Chapter 421: Fateful Encounter
~Third POV~
[Anime Canon – Sinnoh Region, Weeks Later, Hearthome City – Outskirts of the Ancient Ruins]
For the next few weeks, Azure vanished into the Sinnoh wilderness. He wasn't rushing for badges; he was building a foundation.
He found a secluded valley near the foot of Mt. Coronet to set up camp. This was a time for bonding. He released his new "Baby Team" to mingle.
Elekid and Magby were natural rivals, constantly sparring with sparks and embers, pushing each other to evolve. Alpha Gible, a massive specimen for its species, spent most of its time trying to bite Azure's head playfully, a habit Azure had to curb with gentle psychic nudges. Alpha Rhyhorn was a tank, a stony giant that needed to learn that not everything was a battering ram.
Alpha Hisuian Zorua, a shimmering Shiny variant, practiced its illusions, constantly disguising itself as Togepi to steal food, much to the real Togepi's confusion. Ralts was quiet, meditating with Azure, honing its empathy and sensing the emotions of the group. And then there was Chimchar. At first, the Fire-type was skittish, flinching whenever Azure raised a hand.
But Azure used his Viridian Force daily, a soothing green light that washed away the physical and mental scars of the Zangoose. Slowly, the fear in Chimchar's eyes was replaced by determination.
He began to play with Pikachu and Eevee, realizing that strength didn't have to hurt. Azure focused heavily on Togepi as well, carrying the Spike Ball Pokémon everywhere, letting the Soothe Bell chime, nurturing the friendship required for its evolution.
One afternoon, as Azure, with Pikachu once again on his shoulder, Eevee on his head, and Pichu (Mew) softly humming in his jacket, approached the outskirts of some ancient ruins, a crowd had gathered. Intrigued, he drifted closer, blending into the periphery.
That's when he saw them: Ash Ketchum, ever the unyielding spirit, standing alongside Brock and Dawn. They were all gazing towards a central stage where a regal figure stood – the Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia, her gaze calm and powerful.
Suddenly, a familiar, gruff voice cut through the murmur of the crowd. Paul, Ash's stoic rival, emerged from the edge of the ruins, his expression predictably impassive. Ash, ever the optimist, lit up. He exclaimed, jogging forward, "Paul! Hey! I finally got two Badges! How many have you gotten?"
Paul merely scoffed, brushing off Ash's innocent query. His eyes, cold and calculating, were fixed solely on Cynthia. He declared, his voice cutting through the air like ice, "I challenge you, Cynthia. Six-on-six battle."
A ripple of shock went through the crowd. Challenging a Champion so brazenly, and to a full battle? It was audacious.
Even more surprising was Cynthia's serene smile as she agreed. Azure watched, a flicker of interest igniting in his eyes. Paul was known for his ruthlessness, Cynthia for her overwhelming power. This would be a spectacle.
Cynthia said, her voice clear and resonant, "Very well."
She reached for a Poké Ball, declaring, "Garchomp, let's go!"
*Pop*
A fearsome Mach Pokémon materialized, its presence immediately commanding respect. Garchomp, a pseudo-legendary, radiated raw strength.
Paul, however, chose an unexpected counter as he declared, hurling his Poke Ball, "Magmar, stand by for battle!"
*Pop*
A Fire-type Pokémon, built like a fiery duck, appeared. A collective gasp rose from the crowd as they whispered.
"Magmar against Garchomp?"
"A Fire-type against a Dragon/Ground-type?"
"Bruh why?"
"Nah this guy's throwing."
The disadvantage was glaring. Azure raised an eyebrow, a slight hum of curiosity escaping his lips as he mused, "Was this a test? A taunt? Or simply training?"
Paul commanded, his voice devoid of emotion, "Magmar, Fire Spin!"
*Ssssss*
Magmar unleashed a vortex of flames towards Garchomp. Cynthia countered, her tone calm, confident, "Garchomp, Dig!"
*RMBL*
Garchomp vanished beneath the earth, effortlessly dodging the fiery attack. The Fire Spin died down, leaving Magmar alone on the field…
*RMBL*
Then, the ground beneath Magmar quaked. Before the Fire Pokémon could react, Garchomp erupted from the earth, slamming into Magmar with devastating force. Magmar cried out, disoriented, and collapsed, unconscious.
The referee declared, "Magmar is unable to battle!"
Paul recalled Magmar, his gaze cold. He muttered, loud enough for Cynthia and Ash to hear, "Useless."
His words didn't sit well with either of them; Ash bristled, while Cynthia's serene expression tightened almost imperceptibly. Azure merely observed, noting Paul's uncompromising nature as Paul reached for his next Poké Ball.
*Pop*
Paul's next choice was a stark contrast, a sleek Ice/Dark-type that held a distinct type advantage against Garchomp, "Weavile, go!"
Paul ordered, going for the immediate super-effective hit, "Weavile, Blizzard!"
*Wooosh*
A furious storm of ice and wind erupted from Weavile, engulfing Garchomp. Even after a direct hit from a doubly super effective attack, Garchomp merely stood its ground, unfazed, a testament to Cynthia's rigorous training and the Pokémon's innate resilience.
