Chapter 577: Sinnoh's Champion Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Pokémon League – Champion's Room]
The heavy gates of the Sinnoh Pokémon League rumbled shut behind Azure Sky, sealing him off from the world he'd just conquered. Four formidable challenges had fallen before him: Aaron's Bug-types, Bertha's Ground-types, Flint's Fire-types, and finally, Lucian's Psychic-types.
Each victory had been hard-won, a testament to the growth of his Sinnoh team, yet the air now crackled with an entirely different kind of pressure. He stood in a striking blue and white hallway, divided by a small, gleaming lift.
Yellow and red lights pulsed along the walls, casting dynamic shadows that danced ahead of him. The journey to the Champion's room was always a step above the rest, a psychological ascent as much as a physical one.
*Bdmp*
His heart, usually a steady drumbeat, pulsed with an excited rhythm. He felt the Poke Balls on his belt shake in anticipation. Azure murmured, his voice a low thrum of excitement, "Alright, guys… This is it. The final challenge."
*Hummm*
The lift hummed, rising smoothly to the next level. As the doors parted, Azure stepped through another set of gates, his gaze sweeping over the Champion's chamber. It was a stark contrast to the previous rooms – a vast space cloaked in an abyssal black, with transparent, crystalline cubes glowing faintly in each corner. The floor was adorned with a colossal Poké Ball design, its yellow center radiating a soft, inviting light that somehow felt incredibly intimidating.
And there she was. Cynthia.
She stood at the far end of the battlefield, her back to him, gazing out at the grand design. Her posture was relaxed, yet every line of her silhouette exuded an aura of immense power and serene confidence. Her long, golden hair cascaded down her back, catching the subtle glow of the room.
As Azure stepped fully into the room, a soft click of the gates announced his presence, and she turned. Her smile was calm, her eyes the colour of the deepest oceans, reflecting a profound intellect and an ancient strength. She greeted, her voice a melodious whisper that carried effortlessly across the vast room, "Welcome, Azure. I've been expecting you ever since you first set foot in Sinnoh, months ago."
Azure chuckled, a knowing grin spreading across his face, replying, "You know me, Cynthia. I needed time. Time to really get my Sinnoh team in fighting shape. Not just 'good enough,' but 'Cynthia-level' good. And, of course…"
He added, a playful glint in his eyes, "… to ensure I could actually win this time, like our last encounter in Kanto."
Cynthia's smile widened faintly, a flicker of nostalgia in her gaze. She conceded with a graceful nod, "Indeed. I recall it vividly. The strongest Trainer I'd ever faced, winning three Pokémon League Tournaments in Kanto and Johto. And then Hoenn, conquering the Elite Four and even Champion Steven. When I heard you were heading there, I couldn't resist the urge to challenge myself, to test my own limits against yours."
She paused, a soft sigh escaping her lips, confessing, "Sigh… And I lost. Your suggestion to head to Alola to relax was surprisingly beneficial. The change of pace, the unique Pokémon... it was quite the experience."
A gentle shake of her head brought her back to the present. She stated, "But enough of reminiscing, Azure. We're getting off track."
*Thwump*
She began to walk slowly across the immense battlefield, her steps deliberate and measured. Her expression remained cool, level-headed, but Azure felt the true weight of her presence now. It was a pressure far grander, more encompassing, than the combined might of the Elite Four he had just overcome.
It was the aura of a true Champion, a master of strategy and power...
*Dun-dunnn-dannn*
... Azure could swear he heard a piano playing in the background.
Cynthia announced coolly, her voice gaining a firm edge that resonated with the anticipation of conflict, "This will be a six-on-six Pokémon battle. And I will enjoy being the one to finally put a stop to your impressive run. I've been looking forward to this rematch ever since Kanto."
She stopped at the very edge of the battle square, directly opposite Azure. The yellow light from the Poké Ball design seemed to intensify around her. She raised a hand, a single Poké Ball already grasped firmly within her palm.
