tunnel.
Chaos reigned. People milled about, their faces etched with panic and fear. Dust hung heavy in the air, mingling with the acrid scent of displaced earth
Shouts and cries echoed against the rock face. Then a frantic voice cut through the clamor of chaos, "Riley! Has anyone seen Riley?!"
A young woman, her face smudged with dirt and tears, pushed through the crowd. She bore a striking resemblance to Wally, the fragile trainer Ruby had befriended.
A worker nearby, recognizing Wanda, called out, his voice grim, "Wanda! We found his backpack, but… he went in just before it collapsed. We can't get to him."
Wanda crumpled, a heart-wrenching sob tearing from her throat. Ruby's eyes widened in realization as he thought, 'Wally! No, wait, that must be… Wanda!'
He'd mentioned his cousin, Wanda, during a visit, even showing Ruby her home. This was Wally's cousin, and her fiancé was trapped.
Wanda, catching sight of Ruby, recognized him from the Contest Hall, a flash of desperate hope in her eyes as Wally mentioned him pleaded, "Please! You're a trainer, aren't you? You have Pokémon! Please, you have to help!"
Ruby, his earlier playfulness entirely gone, nodded grimly, his face set with resolve. He clenched his fists. He declared, his voice firm, "I will."
Azure watched Ruby, a flicker of approval in his eyes. Azure, Pikachu, and Eevee still in tow, followed closely behind, his expression unreadable but his steps determined.
Ty, always one to capture a live story, whipped out his camera, Gabby right beside him, her face a mixture of concern and journalistic fervor. Wanda, her eyes fixed on Ruby, stumbled along behind them, her hope rekindled.
The air grew cooler, heavier, as they ventured deeper into the Rusturf Tunnel. The sounds of panic faded, replaced by the ominous drip of water and the creak of settling earth.
The beam of Ty's flashlight cut through the gloom, revealing the jagged rock walls. Then, Ty spotted it again.
The Absol, silhouetted against a distant shaft of light, was watching them with an almost predatory intensity. Ty shouted, his voice laced with suspicion, "Look! There it is! The Disaster Pokémon! It must have caused the cave-in, attracting all this trouble!"
Azure stopped dead. His gaze, usually calm, hardened, becoming piercing. He stated, his voice devoid of its usual warmth, carrying an undeniable authority, "You are mistaken."
His hand instinctively went to a Poké Ball. His voice brooked no argument, a stern defense of a Pokémon he barely knew, yet instinctively understood, "Absol does not cause disasters, Ty. It senses them. It appears to warn us. To accuse it is to misunderstand its very nature."
Ty, sensing the sudden, almost palpable shift in Azure's mood, the raw intensity in his eyes, immediately recoiled. Azure's eyes, usually tranquil, now held a glint of steel.
Ty recoiled under his intense gaze as he stammered, holding up his hands, "My apologies, Mr. Sky. I… I didn't mean to offend. I just…"
He trailed off under Azure's unwavering gaze. They pressed onward, the air growing colder, choked with dust. Finally, the tunnel opened into a wider cavern, but the path was completely blocked.
A monstrous pile of massive boulders, jagged and imposing, sealed off the way forward. This was the cave-in site.
Wanda rushed forward, a desperate cry tearing from her throat. She threw herself against the lowest, largest boulder, her small hands clawing at its rough surface, trying to rip it away.
She shrieked, her voice cracking with despair, "Riley! Riley! Can you hear me?!"
Gabby hurried to her side, trying to calm the distraught woman as she warned her softly, "Wanda, stop! You'll hurt yourself! There's no way we can move these rocks, they're too big, too heavy!"
Ruby, his eyes scanning the impossible barrier, took a deep breath. He thought of Wally, of the promise he'd made. He muttered as he reached for a Poké Ball, "Maybe not by hand, but not impossible. Mumu, to the rescue!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, his mighty Swampert, Mumu, materialized, its powerful frame radiating strength. Without a word, he reached for one of his own Poké Balls as he announced, releasing his own powerful Swampert, "My turn. Swampert, come assist!"
