Chapter 535: Attack on Galactic (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Next Day, Mount Coronet – Spear Pillar]
The crisp, clean air of Mount Coronet bit with the subtle chill of the high altitudes, even as the first blush of dawn painted the eastern sky in hues of rose and gold. At the very apex, the ancient, weather-beaten stones of the Spear Pillar stood silent witnesses to millennia of history, now momentarily repurposed as a makeshift campsite. A single, sturdy tent, dyed a muted green to blend with the sparse alpine vegetation, hummed faintly with the low thrum of a portable power supply.
Inside, Azure stretched, his muscles protesting slightly after a night spent on the surprisingly comfortable, yet inevitably firm, ground. His partner, Pikachu, let out a soft yawn from its perch on his shoulder, ears twitching as it blinked awake. Eevee, curled protectively on Azure's head, unspooled itself with a soft mewl, its fluffy tail giving a lazy wag. From the breast pocket of his jacket, a tiny, disguised Pichu (Mew) stirred, letting out a faint, sleepy, "Pii-chu?"
Azure murmured, a soft smile gracing his lips as he carefully extracted Pichu, letting it nestle in his palm, "Morning, sleepyheads."
He stepped out of the tent, the vast, breathtaking panorama of Sinnoh spreading beneath him like a crumpled map. The wind, though gentle now, carried the whisper of ancient spirits through the air.
Beside his tent, a more elegant, silver-grey tent, emblazoned with the subtle crest of the Sinnoh League, revealed its occupant. Cynthia, the esteemed Champion of Sinnoh, emerged, stretching gracefully like a Lithe Pokémon.
Her golden hair, usually meticulously styled, was in a beautiful disarray, catching the first rays of sunlight like spun gold. She let out a contented sigh, her powerful frame easing with the movement.
Cynthia said, her voice clear and melodic, a stark contrast to the rough mountain air, "Good morning, Azure."
She caught his eye, a hint of steel in her otherwise serene gaze as she continued, "My forces are at the ready. Both the Pokémon League's finest ACE Trainers, the Elite Four, and the International Police's Interpol Agents. They're positioned around Veilstone City's entrance routes, exactly as planned."
Azure nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his own eyes as he replied, "Excellent. We just need the signal to start operations from here."
He glanced down at Pichu (Mew), who rubbed its small head against his thumb. He said calmly, "And we'll make sure it's a signal they can't ignore."
He walked over to a small, portable table set up outside his tent, where his Arc Phone lay. A quick tap revealed the time. It wasn't yet time.
He retrieved a sleek, red-and-white Poké Ball from his belt, holding it up. He said softly, "Alright, Ditty. Show them what you've got."
*Ka-chunk*
With a bright flash of light and a characteristic, the Poké Ball opened, revealing a squishy, pink Ditto. Ditty, always eager to please, didn't hesitate. Its amorphous form began to ripple, flesh shifting and reforming with practiced ease.
*Splat—Squish*
Within seconds, the blob had perfectly replicated Uxie, the Being of Knowledge, down to its serene, golden-yellow head and the intricate patterns on its back. The 'Uxie' blinked its eyes, a spark of playful intelligence in them, then gave a small, eager nod towards Azure and a mischievous grin.
Azure chuckled, reaching out to gently pat the transformed Ditto. He said jokingly, "Easy there, little Uxie. Patience is a virtue, especially when we're playing a long game. But good form by the way."
Ditty smirked, puffing its chest proudly. He secured Ditty's Poké Ball back into his belt, knowing the fake Uxie would stay transformed until commanded otherwise. Eevee, now sitting upright on his head, twitched an ear in agreement, its keen eyes scanning the distant horizon.
Pikachu chirped, with a look of focused determination on its face, "Pika! (Let me at 'em! I'll thunder them to the next life!)"
Cynthia observed, pouring herself a cup of steaming tea from a thermos as she explained, "They'll be relying on speed and brute force, expecting to overwhelm us. But we've planned for every contingency. Green and Looker have the real Uxie secured, miles away from any immediate danger when Cyrus comes."
Azure confirmed confidently, "Indeed. Cyrus expects to hunt, but we're turning the tables on him. He's so obsessed with his vision, he'll walk straight into our net."