Her voice, though casual, now held a definite, unyielding resolve. She began, "Azure Sky. Have you been keeping well? Thank you for Mt. Coronet. And for dealing with Team Galactic. I'm truly grateful."
Her eyes met his, radiating a profound understanding, continuing, "Together, you and your Pokémon overcame all the challenges you faced, however difficult. It means that you've triumphed over any personal weaknesses, too. The power you've learned... I can feel it emanating from you, a tangible force."
Her eyes sparkled with a competitive fire. She grinned eagerly, concluding, "But that's enough talk. Let's get on with why you're here. As the Pokémon League Champion, I accept your challenge!"
A smirk played on Azure's lips. This was it. The climax of his Sinnoh journey. He grasped a Poké Ball of his own, the smooth, cool surface a comforting weight in his hand. He replied, his voice echoing with renewed determination, "Glad to hear it, Cynthia. Let's make this a battle to remember!"
With that, both trainers extended their arms. Both were determined to win. Both were sending their chosen Pokémon into the arena.
Azure called, releasing a burst of starlight, "Go, Togekiss!"
*POP*
With a joyful trill, his feminine Togekiss, a majestic Fairy/Flying-type, materialized, her elegant wings unfurling. A faint shimmer around her indicated her held item: a [King's Rock], a subtle threat of flinching.
Cynthia's response was equally swift, but far more surprising. She declared, "Darkrai, the floor is yours!"
*Swoooosh*
A shadowy vortex coalesced on her side of the field, twisting and expanding before erupting into the terrifying form of Darkrai. The Pitch-Black Pokémon, an embodiment of nightmares, floated menacingly. A subtle glint suggested its held item: [Wise Glasses], ready to boost its special attacks.
Azure's smirk faltered, replaced by an expression of pure astonishment. Azure blinked, seeing this and again. He breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, "Darkrai? Since when have you captured a Darkrai?"
Rotom shrieked from the Arc Phone, "Bzzt! Searching database! Darkrai! The Pitch-Black Pokémon! It inhabits the world of nightmares! This shouldn't be on a standard League roster! Error! Error!"
His mind raced, connecting the dots. Then the realization hit as his eyes widened, asking, "Unless... is it the one from Cyrus?"
Cynthia offered a small, knowing smile as she answered his question, "An astute observation, Azure. Indeed, it is the very same Darkrai that Cyrus had coerced into his service. After you and I helped free all the Legendary Pokémon from his control, I found myself drawn to its plight. I asked Palmer, the Tower Tycoon, to help me locate its whereabouts. He, in turn, enlisted the aid of Cresselia, who eventually found Darkrai on Newmoon Island."
She paused, her gaze softening slightly towards her Pokémon. She continued in a fond tone, "Darkrai remembered how we – how you – had helped to liberate it from Cyrus's unwilling command. After a respectful battle, it chose to follow me, seeking both protection and the opportunity to hone its power. And thus thanks to you I've gained, a new, powerful member was added to my team."
Azure nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. He murmured in understanding, "I see..."
It was good for Cynthia, certainly. A formidable addition. But for him? Internally, he winced. He had led with Togekiss, fully expecting Cynthia's signature Spiritomb, a slower, more defensively oriented Pokémon against which Togekiss's Fairy-typing and special attacks would shine.
Darkrai, however, was a nightmare. A fast, powerful Special Attacker with a terrifying sleep-inducing move.
Rotom's voice was softer now, tinged with concern, "Rotom-Rotom... this isn't good. This wasn't part of the calculation!"
Azure's previous confidence evaporated, replaced by a cold realization. Battling Cynthia wasn't going to be as simple as he had originally planned. This encounter was going to be an entirely different beast than their Kanto clash.
Azure commanded, forcing himself to focus, "Togekiss, use Safeguard!"
Azure had to set up defenses against Sleep. He had to prevent Dark Void.
