Chapter 466: Vs Rival Platinum (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 208]
The crisp mountain air, still carrying the faint, earthy scent of damp stone and pine needles, slowly gave way to the gentler breeze of Route 208. The weary group, having just navigated the winding, lower passages of Mt. Coronet, emerged onto the familiar dirt path with a collective sigh of relief. Or, at least, relief for some.
Azure adjusted the worn strap of his messenger bag, his keen eyes scanning the tree-lined route ahead. Perched on his shoulder, Pikachu's ears twitched. On his head, Eevee nestled comfortably, a low, contented rumble vibrating through Azure's scalp.
And snuggled deep within the warmth of Azure's jacket, a tiny Pichu (Mew), barely bigger than his fist, emitted a sleepy cry, "Chu... (Chocolate…)"
Beside him, Platinum, meticulous as ever, snapped her Rotom Phone shut with a frustrated click. She muttered frustratedly, "Confound it… The path deeper into Mt. Coronet is indeed blocked. It seems our direct route to Celestic Town is our next destination."
A sigh escaped her lips, a rare display of exasperation. But her gaze hardened, the noble Berlitz resolve returning as she stated, "Very well. We shall have to take the long way around, through Hearthome City. It will add significant time to our journey, but the family tradition must be upheld."
Pearl, always bursting with boundless energy, clapped his hands together as he exclaimed excitedly, "Sounds like a plan, Platinum! More walking means more chances for awesome Pokémon battles!"
His lively Monferno now bounced on its feet, its tail flame flickering, "Ack! Aaa!"
Diamond, ever the pragmatist when it came to comfort, patted his rotund Munchlax, Lax, who was already eyeing a berry bush with profound interest. He mumbled around a mouthful of Poffin, "More walking also means more time for snacks. And camping! I bet we can make a really good stew tonight."
Azure offered a small, reassuring smile to Platinum as he stated, "It's not a setback, merely a detour. Plenty of opportunities to explore new areas and train our Pokémon. We can set up camp here for the night. Route 208 has some good spots."
As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the group settled into a comfortable rhythm. Diamond, with Lax's eager assistance, gathered firewood, his Grotle, Tru, helping to clear a patch of ground.
Pearl, whistle in hand, energetically directed his Chatot, Chatler, in setting up tents, while his Luxio, Rayler, kept a watchful eye. Platinum, after carefully reviewing maps and adjusting her itinerary, began preparing a simple yet elegant supper under Blissy's watchful eye, with her Alakazam learning to cook.
Azure, meanwhile, meticulously cleaned his Pokémon's Poké Balls, his movements fluid and practiced. His younger team was playing around happily.
His bodyguard lineup – Blissey, Ursaluna, Absol, Darkrai, and Marshadow – was spread discreetly around the perimeter, their presence an invisible shield of protection. Pikachu jumped from Azure's shoulder, nudging his hand with its nose, "Pika?"
Eevee yawned, stretching languidly. The Pichu (Mew) in Azure's jacket stirred, peeking out with wide, innocent eyes before retreating into the warmth.
After dinner, a delicious stew prepared by Platinum with some inventive additions from Diamond, the conversation drifted to their next challenge. Pearl mused, poking the dying embers of the campfire, "So, Hearthome City, huh? I've done some research to know there's a Gym there. That means Fantina's Gym. Ghost-type leader!"
Azure nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face as he muttered, "Indeed. Ghost-types can be tricky if you're not prepared. It might be a good opportunity for some focused training before we reach the city."
He turned to Platinum, a playful glint in his eye as he stated, "How about a battle? Both of us could use the practice, especially with Fantina's unique style. We could even make it a friendly rematch. You were quite determined for 'payback' last time, if I recall."
Platinum's eyes narrowed playfully, a competitive spark igniting within her. The memory of her first battle with Azure came to mind, with him using that Chimchar and Aura Sphere Riolu to end her battle.