*Pop*
With a familiar flash, another Swampert appeared beside Ruby's, equally formidable, its gaze fixed on the daunting obstacle. Two titanic Pokémon, both Swampert, faced the mountain of rock.
Absol, which had silently followed them, now stood at a respectful distance, its red eyes fixed intently on Azure. It ignored Ty's fearful glances, Gabby's worried murmurs, and Wanda's tearful vigil.
Its entire focus was on this human trainer, the one who moved with such quiet confidence, who defended the misunderstood, and who now commanded such power. The human who, in its experience, seemed to have an uncanny knack for attracting and thwarting disasters, not just witnessing them.
A primal curiosity stirred within the Disaster Pokémon, a recognition of something profoundly unique in Azure as it thought, 'I wonder how the human would solve this disaster waiting to come…'
Ty, still recovering from Azure's rebuke, eyed the two Swampert speculatively and asked, confused, his voice baffled, "But how will two Pokémon clear all of this? And what are you even looking for?"
Ruby explained, a proud smile on his face, with a confident voice, "Even as a Marshtomp, Mumu kept the incredible radar it possessed as a Mudkip. It can sense things, even through solid stone! Mumu, a demonstration!"
*Fwip*
*Fwip*
Mumu, as if understanding, extended its fin-like appendages, its eyes glowing faintly. It then dove headfirst into a murky puddle of mud that had collected near the cave-in. Azure's Swampert, equally adept, followed suit, its powerful limbs churning the mud.
*DIG*
*SPLASH*
A moment later, a splash of muddy water erupted, splattering Gabby, Ty, and Wanda, who shrieked in surprise as they yelled, "Ugh! So messy!!"
Azure lightly chuckled, seeing this. Ruby, on the other knew beforehand and expertly moved out of the way, not getting his clothes dirty.
Undeterred, the two Swamperts communicated silently, with nod gestures. Mumu's radar ability, enhanced by its evolved form and perhaps even amplified by Azure's Swampert's impressive senses, homed in on a faint, almost imperceptible tremor beneath the earth as they dig through.
*Rmbl*
*RMBL*
After a tense few seconds, both Pokémon surfaced, their expressions grim. They had found something.
Both pointed to a specific point in the rubble. Azure placed a hand over Swampert using his Viridian Force to communicate telepathically, its voice echoing in Azure's mind, 'It's a huge boulder. And it's unstable.'
His eyes widened as he surmised for the people to hear, "Riley must be behind it!"
Ruby and Azure ordered simultaneously, "Mumu/Swampert, use Rock Smash!"
*RMBL*
With a synchronized roar, both Swamperts slammed their mighty fists into the designated section of the cave-in. The earth trembled again, but this time, it was a controlled, powerful tremor…
*CRACK*
Cracks spiderwebbed across the rock as the two Pokémon, their muscles straining, broke through. Dust billowed, and then, slowly, a gaping hole appeared…
*Booom*
From within the newly created opening, both Mumu and Azure's Swampert emerged, their powerful arms cradling an unconscious figure between them. It was Riley.
Wanda's gasp of pure, unadulterated joy echoed through the tunnel. She screamed, rushing forward, her tears now tears of relief, "Riley! I'm so glad! Thank you… thank you both…"
Ruby, his eyes shining with pride for Mumu, produced a vibrant Pokéblock. He praised, offering it to his partner, "You did great, Mumu!"
Azure, in turn, offered his Swampert a similar treat, a silent commendation for its excellent teamwork. The two Pokémon munched happily, their efforts more than rewarded.
Wanda turned, thanking Ruby as he nodded, smiling as he said shamelessly, "You're welcome, Wanda. Any cousin of Wally is a friend of mine. Oh, and if you ever happen to be the judge at a Pokémon Contest somewhere, please don't forget to vote for me."
Wanda was stunned hearing that. Along with Ty and Gabby, but Azure chuckled with his Pikachu and Eevee joining along, adding, "Ahaha! Really Ruby? Straight up securing a vote after saving her fiancé?"
Ruby shrugged his shoulders with his arms crossed as Mumu rubbed the back of his head because of his trainer antics. Ruby replied nonchalantly, "And why not? Gotta take any advantage if the possibility exists?"
