Chapter 478: Ambushed Brawl (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Next Day, Hearthome City – Gate]
The crisp morning air of Hearthome City, still carrying the faint scent of yesterday's contests and the promise of a new day, brushed against Azure's face. Tucked snugly within his jacket, a miniature Pichu (Mew), gave a contented chirp, "Pichu!"
Beside him, his ever-present partner, Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, its tail twitching with anticipation. An Eevee, glossy fur gleaming, trotted happily at his heels.
He stood with Platinum, and the boisterous duo, Diamond and Pearl, added an unpredictable but welcome dynamic to their group. They were at the city gates, ready to depart for Route 209, when a familiar figure approached.
Jasmine, the Olivine City Gym Leader, renowned for her gentle spirit and formidable Steel-type Pokémon, offered them a warm smile. Her long hair, usually tied back, flowed freely around her shoulders, complementing the steely glint in her kind eyes.
Jasmine greeted them, her voice a soft melody, "Azure, Platinum, Diamond, Pearl! Good morning. I just wanted to see you off. Are you all prepared for your journey?"
Platinum dipped her head politely as she replied, "Indeed, Ms. Jasmine. We are eager to continue our progress towards the next Gym Badge."
She gestured towards Diamond and Pearl as she added, "And thanks to your insightful training, Diamond and Pearl have a clearer understanding of Pokémon battles. Their Pokémon truly benefited."
Diamond, mid-bite of a freshly baked Poffin, managed a grateful nod, crumbs dusting his shirt, replied, "Mmmph! Yeah! Tru learned some cool moves, and Lax almost nailed a 'Cute' appeal!"
Pearl, ever the more direct of the two, pumped his fist happily and replied excitedly, "Chatler's 'Round' was amazing! Thanks for the tips, Ms. Jasmine! Azure, too, for setting it up!"
Azure chuckled, a low, even sound fondly as he added, "My pleasure. Jasmine's an expert at bringing out a Pokémon's best, even for those not typically geared for contests."
He turned to Jasmine, a glint in his eye as he asked, curiously eyeing the Gym Leader, "So, still set on conquering the Contest Master Rank yourself, Jasmine? Seems like a fascinating detour for a Gym Leader."
Jasmine giggled, a surprisingly light sound as she replied, "Oh, absolutely, Azure! The thrill of battle is one thing, but the artistry and grace of Contests... It's a different kind of challenge. I've won a few ribbons now, and I'm determined to reach the Master Rank before I head back to Johto. It's a personal goal."
She looked at him expectantly as she asked curiously, "Are you sure you won't join me? Imagine the spectacle your Lucario or Gallade could create!"
Azure shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. He glanced pointedly at Platinum, who was adjusting her satchel as he replied, "As tempting as that sounds, Jasmine, my path is quite clear for now. And besides, I have a very important, if somewhat scholarly, client to escort. Mt. Coronet awaits, along with all the delightful challenges it entails."
Jasmine nodded understandingly as she said knowingly, "Of course. The Berlitz family's tradition is a significant one. Just be careful; that mountain isn't just known for its legends but also its... unexpected residents."
Her gaze lingered on Azure for a moment, a subtle message of trust and caution passing between them as she stated, "Well, then. I wish you all the very best on your journey. May your Pokémon grow strong, and your spirits remain high!"
Platinum replied, "Thank you, Ms. Jasmine!"
Diamond finished his Poffin with a satisfied "Ahhh!" and Pearl gave a cheerful wave. Azure called out, as Jasmine turned to head back into the city, "Good luck with those Ribbons, Jasmine. Maybe I'll see you in the Master Rank someday!"
With a collective nod, the group turned towards the archway leading out of Hearthome City. The gates swung open, revealing the verdant expanse of Route 209.
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[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 209]
The journey along Route 209 was a lively affair. The sun, climbing higher in the sky, dappled through the leaves of ancient trees, casting dancing shadows on the path. Bird Pokémon chirped overhead, and the rustle of tall grass hinted at hidden encounters.