He pulled out his Arc Phone again, scrolling through a few options before tapping an icon. He asked his Pokémon living inside his Arc Phone, "Porygon-Z, you ready to make a grand entrance?"
*Zip—Zap*
From a specialized compartment within his tent, a Porygon-Z materialized, its digital form shimmering with vibrant blues and reds. Its single eye glowed with an excited whirr, confirming its readiness.
This Porygon-Z was more of a sophisticated, sentient supercomputer, perfectly suited for digital warfare and communication. Azure's grin widened, a stark contrast to the serious glint in his eyes as he explained happily, "Good. We'll be giving Cyrus his signal tonight. A live broadcast, straight from the Spear Pillar. He'll get his final piece, or so he'll think, and we'll ensure he knows exactly where to find us. He won't be able to resist. Till then, we wait. We let the tension build. Let him stew in his ambition."
Cynthia nodded, a similar glint in her eyes as she replied calmly with an eager expression, "A psychological advantage is often more potent than any physical one. They won't know what hit them until it's too late."
Azure grinned, agreeing with Cynthia's words as he replied resolutely, "Exactly. Tonight, when Cyrus makes his open speech to his grunts, announcing his grand plan to reshape the world… that's when we strike. We'll give our allies the green light to tighten the noose around Veilstone, and Cyrus… he'll get a personal invitation to his own downfall."
Azure's gaze lingered on the distant, industrial silhouette of Veilstone City, a dark smudge against the brightening sky. He whispered to himself in a serious tone, "It's time to end this game."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Nighttime, Veilstone City – Galactic Building]
As the setting sun bled across the Sinnoh sky, painting Veilstone City in long, distorted shadows, a different kind of darkness was gathering. The air shuttles of Team Galactic, sleek and ominous, descended like predatory birds onto the roof of the Galactic Veilstone Building…
*Thrum*
Their heavy thrum echoed through the twilight, a harbinger of the night's impending malevolence. Mars and Saturn, two of Team Galactic's top commanders, disembarked from their respective shuttles, their grim expressions a mirror of the encroaching gloom of their latest mission.
Mars, with her fiery red hair and sharp features, adjusted the collar of her uniform, her eyes scanning the roof, a frown deepening on her face. Saturn, leaner and more calculating, his gaze perpetually distant, surveyed the grinding gears and humming machinery that defined their base.
Mars noted, her voice clipped, a hint of irritation in her tone, "Jupiter's not here. Did she not make it back from Acuity?"
Saturn merely grunted in response, his shoulders slumping slightly, knowing the answer. He replied sternly, "Seems not. Looks like she got the short straw getting him. The Boss will be displeased. Azure Sky's interference was... thorough."
They made their way through the sterile, high-tech corridors, the occasional grunt scurrying past them with nervous glances, until they reached Cyrus's inner sanctum. The room was stark, dominated by a massive window overlooking the city, an ironic contrast to Cyrus's desire for a world devoid of such imperfections.
Cyrus stood before the window, his back to them, his silhouette framed against the fading light. He was a figure of quiet, unnerving power, his movements deliberate, his presence radiating an almost palpable emptiness.
He turned slowly as they entered, his gaze sweeping over them.
Cyrus stated, his voice a low, resonant rumble that carried an undercurrent of cold satisfaction, "Mars. Saturn. You both performed admirably in your respective lake operations. Mesprit and Azelf are secured."
Mars and Saturn both straightened, a flicker of pride crossing their faces, quickly replaced by apprehension. Cyrus continued, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly, "However, Jupiter failed to secure Uxie. Azure Sky's interference at Lake Acuity was… disruptive. She was captured."
A wave of surprise and frustration rippled through the two commanders. Mars scowled, her fists clenching, and uttered in disdain, "Captured? By that meddling brat? She's usually more competent than that!"
Saturn remained silent, but a muscle twitched in his jaw, betraying his annoyance. The constant thorn in their side, Azure Sky, had once again proven to be a formidable obstacle in Team Galactic's missions. Cyrus merely waved a dismissive hand.
He responded dismissively, stating bluntly, "A minor setback. The remaining Grunts are to gather in the auditorium. It is time for their final briefing."