Azure sighed helplessly at Ruby's response as Pikachu and Eevee merely snickered. But after a few minutes, Riley slowly regained consciousness.
His eyes fluttered open, blinking against the harsh lights as he muttered, "Ow… Wanda… Oh, my head."
Wanda sobbed, hugging him tightly in a happy tone, "Riley, darling! I thought… I thought you were gone!"
Riley reassured her, though he looked pale and shaken, he said tiredly, "I'm fine, my dear. Just a bit banged up."
He then turned to Ruby and Azure. He said in a thankful tone, bowing his head, "Thank you, both of you. You saved my life."
Wanda, still reeling from the ordeal, looked at him in confusion as she asked, baffled, "But why were you still down here, Riley? We all thought you had halted construction because of the danger."
Riley sighed, a weariness settling into his features as he explained, rubbing his head, "We did halt construction, Wanda. But not because of the danger to us. We had to stop because we were disturbing the wild Whismur inside the tunnel. They're such timid, sensitive Pokémon, and the drilling was terrifying them."
He paused, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he continued, "I was just checking on them, making sure they were okay, when the earthquake hit."
Ruby, hearing this, felt a profound warmth spread through him. His eyes, already sparkling, welled up. He whispered, genuinely moved, "You… you wanted to protect the Whismur? You, sir, are a wonderful man!!"
The thought of these hardworking individuals prioritizing the well-being of innocent Pokémon brought tears to his eyes. It was a sentiment he understood deeply as a Coordinator.
However, Riley continued, his voice heavy with concern, eyeing the cave-in, "We took every precaution we could to avoid disturbing them. But the earthquake… it was completely unexpected. We only felt minor tremors before, but this was different. This wasn't a normal geological shift."
He looked gravely at Azure and Ruby as he explained cautiously, "I believe these earthquakes aren't random. They're a sign. A sign that something truly bad will happen to Hoenn soon."
As Riley spoke, Ruby vaguely registered that the Absol, which had been observing from the ledge, had vanished again. He glanced up, but its white form was gone.
Azure, however, had noticed its departure. His eyes, sharper than Ruby's, had tracked its crimson gaze as it blended seamlessly into the deepening shadows of the tunnel's uncollapsed sections, its presence a fleeting, silent promise.
"AHHHH!!!"
Suddenly, a chorus of high-pitched, terrified screams erupted from deeper within the Rusturf Tunnel. It was the Whismur, their distress calls echoing with an unsettling urgency. The sound was unmistakable.
Something truly bad was indeed about to happen. The Whismur proved correct.
*RMBL*
The ground beneath them began to rumble violently. Another earthquake, stronger than the last, shook the tunnel.
*KERSMASH*
Stones rained down from the ceiling, and cracks spiderwebbed across the rock face. The cave was caving in again! Amidst the terrifying tremors, agitated voices carried through the cracking rock.
"Hee-hee! Look at those guys blathering on about earthquakes and disaster!"
"It might be a Disaster to them… but it's a success to us!!"
"That's right!! These earthquakes are signs that the land is…"
"… GROWING AND EXPANDING!!"
Suddenly, a group of figures burst through a newly opened fissure in the rock, their uniforms a stark, magma-red. Team Magma. At their head, a woman with an advanced uniform and a chillingly confident smirk.
Courtney, one of Team Magma's Admins, appeared. Ty muttered, stunned, "Red uniforms! Are they the ones from Slateport City?!"
But Courtney's voice cut the Grunt's amusement short, "Hey, quit pontificating!!"
The Grunts nodded, gulping they're saliva. Courtney purred, her eyes dancing with malicious glee as she ordered, "Sigh… I made this tunnel collapse to drive people away from the area. I didn't expect to come here and find anyone inside! Get rid of them!"
*Pop*
The Magma Grunts, accompanied by their own Pokémon – Mightyena, Numel, Zubat, Magcargo, Sandslash, and Magnimite– charged. Ty and Gabby instinctively pulled out what small Pokémon they had, their faces a mixture of fear and defiance.
Wanda, still clutching Riley, shrank back, terrified. But Courtney's triumphant cry was cut short by a furious snarl.
"AHH!!"
