Chapter 571: Elite Four Ground Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Bertha's Room]
The cool, sterile blue and white of the preceding hallway gave way to an entirely different, stark contrast that spoke volumes of Elite Four Bertha's affinity for the earth itself. Azure stepped through the grand, arching gates.
The mechanism hissed softly as it drew inward, revealing a chamber that felt less like an arena and more like a primordial cavern. Bertha's room was a study in geological grandeur, a darker brown expanse dominated by sprawling, jagged rocks that thrust defiantly from the floor and walls.
The air, thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and ancient stone, seemed to press in, a low hum resonating through the very ground beneath Azure's feet. Yellow and red lights, fewer here than in Aaron's vibrant, bug-type domain, cast an amber glow that made the shadows dance with an almost sentient grace.
The path ahead, a short, robust lift, rose out of the floor like a monolith. With a soft whir, it ascended, bringing Azure to the main platform. The gates ahead parted once more, revealing the battlefield where the next challenge awaited.
There, amidst the rugged beauty of her chosen arena, stood Bertha. Her posture was relaxed yet commanding, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners as she observed the young trainer. Her silver hair, coiled neatly, framed a face etched with the wisdom of years, eyes on design reflecting the earthen tones of her room.
Azure paused. He came prepared with his Sinnoh team, his main six. His gaze swept over the room, assessing the terrain, before settling respectfully on Bertha. He offered a slight bow, a polite nod of greeting, accustomed to showing deference to his elders and opponents alike.
A warm, deep laugh rumbled from Bertha's chest, echoing slightly off the cavernous walls. She began, her voice like grinding earth, yet gentle, "Well, well, if it isn't the young man I've heard so much about. Such politeness from a trainer of your renown. It's refreshing to see others respect their elders."
She paused, a genuine smile gracing her lips, adding, "And please, allow me to express my gratitude. Your efforts against Team Galactic were nothing short of heroic. Sinnoh owes you a great debt."
Azure straightened, a faint flush touching his cheeks. His voice was calm, steady, betraying none of the inner turmoil or the world-saving feats he'd truly accomplished: "It was nothing, ma'am. Just doing what was necessary."
Bertha's smile softened further as she said calmly, "Humility from a trainer who has already conquered three other Pokémon Leagues and the Battle Frontier across multiple regions. Quite remarkable, really."
Her eyes, sharp and perceptive, seemed to peer into his very soul. She added, "But considering your track record against… well, all criminal organizations – Team Rocket, Magma, Aqua, and now Galactic – perhaps it should be expected."
Azure felt her eager anticipation. Rotom, nestled within the Arc Phone at his belt, buzzed imperceptibly, a surge of static energy that only Azure could feel. With pleasantries exchanged, Bertha's expression shifted.
The warmth in her eyes receded, replaced by a focused intensity. A palpable pressure radiated from her, far greater than anything Azure had felt from Aaron. It wasn't aggressive, but rather the deep, unyielding weight of the earth itself, the gravity of a formidable challenge.
She stated, her voice dropping to a serious tone, "But enough talk. This is the Pokémon League. And here, only power and strategy speak. This will be a six-on-six Pokémon battle. Are you ready?"
Azure met her gaze, his own eyes alight with determination. He nodded, his hand already hovering over a Poké Ball as he said happily, "Ready as I'll ever be, Bertha."
He adopted his battle stance, a familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Bertha declared, her voice ringing out, "Then let us begin!"
Simultaneously, both trainers unleashed their first Pokémon…
*WHOOSH*
Bertha's Poké Ball sailed through the air, bursting open to reveal a massive, sand-colored Pokémon. She declared, "Hippowdon, it's your turn!"
*POP-THUD*
The behemoth roared, landing with a ground-shaking THUD, "HIPPoooo!"
Her skin, thick and calloused, offered a powerful defense. In her mouth, nestled almost imperceptibly, was the vibrant berry of a [Chesto Berry]. Instantly, upon her heavy arrival, a swirling vortex of sand erupted around her, kicked up by an unseen force.
Hippowdon's ability, Sand Stream, activated, bathing the entire arena in a fierce Sandstorm. The jagged rocks glittered under the yellow-red lights, momentarily obscured by the gritty haze.