She remembered the sting of her initial defeat, the first she had experienced since starting her journey, as she stated, "Payback, indeed. You certainly took me by surprise in our last encounter…"
It had been a humbling experience, but one that had only fueled her resolve. She smiled, a hint of steel in her gaze as she declared, "I accept. A battle would be most beneficial. And this time, I intend to win."
Pearl, ever the enthusiastic referee, immediately jumped to his feet, acting as referee, declared, "Alright, a battle! This is going to be great! I, Pearl, shall be the official referee! What are the rules?"
Azure stated calmly as he added the last part with a wink, remembering how she meticulously planned her Pokémon's held items, "Three-on-three, singles battle. And no item clause, given Platinum's excellent item usage."
Platinum nodded in agreement, her determination evident as she replied, "Understood. I've been refining my strategies. Don't expect an easy victory."
Azure replied, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Wouldn't have it any other way."
He knew Platinum had grown significantly since their first encounter. This wasn't just a training exercise for his Pokémon; it was also a test of Platinum's progress. As for his own team, he'd already mentally selected his combatants.
He wanted to give some of his newer or less-experienced Pokémon a chance to shine and grow. Pearl cleared his throat, holding his hands up, "Alright, trainers, assume your positions! This will be a three-on-three singles battle between Platinum Berlitz and Azure Sky! The battle will conclude when all three of one trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue! Trainers, send out your first Pokémon to battle!"
Platinum's eyes gleamed as she reached for a Poké Ball. She hurled out, declaring, "Prinplup, it's your time to shine!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and her elegant Prinplup, its blue plumage shining faintly in the twilight, materialized on the makeshift battlefield, a small, intricate necklace glinting around its neck – its [Mystic Water]. It let out a confident cry, ready for action, "Pip-lup! (I shall have my vengeance!!)"
Azure, in turn, extended his own arm, a calm, steady hand on a Poké Ball. He hurled out, declaring calmly, "Lilligant, let's show them what you can do!"
*Pop*
A radiant burst of light, and a Pokémon, distinctly different from the graceful Hisuian Lilligant, appeared opposite Prinplup, "Lil-li-gant! (Hello! Prepared to get crushed under my thighs and foot!)"
This H-Lilligant, with its powerful, muscular legs and a more assertive, almost warrior-like posture, brandished its two leafy fans. Adorned with a pair of delicate spectacles that subtly magnified its vision, its [Zoom Lens], it met Prinplup's gaze with a fierce intensity, taking a fighter's stance.
The air around it seemed to shimmer with raw power, a subtle hum indicating its Hustle ability was already active. Pearl shouted, his voice echoing through the quiet route, "Alright! Let the battle begin!"
Platinum wasted no time. She knew H-Lilligant's Grass/Fighting typing made it vulnerable to Ice as she commanded, "Prinplup, start with Ice Beam!"
Prinplup gathered shimmering blue ice energy around its beak, then unleashed a beam of ice as it cried out, "Pip-PIP-LUP! (Eat this!)"
*FWOOSH*
It was a direct, powerful opening. The Ice Beam flew over, aimed at H-Lilligant.
Azure's mind raced as he saw the incoming Ice Beam. He thought, 'H-Lilligant is a strong physical attacker, but its Hustleability meant a 20% accuracy drop, but for the extra 50% attack boost in its attack stat. However, with [Zoom Lens], H-Lilligant's accuracy would get a 20% boost, effectively canceling out Hustle's negative effects.'
This was the moment to set up. Azure commanded, his voice firm and clear, "Lilligant, now! Victory Dance!"
H-Lilligant cried out happily, "LI-lligant!"
The H-Lilligant, even as the incoming Ice Beam came ever closer, began to move. Its muscular legs blurred, performing an intricate, powerful dance.
*Wooosh*
It stamped its feet, shaking the very ground, and spun its fan-like arms in a mesmerizing display. With each movement, its body pulsed with newfound energy as it used the moment to dance to avoid the attack inspired by Azure's Dance Moves spin technique to dodge attacks.
*THUMP-THUMP*
*SWISH-WHOOSH*
A visible aura of power, defense, and speed settled around it, and its eyes behind the [Zoom Lens] seemed to sharpen. Its Victory Dance boosted its Attack, Defense, AND Speed by +1 Stages!