*FWOOSH*
Togekiss responded instantly, a shimmering, protective veil of psychic energy flaring around her. But this granted Cynthia the chance to attack. The barrier solidified just as Cynthia's voice cut through the air, "Darkrai, Ice Beam!"
*SSSHHHHHOOOM*
A searing cold blast erupted from Darkrai's outstretched claw, streaking across the field. The chilling beam slammed into Togekiss, tearing through the nascent Safeguard. Togekiss cried out, the super-effective damage rippling through her body, but the barrier held, preventing any status conditions.
She stumbled, but remained airborne, her wings beating powerfully. She chirped, shaking off the impact, "Kiss! (I'm still in this!)."
Azure gritted his teeth. He knew he had to weather that initial hit. Had Safeguard failed, Darkrai's notorious Dark Void would have left Togekiss helplessly asleep, turning the tide irrevocably in Cynthia's favor from the very first move.
It was a risky gamble, but a necessary one.
Cynthia observed the exchange, a flicker of thought in her calm eyes. She had seized control of the battle's momentum, opening with a Pokémon Azure hadn't anticipated, immediately putting him on the defensive.
She mused internally, carefully eyeing the situation, 'A poor choice, choosing Togekiss against me. I've trained one myself, and I know all its tell-tale signs and weaknesses immediately. But he adapted quickly, seeing the threat of Dark Void.'
Her gaze sharpened, concluding, 'Still, this will not be easy for him.'
Cynthia's voice was sharp, cutting, "Ice Beam, again!"
*VWOOSH*
Darkrai obeyed, another frigid blast tearing across the field. But this time, Azure was prepared once the threat of Darkrai lessened.
Azure bellowed, recognizing the need to counter-attack with overwhelming force, "Togekiss, Strong Style Moonblast! Full power!"
*FWOOMP*
Togekiss soared, gathering a sphere of dazzling, ethereal pink energy between her wingtips. She unleashed it, a concentrated beam of Fairy-type power that surged forward. The Moonblast collided with the Ice Beam mid-field in a spectacular explosion of light and ice shards…
*KABOOM*
A thick cloud of vapor erupted, obscuring both Pokémon for a moment. Rotom exclaimed, still a bit shaken, "Rotom-Rotom! What a blast!"
Azure pressed, intending to capitalize on any disorientation, "Now, Aura Sphere!"
*WHOOOSH*
Togekiss, still shrouded in the dissipating mist, concentrated, a sapphire orb of pure fighting energy forming rapidly in front of her. She launched it with precision.
But Darkrai was faster, a blur of shadow materializing through the haze. Cynthia commanded, a faint smile playing on her lips, "Darkrai, Sucker Punch!"
*ZING*
Darkrai darted forward with incredible speed, its shadowy claw glowing ominously. It intercepted the Aura Sphere with a powerful, dark-infused punch, knocking the attack askew and deflecting its trajectory. The force of the impact sent Togekiss reeling back, interrupting her momentum and pushing her several feet.
*WHOOSH-BUMPF*
Togekiss cried out, regaining her balance with a frantic beat of her wings, "Kiss! (Argh! Dang it!)"
Azure quickly followed up, shifting to a Flying-type attack, "Air Slash!"
*SWISH-SWISH-SWISH*
Togekiss's wings glowed, and she flapped them furiously, sending sharp, crescent-shaped blades of compressed air hurtling towards Darkrai!
*Swooosh*
Darkrai, however, seemed to float effortlessly, its lithe form twisting and weaving through the incoming attacks with graceful ease. Each Air Slash missed its mark by a hair's breadth, showing its impressive speed.
Cynthia's voice was calm, almost conversational, "Shadow Claw!"
*SHHHING*
Darkrai vanished and reappeared behind Togekiss, its claw imbued with dark energy. It lunged for a strike.
Azure barked, reacting instantly, "Dodge with Agility!"