Just as Hippowdon materialized, Azure's own Poké Ball flashed as he declared, "Lucario, battle front!"
*SHINK*
From the shimmering light stood Lucario, his sleek, bipedal form exuding an aura of calm focus. A blue-black Pokémon with piercing red eyes, he landed lightly, the red sash of his [Expert Belt] swaying gently.
The swirling sandstorm immediately began to chip away at his health, but Lucario merely narrowed his eyes, unfazed. Azure, despite the immediate disadvantage, merely mused, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips, thought excitedly, 'A weather setter for her lead. Good call, Bertha. Hippowdon is a powerhouse, but also a common setup Pokémon for Ground teams. My Lucario was the right choice here, expecting either a weather setter or another powerful disruptive force.'
The battle was officially underway.
Bertha commanded, her voice cutting through the rising wind, "Hippowdon, let's start this off with an Earthquake!"
Hippowdon bellowed, slamming her massive foot down, "HIIIIPPOOOOW!"
*RMBL*
The ground beneath them rippled violently, fissures tearing through the rock floor, sending tremors throughout the room. But Azure expected this.
Azure countered instantly, "Lucario, Magnet Rise!"
*FWOOM*
Before the shockwave of the Earthquake could reach him, Lucario's feet lifted from the ground, bathed in a soft, sky-blue aura. He ascended effortlessly, floating several feet above the tumultuous earth, completely avoiding the devastating Ground-type attack by levitating by the power of magnetism.
Bertha's eyes, ever observant, registered the move. A slight frown creased her brow, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a glint of strategic thought. She murmured, "Clever. But let's see how well you float against this. Hippowdon, return!"
*ZWOOP*
Hippowdon was recalled to her Poké Ball. Bertha's next throw was swift, declaring, "Gliscor, make them pay!"
*WHOOSH*
A purple-skinned, bat-scorpion Pokémon with large pincers and a long, barbed tail descended from the air, a confident smirk on its face. This was Gliscor, Bertha's agile assassin.
Nestled in its grasp, almost like a piece of jewelry, was a [Toxic Orb]. The moment Gliscor appeared, the Toxic Orb activated. A sickly purple glow enveloped Gliscor, and a ripple of Poison afflicted it.
But instead of distress, Gliscor merely chuckled, a low, guttural sound. A soft, green light pulsed around its form as its Hidden Ability, Poison Heal, instantly began to mend the damage, turning the poison into a source of vitality.
Azure's eyes narrowed, a sharp intake of breath barely audible above the howling sand as he thought, 'Poison Heal? An expert Ground-type trainer indeed. Not just raw power, but clever, synergistic abilities.'
Azure commanded, unwilling to give Gliscor time to fully establish its healing rhythm, "Lucario, Agility!"
*SWISH*
Lucario blurred, leaving behind a trail of blue light. His movements became impossibly fast, his speed rocketing up by two stages. The sandstorm, which still raged, found it harder to touch him.
Bertha ordered, her voice firm, "Gliscor, Stone Edge!"
Gliscor screeched, launching a barrage of sharp, jagged stones from its body, "GLI-scor! (Come out and play, pretty boy!)".
*RMBL*
They whistled through the air, aimed directly at the super-speeding Lucario. However, with his Agility and Magnet Rise working in conjunction, Lucario was a ghost. He weaved through the falling stones, zipping left and right, up and down, a hyper-speed, gravity-defying dance.
*CRACK-THWACK*
The Stone Edges merely shattered against the rocky floor, never once grazing the Aura Pokémon. Azure's voice sharpened, a strategic edge to it, "Now, Lucario! Agile Style Ice Punch!"
*WHOOSH-FWOOM*
Lucario descended in a flash, his right fist enveloped in crackling, frigid energy. He moved with such incredible speed that Gliscor barely registered his approach before the first Ice Punch connected.
*CRACK*
It struck Gliscor's midsection, sending a jolt of icy pain through the Poison Heal Pokémon. Gliscor cried out, thrown off balance. But Lucario was a whirlwind. He reappeared, striking again, then again, a rapid-fire flurry of Agile Style Ice Punches.
