Chapter 73: Semi-Round (1)
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Later, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
"HOOOOORAY!!"
With the crowd roaring on all sides, Red has Poli battle his opponent's Kabutops as he commanded, "Double Team! Then a Dynamic Punch!"
*SMASH*
Dodging the opponent's Kabutops, Poli landed a devastating Dynamic Punch on the Kabutops as it fainted on the ground. A screen showed as the announcer says, "All right!! Red is the 1st place winner of the C Block, he'll rise to the Semi-Finals!!!!"
Red smirked, seeing this as he wiped the sweat off his face, "All right! I'm in the semi-finals!"
Red has defeated his opponent's Kabutops, earning him a place in the semi-finals, till he heard a sound that caught his attention, "Have you ever seen a battle that intense before…?!"
Red turned to see Blue as he held his Poke Ball, greeting him, "You…!"
Blue makes a cocky smirk with his Pidgeot returning to its Poke Ball, "Hey!"
*Wafft*
Dropping down, the announcer spoke up in an excited tone, "Winner of the D Group… Blue!"
Having met Red, Blue informs him of the history of Pallet Town and the Pokémon League in a confident tone, "I don't suppose I need to tell you, Red, that in the history of the Pokémon League… every single winner of the Championships has been a trainer from Pallet Town. The question this year is which one will it be…"
Red made a cocky smirk as he answered curiously, "Yeah. You… or me?"
Blue smirked as he turned to leave, as he said cooly, "I'm looking forward to battling you in the Final Round!"
As he turned to leave, an announcement from the nearby speakers spoke out, "Group winners, please proceed to the arena!"
They smile at each other, and Blue walks off, looking forward to battling Red in the finals. Suddenly, Red turns to notice Green setting off her Nidoran (F) to kiss an unsuspecting Fisherman's Nidoran (M).
She talks to him up, in a childish tone, getting the Fisherman's attention as she said, "Oh my! There you are, my little Nido! Ooo, and look who found a boyfriend! Our Pokémon like each other… so we should too! How about a Pokémon trade to seal the deal, hmm? Like… my Weedle for your big, strong Butterfree!"
However, before Red had the chance to intervene, Azure arrived as he said in a deadpan tone, "You still up to your tricks, I see."
Green gets a bit surprised to see that Azure has been watching, but quickly recovers and greets him and Red coming forward, "Eeek! I mean… Hi, Sky… and Red! What's up!"
After Red asks her what she's doing here, she gestures to the screen behind her, showing that she will also be in the semi-finals. As she says confidently as she turns and walks off, declares, "Tee-hee!! Weren't those preliminaries a breeze? See you in the arena! I don't plan on losing… cuz I'm a trainer from Pallet Town too, y'know!"
Red is shocked and attempts to follow her to get more information, "Hey! Get back here! What did you say?!"
But Bill appears and stops him to congratulate him on his efforts and asks him if he's seen the matchups yet, "Congrats on them Prelims, there feller! The final four! Hoo-wee! Y'see the matchups yet? And nice to meet you… Azure Sky, right? I've heard good things about you!"
Azure smiled, sharing the greetings as Bill handed the paper to Red in a friendly tone, "I heard good things from you, too, Bill Nye the Science Guy."
Bill rolled his eyes at those words as they talked to each other. Seeing that Red's scheduled to fight Blue next, he enters a slump, having hoped both of them would make it to the finals in a depressed tone, 'Sigh… It's me and Blue in the first round of the Semi-Finals. But wait a minute…!'
Red took a second to look that the first ones going into the Semi-Finals were Azure and Green. Azure looked at the paper, showing a serious expression, "I see… seems like I'm up against Green first. Better get ready and remember, Red, when we battle, it'll be on the big stage, so you better not lose!"