*WHOOOSH*
Togekiss, still reeling from the previous Sucker Punch, pushed through the discomfort. A faint blue aura shimmered around her as she executed a sudden burst of speed, darting sideways in an instant. The Shadow Claw sliced harmlessly through the air where she had been.
Azure praised, "Excellent, Togekiss! Now, Aura Sphere!"
*Ding*
The Agility move had done more than just dodge; it had granted her a significant speed boost. A faint ding sound was heard as Togekiss gained +2 Speed Stage, her movements becoming discernible faster.
*ZZZZHHHM*
With newfound momentum, Togekiss spun, gathering another Aura Sphere, this one forming more quickly and powerfully. She unleashed it, a gleaming, tracking projectile that locked onto Darkrai.
*THWUMM*
Darkrai, despite its speed, couldn't completely avoid the enhanced attack. The Aura Sphere connected solidly, slamming into its shadowy form. Darkrai hissed, recoiling from the super-effective damage, "Dark! (Hmph! Pretty good…)"
It wobbled, but its form remained intact, enduring the hit with impressive resilience. Cynthia's expression remained unperturbed.
She commanded, "Poison Jab!"
*HISSS*
Darkrai, recovering almost instantly, shot forward, its arm glowing with a sickly purple hue. It lashed out, a venomous jab aimed at Togekiss's midsection.
Azure urged, "Dodge!"
*THWIP*
Togekiss tried, but her recovery from the Aura Sphere's recoil and Darkrai's sudden burst of speed was just too slow. The Poison Jab connected, a sickening THWIP! that sent a jolt of pain through Togekiss.
She stumbled heavily in the air, her elegant flight momentarily disoriented. Cynthia pressed, capitalizing on the moment of weakness, "Now, Shadow Punch!"
*WHUMP—THUD*
Before Togekiss could fully regain her bearings, Darkrai was upon her, its fist wreathed in dark energy. The Shadow Punch slammed into Togekiss, sending her plummeting towards the ground. She hit the black floor with a soft thud, struggling to push herself up.
Cynthia urged, "And finish with Ice Beam!"
*SSHHHHOOOM*
Darkrai wasted no time, unleashing another frigid blast towards the grounded Togekiss. Azure's voice boomed, desperation rising, "Togekiss, Extreme Speed!"
*ZING*
Just as the Ice Beam was about to strike, Togekiss shimmered into a streak of light and vanished from her spot, reappearing just a few feet away. She narrowly avoided the attack, the Ice Beam impacting the floor where she'd been, leaving a patch of frost.
Cynthia's eyes narrowed fractionally as she thought, 'Extreme Speed! A rare and powerful move for a Togekiss, indicating exceptional training.'
Her lips curved into a slight smile as she commanded, "Impressive, Azure. But I was expecting that. Darkrai, Blizzard!"
*WHOOOOSH*
The temperature in the room plummeted. Darkrai's body crackled with an intense, icy energy, and it unleashed a terrifying blizzard. A swirling tempest of razor-sharp ice crystals and bitter winds tore across the battlefield, engulfing everything in its path.
Azure roared, a bold strategy forming in his mind, "Togekiss, Omnious Wind Counter Shield! Spin with it! Block the blizzard!"
*WWOOOSSHHH*
Togekiss, still moving with the enhanced speed from Agility and Extreme Speed, began to spin rapidly. As she did, she gathered dark, ghostly winds around her, creating a miniature, swirling tornado of spectral energy…
*CLASH-CRACKLE*
The Ominous Wind met the incoming Blizzard head-on. The ghostly tornado acted as a protective barrier, deflecting and absorbing the icy assault. The transparent cubes in the corners of the room flickered, reflecting the chaotic energies.
Rotom exclaimed, momentarily forgetting its worry, "Rotom-Rotom! What a cool move! She's like a ghostly whirlwind!"
Azure's plan was clear: the Counter Shield technique, where a Pokémon spins while using an attack to simultaneously defend itself and damage the opponent (or, in this case, defend and buff). With Ominous Wind, there was a chance for a guaranteed stat boost. The more she spun, the more opportunities she'd have.