Platinum, ever diligent, meticulously updated her Pokédex entries, her brow furrowed in concentration as she observed a flock of Staravia. Her Prinplup, a dignified female, strutted confidently beside her, occasionally letting out a proud cry, "Priiinn!"
Ponyta raced through the fields, its fiery mane a blur of orange and red, while Alakazam floated serenely, its spoons glinting in the sunlight. Lopunny, graceful and agile, practiced dodging movements, a testament to her battle-ready nature.
Diamond, meanwhile, was more interested in the local cuisine as he mumbled, "Mmm, have you guys tried these wild Oran Berries? Super sweet!"
Diamond offered one to his Munchlax, Lax, who devoured it with an enthusiastic CHOMP! His Grotle, Tru, ambled steadily, enjoying the feel of the earth beneath its feet, while Sol, his Flareon, chased after butterflies, its fiery tail wagging. Celeste, the Clefairy, floated along, humming a cheerful, "Cle-fa-fai-ryyyy."
Pearl, as always, was a ball of boundless energy. He challenged his Chatot, Chatler, who mimicked his enthusiastic calls, "Alright, who's up for a battle? My Chimlar needs to burn off some steam!"
His Luxio, Rayler, crackled with electrical energy, eager for a showdown, and Herc, the Heracross, flexed its mighty horn, anticipating action. Azure watched them, a faint smile playing on his lips.
His Pikachu, ever alert, scanned their surroundings, while Eevee playfully nudged at his pant leg. Inside his jacket, Pichu (Mew) occasionally emitted a soft "pika-pi," ensuring its presence was noted without drawing attention.
He let them engage with wild Pokémon, offering quiet advice or stepping in only when a situation threatened to escalate beyond a friendly spar. His Monferno, a bundle of fiery energy, occasionally sparred with Pearl's Chimlar, while Rhyhorn lumbered alongside with surprising grace, its horn gleaming.
Lucario and Gallade exchanged silent glances, a testament to their deep bond with Azure, ever-ready for a serious challenge. His Gabite, sleek and powerful, zipped through the undergrowth, keeping a watchful eye on potential threats.
As the afternoon wore on, the landscape began to change. The trees grew denser, their branches intertwined overhead, casting longer, deeper shadows. A chill entered the air, carrying with it a faint, earthy scent mixed with something else... something ancient and somber.
*Hummm*
Azure's steps, usually so light, grew more deliberate. The soft hum of his Aura intensified, a subtle vibration within him. He felt it, a faint but growing disturbance, like ripples spreading through still water.
It wasn't the natural aura of wild Pokémon, nor the innocent energy of trainers. This was something darker, more calculated.
Azure said calmly, his voice cutting through the cheerful chatter, instantly commanding attention, "Hold on."
The group paused, sensing the shift in his demeanor. Pikachu's ears swiveled, and Eevee let out a low growl.
They had reached a clearing, and in the distance, a looming structure pierced the sky – the Lost Tower. Its weathered stone facade, scarred by time and neglect, seemed to absorb the light, radiating an aura of melancholy and mystery.
Azure's eyes, usually a calm cerulean, sharpened, scanning the surrounding dense foliage. He began, his tone even, "Platinum, Diamond, Pearl… I need you three to head inside the Lost Tower. Explore its depths, maybe find some interesting Pokémon or artifacts. I'll… stay out here for a bit, rest up."
Platinum, ever trusting of Azure's judgment, tilted her head and asked curiously, "Really, Azure? Resting now? Is everything alright?"
The tower piqued her scholarly curiosity, but her concern for her bodyguard was equally present. Azure replied, his voice reassuring despite the tension he felt, "Yes, everything is fine, Platinum. Just a bit of a... premonition. Sometimes it's best to follow my gut."
He gave her a confident smile as he waved his hand dismissively, stating, "Go on, explore. I'll catch up."
Diamond, bless his oblivious heart, shrugged and replied casually, "Sounds good to me! Maybe they have snacks in there!"
Lax, hearing the word 'snacks,' perked up, "Munch! (Yes! Snacks!)"