Leaving to prepare for his battle, Red recalled their promise way back in Cerulean City. He smirked, adjusting his cap as Bill followed him as he thought, 'Right… we promised we'll battle on the big stage. And so far, I heard from Giovanni that other than me, Azure is also someone who hasn't lost a Pokémon Battle yet… this makes me feel excited!'
/////
[Kanto Region, Mins. Later, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]
Azure Sky stood in the waiting room, the roar of the crowd a muffled hum through the thick walls. His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat mirroring the anticipation that thrummed through the Indigo Plateau. He adjusted the brim of his favorite cap, the familiar gesture doing little to calm his nerves.
He had battled his way through countless trainers, conquered the formidable Gym Leaders of Kanto, and now, here he was, one of the final four in the Pokémon League Tournament. It felt surreal.
Beside him, Pikachu twitched his nose, sensing his unease. The Electric-type Pokémon hopped onto Azure's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek with a soft, "Pika pi!"
A reassuring presence, Pikachu had been his partner since the very beginning, a constant source of strength and unwavering loyalty. Azure smiled, scratching behind Pikachu's ears as he thanked his partner happily, "Thanks, buddy. I needed that."
He glanced at the rest of his team, nestled comfortably in their Poké Balls on his belt. Eevee, playful and adaptable; Gengar, mischievous and powerful; Arcanine, fierce and loyal; Dragonite, gentle giant and devastating force; and Scizor, precise and deadly.
Each one was a vital part of his journey, a friend and companion as much as a battle partner. Taking a deep breath, Azure replayed in his mind how to battle against Green, making him feel nervous.
But it was when he heard the announcement through the speakers as he stood up, "Azure Sky versus Leaf Green! Please come to the Stadium!"
*Hisss*
The door hissed open as he followed towards the Stadium battlefield, and a stern-faced official beckoned him forward as he said, "Azure Sky, you're up. Your opponent is Leaf Green. Please proceed to the battlefield."
A knot tightened in Azure's stomach. Leaf Green. He had observed her battles. She was a formidable trainer, known for her strategic mind, having been taught under the Masked Man. This would be a tough fight.
He nodded, his resolve hardening. Adjusting his cap, shadowing his eyes as they shone, said determinedly, "Right. Let's do this, Pikachu."
Entering through the door, the roar of the crowd hit him like a tidal wave as he stepped onto the battlefield. The arena was massive, a rectangular expanse of meticulously manicured grass surrounded by a sea of faces.
On the opposite side stood Leaf Green, her brown hair pulled back, wearing her black dress, her expression focused and determined. A hush fell over the stadium.
Leaf Green, with her bright smile and confident stride, stepped onto the opposite side of the battlefield. Azure took a deep breath, Pikachu nuzzling his cheek reassuringly.
This was it. This was the Semi-Final. This was his chance to prove himself. The referee stepped forward as he explained the rules, "The Semi-Final match between Azure Sky and Leaf Green is about to begin! Each trainer will use three Pokémon. Switching is allowed only between the three Pokémon currently in battle. The match will end when all of the trainer's Pokémon are unable to battle! Trainers, are you ready?"
Azure and Leaf Green declared in unison, "Ready!"
With a slight nod, the Referee puts his flags down and announces loudly, "Then let the battle begin!"
Leaf Green wasted no time. Azure took a deep breath as he thought in a determined tone, 'I know who to pick for this round. Those 3 have been with me the longest, it's time to show the world their might! They've never failed me before and won't now!'
He hurled the Poké Ball into the air as he yelled out, "Dragonite, I choose you!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, his powerful Dragon-type materialized, its orange scales gleaming in the sunlight as it cried out, "Draooooww!!!"
*Fwp*
Flapping its wings, Dragonite smirked, prepared for battle. Leaf Green countered, calling her Pokémon, tossing her Poke Ball, "Blastoise, let's go!"
*Pop*
The Water-type Pokémon emerged, its twin cannons ready for action, radiating power. The referee announced, "The battle begins! Dragonite versus Blastoise!"