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK*
Each blow was precise, designed to chip away at Gliscor's stamina and exploit its weakness. Gliscor, battered and reeling, began to fall. But with a powerful beat of its wings, it regained lift, shaking its head to clear the daze.
She glared at Lucario, its fangs bared, growling hatefully at him, "GLI! Scor! (That's it! You're not pretty anymore!)"
Bertha called out, hoping to retaliate with a super-effective move, "Fire Fang!"
Gliscor's fangs ignited with orange flames as it swooped in, attempting to bite down on Lucario. But Lucario, with his enhanced speed, simply sidestepped, a blur of motion. He reappeared instantly, behind Gliscor, his fist once more crackling with ice.
*CRACK*
Another powerful Ice Punch slammed into Gliscor's back, sending it spiraling headfirst into the jagged rocks at the edge of the battlefield. A cloud of dust and small rock fragments exploded outward.
Gliscor groaned, struggling, "GLIIII! Scor… (Let me mark you!)"
Remarkably, it managed to push itself up, its Poison Heal already working to mend the damage, though the super-effective Ice-type attacks were clearly taking their toll. Seeing her Pokémon's weakened state, Bertha made a tactical decision.
She declared, raising her Poké Ball to recall her partner, "Gliscor, return!"
*ZWOOP*
A red beam of light shot towards Gliscor, intended to whisk it back to safety. But Lucario was faster.
Azure's voice was sharp, "Not yet!"
*WHOOSH—THWACK*
In an astonishing display of speed and strength, Lucario intercepted the recall beam. He blocked it with his very body, deflecting the light, then lunged forward, delivering one final, crushing Ice Punch directly to Gliscor's chest…
*THUD*
The force sent Gliscor careening away from Bertha, tumbling across the rocky floor before finally coming to an exhausted halt. It lay motionless, eyes spiraling.
Bertha's frown returned, deeper this time. She bit her lip, a flicker of concern in her eyes as she thought, 'Thankfully, Gliscor's Poison Heal is making her survive the fight after that barrage… but that last hit was too much. Azure's Lucario is far more aggressive and perceptive than I anticipated.'
Maintaining her frown, a new plan already forming in her mind as she thought, 'Azure's Lucario is incredibly fast and strong. He saw through my recall attempt. I need something to catch him off guard.'
Bertha commanded, "Agility! Then Quick Attack and Guillotine!"
Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, 'Agility to counter Lucario's speed, Quick Attack to close the distance instantly, and Guillotine… a one-hit knockout move. This is a desperate gamble, but a dangerous one.'
Azure warned, knowing the deadly potential of Bertha's strategy, "Lucario, watch out for her attacks!"
*Zoooom*
In an instant, Gliscor blurred, a dark purple streak across the battlefield, vanishing from sight as Agility kicked in. It reappeared in a flash, moving with terrifying speed, its colossal pincers glowing white with lethal energy – the tell-tale sign of Guillotine.
*BOOM*
It shot straight for Lucario's neck, a silent, deadly projectile. The air crackled with the raw intent of a potentially fatal blow!
Just inches away from Lucario's throat, as the sharp pincers gleamed ominously, the Aura Pokémon's lips curved into a confident smirk. His red eyes flared with a brilliant, azure glow, the tell-tale sign of Mind Reader.
He'd anticipated every move, every angle of attack. Then…
*WHOOSH*
A split second later, a shimmering green barrier shimmered into existence around Lucario. Detect activated in the nick of time, combining with his already buffed Extreme Speed. He vanished from Gliscor's attack range, becoming an afterimage. Gliscor's pincers snapped shut on empty air with a chilling CLACK!
Lucario barked coolly, "Crao! (Too slow!)"
Before Gliscor could even register its miss, Lucario reappeared from below it, a powerful, ice-clad fist shooting upward.
*CRACK—THWACK*
He delivered a brutally effective, upper-cutting Ice Punch directly under Gliscor's face. The force launched Gliscor high into the air, its body twisting uncontrollably. It hit the ground with a sickening THWACK, unconscious before it even landed.
Bertha's eyes widened, a rare flash of surprise on her face. Her champion Gliscor was defeated in a single, perfectly executed counter.