Pearl, however, wasn't so easily swayed. He eyed Azure, a flicker of concern in his energetic gaze as he asked cautiously, "Are you sure, Azure? You don't usually just 'rest up' in the middle of a journey."
Azure met Pearl's gaze, his expression firm but calm as he stated honestly, "I need you two, especially, to make sure Platinum is safe inside. The Lost Tower can be a strange place, and I have a feeling... we have company coming."
They looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Diamond and Pearl exclaimed in unison, alarm flashing across their faces, "Company…?"
Azure inclined his head as he explained further, "Yes. Bad company. Leave the trash to me out here. If any stragglers get past... I trust you two to handle them and keep Platinum protected. Consider it a test of your new duties."
He paused, a subtle shift in his aura as he added, "And as extra insurance..."
Before they could ask, a ripple, almost imperceptible, passed through the deep shadows clinging to the base of the Lost Tower. It was as if the darkness itself had stretched and then tightened, pulling something into its embrace.
A presence, chilling and profound, slipped away, vanishing into the tower's depths as Darkrai slipped in. Neither Diamond nor Pearl fully registered it, but the sudden drop in temperature made them shiver.
Azure urged, his eyes fixed on the distant tree line, "Go, and keep Platinum distracted. The faster you're in, the better."
Understanding dawned on Diamond and Pearl. Azure wasn't just resting; he was setting a trap, and they would only be in the way.
With newfound resolve, they nodded sharply. Pearl declared, already pulling Diamond towards the tower entrance, "Got it, Azure! We'll stick to Platinum like glue!"
Diamond called back, his usual cheerfulness replaced with a hint of worry, "Be careful out here!"
Azure offered them a faint smile as they disappeared into the looming maw of the Lost Tower. He murmured, "You too."
The weight he felt wasn't from fatigue but from the converging presences he sensed, like dark clouds gathering for a storm. Now, with his charges safely (for now) away, Azure's casual posture evaporated.
His hands, which had been casually placed in his pockets, concealing the Pichu (Mew), now dropped, ready for action. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its cheeks sparking faintly. Eevee crouched low, a low growl rumbling in its throat.
*WHOOSH*
*WHOOSH*
*WHOOSH*
From the surrounding dense thicket, a dozen figures in white uniforms emblazoned with a prominent 'G' materialized, their faces obscured by helmets, their movements swift and coordinated. Team Galactic Grunts.
They fanned out rapidly, forming a tight circle around Azure, effectively ambushing him. Their energy swords, crackling faintly with electric energy, were drawn, though Azure knew they were more for intimidation than actual combat against a trainer of his caliber.
Just as the last grunt completed the encirclement, a harsh, metallic voice cut through the air. It emanated from a small, dark flying speaker drone that hovered just above the grunts' heads, its red eye glowing ominously.
The voice crackled, devoid of emotion, yet carrying a chilling undertone, "Excellent work, Grunts! You've located Platinum Berlitz's bodyguard precisely as planned. Now, focus your efforts! Bodyguard neutralized, proceed with locating the target. Remember, the Berlitz heiress is worth 15 billion in ransom. Do not fail!"
The grunts shifted, their attention now divided between containing Azure and scanning the tower entrance. One of them, likely an officer, pointed directly at Azure and boldly declared, "You're going down, kid! Then it's time for the boss's fifteen billion!"
Azure merely smirked, his eyes glinting with a familiar, dangerous sparkle. He glanced at the flying speaker as he whispered curiously, "Fifteen billion, huh? You guys always aim high. But you'll have to get through me first. And you call that 'neutralized'? I'm just getting warmed up."
*BZZZT*
*BZZZT*
The speaker drone pulsed, and from its underside, two Poké Balls dropped. They opened mid-air with a familiar FLASH!
*Pop*
Out of one materialized an Abra, its eyes already closed, seemingly asleep, but its innate Psychic power shimmered around it. From the other, a Croagunk, its perpetually smug grin visible even from a distance, landed gracefully, its poison sac twitching.
