Chapter 354: The Challenger
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]
The air above Kanto was clean and sharp, scented with pine and the distant tang of salt from the coast. Azure leaned back against the sturdy neck of his Dragonite, the breeze whipping his black hair across his face.
Below them, Pallet Town—a sleepy, perfect portrait of rural tranquility—was coming into view. He was exhausted, but it was a satisfying exhaustion.
Azure murmured, scratching the thick hide between Dragonite's antennas, "Just a few more minutes, girl."
Strapped securely to his head, Eevee chirped in agreement, occasionally tickling his ear with her fluffy tail. On his left shoulder, Pikachu—his true partner, the electric embodiment of his own tenacious spirit—let out a casual, soft crackle, enjoying the smooth, powerful flight.
The past few days had been a blurring scramble across Johto, a region far more subtle and resistant to thorough exploration than it first appeared. But the mission was complete as he collected them all.
Cradled safely within a specialized protective [Sub-Space] were eighteen distinct, heavy objects: the Plates of Arceus. Fire, Water, Ice, Electric, Grass, Psychic, Ground, Flying, Rock, Bug, Poison, Ghost, Dragon, Steel, Fighting, Fairy, Dark, and Normal. All accounted for.
Azure felt the weight of them, not just physically, but symbolically. These were the tools required for the dark months ahead, the preparation for the inevitable confrontation with Giovanni and the reconstituted threat of Team Rocket.
He hadn't sought the Plates out of simple curiosity; he sought them because he knew the scope of the coming conflict would require power beyond the ordinary. Azure smiled down at Pikachu and Eevee, "We're ready, aren't we, partners?"
They both chirped happily at the challenge ahead. Dragonite descended gracefully, landing with a soft thud on the lawn outside Professor Oak's sprawling laboratory.
*THUD*
Azure slid off, stretching limbs that screamed in protest from too much time spent flying and rappelling down ruins. Eevee hopped down to sit by his ankle, and Pikachu relocated from his shoulder to perch on the brim of his hat.
The door slid open, and Daisy Oak, granddaughter of the esteemed professor, stood framed in the doorway, a friendly, familiar smile on her face. She walked forward, pulling him into a brief, warm hug as she said happily, "Azure! You finally made it back! We were starting to worry the Whirl Islands had swallowed you."
Azure chuckled at her words as he replied casually, "Johto just likes to hide its ancient artifacts well. Is the Professor around?"
Daisy's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a look of amused seriousness as she stated calmly, "He is, but you may want to deal with a logistical issue first. You have a challenger, Azure."
Azure raised an eyebrow, scanning the familiar, vast expanse of Oak's back paddock—the training ground where hundreds of trainers had met their match against his unique system. He sighed as he replied dismissively, "A challenger? Happens all the time, Daisy. Send them off with a promise that says, 'You beat Azure's Reserve Team C.'"
Azure wasn't arrogant; he was efficient. Having won the League Tournaments twice and recently the Hoenn League, his reputation preceded him. The volume of challengers seeking to test their mettle against the Azure Sky was astronomical.
To manage his time and ensure his core partners remained focused on the grander goal, he established a filtering system. He maintained a roster of eighteen supremely trained Pokémon—members of his Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn core teams.
Each was a veteran, strong enough to win a League on their own. When a challenger arrived, they were randomly assigned three of these eighteen Pokémon for a 3-on-1 battle. Only a handful ever succeeded, and those who did earned Azure's personal attention.
Daisy, however, was still looking amused as she stated, "Yes, well... this one succeeded. Three of your reserves were defeated. Cleanly."
Azure stilled, Pikachu, adjusting his perch on his shoulder, asked curiously, "Three? Which ones did this challenger win against?"
Daisy paused as she explained which one's in a cheerful voice, "Um, first, your Charizard from Kanto. Then, your Johto-native Ampharos. And finally, your Hoenn-native Slaking. All good battles, apparently. Very long, too. I had to offer the challenger tea about halfway through the process."
A rare flicker of surprise crossed Azure's face, quickly morphing into keen interest. Slaking was a defensive titan, Ampharos provided reliable special attacks, and Charizard was raw fire power, focused physical power.
For a single trainer to tactically overcome that diverse trio required immense skill, stamina, and strategic depth. Azure asked curiously, running a hand over Eevee's soft fur, "They took their time with the battles?"
Daisy nodded with a grin on her face as she explained happily, "Yes. She wasn't aggressive, she was... meticulous. She was studying them. And when she won, she wasn't arrogant about it. She simply asked to see the 'Uncrowned Champion' when he returned. Other than that, she had her Pokémon spar with yours, passing the time."