"SHIT!!!"
"MOMMY!!"
Her Grunts' battle cries caught her attention, pulling her gaze away from her mission. Azure, his calm demeanor replaced by an icy resolve, had already taken control of the situation.
Pikachu and Eevee, ever ready, stood by his feet, their expressions determined. Not only that followed was the sound of Poke Balls opening followed.
*Pop*
From a series of flashes, his Ninetales, Golduck, Milotic, and Crawdaunt joined Swampert, forming a formidable frontline. Azure commanded, his voice ringing with authority, "Ninetales, Flamethrower! Golduck, Hydro Pump! Milotic, Water Pulse! Crawdaunt, Crabhammer! Swampert, Muddy Water! Pikachu, Discharge! Eevee, Swift!"
The air crackled with energy as his Pokémon launched devastating attacks, sending the Grunts and their Pokémon reeling. Azure turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Ruby and the others as he ordered them sternly, "Ruby! Take them back to safety! I'll handle these Grunts here!"
Ruby, though a Contest Trainer, had seen enough battles to know when to trust a superior fighter. He nodded, his own resolve firm as he said, "Right! Everyone, follow me!"
He quickly gathered Wanda, Riley, Ty, and Gabby, ushering them back towards the tunnel entrance. Courtney, recovering from the initial surprise, watched Azure's swift, decisive actions. A slow, predatory grin spread across her face. She murmured, "Interesting. A champion, playing hero… And directing the kid away from the action. Perhaps I should adjust my plans..."
With a wicked gleam in her eyes, Courtney whistled, and her agile Swellow swooped down from the crumbling ceiling. The bird grabbed Courtney as her gaze fixed on Ruby's retreating form, and she said slyly, "Why capture Grunts when I can capture a prize? Come to me, pretty boy…"
*Wooosh*
Courtney, riding her Swellow, shot forward like a bolt of lightning. She dove towards Ruby, intending to snatch him up.
But Azure, with a speed that belied his calm front, moved faster. He intercepted her, his arm shooting out, grabbing her wrist just as she reached for Ruby.
Azure ordered Ruby, pushing him out of the way, "Get back!"
*GRIP*
Courtney let out a frustrated growl, "Persistent, aren't we?"
She tried to shake him off, but Azure's grip was like iron. He tried to break free, to pull his hand away, but he quickly realized he couldn't.
Courtney's gloves were coated in a strange, sticky substance, the concentrated essence of Pomeg and Kelpsy Berry juice, creating a surprisingly powerful, natural glue. Courtney cackled, her eyes sparkling with triumph, "Sorry, but this is my little concoction. A mixture of Pomeg and Kelpsy Berry juice is seeping out in my gloves. It's an extremely sticky natural glue!"
*Fwp*
With a powerful beat of Swellow's wings, she began to drag Azure deeper into the Rusturf Tunnel, past the immediate cave-in, into the darkness as she gloated, "We 'helped' complete this tunnel, you see, by crushing all the inconvenient boulders!"
Azure's Pokémon, seeing their Trainer being forcibly dragged away, let out fierce roars. Pikachu's cheeks sparked with fury, Eevee snarled, Ninetales unleashed a concentrated burst of fire, Golduck prepared a Surf, Swampert readied a Water Pledge, Milotic used Ice Beam, and Crawdaunt readied its claws.
*Zooom*
They lunged forward, desperate to save their Trainer. But they were quickly cut off. Team Magma Grunts, rallying, deployed more Pokémon, blocking their path.
The Grunts, seeing their leader successfully abducting the Indigo champion, doubled down on their efforts, their eyes narrowed in challenge. Azure's Pokémon, trapped, knew they would have to fight their way through this new wave of enemies before they could hope to reach their Trainer.
However, to the Grunts and even Courtney's unawareness, a pair of glowing red eyes in the shadows, barely visible to the untrained eye, narrowed further. Absol, the Disaster Pokémon, whose presence is often a harbinger of ill tidings, watched Azure being pulled into the darkness…
*Zooom*
Using Quick Attack, it followed suit. With a silent, predatory grace, it melted into the deeper shadows, following Azure's trail...
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!