The voice commanded from the speaker, "Abra, Teleport the trainer's Pokémon away! Croagunk, Poison Jab!"
Azure's smirk remained. He reached for a Poké Ball at his belt, but then hesitated, his gaze falling on the shadows dancing beneath the trees, "Cute. But you're playing with the big leagues now."
A different Poké Ball caught his eye; one he reserved for more... perilous situations. He declared, releasing the Pokémon, "Absol, it's showtime!"
*Pop*
A magnificent Absol materialized in a flash of white light, its dark, scythe-like horn gleaming menacingly. Its fur was pristine, like freshly fallen snow, and its piercing red eyes instantly locked onto the threats.
Absol, the Disaster Pokémon, its very presence is a warning. Before the Grunts or the speaker could react, Absol moved with blinding speed, a streak of white.
*ZOOOM*
Its target: Abra. The Psychic-type Pokémon had barely begun to stir from its sleepy state, a faint shimmer of Teleport energy gathering around it.
Azure commanded, his voice a calm counterpoint to the impending chaos, "Absol, Mean Look! Lock it down!"
*WHOOSH*
Absol lunged, its red eyes blazing with an intense focus. The air seemed to coalesce around Abra as Absol fixed its burning gaze upon the sleeping Pokémon. A wave of oppressive energy, almost tangible, erupted from Absol, washing over Abra.
Abra cried out, jolted awake by the sudden, overwhelming sensation, "BRAAA!"
Its eyes flew open, wide with panic, but it was too late. The shimmering energy of Teleport around it flickered and died. Mean Look had taken hold, binding it to the spot, making any escape impossible.
The Galactic Grunts gasped, momentarily stunned by the speed and precision. The speaker repeated, its voice now laced with a hint of annoyance, "Damn it! Croagunk, Poison Jab!"
Croagunk, having seen Abra immobilized, had already sprung into action. Its right hand glowed with virulent purple energy, already arcing towards Absol, aiming for a swift, incapacitating strike.
Azure ordered, his voice echoing with renewed authority, "Absol, follow with Slash on Croagunk!"
Absol's Mean Look held Abra captive, pivoted with impossible grace. Its scythe-like horn, normally used for sensing disasters, has now become a weapon.
*SHINK*
It sliced through the air with incredible force, a silvery arc of sharp energy heading directly for Croagunk. Croagunk's innate ability, Anticipation, flared to life, "CROA!"
A split-second warning registered in its mind – danger was incoming! Its perpetually smug smile vanished, replaced by a momentary look of pure instinctual alarm.
*FWUMP*
With a surprising burst of agility, Croagunk twisted its body mid-air, barely managing to dodge the sharp edge of Absol's Slash. The attack, instead of connecting squarely, merely grazed its arm, leaving a faint scratch that shimmered with dark energy.
The Frog Poison Pokémon landed lightly on its feet, its grin returning, albeit a little more strained. However, while Croagunk had narrowly escaped, Abra, still locked down by Absol's icy gaze and unable to move, was not so fortunate.
The lingering momentum of Absol's attack, even after Croagunk's dodge, caused the Disaster Pokémon to pivot back towards Abra…
*CRACK*
Absol's horn, a natural extension of its formidable power, arced down with devastating force. The sleeping Psychic-type, still trapped by Mean Look, had no chance. A direct hit. Abra shuddered, its eyes rolling back, and it collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The speaker drone announced, the automated voice now tinged with undeniable frustration, "ABRA is unable to battle!"
Azure watched, calm and collected, as Absol returned to his side, its red eyes still glowing with a subtle menace. He murmured, his gaze sweeping over the now highly agitated Team Galactic Grunts, "One down… Anyone else feel like trying their luck?"
The grunts, initially confident in their ambush, now exchanged uneasy glances. The speed and power of Azure's Absol, coupled with the immediate incapacitation of one of their Pokémon, was a stark reminder that this "bodyguard" was far more than they had anticipated.
The air crackled with tension, Pikachu's sparks mingling with the faint scent of fear from the grunts. The real battle had just begun.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!