*WHOOSH*
As Togekiss continued to spin, maintaining the eerie, defensive vortex, a faint, golden glow suddenly enveloped her. A small, shimmering 'plus one' symbol appeared briefly above her head.
Cynthia observed, her calm demeanor unwavering as she thought, 'To survive this long against Darkrai, after taking multiple super-effective hits... Azure's Togekiss is far more resilient than I anticipated.'
Then she saw the glow, the stat buff. From her experience, she quickly realized Azure's plan briefly, though internally amused, 'Ah, I see. Ominous Wind combined with his Counter Shield technique. It's an ingenious maneuver. While she maintains that ghostly tornado, she's guaranteed to gain stat boosts over time.'
*WHOOSH*
Just as Cynthia thought this, another faint glow enveloped Togekiss. Cynthia blinked as she thought, 'Another +1, then another! I might take a page out of his book to have my Togekiss practice this technique. But for now, the battle!'
Cynthia's eyes gleamed with a predatory glint as she planned, 'She's gaining Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed simultaneously defending herself! Clever. He aims to stall, to turn a defensive maneuver into an offensive powerhouse. But this cannot be allowed to continue.'
She grinned, a subtle, confident curve of her lips. She had a plan as she thought confidently, 'And I have a plan to halt it.'
She allowed Togekiss to accumulate a few more buffs, watching as the 'plus one' symbols flashed repeatedly. Azure's expression, initially worried, eased with each successful buff, his focus intently on Darkrai and the growing power of his Togekiss.
For a fleeting moment, his guard dropped, just a fraction.
That was all Cynthia needed.
Cynthia's voice cut through the air, calm but carrying a distinct note of admiration, "Azure. That Counter Shield technique with Ominous Wind... truly impressive. I haven't seen Togekiss wield its power so effectively before."
Azure, caught off guard by the sudden praise, blinked, a faint flush rising to his cheeks. He replied, a moment of distraction, "Uh, thanks, Cynthia,".
Rotom chirped, equally distracted but pleased, "Rotom-Rotom, Champion's complimenting you, Azure!"
It was enough. That brief lapse in focus.
Cynthia said, her voice echoing over the roar of the wind, "A brilliant strategy. Many would be intimidated by such a display. But a shield is also a cage, Azure. And you've forgotten the most important element of the battle: the clock."
Azure blinked, asking, "What?"
Cynthia pointed with a smug grin, "Your Safeguard."
Azure's heart dropped. He had been so focused on the stat buffs from Ominous Wind that he hadn't tracked the turn count. The shimmering veil around his side of the field was thinning, turning from a solid wall to a translucent mist.
Cynthia commanded, her voice now sharp and decisive, "Darkrai, Haze!"
Darkrai, still recovering from the Aura Sphere, snapped to attention. It unleashed a wave of dark, murky mist that spread rapidly!
*FWOOSH*
The Haze swirled, instantly combining with Togekiss's ghostly Ominous Wind tornado. The spectral energies twisted, battled for dominance, then merged, creating a dense, opaque cloud that swallowed Togekiss whole.
*WHOOSH-SWIRL*
Rotom shrieked, its display flickering as visibility dropped to zero, "Rotom-Rotom! What happened?!"
Azure's vision was completely obscured. He yelled, a knot of dread tightening in his stomach, "Togekiss! What's going on in there?!"
Then, through the swirling Haze, a new, sinister energy began to coalesce. Cynthia's voice was a chilling whisper, "Dark Void!"
*WHOOOOMPH*
Before Azure could react, before Togekiss could even discern her opponent's position within the combined mists, a wave of dark, slumber-inducing energy washed over her. The Haze began to dissipate, revealing Togekiss's form. Her eyes were closed, her elegant body going limp as she drifted downwards, utterly powerless.