Platinum blinked, surprised as she whispered, recognizing the move, "Victory Dance? That's a unique move for a Lilligant!"
She hadn't expected Azure to prioritize stat boosts so early. She quickly followed up, "Prinplup, keep the pressure on! Ice Beam!"
A chill permeated the air. Prinplup, undeterred by H-Lilligant's dance, began to glow with a frigid blue light. From its beak, a piercing, shimmering beam of ice energy shot forth, "PIP-LUP! (Take this!)"
*WHOOSH*
*CRACKLE*
Ice Beam, a devastating move for a Grass/Fighting type, was hurtling directly towards H-Lilligant. Azure's eyes narrowed as he countered, "Rock Smash on the ground!"
*CRACK*
H-Lilligant slammed its feet on the ground. It created a makeshift rock shield from the ground that blocked the Ice Beam.
*KRAKOOM*
The Ice Beam struck with immense force, engulfing the stone wall in an explosion of frost and shrapnel. A cloud of icy mist billowed outwards, making it difficult to see.
Pearl exclaimed, pulling out his referee flag seemingly out of nowhere, "Amazing! H-Lilligant used Rock Smash on the ground to make a shield!!"
Platinum gritted her teeth. Azure was playing with fire, but he was playing brilliantly. Using the terrain to his advantage.
Azure's voice was sharp, cutting through the tension, "Now! Stun Spore!"
He knew this was their chance to turn the tables. Speed was crucial against Prinplup, and Prinplup was faster. But a paralyzed Prinplup...
*POOOF*
H-Lilligant moved with renewed purpose. Its leafy fans whirred, and from them, a cloud of fine, golden dust erupted.
*WHOOSH-SWIRL*
The Stun Spore swirled directly towards Prinplup. Platinum cried, remembering the paralyzing effect of Stun Spore, "Prinplup, dodge it!"
But it was too late. The golden spores enveloped Prinplup before it could react.
*ZZZZT*
Prinplup cried out in alarm, its body suddenly stiffening. Its elegant movements became jerky, its flippers twitching uncontrollably. A faint yellow static crackled around it, "Pip-lup?! P-pip-pip! (Nani?!)"
It was paralyzed!
Pearl confirmed, his flag waving, "Prinplup is paralyzed! It might be unable to move!"
Platinum frowned, her plan suddenly derailed. A paralyzed Prinplup was a major problem. Its speed, its greatest asset, was now compromised.
Azure praised, a tiny smile forming on his lips, "Excellent, Lilligant! Next, Leech Seed!"
A small, glowing seed shot from H-Lilligant's fan, "LIL-LI-GANT! (Worth pleasure!)"
*WHOOSH*
*POP*
The seed, precise and swift, embedded itself firmly into Prinplup's chest. Vines, barely visible, instantly began to spread, anchoring themselves deep into Prinplup's energy as it was steadily getting drained.
Prinplup visibly winced as it felt its energy being siphoned away, "PIP-LUP! Pip-PIP! (Ow! You damn weed!!)"
*Zap*
A faint green glow transferred from Prinplup back to H-Lilligant, regaining a tiny fraction of health. It was a slow process, but it was a recovery.
Platinum ordered as she had to attack, even with the paralysis, "Don't let it recover, Prinplup! Use Ice Beam again!"
Prinplup struggled, its body shaking, "P-pip...? LUP! (I shall my – Oh god damn it!)"
*Zzzzt*
It tried to gather ice, but its movements were erratic. It stuttered, unable to fully execute the attack. The paralysis held it firm.
Pearl announced, the sound of static still audible, "Prinplup is fully paralyzed!"
Azure commanded, pressing his advantage, "Now, Lilligant, Strong Style Magical Leaf! Send it flying!"
Magical Leaf never misses, bypassing Hustle's accuracy drop and Prinplup's reduced movement. H-Lilligant, feeling a sliver of its strength return from Leech Seed, gathered shimmering, emerald leaves between its fans, "LILLI-GANT! (On it, boss man! One Mach Leaf attack coming up!"