Azure took the initiative. He commanded, "Dragonite, use Dragon Claw!"
*Fwp*
Dragonite roared, its claws glowing with draconic energy, and charged towards Blastoise. Green wasn't fazed as she commanded, "Blastoise, protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier enveloped Blastoise, blocking Dragonite's attack. Green continued the pressure as she commanded, "Now, Blastoise! Use Rapid Spin, and Hydro Pump!"
*Voooom*
*SPLASH*
Blastoise retracted its limbs and spun rapidly, becoming a whirling vortex of water and force, heading towards Dragonite. Azure shouted, "Dragonite, dodge it and use Strong Style Twister!"
*FWP*
With a flap of its wings, Dragonite skillfully dodged the Rapid Spin and Hydro Pump combo. It flapped its wings, generating a powerful tornado to counter the attack of Blastoise's water tornado and managing to push it back.
Green narrowed her eyes. She commanded in a serious tone, "Blastoise, use Hydro Pump, then smack that Dragon with an Ice Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Surprisingly, a majority of everyone in the Stadium Blastoise rocketed out from the water tornado it created and pierced through the Twister with its blasters, now located on its back, acting like flight boosters capable of flying. Dragonite was startled seeing the Blastoise fly into it.
*SMASH*
Coating its claw with ice, Blastoise smacked Dragonite in the face with an Ice Punch, tossing it down to the ground. Leaf frowns seeing Dragonite stand back up as she thought cautiously, 'That attack should've been enough to finish off that Dragon. But it managed to stand back up unless… it has the Multiscale Hidden Ability! Of course!'
Recoiling in pain, Dragonite growled as Azure commanded, "Dragonite! Launch a Dragon Pulse!"
*Shiii*
Building up the power of draconic energy, Green countered, "Hydro Pump!"
*Click*
Blastoise switching its position unleashed a torrent of water from its cannons, a concentrated blast aimed directly at Dragonite. At the same time Dragonite finished charging up and launched its attack.
*BOOOM*
Dragonite unleashed a multi-colored dragon-shaped beam of pure draconic energy, colliding with the Hydro Pump in a spectacular explosion of water and light. The battlefield was momentarily obscured in mist.
As the mist cleared, Azure saw that both Pokémon were still standing, though visibly tired. He knew he couldn't let the battle drag on.
Blastoise was a formidable opponent, and he needed to gain the upper hand. Azure commanded, "Dragonite, use Thunder Wave!"
*Zzzzz*
Dragonite unleashed a wave of electricity that struck Blastoise, paralyzing the Water-type Pokémon as it flinched. Green eyes narrowed as ordered, "Use Withdraw!"
*Shiii*
Blastoise withdrew into its shell for safety while increasing its defense by the faint glow of its aura. Not only that, Green added, "… Use Aqua Ring!"
*Splash*
A veil of water surrounded Blastoise as which greatly alarmed Azure greatly as he thought concerned seeing this setup, 'Damn it! She's hoping for a stall battle with Blastoise! With Blastoise's natural defenses of tanking hits. Add Aqua Ring and it'll be a wall nightmare to handle!'
Realizing what Green was doing, Azure also remained cautious, as despite the Shellfish Pokémon safely in its shell, he couldn't attack it willy-nilly either. Blastoise could come out and launch an Ice Move when Dragonite gets near it.
However, he calmed his nerves as he commanded, "Dragonite! Launch a barrage of Dragon Rage!"
Green's eyes widened in terror at that command as she thought cautiously, biting her thumbnail, 'Damn it… Dragon Rage is a move that has a set amount of damage. If it were a low-level Pokémon, usually one or two hits are enough… but if Blasty gets hit by 4 or 5… 6 or 7 with Aqua Ring, then Blasty will faint before knocking out any of his Pokémon.'
*Shiii*
Dragonite releases a yellow ball of energy from its mouth, launching it at the Blastoise. And it wasn't just one…
*Pew*
*Pew*
A literal barrage of them was sent at Blastoise. Green cried out, "Blastoise, no! Deflect them with Rapid Spin and Hydro Pump!"