She muttered, a grudging admiration in her tone, "Incredible… Mind Reader, Detect, Extreme Speed, and a perfectly aimed Ice Punch. Azure, your observation skills are truly something to behold."
Bertha took a deep breath, recalling her fallen Gliscor. She then reached for another Poké Ball, her resolve hardening, declaring, "Gliscor, you gave it your all. Rest now. Very well. Let's see how you handle this."
*WHOOSH*
Her next Pokémon emerged, a plump, blue, bipedal Pokémon with a perpetually dazed expression. It was Quagsire, Bertha's Water/Ground specialist, holding its own held item [Leftovers].
It gurgled, landing softly on the ground, "QUAG-sire!"
The battle continued.
Bertha quickly commanded, aiming to change the environmental conditions once more, "Quagsire, Rain Dance!"
*FWOOSH*
Dark clouds gathered quickly within the arena, and a gentle, then steadily intensifying, rain began to fall. The sandstorm, already weakened by the earlier explosion, quickly dissipated under the deluge. The air grew cooler, refreshing after the gritty wind.
Azure countered, knowing he needed to keep up the offensive pressure, "Lucario, Power-Up Punch!"
*THUD*
Lucario lunged, his fist glowing with orange energy. He connected with Quagsire's chest, a solid THUD. Quagsire barely flinched, absorbing the hit with surprising resilience.
But the impact energized Lucario, a visible aura of power flowing into him. His Attack stage increased by one.
Azure, however, noticed something else. A subtle green shimmer surrounded Quagsire as he thought, 'Wait… she just got hit by a fighting move, but she healed a tiny bit?'
His eyes narrowed till realization hit as he thought worriedly, 'Ah, she has Water Absorb. That explains it. She's not just soaking up damage; she's actively healing from Water attacks. This changes things.'
Bertha commanded, hoping to take advantage of the rain, "Quagsire, Surf!"
*ROOOOOSH*
A massive wave of water surged from Quagsire, swelling rapidly and roaring towards Lucario, threatening to engulf him. Azure's voice cut through the sound of the rain and the rushing wave, "Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
*FWOOM*
Lucario conjured a glowing blue orb of pure aura in his hands. He launched it directly into the heart of the incoming Surf. The Aura Sphere acted like a powerful countercurrent, colliding with the wave and causing it to violently dissipate in a spectacular explosion of spray and mist.
Bertha ordered, not missing a beat, "Now, Liquidation!"
Quagsire responded, its body shimmering as it solidified a torrent of water into a powerful, swirling whip. It lashed out, aiming for Lucario.
Azure called, "Double Team!"
*POOF-POOF-POOF*
Lucario blurred, creating several perfect afterimages of himself. The real Lucario became indistinguishable from his duplicates, surrounding Quagsire from multiple angles. His Evasion stat increased by +1 stage.
Quagsire, momentarily confused by the sudden appearance of multiple Lucarios, looked down at the wet ground. Its eyes dilated as it observed the reflections. Only one of the afterimages had a true shadow.
Bertha's observation skills had clearly transferred to her Pokémon. Bertha instructed, "Trailblaze after the shadow, Quagsire!"
Quagsire exclaimed, its movements becoming surprisingly agile for its bulk, "QUAG! (I'm a need for some… SPEED!!)"
*ZOOOM*
It lunged, a green aura surrounding it, increasing its Speed by one stage as it dashed after the real Lucario. But Lucario was already one step ahead.
Azure countered, "Detect!"
*WHOOSH*
Just as Quagsire's Trailblaze was about to connect, Lucario shimmered, a green shield briefly appearing before he vanished, phasing through the attack. He reappeared instantly, already winding up another strike.
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with power, "Strong Style Hidden Power!"
*PEW*
Lucario's hands glowed, not with aura, but with a shimmering, almost ethereal green light. He unleashed a focused blast, a concentrated orb of pure energy that slammed into Quagsire with devastating force.
*THWACK*
Quagsire cried out, visibly reeling. The move, having manifested as a Grass-type attack due to Lucario's Hidden Power type, was super-effective, bypassing its Water Absorb and dealing significant damage.
Bertha, seeing her Quagsire falter, immediately pressed the offensive order, "Quagsire, Hydro Pump!"