Mars and Saturn exchanged a quick, worried glance before bowing. They each replied, "Understood, Boss."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Veilstone City – Galactic Building (Auditorium)]
The auditorium within the Galactic Veilstone Building was a vast, cavernous space, filled with hundreds of Team Galactic Grunts. Their uniforms created a sea of uniform ambition, their faces a mixture of weary determination and zealous fanaticism. The air was thick with anticipation, the low murmur of voices echoing off the high ceilings.
*Tmp—Tmp—Tmp*
Then, a hush fell as Cyrus stepped onto the stage, flanked by Mars and Saturn. The stage lights cast long shadows, making his angular features seem even more severe. He surveyed his assembled forces, his gaze cold and unwavering.
Cyrus's voice boomed, amplified by the building's acoustics, resonating with a chilling conviction, "Members of Team Galactic! Look around you! Observe the world in which we are forced to exist!"
*Zzzzt—BEEP*
A large holographic monitor behind him flickered to life, displaying distorted images of Pokémon battles, chaotic cityscapes, and the endless cycle of human want and conflict shown on the monitor.
Cyrus declared, his voice rising in intensity, "A world, marred by unsightly battles! A world incomplete! A world that exists in a state of perpetual imperfection!"
His words hung in the air, heavy with disdain as he continued, "For too long, we have endured this endless struggle, this meaningless existence. But no more!"
His gaze swept over the grunts, igniting a spark of fervor in their eyes. He declared, "I hate this incomplete world! I hate the chaos, the emotional attachments, the very spirit that binds us to this flawed reality! I will change it! I will complete it!"
He gestured dramatically to himself and his commanders, adding, "I will be the person to introduce this change! And you, my loyal members of Team Galactic, will be the instruments of its rebirth!"
*Zzzzt—BEEP*
With a majestic sweep of his hand, the monitor shifted. Two large, glowing capsules materialized, each containing one of the legendary Lake Pokémon. Mesprit, the Being of Emotion, floated serenely, its pink form pulsating faintly.
Azelf, the Being of Willpower, hovered beside it, its blue body radiating a quiet strength. Both were clearly subdued, trapped within their energy prisons. A gasp rippled through the auditorium.
Cyrus explained, his voice low and hypnotic, "For generations, Team Galactic has researched the ancient legends of Sinnoh. We have uncovered the secrets of creation! And now, we possess the power to change the world!"
*Zzzt—BEEP*
The monitor then displayed a series of complex diagrams and equations, before focusing on a group of scientists working diligently in a sterile lab, their hands hovering over a swirling vortex of energy.
Cyrus announced, a hint of triumph in his voice, "Our scientists are currently working on the final component: the Red Chain! With the power of these legendary Pokémon, we shall forge a chain that binds creation itself!"
His eyes, usually devoid of emotion, burned with a cold fire, screamed, "Our dreams… our ultimate goal… they are on the cusp of becoming a reality!"
The grunts roared, a unified cry of fanatical devotion.
Cyrus continued, letting their cheers subside, "Soon, everyone will be assigned to a commander and travel to Mount Coronet! There, at the sacred Spear Pillar, our hearts will be united, for Team Galactic's glory!"
He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing, "But to complete our goals, to truly achieve our destiny, we must reclaim the last Lake Pokémon… Uxie! From Azure Sky's clutches! That upstart will not stand in our way!"
A collective growl rose from the grunts, their hatred for the persistent trainer palpable. Just as their fervor reached its peak, the large monitor behind Cyrus, still showing the contained Azelf and Mesprit, flickered violently…
*Fizz—Zzzzzzt*
A sharp fizz and crackle sound ripped through the auditorium, momentarily silencing the grunts. Static pulsed across the screen, distorting the images of the captive Pokémon. Then, with a jarring whirr and a burst of pixels, the static cleared…
*WHIRRRRR*
The image that resolved itself onto the monitor was not of Mesprit or Azelf, but of Azure Sky's Porygon-Z, its digital form pulsating, projecting the live feed. The camera shifted, revealing Azure himself. He stood atop the very peak of Mount Coronet, at the heart of the Spear Pillar.