Dragonite seized the opportunity, as the yellow energy balls of Dragon Rage landed their target, as Blastoise was paralyzed delivering a decisive blow. The Dragon Rage all exploded in fashion, creating a smokescreen in the process.
*BOOOOM*
After the dust had settled lies Blastoise fainted, collapsing onto the battlefield. The referee announced, "Blastoise is unable to battle!"
Green recalled Blastoise with a sigh, a hint of frustration in her eyes. Grabbing her next Poke Ball, she declared, "Okay, Blastoise, you did well. Now, Ditty, it's your turn!"
Ditto emerged, a shapeless blob of pink goo, ready to transform. Azure felt a chill run down his spine. Ditto quickly morphed, transforming into an exact copy of Dragonite, the only difference being its vacant, expressionless eyes.
Not only that, Azure noticed a Held Item dangling around Ditto's neck. He used [Observe] and frowned, seeing what item it was.
[Item: Metal Powder
Rarity Item: A
Type: Held Item
Description: An item to be held by Ditto. Extremely fine yet hard, this odd powder boosts Ditto's Defense stat by 50%.]
Not only that, but Azure saw Green holding up her Pokedex. His eyes widened in surprise as Green thought confidently, 'Despite my history stealing Oak's Pokémon. He forgave me, understanding my history, even giving me the third Pokedex. Despite Red and Blue starting their journey… I'm a trainer from Pallet Town, too! I'm not losing to you, Azure!'
The referee announced, allowing the audience to understand, "Ditto used Transform! Ditto has copied Dragonite!"
Azure's eyes narrowed as Green viewed Azure's Dragonite Moves through her Pokedex as she says confidently, "Sorry, Azure, but I'm not gonna lose to you. Unlike your Dragonite panting from battling mine is at top condition! Now! Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
Turning into a blur, Azure knew where this was going as he countered, "Dragonite Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
Both turned into blurs of orange as they collided with each other. The battle between the two intensified, seeing who would win…
/////
[Johto Region, Somewhere in Goldenrod City]
"… Now! Extreme Speed!"
From within a hotel room, a red-haired boy watched the match with anticipation from the TV showing the live battle, with a few Pokémon by his side. And his partner Sneasel stood by equally interested in the match in front of them.
The boy named Soul Silver stood with clenched fists as he muttered out loud, "Come on, big sis beat this guy…"
Silver, temporarily on break, watched the match between the two with great interest, being Green's little brother. Sneasel comforts Silver, raising its claw high, "Sne! Sneasel!"
Silver smiled, seeing his partner comfort him. Both eyes were glued to the match in front of them with anticipation.
/////
[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau, Stadium – Audience Stand]
As the battle between Green and Azure intensified, from the audience stand, Blue leaned his back against the wall, watching the battle. He smirked as he muttered out loud, "Oh? So, Azure made it to the Pokémon League. Battling him would be very interesting."
Observing the clash ahead, Blue sees his Pokémon's condition as he mutters, placing his hand under his chin, "Still to raise his Dratini to Dragonite nearly under a year is impressive. I want to see what moves you're hiding so I can strategize against you…"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the audience stand Red sees the battle between them ahead with Prof. Oak. He couldn't help but exclaim in a stunned tone, "You gave Green a Pokedex! But why?!"
Prof. Oak chuckled, hearing Red's outburst, as he examined the battle he saying happily, arms crossed, "I have my reasons, Red. Besides, she's also a Trainer from Pallet Town, although she might've met her match this time."
*BOOM*
*BOOOM*
Shockwaves could be felt as they witnessed the battle between the Dragonites. Red smiled, seeing the clash as he said excitedly, "Green and Sky are both strong. I can't wait to see who wins…"
/////
A/N: Goal of 100 PS to get an extra chapter.