Azure's gaze darted to the timer above the field. The Safeguard... it had ended precisely as the Haze was clearing. The timing had been impeccable.
Azure froze momentarily as he quickly thought bitterly, 'Swapping is out if Darkrai blocks the beam with a move or its body! And the way Cynthia spoke up made me lose my focus… Damn it, I got played!'
Azure cried out, his voice laced with anguish, "No! Togekiss, wake up!!"
*Zooom*
But it was too late. Darkrai, a shadow-blur of speed, darted across the field, blitzing towards the defenseless, sleeping Togekiss. It hovered above her, a malevolent grin on its face.
Cynthia's command sealed Togekiss's fate, "Dream Eater!"
*SHHHHRRRRRP*
Darkrai plunged its shadowy arm into Togekiss's sleeping form. A wail of pain, unheard by Togekiss herself, echoed in Azure's mind as her energy was violently siphoned away. Darkrai withdrew, then plunged its arm in again.
Cynthia said coldly, showing no mercy, "Again."
*SHHHHRRRRRP*
And again…
*SHHHHRRRRRP*
Consecutive Dream Eater attacks, relentlessly draining her life force!
Azure's pleas for his Pokémon to wake up proved fruitless. Togekiss remained trapped in a nightmare, her energy steadily ebbing away. Togekiss's head lolled to the side, clearly knocked out.
Darkrai floated back to Cynthia's side, its shadowy form looking stronger, more vibrant. Its earlier damage from Aura Sphere was gone, and its health was fully restored. Cynthia had taken the lead, and with it, all the momentum of the battle.
Azure's first Pokémon had been defeated in her sleep, unable to deal any lasting damage, even healing Cynthia's Darkrai in the process. Azure retrieved Togekiss's Poké Ball, his jaw clenched, his eyes fixed on Cynthia. Rotom moaned, its voice small and defeated beside him, "Rotom-Rotom..."
Cynthia merely offered a small, knowing smile. Her tone was calm, respectful, yet underscored with the undeniable thrill of victory, "An unfortunate outcome for your Togekiss. But that's the nature of battling. What's your next move?"
Azure stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the loss sinking in. He had lost his lead, his momentum, and one of his most versatile Pokémon without dealing lasting damage to Darkrai.
He clicked the button on Togekiss's ball, returning her to her rest as he said softly, "You did great, girl. Rest up."
Across the field, Cynthia didn't gloat. She simply pulled out Darkrai's Poké Ball, stating, "You fought well, Darkrai. Return."
Azure looked up, surprised, and asked, "You're switching?"
Cynthia said calmly, her eyes locked on his, "The momentum has shifted. You are about to change your strategy to counter Darkrai's sleep-trap. I won't give you the satisfaction of a predictable target."
Azure felt a grin tugging at his lips despite the setback.
This was it.
This was the Champion-level chess match he had craved.
Azure grabbed a Poké Ball with a challenging grin and declared, "Fine then. If you want to play it that way... let's bring out the heavy artillery! Kleavor, let's go!"
Cynthia smirked, sending her next choice in absolute confidence, and declared, "Porygon-Z, stand by for battle!"
*POP-THUD*
The two Pokémon appeared simultaneously. Azure's Kleavor landed with a heavy THUD, his axe-arms gleaming with a metallic sheen, his stone body looking like a relic of a forgotten age. He let out a rasping, territorial roar, the [Muscle Band] on his arm tightening as he flexed.
Opposite him, Cynthia's Porygon-Z hovered, its body twitching with erratic, glitchy movements. Its eyes glowed with an unstable light, and the [Expert Belt] wrapped around its midsection pulsed with energy.
The battle for the Sinnoh crown had only just begun. The room was dark, the stakes were absolute, and for Azure Sky, the path to the Hall of Fame was currently blocked by the most dangerous woman in the world.
He wouldn't have it any other way.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter and the beginning of the Champion Battle! This is gonna be a 5 part battle hope you enjoy the following battle ahead!