*BANG*
Focusing on a single leaf, it went through the air at supersonic speed. The leaf, imbued with a mystical energy, spun and launched itself at Prinplup.
*THUD*
The Magical Leaves struck Prinplup squarely, dealing moderate damage. Prinplup cried out, staggering under the assault. The Leech Seed continued its work, further draining Prinplup's energy as H-Lilligant's HP crept back up.
Platinum chewed on her lip, watching her Prinplup struggle. The paralysis was crippling her strategy. Azure's H-Lilligant, despite being on the top of its health, was now a persistent threat, slowly healing and chipping away at Prinplup.
Platinum desperately hoped for a full-power hit, "Prinplup, you have to break free! Aqua Jet, try and hit it before it recovers too much!"
Aqua Jet was a priority move; if it connected, it might overcome H-Lilligant's boosted speed. It wouldn't be super effective against H-Lilligant's Grass typing, as a Water move, it would be resisted.
Prinplup strained, its eyes squeezed shut in concentration, "PIP-LUP! P-pip-lup! (I shall hit you if it's the last thing I do weed!)"
*Wooosh*
A faint watery aura coalesced around its body, and it surged forward, a desperate burst of speed. Azure, seeing the sudden burst, knew Aqua Jet was a priority move. H-Lilligant, despite its speed boost, would likely be outspeed.
He needed to predict. Azure's voice cracked like a whip, "Lilligant, wait for it… Now! Strong Style Rock Smash!"
H-Lilligant gathered tremendous power into its powerful legs, its sturdy, floral fan glowing with Fighting energy, "LIL-LI-GANT! (Roger!)"
As Prinplup, a blur of water, closed the distance, H-Lilligant unleashed a devastating kick as it was aimed for the head…
*CRACK*
The force of the blow was immense. Prinplup, in its Aqua Jet surge, was caught almost mid-charge. The Rock Smash connected with a sickening thud against Prinplup's head. Prinplup cried out in pain, its Aqua Jet fizzling out, and it was sent skidding back several feet, tumbling weakly on the ground.
*THUD*
The Leech Seed dislodged during the impact, but the damage was done. Prinplup lay still, its chest heaving, the paralysis still faintly crackling around it. Its eyes were glazed over, and it struggled to get up, but its strength had clearly given out.
Pearl rushed forward, examining the downed Pokémon. He declared, waving his flag towards Azure, "Prinplup is unable to battle! H-Lilligant is the winner!"
Azure let out a low whistle of appreciation. He walked over, gently patting his Pokémon's head, praising her efforts, "Well fought, H-Lilligant. That was a tough one. You showed incredible resilience."
H-Lilligant puffed out its chest proudly, "Lilli... gant! (Of course! Heh!)"
Platinum stared at her Prinplup, then at Azure's H-Lilligant. She had been so sure of her advantage with Prinplup's ice moves and speed. But Azure's strategic use of Victory Dance, status conditions, and H-Lilligant's unique ability combination had completely overturned her expectations.
She recalled Prinplup to its Poké Ball, a grim determination replacing her initial surprise. Platinum admitted, though a competitive fire still burned in her eyes, "That was a truly impressive display. Your H-Lilligant has incredible endurance and a surprising tactical depth despite being new. Very well. One down."
She took a deep breath, reaching for her next Poké Ball as she declared boldly, "This is far from over."
Diamond clapped, impressed as he commented, "Wow! Azure's Lilligant is super tough! It almost went down, but then it bounced right back!"
Pearl grinned, already anticipating the next round, "That's Azure for you! Always full of surprises! Alright, Platinum, send out your next Pokémon!"
Two more rounds to go. Azure knew he had just trained his new Pokémon for a bit of time with H-Lilligant's, but it had proven its worth. He looked at Platinum, who was already preparing her next move, and a thrill went through him.
Platinum, he realized, was learning faster than anyone he'd ever met. This was going to be an interesting fight.
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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!