*ROOOOOSH*
Quagsire unleashed a high-pressure stream of water, a powerful jet aimed directly at Lucario. The sheer force of the attack was incredible.
Azure barked, a daring strategy, "Lucario, ride it with Aura Sphere!"
Lucario, instead of dodging, conjured another Aura Sphere. But this time, he didn't launch it. Instead, he used it as a propulsion system. He rode the Hydro Pump, the Aura Sphere acting as a shield and a means to propel himself forward along the water beam, closing the distance at terrifying speed.
*FWOOM-WHOOSH*
In a spectacular display of control and power, Lucario reached Quagsire. At point-blank range, he slammed the still-forming Aura Sphere directly into Quagsire's face.
*BOOM*
The explosion of aura and water threw Quagsire backward with incredible force, sending it crashing into the jagged rocks with a resounding CRUNCH and SPLASH. It left an indentation in the stone, water spraying everywhere.
Quagsire lay there, half-submerged in a shallow pool, dazed and unresponsive. Bertha's brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. She knew Quagsire was tough, but that combo was brutal.
Quagsire stirred, groaning softly, trying to push itself up. Its eyes, still slightly dazed, dilated in sudden terror. A massive silhouette loomed over it, filling its entire vision. Lucario, a dark, imposing figure against the stormy sky above, was lunging at it again.
Bertha's command was sharp, desperate in tone, "Quagsire, Dig! Avoid the incoming Power-Up Punch!"
In a rare moment of lightning reflexes, surprising even Azure, Quagsire twisted its body and dove headfirst into the ground, disappearing beneath the rocky surface an instant before Lucario's fist could connect.
*CRACK*
But Lucario had anticipated even that. His fist, glowing with the orange energy of Power-Up Punch, slammed down precisely where Quagsire's face would have been. The impact didn't just hit the ground; it shook the entire room.
A concussive force exploded outward, sending tremors through the very foundations of the arena. The remaining rain was violently blown away by the sheer force, replaced by a plume of wet sand and pulverized rock that erupted from the crater Lucario had created.
*WHOOSH*
A blue-brown projectile was forcibly blasted out of the ground, launched helplessly upward by the underground impact. It was Quagsire, stunned and disoriented. Lucario didn't hesitate.
With another powerful leap, he ascended, meeting the airborne Quagsire mid-air. His fist, still crackling with stored power, slammed another Power-Up Punch directly to Quagsire's face with bone-crushing force.
*THWAAACK*
The shockwave rattled the entire area, causing small rocks to tumble from the jagged formations. Quagsire, utterly defeated and limp, plummeted to the ground, landing with a wet SPLAT in a newly formed puddle. It lay motionless, eyes spiraling into unconsciousness.
Lucario remained levitating above the fallen Ground/Water type, his arms crossed, an aura of triumphant power emanating from him. Azure smiled, a rare, genuine grin spreading across his face as he thought, '2 down, Bertha. Lucario is an absolute beast.'
Rotom chirped excitedly from the Arc Phone, its small eye practically glowing, "Bzzzt! Amazing, Azure!!! Lucario is now at +3 Attack, +1 Evasion, and +2 Speed stages! Unstoppable!"
Bertha let out a long sigh, a mix of defeat and admiration. She recalled her Pokémon, her gaze lingering on Lucario, stating, "Quagsire, you did well. Return. You truly are a master, Azure. Your Lucario's strength and precision are far beyond what I expected."
She then reached for her third Poké Ball, a grim determination settling on her features. She declared, "Very well. If you can defeat it once, let's see you do it again."
*WHOOSH*
Bertha sent out her first Pokémon again, "Hippowdon, back to action!"
The colossal Pokémon roared upon re-entry, "HIPPoooo!"
Just like before, the moment she landed, Sand Stream activated, instantly resetting the field. The gentle rain vanished, replaced by the howling wind and gritty haze of a full-blown Sandstorm. Her [Chesto Berry] was still clutched in her mouth, ready if needed.
The battle continued. Bertha knew Lucario's boosted stats were dangerous, as she thought, 'I have to get rid of the mutt.'
Bertha commanded, hoping to force Lucario away and disrupt Azure's momentum, "Hippowdon, Whirlwind!"