Azure felt the familiar adrenaline of a real challenge. A random trainer wouldn't analyze his reserves; they would simply try to overpower them. This made Azure think curiously, 'This person is different. At least she has skills…'
Gaining his attention, Azure asked, "Lead the way, Daisy. I'm intrigued."
Daisy led him through the polished, spacious interior of the laboratory, past tables laden with notes, strange biological samples, and massive monitors displaying Pokémon data. They stopped at the entrance to the main lounge, where a figure sat quietly sipping tea, gazing out at the verdant fields.
As Azure stepped into the room, the figure turned.
Azure froze. The flicker of surprise returned, followed by an immediate understanding of how his three powerful veterans had fallen.
She was tall, elegant, and possessed a timeless grace. Her long, pale blonde hair framed intense, intelligent grey eyes. She wore a long, flowing black coat trimmed with gold, and beside her feet, a dark, intimidating Pokémon watched the door curiously.
*Clink*
Cynthia, the peerless Champion of Sinnoh, set her teacup down with a light clink and asked kindly, "Azure Sky, I presume? Daisy was kind enough to inform me you were due back today. I must say, your selection of Pokémon is impressive. Those three Pokémon offered a magnificent challenge."
Azure managed a slight, respectful nod, still processing the sheer unlikelihood of her presence here. He gestured to the bag as he said calmly, "Champion Cynthia. It's an honor to host you in Pallet Town. I apologize for making you wait; Johto kept hold of a few secrets I needed."
Cynthia's gaze lingered momentarily on the satchel, recognizing the hidden power as she stated calmly, "Secrets are exactly what brought me here. You've acquired quite the reputation. Not just in Kanto or Hoenn, but across the international scene. A trainer who wins League Tournaments and then, quite deliberately, relinquishes the crown. Vanishing like a ghost."
She gestured to the sofa opposite her. Azure sat, Pikachu hopping onto the armrest, Eevee settling into his lap. Cynthia continued, her tone polite but insistent, "It leads to the obvious question. Why? Strength like yours is meant to be challenged at the highest level, and you have the history to prove it. Such a position grants immense influence."
Azure leaned back, considering her seriousness. It was a question he'd answered countless times to reporters and skeptical League officials.
But coming from Cynthia, it felt genuine—a true philosophical inquiry from one master to another. He rolled his eyes, only slightly replying dismissively, "A crown is heavy, Champion. It restricts one's freedom."
Cynthia raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, asking, "Freedom from what?"
Azure stated firmly, his gaze meeting hers as he said with absolute conviction, "From everything. As champion, I am tethered to one locale, one set of duties. I become a gatekeeper, not an explorer. My goal isn't to be a Champion… My goal is to be a Pokémon Master."
Cynthia leaned forward, genuinely curious as she asked curiously, "I've heard that phrase a thousand times, Azure. But you are the first person of your proven caliber to define it as something other than winning the League and defending the title. What do you mean by becoming a Pokémon Master?"
Azure stroked Eevee's head, thinking of the shared history with his partners, the worlds they had traversed, and the countless adventures they still desired. Azure explained, a wide grin spreading across his face, radiating enthusiasm that belied his years of experience, "A Champion battles the best to protect their region. A Pokémon Master battles the best to experience what the world has to offer. I plan to befriend any Pokémon I meet on my journey, from the smallest Caterpie to the mightiest Legendaries. I want to challenge strong opponents in all the Regions in the world, not just my own. Forge strong bonds that will last a lifetime."
He paused, the energy in the room heightening as he continued, "And I know not all Pokémon would be immediately friendly. But I just can't help going out seeking the next adventure or challenges ahead, wanting to experience it all. I want to map the uncharted territory of partnership and power."
Cynthia listened intently, a slow smile forming as she finally replied, "A grand aspiration. You certainly have a high goal in mind, Azure. It requires boundless energy and a unique spirit to follow your path."
She finished her tea, the conversation shifting back to the present moment. Cynthia said, her eyes gleaming with competitive fire, "Which brings us back to the battlefield. I didn't come merely to discuss philosophy. I came because I rarely find opponents who demand my absolute best. Your three reserve specialists were challenging, but they were a warm-up, as were your other Pokémon I had the pleasure of sparing against. I seek a grander stage, and I wish to see the Uncrowned Champion's true power."
Azure matched her grin, the excitement thrumming beneath his skin. This was why he trained, why he endured grueling treks for ancient artifacts as he uttered, "Your wish is granted. But since you sought me out, I must give you the best showing possible."