Azure mentally conceded, witnessing her Pokémon in action, 'Cynthia's Garchomp is truly in a league of its own.'
Cynthia commanded, "Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"
*ZOOOM*
Garchomp charged, wreathed in draconic energy. Weavile, instead of moving to dodge, seemed to freeze in fear, paralyzed by the sheer power bearing down on it. Paul grit his teeth and commanded, "Weavile! Ice Beam, quick!"
*BOOOM*
Weavile managed to fire off a few icy beams, but Garchomp, with surprising grace for its size, weaved through them, a blur of speed and power. It slammed into Weavile with a thunderous impact, sending the Ice-type skidding back, unconscious.
Two down, not even a scratch on Garchomp. The crowd was aghast. Paul's next Pokémon took to the skies immediately, "Murkrow, let's see what you can do!"
*Pop*
Murkrow, appearing, screeched as Paul ordered, "Murkrow, Haze!"
*Pooof*
A dark, smoky mist billowed from Murkrow, attempting to envelop Garchomp. But the pseudo-legendary was too fast, darting out of the way before the opaque cloud could obscure its vision.
*Wooosh*
Murkrow, demonstrating surprising agility, wheeled around, positioning itself behind Garchomp. Paul's voice was sharp, "Now, Sky Attack!"
*Wooosh*
Murkrow glowed with energy, preparing a powerful dive. Cynthia's counter was swift and absolute, "Garchomp, Giga Impact!"
*BOOOM*
Garchomp roared, surging forward, cloaked in orange energy. It met Murkrow mid-flight, a collision of titans in miniature. The force of Garchomp's Giga Impact was too much as it overpowered it…
*Thud*
Murkrow was sent spiraling downwards, defeated with a single, brutal hit. Three Pokémon down, and Cynthia's Garchomp hadn't taken a single point of damage. The crowd was a mix of awe and bewilderment.
Paul, however, recalled Murkrow with a peculiar smirk playing on his lips. He had just lost half his team, yet he looked almost… pleased. Azure's curiosity deepened as he thought, amused, 'Paul's gathering data, not just battling to win. Good. That's the right mentality to have if you want to show your team just how far you need to go.'
Paul finally sent out a Pokémon that commanded presence, "Torterra, it's up to you!"
*Pop*
Torterra appeared as it roared challengingly at Garchomp. Paul wasted no time: "Torterra, Giga Drain!"
*ZAP*
Garchomp, still recovering from the recoil of Giga Impact, was briefly rooted to the spot. The powerful absorption attack from Torterra slammed into it, draining its energy. For the first time, Garchomp faltered, sinking to one knee, a low growl rumbling in its throat.
Gasps of surprise erupted from the onlookers. Paul had landed a hit!
Paul pressed his advantage, going for a move that left Torterra immobile afterwards but promised immense power, "Now, Frenzy Plant!"
*RMBL*
Massive, thorny roots erupted from the ground, lashing out at Garchomp. Cynthia merely smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes as she commanded calmly, "Garchomp, block it with your fins!"
*THUD*
To Paul's astonishment, Garchomp, despite its weakened state, brought its powerful fins up, deflecting the onslaught of roots. The attack was blocked, though the effort was clearly immense.
Cynthia's voice carried a new edge of power, "Now, Garchomp! Brick Break!"
*CRACK*
With a mighty roar, Garchomp shoved the remaining roots aside, leaping into the air. It descended upon Torterra, its glowing blade-like arms striking true with a powerful Brick Break to Torterra's head.
*Thud*
The massive Starter Pokémon swayed, then crashed to the ground, defeated. Paul's expression remained unreadable for a moment, then he let out a frustrated sigh. He announced, recalling Torterra, "I give up."
The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers for Cynthia and jeers directed at Paul. Someone yelled, "What kind of challenge was that?!"
Ash, however, stepped forward, his face serious. His newfound respect for his rival was evident; he called out, his voice firm, "Hey, leave him alone! Paul battled really well! He showed some amazing strategies!"
Paul merely glanced at Ash, offered Cynthia a curt nod, and began to walk away, his usual solitary departure. He had learned what he needed to.
But a calm voice cut through the murmurs, "Leaving so soon?"
Azure stepped out from the shadow of the pillar. Dawn asked, confused, "Who's that?"
Azure didn't answer. He tossed the GS Ball into the air as he commanded, "Celebi, heal them with Heal Bell."
*Pop*
A chiming sound, pure and resonant, rippled through the clearing. Green sparkles rained down from the sky, bypassing the physical laws of medicine.
*DING*
Paul's Poké Balls glowed on his belt, the battered Torterra and Weavile instantly restored to peak condition. Across the field, Cynthia's Garchomp, who hadn't even broken a sweat, felt its stamina top off.
Azure said calmly, his voice cutting through the quiet, "Everyone is at one hundred percent. No excuses."
Paul stared at his Poké Balls, then at the teenager who had humiliated him in the forest weeks ago. He didn't say thanks. He just narrowed his eyes, stepping back to watch. If this stranger was arrogant enough to challenge the Champion immediately after seeing her power, Paul would watch him fall.