The ancient stones loomed behind him, illuminated by the distant city lights. Pikachu was perched on his shoulder, Eevee on his head, and a small, sleeping Pichu (Mew) peeked out from his pocket. The wind, now stronger, whipped strands of his hair across his face, but his expression was resolute.
Cyrus's head snapped up, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly. Mars gasped, a sharp, choked sound. Saturn's face remained impassive, but his eyes narrowed to slits. Annoyance, raw and potent, radiated from the three commanders.
Azure Sky, live broadcasting into their most crucial moment. Azure's voice, calm and clear, resonated through the auditorium, cutting through the stunned silence, "Well, well, well, Cyrus. Quite the speech you're giving. Very dramatic."
He tilted his head slightly as he added disdainfully, "Though, I must say, your portrayal of this 'incomplete world' is rather… one-sided."
He then raised a Poké Ball and, with a familiar flash, revealed the transformed Ditto, perfectly mimicking Uxie. The fake Uxie floated serenely beside him, its gaze unwavering, grabbing Team Galactic's attention.
Azure continued, his voice laced with a subtle challenge, "You mentioned needing Uxie. If you want this Pokémon, if you truly want to achieve your plan of creating the Red Chain, then you'd better come to Mount Coronet. To the Spear Pillar."
His expression hardened, and a distinct scowl creased his brow. Azure added coldly, "I've had enough of your games, Cyrus. Enough of your grunts harassing my friends and me across Sinnoh. Enough of your continued persistence in attempting to plunge this region into chaos. My journey through Sinnoh has been… interrupted… quite enough."
He stared directly into the camera, his gaze piercing, as if he could see each Team Galactic member. He added in a serious tone, "I will be damned to allow you the satisfaction of achieving your twisted goals. We will end this. All of it. On Spear Pillar. Come claim what you believe is yours, if you dare."
*Bzzzzt—BEEP*
With a final, defiant glare, Azure gave a minute nod to Porygon-Z. The monitor immediately fizzed with static, then went blank, leaving the image of the subdued Mesprit and Azelf once more. The abrupt end to the broadcast left a pregnant silence in the auditorium, broken only by the nervous shuffling of grunts.
Cyrus remained silent for a long moment, his back to the assembly. His hands were clasped behind him, his shoulders rigid. A trap. It was painfully obvious. Azure Sky wasn't a fool; he wouldn't move such a vital asset without expecting a pursuit. The boy was intentionally luring them.
And yet...
A ghost of a smile, cold and entirely devoid of warmth, appeared on Cyrus's lips—one that didn't reach his eyes. He murmured resolutely, his voice low, almost a whisper, yet it carried through the silent hall, "They offer us the final piece, on the very altar where the world shall be reborn. They think to bait a predator, not realizing the predator has already marked its prey."
Saturn looked up, surprised, his voice barely audible, "Sir? You… you want to head into their trap?"
Cyrus finally turned, his eyes burning with an almost zealous light. His confident grin was terrifying in its absolute certainty as he replied, "It is not a trap if you possess the power to crush the cage. Azure believes he holds the advantage, but he has merely provided us with a convenient gathering point. He has delivered Uxie directly into our hands."
He swept his arm out, encompassing the entire auditorium. He declared fanatically, "Prepare the fleet! Every available grunt! Every combat-ready Pokémon! We move on Mount Coronet at dawn! We will reclaim Uxie, and I will personally see to it that Azure Sky is erased from the world he so desperately tries to protect!"
A nervous, high-pitched chuckle broke the silence from a shadowy corner near the stage. Charon, the eccentric lead scientist, scurried forward, adjusting his glasses, and mumbled, "I-I'll begin the calibration for the portable extraction units! We'll take the trio right at the summit! Their little distraction won't deter us!"
Cyrus gave Charon a dismissive glance before turning back to the vast window, his eyes fixed on the distant silhouette of Mount Coronet. In the darkened glass monitor, his reflection looked back—a man who had discarded his heart to become a god.
He whispered, his voice barely a breath, a chilling promise against the backdrop of the looming mountain, "The era of spirit ends tomorrow."
/////
A/N: Hope you like this chapter, and for this part, Attack on Galactic is gonna be 10 Chapters long with 1 Aftermath Chapter of what happens. Hope you guys like the incoming parts slowly building up to Cyrus's battle.