*ROOOAAR*
Hippowdon sucked in a massive breath, then unleashed a powerful gale of wind, infused with sand, directly at Lucario. The force was immense, designed to blow him off the field, forcing Azure to switch to a different Pokémon.
Lucario was still airborne, but instead of being swept away, he responded defiantly. Azure's voice boomed, "Bone Rush! Anchor yourself down!"
*CRACK*
A large, azure bone staff materialized in Lucario's hand. He didn't use it to attack; instead, he slammed it into the ground, creating a powerful anchor. The impact sent a tremor through the earth, but it allowed him to land and stick to the battlefield forcibly.
As he did so, a second, smaller Bone Rush staff materialized in his other hand, a silent declaration that he was staying. Bertha mused mentally, a knowing glint in her eyes, 'Hmph. Stubborn, aren't we? That was all according to my plan.'
She commanded, "Hippowdon, Tackle! Full force!"
*BOOOM*
Hippowdon bellowed, charging forward like a freight train, its immense bulk a terrifying weapon in the swirling sand, "HIPPooooooo!"
Lucario wasted no time. He launched forward, reeling his fist back, preparing to use his Strong Style Bone Rush staff for a devastating strike. But just as his attack was about to connect, Hippowdon, with surprising agility for its size, burrowed underground the instant the attack came.
*WHOOSH*
Lucario's Bone Rush staff hit only empty air. He realized it was a feint, a diversion. But his aura senses were keen. He closed his eyes, extending his awareness. He could feel his opponent, a pulsating mass of energy, directly beneath him.
Bertha's voice cut through the sandstorm, "Hippowdon, Fire Fang, now!"
*ROOOOAR*
Seconds later, Hippowdon burst out of the earth directly beneath Lucario, jaws glowing with searing orange flames, aiming to chomp down on the Aura Pokémon.
*WHOOSH*
But she missed. Lucario had anticipated the ambush. With incredible agility, he used his long Bone Rush staff, stabbing it into the ground, and had it extend rapidly, propelling his body upward, gracefully avoiding the Fire Fang in the nick of time. He was once again airborne, looking down at Hippowdon.
Lucario then began to charge an Aura Sphere between his hands, free-falling down, a powerful, radiant ball of energy growing brighter and more volatile with each passing moment.
Bertha frowned, Hippowdon's fiery maw snapping at empty air. She knew she had to halt Lucario's descent. She swiftly commanded, "Hippowdon, Fire Fang again! Lunge forward and chomp him!"
Hippowdon roared, ignoring the pain from Lucario's earlier attacks, and lunged upward, its fiery jaws wide open, aiming to intercept the falling Lucario and his charging Aura Sphere. But Lucario merely smirked.
Just as Hippowdon was about to reach him…
*THWACK*
He kicked his long Bone Rush staff with surprising force. It shrank down to a mere club just long enough to connect with Hippowdon's charging snout, halting the massive Pokémon for a crucial split second.
That split second was all Lucario needed. His hands, now glowing with an intense blue, unleashed a torrent of energy. The charged Aura Sphere wasn't just a ball anymore; it became a concentrated beam, an Aura Storm, slamming directly into Hippowdon's open mouth!
*FWOOOOOOM—BOOOOM*
The powerful beam of aura engulfed Hippowdon, forcing its jaws shut as it detonated within its very body. A blinding explosion erupted from Hippowdon, a shockwave that violently ripped through the arena, echoing off the jagged rocks. The force of the blast was so immense that it completely extinguished the raging Sandstorm, leaving behind only swirling dust and the scent of burnt earth.
From the dissipating smoke, Lucario emerged, perfectly fine, still levitating gracefully in the air, his chest heaving slightly but his resolve unbroken. When the dust finally settled, Hippowdon lay motionless on the ground, defeated.
Bertha let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through her silver hair. Her strongest physical attacker, her weather setter, was defeated—twice—by a single Lucario. She recalled her fallen partner, her expression a mix of awe and concern.
She looked at her remaining Poké Balls. 3 Pokémon left to fight. Azure's Lucario was proving to be a true force of nature, an unstoppable wave against her earthen defense. The weight of the challenge ahead pressed down on her, heavier than any rock.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!