Ash stared at Azure. Ash whispered, his eyes wide as the memory unlocked, "Azure Sky… is it really him?"
The storm at New Island. The clones. The chaos. And the trainer who stood between Mewtwo and the world with a Deoxys. Ash whispered, "Brock, it's really him! The guy from three years ago! During the New Island Incident."
Brock said, his usual flirtatious demeanor gone, replaced by serious awe, "I remember. The one who stopped the fighting. He's a legend that no one talks about."
Dawn asked, looking between her friends and the mysterious boy, "You know him?"
Ash grinned, gripping the fence as he was shaking in excitement, confessing, "Yeah! And if he's battling Cynthia... this is going to be insane."
Paul looked at his healed Poké Balls, then up at Azure. The crowd's murmuring turned into a roar of anticipation. Paul, who had been about to leave, stayed put, his eyes fixed on Azure. A trainer who owned a Celebi and had defeated Mewtwo?
Even someone like him, as he visited Kanto have heard the legend that occurred. He'd heard of the New Island Incident, where an unknown Trainer battled a Legendary Pokémon that threatened the world and won.
Paul clearly didn't expect Azure to be the very same Trainer from 3 years ago, as the news of the New Island Incident had spread from the League. Although they left out key details from an ongoing rumor, the Trainer was named Azure Sky, who battled against Mewtwo; there was no info of him existing except for eyewitness accounts.
However, Paul did recall a select few that were involved, and Ash was a part of it, which made his curiosity grow as he thought, 'If this is that same Legendary Trainer, then this was something worth watching.'
Cynthia stepped forward, her intrigued gaze sweeping over Azure as she said, "You healed my Pokémon. You wield a Celebi. And you have the eyes of someone who has seen a lot. I accept your challenge."
She asked, her hand hovering over her next Poké Ball, "Six on six?"
Azure shook his head. He gestured to the side as he explained casually, "Three on three. We don't want to destroy the entire historical site. Let's move to the open field."
The crowd migrated like a school of fish, eager for the spectacle. Once they reached the clearing, Azure did something unexpected.
He didn't reach for his battle team immediately. Instead, he grabbed several balls from his belt as he yelled out, "Everyone, come on out. Class is in session."
*Pop*
With a series of flashes, a small army of unevolved but powerful-looking Pokémon materialized on the grass. Elekid and Magby bumped shoulders. Ralts sat calmly in a lotus position.
Alpha Rhyhorn and Alpha Gible—both massive for their evolutionary stage—stomped the ground. Togepi waddled close to Azure's leg. And there, standing nervously, was his latest addition, Chimchar.
Azure commanded them gently with an eager grin, "Watch closely. This is what the summit looks like."
He looked up as he called out, "Celebi, keep an eye on them."
*Pop*
The Time Travel Pokémon materialized, giggling as it floated above the "students" to act as a shield. Cynthia's eyes, sharp and analytical, widened a fraction. She looked at the massive Alpha Gible, then her gaze locked onto the small, white-and-blue fox Pokémon shaking its fur.
Cynthia thought, her archaeologist's heart skipping a beat, 'A Hisuian Zorua? That variant has been extinct for hundreds of years. How does he have one? And... Azure Sky. Where have I heard that name before…'
The name clicked in her mind as she recalled where she knew the name. Lance had filed a classified report years ago about the New Island Incident. A young trainer who commanded an alien virus Pokémon to subdue a rogue Mewtwo. Team Rocket's files had been purged, but the League knew.
Cynthia thought, a thrill of excitement rushing through her, 'So, the Ghost of New Island finally reveals himself. This won't be like the last battle.'
Cynthia commanded, "Garchomp, battle standby!"
*Tmp*
Her ace stepped forward, the ground cracking under its pressure. It roared, a sound that had just terrified Paul's team into submission, "GRAOOOO!!!"
Azure reached for a Poké Ball on his belt, one that hummed with a different kind of energy as he called out, "Arcanine, let's show them some fire power!"
*Pop*
In a burst of red light, a massive Arcanine appeared. It was larger than standard specimens, its coat thick and its eyes burning with an ancient, predatory intelligence.
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, rippling through the onlookers like a wave of skepticism. Dawn whispered, clutching her hands together, "A Fire-type? But didn't he just see what happened to Paul's Magmar? Garchomp is a Ground-type. One Earthquake and it's over!"
Brock admitted, his eyes narrowed as he assessed the majestic Legendary Pokémon standing on the field, and he commented, "It's risky. But look at that Pokémon's stance. That isn't a normal Arcanine. You can tell from the pressure."
Paul, standing apart from the group with his arms crossed, let out a sharp, derisive breath, "Arrogant. He's making the same mistake I did. He thinks raw power can overcome a fundamental type disadvantage against a Champion."
The crowd agreed, their snide remarks starting up again, "Does he not know Garchomp is a Ground-type? This will be over in ten seconds."
Azure simply grinned as he thought calmly, 'This will be over in a few minutes. Hopefully, the young ones can learn from this encounter.'
With that the battle between champions began!
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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter and cliffhanger!