Azure's hand subconsciously went to the Master Ball he kept hidden, containing the majestic Psychic-type he had befriended, Mewtwo. The power contained within that ball was staggering, capable of reshaping reality on a whim.
He shook his head slightly as he thought calmly of his choice, 'Though I would love to unleash true terror upon you, my partner Mewtwo, I would rather keep you hidden as an Ace against him...'
Azure accepted Cynthia's request as she calmly stated her eyes ignited by her fighting spirit, eyeing him, "Then I expect your core team. The ones who carried you through your journey so far."
Azure nodded, standing up, Pikachu now alert on his shoulder, stated, "You'll have them. The team that started it all. But for this battle, it will all be about skill, no gimmicks. No Z-Moves and no Mega Evolution. Pure skill only."
Azure selected six of his Main Team Pokémon that started it all: Pikachu, Eevee, Dragonite, Scizor, Arcanine, and Gengar. His chosen six—his history, his foundation, and his greatest power outside of the legendary assets he was currently gathering.
Azure said calmly, gesturing toward the back entrance leading to the vast training fields, standing up, "If you would follow me, Champion. Professor Oak's backyard is about to get very interesting."
/////
[Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab (Battlefield)]
The battlefield was immaculate: a large, enclosed arena of tightly packed earth and stone, bordered by towering groves of ancient oak trees. The setting sun cast long, reddish shadows across the ground.
Azure and Cynthia took opposing positions. Daisy and Professor Oak stood on the sidelines, acting as observers and judges.
Professor Oak announced, his voice booming with excitement, "This will be a six-on-six battle. Traditional rules with no gimmicks allowed, but Held Items are usable. The first side to lose all six Pokémon loses the match."
Cynthia wasted no time; her expression shifting from philosophical curiosity to focused concentration. She reached for her first Ultra Ball. At the same time, Azure grabbed his Poké Ball with Pikachu over his shoulder and Eevee on his head.
Both hurled their first Poke Ball and Ultra Ball. Both materialized their Pokémon of choice to start the battle.
"Go! Spiritomb!"
*Pop*
"I choose you! Gengar!"
*Pop*
Cynthia wasn't remotely surprised by his Shiny Gengar. In fact, she was prepared for this as she could be, as she'd seen Azure's battles televised, but even so, she didn't lower her guard against him. As Azure's mischievous levitating Gengar comes flying out of its ball, Cynthia's frightening Spiritomb appears in a flash as well.
Azure's eyes narrowed, and it's almost like he knows what she's up to. But he makes no effort to trade out his Pokémon. Instantly, both issued commands…
"Gengar-!"
"Spiritomb-!"
"SHADOW BALL!!"
*CRACKLE*
Cynthia's eyes flash with some small amount of respect as the cackling ghostly energy of Shadow Ball was launched out of Gengar at the exact moment that her Spiritomb elongates its neck and spits out a powerful Shadow Ball of its own, coursing through the air, intending to hit Gengar.
*BOOOOOM*
Both attacks hit their targets, resulting in an explosion. Both knew that her Spiritomb had the edge as its move was super effective against Gengar, while it did neutral damage against her Spiritomb.
Cynthia was confident that her Spiritomb weathered worse… or so she would think.
When the dust settles, the sight is startling to say the least. But at least Cynthia isn't the only one surprised to see BOTH of their Pokémon fainted from the simultaneous attacks. It would see the first stage of the fight as a mutual K.O.
In utter silence, the two of them call their Pokémon back to their balls… and pull out the second of the 6 Poke Balls a moment later. Looking at Azure, Cynthia imagines the raw determination and resolve to be the very best that she sees in his eyes is mirrored in her own…
Azure, meanwhile, smiled mentally seeing that Gengar's Held Item [Spooky Plate] gave it a BIG edge against Cynthais's Spiritomb. He could see the effects given aren't small but still uncontrolled, as he'll use Cynthia's Pokémon to test the Plates' Limits against a Champion Level Opponent…
Meanwhile, Cynthia took a closer look at Gengar's [Spooky Plate] that was returned as her mind roared at her as she thought curiously, 'That item... where have I seen it before? I feel my archeology side of me scream at its importance... and the boost it gave to Shadow Ball. I wonder what that is...'
Cynthia shook her head, ignoring that item as she focused intently on the battle ahead, 'No... I'll remember or search what that is later. I have to put my full focus on the Uncrowned Champion. Perhaps he's the one who will push me further. Or I would be the one to kick him off his pedestal...'
Cynthia grinned at the thought but focused everything on the battle in front of her. Both eyed each other as they thought excitedly, 'Good. Very good. This… would be a fight to remember for sure.'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!